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If you’re dreaming of faraway lands, new cultures and bucket list destinations, these global tours will open your eyes and change your life.

The Tour:  Africa by Private Jet

Image Courtesy of National Geographic

Perfect for:  Adventure, Animal and Nature Lovers

The Itinerary:  This 20-day journey by National Geographic will cross seven countries in Africa and a kaleidoscope of landscapes, cultures and wildlife. You’ll depart from London and return home via Rome and all flights in Africa are via private jet, a reconfigured Boeing 757 with just 57 luxurious leather seats. A team of experts will accompany your expedition, sharing insider info about each destination during flight time. The crew also includes a private chef and physician.

The trip begins in London with stops in Fez, Morocco, and Accra, Ghana, to see artisans at work. Then it’s on to stunning South Africa to experience Capetown and the glorious Phinda Private Game Reserve. The exploration of Africa’s natural wonders continues at Victoria Falls, Zambia and Chobe National Park, Botswana, before some chill time in Zanzibar, Tanzania in preparation for the grand finale – gorilla trekking in Rwanda. 

The Standouts:  The game drives in South Africa and Botswana observing lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos and rhino, and the gorilla encounters are life-changing. Well, that and staying in world-class hotels like One & Only, Cape Town; Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana; Park Hyatt Zanzibar.

The Tour: Ancient Wonders of Egypt

Perfect for:  History and Culture Buffs

The Itinerary:  This 10-day journey curated by bespoke travel agency SĒTTE will take you through the ancient wonders of Egypt.  You’ll depart and return from Cairo, with the itinerary taking you to Aswan – Luxor – Abu Simbel. Travel within Egypt is by private car, boat, and plane, with a private jet option.  A personal guide (typically an Egyptologist) accompanies every leg of the trip, explaining the history of each temple or landmark. Each trip can be customized and October-April is best when temps are cooler.

The tour starts at the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo where you will enjoy a private dinner, followed by glamping in Aswan, and a Nile cruise in an antique Dahabiya boat and exploration of local villages.  In Aswan, on the island of Philae, you will be treated to an Egyptologist-guided tour of the ancient temples including The Temple of Isis. In Luxor, you’ll visit Karnak to learn about the god and goddesses behind each shrine like Sekhmet, a warrior and a healer and discover the story behind the ancient hieroglyphics. The tour is also set to include a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (The GEM) in Giza which will house the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the mummy of King Tut, in the world.

The Standouts:  Seeing the temples and pyramids up close and learning the intention behind every symbol and landmark with a knowledgeable guide is mindblowing. Devotees of architecture and interiors will also love the character and soul of Luxor’s remote Al Moudira Hotel, located close to the Valley of Kings and Queens and owned by an incredible photographer and jewelry designer. Other notable hotel stays:  Cairo’s Marriot Mena House comes with an incredibly rich history; while in Aswan, the place to stay is the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel. 

The Tour:  Uncharted Hawaii by Private Jet

Perfect for: Honeymooners, Couples and Beach Goers 

The Itinerary: This 13-day tour of Hawaii will introduce you to four islands in the idyllic paradise through a local lens and way of life. Each trip is customized and you can begin on the island of choice. Travel within Hawaii is by small private jet. And up to six travelers may be accommodated. A sample itinerary:  

Kauai. Days 1-3. Beautiful Kauai, known for its lush gardens, cascading waterfalls and rainforests. Stay at the Lodge at Kukui’ule, gorgeous cottages and bungalows overlooking the ocean. 

Standout: Helicopter to Ni’ihau (forbidden island), a privately owned island to experience the traditional island way of life. Snorkel and swim off the island’s secluded beaches.

Maui. Days 4-6. Arrive on Maui beloved for its pristine beaches, views of migrating whales, farm-to-table cuisine, and magnificent views of sunrise and sunset from the top of Haleakala.  Stay at Montage Kapalua Bay and book into the award-winning Spa Montage.

Standout: Helicopter to the wild coast of Hana. Visit a local fruit farm, hike in the bamboo forest and soak in the seven sacred pools.

Lanai. Days 7-9. Hawaii’s smallest island, Lanai offers a welcome reprieve. Seclusion is the theme here and there are plenty of ways to go off the grid. Split your time on Lanai between the beautiful beaches and the countless trails which can be explored on foot, horseback, or by ATV. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Lanai.  

Standout: Sunrise hike to Pu’upehe, one of Lanai’s most iconic landmarks. Learn about the history of Pu’upehe from guide who will enlighten on the unique lifestyle of this stunning beach region.

Big Island: Days 10-13.  The largest and most volcanic, the Big Island is known for its diverse landscape – from the fire and lava at Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped peak of Maua Kea, and the moon-like scape to the lush rainforest. Stay at Mauna Lani, set on the dramatic Kohala coast, with its ancient koi ponds and secluded beach, perfect for swimming with turtles.

Standout: Stargazing at Mauna Kea Astronomical Observatory. From the tallest volcano in the world, gaze at the Hawaiian night sky from the 14,000-foot summit.