Smithsonian Journeys Announces Around the World Private Jet Tour

Features Five Continents, Nine Countries and 14 World Heritage Sites
February 7, 2011
News Release
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Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, announces a new departure of the popular “Around the World by Private Jet” tour. This 22-day private jet adventure (Nov. 1-22, 2011) will include stops ranging from Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef to the Taj Mahal, the Serengeti and Morocco. Travelers will explore five continents, nine countries and 14 World Heritage sites, experience diverse cultures and witness some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders—all in a single journey. During this luxury private jet adventure, participants will fly aboard a new private Boeing 757, bypassing commercial airline routes and schedules. The chartered jet is specially configured to generously accommodate 78 VIP-style seats instead of the standard 233 seats. Detailed information about the World Heritage sites visited, articles written about a previous private jet tour and photographs can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/aroundworldprivatejet.

Enhancing this luxury jet travel experience is a team of experts, including James Karr, an ecologist with a specialty in conservation biology and environmental policy who served as deputy director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Also accompanying the group is Jack Daulton, a noted scholar on the art and architecture of Asia and Africa as well as international law relating to the preservation and conservation of the world’s cultural heritage.

Smithsonian travelers will enjoy a choice of excursions showcasing some of the world’s cultural and natural wonders. In Peru they can climb the terraced steps and touch the impeccably crafted walls of the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, then touch down on Easter Island to feel the gaze of the moai statues. Continuing across the Pacific Ocean, travelers will snorkel among the underwater treasures of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. They will welcome the sun among Angkor Wat’s astounding temples and a day later enjoy a sunset at India’s romantic Taj Mahal. In Africa they will witness the greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania, explore mysterious Egyptian tombs outside Luxor and discover the souks and treasures of Morocco. Throughout this private jet adventure travelers will also be immersed in cultural traditions such as lavish feasts and colorful dance performances in Samoa or learn about Eastern monastic life during a tea ceremony in Cambodia.

Experienced expedition staff will attend to every logistical detail, create customized excursions tailored to personal interests and ensure a luxury journey. “Around the World by Private Jet” is available for $62,950 per person. The tour cost includes round-trip private jet travel from Orlando, Fla., luxury accommodations, all meals, ground transportation, excursions and activities, welcome reception, lectures by experts, on-board physician, baggage handling, gratuities and emergency evacuation insurance. More information on this special opportunity and other private jet expeditions offered in 2011 and 2012 can be found at http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/privateair or by calling toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687.

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.

About Smithsonian Institution

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.

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