Crossroads of Cultures by Private Jet

Day 1 Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

This afternoon, check in any time after 3pm at the Radisson Blu Hotel. If you are driving you may leave your car at the XJet Private Terminal at London Stansted and join our complimentary transfer to the hotel. Alternatively if arriving by train the hotel is located a short walk from the station. Enjoy dinner this evening with your fellow travellers and the Noble Caledonia Team.

Accommodation: Superior Room, Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted

Day 2 London Stansted to Aqaba, Jordan.

This morning transfer to the XJet Private Terminal at London Stansted Airport and embark our private jet. Enjoy becoming acquainted with our private jet and spend a relaxing five hours on board as we travel to Jordan, arriving in the port city of Aqaba this afternoon. On arrival we transfer to the Movenpick Resort for some free time to relax before we meet for a welcome drink and dinner this evening.

Flight Time: 5 Hours – 09.00 to 16.00

Accommodation: Superior Room, Movenpick Resort & Residences, Aqaba

Day 3 Wadi Rum & Petra.

Check out after breakfast and board a fourwheel drive vehicle for a tour to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon where the desert landscape is mixed with awe-inspiring shapes to create an almost supernatural atmosphere. See the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the famous landmark named after the book by T.E. Lawrence ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. During our excursion we will also see the Alameleh inscriptions which are a fine example of ancient rock drawings, Siq Um Al Tawaqi, a short canyon containing a carving of the head of T.E. Lawrence and ruins of Allat (Goddess) Temple of the AAD tribe. After lunch in a Bedouin tent we continue our journey to Little Petra, where a modest gorge (Siq a-Barid) leads into the area of carved tombs and monuments. See the Painted Cave which is believed to have crossroads of cultures by private jet been a shelter for a sect focused on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, as it contains remains of Greek-style plaster artwork, quite unique for Petra, displaying tangled vines and flowers with brightly coloured birds and cupid-like figures. After our visit we will check into the Movenpick Petra, our base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Superior Room, Movenpick Resort, Petra

Day 4 Petra.

After breakfast in the hotel we will make our way to the entrance of the old city and walk along the “Siq “to visit the rose-red city. The ancient city of Petra was built from 800 BC to 100 AD by Nabatean Arabs. In this era Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame. Petra covers an area of about 100 square kilometres, in which over 800 monuments can be found. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city’s importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. After a morning of exploration with our guides we will enjoy lunch. This afternoon is free to continue to explore further at your own pace or return to the hotel for some free time.

Accommodation: Superior Room, Movenpick Resort, Petra

Day 5 Petra to Muscat, Oman.

We return this morning to our private jet in Aqaba for our flight to Muscat. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel for some free time before we meet tonight for dinner in the hotel.

Flight Time: 3 Hours – 11.30 to 15.30

Accommodation: Deluxe Pool View Room, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat

Day 6 Muscat.

A morning city tour of Muscat will include the Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk and the fascinating Bait al Zubair Museum situated in a converted townhouse which exhibits Omani Heritage with photos and traditional handicrafts and furniture. We also pass the Sultans Palace “Al Alam” which is flanked by two 16th century Portuguese forts. After lunch in the hotel enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we spend the evening in a typical Omani restaurant.

Accommodation: Deluxe Pool View Room, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat

Day 7 Muscat & Nizwa.

On a full day excursion we will drive inland through fascinating scenery to see some of the most impressive forts in Oman starting at the sultanate of Nizwa, Oman’s ancient capital where we find the 17th century fort which has a unique 40 metre tall round tower. We will continue to Jabrin Castle built in 1675 as a centre of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic Law before continuing to Bahla. Bahla is renowned for being one of the most comprehensive walled cities in the world and part of these battlements include the impressive 12th century fort. After lunch we return to Muscat for some free time before dinner.

Accommodation: Deluxe Pool View Room, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat

Day 8 Muscat to Kerala, India.

After breakfast we will return to the airport and re-join our private jet for our flight to Cochin, the gateway to the Kerala region of India. On arrival we will transfer to the Kumarakom Lake Resort, situated amongst palm fringed canals and paddy fields in the lush backwaters of Kottayam. Check in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Flight Time: 3.5 Hours – 09.00 to 14.00

Accommodation: Meandering Pool Villa, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Day 9 Kerala Backwaters.

