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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

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How does Smithsonian Journeys differ from other group travel options?

Traveling with Smithsonian Journeys is a life-changing experience. Built upon the values and passion of the Smithsonian, our journeys are designed with the same quest to increase and diffuse knowledge to all. You will engage with the world through the Smithsonian lens, and enjoy an immersive and transformative experience that you will never forget. Our collection of diverse tours and cruises has grown to 350+ annual departures on all seven continents, and like the Smithsonian Institution, our tours enrich lives and satisfy your curiosity about the world. Importantly, your participation benefits the work of Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, our national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to make the world a better place by preserving and celebrating what we cherish from our common past, present, and future.

In addition to an experienced tour manager, a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, local guest speakers, and experienced guides will join you on your journey. Among the experts who accompany you are scholars from around the world—with an in-depth understanding of history, culture, politics, the natural world, or the fine arts—who have been selected by Smithsonian Journeys for their special knowledge and ability to connect with people. You may also find by your side a Smithsonian scientist who has spent a lifetime studying and interpreting biology, ecology, geology, astronomy, or another discipline. Our travelers tell us that our experts, and overall educational emphasis, are why they choose Smithsonian Journeys again.

What’s included in the cost of a Smithsonian Journeys tour?

Once you add up the extras we include as a matter of course — experts, tour managers and guides, pre-planning packages and reading lists, most meals, excellent accommodations, transfers, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive excursions, gratuities (except for on some cruise programs), little luxuries, and even airfare inclusive pricing on many tours — you’ll know you are getting more than you pay for.

Our programs also include emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000 for U.S. Residents only) and access to emergency assistance service. (And, we also encourage our guests to consider purchasing additional travel insurance to protect against unexpected events that may leave you with cancelled plans, lost luggage or unforeseen medical expenses.)

See the itinerary and Terms and Conditions for the program you are interested in for specific information on what is and is not included.

How do I decide which trip is right for me?

We offer a variety of options to fit every taste and travel interest. We offer international land journeys, many including airfare; small-ship ocean cruising, and comfortable, convenient river cruising; immersive cultural stay journeys; dynamic active journeys; one-of-a-kind specialty programs; around-the-world by private jet journeys; and multigenerational family journeys. And, if group options aren’t right for you, we offer Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys, customized to your interests with the help of a Country Specialist.

How many travelers are on a Smithsonian Journeys tour?

Group size varies depending on whether the journey is a cruise, land tour, or specialty program. Our land-based tours range from 12-35 participants and cruises range from 30-100 participants (with a few slightly larger), depending on the ship’s size. In most cases, our cruises share the ship with other leading cultural and educational institutions, which adds to the excitement and energy of the experience. Please ask our destination specialists about specific program sizes.

What about traveling alone?

Smithsonian Journeys tours are perfect for solo travelers, since you will experience and share the fun with like-minded people interested in exploring the world. If you prefer a single room, you may reserve one by paying the single room supplement (which reflects the additional costs charged by hotels and cruise lines). Please note that there may be a limited availability for solo travelers. If you would like to share a room, we will do our best to partner you with a compatible, like-minded, same-sex roommate who is also traveling solo.

I am interested in experiencing the world in a more active way. Do you offer active journeys?

Yes! We have developed a collection of small group tours with the active traveler in mind. With no more than 18 participants, each trip is intimate and enriching. And because cultural insight is a key to all of our programming, you will enjoy opportunities to get to know each destination in more depth through special arrangements with local experts.

How old are your travelers?

Because we offer a wide range of travel options, our age range is quite broad. More active journeys attract travelers from 45-70 years of age, while special interest programs, including performing arts, typically attract guests from 55-80 years of age. So, while, there is no typical age profile; our average age is 55+. On multigenerational family journeys, you will find parents, grandparents, and children of all ages (generally 8-12 years of age or above). For all programs, we do ask that travelers are physically able to participate in all planned activities so that they may enjoy every aspect of the journey. Please ask our destination specialists about the required activity on specific tours.

What are the physical and/or health requirements?

Because of the educational nature of our trips and the inquisitive nature of our travelers, our itineraries can be full and active. As a general guide, in order to enjoy your travel experience, we recommend that your level of fitness, stamina, and overall ability match the activity requirements for the tour/cruise selected. All tours and cruises feature varied activities that require a related level of physical fitness and ability. Detailed information regarding specific activity expectations can be found within the “Tour Details” tab on every web tour page and should be reviewed carefully to ensure you have chosen a trip appropriate to your capabilities.

Can I bring children on my journey?

