2017-2018 National Geographic Private Jet Expeditions

2017–2018

Private Jet Expeditions

Africa by Private Jet • Around the World by Private Jet • Asia by Private Jet Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

• Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

Dear Traveler, All around the globe, National Geographic explorers—our researchers, conservationists, writers, and photographers—have helped illuminate and demystify our planet, bringing us insights into culture and wildlife and helping us understand geology, geography, and the origins of our species.

From documenting the wildlife of the Okavango Delta to excavating lost cities in Central Asia, the breadth of their fieldwork is astonishing.

And there are few better ways to fathom the extent of their reach—or the magnificent diversity of our planet—than by witnessing it firsthand via private jet.

In the following pages, you’ll find six extraordinary expeditions that crisscross the globe, each celebrating treasures both natural and cultural.

Our newest expedition traces the legacies of great empires like the Ottomans and the Persians as we make our way from Isfahan, Iran, to Ancient Merv, Serbia, and beyond. Along with our classic Around the World itinerary, we’ll explore some of the most spiritually significant sites on the planet—from Jerusalem and Rome to Lalibela, Ethiopia—on our upcoming Sacred Places expedition. And we’ll delve into the myriad wonders of three continents on journeys that focus on Asia, Africa, and Australia and New Zealand.

What sets apart these trips are the National Geographic experts who accompany us and the extraordinary researchers we meet in the field.

Whether it’s archaeologist and editor Kristin Romey introducing us to the sites of Persia and the Silk Road, or filmmaker and conservationist Sandesh Kadur sharing insights on Africa’s wild places, our experts enrich the experience and bring us closer to the places we explore.

Flying direct from one destination to the next aboard our VIP-configured private jets makes travel comfortable, efficient, and fun. And everywhere we stop, we’re treated to fine accommodations, delicious meals, and, often, traditional entertainment. These trips celebrate what makes this planet incredible with the people who are working hard to document and preserve it. I hope you’ll join us on board.

To reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit natgeoexpeditions.com.

Sincerely,

Lynn Cutter Executive Vice President National Geographic Travel

When you travel with us, you make a difference. Your support is vital to National Geographic’s mission to explore and protect our planet.

2

“

I didn’t know what to expect but thought because it was National Geographic, it would be great.

It was so very much more than that. Life-altering is not a strong enough term...I feel like I am more a citizen of the world. I wish I could do it all over again for the very first time. For those who are as yet undecided...go, just go.

—Bev E., traveler

”

Private Jet Expeditions Africa by Private Jet

14

Around the World by Private Jet

18

Asia by Private Jet

22

Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

26

Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean

30

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

34

About Our Private Jet Trips Six Extraordinary Expeditions

4

The National Geographic Difference

6

National Geographic Experts

8

Private Jet Travel

10

Accommodations

12

Terms and Conditions

38

Reservation Form

39

Cover, background photograph: Lake Bled, Slovenia. Inset photographs: Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel; Women, Agra, India; Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Above: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

3

Six Extraordinary Ex Africa by Private Jet

See page 14 for full trip itinerary.

Around the World by Private Jet

See page 18 for full trip itinerary.

Asia by Private Jet

See page 22 for full trip itinerary.

4

peditions by Private Jet Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

See page 26 for full trip itinerary.

Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean

See page 30 for full trip itinerary.

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

See page 34 for full trip itinerary.

5

Discover the National Geographic Difference.

Kristin Romey raises the Society’s flag at a field site in Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.

Traveling with National Geographic means exceptional service and unique itineraries, special access to sites in the field, and the inside perspective of our experts—from wildlife biologists to archaeologists like Kristin Romey, who will join our new Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean expedition.

Meet Archaeologist Kristin Romey Editor and archaeologist Kristin Romey has reported on—or excavated— ancient sites from Central Asia to the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

On digs that have taken her from the depths of the Black Sea to underwater medieval cities in Kyrgyzstan, she’s helped tell the stories of some of history’s most fascinating civilizations. We asked her what travelers might expect to experience; here’s what she had to say.

Q: What do you hope travelers will take away from the expedition?

This expedition will lay bare how empires grow, why they conquer, and how they fall. Understanding how today’s civilizations are shaped by the empires of the past gives us a unique perspective on the future of our world.

Q: The itinerary goes off the beaten path to places like Iran, Turkmenistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. What awaits us in these destinations?

Iran is replete with ancient Persian architecture and art—unique works that are stunning in their geometry and intricacy. In Turkmenistan, we’ll visit the shimmering oasis of Ashgabat, remarkable for its large population of nomads that have settled in a very modern city. Bosnia and Herzegovina gives us a wonderful opportunity to better understand the Ottoman Empire and its influence on the multiculturalism of today’s Sarajevo.

Q: Will travelers encounter remnants of more modern empires?

The Belarusian city of Minsk holds the last great remains of the Soviet empire, with Stalinist architecture and Khrushchev-era city planning that give a strong sense of a bygone time. We’ll have the opportunity to compare this timeworn city with Belgrade, a former Soviet satellite that is racing into the future.

Q: The trip includes a stop on the Mediterranean isle of Corsica. What imperial influences can travelers find here?

Corsica has been at the center of European maritime history since the Bronze Age. It’s the perfect place to get a perspective on how the Mediterranean shaped history—not only of the nations that surround it, but of the islands within it.

See page 31 for Kristin’s bio and a detailed itinerary for this trip.

6

Enjoy the Flexibility to Follow Your Passion.

In addition to enjoying a wealth of expertise on each expedition, you’ll

When you travel with us, you make a difference.

choose from a variety of excursions to tailor the itinerary to your passions.

Within each itinerary in the pages that follow, you’ll find special opportunities to customize your trip. These sightseeing options are available at no additional cost; however, some have limited space available or require a minimum number of participants. Contact us for more information, as these opportunities are a mere sampling of what’s possible.

“

National Geographic is an incredible mix of science and education, of media and mission, of storytellers and explorers, all working to inspire people to care about the planet.

—John Fahey, National Geographic Chairman Emeritus of the Board

”

National Geographic Expeditions is committed to sustaining the character and integrity of each place we visit—its environment, culture, and heritage, as well as the well-being of its residents. In providing authentic travel experiences, we strive to support local economies in our choice of services. At the same time, we believe that the powerful positive effects of sustainable travel go beyond the long-term economic benefits, inspiring passionate stewards committed to protecting the places we visit. Additionally, National Geographic Expeditions strives to minimize our environmental impact and invests in projects to offset the carbon emissions associated with our travel programs.

Your support is vital to the National Geographic Society’s nonprofit mission to explore and protect the planet. Every year, the Society funds researchers and explorers around the globe who are working to preserve species and ecosystems, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our world and its inhabitants. As you thumb through this catalog, look for the National Geographic seal to learn more about the National Geographic Society’s work in the regions we visit.

The National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC (d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions). You contribute to that support when you make your purchase. To learn more, visit www.natgeo.com/info.

Distinguished National Geographic Experts Enhance Your Experience.

On each of our private jet expeditions, a world-class team of experts illuminates the history of empires we uncover, the diverse cultures we encounter, the wildlife we see, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture we visit. A National Geographic photographer also joins each trip to share tips and techniques as we explore together, and presents a slide show of our adventures at the end of our trip. An in-flight lecture system allows for informative and stimulating talks aboard our private jet.

The experts below are just a sampling of the luminaries who accompany our private jet expeditions. See the trip itineraries on the following pages for information about all of the experts featured on each expedition.

Paleontologists Louise Leakey (left) and Meave Leakey are both National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence. Louise will join us in Tanzania to discuss their family’s historic finds on all Around the World

by Private Jet departures.

Steve Boyes Conservationist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Steve Boyes has dedicated his life to preserving Africa’s wilderness areas and the species that depend upon them. A native of South Africa, Steve spent more than five years in the Okavango Delta doing fieldwork for his doctorate in zoology. His Okavango Wilderness Project expeditions, supported

by National Geographic grants, helped build the case for the delta’s inscription as the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage site. Steve is a TED Fellow and the scientific director of the Wild Bird Trust, and he runs the Cape Parrot Project with grant support from the Society’s Conservation Trust. His work takes him all over Africa, studying wildlife rehabilitation and biodiversity, fighting the wild-caught bird trade, and planting thousands of trees in forest restoration projects. Steve will join Africa by Private Jet in December 2017.

8

Wade Davis National Geographic Explorer and University of British Columbia Professor Wade Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and a Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. Wade is the author of 260 scientific and popular articles and 19 books.

His book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest won the 2012 Samuel Johnson Prize. His many film credits include Light at the Edge of the World, an eight-hour documentary series produced for the National Geographic Channel.

In 2009, he received the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his contributions to anthropology and conservation, and he is the 2011 recipient of the Explorers Medal, the highest award given by the Explorers Club. Wade will join Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet in April 2017.

David Harrison Anthropologist and linguist David Harrison is a National Geographic Fellow and a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which documents endangered languages and cultures around the world.

He has done extensive fieldwork with indigenous communities ranging from Siberia and Mongolia to Peru, India, and Australia. His global research is the subject of the acclaimed documentary film The Linguists, and his work has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, USA Today, and Science. David will join Great Empires

by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean in May 2018.

