Expedition Details

Trip Highlights

• Explore the Amazon rain forest, and learn the medicinal uses of plants and trees with a local shaman of the Yagua tribe.
• Meet the colorful tribes of Papua New Guinea with photographer Chris Rainier, who will be on hand to help you capture the beauty and vitality of this rarely-visited part of the world.
• Walk along one of the best preserved and most spectacular spans of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, and explore the storied halls of the Forbidden City in nearby Beijing.
• Experience the legendary spectacle of the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, an annual phenomenon that coincides with our visit.
• Admire the architectural treasures of Istanbul and cruise the Bosporus past a skyline of graceful mosques and minarets.

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Itinerary - 24 Days

Day 1 — Washington, D.C.

Enjoy a private afternoon tour of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The library is the United States’ oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world, home to millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts serving both Congress and the public. With its soaring, gilded dome and Renaissance architecture, the Thomas Jefferson Building is arguably one of the nation’s most beautiful structures. In the evening, meet with experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a reception at the headquarters of the National Geographic Society, followed by dinner at our elegant hotel.
Mayflower Hotel (D)

Days 2 & 3 — The Amazon River and Rain Forest, Peru

Depart Washington, D.C. by private jet and begin your Amazon adventure the moment you land in Iquitos, Peru. Float down the Amazon River to our lodge, nestled in the heart of the rain forest. In this fabled wilderness, untold varieties of tropical trees and plants produce perhaps 20 percent of Earth’s oxygen. Choose one of two ways to explore the jungle:

Explore the Amazon from above on the Canopy Walkway, one of the longest treetop walkways in the world. Perched 115 feet above the ground in the forest canopy, the walkway extends one-third of a mile between 14 of the area’s largest trees, providing incredible vantage points for observing various ecosystems. Our local guide will translate for a shaman who will meet us to explain the medicinal uses of the plants we will see.

Or discover the Amazon on foot on a guided forest walk. Visit villages tucked within the vegetation and meet members of the indigenous Yagua tribe. Learn about their lifestyle and their symbiotic relationship with the surrounding jungle. Spot piranhas in the river; and stop at Monkey Island, a rescue center where rehabilitating and orphaned primates roam freely. Meet Gilberto Guerra, who started reforesting the island in 1997 to provide an ideal habitat for eight monkey species, including woolly, saki, and titi as well as marmosets.
Ceiba Tops Lodge & Resort (B,L,D)

Days 4 & 5 — Easter Island, Chile

Fly to Easter Island, located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Scattered with mysterious, colossal stone statues called moai, the island is an open-air museum of the ruins of a lost culture. Since the island was first seen by Europeans on Easter Sunday in 1722, it has been the subject of debate. How did its native people first arrive? What transpired over the centuries? What do the tall, brooding statues mean? Learn the hidden stories of the island’s wonders with resident archaeologist Edmundo Edwards, and marvel at the many moai that dot the island’s windswept landscape. Along the way, discover the ancient ceremonial centers, volcanic craters, petroglyphs, lava formations, and fascinating clues to the Orongo birdman cult. Then enjoy a beachside barbecue meal and a splendid performance by the Kari Kari Rapa Nui dance troupe.
Hanga Roa Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Rarotonga, Cook Islands

A tiny, remote archipelago situated in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are home to a vibrant Polynesian culture and landscapes of unparalleled beauty. Spend your days on Rarotonga, a veritable island paradise where the steep, emerald green peaks of the central mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop to the palm-fringed beaches that ring the island. Snorkel in the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve and encounter a myriad of rainbow-colored reef fish, coral formations, and other underwater treasures. Or swim or kayak in other tranquil lagoons. Take in the soaring hymns of a Sunday choir, a musical tradition for which this largely Christian nation is renowned; and enjoy a rousing performance of Kapa Rima, an age-old storytelling dance.
Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Crossing the International Date Line

From Polynesia we continue our voyage across the Pacific, crossing the international date line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Papua New Guinea the following afternoon.

