DAY 1
Florence & Fiesole, Italy
Arrive in Florence and transfer to Fiesole where you will check in at your hotel. Villa San Michele is a 15th-century monastery that has been transformed into one of Europe's most charming and picturesque hotels-a villa of unsurpassed beauty in an oasis of peace, only a few minutes from the center of Florence. Stroll through the landscaped private park surrounding the villa, taking in the wonderful aroma of Tuscan gardens, or relax by the outdoor heated swimming pool with its cascading waterfall. The hotel features both indoor and al fresco dining.

Florence is one of the most enchanting cities on earth. Some say it's because of its stunning art; some say it's the landscapes and the particular way the sun caresses this precise spot in the world; some say it's the food and wine. One thing's for sure-the city hasn't changed much since the 16th century. Emerging in the early 1200s, Florence was torn apart by civic unrest with the Guelphs and the Ghibellines competing for power. The Guelphs supported the papacy while the Ghibellines supported the Holy Roman Empire which lead to several bloody battles. By the end of the 13th century the Guelphs ruled securely and Ghibellinism had been vanquished. During its most prosperous years, Florence was ruled by one very powerful family, the Medici, who came into power in the 1430s and became the "rulers" of Florence for several hundred years. Today Florence is a mecca for travelers, inspired by the elegance of its palazzi and its timeless artistic wealth.
Hotel: Villa San Michele


DAY 2
Fiesole, San Giminiano & Chianti
Travel deep into the Chianti region to the medieval town of San Giminiano. San Giminiano is a small town in the Toscana in Italy and well known for its large number of campaniles. The town is also known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" because competing families tried to build the highest campanile to impress each other. Visit the 13th and 14th-century towers in S. Fina-legendary for their soaring presence and artwork.

Proceed to Cappella Sant' Andrea estate to meet owner Mr. Giovanni Leoncini for wine tasting and a personal escorted tour of the property. Drive along the Chiantigiana Road to the private hamlet of the noble Mazzei family.

Along the way, you'll admire astonishing panoramas that seem to have come from a 14th-century painting along with little villages that are hundreds of years old, well preserved architectural gems, and the remains of ancient and mysterious civilizations. You will come upon taverns where local products are still made as they were centuries ago. Enjoy a splendid private tour of the Mazzei estate and taste their best labels in their secluded cellars. If the timing is right you could be escorted on a tour of the castle by a member of the Mazzei family.

Continue on your tour to meet a modern producer-Mr. Roberto Guldner. Savor a tasting at his Fattoria Terrabianca. Set in the enchanting Tuscan countryside, Fattoria Terrabianca, is nestled in a peaceful setting surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with breathtaking views of the Maremma hills and the Mediterranean sea. Return to Fiesole along the scenic highway known as Autostrada del Sole.

Hotel: Villa San Michele


DAY 3
Fiesole & Florence
Enjoy a full-day guided excursion to Florence to see the city's captivating highlights. Explore the Romanesque Baptistry and see the breathtaking gold Paradise doors. You'll view the city's eternal masterpiece at the Galleria dell'Academia-Michelangelo's David. And you'll be surrounded by the historical and artistic heart of the city where some of the most impressive Renaissance works of art are a part of the lovely skyline including Giotto's belltower, the cathedral and its famous dome by Brunelleschi. Pass the Old Bridge on the river Arno near lovely Signoria Square. Here you'll feel the centuries of history that this area represents. Notice the goldsmiths on the bridge and note that their profession has been represented at the same location since the age of the Renaissance.
 

The Ufizzi Gallery is located between the 'Piazza della Signoria' and the Arno river and was constructed between 1560 and 1580 under the direction of the architect Giorgio Vasari. It was originally designed to host the archives and administrative offices of the state of Florence. In 1737 Anna Maria Ludovica de Medici converted it into a Museum. Step inside and explore the 45 rooms and galleries of this building, home to one of the most famous museums in the world.

Florence is also home to Santa Croce Church which houses the tombs of famous Florentine citizens including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Macchiavelli. Remarkable works of art by Giotta and Donatello also grace the interior of Santa Croce. These artists were among a handful of geniuses that helped to transform the Western world and the way was we see our world today. An extraordinary tide of artistic and cultural innovation rose up against medieval society and brought European culture into the modern era.  (B)
Hotel: Villa San Michele

DAY 4
Fiesole & Pisa
Embark on a full-day guided excursion south to Maremma by the sea. Drive along the scenic highway to Colle Val d'Elsa and on to the town of Volterra, a fascinating small city with an Etruscan, Roman and medieval past. The city of Volterra has over three thousand years of history and it is possible to find traces from every historical period.

The ancient city walls, the impressive Porta all'Arco, the Necropolis of Marmini and the numerous archeological finds conserved in the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, the funeral urns and the finely crafted jewelry are remnants from Etruscan period. The Theatre of Vallebona stands as testimony to the period of Augustus and suggests the importance of Volterra under Roman domination. The city conserves its treasures and is renowned for its Medieval presence from the 12th-century city walls and the urban design with narrow streets, palaces, tower houses and churches.

Continue to Castello Terriccio for a private tour by the owner, Count Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana. (If he is not available then another member of his family will conduct the tour.) Your visit includes delectable wine tastings. After lunch, you'll drive to the coast to the borough of Castiglioncello, a quaint seaside resort town.

Continue to Pisa for a visit of Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. This is one of Europe's most breathtaking sites for the extraordinary harmony of magnificent monuments including the Cathedral, the Baptistry and the Leaning Tower. The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in August of 1173 and continued for about two hundred years. Both because of its "tendency to lean" and its beauty, the Tower has been the object of very special attention. Today interventions within the sub-soil are underway to reduce the inclination and to make sure that Tower will survive for hundreds of more years. Return to Fiesole. (B)
Hotel: Villa San Michele

DAY 5
Fiesole & Florence
After breakfast, you'll visit the oldest market in the city center of Florence, the "San Lorenzo." Located between the Medici-Riccardi Palace, the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapel, the San Lorenzo market is surrounded by monuments and art treasures reflecting the typical Florentine taste. The merchandise is made locally by authentic artisans and you'll have the opportunity to shop for hand-crafted products made in Florence's world famous leather schools including handbags, wallets, belts and gloves.

