Day 1 — Washington, D.C.
We begin this extraordinary adventure with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters, followed by dinner at our hotel.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C. (D)

Day 2 — Lima, Peru
This morning, our private jet takes us to Lima, once a thriving capital in Spain's New World empire, and we arrive in the late afternoon. Visit the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and enjoy a fine dinner at our hotel.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B, L, D)

Days 3 and 4 — Cusco/Machu Picchu
We take a local flight to Cusco, where Inca and Spanish cultures intermingled, leaving many Spanish colonial buildings constructed on early Inca foundations. Explore the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, considered by many to be one of the finest combinations of Spanish Renaissance style and legendary Inca stonemasonry. Marvel at the treasures of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where we will meet with National Geographic grantee and master weaver Nilda Callanaupa, who works with traditional weavers throughout Peru to preserve the rich textile arts.

Discover the remains of the great fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, where enormous blocks of stone—some weighing more than 200 tons—were used to build the walls. Assembled without the use of mortar, the blocks fit together so tightly that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them.

Then travel on the Hiram Bingham, our privately chartered train, to Machu Picchu, passing through the spectacular Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Still clouded in mystery, Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca and lost to history until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Examine the artfully cut stone altars, temples, foundations, staircases, and terraced gardens that make this one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological treasures.
Hotel Monasterio (B, L, D daily)

Days 5 and 6 — Easter Island, Chile
Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Since it 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? Discover the ancient ceremonial centers, volcanic craters, petroglyphs, lava formations, and gorgeous beaches with resident archaeologist Edmundo Edwards.
Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Day 7 — Cross the International Date Line
From Easter Island we continue our voyage across the Pacific, crossing the international date line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Samoa the following evening.
(B, L, D)

Day 8 — Apia, Samoa
Samoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains essentially intact—tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient times. This beautiful island world is well known for its hospitality, traditional ceremonies, and distinct communal customs (known as fa'a Samoa, or "the Samoan way"). Enjoy a fia fia—a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song.
Aggie Grey's Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa (B, L, D)

Days 9 and 10 — The Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rain Forest, Australia
Fly to Cairns and transfer to the charming seaside town of Port Douglas. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Snorkel among rainbow-colored corals with schools of unicornfish, surgeonfish, bumphead parrot fish, and sea turtles. Or discover the natural wonders of the Daintree, a rain forest that is approximately 90 million years older than the Amazon rain forest. Go on a Dreamtime walk in Mossman Gorge with an aboriginal guide, a member of the Kuku Yalanji group, who will share his people's legends and take you to sacred sites.
Sea Temple Resort & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Days 11 and 12 — Angkor, Cambodia
Fly to 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. Then set out on a cruise to nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap lake (water levels permitting), or explore the temple of Ta Prohm, still tangled in the thick roots of banyan trees. In the evening, enjoy a classical Apsara dance performance during dinner at our fine hotel. Alternative: Instead of Angkor Wat, explore the lost jungle temple of Beng Mea Lea (water levels permitting) and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex, which includes Preah Ko, the first temple built at this ancient site. Also visit the multitowered Lolei, once an island temple in the center of a great reservoir.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (B, L, D daily)

Day 13 — Chengdu, China
Today, fly by private jet to Chengdu, China, where we will see the area's giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Then enjoy dinner and a night's rest before departing for Tibet.
Shangri-La Chengdu (B, L, D)

Days 14 and 15 — Lhasa, Tibet or Xi'an, China
This morning, take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet's capital, located on one of the world's oldest plateaus. Once a "forbidden city," this Himalayan center of Buddhist pilgrimage—with the spectacular Potala Palace dominating its skyline—still retains a mystical atmosphere. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered; and explore the colorful Tibetan markets, known for their finely crafted ornaments, rugs, religious paintings, and carvings. The next day, venture into Potala Palace, a highlight of our time in Lhasa. The palace, with its hundreds of rooms, lavish decor, and labyrinthine corridors, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and served as the seat of the Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Stop by the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery, where we may see monks in the debating courtyard. You may also visit the Tibet Museum or a local nunnery.
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of visiting Lhasa, fly from Chengdu to Xi’an, China by local air and enjoy a two-day excursion in this former Chinese capital. View the famous 7,000-strong army of life-sized terra-cotta warriors; and visit the Ming dynasty walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the impressive Yangling Tombs of Emperor Liu Qi and Empress Wang.
The Westin Xian (B, L, D daily)

Days 16 and 17 — Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Return to Chengdu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra. See the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan as a tribute to his wife. A masterpiece of the Mogul empire, the Taj soars majestically above the banks of the Yamuna River. Wander the site, admire its form in the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and observe the intricate ornamentation of inlaid precious stones.
Oberoi Amarvilás (B, L, D daily)

Days 18 and 19 — 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, which is 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. Bilila Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring the Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of almost 30,000 animals in one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world. Along with the herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, we may also see the "big five" (rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes). Spend your nights here at a well-appointed lodge perched on the crater's rim. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey will join us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Days 20 and 21 — Luxor, Egypt or Petra, Jordan; and the Pyramids and Sphinx, Egypt
Arrive in Luxor and head to the Luxor Museum to view its stunning collection of statues, figures, bas reliefs, and mummies. Spend the next morning in the Valley of the Kings, where we visit the tombs of divine pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun. Stop at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female pharaoh and one of history's great leaders. See the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues that are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, who commissioned many of the monuments and temples in Luxor. Visit Medinet Habu, the best preserved mortuary temple in the area; and gaze up at colorful reliefs detailing the triumphs of Ramses III, often considered the last great pharoah. Enjoy lunch on a felucca (traditional sailboat) as you cross the Nile River. Then visit the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world, described by the ancient Egyptians as "the most perfect of places." In the evening, enjoy a gala dinner at the Luxor Temple. Luxor Hilton (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring Luxor, you may choose to visit Petra, the lost city of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan's deep canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years ago, and consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls.
Mövenpick Petra, Jordan (B, L, D daily)

On our last day in Egypt, we board our private jet and fly to Cairo. Transfer to Giza to visit the Pyramids, including the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Then enjoy a private luncheon with a view of the Sphinx. We continue to Marrakech this afternoon.

Days 22 and 23 — Marrakech, Morocco
After our morning visit to the Pyramids, arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, explore this fabled city, located in an oasis of palm and olive groves, and steeped in ancient Berber tradition. See the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the grand Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina, a jumble of colorful suqs; and stroll the Djemaa el Fna, a lively square where snake charmers, acrobats, and magicians enchant the passsersby. If you wish, immerse yourself in the lush blue-and-green paradise of the Majorelle Garden, a delightful combination of traditional Moroccan architecture, Islamic art and artifacts, rare plants from five continents, and North African birds. On our last evening, celebrate our adventure at a farewell banquet with traditional entertainment.

Alternative: Instead of exploring Marrakech, spend the day in the spectacular Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Visit a Berber village, share tea with a village elder and his family, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the evening, rejoin the group in Marrakech for our farewell dinner.
La Mamounia (B, L, D daily)

Day 24 — Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.>
Following breakfast, board our private jet and fly to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, you may connect with your commercial flight home, or, if you wish, we will provide complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Dulles Airport Hotel for the night. For the December and January departure which end in Orlando, complimentary accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel for one night.
(B, L)