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The Journey of a Lifetime

Embark on a one-of-a-kind global adventure aboard the custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet.

Your Around-the-World Adventure

Both in the air and on the ground, our team delivers a fully customized around-the-world journey where you’ll explore new passions, flavours and perspectives. Experience insider access like never before in the world's most captivating destinations.

See the World With Four Seasons

Travel is incredibly personal. Our team takes great care to get to know each and every guest, allowing us to create bespoke itineraries within a seamless Four Seasons experience. When you travel with us, the possibilities are endless.

How Do You Want to Explore the World?

Our curated collection of global itineraries is filled with unique experiences you can only get through Four Seasons. No matter which adventure you choose, every moment will be tailored exclusively for you.

Experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before on a journey of discovery, from the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids to remote Easter Island and the Lost City of Petra.

Explore the rugged wonders of Antarctica, the mysteries of majestic Machu Picchu, and the vibrant rhythms and flavours of South America on this expedition through the enchanting southern hemisphere.

Our longest-running journey around the world showcases its extraordinary range with stunning natural beauty, enduring cultural traditions, inspiring urban experiences and a stop at one of the world’s iconic wonders.

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Continuously reimagining luxury air travel, we’re proud to introduce the new Four Seasons Private Jet, a fully redesigned aircraft that celebrates the bygone glamour of air travel coupled with a modern, thoughtful design.

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Rely on the expertise of our dedicated Four Seasons Private Jet Experience Team, whose personalized service allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy every moment to its fullest. The Four Seasons Private Jet Journeys are sold and operated by TCS World Travel. Aircraft operated by Titan Airways Limited.

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8 unbelievable around-the-world private jet trips

Is your list of dream trips growing exponentially? What if we told you there was a way to knock them out in one fell swoop?

Enter the around-the-world private jet journey.

On these trips, guests travel in groups to the most famous destinations in the world, accompanied by a full staff that usually includes a tour manager, a private chef for the flights and a doctor, plus on-the-ground travel managers.

It's not entirely unlike like a high-end cruise or a land tour — except the transportation is by private jet, of course.

Travelers spend a few days in each destination, choosing from a list of excursions — or, in some cases, charting their own course with a private driver or local guide organized by the tour operator. At night, guests enjoy lodging at luxury hotels, save for a few red-eye flights.

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"For many of our clients, the most finite resource is time, and the around-the-world private jet journeys are a great way to 'check the boxes' of some of the most popular attractions without extending their stay in a destination in which they might not be as interested," said travel advisor Maggie Jones of KK Travels Worldwide , a Virtuoso member.

"Since the pandemic, a fair amount of our clients are coming to us and wanting to complete their bucket-list trips sooner rather than later, and it has been incredibly special to be able to present this type of travel as an option for them."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these experiences do have a pretty hefty price tag, but can you put a price on having one company handle all your travel arrangements to some of the world's most legendary sites? And that's not to mention the benefit of avoiding commercial air travel. Plus, these journeys are frequently all-inclusive, so everything from meals to lodging to excursions is included with the rate.

Whether you're more interested in historic sites like Chile's Easter Island or wildlife-centric ones like Tanzania's Serengeti, there's a private jet journey out there that will speak to you.

Four Seasons Private Jet Ancient Explorer 

For the history lover, this private jet journey offered by Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts makes nine stops at some of the world's most incredible archaeological sites: Chile's Easter Island and Egypt's Great Pyramids of Giza, to name two. But the journey also includes stops in bustling metropolises like Mexico City and natural wonders like Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Jordan's Wadi Rum desert valley. Guests travel in the Four Seasons' own Boeing 757, outfitted with 52 lie-flat business-class seats and a steam oven so the jet's executive chef can prepare gourmet meals on board. The itinerary includes stays at Four Seasons properties around the world, of course. The 24-day itinerary can be booked from $190,000 per person, and there are typically one or two departures a year (the next journey kicks off on Sept. 29). (Now, if only Four Seasons had a loyalty program .)

Abercrombie & Kent Private Jet Journeys Wildlife Safari

Going on safari is a must for animal lovers, but a private jet safari takes things to the next level. Abercrombie & Kent's Wildlife Safari checks many wildlife bucket list items, from whale sharks in the Philippines to tigers in India and gorillas in Rwanda. And, yes, the experience includes a stop in Kenya to see the Big Five (African elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, rhinos and leopards), as well as cultural experiences like learning calligraphy in Japan. For the eight-stop journey, A&K charters a Boeing 757 with all lie-flat, business-class seats, which includes an onboard chef and free Wi-Fi where available. You'll spend your nights in luxury accommodations such as The Peninsula Tokyo and One&Only Gorilla's Nest in Rwanda. This 24-day journey starts at $159,950 per person, and there's only one departure a year. The next one leaves on Oct. 6.

Related: Plan the ultimate African safari with these 12 bush-to-beach destinations

National Geographic Expeditions: Around the World by Private Jet

Travel with National Geographic experts , including historians, anthropologists and photographers, on an incredible private-jet journey that visits 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The adventure begins in Washington, D.C., and includes stops at ancient sites like Machu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Sprinkle in a few warm-weather stops in the Pacific throughout this first leg, then you're off to the Himalayas. Up next is the Taj Mahal in India, followed by a trip across Africa and the Middle East. National Geographic's Boeing 757 has spacious leather seats for up to 75 guests, though they're not lie-flat. They do, however, recline 45 degrees, which is reasonable enough given that you'll be spending most nights in luxury hotels around the world, including La Mamounia in Marrakech, Morocco, and the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania. Similar to other itineraries, this expedition spans 24 days and starts at a cool $94,995 per person. Approximately six National Geographic Expeditions are available every year, with the next one departing on Sept. 29.

Related: 9 incredible luxury family safari lodges for the ultimate African adventure

TCS World Travel: World Less Traveled

For travelers who have already seen many of the world's top highlights and want to try something a little different for a grand around-the-world trip, TCS's World Less Traveled private jet itinerary to five of the most intriguing "emerging destinations" is a must-book. The trip starts and ends in London and stops in Dakar, Senegal; Salvador, Brazil; Lomé, Togo; AlUla, Saudi Arabia; and Tunis, Tunisia. Of course, none of these destinations are new — in fact, many have been around for thousands of years — but they are often less visited by travelers. This trip is particularly suitable for art lovers, as both ancient and contemporary art plays a big role in each of the destinations. The journey is flown on an Airbus A321neo-LR with 52 lie-flat seats. Book your spot on the once-a-year, 15-day trip from $150,000 per person. The next tour leaves on Feb. 11, 2023.