Next you'll attend a wonderful morning cooking class with one of the great local chefs who will teach you to prepare a mouth-watering specialty of the region. After lunch, your car and driver will be available for the remainder of the day. You may choose to visit a local winery on your own or further explore the wonderful sites and tastes of lovely Florence. (B)
Villa San Michele

DAY 6
Pienza, Montalcino & Siena
Your full-day guided excursion takes you along the A1 Highway to Val di Chiana and on to Pienza for a relaxing visit. This scenic region is dotted with tiny villages centered around once-magnificent medieval castles and hot springs that were very popular with the ancient Romans.

Pienza is the largest of the lovely Renaissance villages scattered throughout this region called Val D'Orcio. The village has a rich history as the birthplace of Pope Pious II who changed the town's name from Corsignano in the 15th century. Highlights Pienza include the Piazza Pio II and the classically-inspired Duomo.

Continue to Montalcino for a visit and wine tasting at Castello Banfi, a family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Castello Banfi's origins trace to the 1950's when John Mariani began dreaming about expanding the trade's horizons. John and his brother, Harry, established Castello Banfi in 1978, with a vision to craft products that would appeal to modern consumer tastes while continuing to satisfy the lofty demands of the connoisseur. Today, wines flow from their Tuscan cellars to over 50 countries around the world.



Tour Siena, one of Italy's most enchanting medieval cities. Enjoy a stroll through the imposing Piazza del Campo where the famous "Palio" horserace is held, and visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and Piccolomini Library. Admire the frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico and Duccio's masterpiece The Virgin in Majesty. Return by the fast highway to Fiesole. (B)
Hotel: Villa San Michele


DAY 7
Depart Florence
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

This tour can be combined with other tours or independent stays in Italy. Details on request.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

                     
                Villa San Michele


One of Europe's most charming and picturesque hotels, Villa San Michele was built in the 15th century as a monastery. It remains an oasis of tranquility and unsurpassed beauty only a few minutes from the center of Florence. You'll be surrounded by the sunlit quiet of the Tuscan countryside while the terracotta rooftops and the magnificent Duomo of Florence are a dreamlike vision.
 

The Villa San Michele is a magical hotel nestled in the hills of Fiesole with breathtaking views across Florence and the Arno Valley, yet just 10 minutes from the centre of Florence by frequent shuttle. Doccia, situated on the hill of Fiesole, is named after the church of St Michael the Archangel.

The original building on this site was a monastery, founded in the early years of the 15th century for the Franciscan monks.  The land on which it stood had been donated by a Florentine family, the Davanzatis, who also contributed to the monastery's upkeep by gifts of woodlands, further buildings and money.  The present building, with its facade attributed to Michelangelo and its imposing loggia, dates from 1600 when it was enlarged and completely renovated by Giovanni di Bartolommeo Davanzati. The monastery remained the property of the Franciscans until 1808 when the monastic orders were dissolved by Napoleon and, in 1817, it returned to secular use.  By this time, many of its most treasured possessions had been dispersed throughout Florence's churches and art galleries. 

The triptych in the Academia attributed to Niccolo di Piero Gerini and another above the high altar in the church of Santa Trinita both originally stood in this hilltop sanctuary.

In 1900 the Villa was acquired by Henry White Cannon from New York, who landscaped the gardens, erected large greenhouses and restored the building after the fashion of the Victorians, by adding wrought iron gates and by applying a rust-coloured patina to the walls.  He also converted the courtyard into a winter garden by covering it with a roof of glass and iron. During World War II, the Villa was badly damaged and, in 1950, it was bought by Monsieur Lucien Tessier as a private residence. He set about restoring the 20 first floor rooms, while living on the second floor, but the cost involved was substantial and, to finance it, he turned the villa in to a hotel for those wanting to visit the nearby art treasures of Florence and the surrounding countryside.

In 1982, Orient-Express Hotels, which already owned the celebrated Hotel Cipriani in Venice bought the Villa San Michele and the surrounding land.  Once more a comprehensive restoration of the buildings was embarked upon, this time with the cooperation of the Florence Fine Arts Authority. Over the past decade great care and expertise has been engaged to refurbish the entire Villa in a style that provides a luxurious environment whilst maintaining the beauty and heritage of this magnificent building.

Rooms Tastefully appointed with walnut or cherry custom-made furniture, each of these rooms features king, queen or twin beds. Some of these rooms look onto the intimate cloister, which accommodates the bar, discreetly visible through the glass roof, and allows its use in any season, or at the soaring cypress trees intertwined with creeping roses and wisteria. Handmade parchment lampshades, carpets in sober colours, curtains of the finest cotton and upholstery in elegant symbiosis, with the colour schemes dominated by warm paste

DAYS 1 & 2, Dec. 19 & Dec. 20
Sunday & Monday
Depart for Moscow, Russia

Leave your home city for Moscow. On Monday afternoon you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel. One of the world's largest cities, 20th-century Moscow has leapt forward to become the country's political, scientific, industrial and cultural focus. You'll have the remainder of the day to rest and tonight enjoy cocktails and a festive dinner party, including the finest in Russian cuisine and Georgian wine. Your Travcoa Travel Director will tell you and your fellow travelers about the adventures ahead.
Metropol Hotel

DAY 3, Dec. 21
Tuesday
Moscow

Moscow became the capital of Russia in the 15th-century. Located on the Russian Plateau and divided by the Moscow River, Moscow spreads over 350 square miles. Your sightseeing this morning will include Moscow's boulevards and the historical and cultural center with its museums, theatres and memorials. Start at Red Square and enjoy the unique architecture of the fourth largest square in the world, featuring the Cathedrals of St. Basil and Our Lady of Kazan, the largest History Museum in Russia, the shopping arcades of GUM, the mausoleum of Lenin and the Kremlin necropolis.