Travel is a wonderful way for the younger generation to learn about the world and for families to spend time together. We offer an assortment of family-friendly journeys designed to be enjoyed by adults and children. Past travelers have told us that these have been among the best travel experiences they have ever enjoyed. Tours and cruises not specifically designated as family journeys, are designed with adults in mind. Some may be suitable for older children, however please check with us before booking. Regardless of age, children must pay full price unless otherwise noted, and a parent or guardian must accompany those under 18.

I don’t always want to travel in a group. Do you offer “non-group” tours that I can customize to my own requirements?

Yes! We are pleased to offer custom, private travel for those who are not interested in traveling in a group. Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys offer a rewarding experience that can be customized to your specific interests and are truly bespoke. A Certified Country Specialist will advise you on the best guides, food, lodging, and local secrets in the region you wish to visit and help you design the perfect journey just for you.

Can you accommodate those with dietary restrictions?

Yes, simply notify us in advance of your trip’s departure so we can arrange for your special dietary needs. Note: There is a specific area for you to note this information in the Pre-Trip Personal Information Form that you will receive with your confirmation packet.

Is airfare included in the tour cost?

Airfare varies on a tour-by-tour basis. While many of our small group, land tours do offer airfare inclusive packages, other tours and cruises may not. Should airfare not be included, most of our partner tour operators are able to assist you in arranging your flights. Please note: When purchasing airfare independently, it is important to pay special attention to cancellation policies before you do so as international flight times and departures may change.

Are there any U.S. Passport rules I should be aware of?

The U.S. Department of State no longer adds visa pages into U.S. passports. Applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport. For more information on how or where to apply, please visit  Travel.State.Gov/ApplyEarly  or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778/1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD).

Also, in 2018, the rules of domestic air travel are changing, and you may need a passport to board domestic flights. This is because of the  REAL ID Act , a federal law that compels states to update the security of the ID cards and driver’s licenses that they issue. As of October 2017, the extension granted by the Department of Homeland Security for many states to comply with the REAL ID Act expired. While DHS has granted further extensions to all but six states, these extensions are set to expire in October 2018. If you live in a state that does not comply with the REAL ID measures, you may need to show an alternate, REAL-ID compliant form of government-issued photo identification to get through security for domestic flights. The most common compliant form of ID is a passport, but passport cards, Global Entry cards, and others are also accepted. The Department of Homeland Security offers an  easy-to-use  website that shows your state’s compliance status. Click on your state to learn more.

How is Smithsonian Journeys affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution? Is my trip tax deductible?

Smithsonian Journeys tours and cruises engage travelers in the wide-ranging mission of the Smithsonian—”the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. When you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to preserve national treasures and shape the future through science, research and exhibitions. Your trip cost is not tax deductible.

Does Smithsonian offer student travel programs?

Yes, we offer enriching and immersive travel programs tailored for high school students.

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difference between Smithsonian Journeys, Odysseys Unlimited - Senior Travel Forum

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I am looking at trips to Italy. Smithsonian and Odysseys seem to have the exact itinerary and even dates, but Smithsonian's tour is about $1000 more expensive per traveler. Is this extra cost for the additional information from its "experts"? Is the extra cost worth it -- or just another layer making a profit? Thanks for any advice you can give on the difference between these two companies.

22 replies to this topic

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I feel like I did substantial googling, but only got the suggestion that the difference was educational support. Can you be more specific? Many thanks

I've taken tours with both Smithsonian Journeys and Odysseys.

SJ tours have a "Smithsonian expert" who travels with the group and gives several lectures relevant to the destination during the course of the tour. For instance, in our most recent SJ tour, to Puglia, the expert was a retired U of Va professor who was an archeologist. He gave 3 or 4 lectures that I found interesting and entertaining. His presence, I think, also got us special access to areas of an active archeological dig that's normally off-limits to tourists. Of course the expert travels for free, the others pay more to cover his/her trip cost.

Odysseys is often the organizer for SJ tours, so the tours are almost identical. There may be one or 2 extra SJ events on some tours.

My next trip will be with Odysseys. It will be the seventh one with them. I think they do a fine job of organizing, arranging the itinerary and their tour leaders are are top-notch.

Only you can decide if you think the "expert" is worth the added cost.

Thanks much, CultureVulture, for this response.

You're welcome, Kathy F.

I'll add that on an earlier SJ trip, to Iceland, the expert was a geologist who actually worked at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. He was fascinated by volcanoes and geysers and enthusiastic to be on his first trip to Iceland. He was always the last person back on the bus when we made a stop. His best lecture (to me, anyway) was on the Smithsonian's gem collection which had nothing to do with Iceland but had some great slides of items like the Hope Diamond!