Road Scholar: Discover the World by Private Plane

Another itinerary that starts and concludes in London, Road Scholar's private jet trip hits many of the world's most iconic sites: England's Stonehenge, Jordan's Petra and India's Amber Fort in Jaipur among them. But we also applaud this itinerary's slightly more off-the-beaten-path stops, including the Jantar Mantar observatory (also in Jaipur) and the Mutrah Souq in Muscat, Oman. The airborne part of the journey takes place in a Boeing 767 with 54 lie-flat seats, while the landside journey includes stays at lauded luxury properties like The Oberoi in New Delhi and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia. One of the bonuses with this itinerary is that there's no single supplement for solo travelers, and there are often deals for business-class airfare to and from London. Spots on the 21-day expedition, which is held three times a year, start at $62,999 per person. The next trip kicks off on April 17, 2023.

Related: Why your next luxury safari should be to Asia

Aman The Grandest Tour

If you're a fan of the luxury hotel brand Aman, this around-the-world journey is the best way to experience some of its top properties — and the incredible destinations in which they're located. This tour begins in Japan before traveling to several destinations in Southeast Asia, followed by Bhutan and India, with a conclusion in Europe (the specific destinations change each trip). While most around-the-world private-jet journeys are not actually all that private, Aman ensures its program is: Just 18 guests can join each trip, cohosted by Remote Lands, and each group on the tour has its own driver for excursions. As such, you might not find it too surprising that Aman's aircraft isn't an all-business-class commercial jet but a true corporate one. More specifically, it flies the Airbus ACJ3189, the business counterpart to the A319, which has a lounge configuration. The Grandest Tour from Aman spans 21 days, and the next trip departs on Oct. 12. The cost per person is $152,888 ($305,776 per couple, or $196,776 per single for a solo traveler with a single supplement).

Smithsonian Journeys: Around the World by Private Jet: A Classic Journey

Leave it to a travel company founded out of the iconic Smithsonian Institution to create a nine-stop, around-the-world private jet journey that combines the best of history, culture and nature in a single trip. You can expect to visit all the heavy hitters in the archaeological world (Machu Picchu, Easter Island, the Great Pyramids, Angkor Wat and Petra, among them) as well as natural hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Smithsonian Journeys utilizes two aircraft for these journeys, depending on the specific itinerary: an Airbus A321 and a Boeing 757, each of which is outfitted with 52 and 48 lie-flat seats, respectively. Smithsonian's around-the-world itineraries last for 24 days, generally take place three or four times a year and start at $109,950 per person.

Art in Voyage: 28-day Magellan Odyssey World Tour

As you've probably ascertained, most private-jet world tours visit the same destinations. And while those stops are all magnificent, what's special about Art in Voyage's month-long journey is its somewhat alternative stops. That includes Chile's Atacama desert (one of the best places on Earth for stargazing); New Zealand for adventure activities such as helicopter rides, catamaran tours and white-water rafting; and Bordeaux, France, for a culinary immersion and a ride in a vintage Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini or Ferrari. The 10-stop itinerary does include some of the more typical main attractions, too, such as Petra and Tanzania's Serengeti. It's really the blend of destinations that makes this itinerary stand out. While Art in Voyage hasn't yet selected an aircraft for this journey, travelers can expect to be on a private, all-business-class aircraft. Spots on the 28-day itinerary, which departs on March 10, 2024, can be reserved from $105,611 per person.

Related: Up close and animal: Why walking safaris are so worthwhile

Around the World in 24 Days: Visiting the Most Iconic Sites by Private Jet

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Phileas Fogg famously traveled around the world in 80 days in the novel by Jules Verne—but on this Around the World Private Jet Expedition from TCS World Travel, you’ll easily beat his record. In just 24 days, you’ll circumnavigate the globe and set foot on five of seven continents.

This trip, which departs on either October 10, 2021 or December 30, 2021, includes iconic natural wonders like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, both of which showcase dazzling displays of diverse wildlife. The itinerary is long on fabled human wonders as well, with stops at the ancient sites of Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Angkor Wat, and Petra.

Between each stop, you’ll fly aboard a specially outfitted private jet with your roughly 50 fellow guests. The flawless service of the TCS World Travel crew will assure that you will arrive at each destination ready to continue exploring. And the trip’s experts—distinguished college professors and professional photographers—will bring the histories, cultures, peoples, and wildlife of every destination to life.

If you take advantage of TCS World Travel’s new Book with Confidence benefit, you’ll even have the option to cancel your trip for any reason when you book before December 31, 2020. Providing you with flexibility for your travel plans, TCS allows you to cancel your reservation up to six months before departure if you deposit 50 percent of the trip cost at the time of booking.

Itinerary / 24 Days

TRIP HIGHLIGHT

Dinner in a 12th-century temple.

TRIP DESIGNER

Tcs world travel.

DAY 1 Depart from Fort Lauderdale

DAYS 2 TO 4 Peru

DAYS 5 AND 6 Easter Island

DAYS 7 AND 8 Fiji

DAYS 9 AND 10 Great Barrier Reef

DAYS 11 TO 13 Angkor Wat

DAYS 14 AND 15 Taj Mahal and Jaipur

DAYS 16 TO 18 Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

DAYS 19 AND 20 Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

DAYS 21 AND 22 Marrakech, Morocco

DAYS 23 AND 24 Orlando, Florida

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7 Luxurious Private Jet Trips to Take You All Around the World 

By Shivani Vora

There’s no question about it: Flying private is the epitome of luxury travel and the ultimate way to go—provided you have the budget, of course. Jet-setting by private plane has been especially popular in the last year among the deep-pocketed set, who consider seclusion and staying away from crowds as paramount.

Even with the pandemic abating, the interest doesn’t seem to be slowing down. “People are realizing that flying private is seamless and even more so now when commercial flight schedules haven’t resumed to their pre-COVID levels,” says Brie Shelley , who owns an eponymous luxury travel company in Boston.

The industry is well aware of the appetite for this exclusive way to hit the road, says Shelley, and as a result, there are a slew of new private jet trips available to take later this year and into next.

Do you want to explore medieval villages in Montenegro, trek with gorillas in Rwanda, or try your hand at kayaking in the Arctic? They’re all part of the itineraries we’ve rounded up below where the journey is as much of a highlight as the experiences on the ground.

One of the hidden stops on Abercrombie & Kent's 23-day cultural adventure. 