Within the wall at Red Square are buried many famous Russians and, at its foot, is a common grave of the revolutionaries killed here in 1917. The Lenin Mausoleum, in the center of Red Square, contains the body of Lenin preserved in a crystal crypt. Walk through the interior of St. Basil's Cathedral. View the grounds of New Maiden Convent, a fortress and monastic ensemble of the 16th-century, with a world-famous cemetery. Drive through the Moscow State University campus and take in the view from a panorama platform on Vorobiovy (Sparrow) Hills, the highest spot in Moscow. See Luzhniki - the largest sports complex in Europe - and the White House of the Russian Federation, a landmark of post-reformed Russia. After lunch, visit the Tretaykov Art Gallery, named after the Tretaykov brothers, who donated their unique collection to the city of Moscow. State Tretyakov Gallery is the national museum of Russian fine arts of 10th- to 20th-centuries. This special gallery offers an unforgettable exhibit of icons as well as Russian masterpieces. This evening you'll attend a performance at the Bolshoi ("Great") Theatre.
Metropol Hotel

DAY 4, Dec. 22
Wednesday
Moscow

This morning tour the Kremlin. The striking contours of the ancient Kremlin, or "fortress," have come to be a veritable symbol of Soviet Moscow. As Russia's seat of power since the Middle Ages, the most ancient relics of Russian history and culture have been preserved within its walls. The Kremlin is the former residence of Russian czars, and it took shape between the 15th- and 20th-centuries. Now the Kremlin is one of the biggest museums in the world. State regalia of Russia, invaluable icons, and treasures of Russian czars are stored in the Kremlin chambers and cathedrals. You’ll view the Grand Kremlin Palace, from the imperial residence to the Russian President's gala reception quarters, and the Kremlin walls and towers, a unique fortress of Middle Ages' Russia. See the Czar Bell, Czar Cannon, and the Belfry of Ivan the Great - the Kremlin's tallest structure. In the Armoury Chamber Museum, the treasury of Russian czars, you'll find a unique collection of crown jewels, gems, gold and silver items, icon covers, crosses, carriages, coronation robes and clergy vestments, Russian arms and armoury, Byzantine cameos, the bejeweled Faberge Easter eggs and the 800-diamond throne of Czar Alexey. A special visit will be made to the Diamond Treasury Fund, a true treasure trove of thousands of loose diamonds, gold nuggets, and both ancient and modern jewelry of all kinds. It's the only museum in Russia which has the precious regalia of the Romanov family, the richest royal dynasty in Europe.

This afternoon you'll enjoy a short tour of the Moscow Metro stations - they are ornately decorated with sculptures, paintings, mosaics and chandeliers.
Metropol Hotel

DAY 5, Dec. 23
Thursday
Moscow & Tsaritsino

Today you'll visit Tsaritsino, located on a wooden hill in southern Moscow. There stands the eerie shell of an exotic summer palace (Tsaritsinsky dvorets) that Catherine the Great began in 1775, but never finished. What stands mostly is the architect Bazhenov's fantasy combination of Old Russian, Gothic, Classic and Arabic styles. You'll participate in a Russian Winter Celebration and enjoy a troika ride in the wooded park, where everything is blanketed in pristine snow and looks like a scene from a Russian fairy tale. Enjoy a "vodka and caviar" greeting, followed by a traditional Russian lunch. Professional Russian folk singers will entertain you following lunch. Return to Moscow for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure and tonight you will be taken to the Moscow Circus - a rare treat.
Metropol Hotel

DAY 6, Dec. 24
Friday - CHRISTMAS EVE
Moscow & St. Petersburg

Your morning is free to browse the shops and the beautifully decorated city. An exceptional Christmas Eve luncheon will be served at the hotel's elegant restaurant, then you will transfer to the train station for your journey to St. Petersburg. Home to the Russian aristocracy and immortalized by Tolstoy, enchanting St. Petersburg is Russia's "window on Europe." Known as "Venice of the North," St. Petersburg is built on 42 islands in the delta of the Neva River and is a city of beautiful Baroque palaces, picturesque canals, splendid avenues and elaborate cathedrals. You'll arrive in St. Petersburg late in the evening, where your luxurious accommodations are at the Grand Hotel Europe, a world of luxury and comfort with more than a century of tradition.
Grand Hotel Europe

DAY 7, Dec. 25
Saturday - CHRISTMAS DAY
St. Petersburg

Wake up to Christmas Day in St. Petersburg. The year 2003 marked the 300th anniversary of the founding of this almost perfectly planned city. The glorious maritime setting on the shores of the Baltic Sea is a supreme monument to its founder Peter the Great. Your day begins with a tour of the highlights of St. Petersburg. Visit Peter and Paul's fortress, located on Zayachi Island (Hare Island). This was the first structure to be erected in the new city of St. Petersburg by Peter the Great between 1703 and 1728. The Baroque style Cathedral, which stands in the center, Peter planned to be the final resting place for himself and all his royal successors. It is the resting place of most of the Romanov monarchs and their sarcophagi can be viewed inside. However, the fortress is better known for its function as a prison, the most renowned prisoner being Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Make a stop at St. Isaac's Cathedral, commissioned by Alexander I in 1818. It is the third highest domed building in the world and it took some 400,000 workers over forty years to complete. The Cathedral dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg. Its gilded dome, covered with 100 kg of pure gold, soars over 100 meters into the air, making it visible far out into the Gulf of Finland. After lunch, you will continue on to the Winter Palace, or Hermitage, as it is called. The Winter Palace is undoubtedly the most famous building of imperial St. Petersburg, not only as the residence of the Tsars and the backdrop for the 1905 and 1917 Revolutions, but also as the home of the Hermitage, the world's largest museum of art. Its collection is so large that it would take nine years to view it in its entirety - at last count, there were nearly three million works on exhibit. Explore the magnificent Winter Palace and appreciate the very special charm and grandeur of the Royal Apartments, when you see the world's largest malachite vase or 25 Rembrandts in one hall. The stunning interior is gilded with lapis lazuli, jasper, malachite and marble. The Winter Palace was created for Catherine the Great, and you can stroll the Grand Hall used for winter balls and see the czars' golden carriage. You'll have a special tour of the Golden Treasury room with a private lecturer. This evening attend the Folk Show "Feel Yourself Russian" at the Nikolayevsky Palace.
Grand Hotel Europe

DAY 8, Dec. 26
Sunday
St. Petersburg

This morning cross the Neva River at Petrodvorets to visit the magnificent Summer Palace of Peter the Great, built in 1704. You'll explore the vast museum that includes Peter the Great's study, with its 14 fantastically carved wooden panels. Designed to rival Versailles, the 300-acre park on the shore of the Gulf of Finland boasts spectacular fountains, the Grand Palace, crowning the hill above the fountains, and about 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. After lunch at a popular city restaurant, proceed to Prince Yusupov Palace. Enjoy its beautiful architecture, interior design and paintings. The Palace is associated with the notorious Rasputin, the spiritual teacher of Alexandra, the last Russian Tsarina. It was here that Rasputin was assassinated in 1916 under most mysterious circumstances. This evening attend a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre (formerly known as the Kirov Theatre). The Mariinsky was built in 1860 as an opera house, but its reputation rests largely on the ballet that was added to its repertoire two decades later.
Grand Hotel Europe

