Empires & Explorers

Starting Price: $5190 (Land Cost Only)
Trip Length: 22 days

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.

MALI
Timbuktu
Inscribed: 1988
Home of the prestigious Koranic Sankore University and other madrasas, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capital and a center for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its three great mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia, recall Timbuktu's golden age. Although continuously restored, these monuments are today under threat from desertification.

GHANA
Ashanti Traditional Buildings
Inscribed: 1980
Northeast of Kumasi lie the last material remains of the great Ashanti civilization, which reached its height in the18th century. The British easily colonized Ghana’s coastal peoples, but encountered fierce resistance for 70 years from Ashanti warriors. This fighting destroyed many of Kumasi’s traditional buildings, constructed of mud plastered onto timber framework and topped by tall thatched roofs. The white-painted buildings feature elaborate bas-relief geometric and animal designs whose meanings that have been handed down through generations.

ZAMBIA
Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls
Inscribed: 1989
These are among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The Zambezi river, which is more than 1.2 miles wide at this point, plunges noisily down a series of basalt gorges and raises an iridescent mist that can be seen more than 12 miles away.

CAMBODIA
Angkor
Inscribed: 1992
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Stretching over some 248 square miles, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

PORTUGAL
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
Inscribed: 1983
Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbour, the Monastery of the Hieronymites – construction of which began in 1502 – exemplifies Portuguese art at its best. The nearby Tower of Belém, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition, is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world.

Cultural Landscape of Sintra
Inscribed: 1995
In the 19th century Sintra became the first center of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra, created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Day by Day Itinerary

Overview: Empires & Explorers 2008

London, England – Days 1 & 2

Timbuktu, Mali – Day 3

Ashanti Kingdom, Ghana – Days 4 & 5

Walvis Bay, Namibia – Days 6, 7 & 8

Victoria Falls, Zambia – Days 9 & 10

The Maldives – Days 11, 12 & 13

Angkor, Cambodia – Days 14 & 15

Rangoon & Pagan, Burma – Days 16 & 17

Jaipur, India – Days 18 & 19

Lisbon, Portugal – Days 20 & 21

London, England – Days 22 & 23

Hotels featured on Empires & Explorers by Private Jet.

UNITED KINGDOM
Four Seasons Hotel, London
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.

MALI
Sofitel l'Amitié, Bamako
Centrally located in Bamako’s embassy district, next to the National Museum of Mali, the Sofitel offers a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, clay tennis court, and massage services. All areas are designed with clean, modern lines and contemporary furnishings. Air conditioned rooms overlook the Niger River and feature many comforts.

GHANA
Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra
Adjacent to a palm fringe beach and tucked amid 15 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel boasts newly refurbished rooms. On-site facilities include a health club, open-air terrace bar and restaurant, a large swimming pool and fountain.

NAMIBIA
Swakopmund Hotel, Swakopmund
This German-colonial-style hotel is built around a renovated 1907 railroad station and features a rustic German-theme tavern, cinema, small shopping arcade and casino. The courtyard comes complete with a pair of dolphin fountains. Colorful guest rooms are decorated with blond woods, wicker, and blue and yellow accents.

ZAMBIA
The Royal Livingstone Hotel, Victoria Falls
A new 5-star luxury hotel, the Royal Livingstone is minutes away from Victoria Falls. Featuring refined colonial architecture inspired by the grand estate houses still found in Zambia, its large shaded verandahs are cooled by swirling fans and floor-to-ceiling shutters. Each guest room is air conditioned with a private balcony or terrace.

MALDIVE ISLANDS
Four Seasons Hotel
This property is built on its own private coral island. Palm-thatched guest bungalows are built on columns over the turquoise sea, and have private sundecks with steps down to the lagoon. The spa, across the lagoon on is own island, consists of open-air pavilions where luxurious Ayurvedic, Thai, Indonesian and Maldivian treatments are dispensed.

OR

Soneva Gili
The Soneva Gili’s spacious, traditional stilted villas are constructed over the lagoon from natural materials and offer rooftop and over-water sundecks, open air baths, sumptuous daybeds and a personal entertainment center concealed within hand-built wooden cabinets. The full-service spa has glass floor-panels beneath massage tables so clients can watch the ocean during treatments.

OR

Taj Exotica
The luxurious Taj Exotica is situated on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Guest villas built over the water are palm-thatched, built of local materials and appointed in classic Maldivian style with modern comforts. Secluded verandahs have ladders leading into the lagoon, and soothing treatments are administered in sea-facing spa rooms.