Days 8, 9, & 10 — Papua New Guinea

Unknown to the outside world until the 1930s, Papua New Guinea’s kaleidoscope of languages and vibrant traditions has changed little over the centuries. Fly to Port Moresby and board a private local aircraft to one of four areas:

Visit the spectacular Southern Highlands, where the Huli clan has lived for ages. Meet the Huli “wigmen,” known for their huge, decorated wigs of human hair, and if you wish, sit with the wigmen’s wives to learn about their daily lives. Set out on a birding walk near the lodge on the lookout for exotic species, including more than a dozen types of birds of paradise.
Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands (B,L,D)

Or board a riverboat and glide down waterways that crisscross the vast tropical lowland forest. Stop in villages on the riverbanks to see intricately designed spirit houses and meet with tribal families and skilled artisans who make beautifully carved story boards, masks, dugout canoes, and other unique art.
Karawari Lodge, Sepik River Basin

Or visit Tufi in Oro Province, a land of tropical "fjords," carved by volcanic activity, covered with lush jungles, and laced with beautiful waterfalls. Set out on hikes in this splendid landscape, where rare birds, flowers, and butterflies abound. Visit the Komoa people, who greet you with a traditional singsing celebration. Enjoy world-class snorkeling among brilliant reefs and World War II shipwrecks in the Solomon Sea. Note: Due to the limitations of our schedule, diving will not be an option during our stay here.
Tufi Dive Resort, Tufi

Or spend two days in the Western Highlands with the Melpa people, observing their ancient traditions, including a moka ceremony, a fascinating gifting ritual.
Rondon Ridge Lodge, Western Highlands

Days 11, 12, & 13 — Angkor Wat, Cambodia or Da Nang and Hue, Vietnam

Fly by private jet to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Delve into the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, one of humankind’s greatest architectural triumphs; and discover the massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. At Angkor Thom, explore the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants; and wander among the temples of Ta Prohm, still tangled in the thick roots of banyan trees. Pay a visit to Kok Dong Primary School to meet the local children and teachers. In the evening, attend a classical Apsara dance performance.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (B,L,D)

Alternate: Instead of exploring Angkor, you may continue by commercial air to Vietnam. Upon arrival in Da Nang, set off on a scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass, also known as the “pass of the ocean clouds,” to the imperial city of Hue. Wend your way up through the misted hills through a blue-green landscape of thick jungles, passing high above hidden bays where fishermen dip their ancient nets. In Hue, visit the 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda. Then venture into the Citadel to explore the Imperial City and Thai Hoa Palace, the seat of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Return by commercial air to Siem Reap.
Furama Resort Da Nang and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Day 14 — The Terra-cotta Warriors of Xi’an, China

Often considered the birthplace of ancient eastern civilization, Xi’an was the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk Road and China’s capital for more than a thousand years and five major dynasties. This venerable city is home to one of the most significant archaeological finds of the past century—a funerary army of more than 7,000 life-size warriors intended to accompany and protect the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty in the afterlife. Incredibly, each of the warriors and horses is unique, representing a variety of squadrons in full uniform, ready for battle. Spend a half day viewing these incredible terra-cotta figures, or visit the Yangling Tombs and examine the exquisite funerary treasures of Emperor Liu Qi and Empress Wang.
Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi'an (B,L,D)

Days 15 & 16 — The Great Wall of China and Beijing

Spanning more than a thousand miles from the Gobi desert to the Yellow Sea, the legendary Great Wall of China was built in many styles during several empires. Visit one of the best preserved sections near Beijing at Mutianyu, where the wall winds over densely wooded hills, its impressive watchtowers offering superb panoramic views. Later, explore Beijing's imperial wonders: the storied Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world; the Temple of Heaven; and Tiananmen Square, site of some of China’s most famous political dramas. If you wish, take a cooking or kite-making class or wander through the city’s hutongs, narrow brick alleys lined with historic courtyard homes.
Raffles Beijing Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 17 — The Taj Mahal or Fatehpur Sikri, India

