On this unique holiday, Captivating Cultures: A Grand Tour from Rome to Rajasthan, you’ll be travelling by private jet throughout, with nine stops in six countries including Italy, Jordan, Uzbekistan and India. You’ll be staying in exquisite five-star hotels, taking part in exclusive experiences, as well as being accompanied by three dedicated tour managers, an operations director, expert local guides and attentive air crew. Everything is included, from in-flight champagne and gourmet meals to incredible excursions and activities.
13 SEPTEMBER 2023 | ROME, ITALY
Your tour begins the moment you leave home as your private VIP driver whisks you away to the private jet terminal at London Stansted Airport. Here you’ll be greeted by our dedicated tour managers, operations director and cabin crew who’ll take care of you for the next three weeks. Once on board our privately chartered jet, we’ll enjoy a delicious brunch during the short flight to the Eternal City.
On arrival we’ll be transferred to our beautiful hotel, located on the stunning Piazza della Repubblica. You’ll have time to freshen up before being invited to join us on the hotel’s rooftop terrace for welcome cocktails and canapés. Your adventure truly begins mid-afternoon with a private tour of the Colosseum. We’ll enjoy aperitivo in view of this iconic amphitheatre, before a welcome dinner and an after-dinner stroll to see it beautifully illuminated at night.
ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME (3 nights)
Set in Rome's main tourist district, the hotel is close to local visitor attractions including Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain and the main Opera House.
14 SEPTEMBER 2023 | ROME, ITALY
Start the day with a Roman breakfast in the elegant restaurant. Look forward to your chosen morning activity, while enjoying your cappuccino. There’s an array of possibilities, including a tour of the city by Vespa moped. There’ll be guided tours of art galleries such as the Galleria Borghese, Italian cookery classes and even an opportunity to train as a gladiator. For connoisseurs of fine Italian goods, a private shopper will be on hand should you wish to browse the amazing stores on the Via del Corso.
This afternoon after a pizza lunch, we’ll take an excursion to the former Jewish ghetto, home to some of the city’s richest cultural artefacts. From here, an exclusive boat cruise glides along the Tiber to enjoy the wonders of Rome from the water before heading to a historic, traditional restaurant for dinner.
15 SEPTEMBER 2023 | ROME, ITALY
It’s an early start as we head to the Vatican for a private tour of its museums and the Sistine Chapel ahead of the official opening times. This exceptional tour will be followed by breakfast and a chance to absorb our once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Late morning we’ll take a walking tour to explore baroque Rome, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna and passing the fascinating Castel Sant'Angelo. A typical Roman lunch is included, then the afternoon is free or if you wish, visits to the Roman Domus, a traditional Roman home, the Basilica San Clemente or the infamous Catacombs, the largest underground burial chambers in the world.
Our last night in Rome will be celebrated at the stunning Casina Valadier, located in Villa Borghese with stunning views across the city. We’ll get a red-carpet welcome and dine on the finest Roman cuisine.
16 SEPTEMBER 2023 | TIVAT, MONTENEGRO
We head south along the Adriatic to Montenegro. The short flight will be accompanied by a light lunch before we disembark for the beautiful town of Tivat. This coastal resort is redolent of 1950s Monaco, as swaying palms watch over a harbour full of lazing superyachts. We’ll check in to our luxury hotel, overlooking the marina.
The afternoon sees us heading to the coastal city of Kotor, this medieval port is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of the narrow streets and fortifications will end at the Maritime Museum. We’ll be treated to a private performance by a folklore group while sampling the local grappa. Dinner will be at the fabulous Restaurant Galion.
REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO (3 nights)
Nestled on palm-fringed shores along the Adriatic coast, Regent Porto Montenegro is a luxury retreat, located in the heart of Porto Montenegro village.
17 SEPTEMBER 2023 | BAY OF KOTOR
Today is for an exclusive boat trip on the Bay of Kotor, cruising through spectacular gorges and jade green water. Wine and snacks will be available on deck as we enjoy the ever-changing vista, slowly gliding towards Ćatovića Mlini where we’ll stop for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Our trip concludes with a visit to the stunning Roman Catholic church on the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and an open-air concert. Dinner tonight is included in the hotel’s Murano Restaurant.
18 SEPTEMBER 2023 | TIVAT, MONTENEGRO
The day is free to enjoy the hotel’s superb facilities and spa or explore the town. Our tour managers will also be on hand to accompany anyone wishing to visit nearby Budva further down the coast.
This ancient walled town has excellent shops and restaurants as well as Roman ruins and incredible beaches. Dinner tonight is in the hotel’s Teodo Ballroom.
19 SEPTEMBER 2023 | WADI-RUM, JORDAN
We bid farewell to Montenegro and fly onwards to Aqaba, Jordan. On arrival we head to Wadi Rum, often known as the Valley of the Moon for its lunar landscape. We enter Wadi Rum in 4WD vehicles and take a tour of the stunning landscape which boasts a maze of monolithic rock formations.
