Discover eight legendary destinations that have captured the imaginations of humankind, including 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s tranquil Zen gardens and Buddhist temples. Gaze in wonder at the Pyramids of Giza and marvel at Isfahan’s blue-tiled mosques. Encounter the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands on a three-night cruise. Embrace the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro, the romance of Casablanca and the incredible cultural fusion of Hoi An in central Vietnam.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
The Emerald City is known as a high-tech, eco-adventurer’s hub in the Pacific Northwest—and it’s a fantastic city to explore on foot to kick off any expedition. The Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall performing arts center, the Nordstrom flagship store and more are located in downtown Seattle.
Cross the international date line and lose a day before arriving in Kyoto—home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s spiritual landscape at Toyokuni Shrine, dedicated to a 16th-century shogun, and Kiyomizu Temple, nestled in the wooded hills east of the city.
Opt to take a day trip to the IM Pei-designed Miho Museum to view its extensive collection of antiques. Venture into Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on the outskirts of the city for a peaceful stroll.
On Vietnam’s central coast, discover the Old Town of Hoi An, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a bustling trading city between the 15th and 19th centuries. Stroll through its winding streets and walk over the iconic Japanese bridge. Relax on Danang’s picturesque My Khe Beach, nicknamed China Beach. Take a scenic bike ride through the lush countryside to the My Son Temple complex, a cluster of ancient Hindu temples, and witness an evening lantern ceremony in Hoi An.
Walk the expansive Naqsh-e Jahan Square, taking in the tea shops, stalls and manicured lawns of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the splendid Masjed e-Shah, covered inside and out with Isfahan’s famous pale blue tiles. Admire lovely chiseled fretwork on the top floor of the 18th-century Ali Qapu Palace and enjoy panoramic views.
Take a day trip to the oasis city of Kashan. Tour the Fin Garden, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit a 500 year-old hammam, a bathhouse restored to its original condition.
Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, built more than 4,500 years ago, and enjoy cocktails and dinner in clear view of the mysterious Sphinx. Enjoy a private tour of Cairo’s world-renowned Egyptian Museum, which houses priceless treasures like King Tutankhamen’s gold mask. Visit an ancient Coptic Church and the Mamluk-era Mosque of Sultan Hasan in Cairo. Fly by private jet to Luxor for a day of exploration. Discover the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom, and travel across the Nile to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex.
ALTERNATE:
We expect to visit Egypt as planned; however, if for any reason we are not able to visit Cairo and Luxor, we will instead visit the Lost City of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its elaborate rock-cut architecture. Imagine that you’re one of the first explorers of this once-forgotten desert city as you walk through the Siq, a narrow chasm in the bedrock, and emerge before the elaborate Treasury. Opt to discover the spectacular rock formations of Wadi Rum, an evocative lunar-like landscape made famous by T.E. Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia (1962).
Immortalized by the classic 1942 film, Morocco’s largest city is where the country’s French colonial past meets present day. Admire the craftsmanship of Hassan II Mosque, perched on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean and beautifully constructed from locally sourced marble, cedar, granite and traditional Moroccan tiles. Celebrate your visit with a magical Casablanca-themed dinner.
Soar over Rio de Janeiro on a flight-seeing excursion, taking in the city’s most famous landmarks from the air, including the nearly 100-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue and iconic Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Take the nearly mile-long cable car ride to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and tour the alleys and squares of colonial Rio. See some of the world’s rarest plants at the Botanical Garden. Meet local dancers in Samba City, a dedicated space where Carnival participants prepare for the world-renowned celebration.
After a night in Guayaquil on the mainland, fly to Baltra and embark on the Santa Cruz II for a three-night cruise around the Galápagos Islands. Get an up-close look at playful fur seals and marine iguanas on the black-sand beaches of Puerto Egas. Take a fascinating panga (dinghy) ride along the shores of Rabida Island, keeping an eye out for Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds and warblers. Hike along the rocky cliffs of Genovesa Island, where Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and other seabirds make their home. See giant tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz Island before boarding our private jet.
Fly to Orlando and relax overnight before catching your independent flight home.
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