Around the World with Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is offering the 23-day Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet next spring. The trip departs from Seattle and stops in Taiwan, where you can discover Taipei’s fusion of modernity and tradition and hike through a marble gorge in Taroko National Park. Other highlights include a helicopter ride over Mount Everest in Nepal, a hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, and a tour of the Taj Mahal in India. Cap off the journey in Palermo, where you can explore the surrounding countryside in a vintage Italian sports car.  May 28–June 19, 2022. From $136,000 a person.

  Greece to Morocco With Stays at Aman Resorts All the Way

When you book this eight-night trip with Remote Lands , you’re one of just 16 travelers on an Airbus jet that normally accommodates 130. But that’s not all: Every stop includes a stay at an Aman resort and a private driver and guide to show you the sights. Diversions include relaxing on the scenic Peloponnese beaches in Greece, exploring medieval villages in Montenegro, and shopping the souks in Marrakech. October 23–31, 2021. $47,888 a person.

The dreamy Kyoto scape stop at Four Seasons' World of Adventure trip.

A World of Adventures with Four Seasons’ Private Jet

Four Seasons is bringing back its World of Adventures 2022  , an itinerary that has seen big success with travelers in past years and hits eight countries in 24 days. Experiences include trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda, meditating at sunset while overlooking the ocean in the Seychelles, touring temples in Kyoto and sailing in the Galapagos Islands. In true Four Seasons style, the service is unsurpassed, and accommodations will be the best that the destination has to offer. May 3–26, 2022. From $180,000 a person.

Land beachside with Advent Jet and Kamalame Cay's five night trip. 

By Sydney Wingfield

By Katie Schultz

By Michelle Duncan

A Fun in the Sun Bahamas Escape

Atlantis Paradise Island, Advent Jets , and  Kamalame Cay have collaborated on a five-night package where up to eight people fly from the United States to Nassau. The trip includes a stay in the Sapphire Suite at the Cove, part of Atlantis Paradise Island; a deluxe beachside cabana daily; an eight-course dinner at Michelin-starred chef José Andrés’s Fish restaurant; an omakase and sake dinner at Nobu; and a day trip to the private island of Kamalame Cay. A personal butler will be on hand to help you throughout your stay. Flexible dates. From $150,000. Book by calling 1-800-ATLANTIS.

Spend a night at the Singita Kataza house lounge as part of ROAR Africa's six-night journey. 

Safari and Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Roar Africa, one of the most high-end companies that sells trips to the continent, offers private end-to-end travel from any city in the world to select countries in partnership with the aviation company VistaJet. One example is a six-night journey to Rwanda where guests start off with a traditional safari experience at Akagera National Park and then get active with a trek to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Stays at the best camps, meals, and transfers in the country are all included. Flexible dates. F rom $65,000 a person based on eight travelers.

Embrace adventure on Luxaviation’s five-day cruise in the Antarctic. Pictured is the Polarfront expedition vessel.

Cruise to Find Polar Bears in the Arctic

The private aircraft operator Luxaviation offers Luxaviation Amazing Trips, a series of high-end getaways around the world via private jet. A five-day cruise to Spitsbergen, an island in the Arctic Ocean, is one example. The sailing is a chance to take in incredible scenery that includes ice fields and glaciers and spot wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, and seals. You can also partake in active excursions such as hiking, fishing and kayaking. Flexible dates. From $22,400 a person based on eight people traveling together.

TCS's Wine and Wellness in Kawaii balances the vineyards with wellness offerings. 

Wine and Wellness in Hawaii, Oregon, and California

TCS World Travel , known for its top-quality all-inclusive trips by private jet, is offering a 10-day wine and wellness small group journey in the United States. Start off in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where you’ll meet renowned winemakers and visit the wineries that have serious oenophiles talking. Move on to Hawaii, and stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Lanai to enjoy spa treatments, fitness classes, a wellness consultation, and a sunset cruise. End in Sonoma with a stay at Montage Healdsburg. You’ll get to sample some of the region’s best wines and enjoy multicourse delicious meals including at SingleThread, a farm-driven restaurant that’s regarded as one of the best in the country. August 25–September 3, 2021. From $49,500 a person.

By Gabriela Ulloa

Around the World by Private Jet

• Trip Type:  Private Jet
• 24 Days | Round-trip Washington, D.C.
• Group Size: Max 75

Expedition Details

Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from Machu Picchu and Tibet to the Taj Mahal and Marrakech. Experience natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.

Itinerary – 24 Days

Day 1 —  washington, d.c..

We begin this extraordinary adventure with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters, followed by dinner at our hotel. The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C. (D)

Days 2, 3, & 4 —  Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

This morning, our private jet takes us to Lima, where we take a local flight to charming Cusco (11,200 feet). Explore the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, considered by many to be one of the finest combinations of Spanish Renaissance style and legendary Inca stonemasonry. Marvel at the treasures of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where we will meet with National Geographic grantee and master weaver Nilda Callanaupa, who works with traditional weavers throughout Peru to preserve the rich textile arts.

Discover the remains of the great fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, where enormous blocks of stone—some weighing more than 200 tons—were used to build the walls. Assembled without the use of mortar, the blocks fit together so tightly that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them.

Then travel by train to Machu Picchu, passing through the spectacular Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Still clouded in mystery, Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca and lost to history until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Examine the artfully cut stone altars, temples, foundations, staircases, and terraced gardens that make this one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, head to northern Peru to visit the temples of Trujillo and Chiclayo, where the richest burial chambers in the Americas were discovered. See where the ancient Moche and Chimu peoples lived, and explore Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. Libertador Trujillo (B, L, D daily)

Days 5 & 6 —  Easter Island, Chile

Fly to Easter Island, located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Scattered with mysterious, colossal stone statues called  moai, the island is an open-air museum of the ruins of a lost culture. The island has been a subject of debate since it was first seen by Europeans on Easter Sunday in 1722. How did its native people first arrive? What transpired over the centuries? What do the tall, brooding statues mean? Learn the hidden stories of the island’s wonders with renowned archaeologists, and marvel at the many moai that dot the island’s windswept landscape. Along the way, discover the ancient ceremonial centers, volcanic craters, petroglyphs, lava formations, and fascinating clues to the Orongo birdman cult. Then enjoy a splendid performance by the Kari Kari Rapa Nui dance troupe. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Day 7 —  Cross the International Date Line

From Easter Island we continue our voyage across the Pacific, crossing the international date line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Samoa the following evening.  (B, L, D)

Day 8 —  Apia, Samoa

Samoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains essentially intact—tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient times. This beautiful island world is well known for its hospitality, traditional ceremonies, and distinct communal customs (known as  fa’a Samoa,  or “the Samoan way”). Enjoy a  fia fia —a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10 —  The Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rain Forest, Australia

Fly to Cairns and transfer to the charming seaside town of Port Douglas. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Snorkel among rainbow-colored corals with schools of unicornfish, surgeonfish, bumphead parrot fish, and sea turtles.