DAY 9, Dec. 27
Monday
St. Petersburg

In the morning visit the estate of poet Alexander Pushkin, known as Tsarkoye Selo. He is also considered the founder of modern Russian literature and is a national hero revered by all Russians. Tour Pavlovsk Palace in the afternoon, one of the last summer palaces built by the Russian czars. The 1,500-acre site, presented by Catherine the Great to her son Paul, future Czar Paul I, became a charming estate of the royal family. Walk through the classical interiors and see the private apartments of Paul I: the Egyptian Vestibule, the Italian Hall and the Greek Hall, the Picture Gallery, the Throne Room, and the Hall of Knights. Enjoy viewing the apartments of Paul's wife, Maria: the Library, the Boudoir and the Bedroom. You'll admire the great collection of paintings, antique statues, furniture, clocks, and porcelain, including the toilet set presented by Maria Antoinette. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to pursue your personal interests or to get in a bit of shopping.
Grand Hotel Europe

DAY 10, Dec. 28
Tuesday
St. Petersburg & Vienna

Transfer to the airport in St. Petersburg and your flight to Vienna. You'll be met upon your arrival and transferred to your luxury hotel, where you'll have the remainder of the day to rest or to begin exploring this wondrous city. Vienna boasts some of the most beautiful Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architecture in the world. The houses of Vienna's great composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms and Johann Strauss, are all carefully preserved. Discover the wide boulevards, the avenues, the fairytale palaces, the gardens and parks, the townhouses, churches, opera houses, theatres and museums. You'll hear and see beauty from every corner. Transfer to the heart of the old city to the sumptuous Imperial Hotel, built in 1869 as the private palace of the Duke of Wurttemburg, and today is host to visiting royalty and heads of state.
Imperial Hotel

DAY 11, Dec. 29
Wednesday
Vienna

This morning drive to the outskirts of Vienna for a visit to the grandiose 17th-century Schloss Schoenbrunn. The interior is breathtaking with gilded ornaments, porcelain tile stoves and opulent chandeliers. During the reign of Maria Theresa, Schoenbrunn was the summer residence of the court. Marie Antoinette, future queen of France, spent her childhood here, and the child prodigy Mozart astonished the court with his performances, beginning at the age of six. Napoleon I set up his headquarters at Schoenbrunn; after the fall of the French Empire; it was the gilded cage wherein Napoleon's son, the King of Rome, lived a life of exile. Your afternoon will be at leisure. Perhaps you will want to visit Vienna's exciting arts quarter, which offers prominent museums such as the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kunsthalle. The Museum Quarter Vienna is one of the ten largest cultural quarters in the world. Tonight attend an opera at the celebrated Vienna State Opera. The State Opera House is a fantasy of glittering gold, crystal and red velvet. After the opera enjoy an elegant after-theatre supper, a time-honored Viennese tradition.
Imperial Hotel

DAY 12, Dec. 30
Thursday
Vienna

Vienna's outskirts are especially attractive: romantic landscapes and picturesque villages invite you for an outing. Today venture into the Vienna Woods to the Cistercian Abbey of Heilingenkreuz and the seemingly modest hunting mansion of Mayerling, which gained notoriety as the trysting spot for the lovers Prince Rudolf and Maria Vetsera, due to his mysterious death there. Returning to Vienna, visit the tranquil resort town of Baden with its sulfur springs, casino and racetrack, and the vintner's villages around the lake, which are especially charming. You’ll have the afternoon free to discover this beautiful city, festively decorated for the holidays.
Imperial Hotel

DAY 13, Dec. 31
Friday - NEW YEAR'S EVE
Vienna

This morning your sightseeing begins in the heart of old Vienna, the ancient tangle of streets from which Vienna grew during the Middle Ages. Among some of the magnificent sights you'll see are the Ringstrasse, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, Austria's most eminent Gothic edifice, which houses a wealth of art treasures. Hofburg Palace (the Imperial Palace) was the residence of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, of which only the chapel has survived to this day, the residence of the court was expanded and made ever more lavish as the power of the Hapsburg Monarchy grew. You will visit the Royal Apartments and the Imperial Treasury. Today the Palace houses the offices of the Austrian president, an international convention center, the chapel where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings, the hall in which the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School perform, various official and private apartments, and several museums and state rooms. Return to your hotel by Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage).


The balance of the day is at leisure for you to rest up for your grand evening - the Kaiserball at the Imperial Hofburg Palace. This is one of the most lavish celebrations of the New Year anywhere in the world. Strauss waltzes play as you enter the palace, where liveried attendants serve dinner. The ballrooms and halls of the palace are festooned with thousands of flowers, and  eight orchestras play in eight ballrooms to waltz in the New Year.


 

At midnight, members of the Vienna State Opera and Ballet celebrate the New Year with pieces of immortal Viennese operettas, after which the orchestras play until daybreak. You may stay at the Kaiserball as long as you like. Your Travel Director will help you get a taxi to return to your hotel when you wish.
 

Overnight hotel : Imperial Hotel

DAY 14, Jan. 01
Saturday - NEW YEAR’S DAY
Vienna

Saturday morning is at leisure for you to sleep in after the Kaiserball. At midday celebrate the first day of the New Year with a sumptuous brunch at the Palais Schwarzenberg. Later this afternoon, you can avail yourself of an ice-skating opportunity or other personal activities. In the evening bid farewell to your fellow tour members at a festive cocktail and dinner party.
Imperial Hotel

DAY 15, Jan. 02
Sunday
Depart for Home

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ACCOMMODATIONS

METROPOL HOTEL

One of the grandest hotels in Russia, the Metropol is located near Red Square and the Kremlin. Lavishly furnished with antiques, the hotel is equipped with the most modern conveniences. Your elegant room includes satellite telephones, mini bar, cable TV, hairdryer and deluxe bathroom amenities. The Hotel Metropol is Moscow's most exclusive hotel. The Hotel is located in the city center just opposite the Bolshoi Theatre and within a 5 minutes walk from the Red Square, Kremlin, and Gum Shopping arcade. The nearest underground stations Ploschad Revolutsii, Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya are only a two minute walk. Sheremetyevo-2 Airport - 29 km. Belorussky Railway station - 4 km. Severny River termial - 10 km.

