As avid travelers, there are places we are compelled to see and things we are driven to do.
From natural wonders to human-made marvels, they populate our “bucket list,” and capture our imagination with their uniqueness. But, sometimes, we find the most memorable experiences come in the form of the unexpected opportunities we find off the beaten path. And if the guides you follow along that path just happen to be National Geographic Experts, then you are almost guaranteed to discover beyond-the-bucket-list experiences you will treasure forever.
Undoubtedly, the best way to cover as much of that unbeaten path as possible is with a National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet trip. Not only are the aforementioned Experts part of your travel party — sharing their knowledge and passion throughout the journey — but so are a seasoned flight crew, as well as a chef, physician, and baggage handlers. All of them are working together to create a seamless travel experience that frees you to seize those serendipitous moments when they pop up — as they most definitely will.
From the Sacred to the Spectacular, You Will Encounter It All
It’s virtually impossible to list all of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will find in the diverse selection of National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet itineraries. However, there are several examples that stand out as particularly noteworthy for their uniqueness.
For instance, on the Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet trip, the stop in Luang Prabang, Laos includes the chance to interact with local Buddhist monks during an early morning alms giving ceremony. Also in Laos, you can experience another spiritual moment in the Pak Ou Caves along the Mekong River. There, you will discover an altar covered in hundreds of hand-carved Buddha sculptures. While in Bhutan, you are invited to hike to the sacred cliffside monastery of Paro Takstang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, for a traditional meal and a breathtaking view of the surrounding Paro Valley. But perhaps the most unique experience of all occurs in Kathmandu, Nepal. On a visit to a Buddhist temple in Patan, you will have a private audience with a Living Goddess — a young local girl who is believed to be the incarnation of the deity Taleju.
For those seeking a more “untamed” experience, consider Wildlife of the World by Private Jet: In Search of Tigers, Orangutans & Gorillas. On this expedition, you will venture out into South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve accompanied by expert rangers and trackers for an open-vehicle safari. The reserve comprises seven distinct habitats — from mountains and wetlands to rare dry-sand forests — and you will experience them all. Then it’s on to Rwanda for what many travelers find to be the premier highlight among highlights of this trip — a search for mountain gorillas on a full-day trek into Volcanoes National Park. Having the chance to observe these magnificent creatures at close range in their own domain is an extraordinary opportunity.
And last but certainly not least, Circumnavigating the North by Private Jet — one of four around-the-world itineraries offered — features a foray into Mongolia’s famed Gobi Desert. While there, you will get to spend time getting to know a nomadic family and learn about their way of life. This is also where you can view the spectacular Flaming Cliffs, so named for the striking colors they display when lit by the setting sun. (Interesting fact: Beyond their beauty, these escarpments harbor a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils.)
And of course, these are only the planned experiences. For each one of them, there are plenty more spontaneous moments that occur along the way.
Surpassing Expectations with Unexpected Opportunities
Yes, there are certain things you can always count on when you embark on a National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet trip — like VIP-level comfort on board the customized aircraft and word-class accommodations at every stop, as well as frequent occasions to delve deeper into each destination with the help of National Geographic Experts (such as naturalists, photographers, and archaeologists, to name only a few fields).
But, again, it’s often the things you don’t expect — the fortuitous twists and unanticipated opportunities—that can suddenly transform your dream vacation into an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. That core belief is a common thread woven throughout every National Geographic Expeditions by Private Jet itinerary. And it’s what puts these exciting excursions on a higher plane of travel.
To learn more, visit NatGeoExpeditions.com/PrivateJet.
These trips will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions, on flights operated by Icelandair.
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