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National Geographic Expeditions
OFFER ID 1583492
Travel the world by a luxurious private jet as you visit iconic sights from Easter Island to the Taj Mahal to the Serengeti Plain, immersing yourself in the people and cultures of these magnificent destinations. You’ll also learn about every location from an engaging team of experts who will share their knowledge and insights with you throughout your journey.
23 nights from $104,995 per person
The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many sights related to Paro's days as capital of the western region.
Among those sights are the 350-year-old Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), the Rinchen Pung or Paro Dzong (sacred scrolls, icons, and the like), where scenes from Bertolucci's Little Buddha were shot, the restored seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (holy temple) and the Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Also worth seeing is the Drugyel Dzong, named after a famous victory of the Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders (about 9 mi/14 km northwest of town).
If you're in Paro on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit the colorful market, where grains, chilies, oranges, bananas and a host of other items are sold. The Paro Tsechu festival is held late March-April.
On a full-day trip, it's possible to visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), built on a rock ledge overlooking a sheer 2,600 ft/800 m drop to the Paro Valley. It is accessible only on foot or by pony as far as the viewpoint. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Guru Rimpoche, who landed there on the back of a flying tiger.
Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, Daintree is just waiting to be explored.
People come from far and wide to journey through Daintree's ever-changing tropical
landscape. White sandy beaches lined with palms, waving cane fields and jungle
clad misty mountains are all at your fingertips. The forests of Daintree are
home to an amazing array of plants, animals and insects. Keep your eyes peeled
for wildlife lurking at every turn, birds flying above, butterflies floating
in the air. The rainforest was added to the World Heritage List in1988 due in
part because it contains such significant habitats for conservation of biological
diversity.
Activities include hiking trails, scenic look outs, camping, picnic tables
and swimming. It is possible to take a privately owned vessel up the Daintree
river, but the river is infested with crocodiles.
Accommodations in Daintree range from rural cabins, farmstays, bed and breakfasts
and world renown spa resorts.
In the Daintree Village, you can catch a glimpse into Australia's colorful
past and experience the laid back atmosphere.
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
Washington DC: Deluxe Private DC Monuments & Memorials Pedicab Tour - 3 Hours
Overview:
Get up close to Washington DC’s iconic monuments and memorials on our private pedicab tour. As you sit back and relax your friendly driver/guide will entertain you with tales and little-known facts from the Washington Monument to the Capitol. Opt for daytime views or an evening tour – when the National Mall takes on a mesmerizing glow. Want to hop out and grab a picture? No worries! It’s your personalized journey with stops whenever you like!
Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Expert Guided Adventure: Embark on a comfortable three-hour pedicab experience led by a knowledgeable tour guide – your pedicab driver!
Iconic Landmarks Aplenty: Explore the National Mall, Tidal Basin, Presidential Parade Route, Capitol – and much more – immersing yourself in history.
Hidden Gems Revealed: Discover unique monuments, memorials, structures and hidden treasures – making your tour truly exceptional.
More Information:
The duration of the tour is three (3) hours.
This tour is offered all year round, seven (7) days a week.
Please inquire with your sales representative for information on wheelchair accessibility.
Washington DC: Washington DC by Land & Sea Private Experience - 7 to 8 Hours
Overview:
Get ready for a fun-filled day of biking and boating around Washington DC! Your expert guide will kick off the excitement with a private bike tour where you’ll take in the city’s iconic monuments and memorials. Afterward, there’ll be time for a bite to eat before boarding your private sport boat where your US Coast Guard licensed captain will entertain you with stories and history of the landmarks you spot along the way. Don’t miss this unique adventure!
Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Let’s Get Rolling: Your DC bike tour begins when your guide arrives at your hotel complete with your bike, helmet, water and even snacks!
Biking Bliss: Pedal through history, passing the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial and more.
Reflect on Freedom: Pause by the Reflecting Pool and soak in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s solemnity.
Lincoln’s Legacy: Visit the grand Lincoln Memorial and be inspired by Honest Abe.
War Stories: Explore the Korean War, Martin Luther King Jr., Roosevelt and Jefferson Memorials on two wheels.
Lunch Break: Fuel up for your next adventure with a stop for lunch.
Speed Boat Soiree: Climb aboard a private speed boat for a 90-minute tour of iconic monuments from the Potomac River.
Refreshments Included: Your DC boat tour comes with complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and ice.
More Information:
The duration of the tour is seven (7) to eight (8) hours.
This tour is seasonal and operates from April through November, seven (7) days a week.
Important Information for guests traveling with young children: Adults and teens can enjoy riding appropriately sized bicycles while smaller children can either ride kids’ bikes or be chauffeured safely by the DC Cycling Concierge in his custom family bike and/or tag-along.
Please inquire with your sales representative for information on wheelchair accessibility.
Click here for additional information
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
Monday thru Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Weekends and evenings by appointment
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Florida Seller of Travel: FL35159