Our exploration ends when we get to sip chilled champagne whilst watching the sun slowly disappear behind the rose-hued mountains. We’ll dine in a large traditional tent, complete with carpets and chandeliers, before spending the night in the desert at a private camp.
SARAYA RUM CAMP (1 night)
Tucked in a special location surrounded by the sand stone mountains and the different Colors of soft sand Terrain, Saraya Rum Private Luxury Camp, is very unique, it offers its guests 5 stars Accommodation and service.
20 & 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 | PETRA, JORDAN
Following a leisurely breakfast, we’ll leave the desert and head to Jordan’s most striking location, the lost Nabatean city of Petra. After checking into our hotel located opposite the entrance to ancient Petra, you're free until we're collected this evening for an exclusive and unforgettable meal at the archaeological site of Little Petra.
On arrival, we’ll be led down a candlelit path to where our Arabian banquet awaits. We'll dine to the sights and sounds of local folk dancers, as beautiful lighting reveals this architectural wonder of antiquity from a truly enthralling perspective.
The next day the Rose Red City of Petra lays beneath the desert sands for centuries and was only rediscovered in 1812. Following breakfast, our guides will take us on a tour including the spectacular Treasury, hewn out of solid rock around 600 BC. Lunch will be served at a restaurant within the site.
Following dinner at the hotel, we'll walk across to join the stunning spectacle of Petra by night. A special aura is created tonight as thousands of candles are lit to illuminate it.
MOVENPICK RESORT PETRA (2 nights)
Located directly at the entrance to the historical Nabatean city of Petra, the luxurious Mövenpick Resort Petra is certainly one of the most notable hotels in Petra.
22,23 & 24 SEPTEMBER 2023 | JAIPUR, INDIA
We depart the Rose Red City of Petra for the India's Pink City of Jaipur. We’ll drive back to Aqaba where our onward flight awaits. We’ll arrive in Jaipur early evening, and once checked into our spectacular hotel, the rest of the night is yours to relax.
The next day after breakfast we’ll drive to the Amber Fort, a beautiful sandstone palace perched on a hilltop above the city. We’ll tour the fort, then head to the foothill lake where elephants occasionally come to bathe. Lunch will be served at the hotel. This evening we’ll enjoy a special and exclusive gala dinner at the impressive Samode Palace, once host to royalty, dignitaries, artists and discerning travellers.
We’ll follow a torch-led procession of camels and musicians to our spectacular gala dinner setting. After dining on a delicious meal, the evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
On Day Three in Jaipur, take a leisurely morning and indulge yourself at the hote l’s spa facilities. We’ve included a yoga session at the hotel for those who’d like a meditative morning on the terrace.
After lunch, we’ll explore the City Palace, the 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatory, and admire the latticed façade of the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds. We’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing dinner.
THE OBEROI RAJ VILLAS (3 nights)
Built in a resort style, with beautiful premier rooms and luxury tents, Rajvilas is a peaceful haven, full of exotic birds and dancing peacocks.
25 & 26 SEPTEMBER 2023 | RANTHAMBORE, INDIA
Following breakfast our journey takes us into the jungles of Ranthambore National Park. On arrival at our hotel, lunch will be served. This afternoon you can choose to either head out in search of the elusive Bengal tiger or relax by the tranquil pool or visit the spa.
Next day, a full day of safari. We’ll head out in search of the Bengal tiger, sloth-bear, monkeys and lots of birdlife. We’ll return to the hotel for lunch (so those wanting a relaxing afternoon may stay), before heading out on another adventure.
SAWAI VILLAS (2 nights)
Located adjacent to the famed Ranthambhore National Park, Sawai Vilas is a luxurious resort that promises a spectacular and authentic jungle experience.
27 & 28 SEPTEMBER 2023 | AGRA, INDIA
No tour of India is complete without experiencing the local rail network and this morning we board a locomotive for the five-hour journey to Bharatpur. Breakfast will be organised as a packed affair due to the early departure. On arrival we’ll continue by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Following lunch, we’ll travel on to one of India’s most celebrated hotels.
All rooms have uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal, so early risers can watch the sun rise over this iconic site. After breakfast the next day we’ll head out on a guided tour of the Taj Mahal to gain a greater understanding of this architectural masterpiece. Lunch will be back at our hotel before a tour of the imposing Agra Fort. The remainder of your day is at leisure with dinner served at the hotel.
THE OBEROI AMAR VILLAS (2 nights)
The Oberoi Amarvilas is a five star hotel that offers unrestricted views of Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites, complemented by their warm, personalised service.
29, 30 SEPTEMBER & 01 OCTOBER 2023 | SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN
There’ll be a leisurely start ahead of our trip to Delhi today and flight to Samarkand. One of Asia’s oldest cities, this jewel of Uzbekistan was a key trading post on the Silk Road. This evening, dinner will be served at a traditional local restaurant. We’ll stay in Samarkand.
