Empires & Explorers
From the ancient temple of Angkor Wat to the legendary festivals of Ghana, here is a journey to the foundations of civilization. Follow the paths of the world's legendary explorers and experience the still vivid impact of ancient cultures. In this 23-day expedition you'll travel by private jet throughout Asia and Africa as we step back into history. Come with us to the centers of the empires that shaped civilizations and walk in the footsteps of explorers who connected the globe.
Their courage and determination opened continents and connected civilizations. Their power and influence cast its shoadow around the globe. These are the Empires & Explorers who shaped history and formed the future. This is a journey into their stories.
As we cross Asia and Africa you'll walk in the paths of legendary Dr David Livingstone who opened Central Africa to the outside world. You'll explore the streets of ancient Burma, where worlds crossed as empires flourished. You'll stand in the renowned outpost of Timbuktu, and bask in the sun-drenched legends of the beautiful Maldvie Islands,where traders once made history. Celebrate festivals with Ghana's present day king and explore the ancient kingdom of the Moguls who once ruled most of the Indian Subcontinent. Come with us as we follow the route of kings and walk in the footsteps of the world's great explorers.
Our private Boeing 757 is the perfect way to reach the remote locales and exotic destinations which are our specialty. And now, completely redesigned to welcome just 74 guests, our beautiful jetliner is better than ever.
Our generous all-leather cradle seats give you more leg room and 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.
Hidden empires. Lost kingdoms. Ancient trade routes. These are some of the signposts that mark your way.
Hear the echoes of spirited adventurers who dared to break new paths through unchartered territory. Feel the lasting power of civilizations whose influence still colors the human experience. And make you own history as you explore magnificent monuments and spectacular landscapes.
On this journey you'll discover legendary Timbuktu, once the thriving hub of world trade. You'll immerse yourself in the exotic tropical beauty of the Maldives, feel the thundering power of Victoria Falls, relish the enigmatic blend of East and West in Burma. And you'll delight in the beautiful grace of Jaipur's ornate palaces, ancient music, dance and art - the legacies of India's powerful Mogul empire.
Join us on this quest through human history.
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February 20, 2008: Depart U.S.A.
February 21, 2008: London, U.K.
While Europe labored through the Dark Ages, Timbuktu thrived as one of the most advanced cities in the world. Once a center of Islamic learning and a major stop for gold and salt caravans on trans-Saharan trade routes, it is now one of the world's most remote outposts. En route to Ghana, we stop to explore Timbuktu's unique architecture, and observe the camel caravans of namdic Tuaregs distinguished by their traditional blue clothing.
February 23 & 24, 2008: Ashanti Kingdom & Akwasidae Festival, Ghana
Enjoy a private audience with Nana Osei Tutu II - the Ashanti king, or Asantehene - adorned in massive gold jewelry and flanked by sword-bearing guards and subordinates waving ostrich-feather fans.
In a suburb of Accra, visit world-famous Ga craftsman who create ornate coffins - shaped like cars, leopards, bottles, even microphones - to symbolize the deceased's persona or affiliation.
February 25, 26 & 27, 2008: Namibia's Skeleton Coast
From Walvis Bay, where hundreds of flamingos feed in the lagoon, take a dune drive to the coastal German colonial town of Swakopmund. Adjacent to the enormous desert wilderness of Namib-Naukluft Park, you may wish to fly over the breathtaking dunes or go quad biking through the desert. Or choose to cruise the coast past a huge colony of sea lions, and enjoy fresh local oysters.
February 28 & 29, 2008: Livingstone, Zambia
On the Zimbabwe-Zambia boarder, the mile-wide Zambezi River plunges 350 feet into a narrow chasm to create one of the world's magnificent sights. Our hotel has its own access to the falls, which you may visit as often as you like. We also take a "Flight of the Angels" for an aerial view of this marvelous spectacle.
You may also choose to see many of the explorer's personal effects at the Livingstone Museum, the largest in Zambia. Other options include a wildlife safari in the surrounding bush or a visit to a Zambian village.
March 1, 2 & 3, 2008: Maldive Islands
The islands are known today as a paradise of pristine white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise lagoons, and swaying palm trees. Visit an island village, enjoy exotic marine life among the coral reefs, or explore the diverse collections of the National Museum.
March 4 & 5, 2008: Angkor, Cambodia
Visit magnificent Angkor Wat, a symbolic representation of Hindu mythology and one of the wonders of the world; the Bayon with its enigmatic faces watching over every corner of the former Khmer empire; and Ta Prohm, where encroaching jungle foliage intertwines with immense stones in the unexcavated temple.
If you have visited Angkor before, we would be happy to arrange an excursion to Banteay Srei - the citadel of women - or to the Rolos Group of temples built 400 years before Angkor Wat.
March 6 & 7, 2008: Rangoon & Pagan, Burma
In the capital of Rangoon (Yangon), the dazzling gold stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda has dominated the city's skyline for more then 2,500 years. Legend has it that the Shwedagon enshrines eight hairs of the last Buddha. Visit Scott Market, renamed Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of Burma's national leader, where 2,000 shops sell everything from jewels to costumes to herbs.