Sandesh Kadur Photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur uses images, both still and video, to expose the need for conservation and encourage protection of the world’s biodiversity. With subjects ranging from king cobras to clouded leopards, his documentary films have appeared worldwide on the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, and elsewhere. Sandesh’s many awards include CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year, the Nature’s Best Award, and the International Conservation Photographer Award. Sandesh will join Africa by Private Jet in December 2017.

Louise Leakey Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorerin-Residence Louise Leakey has continued the historic legacy begun by her grandfather Louis S. B. Leakey with his fossil discoveries in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge. She spent much of her youth on field expeditions with her family and now runs a research station at Kenya’s Lake Turkana with her mother, Dr. Meave Leakey. In 1999, on a National Geographic–sponsored excavation in the Turkana Basin, they uncovered a 3.5-million-year-old skull and partial jaw believed to belong to a new branch of early human—a discovery that has had profound implications for understanding human origins.

Louise will meet travelers in Tanzania on all of the Around the World by Private Jet departures.

Jill Pruetz National Geographic Explorer Jill Pruetz is a biological anthropologist who specializes in primatology. A professor at Iowa State University, she spent two years in East Africa researching patas and vervet monkeys as well as Grevy’s zebras. She is one of the world’s foremost chimpanzee experts. National Geographic has supported Jill’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior in Senegal with a half dozen grants. Jill will join Africa by Private Jet in December 2017.

9

Private Jet Travel The Ultimate in Comfort and Convenience

Temples, Bagan, Myanmar

Our specially outfitted Boeing 757* jets are ideally suited for these extraordinary expeditions. Their long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. Each jet has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience, accommodating only 75* travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats, instead of the standard 239 seats. *Africa by Private Jet will be operated on a 757 that has been custom-configured for 49 travelers (see page 14).

Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet will be operated on an Alliance Fokker 70 jet configured for only 45 travelers (see page 26).

Relax in spacious, VIP-style seats.

10

Expedition Staff and Crew Traveling with the National Geographic team is a talented expedition staff, experienced travel experts who attend to the trip’s every logistical detail. These highly skilled and forwardthinking professionals travel with you to ensure that your experience is truly extraordinary.

Also, a dedicated flight crew is specially selected for these expeditions, chosen for its attention to detail, dedication to safety and security, and top-notch hospitality.

Expedition Physician For your comfort and well-being, an expedition physician will accompany us throughout the journey. On call 24 hours a day, the physician will be ready to provide and coordinate health care services whenever and wherever needed.

Expedition Chef

Travel with a dedicated flight crew.

We also travel with our own expedition chef and catering assistant, who create delicious meals inspired by the various places we visit. Taking advantage of the freshest local ingredients, they prepare dishes and serve them on board with a selection of fine wines.

“

The lectures, the ease of travel by private jet, and the amazing activities made this trip incredible. I’ll be doing this again!

—Scott S., traveler

” Enjoy fine cuisine on land and on board the jet.

11

The Finest Accommodations

Longitude 131˚, Australia (Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet)

From the stunning desert camp of Longitude 131˚, offering views of Uluru from every luxury tent; to the elegant La Plage Casadelmar on Corsica’s dramatic coast; to Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a tribute to Bhutan’s exquisite architecture, we stay in some of the world’s finest accommodations.

Each has been chosen for its exceptional amenities and prime location. In remote areas where choices are limited, we have selected the best available accommodations to ensure your comfort. In many of the destinations we visit, we have arranged special dining experiences in unique settings accompanied by traditional entertainment.

La Plage Casadelmar, Corsica (Great Empires by Private Jet)

12

“

All I can say is that I was stunned at every stop …

Two magic words: National Geographic.

—J. Alyce, traveler

”

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World is a collection of handpicked lodges that invite guests to experience the world’s most treasured places while helping to protect them for generations to come. We stay at four Unique Lodges: Longitude 131˚ in Australia (pictured above); Zhiwa Ling Hotel in Bhutan (pictured left); Southern Ocean Lodge (see page 29); and Lizard Island (see page 29).

Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Bhutan (Asia by Private Jet)

13

National Geographic Expeditions

Africa by Private Jet Discover the wonders of Africa with top National Geographic experts, taking in a wide spectrum of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. Encounter the legendary creatures of Tanzania and Madagascar.

In South Africa, pay a poignant visit to Robben Island and venture to the Cradle of Humankind to explore a historic fossil excavation site featured in a recent National Geographic magazine cover story.

Search for Namibia’s desert-adapted species, glide through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and trek into Rwanda’s forests to search for endangered mountain gorillas.

Elephants, Serengeti, Tanzania

14

Africa by Private Jet Lisbon, Portugal

EXPERTS

Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Okavango Delta, Botswana Maun, Botswana

Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti Plain, Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania Anjajavy, Madagascar Antananarivo and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Namib Desert, Namibia Cape Town, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa

Private Jet Local Air

Itinerary–20 Days

December 27, 2017–January 15, 2018

Home City/Lisbon, Portugal Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28. Depart your home city independently on an overnight flight to Lisbon. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at our hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

The Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 29, 30, and 31. Fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro International Airport and stay overnight in Arusha. Then transfer to a smaller aircraft for the flight to Serengeti National Park. Choose from two options: venture deep into the Serengeti to witness Africa’s greatest concentration of plains game; or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of about 25,000 animals in one of the world’s largest unbroken calderas. National Geographic Explorer-inResidence Meave or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds.

Arusha Coffee Lodge; Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The Unique Wildlife of Madagascar

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, January 1, 2, and 3. Thanks to its natural isolation from the African mainland, Madagascar has developed an astonishing wealth of biodiversity. More than 80 percent of the species here are endemic, including the island’s celebrated lemurs. After an evening in the vibrant, multiethnic capital of Antananarivo, choose from the following excursions to Madagascar’s pristine nature reserves: Spend two days in Andasibe−Mantadia National Park, a dense rain forest that is home to the largest species of lemur, the endangered indri, whose calls resonate in the canopy overhead. During morning and nighttime walks, discover even more life among the thick undergrowth, as the forest holds more than 50 species of reptiles, more than 100 types of birds, and a wide variety of wild orchids.

Or take a local flight to the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula. More than 1,800 floral species are found in the nature reserve that surrounds our hotel. Observe the comical antics of the Coquerel’s sifaka lemur, which moves with a jaunty two-legged gait.

Choose from a variety of water activities, from sailing to snorkeling the gorgeous reefs. In the evening, catch a crimson-soaked sunset from your beach villa.

Relais des Plateaux, Antananarivo; Andasibe Hotel, Andasibe or Anjajavy L’Hotel, Anjajavy

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Conservationist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Steve Boyes has dedicated his life to preserving Africa’s wilderness areas and the species that depend upon them. A native of South Africa, Steve spent more than five years in the Okavango Delta doing fieldwork for his doctorate in zoology. His Okavango Wilderness Project expeditions, supported by National Geographic grants, helped build the case for the delta’s inscription as the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage site. Steve is a TED Fellow and the scientific director of the Wild Bird Trust, and he runs the Cape Parrot Project. His work takes him all over Africa, studying wildlife rehabilitation and biodiversity, fighting the wild-caught bird trade, and planting thousands of trees in forest restoration projects.

National Geographic Explorer Jill Pruetz is a biological anthropologist who specializes in primatology. A professor at Iowa State University, she spent two years in East Africa researching patas and vervet monkeys as well as Grevy’s zebras.

She is one of the world’s foremost chimpanzee experts. National Geographic has supported Jill’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior in Senegal with a half a dozen grants.

Photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur uses images, both still and video, to expose the need for conservation and encourage protection of the world’s biodiversity. With subjects ranging from king cobras to clouded leopards, his documentary films have appeared worldwide on the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, and elsewhere.

Sandesh’s many awards include CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year, the Nature’s Best Award, and the International Conservation Photographer Award.

The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.

15

National Geographic Expeditions

Lions, Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Penguins and dolphins, Walvis Bay, Namibia

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including the Okavango Wilderness Project—a multinational collaboration led by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Steve Boyes to survey the biodiversity of the vast Okavango River Delta and protect its unique ecosystems and wildlife populations for future generations. The Society also supports the groundbreaking paleontological research of National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger in South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind.

Maasai warrior, Tanzania

16

Africa by Private Jet

Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Cape Winelands, South Africa

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 4, 5, and 6. Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, boasts a colorful mix of African, French, Dutch, and East Asian cultures. Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), and visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of African penguins. Then set out on an excursion by helicopter to the Cape of Good Hope, examining the rare flora and fauna of this vast nature reserve. The next day, opt for a tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, followed by a visit to Cape Town’s District Six Museum. Or choose to visit the famed Cape Winelands, meeting with local winemakers and sampling award-winning vintages. One&Only Cape Town

Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa

Sunday, January 7. From Johannesburg, travel by road to visit the Rising Star cave in the Cradle of Humankind, which is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2013, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger and his team discovered more than 1,550 fossil elements buried within the cave—the single largest hominin fossil find yet made on the continent of Africa. The excavation and analysis of Homo naledi, as this new species of human ancestor has been named, was supported by National Geographic and featured in the October 2015 National Geographic magazine cover story. Learn about the significance of these historic finds, as well as Lee’s 2008 discovery of Australopithecus sediba, a previously unknown species of ape-like creatures that may have been a direct ancestor of modern humans. Later this afternoon, continue by private jet to Namibia.