The next day we begin with a sightseeing tour of this ancient city that will see us visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Registan Square and the mosaic-covered Ulugh Beg Madrasah. At lunch we’ll be treated to a masterclass on how to cook Uzbekistan’s national dish plov. As the sun sets, we head back to Registan Square for a short laser show depicting the colourful history of Samarkand.
A wonderful intimate dinner will be served exclusively for us, on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square in the evening light. The venue for our superb dinner is next to a mosque and is subsequently a dry restaurant, so we’ll serve alcoholic drinks back at the hotel.
On Day Three you have a choice to make. For those wanting to head a little deeper into Uzbekistan, a journey to the ancient town of Shakhrisabz awaits. You’ll wake early and travel across the stunning Zarafshan mountain range to Shakhrisabz, home of Uzbekistan’s national hero Amir Temur. For those wanting to stay closer to home, we’ve arranged for a day at a local vineyard to experience their collection of wines and lunch.
SAMARKAND REGENCY AMIR TAMUR (3 nights)
Set in Samarkand, Samarkand Regency Amir Temur features a bar, spa and wellness centre and terrace.
02, 0 3 & 04 OCTOBER 2023 | ISTANBUL, TURKEY
This morning we begin the final leg of our adventure and head to Turkey. We’ll lunch on the plane before landing in Istanbul and checking in to our glorious hotel. This evening our welcome dinner will be at one of the hotel’s excellent restaurants.
The next day, our exploration begins with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, once the centre of the vast Ottoman Empire and home to its 31st Sultan. We’ll stroll through the Mısır Çarşısı spice bazaar, take a short break at the Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir shop, the inventor of Turkish delight and sample some authentic Turkish coffee in the Grand Bazaar.
A lunch of Royal Ottoman cuisine is included, at a traditional restaurant. Later in the afternoon, you can revitalise at the luxurious Hürrem Sultan Hamami with an invigorating Turkish bathing ritual. Dinner tonight will take place at the opulent Sunset Grill & Bar, which boasts spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Asian shoreline.
The following day after breakfast, we take a stroll through the famed Hippodrome Square and pass the iconic Blue Mosque. We’ll continue to the equally striking Hagia Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built, transformed into a mosque in the 13th century. A visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, a former headquarters of the Ottoman sultans is another highlight, with opulent pavilions and exhibition halls.
After a traditional lunch of kebabs and salad, this afternoon choose from a historic roof walk of the Grand Bazaar, a calligraphy course, an Ebru painting workshop or a visit to the city’s best antique stores. If you’d prefer to relax at the hotel, we can arrange afternoon tea. Tonight, we’ll enjoy cocktails aboard an exclusive yacht as we cruise the Bosphorus strait, before concluding our trip in style overlooking the Bosphorus, at the magnificent 19th-century Ottoman Sait Halim Pasha Mansion.
In the Grand Ballroom under its stunning baroque ceiling, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous meal of Turkish cuisine accompanied by live music and belly dancers - a superb ending to our holiday.
THE RITZ CARLTON ISTANBUL (3 nights)
The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul is located in the heart of Istanbul, in the prestigious Dolmabahce area overlooking the Bosphorus, with many of the city's cultural attractions within walking distance.
05 OCTOBER 2023 | LONDON, UK
It’s time to head home. A late morning departure will see our private jet land at London Stansted Airport mid-afternoon, where (for our British guests) a private VIP vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
YOUR HOME ALOFT
This extraordinary expedition is made possible by our private jet, which saves hours of valuable travel time. With just 50 guests on board, the jet’s spacious cabin and all business-class seating ensure lavish comfort aloft.
Throughout your journey you’ll be accompanied by your expedition host and the flight crew who take care of all the logistics so you can sit back, relax and explore in style. Every regional flight is an intimate, personalized experience with curated meals and beverages served by hand, and on-board amenities to enhance your comfort aloft.
On arrival at each destination you’ll also be expedited through airports and border controls, while your bags are whisked away and delivered directly to your beautiful accommodations.
YOUR LUXURY TRAVEL CO DIFFERENCE
What is included?:
- 61 meals
22 breakfasts (days 2-23)
16 lunches (days 2-5, 7, 9-10, 13-15, 17-18 and 20-23)
22 dinners (days 1-2
1 brunch (day 1)
- International flights aboard private jet from London
Stansted (with carbon offset for all flights)
- 22 nights in hotels
- Travel in destination by coach
- All drinks on board the aircraft, plus beer, wine and soft
drinks with included meals
- Entry visas for Jordan and India
- Luggage allowance of two pieces per person
- All gratuities
- Expert local guides in each destination with Quietvox
headsets
- A wide range of onboard flight entertainment can be
streamed directly to your own tablet. If you don't have
one, just let us know and we’ll provide one for you.