Or discover the natural wonders of the Daintree, a rain forest that is approximately 90 million years older than the Amazon rain forest. Go on a Dreamtime walk in Mossman Gorge with an aboriginal guide, a member of the Kuku Yalanji, who will share his people’s legends and take you to sacred sites. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Days 11 & 12 —  Angkor, Cambodia

Fly by private jet to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Delve into the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, one of humankind’s greatest architectural triumphs; and discover the massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. At Angkor Thom, explore the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. Then set out on a cruise to nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap lake (water levels permitting), or explore the temple of Ta Prohm, still tangled in the thick roots of banyan trees. In the evening, enjoy a classical Apsara dance performance during dinner at our fine hotel.

Alternative: Instead of Angkor Wat, explore the lost jungle temple of Beng Mea Lea (water levels permitting), among the largest Khmer temples, and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire, which predates Angkor Wat by some 300 years. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (B, L, D daily)

Day 13 —  Kathmandu, Nepal

Fly by private jet to Kathmandu and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, once a royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. Then enjoy dinner and a night’s rest before departing for Tibet. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu (B, L, D daily)

Days 14 & 15 —  Lhasa, Tibet or Chitwan National Park, Nepal

This morning, take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, located on one of the world’s highest plateaus. Once a “forbidden city,” this Himalayan center of Buddhist pilgrimage—with the spectacular Potala Palace dominating its skyline—still retains a mystical atmosphere. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered; and explore the colorful Tibetan markets, known for their finely crafted ornaments, rugs, religious paintings, and carvings. The next day, venture into Potala Palace, a highlight of our time in Lhasa. The palace, with its hundreds of rooms, lavish decor, and labyrinthine corridors, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and served as the seat of the Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Stop by the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery, where we may see monks in the debating courtyard. You may also visit the Tibet Museum or a local nunnery. St. Regis Lhasa Resort (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring Lhasa, visit the World Heritage-listed Pashupatinath Temple on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Then board a local flight to Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves. Venture into the park with a naturalist in search of a variety of birds and mammals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and rare one-horned rhinos. You may also opt to visit a local village, canoe along the peaceful Rapti River, or take a guided walk through the forest. Celebrate with a Nepali barbecue dinner and a traditional dance performance. Rejoin the rest of the group in Kathmandu before departing for India. Taj Meghauli Serai Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Days 16 & 17 —  Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Return to Kathmandu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra. Discover the iconic Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A masterpiece of the Mogul empire, the monument soars majestically above the banks of the Yamuna River. Wander the site, admire its form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and examine its intricate mosaics made of precious stones. In the afternoon, you may explore the imposing sandstone Red Fort of Agra, where Mogul emperors lived in splendor. Or you may choose to venture into Kachhpura, a village in Agra inhabited by the  Harijan  people, otherwise known as “untouchables.” Meet with local families and visit a school. If you wish, rise early to join our National Geographic photographer to capture images of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Alternative: Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal, explore Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural achievement, an exquisite red-sandstone city that served as the Mogul capital from 1572 to 1585. Stroll through well-preserved pavilions, courtyards, tombs, and palaces—most notably the emperor’s private quarters, a “palace of dreams” richly decorated with Persian calligraphy and murals. The Oberoi Amarvilás (B, L, D daily)

Days 18 & 19 —  Tanzania

Fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a smaller aircraft for the flight to Serengeti National Park. In the local Maasai language, Serengeti means “extended place”—an appropriate name for this vast wildlife sanctuary, which is one of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystems on Earth. Go deep into the savanna to witness Africa’s greatest concentration of wildebeests and zebras, as well as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring the Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of almost 25,000 animals in one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world. Along with herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, we may also see the “big five” (rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes). Spend your nights here at a well-appointed lodge perched on the crater’s rim. During our stay, travelers will have the opportunity to meet either Meave or Louise Leakey, both National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence whose family of renowned anthropologists has discovered many important fossils in the area. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge  (B, L, D daily)

Days 20 & 21 —  The Lost City of Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was settled by the enigmatic Nabataean people in 312 b.c. and became an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant. The Nabataeans disappeared mysteriously, but the nomadic Bedouin civilization remains to this day. Half built, half-carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements.

Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll this ancient city, and learn why these enigmatic people built their capital in such an inaccessible spot. Enter the Siq, a dramatic opening in the brilliantly hued bedrock; and arrive at the Treasury, Petra’s most exquisite edifice. Discover many other elaborately decorated buildings and tombs chiseled from sheer rock walls, and observe up close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. On our last evening, gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. Mövenpick Petra, Jordan (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring Petra, travel to Wadi Rum, a beautiful desert landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia. See the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and enjoy a traditional mansaf meal prepared by local Bedouin villagers.

Days 22 & 23 —  Marrakech, Morocco

Fly by private jet to Marrakech where we explore this fabled city, located in an oasis of palm and olive groves, and steeped in ancient Berber tradition. See the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the grand Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina, a jumble of colorful suqs; and stroll the Djemaa el Fna, a lively square where snake charmers, acrobats, and magicians enchant the passsersby. If you wish, immerse yourself in the lush blue-and-green paradise of the Majorelle Garden, a delightful combination of traditional Moroccan architecture, Islamic art and artifacts, rare plants from five continents, and North African birds. On our last evening, celebrate our adventure at a farewell banquet with traditional entertainment.

Alternative: Instead of exploring Marrakech, spend the day in the spectacular Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Visit a Berber village, share tea with a village elder and his family, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the evening, rejoin the group in Marrakech for our farewell dinner. La Mamounia (B, L, D daily)

Day 24 —  Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.

Following breakfast, board our private jet and fly to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, you may connect with your commercial flight home, or, if you wish, we will provide complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Dulles Airport Hotel for the night. For the January, March, and December departures, which end in Orlando, complimentary accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel for one night.  (B, L)

Trip Highlights

• Alongside a team of National Geographic experts, explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Attend a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa in Cusco, and then travel to Machu Picchu by train.
• Join archaeologists on Easter Island to explore mysterious moai statues and delve into the isle’s famously lost culture.
• Meet with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Maeve or Louise Leakey in Tanzania and get a firsthand account of the family’s groundbreaking fossil discoveries.