 

                                                IMPERIAL HOTEL, VIENNA
 

The Hotel Imperial is one of Vienna's most cherished treasures. For a century, this architectural landmark and symbol of hospitality has received the city's most distinguished visitors. An original Wurttemberg Palace, inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the hotel's architectural detailing exemplifies Vienna's own Ringstrasse style. Richly appointed guest rooms, exceptional service, and the outstanding Restaurant Imperial make the Hotel Imperial an unparalleled luxury experience. It has earned the distinction of being named to Conde Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List and being named a Conde Nast Traveler 2001 Reader's Choice award winner.

                                       GRAND HOTEL EUROPE ST PETERSBURG
 

                                           
The Grand Hotel Europe is Russia’s first five-star hotel. Offering the superb combination of historical ambience and modern facilities enjoyed by today's discerning traveller, the Grand Hotel Europe is located in the center of enchanting St. Petersburg, Russia's "window on Europe". When the Grand Hotel Europe reopened after an extensive renovation in December 1991, it had a rich historical tradition to live up to. Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Ivan Turgenev, Sergey Prokofiev and George Bernard Shaw were just a few of the famous personalities to have visited the hotel, which opened its doors in 1875. Few could have foreseen that its modern-day guest list would rival that of the past, as the hotel continues to host visiting royalty, politicians and other celebrity guests from all over the world.

The accommodations reflect five-star luxury. Individually appointed with fine antiques and period reproductions, guests' rooms are also furnished with modern amenities such as international direct-dial telephones with modem connections, satellite TV and radio, minibar, safe, etc.
 

ACCOMMODATIONS

                     
Whether you prefer days of leisure or stimulating activities, Queen Elizabeth 2 accommodates extravagantly. Enjoy a dazzling variety of concerts, films and illuminating talks. Indulge in swimming and aerobics - or soothing treatments at the spa, featuring world-renowned Steiner Leisure Spa Products - or stroll among the Royal Promenade boutiques.

Later, linger over cocktails in the Crystal Bar or the Queens Grill Lounge before sitting down to feast on QE2's culinary rituals - from a simple spa lunch on deck or cream cakes and Darjeeling at tea time, to casual meals in the Lido, or the tantalizing gourmet fare in one of the formal restaurants.

Wherever you dine you will enjoy Queen Elizabeth 2's impeccable Cunard White Star Service^TM, as attentive waiters guide you through a tempting array of courses.

Ascend to the Sun Deck Bar, where the views span the horizon. Applaud the piano player in the Chart Room or take a seat in the Grand Lounge, where a Broadway style is about to premier. Dance to the accompaniment of the orchestra in the Queens Room, toast the sunset in the Yacht Club, raise your voice in song in the Golden Lion Pub, or perhaps Lady Luck will entice you to the Casino.

Perhaps you're a connoisseur who always takes a suite at the finest hotel. Then again, this grand ocean voyage may be your lifelong dream. Whatever your desires, Queen Elizabeth 2 accommodates you beautifully with a luxurious blend of dining venues and living quarters distinctly suited to you.

Aboard ship, each choice of freshly redecorated accommodation is paired with an elegant sea-view restaurant. Whatever gracious mode of living you select, you will enjoy the superb service of Queen Elizabeth 2's attentive staff.

• Luxuriate in a Queens Grill sea-view suite or ultra-deluxe cabin, paired with the finest single-seating restaurant afloat.
   

• Choose Princess and Britannia Grills for deluxe ocean-view cabins and intimate single-seating restaurants. Caronia accommodations combine comfortable sea-view cabins with a single-seating restaurant. Mauretania accommodations feature inside and outside cabins with a restaurant offering exciting menus and a choice of early or late seating.

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Day 1
Depart US
Depart on individual commercial overnight flights to Beijing. Crossing the International Date Line, we arrive the next day.

Day 2
Beijing, China
Arriving in the evening, we transfer to our deluxe hotel near the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Day 3
Beijing
Kublai Khan made Beijing his capital in 1271 and for centuries afterward China's powerful emperors resided here. Our explorations begin among the courtyards, grand halls and palaces of the Forbidden City. We also visit Tiananmen Square, encompassed by the Qian Men city gate, Chairman Mao's mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People. Enjoy a welcome banquet this evening.

Day 4
Beijing
The Great Wall, the longest fortification in the world, was begun during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B.C.) and extended by many later emperors. Today's excursion begins at the Great Wall, where we explore the Mu Tian Yu section. We return to Beijing in the afternoon.

(Note: An alternate itinerary is available for those who have previously visited Beijing.)

Day 5
Beijing/China Orient Express
This morning choose to visit the Temple of Heaven, a ceremonial center built for the elaborate rituals of the emperors, shop at Curio City or explore on your own. In the afternoon we board the China Orient Express and begin our journey. Fascinating views of terrace agriculture are visible from the train as it follows the Wei River. Dinner and overnight on board.
 

Day 6
Xi’an
At various times for more than a thousand years, Xi'an was the capital of the Chinese Empire. We arrive this afternoon and visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which covers the history of Xi'an since prehistoric times. Also see the Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ming Dynasty city wall.

Day 7
Xi'an
Spend the day exploring one of the century's greatest archaeological finds, the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi. An underground army of more than 7,000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses was discovered accidentally by farmers digging a well in 1974. Many of the figures have been restored and are exhibited at the excavation site, but they are only part of a vast necropolis archaeologists hope to excavate some day.
 

Day 8
On board the China Orient Express
Following breakfast, we reboard our train and continue our journey west. We enjoy the amenities of our train, lectures and discussions, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers as we continue across western China toward Jiayuguan Pass.


Day 9
Jiayuguan
Although the Great Wall originally ended 50 miles west of Jiayuguan, the Ming fortress built here in 1372 effectively became the Wall's western terminus. The fort's 35-foot walls protected travelers along the Silk Road -- a welcome sight for caravans heading east and a last haven for those traveling into the unprotected desert to the west. Visit the Underground Gallery or the Market before dinner at our hotel.

Day 10
Liuyuan/Dunhuang
Continuing by train to Liuyuan, we disembark for an 80-mile drive to Dunhuang, an oasis town founded in 111 B.C. to supply caravans traveling south. After a brief visit to the county museum, we may climb atop two-humped Bactrian camels for a ride through the spectacular Mingsha sand dunes to Crescent Lake.