Namib Desert dunes, Namibia

Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and the Namib Desert, Namibia

Sunday and Monday, January 7 and 8. In Walvis Bay, take a flight-seeing tour by local aircraft over Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of one of the most unforgettable sights on Earth: the meeting of the dunes of the Namib Desert with the roaring Atlantic surf. Then choose from two desert options. Journey through the ancient canyons of the Moon Valley in the Namib Desert and see the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a rare plant that is several hundred years old. Or, travel in 4x4s through the stark landscape to search for the fascinating creatures that live here. The next morning, cruise Walvis Bay lagoon to see flamingos, penguins, and pelicans, and keep an eye out for dolphins and Cape fur seals. Strand Hotel Swakopmund

The Okavango Delta, Botswana

Tuesday and Wednesday, January 9 and 10. One of the world’s largest inland delta systems, the Okavango Delta is a breathtaking wetland oasis in the midst of a sunbaked landscape. During our stay here, choose to explore by open safari vehicle or by traditional mokoro canoe (depending on the water level), coming face-to-face with the magnificent creatures that call this area home. Set out on a morning game drive or water safari to spot elephants, wildebeests, cheetahs, and endangered wild dogs, as well as all manner of birdlife. Keep an eye out for lions belonging to the area’s three prides.

After the sun goes down, head back into the wilderness on a nighttime safari to discover the nocturnal creatures of the floodplains. Vumbura Plains North and South Camps, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, or Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp

Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 11, 12, and 13. Our next destination is Rwanda, a land of rolling green hills, majestic volcanoes, and lush lowlands. Embark on a thrilling trek in Volcanoes National Park, where the late Dian Fossey famously studied mountain gorillas with support from National Geographic. Hike through bamboo forests in search of these endangered creatures, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe gorilla families up close in their natural habitat. In Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a meaningful tribute to those who perished in the genocide of 1994. Hear survivors’ stories and learn how the country is reconciling its turbulent past with a bright future through unity and peace. Kigali Serena Hotel and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (A limited number of accommodation upgrades are available near Volcanoes National Park at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge.)

Lisbon, Portugal/Home City

Sunday and Monday, January 14 and 15. Return to Lisbon, where we celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner. The next morning, transfer to the airport to connect with your commercial flight home. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon 1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Departure Date: December 27, 2017–January 15, 2018

Expedition Cost: $81,550 Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Lisbon, Portugal is not included.

Africa by Private Jet will be operated on a Boeing 757 customized for only 49 travelers in two-by-two, Italian-leather flatbed seats.

Visit our website or call for details.

17

Around the World by Private Jet Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from Machu Picchu to Tibet, Easter Island, and the Taj Mahal. Experience natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.

The Taj Mahal, Agra, India

18

Around the World by Private Jet

EXPERTS October 26–November 18, 2017: Marrakech, Morocco

•

Washington, D.C.*

Lima, Peru

Petra and • Wadi Rum, Jordan

• Cusco and

Machu Picchu, Peru

•

Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

• Easter Island,

Stephen F. Cunha Geographer, educator, and author

Kathmandu, Nepal** • • Lhasa, Tibet** Taj Mahal, • Angkor, Cambodia Agra, India

•

Great Barrier Reef or • Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Jack Daulton Art historian

Apia, Samoa Annie Griffiths National Geographic photographer

Chile

Private Jet Local Air

December 28, 2017–January 20, 2018:

Itinerary–24 Days

William Saturno Archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer

Washington, D.C.*

Nevada Wier National Geographic photographer

October 26–November 18, 2017 • December 28, 2017–January 20, 2018* January 23–February 15, 2018*/** • October 1–24, 2018

Day 1. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the headquarters of the National Geographic Society, followed by dinner at our hotel.

The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.

Cusco and Machu Picchu or Trujillo and Chiclayo, Peru Days 2, 3, and 4. This morning, our private jet brings us to Lima, where we take a local flight to charming Cusco. Explore the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city. Continue to Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel abandoned by the Inca and rediscovered in 1911. Excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from the National Geographic Society, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, you may visit Peru’s northern coast to see the temples of Chiclayo and Trujillo. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco or Libertador Trujillo and Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima

Jack Daulton (see October 2017 departure) will also join the December departure.

January 23–February 15, 2018: Tierney Thys Marine Biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer

Michael Melford National Geographic photographer

Easter Island, Chile Days 5 and 6. Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Explore the island’s treasures with resident archaeologists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas, and Claudio Cristino. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

Cross the International Date Line Day 7. 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.

Apia, Samoa Day 8. Samoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains essentially intact: tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient times. Trace the coast of Samoa on a scenic drive, passing through charming seaside villages. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast and a fia fia, a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, Mulifanua

Jack Daulton (see October 2017 departure) will also join the January departure.

October 1–24, 2018: Jan Nijman Geographer and former member of the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration Jack Daulton (see October 2017 departure) will also join the October 2018 departure.

Nevada Wier (see December departure) will also join the October 2018 departure.

See our website for full bios of all experts.

*The December and January departures follow the itinerary shown above but begin and end in Orlando, Florida, with hotel accommodations on Day 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. **On the January 2018 departure, Myanmar (Burma) will replace Nepal and Tibet on Days 13–15 because Tibet tourist permits are not issued for that time of year and many sites are closed. In Myanmar, visit ancient Bagan, home to more than 2,000 temples; the floating gardens and stilt villages of Inle Lake; and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. See natgeoexpeditions.com for details.

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

19

National Geographic Expeditions

Machu Picchu, Peru

Lion, Serengeti, Tanzania

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including archaeological excavations at an Inca ritual site near Cusco; a study on the response of the Great Barrier Reef to environmental stress; and the numerous programs of the Big Cats Initiative, including protection of endangered lions and cheetahs in Tanzania.

Moai, Easter Island, Chile

20

Around the World by Private Jet

The Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest, Australia Days 9 and 10. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in this magnificent ecosystem, or discover the natural wonders of the Daintree Rainforest.

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Angkor Wat or the Hidden Temples of Cambodia Days 11 and 12. Fly to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, and visit the royal city of Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple. Or explore the lost jungle temple of Beng Mea Lea and the ninth-century Roluos temple complex of Hariharalaya.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap

Kathmandu, Nepal** Day 13. Fly by private jet to Kathmandu and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, once a royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. Then enjoy dinner and a night’s rest before departing for Tibet. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Lhasa, Tibet or Chitwan National Park, Nepal** Days 14 and 15. Depart by local flight to Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered temple. The next day, venture into the fabled Potala Palace and the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves. St. Regis Lhasa Resort or Taj Meghauli Serai Lodge

The Treasury, Petra, Jordan

Taj Mahal or Fatehpur Sikri, India Days 16 and 17. Return to Kathmandu by local flight and fly by private jet to Agra. See the majestic Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Explore the Red Fort of Agra or meet with families in Kachhpura, a village of the Harijan people—historically called “untouchables” in India. Instead of the Taj Mahal, you may choose to visit Fatehpur Sikri, Mogul Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural achievement. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Days 18 and 19. Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and choose from two options: go deep into Serengeti National Park to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa; or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Novice monk, Lhasa, Tibet

The Lost City of Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan Days 20 and 21. 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. On the last evening, gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. The following morning, travel to the beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum, exploring the spectacular rock formations known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Mövenpick Resort Petra

Marrakech or the Atlas Mountains, Morocco Days 22 and 23. Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, see the Koutoubia Mosque and visit the Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina and the open-air market of Djemma el Fna, or take a stroll in the stunning Majorelle Garden. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell banquet with traditional entertainment. La Mamounia, Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.* Day 24. 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 Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel or the Hyatt Regency Dulles for the night.* *On the December and January departures, which end in Orlando, Florida, complimentary accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel for one night. **On the January 2018 departure, Myanmar (Burma) will replace Nepal and Tibet on Days 13–15 because Tibet tourist permits are not issued for that time of year and many sites are closed. In Myanmar, visit ancient Bagan, home to more than 2,000 temples; the floating gardens and stilt villages of Inle Lake; and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. See natgeoexpeditions.com for details.

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Departure Dates: October 26–November 18, 2017 December 28, 2017–January 20, 2018* January 23–February 15, 2018*/** October 1–24, 2018

Expedition Cost: October and December 2017 January and October 2018

$79,950 $82,950

Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Washington, D.C. or Orlando, Florida is not included.

21

National Geographic Expeditions

Asia by Private Jet Journey across Asia by private jet and experience treasures both ancient and exotic with top National Geographic experts.

Step back in time amid the gilded temples of Myanmar; take in French colonial architecture set against rolling emerald mountains in the Laotian city of Luang Prabang; and stroll medieval plazas in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents, sights, and sounds of Vietnam on a cycle ride through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City; climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan; and discover the grand palaces that line the shores of India’s Lake Pichola.

Temples, Bagan, Myanmar

22

Asia by Private Jet

EXPERTS Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Nepal

Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Udaipur, India Bagan and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma) Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

Luang Prabang, Laos

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Private Jet Local Air

Itinerary–14 Days

February 19–March 4, 2018

Christchurch and Queenstown, New Zealand

Easter Island, Chile

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Monday, February 19. We begin our journey in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city with a futuristic skyline that stands in contrast to the vast Arabian Desert that encircles it.

Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Kathmandu, Nepal and Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 20, 21, and 22. Fly by private jet to Kathmandu, Nepal, and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, a former royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. The next morning, take a local flight to Bhutan, the last remaining Buddhist kingdom of the Himalaya.

Arrive in Paro, situated deep in a valley dotted with hilltop Buddhist monasteries and brightly decorated fortresses, or dzongs. Venture into the great Paro Dzong, one of the oldest in the country and still home to a large monastic community. At the Choeding Temple, witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony. Then enjoy lunch accompanied by traditional dancing. In Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Royal Textile Academy and Museum, and Dechen Phodrang Monastery, part of the larger Tashichho Dzong. Or, weather permitting, you may choose to set out on a vigorous hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Lhakhang, perched more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu; Zhiwa Ling Hotel or COMO Uma Paro

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s pulsating urban hub. This afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace, left untouched since 1975 when the city fell to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Explore the building’s ornate reception rooms, presidential living quarters, and the underground compound of fortified communication rooms linked by a series of tunnels. Step into the grand 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, where faithful Vietnamese Catholics still flock to see its statue of the Virgin Mary. Directly across the street sits the ornate Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. In the heart of the city, discover the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre, a monument to culture and a shining example of French colonial architecture. Cap off your explorations with an exciting ride through bustling streets in a traditional cyclo. Park Hyatt Saigon

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Carroll Dunham is a Princeton University anthropologist, writer, and documentary filmmaker who has resided in the Himalaya for the past 25 years. She is also the director of Wild Earth Nepal, an organization that works with rural Nepalese women who create handcrafted products to generate income. Carroll is a popular National Geographic expert and has led numerous research expeditions and educational trips in Mongolia, Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and India. She has written four books and produced films for National Geographic, PBS, and the BBC. Jack Daulton is a popular lecturer on the cultural history of nonWestern civilizations and has been an expert on trips to more than 70 countries. He specializes in the art and architecture of Asia and Africa as well as the study of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Jack is also an attorney with a focus on international law relating to the preservation and conservation of the world’s cultural heritage. In a widely reported 1995 federal case, he recovered a thousand-year-old sculpture that had been stolen from a temple in Southeast Asia.

Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jay Dickman has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, six Super Bowls, and the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Among his more than 25 assignments for National Geographic, Jay lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and spent a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub. A popular photography instructor and expedition leader, he has also published five books and numerous articles for National Geographic Traveler, LIFE, Condé Nast Traveler, Time, Sports Illustrated, and Forbes.

The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.

23

National Geographic Expeditions

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan

Pak Ou cave, Luang Prabang, Laos

A local street vendor, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

24

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including an analysis of Bhutan’s tiger populations that will help in the development of a national conservation plan; the creation of an interactive 360˚ photography experience to help preserve Vietnam’s recently discovered Son Doong cave—the world’s largest; and photo-documentation of northeastern India’s clouded leopards, one of the world’s lesser known big cats.

Asia by Private Jet

Luang Prabang, Laos

Sunday and Monday, February 25 and 26. Travel to Luang Prabang, a stunning city nestled in a dramatic mountain setting at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Due to its historical significance, as well as its intricate Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture, UNESCO has designated the entire town a World Heritage site. Explore the Royal Palace and its fascinating museum housing the golden Phra Bang Buddha statue, for which the town is named. Visit the area’s most revered temples, including Wat Xieng Thong, layered with gold leaf and featuring an elaborate mosaic depicting the fabled Tree of Life. Then browse the central market, where members of the local hill tribes offer their fine wares. In the afternoon, cruise the Mekong River to the cave temples of Pak Ou, home to thousands of lacquered and gilded Buddha figures. Before departing Laos, you may witness the ancient tradition of almsgiving. Leaving their temples to the sound of drums, saffron-robed monks walk single file through the city to receive food that they will eat that day.

Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao or Amantaka Resort Luang Prabang

Bagan and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)

Children of Kathmandu, Nepal

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 27, 28, and March 1. Once a key part of the historic overland trade route between India and China, Myanmar is home to mist-shrouded lakes, Buddhist temples, and rural villages that remain largely unspoiled by the modern world. Upon arrival in Yangon, take a private local flight to the ancient capital of Bagan. On this vast plain east of the Ayeyarwady River, devotees built more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, stupas, and monasteries in the centuries before Kublai Khan overran the region. Visit the Ananda Temple, the complex’s holiest site, and the iconic Htilominlo Temple. Then fly to remote Inle Lake to discover the traditions of the Intha people. Explore Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, set on stilts and teak planks in the lake, and learn about silk weaving from the craftswomen at Inn Paw Khone village. The next day, visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda; and, in the evening, enjoy a private poolside dinner with traditional entertainment and dishes drawing on influences from local cuisine. Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Bagan and Aureum Palace Resort & Spa, Inle

Udaipur and Lake Pichola, India

Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3. Board our private jet and fly to the Indian state of Rajasthan, the “land of kings,” where aristocratic Rajputs channeled their wealth from overland trade into sumptuous palaces and majestic gardens. Land in Udaipur, known as the “city of lakes,” and admire the grand palaces that appear to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This palace complex blends Rajasthani, Mughal, European, and Chinese architecture, and is richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, mosaics, and frescoes. Later, wind your way through Udaipur’s old town and its bustling bazaars, and visit the local folk art museum, which boasts an impressive collection of traditional toys, musical instruments, puppets, and other regional curiosities. Enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise aboard a royal barge on Lake Pichola. On our final evening in Udaipur, celebrate our journey with a festive farewell dinner overlooking the city’s shimmering palaces. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sunday, March 4. Return to Dubai and connect with your commercial flight home.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inle lake, Myanmar

Departure Date: February 19–March 4, 2018

Expedition Cost: $56,950 Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $6,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Dubai, United Arab Emirates is not included.

City Palace and Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

25

National Geographic Expeditions

Australia and New Zealand

by Private Jet Set out by private jet to explore Australia and New Zealand’s stunningly diverse landscapes—from wild Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef to magnificent Lake Taupo and Milford Sound. Experience the wonders of both countries in one seamless journey, encountering coral reefs and rain forests, glacier-carved fjords and ethereal desert plains. Explore the vibrant cities of Sydney, Hobart, and Queenstown, and get acquainted with the indigenous cultures that call these epic landscapes home.

Sydney, Australia

26

Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

EXPERTS

Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef Cairns Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

AUSTRALIA

Adelaide

PACIFIC OCEAN

Sydney Auckland

Kangaroo Island

Rotorua and Lake Taupo TASMAN SEA

Hobart, Tasmania

NEW ZEALAND Queenstown and Private Jet Commercial Jet Milford Sound

Itinerary–17 Days April 11–27, 2018

Sydney, Australia Wednesday and Thursday, April 11 and 12. Arrive independently on a commercial flight to Sydney. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner. The next day, set off on a guided walk through Sydney’s Rocks district for a thrilling climb on the Harbour Bridge to get a bird’s-eye view of Sydney Harbour. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House, the architectural masterpiece designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Or come face-to-face with Australia’s native wildlife on a private tour of the Taronga Zoo, and learn about efforts to protect species like the koala and the endangered Tasmanian devil. Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Friday, April 13. Fly south to the beautiful island of Tasmania, home to mountains, rain forests, and white-sand beaches—as well as the lively cultural capital of Hobart.

Explore the cafés, artist studios, and craft shops of the historic Salamanca Place neighborhood, take in panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River from Mount Nelson, and step back in time amid the charming cottages and gardens of Battery Point. Tour Tasmania’s whiskey distilleries, or watch a live historical drama set in the 1830s about a female convict in Tasmania’s notorious penal colony. This evening, take a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), located on the grounds of a historic vineyard. Enjoy a private tour of the museum followed by dinner in the Nolan Gallery. Henry Jones Art Hotel

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Arrive in Adelaide, our gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kangaroo Island. Here, we will split into two groups and visit these sites in reverse order, spending two nights in each location.

Fly by private jet to Australia’s Red Centre and settle into your luxury tent at Longitude 131°, a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection poised at the edge of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Embark on a variety of excursions in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk around the base of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) and learn about its spiritual significance to the Anangu people.

Explore the mystical red domes of Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas) on a guided hike through Walpa Gorge. View Aboriginal art at the Cultural Centre, go mountain biking in the outback, or visit a local gallery. Return to our lodge to sip champagne as we watch the descending sun set Uluru’s red rock ablaze. Then savor an Australian barbecue and an evening of stargazing. Longitude 131°

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Writer and photographer Kennedy Warne co-founded New Zealand Geographic magazine in 1988 and served as its editor until 2004. Kennedy has written 14 stories for National Geographic magazine, including four on New Zealand. He writes mainly about the natural world and specializes in underwater assignments. His work for National Geographic has taken him from the sea ice of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the mangrove swamps of Bangladesh to the rain forests of Fiordland National Park. Kennedy lives in Auckland, New Zealand, and enjoys spending time in lesser known parts of his country, especially its forests, mountains, and multitude of islands.

Writer and adventurer Roff Smith migrated to Australia more than 25 years ago. Since then, he has written extensively about his adopted land, authoring National Geographic Traveler: Australia and Australia: Journey Through a Timeless Land. In 1996, Roff set out on a 10,000-mile solo bicycle trek around Australia that he chronicled in a threepart series in National Geographic magazine and a book called Cold Beer and Crocodiles. Roff has written about crossing Australia on the Indian Pacific Railway for a National Geographic book on great rail journeys, and he published a story on Australia’s Fraser Island in the September 2010 issue of National Geographic magazine.