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Around the World by Private Jet

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• Alongside a team of National Geographic experts, explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Attend a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa in Cusco, and then travel to Machu Picchu by train.
• Join archaeologists on Easter Island to explore mysterious moai statues and delve into the isle’s famously lost culture.
• Meet with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Maeve or Louise Leakey in Tanzania and get a firsthand account of the family’s groundbreaking fossil discoveries.

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Peru: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

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Travel themes.

• Around the World
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

• South America

Attractions

• Jordan Valley
• Machu Picchu
• Masai Mara National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Historic sightseeing
• Trains & Rail
• Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

• Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• educational materials
• Pre-departure information
• Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
• All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
• Ground transportation during the Expedition
• Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
• Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, Expedition leaders, and any other staff
• Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

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Meals: Dinner

We begin this extraordinary adventure with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters, followed by dinner at our hotel.

The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco

Accommodation: Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

From Easter Island we continue our journey across the Pacific, crossing the international date line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Samoa the following evening.

Accommodation: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Accommodation: Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Fly by private jet to Kathmandu and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, once a royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. Then enjoy dinner and a night’s rest before departing for Tibet.

Accommodation: Taj Meghauli Serai Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Includes both days)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

Around The World by Private Jet

Highly recommend! It was a trip of a lifetime!

We had not had the pleasure of traveling with National Geographic and was not sure what to expect. The trip went beyond what we could have possibly imagined! The s...

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TOO MUCH TOO FAST

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Tour operator, national geographic expeditions.

National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

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Around the World by Private Jet

Step aboard a private Boeing 767 jet plane for a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure to discover some of the world’s greatest icons, destinations, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Stonehenge, the Great Pyramids, Petra, the Taj Mahal, the Jantar Mantar Observatory, Angkor Wat, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, to name a few. This uniquely curated program features insight from knowledgeable instructors and planned extraordinary excursions, providing special understanding into some of humankind’s greatest achievements.

– Revel in the comfort, convenience, flexibility and efficiency of touring the world by private aircraft.

– With top experts, visit Stonehenge, the Great Pyramids, Petra, Angkor Wat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

– At Avebury, view the largest prehistoric stone circle in Europe.

– Take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

– See Jama Masjid, perhaps the largest mosque in India, constructed by Shah Jahan of red sandstone and white marble.

– Experience a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat.

– Enjoy a private luncheon coastal cruise in Ha Long Bay.

– Gain a unique understanding of the cultures of seven countries, enjoying authentic interactions with local people at every destination.

What's Included

• 19 nights accommodations at 5-star hotels
• Airfare for 7 flights aboard the private aircraft featuring experienced flight crew of 2 pilots, a flight manager, an engineer, a chef, and cabin crew
• A special welcome reception, 19 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 17 dinners including a farewell dinner
• 3 expert-led lectures
• 21 expert-led excursions
• Full guiding services of a team of Orbridge Expedition Leaders
• All excursion transportation and entry fees
• $100,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons
• All gratuities

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This Private Jet Trip Takes You Around the World in 22 Days in Lie-flat Seats

Luxury tour operator Safrans du Monde brings French flair to around-the-world private jet trips.

With around-the-world private jet tours drawing plenty of attention from well-heeled travelers, French luxury travel operator Safrans du Monde is offering a brand-new Grand Classiques World Tour, a 22-day journey that begins and ends in Paris this fall.

Courtesy of Safrans du Monde

It's a true around-the-world trip, with multiple days spent at each destination. The first stop is Rio de Janeiro, where guests will visit the famed Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, as well as Sugarloaf Mountain. Next up is Cusco, Peru, the gateway to Machu Picchu, followed by Chile's Easter Island for a double dose of ancient history. 

The voyage continues across the Pacific with a stop in French Polynesia before making its way to Sydney, where guests will take a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. Then, guests are flown northwest to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. And the last leg includes two more ancient wonders: the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, and Petra in Jordan, plus the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum.

When guests aren't on Safrans du Monde's private Airbus A340, where they're treated to fine dining — Champagne included, of course — and luxe lie-flat seats, they're hosted in five-star hotels in each destination.

What sets Safrans du Monde apart from other private jet tour operators is that there are two classes of service: Club Safrans and Première Safrans. While both are all-inclusive, Première Safrans takes the journey to another level, offering first-class seats on the plane rather than business class, exclusive excursions, and ultra-luxurious hotel stays. Club Safrans is, of course, still quite extravagant, but is nearly $40,000 less.

Paul Causse/Courtesy of Safrans du Monde

For the Grand Classiques World Tour, which runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14 this fall, Club Safrans costs about $75,000 per person and Première Safrans costs $115,000 per person; make your booking now at safransdumonde.com .

MAREK SIKORA/Courtesy of Safrans du Monde

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Simple Flying

The 5 largest private jet operators by flight hours.

Including charter and membership providers.

Business jet operators utilize their private jets for the ultimate flexibility when traveling. Private passengers and operators do not have to wait for scheduled flights or even go through standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. This travel option also gives passengers maximum convenience and flexibility, as they do not have to depend on a scheduled flight to show up on time. They have the ultimate privacy and comfort when traveling as well, as private jets are typically more spread out with additional amenities.

Getting A Flight On A Private Jet: The Ultimate Guide

There are several ways for travelers to utilize private jets. One of these options is shared charters, which allow users to book seats on flights that have already been chartered. This allows for cheaper flights with the same level of convenience.

Other options include jet cards, which are subscription-based services that grant members access to private jets for an additional cost. Semi-private charter services, like JSX , also exist. These carriers allow passengers to hop on scheduled flights but still offer the comfort and luxury of typical private flights.

However, some travelers elect to utilize a public charter company instead. This is one of the most popular options for travelers attempting to fly privately. It allows them to rent a privately owned aircraft for their personal use or that of a small group. Sometimes, this can last an extended period of time, but sometimes, it may last for just a single flight.

Private Jet Card Comparison recently revealed the thirty largest US private jet flight providers. This includes both Part 135 companies, which are the charter authorization, and the Part 91k companies, which are labeled as fractional ownership companies. However, Private Jet Card Comparison rolled up both of these types of companies and sorted them out. Let's take a close look at some of the firms that dominate this private jet charter market.

5 FlyExclusive

Total private jet hours in 2023: 55,211.