Day 11
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang
The Mogao Caves, some 492 grottoes containing an extraordinary collection of sculptures and murals, were built between the 4th and 14th centuries. Lost to the world until the early 20th century, they show the evolution of Buddhist religious art over a period of a thousand years. We explore these remarkable caves, visit the Dunhuang Museum and then reboard the train for dinner and travel overnight to Turfan.

Day 12
Daheyan/Turfan/Urumchi
We disembark at Daheyan and drive to Turfan. En route, we stop to visit the ruins of Jiaohe, a town destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. The oasis of Turfan lies on a gravel plain in one of the deepest waterless depressions on earth, its orchards and fields fed by a centuries-old underground irrigation system. We visit the 18th-century Emin Minaret, with its circular tower of intricately patterned bricks, and the Uighur Bazaar, where members of one of China's most colorful ethnic minorities gather to sell cloth, hats, embroidery, clothing and a wealth of fruits and vegetables. We reboard the train for Urumchi where we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 13
Urumchi/Chengdu
In the morning we fly to Chengdu, the hub of Sichuan province for 2,300 years. Sichuan is the world's largest panda habitat, and we visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, where these endangered animals can be studied in a natural environment. This evening we enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Day 14
Chengdu/Shanghai
Our flight to Shanghai departs this morning. After settling into our deluxe hotel, the rest of the afternoon and evening are free for independent activities.

Day 15
Shanghai/U.S.
We depart this morning on regularly scheduled commercial flights to the U.S. and connecting flights to home cities.
 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels featured on The Ancient Silk Road expedition:
Travelers on this journey will spend three nights aboard the elegant China Orient Express and the remaining ten nights in hotels.

CHINA ORIENT EXPRESS

The vintage China Orient Express is the only high quality, private train in China. Its carriages transported important delegations through China in the 1950's and 1960's. Each of the sleeping carriages has eight private cabins decorated with mahogany and brass. Silk-lined walls and rich carpets embellish the hallways. Between every two cabins is a washroom with a sink, and there are two toilets in each sleeping carriage. The train has no shower facilities, but after each night on the train we stay in hotels where you may take hot showers. Chinese chefs prepare traditional specialties in the two dining carriages, and classical piano entertainment is a focal point in the bar/lounge each night.

Beijing: Palace Hotel

One of China's very best hotels, the Palace sits just one kilometer from the Forbidden City. Rooms are tastefully furnished with exotic woods. The health club includes billiards and a stunning skylighted pool. Guests enjoy excellent dining and room service options, a stylish lounge and numerous haute couture shops.


Chengdu: Crowne Plaza
Opened in 1997, the high-rise Crowne Plaza is located in the center of Chengdu near the main shopping district and is next door to a large Chinese department store. Guest rooms provide amenities like minibars and combination baths, and recreational facilities include terrace and indoor pools, sauna, traditional Turkish steambath (hammam) and massage rooms.

Dunhuang: Dunhuang Hotel
The Dunhuang Hotel sits below the famous Mingsha Hill, an important site on the ancient Silk Road. Built in a classical Tang dynasty design, the hotel creates a historical ambience with guest rooms that feature Ming Dynasty reproduction furniture and modern amenities. A gym and swimming pool are on site.

Shanghai: Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel puts you in the heart of Shanghai's cultural, business and shopping districts. Close to the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the cultural and artistic treasures of the Shanghai Museum, this hotel offers luxurious comfort in rooms furnished in oriental style with a modern flare, and panoramic views of China's largest city.

Jiayuguan: Great Wall Hotel
The fort at Jiayuguan marks the western extremity of the Great Wall, located in the Gobi desert. Courteous staff, good dining options and a nice gift shop make this a welcome stop. Guest rooms are simply, comfortably furnished and include private baths and showers with standard amenities.

Urumchi: Hotel World Plaza
The lobby of this modern, 24-story hotel is richly decorated with works of art depicting the region's ethnic diversity. Rooms overlook the city and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Recreational facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, sauna and billiard room.

Xi'an: Shangri La Golden Flower Hotel
This hotel is the most comfortable in Xi’an, with large guest rooms, sitting areas set into bay windows and quality furnishings. An elegant lobby, excellent dining options, well-equipped health club, large indoor pool and whirlpool are just a few of the amenities available to guests.

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DESTINATION INFORMATION

Beijing
Beijing was first established in the Han Dynasty as a stronghold against the northern barbarians. During the Ming Dynasty the capital was moved to the current site and it became Beijing, meaning "Northern Capital." Most of the present Imperial City was designed during this period.

Xi’an
The walled city of Xi'an marks the eastern end of the Silk Road. A large settlement has existed here since the 11th century B.C., and during the Zhou, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties Xi'an served as the Chinese capital. It is also the site of the Army of terra-cotta Warriors, the archeological wonder discovered in 1974.

Jiayaguan
The termination point of the Great Wall, Jiayuguan was a remote, desolate outpost. Selected for its position between two mountain ranges, Jiayuguan has acted as a gateway to and from China for centuries. Underground tombs scattered around the area date to the fourth century A.D.

Dunhuang
A major stop along the Silk Road for both incoming and outgoing caravans, Dunhuang is famous for its spectacular Mogao Caves. Meaning "The Caves of the Thousand Buddhas," these grottoes offered travelers divine protection from the dangerous Lop Desert, and survive in amazingly pristine condition.

Turfan
Although the hottest city in China, Turfan is a small, pleasant place set in a vast tract of grain fields and grape vines. This oasis-town is surrounded by fascinating relics, including traces of lost cities, burial grounds and the impressive Emin Minaret.

Chengdu
The capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu is often compared to Beijing. Although similarly built, the city features more greenery, looming wooden houses in the older parts of town and a diversity and friendliness not found in the northern capital. Today Chengdu is home to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center.

Shanghai
Shanghai is China's largest city, a fusion of ancient and modern, Asian and Western, cultural and commercial. Committed to a vital future and a modern economic powerhouse, Shanghai has never forgotten its colorful past and retains many of its old buildings, neighborhoods and air of mystery and intrigue.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited on
The Ancient Silk Road by Private Train

UNESCO World Heritage sites are places of extraordinary and universal cultural and/or natural value that have been chosen for special protection from damage and destruction. When a site is selected by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, it is inscribed onto the official World Heritage Site List and receives ongoing aid and technical support from the World Heritage Fund.

