Primus circumdedisti me.
This inscription, which means “You were the first to encircle me,” was emblazoned upon the shield presented to Basque explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano by King Charles I of Spain following the first successful circumnavigation of the Earth by the Magellan-Elcano Expedition in 1522. (Although Magellan got top billing, most historians will tell you he couldn’t have done it without Elcano—but that’s another story.)
That arduous journey around the world took roughly three years to complete. But today, you can make the same trip in about three weeks, and enjoy far-from-arduous conditions aboard a spacious, amenity-filled private jet. And while you may not have Magellan or Elcano as your guides, you will have the company of a team of National Geographic Experts to share their knowledge as they show you the wonders of the world.
Currently, National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet offers four different ways to achieve the feat of global circumnavigation. While each of these around-the-world expeditions take you on very different journeys, they all share one thing in common: the inclusion of both “bucket list” destinations and lesser-known, but equally fascinating locations—places you never knew you needed to go to, until you’ve experienced them firsthand.
Choose Your Path and Follow Your Spirit of Discovery
If this is your first foray into global circumnavigation, you may want to begin with the appropriately named Around the World by Private Jet trip. As you make your way across the globe, you’ll experience iconic sights from Easter Island to the Taj Mahal to the Serengeti Plain, immersing yourself in the people and cultures of these fascinating destinations.
Another excellent introduction to around-the-world travel is the popular Across the Continents by Private Jet expedition. From the magnificent temples of Udaipur to the spectacular Kenyan savanna to the amazing marine life of Bora Bora, you’ll spend quality time in eight countries on five continents.
For a truly unique look at the world, consider Circumnavigating the North by Private Jet, which features several spectacular stops across the Northern Hemisphere. Among the places you’ll get to know are Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, Xi’an, Kathmandu, and Reykjavík. And that’s only a small sampling of the fascinating stops on this unforgettable journey.
If you’re seeking historical perspective, then the inspiring Ancient Traditions & Natural Wonders of the World by Private Jet is the perfect choice. Delve into this fascinating crossroads of past and future on an expedition to exciting centers of culture and conservation. Explore the “City of Lakes,” and admire the grand palaces that appear to rise from the waters of India’s Lake Pichola. Stand in awe as you gaze at the masterpieces of Spain’s greatest artists. Get immersed in the wildlife around you in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and stand in the shadows of Egypt’s Great Pyramids.
It bears repeating that, along each step of the way on these amazing expeditions, travelers are accompanied by National Geographic Experts, as well as local experts at various destinations, who are dedicated to taking you deeper in understanding and appreciation of the places you visit. This is not simply a checklist of iconic sites, but an up-close and immersive experience that expands your perception of the world’s history, cultures, wildlife, and geography.
Why Just See the World When You Can Engage with It?
There is so much more to the world than meets the eye. And as we learned from the travels of Magellan and Elcano, to really immerse yourself in the rare and exciting adventure of circumnavigating the globe, you’ve got to do it with a seasoned crew who will make sure the experience is nothing short of epic. And that’s perhaps the best reason of all to trust your trip of a lifetime to National Geographic Expeditions. With a well-earned reputation for experience and expertise, National Geographic has been bringing the world closer to those who seek to know it better for more than a century. Inspired by this legacy, National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet takes circling the globe to a higher plane of travel.
To learn more, visit NatGeoExpeditions.com/PrivateJet.
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