National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of natural history photography for two decades.

Since embarking on that career at the Royal Melbourne Zoo, Jason has been recognized globally for his contributions to science, the environment, and the arts. Through his commissioned work and as the face of the National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography, Jason has taken his storytelling to dozens of countries and to every continent. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications, including National Geographic magazine, BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Condé Nast Traveler, and The New Yorker.

The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.

27

National Geographic Expeditions

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Aboriginal children in traditional face paint, Australia

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration in Australia and New Zealand, including prehistoric fossil excavations in northwestern Queensland; a study of the communication of dolphins during coordinated feeding; the documentation of blue whale foraging in industrially impacted waters; a study of the maternal effects of high-density kangaroo populations; and a Tasmania-based project investigating the connection between glacial advances and long-term global climate change.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

28

Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

Kangaroo Island, Australia Monday and Tuesday, April 16 and 17. From Adelaide, fly by local aircraft to Kangaroo Island, considered Australia’s Galápagos for its wealth of endemic species and wild, pristine landscapes. Stay at one of the world’s top island properties, Southern Ocean Lodge, also a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Discover the island’s many native inhabitants, including Tammar wallabies and an endemic kangaroo species. Witness nature’s raw power at the massive boulders known as Remarkable Rocks, and observe sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park. At dusk, sample fine Australian wines in an open paddock where kangaroos graze. Southern Ocean Lodge

Cairns, Australia Wednesday, April 18. Fly to the coastal city of Cairns, known for its proximity to two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over several miles of rain forest, taking in panoramic views of the Coral Sea, Barron Falls, and the deep chasm of Barron Gorge. Marvel at the lush foliage; glimpse electric-blue Ulysses butterflies; and listen to the calls of cockatoos as a local guide introduces us to this remarkable ecosystem. Shangri La Hotel, The Marina

Koala, Australia

Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 19, 20, and 21. Fly by charter to Lizard Island National Park, a ring of islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. Our destination is the beachfront Lizard Island, the island’s only accommodation and a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. From here, enjoy unparalleled access to the world’s largest reef system. From a glass-bottom boat, spot everything from sea turtles and feather stars to reef sharks. Snorkel or dive amid brilliant corals, or take a boat to a remote bay to go swimming and beachcombing. Hike the island’s nature trails, and stop by the Lizard Island Research Station to learn about efforts to protect the reef’s fragile ecosystem. After each day’s adventures, unwind at the spa or take a sunset stroll on the beach. Lizard Island

Auckland, New Zealand Sunday, April 22. Cross the Tasman Sea on a flight to Auckland, a culturally diverse capital surrounded by beautiful ocean vistas. Spend a night in the city before flying to Rotorua and continuing overland to Lake Taupo. Hilton Auckland

Lake Taupo, New Zealand Monday and Tuesday, April 23 and 24. Formed by a volcanic eruption, Lake Taupo is still a hotbed of geothermal activity, with steam vents, bubbling mud pools, and spurting geysers recalling the area’s fiery origins. On a private cruise, gaze out at snowcapped volcanoes, examine Maori rock carvings, and hear the legends of this ancient culture. Later, go for a hike or a bike ride, or try your hand at fly-fishing for trout on the Waikato River. Get acquainted with Maori culture on a visit to a nearby village, and learn how the Maori harness the area’s geothermal resources for cooking and bathing, carrying on their ancestors’ ancient traditions. Huka Lodge

Queenstown and Milford Sound, New Zealand Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, April 25, 26, and 27. Fly to the South Island and arrive in Queenstown; surrounded by the craggy peaks of the Remarkables and sapphire Lake Wakatipu. On a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, soar over the rugged cliffs, lakes, and forests of this dramatic terrain, which the Maori believe was shaped by a powerful god. After viewing the fjord from above, take a walk along the icy ridges of a glacier. Then wander through Arrowtown, a 19th-century gold-mining village that retains many of its original cottages and churches. Cap off the adventure with a thrilling jet-boat ride through the canyons of the Shotover River. Celebrate our journey with a festive farewell dinner. The following day, connect with your commercial flight home. Millbrook Resort

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Champagne Pool, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Departure Date: April 11–27, 2018

Expedition Cost: $63,950 Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $6,950. Transportation by private Alliance Fokker 70 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to Sydney, Australia and from Queenstown, New Zealand is not included.

Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet will be operated on an Alliance Fokker 70 jet instead of a Boeing 757, which is used on our other expeditions. It is custom-configured for only 45 travelers in two-by-two leather seats.

Visit our website or call for details.

29

National Geographic Expeditions

Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean Trace the rise and fall of some of history’s most fascinating civilizations on an epic journey to less traveled wonders, from Iran to Serbia and beyond. Follow in the footsteps of emperors and shahs, merchants and architects, invaders and exiles as we explore ancient cities and modern-day capitals. Traveling aboard our private jet, encounter the dazzling mosaics of Persian mosques, the Silk Road riches of Central Asia, and the medieval towns of the Balkans; and discover the vibrant traditions that have arisen at these crossroads of culture.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque at Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran

30

Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean

EXPERTS

Minsk, Belarus

Ljubljana, Slovenia Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia

Madrid, Spain

Bonifacio, Corsica

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Merv, Turkmenistan

Isfahan, Iran*

Private Private JetJet Commercial Jet

Itinerary–19 Days

May 29–June 16, 2018

Madrid, Spain Tuesday, May 29. Arrive in Madrid on an independent flight. Meet experts, fellow travelers, and staff for a festive welcome dinner. Villa Magna Hotel

Isfahan, Iran or Nizwa, Oman* Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 30, 31, and June 1. Our private jet takes us east to Iran to explore Isfahan, once the capital of the Persian Empire. Here, stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Naqsh-e Jahan, a grand public square built in the 17th century. See the blue-domed Royal Mosque, covered in beautifully decorated ceramic tiles, and the Sheikh Mosque, known for its intricate mosaics. Look out over the city from Ali Qapu Palace, and cross the river to the Armenian quarter to visit the Vank cathedral. Then travel overland to Kashan, an oasis city at the edge of Iran’s salt desert.

Walk under ancient cypress trees and elegant archways in the 16th-century Bagh-e Fin Garden, and admire the exquisite stained glass of Tabatabaei House. Visit a 500-year-old hammam, or wander beneath the many domes of the covered bazaar. Abbasi Hotel Alternative: Instead of visiting Iran, travel by commercial air to Oman to explore the gardens, orchards, and sweeping mountain landscapes of Nizwa. Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort

Ashgabat and Merv, Turkmenistan Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3. Fly north to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital.

Conquered in turn by Alexander the Great, the Persians, the Arabs, the Turks, and the Russians, this part of Central Asia was defined for centuries by the bustling Silk Road that passed through it. Visit the national museum and see vestiges of Turkmenistan’s more recent history on a nighttime city tour. Our jet then brings us to ancient Merv, one of the most influential and best preserved of the oasis cities along the Silk Road.

Spend the day discovering the many monuments of this World Heritage site, including the walled city of Erk Kala, the mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammad IbnZayd, and the seventh-century Kyz Kala fortress complex. Oguzkent Hotel Ashgabat

Minsk, Belarus Monday and Tuesday, June 4 and 5. Our jet flies northwest to Minsk, Belarus, a cosmopolitan capital buzzing with cafés and galleries set amid Stalinist architecture.

Explore the wide avenues and grand squares that epitomize post-war Soviet urban planning, and walk through the waterfront Troitsky suburb, where rebuilt stone buildings evoke 19th-century Minsk. Cross the bridge to the Island of Tears, a moving

Kristin Romey is an archaeologist and award-winning journalist who specializes in the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world. She served as curatorial consultant for the blockbuster 2011 exhibit Pompeii: Life and Death in the Shadows of Vesuvius, and has researched the legacy of the Italian maritime republics for the Institute of Nautical Archaeology. Kristin is the former executive editor of Archaeology Magazine and a current contributor to National Geographic News and National Geographic magazine. She also consults on the Society’s archaeological projects, including the ongoing Issyk Kul expedition in Central Asia, where she directs field operations.

Anthropologist and linguist David Harrison is a National Geographic Fellow and a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which documents endangered languages and cultures around the world. He has done extensive fieldwork with indigenous communities from Siberia and Mongolia to Peru, India, and Australia. His global research is the subject of the acclaimed documentary film The Linguists, and his work has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, and Science.

National Geographic Explorer and acclaimed documentary photographer Chris Rainier specializes in documenting indigenous cultures around the world. Chris was co-founder of the Society’s All Roads Photography Program; serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine; and is a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which documents vanishing languages and cultures. He is the director of the Global Program for Traditional Knowledge and Sustainability at Arizona State University’s Global Institute for Sustainability, and he also directs the Last Mile Technology Program, which empowers endangered cultures to save their ancient traditions through modern technology.

The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.

*We expect to operate this trip as planned, but we will continue to closely monitor events and will alter the Iran portion of the itinerary if necessary. In the event that we are unable to travel to Iran, we will visit Oman by private jet instead.