The Great Wall
Inscribed: 1987
The Great Wall, a landmark of the earth that can be viewed from the moon, runs more than 4,000 miles from east to west across five provinces. Winding across deserts, grasslands and mountains, its history spans more than 2000 years. In c. 220 BC, under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defense system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.


Temple of Heaven --
An Imperial Sacrificial Altar (Beijing)
Inscribed: 1998
The Temple of Heaven, founded in the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven -- the human world and God's world -- which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship. The symbolic layout and design of the Temple of Heaven had a profound influence on architecture and planning in the Far East over many centuries.


The Forbidden City:
Imperial Palace of the
Ming and Qing Dynasties
(Beijing)
Inscribed: 1987
Seat of supreme power for over five centuries, the Forbidden City, with its landscaped gardens and many buildings, constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Imperial Palace complex contains hundreds of buildings and some 9,000 rooms, and served the emperors of China from 1421 to 1911. No commoner or foreigner was allowed to enter it without special permission. The moated palaces, with their golden tiled roofs and red pillars, are surrounded by high walls with a tower on each corner. On a raised marble terrace is the massive, double-tiered Hall of Supreme Harmony, one of the largest wooden structures in China. Since the communist revolution, the palaces have been converted into public museums.

Mogao Caves (near Dunhuang)
Inscribed: 1987
Situated at a strategic point along the Silk Road, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the Mogao caves encompass 492 grottoes, more than 45,000 square yards of murals, 2,400 painted statues and 250 cave sanctuaries. This honeycomb of caves was constructed from the 4th to the 14th centuries, and represents the height of Buddhist art and the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures.

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (near Xi'an)
Inscribed: 1987
No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1974. Qin (d. 210 B.C.), the first unifier of China, is buried, surrounded by the famous terra-cotta warriors, at the center of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures are all different; with their horses, chariots and weapons, they are masterpieces of realism and also of great historical interest.

Distinguished Lecturers Enhance our Experience
and Understanding

A team of expert lecturers travels with us, sharing experience and enthusiasm in both formal presentations and lively, impromptu discussions. Combining firsthand experience and extensive knowledge of the regions we visit, they help create a rich context for our journey. Local officials and dignitaries meet with us at stops along the way, increasing the scope of our knowledge and awareness. A special audio system with individual earpieces keeps us in close contact with our guides and lecturers as we visit each site, and comprehensive destination notes and reading lists provide important predeparture information.

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FAQ

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels featured on the Hidden Treasures of the Old World expedition:

London: Four Seasons

Hotel Set back from Park Lane and Hyde Park and a short walk from Mayfair, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge, the hotel features immaculate rooms, impeccable service, a state-of-the-art gym and one of the city's favorite restaurants. Nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace, Churchill's WWII bunker and the Wellington Arch.

Dordogne Valley: Domaine De Rochebois, Sarlat

This charming, 19th-century chateau has been fully renovated. Its distinguished restaurant features the best local truffles, foie gras, Dordogne sturgeon caviar and herbs. Leisure facilities include a nine-hole golf course that winds along the banks of the river Dordogne and into the oak-covered hillsides, as well as a fitness room and billiard room.

Marrakech: La Mamounia Hotel

Opened in 1923 in the heart of Marrakech, the romantic, historically rich La Mamounia stylishly blends Art Deco and Moorish design. Surrounded by 12th-century ramparts, the lavish, 300-year-old gardens are tended daily by 40 gardeners. Guest rooms feature terraces with tables and garden chairs. Extensive recreational facilities are located throughout the gardens.

Carthage: Golden Tulip

The Golden Tulip Carthage sits atop a hill on 57 acres of pine forest. The hotel combines ancient Greek architecture with modern comforts. Guest rooms have designer baths and balconies, and are embellished with bright spreads and drapes. Recreational facilities include a fitness center, hammam, sauna, tennis court and swimming pools.

Valletta: Westin Dragonara Hotel

Malta's most elaborate hotel sits on a peninsula next to shopping, casino and entertainment areas. Guest rooms are well equipped with white oak furniture, large tiled baths and balconies with sea views. A vast fitness center with pool and spa as well as outdoor tennis courts, watersports and an outdoor heated pool provide recreation.

Luxor: Sonesta St. George Hotel
This stylish, seven-story hotel on the riverfront combines marble, laser-cut hieroglyphics, royal cartouches and etched images of Ramses and Tutankhamen in its common areas. Recreation includes an elaborate pool and a luxurious spa with gym, sauna and hammam. Elegant, spacious guest rooms have ornate molding, burnished paneling and thick drapes.

Petra: Movenpick Hotel
Located a two-minute walk from the Petra entrance gate, the Mövenpick blends Middle Eastern craftsmanship with Western design in one of the country's most luxurious hotels. Notable features include an excellent gym and hammam, opulent Arabesque restaurant, ice cream parlor and patisserie, well-stocked library and spacious, contemporary guest rooms.

Aqaba: Movenpick Resort Aqaba
Jordan’s largest resort, the Mövenpick Aqaba embellishes its public areas with luxurious, North African-inspired inlaid marble floors, stained-glass windows, carved wood and brasswork. Spacious guest rooms feature plush carpeting, fabrics, spreads, and window treatments in rich earth tones, as well as high-quality desks, tables, and nightstands and wonderfully plump armchairs.

Dubrovnik: Hotel Argentina
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the lovely island of Locrum, this hotel has one of the best views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Set in sub-tropical gardens at the water's edge, the hotel was totally renovated recently and offers a very high standard of comfort and service. It is an ideal place to discover the cultural treasures of the Old Town. It also features a private beach and beautiful sub-tropical gardens.

St. Petersburg: Hotel Astoria
This hotel, located on St. Isaac's Square, was built in 1912 and recently underwent a complete renovation. The lobby boasts high ceilings, Art Nouveau statuary, marble floors and stunning Empire-style furniture. Crystal chandeliers in the dining room illuminate local Lomonosov porcelain. Guest rooms feature parquet floors, new furniture and marble baths.

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EDUCATIONAL INFO

Distinguished Lecturers and Leaders Expand Our Understanding and Appreciation

A team of expert lecturers travels with us. Combining firsthand experience and extensive knowledge of the regions we visit, they help create a rich context for our journey. Local officials and dignitaries meet with us at stops along the way, increasing the scope of our knowledge and awareness. A special audio system with individual earpieces keeps us in close contact with our guides and lecturers as we visit each site, and comprehensive destination notes and reading lists provide important pre-departure information.