CAMBODIA
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap
Voted by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas, this is one of the world’s classic properties. Just minutes from the Angkor complex, the historic Grand Hotel d'Angkor was built in 1911 and sits on 15 lush acres. Guest rooms feature Art Deco country-style furnishings and public areas showcase Cambodian objects d’art.

BURMA
Traders Hotel, Rangoon
The modern Traders Hotel is located in Rangoon’s central cultural and shopping district, a short walk from the sprawling Scott Market. There are several good restaurants and an outdoor pool and health club with sauna and massage. The comfortable, air-conditioned rooms overlook pagodas, colonial buildings and the bustling activity of the river.

INDIA
Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
This former maharaja's palace spreads out over impeccably landscaped grounds. Receive a "royal welcome" on the formal front garden, greeted by painted elephants and festooned camels. Spacious guest rooms feature roomy closets, marble baths, high ceilings and plenty of period furnishings and architectural detail. The tennis and squash courts are well maintained, and the original pool with stained-glass windows evokes an ornate bathhouse.

PORTUGAL
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon
Perched atop one of Lisbon's seven hills, flanking Parque Eduardo VII, this property offers remarkably spacious guest rooms with views of the park and the city. Each room has a private terrace with outdoor seating. Glamorous marble baths include soaking tubs and separate showers. The new spa boasts saunas, whirlpools, a superlative indoor lap pool and treatment rooms.

Trip Notes

TCS Expedition FAQs

What makes TCS Expeditions special?
It’s a combination of where we go, how we get there and what we do there. Our expeditions include the most remote, exotic places on earth — 10 or more sites on a single journey — in the company of distinguished experts, like-minded travelers and a superb staff. We travel in the ultimate safety and comfort of a private jet.

Who owns and operates our private jet?
First Choice Airways was founded in 1987 and is one of the United Kingdom's largest airlines. Operating 17 Boeing 757s and two Airbus 320s year-round to more than 40 countries, First Choice Airways carries seven million passengers on 30,000 flights a year. By special arrangement, a First Choice Airways' new Boeing 757 jet has been customized to TCS Expeditions' specifications, offering comfortable seating and amenities. The jet is exclusively chartered to TCS Expeditions for private jet programs.

What are the advantages of travel by private jet?
The Boeing 757 has an exemplary safety record, with a 99% reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays. The 757 combines long-range capabilities with the ability to land in many of the world’s smaller airports. We are not limited by regular commercial routes or itineraries and are able to set our own schedules. We fly during the day and arrive refreshed, ready to experience the best of each destination.

What security measures ensure our safety while traveling?
Security while abroad is of paramount importance. A major advantage of having our own private jet is the ability to directly control safety issues. A First Choice Airways crewmember is always present while the private jet is serviced. The pilot and engineers are personally dedicated to aircraft security. All bags loaded onto the jet are screened and identified with security tags. Along our route, we diminish our visibility when it makes sense to do so. In some destinations, this may mean minimizing the use of bus signs and nametags.

What are the seats like on board the private jet?
Our jet, which normally seats 233, will be reconfigured to accommodate just 74 passengers in 19 rows of comfortable two-by-two seats. Our generous leather cradle seats will offer even more leg room, and their patented ergonomic foam cushions surround you with perfect support. You’ll relax in the most spacious, most comfortable and most dependable private expedition jetliner in the world.

How does the educational program enhance the trip?
Our lecturers make presentations on land and during flights, which increases understanding and appreciation of each destination, and they’re almost always available to answer questions or join discussions during dinner or on tours. A unique audio system with individual earpieces keeps you in touch with local guides and our faculty during sightseeing excursions. Pre-trip reading lists, comprehensive destination notes, and a library of video and audio programs along with publications relating to each destination are all part of our special educational program.

Are meals served on the jet?
Two culinary professionals 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. Our itinerary includes some remote locations where "first class" catering may not be an option; the best available meal service will be provided on each flight, with top priority given to food quality and safety. All meals are prepared on the ground at catering facilities and then brought to the jet for meal service during our flights.

What about special dietary requests?
Most vegetarian and restricted diets can be accommodated. You will receive a questionnaire so you may advise us of your food and beverage preferences on the jet.
All hotels and restaurants will be supplied with your dietary requests, and every effort will be made to fulfill these needs. Complementary bottled water will be provided at all meals, in hotel rooms, on board the jet and during touring excursions.