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

31

National Geographic Expeditions

Mirsky Castle Complex, Minsk, Belarus

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including excavations of a Bronze Age civilization in Turkmenistan; an examination of post-war reconstruction challenges in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovia; and a documentary film on conserving the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, found in Iran.

Bonifacio, Corsica

32

Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean

Minsk, Belarus continued memorial to Belarusian soldiers who died in Afghanistan. In the medieval town of Mir, explore the 16th-century Mir Castle Complex, a World Heritage site, and learn the sobering history of the Holocaust in Belarus at the Jewish war memorial. Alternatively, head to Nesvizh to visit its ornate castle and see the vivid frescoes and massive crypt at the historic Church of the Divine Body. Hotel Europe

Belgrade, Serbia Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 6, 7, and 8. Fly southwest to the capital of Serbia, where modern skyscrapers abut Habsburg palaces. Visit the Church of St. Sava—one of the largest churches in the world, with impressive views over the city.

Consider the legacy of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the former president of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, at his winter garden. The following day, board Marshal Tito’s private train, and pass through the verdant landscapes of rural Serbia on your way to Novi Sad. Set on the banks of the Danube River, the city was once called the “Athens of Serbia” for its wealth of culture and art. Stroll neighborhoods full of cafés and boutiques as well as its beautiful neoclassical, Gothic, and baroque buildings. Return to Belgrade for cocktails and dinner at the city’s lavish royal palace. Square Nine Hotel or Metropol Palace Hotel

Ljubljana, Slovenia Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10. A short flight takes us to Ljubljana, where we’ll discover the diverse landscapes of Slovenia, a crossroads of culture nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Take a walking tour of the Old City, and ride the funicular railway to the 15th-century Ljubljana Castle, which offers stunning views of the city. The next day, head northwest to the Julian Alps and the tranquil beauty of Lake Bled. Upon arrival, board a hand-propelled boat for your journey to the tiny island in the middle of the lake, home to the historic St. Mary’s Church and its soaring bell tower and wishing bell, reputed to grant a wish to all who ring it. Then visit the 11th-century Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake.

Cubo Hotel, Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa, or Vander Urbani Resort

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Monday and Tuesday, June 11 and 12. Fly to Sarajevo, the capital of the young nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Venture into the historic quarter on foot, and explore the country’s diverse faiths on visits to the Old Orthodox Church, Gazi Husrev-Bey’s mosque, and the Jewish synagogue and museum. Marvel at Sarajevo’s many stone bridges, including the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in 1914. Continue to nearby Mostar, named for its elegant 15th-century bridge, which was destroyed during 1990s fighting and reconstructed by UNESCO in 2004. In the Ottoman Quarter, home to artists and craftsmen, meander past mosques, historic Turkish houses, a magnificent 19th-century gymnasium, and city baths that date to the 16th century. Instead of traveling to Mostar, you may choose to stay in Sarajevo to visit the 15th-century Bascarsija bazaar. Hotel Europe

Figari, Corsica Wednesday and Thursday, June 13 and 14. Board our private jet and fly to the Mediterranean island of Corsica, where secluded bays and sun-kissed beaches meet lush forests and sharp peaks. Sample local delicacies before exploring the hilltop medieval town of Sartène, which provides a glimpse into typical Corsican culture.

Admire the ruins of the 13th-century castle, amble along the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, and sip an espresso at an outdoor café. Spend the following day in the ninth-century city of Bonifacio, perched on a cliff at the island’s southern tip. If you wish, embark on a cruise along the coast to view dramatic rock formations and caves as well as the white limestone buildings of this ancient city.

Hotel Casadelmar or La Plage Casadelmar Hotel

Madrid, Spain Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16. Return by private jet to Madrid, and celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your commercial flight home. Villa Magna Hotel

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

Shopping at a bazaar market, Isfahan, Iran

Departure Date: May 29–June 16, 2018

Expedition Cost: $68,950 Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $7,500. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Madrid, Spain is not included.

33

National Geographic Expeditions

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet Follow in the footsteps of monks, pilgrims, prophets, and kings as we explore the spiritual heritage and architectural masterpieces of hallowed sites around the world. Encounter diverse cultural treasures, from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to Japan’s Shinto shrines and the Buddhist monasteries of Myanmar. In India, visit the holiest of Sikh temples and witness Hindu rituals along the banks of the Ganges. Discover Jerusalem’s sacred sites, venture into Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches, and experience a dramatic mix of modernity and tradition in futuristic Dubai.

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

34

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

EXPERTS

Rome, Italy, and Vatican City Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Masada, Israel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Lalibela and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

•

Kyoto and Nara, Japan Amritsar, India

Varanasi, India

Bagan and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma) •

•

Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

Private Jet Local Air

Itinerary–20 Days April 29–May 18, 2017

Rome, Italy, and Vatican City Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers during a welcome reception and dinner. Marvel at the Eternal City’s ancient landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon—an ancient pagan temple in Rome later consecrated as a Christian church. Visit Vatican City—the heart of the Roman Catholic Church—and explore the intersection of art, culture, and religion at St. Peter’s Basilica. The St. Regis Rome

Jerusalem and the Desert Fortress of Masada, Israel Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 1, 2, and 3. Fly by private jet to Tel Aviv and continue overland to Jerusalem, a city that holds a rich spiritual meaning to many faiths.

Meet National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah, a cultural educator who works with Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land to foster cooperation and understanding through a variety of programs. We will visit a number of holy sites in the Old City and learn about their significance to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Visit the Temple Mount, capped by the gleaming cupola of the Dome of the Rock, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven. Wander through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which, according to some Christian traditions, houses the tomb of Jesus. Then face the Western Wall, one of the most sacred Jewish sites, and touch its ancient stones. The next day, head into the desert to tour Masada, King Herod’s fortress complex, dramatically perched atop a plateau. The site, once replete with ornate palaces and an innovative water system, was sieged by the Romans in 73 A.D. King David Hotel

Amritsar and Varanasi, India Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 4, 5, and 6. Fly to Amritsar, the spiritual center of the Sikh religion. Explore the exquisite Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine.

Then fly to the holy city of Varanasi and watch Hindu pilgrims as they gather at their most sacred site along the banks of the Ganges River. Visit the nearby ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon; and join pilgrims in an aarti, the ritual lighting of a ghee candle. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Ganges, then gather for dinner in illuminated gardens where Brahmin singers chant Vedic hymns.

Taj Amritsar and The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi

Kyoto and Nara, Japan Sunday and Monday, May 7 and 8. Japan’s imperial capital for nearly 1,000 years, Kyoto brims with UNESCO World Heritage sites and quaint streets lined with traditional shops, theaters, and teahouses. Visit the wooden temple of Sanjusangendo, the Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Gather for a traditional

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

National Geographic Explorer and University of British Columbia Professor Wade Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and a Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. Wade is the author of 260 scientific and popular articles and 19 books.

His book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest won the 2012 Samuel Johnson Prize. His many film credits include Light at the Edge of the World, an eight-hour documentary series produced for the National Geographic Channel. In 2009 he received the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his contributions to anthropology and conservation, and he is the 2011 recipient of the Explorers Medal, the highest award given by the Explorers Club.

In his four decades as an architect, author, educator, and philosopher, Travis Price has developed a new language of architecture rooted in ecology and mythology that focuses on restoring the “spirit of place” to modern design. His award-winning designs include the world’s largest solar building and Manhattan’s first wind machine, as well as innovative design-build expeditions in Peru, Nepal, and Ireland. A professor of architecture at the Catholic University of America, Travis is the author of The Archaeology of Tomorrow (2007) and The Mythic Modern (2011) and has appeared in numerous films and television programs.

National Geographic Explorer and acclaimed documentary photographer Chris Rainier specializes in documenting indigenous cultures around the world. Chris was co-founder of the Society’s All Roads Photography Program; serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine; and is a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which documents vanishing languages and cultures. He is the director of the Global Program for Traditional Knowledge and Sustainability at Arizona State University’s Global Institute for Sustainability, and he also directs the Last Mile Technology Program, which empowers endangered cultures to save their ancient traditions through modern technology.

The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.

35

National Geographic Expeditions

Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, Kyoto, Japan

Fishermen, Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including a twomonth trek to summit the highest Himalayan peak in Myanmar, the excavation of a Middle Bronze Age palace in Israel, and a system for harvesting potable water in remote Ethiopian communities.

Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel

36

Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

Kyoto and Nara, Japan continued Japanese feast. Then visit the ancient city of Nara, home to the Todai-ji temple—the world’s largest wooden building—and stroll along an enchanting path to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, lined with 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Yangon (Rangoon), √Bagan, and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 9, 10, 11, and 12. Our visit begins at Shwedagon Pagoda, a dazzling structure that has dominated Yangon’s skyline for more than a thousand years. Next, take a private local flight to the ancient capital of Bagan and explore its extraordinary plain, dotted with thousands of temples, stupas, and monasteries. Then fly to remote Inle Lake, home to floating gardens, stilt houses, and markets of the Intha people. Learn about their traditional weaving and blacksmithing methods, watch fishermen poling their skiffs with one leg, and visit the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery. Sule Shangri-La Yangon; Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Bagan and Aureum Palace Resort & Spa, Inle

Addis Ababa and Lalibela, Ethiopia Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14. Ethiopia is home to evidence of some of the earliest humans and an array of archaeological treasures. It is also a complex society composed of diverse religions and distinct tribal cultures. This evening, arrive by private jet in Addis Ababa. The next morning, travel by local air to the northern town of Lalibela, an important pilgrimage center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian sects in the world. At this fascinating World Heritage site, stroll among 11 breathtaking subterranean churches that were carved out of bedrock in the 13th century.