Our private jet is specially equipped for in-flight lectures and briefings, allowing us to make the best use of our time in the air. Lecturers share their experience and enthusiasm in both formal presentations and lively, impromptu discussions.

Peter Bobrowsky, a senior scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada, is an internationally recognized environmental geologist. A specialist in the last two million years of earth's history, Dr. Bobrowsky has degrees in Anthropology, Archaeology and Geology. He is Vice President of the International Union of Geological Sciences and has played national roles in two UNESCO projects. He has traveled and worked extensively in a variety of unique environments ranging from the Canadian High Arctic to the Peruvian Andes and is well known for his scholarly insights and informative easy-going lecture style.

Art historian Mariana Carpinisan is an art history consultant, independent curator and experienced lecturer. Born in Romania and educated in Europe and the United States, she is fluent in several languages and lectures on a variety of art-related topics at museums and universities both here and abroad. Her global perspective and in-depth knowledge have made her a valuable study leader on many travel programs around the world. During our journey she will focus on the art and history of Malta’s ancient temples, hypogeum and classic paintings, Petra’s architecture and artistic treasures of St. Petersburg.


Traveling by Private Jet is the Ultimate in Safety, Comfort and Convenience

Our private Boeing 757 is ideal for exploring the world's far corners. It offers unmatched safety, long-range capabilities, access to smaller airports, and an interior customized for maximum comfort. Not limited by regular commercial routes or schedules, we fly direct, bypass busy airports and avoid layovers, crisscrossing continents and countries with ease. We set our own schedules and, because we fly during the day, arrive refreshed and ready to explore. And we enjoy special privileges, including expedited boarding, luggage handling, and Customs and Immigration formalities.

What are the seats like on board the private jet?

Our jet, which normally seats 233, has been reconfigured to accommodate 88 passengers in comfortable two-by-two B-757 deluxe seats. Each pair of seats has a width of 52 inches and a pitch (the distance between seats) of 42 inches. The seats were designed to ensure maximum comfort, offering multi-position legrests, footrests, built-in lumbar supports, adjustable headrests, articulating bottom support and a center console which incorporates space for personal items. Individual headsets are provided

We Control the Quality and Safety of Our Transportation

The Boeing 757 is unsurpassed among today's jetliners for safety and has a 99 percent reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays. Our private jet is operated and maintained by First Choice Airways (previously Air 2000), founded in the United Kingdom in 1987 and voted "U.K. Charter Airline of the Year" in 2002 by aviation industry peers. Carrying more than seven million passengers on more than 30,000 flights a year, First Choice Airways is one of the U.K.'s largest airlines and is consistently recognized for its high level of safety, performance and service. First Choice Airways monitors access to the jet and baggage at all times. Every piece of luggage is screened and identified with a security tag and remains under the watchful eyes of our staff and security officers. 

An Expedition Physician Travels With Us

An experienced expedition physician accompanies each journey and is on-call to passengers 24 hours a day.

An International Crew, Fine Fare and Customized Interior Create a First-Class Expedition Experience

Accompanying our journey is an experienced, international crew, including nine cabin attendants, three pilots, two engineers, an airport liaison officer, a chef and a catering assistant. The flight crew remains with us throughout the trip so we are welcomed aboard after each stop with warm smiles and familiar faces. Experienced expedition leaders also accompany the group. In-flight meals are graciously served on china and linen. Carefully chosen menus and wine lists accommodate a range of tastes. Dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and special emphasis is placed on food safety by our chef and catering assistant.

What kind of food is served on board?

Two culinary experts travel with us on our private jet. A chef supervises meal preparation on the ground, and a catering assistant is in charge of purchasing the highest quality ingredients available. Meal service will be provided on each flight, with food quality and safety being the highest concerns. Most vegetarian and restricted diets can be accommodated. You will receive a questionnaire so you may advise us of your food and beverage preferences.

Seminars in the Sky Prepare Us for Adventures on Land

Our lecturers deliver in-flight presentations, using a public address system and conveniently placed overhead monitors. An on-board library of books and publications relating to each destination is available during flight.

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TRAVELLERS INFO

Reservations & Payments: Early reservations are essential due to the small group size. Deposits and all payments may be made by check or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, and VISA). Deposit schedule is for program cost only. Air payment schedules are determined by the airlines’ policies.

At time of reservation:                                   $1,000 per person
90 days prior to departure:                            Balance due

If you make your reservation after the final balance is due, full payment will be collected at time of booking.

This tour is hosted by Travcoa one of the best luxury tour operators in the world

Cancellation Policy: The cancellation policy is applicable to tour price, single supplements, extension of tour and tour-related FIT arrangements. Written notice must be received by mail, fax or email. Cancellation fees are as follows:

90 days or more before departure           $250
89 to 60 days before departure                20%
59 to 30 days before departure                50%
29 days or less and enroute                   100%

COST OF THE TRIP INCLUDES:

HOTELS: Superior rooms with private bath in deluxe hotels on the basis of two persons sharing a twin-bedded room. Air-conditioning everywhere except where not available. Single rooms must be reserved in advance at a supplementary cost. Right is reserved to substitute hotels for those named in the brochure when necessary. Specific bed types should be requested at time of registration and cannot be guaranteed.

MEALS: Three meals per day on an a la carte, wherever available and practical. In those few places where a la carte is not available or practical, table d'hote is offered. Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, local beer and local wine is included with meals.

SIGHTSEEING: With English-speaking private guide with private chauffeur-driven car. Bottled water is included on sightseeing excursions.
 

LUGGAGE: All transportation and transfer of two normal-size Pullman suitcases except when mandated by charter air carriers or airlines. Traveler will be responsible for overweight charges imposed by an airline or air charter company.
 

GRATUITIES: All gratuities to hotel, cruise, train and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers for normal on-tour services. The customary end-of-the-trip gratuity to the Travel Director is not included.
 

TRAVEL DIRECTOR: The services of the Travel Host
 

TRANSFERS: Individual airport transfers on arrival and departure flights.
 

COST OF THE TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Air transportation; airport taxes; passport and visa expenses; laundry, all items of a personal nature; expenses of guides, buses or cars for sightseeing not included in the itinerary; excessive baggage charges; health, accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance; gratuity for any personal services; gratuity to the Travel Director; and other items not mentioned as being included.

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