Who are our in-flight crewmembers?
A professional and experienced international flight crew includes eight cabin attendants, three pilots, two engineers, an airport liaison officer, and two chefs. All crewmembers accompany the entire journey.

Is smoking allowed while traveling or on board the jet?
In accordance with smoking regulations governing all U.S. flights, smoking is not permitted on our private jet at any time. Smoking is not allowed on motor coaches, but is permitted during stops and while not in the confines of the group.

Who are my traveling companions?
Most participants on our private jet expeditions are from North America, though travelers from Europe and South America join us occasionally. Most TCS Expeditions travelers are between 50 and 70 years old, and tend to be well traveled, knowledgeable and adventurous.

How active is this program?
Most TCS Expeditions programs are considered strenuous. Walking excursions are offered almost every day. We climb stairs to board the jet at nearly every stop, and walk long distances with our wheeled overnight bags at some airports. In addition, we will experience some early morning departures and late nights during the course of our private jet journey. If you have any doubts about your ability to participate, you should check with your doctor with itinerary in hand. Your personal physician can most easily assess whether this program is appropriate for you.

Will I need any vaccinations?
TCS Expeditions will keep you informed if any inoculations are required for a trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, reminds travelers that normal vaccines must be up-to-date for all travel to destinations outside the United States (i.e., protection against the "childhood diseases," like measles, mumps, rubella and polio), along with tetanus and diphtheria. Further information will be included in the Travel & Jet Information sent to you in preparation for taking an expedition.

Is there a doctor on board?
An expedition physician accompanies all of our international private jet expeditions. The physician's services are included in the program, however any necessary medications obtained by the physician to treat a specific ailment will be at the patient’s expense.

What about my passport and visa applications?
If you are a citizen of the United States, your passport must be valid at least six months past your return date home. If a program requires a visa, a Visa Kit with further information will be sent to you approximately three months prior to departure. Please note that the costs for visas, whether obtained by TCS Expeditions or the visa service, are not included in the price of the most programs.

What are the hotel accommodations like?
Whether staying at the Four Seasons in London or the Hanga Roa on Easter Island, expect the best available accommodations a destination has to offer. Each property is unique to the economy and culture of the countries we visit. Whenever possible, we stay at five-star deluxe properties. In some remote locations, our lodgings, while considered superior for the region, offer basic amenities.

How are my tour payments protected?
All money received for the tour is deposited in an escrow account at the Commerce Bank of Washington. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted for payment of the initial deposit only. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you upon receipt of your initial deposit.

Why is travel insurance important?
Having to cancel a trip prior to departure can cause disappointment and result in unexpected expense. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance provides reimbursement if you or anyone covered by the policy are forced to cancel or interrupt your journey due to an unforeseen covered reason that occurs after your date of application. In addition, comprehensive travel insurance provides protection against loss or delay of baggage, accident/illness hospitalization and physician costs, and emergency medical evacuation and assistance. Please note that Medicare does not cover medical services obtained outside the United States, so you should review your health insurance policy and purchase the necessary supplemental coverage.

Does TCS Expeditions provide any insurance?
All TCS Expeditions private jet passengers automatically receive comprehensive medical evacuation insurance.

Trip Prices

2008:
From $51,950 Double
From $56,450 Single

General Trip Information

Price of the expedition includes:

• All hotel accommodations, meals, group transportation, excursions and other group activities from the welcome reception in London on February 21, 2008, through breakfast in London on March 13, 2008
• Airport transfers at beginning and end of trip
• Transportation by private jet (or other conveyance) according to the itinerary, including meals, beverages, wine, beer and liquor on board our private jet
• Complete program of special events and activities
• Enrichment program of lectures and presentations by a team of experts
• Professional expedition staff and physician to assist you throughout the trip
• Bottled water throughout the expedition
• Baggage handling abroad
• All gratuities
• Amenities package
• Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance

Price of the expedition does not include:

• Roundtrip airfare and taxes between home cities and London (see airfare section below)
• Passport fees and visa charges
• Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses such as immunizations, laundry, telephone, fax charges, taxis
• Liquor except as noted above

Airfare:

Because travelers originate from a variety of home cities, airfares will vary. We are happy to reserve flights in the class of service you prefer, and to arrange for your airport transfers and pre- or post-trip hotel accommodations.

Please contact us for more details.