You can PM me if you think I can offer any other useful info.

Re: post #6,

Note that many tour operators offer the same trip because they are simply buying the arrangements from the same packager.

To get the best price you might want to find out who the packager is and try to buy directly from them. I have done several walking trips in the UK with UK companies. It was only a couple years after I started doing these trips that I learned I could have done them through American outfits like Road Scholar for maybe 50% more. Yes, Road Scholar may have special "educational opportunities" like lecturers who waste a morning when you could have been outside walking, so it's up to you to decide how you want to spend your time and money.

How did you find out the packager? The people I’ve talked to have not been willing to disclose the information.

In researching various trips, I saw that the itineraries were exactly the same. Then the research I did, including other responses to this forum thread, reinforces that a company like Smithsonian is going to use another’s (Odyssey here) groundwork, then add their own twist (the scholar).

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• A different way to cruise
• A tailor-made voyage
• Why choose PONANT ?
• PONANT benefits
• Our Pavilions
• Our 360-degree destinations
• A more sustainable tourism
• PONANT Foundation
• Certifications and distinctions

Where would you like to travel with PONANT?

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What are you looking for?

• Gastronomy & Wine
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Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys : 2025 new voyages

Ponant and smithsonian journeys: 2025 new voyages.

PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have designed new voyages in the heart of the mediterranean sea, off the atlantic coast and in central america, all providing opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ranging from geologists to museum curators and archaeologists.

Highlights of the 2025 voyages

Drawing on Smithsonian's rich history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the 30 itineraries will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife.

Lisbon to the Canary Islands: Spain, Morocco, and Atlantic Isle

• The ochre cliffs of Portugal’s Algarve Coast . • The lush valleys of Madeira . • The volcanic craters of the Canary Islands . • The World Heritage sites of Seville , Spain and Rabat , Morocco. • Other highlights: medina visits, a tour of Madeira’s Botanical Gardens. • With the insights of onboard Smithsonian Journey Expert Allen Fromherz, a professor of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern history .

A Circumnavigation of Sicily

• Malta: one of the world’s most photogenic harbors • Sicily’s southern coast : the World Heritage site of Agrigento . • Tunis : the ancient ruins of Carthage , the coastal town of Sidi Bou Said , the stunning Roman mosaics of the Bardo Museum . • Trapani : visit of the iconic high-altitude castles in the medieval city of Erice . • Palermo , Taormina, Syracuse. • The Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Stromboli: volcano vistas, winery visits, slopeside lunches.

Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca

• Starting in Valletta , Malta sail from Sicily and Sardinia to the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca. • Palermo’s centuries-old markets and the city’s World Heritage-listed Arab-Norman architecture . • The cultural riches of Cagliari , Sardinia: baroque palazzi, hilltop fortress, and archaeological ruins. • Menorca: Bronze Age ruins and tour the magnificent Palma de Mallorca Cathedral .

Panama and Costa Rica

• Immerse you in some of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems : from mangrove forests and white-sand beaches to flora- and fauna-rich national parks. • Exclusive tour of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center. • Encounter with local Indigenous communities on the San Blas Islands and in the World Heritage Site of Darién National Park and Playa Muerto, a small coastal village inhabited by the Emberá people . • The onboard Expert is Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat and U.S. Navy Officer with expertise in history, culture, and current affairs .

The Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean

• Cross off a half-a-dozen Greek islands in one go. • The gem-like isles of the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos : Patmos, Amorgos, and Delos. • Meet monks at an 11-th century monastery. • Visit a typical Cycladic home to learn the age-old practice of distilling essential oils. • The lesser-visited Peloponnese peninsula . • Sanjaya Thakur — an expert in Greek and Roman history — will help you better understand the islands’ overlapping cultures and archeological riches on the July departure.

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex , consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife . For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel .

PONANT AND SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS : 2025 NEW VOYAGES

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• Expeditions
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• Why choose PONANT ?
• PONANT benefits
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• A more sustainable tourism
• PONANT Foundation
• Certifications and distinctions

Where would you like to travel with PONANT?

Which period?

What are you looking for?

• Gastronomy & Wine
• Art & Museums

Le Commandant Charcot Spring & Summer 2024 & 2025

Antarctica—departures through 2026, ponant sails away with cruise critic editors’ pick for arctic expeditions, ponant + smithsonian journeys—madagascar and the seychelles.

Le Commandant Charcot