The fifth-most flown charter company in the United States in 2023 was FlyExclusive. The company, founded in 2014, operates as a jet club membership program. It also recently became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). FlyExclusive saw a slight decrease in total flight hours, representing a 2.5% decrease compared to 2022, yet still owns over a 1% share of the private aviation market in the United States.

FlyExclusive operates mostly light and midsize aircraft, such as the Cessna Citation Encore, the Citation CJ3, and the Citation Excel. It operates slightly larger aircraft like the Citation Sovereign and the Citation X, as well as the large cabin jet, the Gulfstream GIV-SP.

4 Wheels Up

Total private jet hours in 2023: 127,685.

The next company on the list dropped a spot compared to 2022. Wheels Up saw a drop of nearly 40,000 flight hours compared to 2022, which is an almost 24% decrease in total flight hours. However, the company still holds a 2.41% market share of the total United States flight hours, per Private Jet Card Comparisons.

Wheels Up offers a wide range of membership options for its customers. Members can book seats or flights utilizing the company's existing fleet or from one of its third-party operators utilizing a mobile application. The charter carrier allows its members to select from a wide variety of choices when it comes to aircraft, including turboprops. This includes:

• Beechcraft King Air 350
• Cessna Citation CJ3
• Beechcraft Hawker 400XP
• Cessna Citation XLS
• Cessna Citation X
• Gulfstream G450

3 Vista Global

Total private jet hours in 2023: 136,511.

Vista Global, VistaJet's parent company, is the only company on the list to move up a spot from 2022. VistaJet recorded a slight decrease year-over-year but still recorded enough flight hours in the United States to bypass Wheels Up. It showed a 9.7% decrease in total flight hours compared to 2022, per Private Jet Card Comparison.

VistaJet offers membership-based flights with a "pay for hours flown" structure. The company is based in Malta, although it operates around the world. VistaJet operates only Bombardier jets, ranging from super-midsize to ultra-long-range jets. These include the Bombardier Challenger 350, Challenger 605, and the Challenger 850, as well as the Bombardier Global 5000, Global 6000, and the Global 7500.

2 Flexjet, Inc.

Total private jet hours in 2023: 204,836.

Per Private Jet Card Comparisons, Flexjet is the second most flown company in the United States. The company reached over 200,000 total flight hours for the first time in 2023, a gain of over 21,000 total hours year over year, or an 11.5% increase.

The Ohio-based fractional ownership-focused and jet card-providing company serves over 2,000 global customers. The company's fleet is spread throughout the major aircraft cabin sizes. This includes Embraer Praetor 300s, Praetor 500s, and Praetor 600s, as well as Bombardier Challenger 300s and Challenger 350s. Its larger aircraft include the Gulfstream G450 and G650, with the G700 on order.

1 NetJets Inc.

Total private jet hours in 2023: 609,515.

NetJets is one of the most well-known charter companies in the United States, and its total number of flight operations shows that. It also has an 11.5% market share of the total flight hours in the country, per Private Jet Card Comparisons. The company was the first private business jet charter and has been around since 1964. It also began offering its fractional ownership offerings in 1986.

The company offers a wide range of private jets for any traveler and operates a fleet that totals nearly 1,000 aircraft. This includes:

• Bombardier Global 7500
• Bombardier Global 6000
• Bombardier Global 5500
• Bombardier Challenger 650
• Cessna Citation Longitude
• Bombardier Challenger 350
• Embraer Praetor 500
• Cessna Citation Latitude
• Cessna Citation Sovereign
• Embraer Phenom 300

NetJets will also receive the first Bombardier Global 8000 once it gets certified and will be one of the headlining customers of the brand-new Cessna Citation Ascend.

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A British whistleblower revealed what the industry already knew: Fly private and anything goes.

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The government blamed bad data-recording at the airport Neal cited, London City or LCY. It’s an important private-jet touchdown because of its location, close to London’s answer to Wall Street, but is far smaller than Heathrow or Gatwick, the two major airports in the capital. (In 2022, LCY’s annual passenger tally was 3 million, less than one twentieth of Heathrow’s 61.5 million fliers that same year).

It’s a startling revelation: Are fliers like these truly too VIP to be troubled by the TSA? Surely, there’s no such thing as sidestepping immigration? Can you cheat immigration simply by booking a charter flight? The worrying answer is: Maybe.

There are two ways that a private plane touches down in a new country, according to expert Doug Gollan, who runs the website Private Jet Comparisons . Both of them will make it breezier than trekking through the terminal at a Global Entry booth.

First, at a private terminal at a commercial airport such as LCY, the handling agent will escort you from the plane and whisk you away from the hordes of hoi polloi. “At Basel, we were taken through the back entrance, where they stamped out passports,” he said. “It’s the same back door type thing for cabin crew or diplomats.” 

The second way to arrive is at a standalone private airport, or FBO, where a flight attendant or pilot might gather passengers’ documents and take them for review while fliers wait onboard. “All of a sudden, they come back and you’re good to go,” said Gollan. “It’s definitely a more low-key experience.”

The pandemic made that clearer than ever. While commercial aviation cratered, private planes took off like never before, with certain countries even opening their borders solely to those arriving by charter.

The Cayman Islands, for example, welcomed private jet tourists in October 2020, 18 months before all protocols were dropped. Fiji permitted private jet and yacht arrivals, within certain parameters, at around the same time. Both Thailand and South Africa offered similar exemptions to those arriving privately, as did the Seychelles.

But no matter how or where your private jet arrives, the flight manifests and other paperwork should be in good order, and reputable operators will handle such complexities. Still, that’s a less stringent check than any in-person, in-terminal assessment.

“From my experience, a private jet will allow you to skip the line, not the inspection,” said David Gitman, of private-charter specialist Monarch Air in South Florida. “At the end of the day, you’re going through the same checks commercial passengers do.”

“It happened to me twice, and honestly, I was shocked that they just took our word for it,” said one frequent private flier, who asked not to be identified. “We never saw a customs or immigration agent.” Added another: “You can easily understand how someone could get from Mexico to Canada then into the U.S., simply by flying private on a legitimate passport but they’re not the right person.”

The onus for such admin lies squarely on the operator, of course, and such criminality would require complicity from pilot and aircraft owner both.

“Technically, it’s doable, because it’s up to the pilot completely,” said a charter broker who requested anonymity. “Nobody is checking who is physically on the plane, and they can put anyone’s name they want on the manifest. It’s more like an honor system, so you’d need the pilot to lie, or at least give him a fake document, perhaps your brother’s passport if you resemble them.”