Sheraton Addis

Aarti ceremony at the Ganges River, Varanasi, India

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Monday and Tuesday, May 15 and 16. With a futuristic skyline that looms over the Arabian Desert, cosmopolitan Dubai is a modern commercial hotspot where Islamic tradition plays a central role in everyday life. Visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and take in the spectacular panorama of this new-age city from the 125th floor.

Opt for a helicopter tour to get a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape, including landmarks like Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Creek, and the manmade Palm Islands. Then travel in 4x4 vehicles into the desert for a special dinner, accompanied by cocktails and traditional entertainment. As an alternative, drive to Abu Dhabi and enjoy a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Rome, Italy Wednesday and Thursday, May 17 and 18. Return by private jet to Rome and celebrate our adventure with a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your commercial flight home. The St. Regis Rome Birj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Departure Date: April 29–May 18, 2017

Expedition Cost: $69,950 Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,250. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Rome is not included.

Lalibela, Ethiopia

1-800-224-1894 | natgeoexpeditions.com

37

Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions INSTRUCTIONS Please read the following information carefully. By registering for a National Geographic Expedition (the “Expedition”), the participant (“Participant” or “you”) agrees to the Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions herein (the “Agreement”). In order to secure your reservation on the Expedition, you must read the terms of the Agreement and indicate your acceptance of the terms of the Agreement by signing and submitting the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions along with a deposit.

OPERATOR-PARTICIPANT CONTRACT National Geographic Expeditions (also referred to as “we”) will provide educational enrichment as outlined in its catalog and on its website (www.natgeoexpeditions.com) and has licensed TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. (“the Tour Operator”), 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington, 98121, a qualified professional Expedition operator, to organize and administer the Africa by Private Jet, Around the World by Private Jet, Asia by Private Jet, Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet, Great Empires by Private Jet: Exploring Ancient Persia to the Mediterranean, and Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet expeditions. The Tour Operator is responsible to you for arranging and providing all the services and accommodations offered in connection with the Expedition, provided, however, that in the absence of gross negligence on our part, we are not responsible for personal injury or property damage caused by the air carrier, hotel, or other suppliers of any of the services being offered in connection with these Expeditions.

EXPEDITION PRICES Expedition Africa by Private Jet Around the World Around the World Around the World Around the World Asia by Private Jet Australia and New Zealand Great Empires Sacred Places

Trip dates 12/27/17–1/15/18 10/26/17–11/18/17 12/28/17–1/20/18 1/23/18–2/15/18 10/1/18–10/24/18 2/19/18–3/4/18 4/11/18–4/27/18 5/29/18–6/16/18 4/29/17–5/18/17

Price per person $81,550 $79,950 $79,950 $82,950 $82,950 $56,950 $63,950 $68,950 $69,950

Single Supplement $8,950 $8,950 $8,950 $8,950 $8,950 $6,950 $6,950 $7,500 $8,250

Second Payment Due April 27, 2017 Feb. 27, 2017 Apr. 28, 2017 May 23, 2017 Feb. 1, 2018 June 19, 2017 Aug. 11, 2017 Sept. 29, 2017 Aug. 29, 2016

Final Payment Due Aug. 28, 2017 June 26, 2017 Aug. 28, 2017 Sept. 22, 2017 June 1, 2018 Oct. 19, 2017 Dec. 11, 2017 Jan. 29, 2018 Dec. 28, 2016

Reservations and Payments: To reserve your place on an Expedition, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $5,000 per person. The deposit may be made by check, wire transfer, or by a major credit card. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form. The second payment of $20,000 per person and final payments are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account. For the second and final payments, please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your trip (as outlined on the Reservation Form), following the payment schedule associated with your trip as noted above. Mail or fax the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington 98121; fax 206-447-7717; or call 1-800-224-1894. If the Expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be returned within 7 days; or, with your authorization, the Tour Operator can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize the Tour Operator to put your name on a waiting list and retain your deposit, the Tour Operator will notify you within 7 days if the Expedition is still fully booked.

Security Agreement: Your payments are held in an escrow account at The Commerce Bank of Washington (“TCBW”), 601 Union Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101-1342. Participants are protected by a Letter of Credit #592 issued by TCBW (the “Security Agreement”). Any claims against this Security Agreement must be filed with the Tour Operator or TCBW within 60 days of the termination of the Expedition. After that time, the Tour Operator and TCBW will be released from liability under the Security Agreement.

What Is Included in the Price: A privately chartered Boeing 757 or Alliance Fokker 70 that departs from the first destination in the itinerary and returns to the last destination in the itinerary, as indicated in this catalog. Deluxe or best available accommodations and all applicable taxes in the destinations and options as indicated in the brochure, from arrival at the first hotel through departure from the last hotel. All meals beginning with dinner on the first night of the Expedition and ending with breakfast on the last morning of the Expedition. All taxes; airport transfers at the beginning and end of the Expedition; group transportation; excursions; special events and activities; extensive program of customized options at most destinations; enrichment program, including lectures by a team of experts; services of professional staff, including an Expedition physician on all itineraries, except the 2018 departure for Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet; amenities package; $100,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons; bottled water throughout the Expedition (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals, and in your room); all beverages, including liquor, aboard the private jet; liquor during special events and cocktail parties on land; house wine and/or beer at lunch and dinner; nonalcoholic beverages at all scheduled meals on land; baggage handling during the Expedition; Internet access in hotels, where available; and tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff.

Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total Expedition price will be at your discretion. No refund will be made for any accommodations or services included in the Expedition price that you voluntarily do not use. The exact Expedition itinerary, names and locations of hotels, length of stay at each hotel, and other ground accommodations and services are set forth in the itinerary, which is by this reference expressly incorporated into this Agreement.

What Is Not Included in the Price: Commercial airfare from your home city to the first city of an Expedition and from the last city of an Expedition to your home city; optional and additional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and fax fees; all beverages not mentioned above as included; hotel minibar charges; meals not scheduled by the Tour Operator; and inoculation and medication costs of any kind.

Insurance: National Geographic Expeditions and the Tour Operator strongly recommend trip insurance. Insurance premium payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier.

Baggage: On the 757 private jet, each Participant is limited to 90 pounds of checked baggage in 2 bags (one bag of your choice limited to 50 pounds and one wheeled suitcase that the Tour Operator will send to you ahead of time for use on the Expedition limited to 40 pounds), plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack and/or camera. On the Fokker 70 private jet, each Participant is limited to 70 pounds total of checked baggage in 2 bags (including one bag of your choice and one wheeled duffel bag that the Tour Operator will send to you ahead of time for use on the Expedition), plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack and/or camera. In certain countries you will fly on light aircraft. Due to weight restrictions on these ights you will only be allowed one bag, provided to you by the Tour Operator, plus your hand-carry luggage (including camera equipment). For international ights, the air carrier’s liability is limited to the actual value of the baggage but not more than 1,000 Special Drawing Rights, or approximately $1,250 per passenger, unless a higher value is declared at the time of check-in and an appropriate excess valuation charge is paid. Baggage, when not handled by the Tour Operator, and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Participant.

Aircraft: The private jet flights will be performed using a Boeing 757 jet with 80 or 52 VIP-class seats, or an Alliance Fokker 70 jet with 48 VIP-class seats. The air carriers for the Expeditions will be Thomson Airways, Wigmore House/ Wigmore Place, Wigmore Lane, Bedfordshire, Luton LU2 9TN UK; TAG Aviation (UK) Ltd, Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, GU14 6XA, UK; or Alliance Airlines Pty Ltd, 81 Pandanus Avenue, PO Box 1126, Brisbane Airport QLD 4009, Australia. The Tour Operator and air carrier reserve the right to substitute equivalent aircraft if necessary. Your itinerary may include flights on smaller aircraft operated by local approved airline carriers. Seating on these aircraft will be economy or economy with limited business seats, based upon the configuration of the aircraft.

International Flights: The operation of these flights is subject to the foreign governments involved granting landing rights for the flight. If the air carrier cannot obtain these rights for any particular flight leg of the Expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative arrangements may be made at the discretion of National Geographic Expeditions or the Tour Operator.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you cancel your reservation or change your plans, your right to receive a refund is limited, as described in the following schedules. All requests for refunds must be sent to us in writing via mail, fax, or email. All cancellations will become effective as of the date of the postmark or email receipt. If your cancellation notice is received within the time frame below, you will receive a refund of all deposits minus the per-person cancellation fee.

Number of Days Prior to Departure: 365 or more days 240-364 days

Per-Person Cancellation Fee: $2,500 $5,000

Number of Days Prior to Departure: 180-239 days 120-179 days 119 or fewer days Refunds will be made within 14 days of receipt of your notice of cancellation.