Board our private jet and fly to Agra. Encounter the iconic Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife. A masterpiece of the Mogul Empire, the monument soars majestically above the banks of the Yamuna River. Wander the site, admire its form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and examine intricate mosaics made of precious stones.
Oberoi Amarvilas (B,L,D)

Alternate: Instead of the Taj Mahal, explore Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural achievement, an exquisite red sandstone city that served as the Mogul capital from 1572 to 1585. Wander through well-preserved pavilions, courtyards, tombs, and palaces—most notably the emperor’s private quarters, a “palace of dreams” richly decorated with Persian calligraphy and murals.

Days 18 & 19 — The Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a smaller aircraft for the flight to Serengeti National Park. In the local Maasai language, Serengeti means “extended place,” an appropriate name for this vast wildlife sanctuary—one of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystems on Earth. Go deep into the savanna to witness Africa’s greatest concentration of wildebeests and zebras as well as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Experience the legendary spectacle of the wildebeest migration, an annual phenomenon that coincides with our visit. While here, you may stay at one of two fine safari lodges, or enjoy a tented-camp experience in the bush. Travelers who stay at the Bilila Lodge may go on an optional hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the savanna (for an extra fee).
Serengeti Migration Camp or Bilila Lodge Kempinski; or Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Alternate: Instead of exploring the Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of about 30,000 animals in one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world. Along with herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, we may also see the “big five” (rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo). Spend your nights here at a luxury lodge perched on the crater’s rim.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Please note: Travelers who stay at the Bilila Lodge Kempinski or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge will have the opportunity to meet either Meave or Louise Leakey, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence whose family of renowned anthropologists has discovered many important fossils in the area.

If you have already been to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and prefer a different experience, we would be happy to make alternate arrangements for you.

Days 20 & 21 — The Lost City of Petra, Jordan

Step back in history in the ancient city of Petra, half-built, half-carved into rose red cliffs by the mysterious Nabataean people more than 2,000 years ago. The region is now home to the Bedouin, an Arab people who have been nomadic herders here for centuries. Venture into the Siq, a narrow chasm in the bedrock, and arrive at the iconic Treasury. Explore elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls, and observe up close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture.
Mövenpick Resort (B,L,D)

Alternate: Discover Wadi Rum, an evocative lunar-like landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence. See the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and enjoy a traditional mansaf meal prepared by the local Bedouins.

Days 22 & 23 — Istanbul, Turkey

Fly by private jet to Istanbul, a city of graceful domes and soaring minarets built on seven hills. The only city in the world that straddles two continents, Istanbul has beckoned countless travelers and conquerors over the centuries and remains a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Visit the colossal Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine jewel, whose dome has influenced architecture around the world for 1,500 years. At St. Savior in Chora Church, discover an interior covered with exquisite mosaics and softly shaded frescoes—some of Istanbul’s finest Byzantine art. Take a cruise along the magnificent Bosporus Strait, and delve into the city’s Grand Bazaar, brimming with jewelry, pottery, carpets, and spices. Explore the Topkapı Palace, an opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans that houses splendid jewels, furnishings, and other treasures. At the imposing 17th-century mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, known as the Blue Mosque, examine the stunning azure-colored Iznik tiles that line the interior.

You may also enjoy a choice of cultural activities: take a cooking class at the Istanbul Culinary Institute; or try your hand at Islamic calligraphy, ebrupaper marbling, or miniature painting at a local art school. Or, explore more of the city's historic treasures. In the evening, enjoy a gala farewell dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (B,L,D)

Day 24 — London, England

After breakfast, board our private jet and fly to London to connect with your regularly scheduled commercial flight home. If you prefer to leave the following day, we can arrange a complimentary night for you at a hotel near the airport. If you wish to explore London for a few days, we will be happy to arrange an optional post-trip extension that is specially customized for you.
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For questions, please call 1-800-224-1894.

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