Still, it didn’t stop regular enquiries asking how to sidestep border controls, the broker said.

“Every six months, someone would call to ask to fly out of the country without going through customs and immigration,” he said. “And we’d just tell them that they’d need to contact someone else for what they were looking for.” 

And the reasons for wanting to slip past the immigration booth can be sinister, as a different broker learned after arranging a plane from the U.S. to Colombia for a client.

“The stepson murdered his father, and you can’t kill someone and walk through a commercial terminal. There’s too much scrutiny at the border,” they recalled. “He wasn’t on a No Fly list yet when the operator accepted the trip, but when he landed he was arrested. There are loopholes you can use like that, and people know and understand: if you fly private, you get different treatment.”

British-born, NYC-based Mark Ellwood is Robb Report's editor-at-large. He has lived out of a suitcase for most of his life, covering luxury in all its forms across the world. Among his favorite…

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See inside the Four Seasons' private Airbus jet which you can now charter for the first time for $115,000 a day

• Four Seasons has its own Airbus A321neoLR, typically used for set experiences.
• Now it's offering the 48-seat jet up for charter at a cost of $115,000.
• Every leather seat can lie flat plus it has a lounge on board.

Most people will only know Four Seasons for its range of luxury hotels around the world, but the firm also hosts travel experiences with the help of its own private jet.

These around-the-world air cruises last as long as three weeks and cost up to $215,000 per person. But now, for the first time, Four Seasons is offering its own Airbus A321neoLR for charter.

It costs $115,000 a day and seats up to 48 people. Here's what the aircraft looks like and how the luxury firm is extending how it caters to the wealthy.

When you think of private jets, firms like Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault usually come to mind.

But Airbus and Boeing also offer business versions of their passenger jets, which customers can customize.

Airbus just unveiled the private jet version of its smallest airliner, which is estimated to cost $100 million — see inside the plane

The Airbus A320neo — which competes with the Boeing 737 Max — is not only used by regular airlines, but also by luxury operators.

The ultrarich are spending over $100,000 on 'air cruises' that traverse the world by private jet — take a look at the luxury planes

Four Seasons, famed for its luxurious hotels, owns an Airbus A321neoLR, the long-range version of its narrowbody jet.

The A321neoLR has a maximum range of 4,600 miles — enough to fly from New York to mainland Europe. Later this year, the European planemaker plans to deliver its first XLR, which could be a real game changer.

Boeing 737 Max fallout could be a win for Airbus. Here's why airlines might eye the A321neoXLR.

Until now, the jet has only been used for Four Seasons' round-the-world experiences. These last as long as three weeks and stop at destinations like Antarctica or the Galápagos Islands — for up to $215,000 per person.

For the first time, people will be able to charter the Four Seasons' jet on their own itinerary, such as a one-off trip or creating their own whirlwind tour.

Four Seasons' private jet director of guest experience, Chenin Matthews, gave recommendations like visiting the Paris Olympics; spending New Year's in Dubai; or staying at one of the firm's hotels as featured on TV.

I stayed at 'The White Lotus' hotel in Sicily where the hit series was filmed. Here's how it compares in real life.

The jet includes a social-gathering space called "Lounge in the Sky."

Flying commercial, you can only find such lounge areas if you're traveling in business class on a superjumbo Airbus A380 — or Virgin Atlantic's widebody planes.

Chartering the Four Seasons jet also comes with an in-flight executive chef who makes customized meals inspired by destinations on the trip.

A regular version of the Airbus plane can fit over 200 passengers, but Four Seasons sacrifices capacity for comfort. There are 48 custom-designed leather seats that can lie flat.

Every guest also gets an iPad for in-flight entertainment and Bose headphones.

The seats remind me of Beond, a luxury airline that only flies to or from the Maldives. They have the same buttons on the armrest and also provide iPads for in-flight entertainment.

I went on board Beond, 'the world's first premium leisure airline' with lie-flat beds — but I don't think it's better than business class

The Four Seasons charter comes with 10 crew members: three pilots, one engineer, and six cabin crew. You could also pay more for an onboard physician, tour manager, or extra flight attendants.

It costs $115,000 a day for up to 48 guests. That price includes meals and airport services, but not accommodation or on-location activities.

It's also only available for 31 days this year. And because the aircraft is registered in the UK, it can't fly domestic routes in the US.

Even if you have a spare six figures (or 47 friends with $2,396), you can only charter Four Seasons' jet from August 4 to 26, and December 20 to 27 of this year.

• Main content

What Is The Cheapest Way To Enjoy A Private Jet Flight?

• While private jets are typically not budget-friendly, there are ways to save money while flying in style.
• Flying empty legs can save passengers up to 90% off the standard trip cost.
• You must be flexible with time and open to unexpected destinations.

While to many, flying on a private jet, sipping champagne, and enjoying a ride on a limo once at the destination airport seems like an unattainable zenith of luxury, there are ways to fly privately on a budget. Sure, those flights might not involve a glass of the finest drink offered by the Chardonnay grape or a chauffeur opening the doors of a vehicle whose price can rival an apartment. However, they still provide a unique experience that every AvGeek would enjoy.

Flying empty legs

Many private jet operators or charter brokers advertise empty leg flights as a way to hop on a business jet on a budget. For example, GlobeAir , a self-proclaimed leading private jet charter for business and leisure, highlighted that a person can save up to 90% on a flight by flying an empty leg. ASL Group , a Belgium-based private jet operator, described empty leg charters as a way to avoid the lengthy and, at times, inconvenient commercial flights while still saving a “substantial amount of money.”

VistaJet , a United States (US)-based private jet operator that offers its fleet of aircraft to its program members, noted that if a person has flown on a private jet, chances are they have taken an empty leg flight. Explaining the operation, the company said that sometimes an aircraft “will potentially need to fly to another destination to pick up its next client.” As a result, “this connecting flight (known as a ferry) is the ‘empty leg’ of a one-way private chartered flight.”

Interested in private aviation? Find more articles like this here.

Ferry flights are also common in commercial aviation. For example, if an aircraft is forced to divert to an airport that the airline does not operate flights out of due to a mechanical failure, it will have to be moved eventually. That is what happened to a Qantas Airbus A380 , registered as VH-OQH, which was operating flight QF1 between Sydney Airport (SYD) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) via Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in December 2022. Then, the double-decker was forced to diver to Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), Azerbaijan, due to potential smoke in the cargo hold. In response, Qantas sent another A380 to GYD to rescue the stranded crew and passengers, carrying them to their final destination, LHR. Several days later, VH-OQH returned to service.