Today we will travel to Alleppey, a golden expanse of land surrounded by rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. We will board a traditional houseboat and spend the day cruising the serene backwaters of Kerala. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and towns of the area. Relax on deck and enjoy the passing landscapes of colonial warehouses, paddy fields and coconut thatched houses whilst spotting birds and floating plants and observing scenes of daily life along the water. A traditional lunch will be served on board before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Meandering Pool Villa, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Day 10 Kerala Backwaters.

Today you can choose to spend the day at the resort, maybe relax by the pool, indulge in an Ayurveda spa therapy or spend time with a Master for yoga and meditation. Alternatively join one of the “vallam”, which are the boats used by the locals to carry trade and people between the villages, as we make our way to a local farm where they practice sustainable farming for spices, fruit and fish. Learn about the farming techniques and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight we will say farewell to India with a performance of Kathakali, a classical dance form that combines literature, music, acting, and elaborate costumes.

Accommodation: Meandering Pool Villa, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Day 11 Kerala to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Return to Cochin airport this morning and board our private jet to fly to Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, a 2000 year old city surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to Dwarika’s Hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to explore at your own pace before a special Nepalese dinner is served tonight in the hotel restaurant.

Flight Time: 3.5 Hours – 12.30 to 16.15

Accommodation: Junior Suite, Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 12 Kathmandu.

We have a full day to explore this fascinating city including the 5th century Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal where pilgrims can be seen circumnavigating the stupa chanting mantras. We will interact with some of the monks at a Buddhist monastery, before exploring Patan. Situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu and known as the “city of artisans”, Patan is home to the finest craftsmen still using many ancient techniques. After lunch we return to Kathmandu and the main Durbar Square. See the Royal Palace with its gilded gates and elaborate statues and the many stalls displaying a wide variety of Nepalese and Tibetan handicrafts. In the early evening we will have a talk from one of the local charities working on the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake of 2015 before dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Junior Suite, Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 13 Kathmandu to Thimpu, Bhutan.

Returning to the airport after breakfast we will take a specially chartered flight to Paro Airport. Enjoy the views before we land in the Paro Valley and board buses to transfer to the Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities and the wonderful views over the Himalayas. Before dinner this evening in the hotel, we will be joined by a Bhutanese scholar who will talk to us about Bhutan and Gross National Happiness. The Gross National Happiness philosophy serves as a beacon for Bhutan in its search for greater wellbeing and advancement of the Bhutanese people.

Flight Time: 1 Hour – 10.00 to 11.15 (Local charter flight)

Accommodation: Deluxe Room with Mountain View, Taj Tashi Bhutan

Day 14 Thimpu.

This morning we will drive to the Dochula Pass situated over 3000 metres above sea level. The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese stupa with 108 small stupas and prayer flags fluttering on amongst the cypress trees. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Return to Thimpu where we will see the Textile Museum, created to preserve the ancient art of weaving, the painting school, National Memorial Chorten and the Great Buddha Dordenma statue offering wonderful views over the valley of Thimphu. There will be free time to explore the bustling streets of the capital.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room with Mountain View, Taj Tashi Bhutan

Day 15 Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Paro.

A scenic drive will take us into the Paro valley where there will be a choice of activities. Maybe take the excursion to Paro Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Clinging to the cliffs almost 3000 metres above the Paro valley, the breathtaking Paro Taktsang monastery is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. The Buddhist monastery consists of four temples and eight caves, accessed through the forest from the valley below. Our walk takes us along paths strewn with colourful prayer flags and spectacular views of the valley. Alternatively, those who prefer a less strenuous day can visit the National Museum which showcases collections of Bhutanese art, weapons and historical artefacts before learning more about the national sport of archery. Later today we will transfer to Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay and a traditional dinner including local dance and music.