Per-Person Cancellation Fee: $15,000 $25,000 No refund

Leaving an Expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an Expedition. If you cancel and provide a substitute Participant for the Expedition, you will receive from the Tour Operator a full refund of money paid toward the price less an administrative charge of $25 for effecting the substitution once the substitute Participant has paid in full. If we make major changes prior to departure, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. Please note that the costs for visas, commercial air tickets, insurance, suite upgrades, and pre- or post-Expedition independent arrangements may not be refundable. The following are major changes: (1) a change in the departure or return date, unless the change results from a flight delay experienced by the air carrier (If, however, the delay is longer than 48 hours, it will be considered a major change.); (2) a change in the origin or destination city for any flight leg, unless the change affects only the order in which cities named in a tour package are visited; (3) a substitute of any hotel of lower standard; (4) a price increase of more than 10 percent occurring 10 or more days before departure. In no event can we increase your price less than 10 days before departure. If a major change must be made in the Expedition, we will notify you within 7 days after first learning of the change, but in any event at least 10 days prior to the

38

scheduled departure. If, less than 10 days before scheduled departure, we become aware that a major change must be made, we will notify you as soon as possible. Within 7 days after receiving notification of a major change, but in no event later than departure, you may cancel your reservation and you will receive a full refund within 14 days after canceling. If a major change that you are unwilling to accept occurs after the departure of the flight, we will refund, within 14 days after your scheduled return date, that portion of your payment that applies to the services not accepted. If we must cancel the Expedition, we will notify you in writing within 7 days of the cancellation, but in no event later than 10 days before the scheduled departure date. We have no right to cancel the Expedition less than 10 days before departure, except for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the trip or if a United States State Department Travel Warning not previously in effect is issued for one of the destinations on the itinerary. If that occurs, we will notify you as soon as possible, but not later than the scheduled departure date. If the Expedition is canceled, the Tour Operator will make a full refund to you within 14 days after cancellation. The rights and remedies made available under this contract are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer refunds under this contract with the express understanding that the receipt of that refund by a passenger waives the additional remedies.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Itinerary Changes: The itinerary and staff are subject to modification and change by National Geographic Expeditions or the Tour Operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and/or other conditions require our itinerary to be altered, we reserve the right to do so, in our sole discretion (including for the safety and best interest of the group). National Geographic Expeditions and the Tour Operator reserve the right to cancel any trip in the event inadequate enrollment makes the trip economically infeasible to operate. In such a case, the Tour Operator will provide you with a full refund of the monies paid to the Tour Operator for the Expedition.

Photography: We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any Expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on the Expedition, the Participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by National Geographic Partners, LLC, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and their respective employees, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”), National Geographic–authorized third parties, and the Tour Operator without compensation to the Participant. If the Participant prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify us in writing prior to departure of the trip. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the Participant (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Participant upon creation. The Participant grants to National Geographic a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any Expedition Materials provided to National Geographic and/or the Tour Operator in any media now existing or subsequently developed for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of National Geographic’s travel programs, or promotion of the mission of National Geographic.

Release of Liability: The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time Expedition Participants are not aboard their conveyance. Neither National Geographic, the Tour Operator, nor any of their respective owners, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, employees, contractors, officers, or agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) shall be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control; and (C) any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits, or consequential, exemplary, indirect, or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during your travel in connection with the Expedition. The Participant waives any claim against any of the Released Parties for any such loss, damage, injury, or death, including any right to seek consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages against any of the Released Parties for any reason whatsoever. None of the Released Parties shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket.

Acknowledgment of Risk: You understand and acknowledge that your travel in connection with and participation in the Expedition or any activities that may take place during the Expedition may involve risk and potential exposure to injury or fatal injury and that risk and dangers may arise or be caused by the negligence or participation of other Participants, contractors, and/or subcontractors for the Expedition or from other foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of nature.

Express Assumption of Risk and Responsibility: In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in which you are intending to engage, you confirm that you are physically and mentally capable of participating in the Expedition and that you willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by you or caused by you. By registering for the Expedition, you certify that you do not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for yourself or other Participants. The Tour Operator reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any Participant on the Expedition and reserves the right, subject to the Terms and Conditions contained herein, to withdraw any part or all of the Expedition and to make such changes as may be necessary.

Arbitration: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance thereunder, including without limitation any claim related to bodily injury, property damage, or death, shall be settled by binding arbitration in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then existing, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Washington State law. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify the liability release contained in this document.

Exclusive Governing Law and Jurisdiction: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflicts of laws principles. If the right to seek arbitration is for any reason waived by both parties, or if judicial review of any arbitration is sought, any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of Washington, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington or the appropriate appellate courts, and the parties hereby waive any objection to venue or jurisdiction in connection therewith. In connection with any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement, the parties hereby specifically and knowingly waive any rights that either party might have to demand a jury trial.

Single/Shared Accommodations and Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The Tour Operator will make reasonable efforts to assist persons requesting a roommate.

Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is found. If a roommate is not confirmed, the single rate will be charged.

Suite rooms are available in some destinations; more information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you in the months before departure.

Airfare: The Tour Operator is happy to assist you in reserving commercial flights from your home city to the departure city and from the final destination to your home city in the class of service you prefer. Please ask for details.

Visas and Entry Permits: To participate in the Expedition, visas and/or entry permits may be required for some countries. Acquiring visas and/or entry permits is the responsibility of the Participant. Failure to obtain visas and/or entry permits does not negate the Terms and Conditions. Any extra costs for rerouting a Participant without visas and/or entry permits will be the responsibility of the Participant. The Tour Operator will provide information on the necessary visas and/or entry permits in pre-departure documents.

Health Requirements: These are active trips which require you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal physician for a checkup so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. All Participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, and to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. Please note: To go to certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a high-altitude area (8,000 feet above sea level and higher), including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Peru and Tibet, you will need to obtain your physician’s approval. A form will be sent to you for your physician to sign. We are prepared to arrange for an alternative destination or activity if your physician recommends it. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in this itinerary; proof of yellow fever inoculation is required for some of the expeditions in this catalog. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate travelers with special needs; however, we regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our Expedition staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would like to forgo some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time.

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will make reasonable efforts to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so and will notify you at the time of final invoicing The Tour Operator is a Registered Seller of Travel in the State of Washington (#602-320- 265), a California Seller of Travel (#2071584- 30), an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (#50-755585). The Tour Operator’s Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961.

For the most complete and current Terms and Conditions, please see our website at www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.

Copyright © 2017 National Geographic Partners, LLC Recycled Paper NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS and the Yellow Border Design are registered trademarks of the National Geographic Society, used under license.

Back cover: Kangaroo Island, Australia

• RESERVATION FORM •

To reserve your place, complete this form and mail to the address listed below.

Or reserve online at natgeoexpeditions.com, or call 1-800-224-1894.

PLEASE RESERVE

PLACE(S) ON THE SELECTED EXPEDITION:

Expedition

Expedition Dates

Double Occupancy

Single Supplement

Escrow Account

❏ Africa by Private Jet

December 27, 2017–January 15, 2018

$81,550

$8,950

NGAFR2-17

❏ Around the World by Private Jet

October 26–November 18, 2017

$79,950

$8,950

NGATW3-17

❏ Around the World by Private Jet

December 28, 2017–January 20, 2018

$79,950

$8,950

NGATW4-17

❏ Around the World by Private Jet

January 23–February 15, 2018

$82,950

$8,950

NGATW1-18

❏ Around the World by Private Jet

October 1–24, 2018

$82,950

$8,950

NGATW2-18

❏ Asia by Private Jet

February 19–March 4, 2018

$56,950

$6,950

NGASIA-18

❏ Australia and New Zealand by Private Jet

April 11–27, 2018

$63,950

$6,950

NGAUSNZ-18

❏ Great Empires by Private Jet

May 29–June 16, 2018

$68,950

$7,500

NGCC-18

❏ Sacred Places: An Exploration of Faith and Culture by Private Jet

April 29–May 18, 2017

$69,950

$8,250

NGSP-17

Name

Date and year of birth

Name

Date and year of birth

Mailing address (Please do not list a P.O. box.)

City, State, Zip Code

(

)

(

Home phone

)

(

Work phone

)

Cell phone

( Email

)

Fax

National Geographic Expeditions customer code (from blue box on back cover)

National Geographic Expeditions key code (from yellow box on back cover)

ACCOMMODATIONS: Please check the box that applies. ❏ I plan to share accommodations. ❏ I plan to share accommodations with someone who

❏ I prefer single accommodations where available and agree to pay the single supplement.

❏ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❏ nonsmoker ❏ smoker.

has submitted a separate Reservation Form:

If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the single supplement.

Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will be sent to you separately.

Name:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: I/We have read the itinerary and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract, including the Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability provisions of the Terms and Conditions. (Each traveler must sign.)

Signature

Date

Signature

Date

PAYMENT: ❏ Enclosed is my deposit check for $

($5,000 per person). Please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your Expedition (see above).

OR

❏ Please charge my deposit of $

($5,000 per person) to

/

/

/

Account number

/

.

Expiration date

(Charges can be made to most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.)

My credit card and billing address (if different from above)

PJM0217 National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121 Phone: 1-800-224-1894 • Fax: 1-206-447-7717 • natgeoexpeditions.com

39

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO 2018 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121

2017–2018 Private Jet Expeditions Join National Geographic’s most accomplished experts around the globe.

For more information or to reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit natgeoexpeditions.com