Another Superjumbo: Qantas Sends Recovery Airbus A380 To Baku Following Diversion

Last-minute offers.

VistaJet, like the two other companies involved in the business aviation sector, highlighted that empty leg flights can be 75% cheaper “than a regular private charter fare, empty leg charters are a great way of accessing private jet travel, providing that you can be flexible with your arrangements or manage to find a one-way flight that meets all your travel needs.”

Thus, the private jet operator pointed out one of the drawbacks of catching an empty leg flight: they can be published on short notice and to destinations you might not have planned to fly to. A case in point could be evoJets , a private aviation solutions provider, offering a flight on a Gulfstream IV , seating 13 people between Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), North Carolina, to Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport (PEG), Italy, on November 28, 2023.

High Roller? 5 Ways To Get A Private Jet To Vegas For Less

Middle East latest: Israeli president says 'last thing region wants is war' but will 'defend its people' after Iran attacks

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said aircraft are still patrolling the skies. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said the US military helped Israel "take down nearly all of the drones and missiles" fired by Iran.

Sunday 14 April 2024 18:51, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Israel approves plans for 'offensive and defensive actions' - IDF
• 'This is like a war,' Israeli president Herzog tells Sky News
• Analysis: What does Herzog's 'declaration of war' comment mean?
• Iran threatens US bases and larger attack on Israel if it retaliates
• Israel outlines 'initial price' Iran must pay
• Michael Clarke analysis : Why it's likely not the end of cycle of violence
• Sean Bell analysis:  This could have been much worse - the challenge is now Netanyahu's reaction
• Podcast:  Iran attacks Israel, but what happens next?
• Live reporting by Ollie Cooper  and  Ben Bloch

Addressing the media in English, an Israeli military spokesperson says plans for both offensive and defence action has been authorised following last night's attack by Iran.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says: "Hamas and Iran want to ignite the Middle East and to escalate [in] the region," adding that the IDF remains "on high alert" and is "assessing the situation".

He goes on: "Over the last two hours, we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action.

"We will continue to protect the State of Israel, and together with our partners, we will continue to build a more secure and stable future for the entire Middle East."

The IDF spokesperson does not give any further details on what plans have been approved, but it follows a meeting of Israel's war cabinet in the last two hours.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari begins his press conference by announcing that the Home Front Command rules put in place last night will continue into this evening. 

He praises the response from the "regional alliance" who helped to down 99% of the munitions fired by Iran at Israel. 

Some 350 missiles and drones, weighing around 60 tonnes, were fired at Israel last night, he says.

"Their (Iran's) plan failed," he adds.  

"Only a few missiles managed to enter the Israeli airspace and caused some very slight damage to the infrastructure of this Air Force base."

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces, has started speaking to the media. 

He speaks shortly after an Israeli war cabinet meeting concluded (see 5.55pm post). 

A bit more from our interview with Isaac Herzog now - turning toward the situation in Gaza. 

As we reported in our 6.10am post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has said that Hamas rejected the latest proposal for a deal to return Israeli hostages.

When pressed by our  Middle East correspondent  Alistair Bunkall   on his reaction to that news, the Israeli president indicated that this latest rejection meant further Israeli action in the enclave was likely. 

"[This is the] fifth time in a row that we have offered new [ceasefire] suggestions and they (Hamas) have rejected it," he said. 

"It's about time that the world realised that they (Hamas) don't really want to move into a deal and therefore we have to take necessary action in order to bring the hostages back home," he added. 

An offensive in the city of Rafah has been expected for some time, while Western allies to Israel have strongly urged the government not to attack what is the last refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. 

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah group has praised Tehran's aerial attack on Israel. 

It described the move to attack Israel as a "brave" decision, adding Iran had exercised its legal rights despite "threats, intimidation and pressure". 

The group, based in Lebanon, has been engaged in clashes with Israeli forces on the border since the war against Hamas broke out. 

Iran has backed, funded, and trained several proxy group across the Middle East region to varying degrees, including Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and a number of other factions based in Syria and Iraq.

The Israel Defence Forces is set to hold a media conference shortly. 

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari will be speaking from Tel Aviv shortly. 

We'll be bringing you the latest right here. 

Israel's war cabinet meeting has concluded after several hours of deliberation, an Israeli official has told our partner network NBC News.

The meeting, headed up by Benjamin Netanyahu, was called in response to last night's attack by Iran on Israel.

We're yet to hear from anybody at the meeting, but we'll bring you the latest as we get it. 

By Alistair Bunkall , Middle East correspondent 

I asked Israel's President a number of times whether he thought Israel should carry out military action against Iran. 

Whilst he didn't give a completely straight answer, his words were clear enough: last nights attack was "a declaration of war".

Herzog, as President, isn't part of the executive decision-making body, but he will speak for many here. 

"What would you do if more than 300 missiles and drones were fired at Britain?" - he fired back at me. 

It's a reasonable question, and fortunately for Britons, an unthinkable one. 

Not so for Israelis. 

They live under this threat and support their military and government to keep them safe. 

The instinct here is to strike Iran back, restore the deterrence and have the final word. It's an enormous risk. 

Israel's allies are warning against it.

Biden told Netanyahu to "take the win" and Sunak has called for "calm heads".

Netanyahu will have to listen to them. 

Last night showed Israel can count on the UK and US to help defend Israel, but the military support is there to help prevent a war, not to bolster the IDF should Netanyahu want to start a war. 

As we've been reporting, the leaders of G7 countries have been holding a meeting this afternoon following Iran's attack on Israel last night.

We've just had a readout of that call, with the leaders saying they "unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel".

They expressed their "full solidarity and support to Israel and its people" and reiterated their commitment to Israel's security.

The statement continues: "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided."

They are demanding that Iran and its proxies "cease their attacks" in the region, and say they will continue to work towards an "immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza", an increase in humanitarian aid, and the "release of hostages by Hamas".

The G7 is composed of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, as well as the European Union as a "non-enumerated member".

Israel's military is calling up two reserve divisions for "operational missions in the Gaza Strip", it has announced.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a statement: "In accordance with the assessment of the situation, the IDF is recruiting in the coming days about two reserve brigades for the operational missions in the Gaza Strip.

"Their recruitment will allow the continuation of the effort and readiness to defend the State of Israel and maintain the security of the residents."

The re-enlistment of troops comes a week after Israel dramatically reduced the number of soldiers it had operating the in Gaza.

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