The following day we explore the ancient capital of Pagan (Bagan), one of the world's most remarkable religious centers. In the two centuries before Kublai Khan overran the region in 1287, some 13,000 temples, pagodas, and other religious structures were built on the vast plain east of the Irrawaddy River. Today, more then 2,200 monuments remain in this "Kingdom of the Temple Builders".
Travelers who have already visited Burma's glorious cities may wish to explore the fascinating floating villages of Inle Lake.
March 8 & 9, 2008: Jaipur, India
Also visit the City Palace and Jai Singh's observatory, a marvel of brick curves, slants, circles and pillars. Enjoy a special, private celebration including entertainment by costumed musicians, dancers, puppeteers, and artisans during a gala Rajasthani dinner.
March 10 & 11, 2008: Lisbon, Portugal
You may choose a scenic walking tour of Lisbon's medieval streets, flowere courtyards, and ancient monuments. Or drive along the coast to the Arrabida Mountains, stopping to enjoy the cobbled seaport of Setubal and lunch at a pousada. As a third option, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra. Celebrate with a gala farewell dinner at our hotel.
March 12 & 13, 2008: London and Return to U.S.
After breakfast at our hotel the following morning, you will be transferred to the airport to return home on your regularly scheduled flight.
Depart on individual overnight flights to London.
Meet fellow travelers, lecturers and expedition staff at our deluxe hotel for a welcome reception and dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel, London
February 22, 2008: Bamako & Timbuktu, Mali
Our first exotic stop is Bamako, Mali. At the National museum, built in local mud-brick style, discover collections of musical instruments, costumes, photographs, and ritual objects. Enjoy a special performance by Dogon dancers at our hotel.
Sofitel L'Amitie, Bamako
From Accra, travel to Kumasi, spiritual capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, to take part in the ancient Akwasidae Festival. Costumed dancers perform and storytellers memorialize the history of the Ashanti kings to the accompaniment of drums and trumpets.
Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra
A maritime graveyard for the many seafaring explorers whose ships wrecked on its rugged shore, the Skeleton Coast harbors a wealth of natural beauty and history.
Swakopmund Hotel
Explorer and missionary David Livingstone, the first European to see Mosi-oa-Tunya - "smoke that thunders" - renamed the spectacular waterfall Victoria Falls for his queen.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Maldive Islands may have been explored as early as 1500 B.C. Explorers who crossed the Indian Ocean were compelled by the ocean currents to stop in the atolls of the Maldives.
Taj Exotica, Four Seasons or Soneva Gili; Maldive Islands
Imagine as members of the British Royal Geographic Society in the 1850's became the first Westerners to gaze on the marvels of the fabled Khmer capital of Angkor. Luxuriant jungle covered much of the site, but the temples still stood as emblems of the ancient kingdom of Cambodia.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
(Yangon & Bagan, Myanmar)
Burma, officially known as Myanmar since 1989, is mainland Southeast Asia's largest and yet most isolated nation.
Traders Hotel, Rangoon
In Rajasthan's exotic pink-stone capital of Jaipur, discover the intricate mosaics, marble and glittering chamber of mirrors in the Amber Palace. Explore the Hawa Mahal - the palace of winds - built in 1799 so ladies of the Mogul court could view public events.
Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Some of the world's most intrepid explorers sailed under the flag of Portugal in its golden age of discovery. Most expeditions departed from the capital of Lisbon.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon
Depart for London on hte last leg of our journey. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Four Seasons Hotel, London
A treasured trademark of TCS journeys by private jet is the concept of Surprise and Delight.
While our brilliant expedition team, behind the scenes and on the jet, are carefully orchestrating every detail of your extraordinary journey, they're also plotting behind your back. As spectacular as the scheduled events and experiences of your expedition already are, our goal is to make them even better. We call these the Surprise and Delight moments - and your private jet expedition is studded with them.
They're not listed in your brochure. They aren't mentioned in your trip documents. They're not on the schedule. And you will never know when they're coming. But be confident that they are coming. Without giving away too much, we can tell you... we've produced baby elephants on command. We've delivered brilliant dance performances in the middle of public squares. We've transformed a simple rest stop into a feast of homemade pastries beside bubbling springs in a forest glen.
We take special pride in our ability to take your breath away. In fact, we're a little bit smug about it. So come along and let us surprise you. Let us delight you. When you least expect it, you can expect it!
| Room Occupancy | Priced from |
| Double Occupancy | $51,950 |
| Single Occupancy: (where Available) | $56,450 |
Please note that the following items are NOT included:
Around the World Journeys
Around the World -- Spring |
Around the World -- Fall
Other Journeys
Empires & Explorers | Africa | India | South America | Eastern Europe
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To check availability or receive additional information on TCS Expeditions drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739 |
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