Accommodation: Classic Room, Le Meridien Paro

Day 16 Thimpu to Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

This morning we will transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Kathmandu. Here we will connect with our private jet for our flight to Samarkand. Located in the valley of the Zarafshan River in north eastern Uzbekistan it is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Central Asia. Founded in the 7th century BC, the city prospered from its location on the trading routes between China and the Mediterranean, became a centre for Islamic scholars and in the 14th century became the capital of the Tamerlane Empire. We arrive this afternoon and transfer to the DiliMah Hotel where we have the rest of the day to relax. This evening we will meet for a pre-dinner drink and hear from a local lecturer before dinner in the hotel.

Flight Time: Paro to Kathmandu: 1 hour – 10.00 to 10.45 (Local charter)

Flight Time: Kathmandu to Samarkand: 3 Hours – 12.15 to 14.30

Accommodation: Standard Room, DiliMah Premium Luxury Hotel, Samarkand

Day 17 Samarkand.

This morning our local guide will take us to some of the highlights of the city including the stunning architecture, 15th century Gur Emir Mausoleum and Registan Square. When Samarkand was the pride of the Muslim world, Registan Square was the centre of the city surrounded on three sides by mosques and madrassas which in the 16th century were said to “hold up the sky” with their huge portals, minarets and blue tiles. After lunch we will continue our discovery of the city seeing the Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, also known as the “street of tombs” which is a compound of mausoleums adorned with blue cuppolas, high portals and ornamental stone arches. Also see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar. Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner in one of the city’s restaurants.

Accommodation: Standard Room, DiliMah Premium Luxury Hotel

Day 18 Samarkand.

We start our day driving to Shakhrisabz via the picturesque Aman-Kutan mountain pass. Known as the “green city” it has been inhabited for nearly 3000 years but became famous in the 14th century when Tamerlane made the city his residence building the Ak Saray Palace. A morning tour will include the Dorus Saodat mausoleum, Dorut Tilovat memorial complex and the remains of the White Palace. On our return to Samarkand we will stop at one of the tea houses in the mountains for a barbeque lunch with unbeatable views over the valley. Return to the hotel to relax this afternoon. This evening we will return to Registan Square for a private dinner inside the Ulugbek Madrasa.

Accommodation: Standard Room, DiliMah Premium Luxury Hotel, Samarkand

Day 19 Samarkand to Tbilisi, Georgia.

Return to the airport this morning for our flight to Tbilisi. The city’s location on the crossroads of Europe and Asia and close to the Silk Road made it a strategic centre for many years. Today we still discover diverse people, cultures and traditions intermingling with one another. On arrival we transfer to the Marriott Hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner.

Flight Time: 2.5 Hours – 12.00 to 13.30

Accommodation: Deluxe Room, Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Day 20 Tbilisi.

After breakfast in the hotel we will explore Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns and the cultural and religious centre of Georgia. It was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC and being located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari River was a crossroad of many trade routes. Today it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a living museum, with many architectural and historical monuments. See the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Church, a masterpiece of the early Medieval Period where we can hear some Georgian polyphonic choral music presented by The Anchiskhati Choir. After lunch we return to Tbilisi this afternoon. Here we will have the option to return to the hotel or partake in a brief city tour. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room, Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Day 21 Tbilisi.

Today we will explore the picturesque region of Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range and was the birthplace of viticulture and wine making in Georgia. Here the rich land has developed about 500 varieties of vine. Our first stop will be at the Tsinandali Family Estate and wine cellar. This impressive estate once belonged to the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze and was frequented by many intellectuals of the arts and sciences including Pushkin and Alexander Dumas. The complex now incorporates a landscaped garden, museum and cellar containing many vintage bottles of wine. After our visit we will continue to a local winery for a tasting and a traditional barbeque lunch. Return to Tbilisi where we have free time for the rest of the afternoon before our farewell dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room, Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Day 22 Tbilisi to London Stansted.

Return to the airport this morning for our return flight to London Stansted XJet Private Terminal. If you have parked at the terminal, you will have direct access to your car alternatively a transfer will take you to Stansted Airport Main Terminal and train station.

Flight Time: 4.5 Hours – 12.00 to 12.30

Please note that the flight departure and arrival times shown are local times. They are provisional and subject to change.

Noble Caledonia will also be carbon offsetting the air travel on behalf of all those travelling.