2015 Private Jet Expeditions - National Geographic Expeditions

2015
Private Jet
Expeditions
Around the World by Private Jet
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
Dear Traveler,
The beauty of traveling by private jet with National Geographic is
not just in the spectacular places you go, nor the remarkable ease
and exhilaration of being whisked from one glorious destination
to the next. What makes all the difference is the team of experts
who explore with you, sharing their insights and their tales of
discovery, and bringing the wonders of the world to life. We are
thrilled to present our broadest collection of expeditions by
private jet ever, reaching across the globe from Machu Picchu to
the Maldives and from Botswana to Bhutan, and accompanied by
our top photographers, scientists, and explorers.
In the pages that follow, you’ll find two inspiring new itineraries
that take us far off the beaten path. On The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer
Wells, we’ll delve into the legacies of civilizations that have
shaped human history—from Mongolia to Ethiopia and Georgia—
traveling in the company of pioneering geneticist, anthropologist,
and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells.
Our new Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures journey will
immerse us in indigenous cultures and magnificent marine
worlds in Tonga, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and more.
A host of National Geographic experts, including oceanographer
Sylvia Earle and undersea photographer David Doubilet, joins
us along the way.
Our Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition
features a dazzling spectrum of archaeological treasures and
natural wonders from Oman to Rwanda, which you’ll discover
with 11 of the Society’s most accomplished explorers. And our
classic journey Around the World by Private Jet brings you to
storied places such as Tibet, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef,
Easter Island, and Angkor Wat.
Exploring by private jet with National Geographic is an extremely
rewarding way to celebrate the world’s incredible natural
and cultural diversity. I hope you’ll join us for one of these
extraordinary adventures. To reserve your space, please call
(800) 224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.
Sincerely,
John Fahey
Chairman, National Geographic Society
Your participation in this National Geographic Expedition provides
support to National Geographic’s mission of increasing global
understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.
Private Jet Expeditions
“All I can say is that I was stunned at every stop...
two magic words: National Geographic.”
—J. Alyce, traveler
Around the World By Private Jet
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Machu Picchu | Easter Island | Samoa | Great Barrier Reef
Angkor Wat | Lhasa, Tibet | Taj Mahal | Serengeti Plain
Petra or Wadi Rum | Marrakech
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: 18
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Oman | Bhutan | Palau | Laos | The Maldives
Botswana | Rwanda | Spain
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures:
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
22
Hawai‘i | Tonga | Australia | Sri Lanka | Madagascar
The Maldives | Bali | Papua New Guinea | Fiji
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples
and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
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Georgia | Uzbekistan | Mongolia
Myanmar | Sri Lanka | Ethiopia | Israel
About Our Private Jet Trips
Four Extraordinary Expeditions
4
The National Geographic Difference
6
National Geographic Experts 8
Private Jet Travel
10
Accommodations12
Cover: Bali, Indonesia. Insets: Maldives beach; young monk, Luang Prabang; moai, Easter Island;
cheetah, Botswana; Taj Mahal, India. Above: Bactrian camels and rider, the Gobi, Mongolia.
Terms and Conditions 30
Reservation Form
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National Geographic Expeditions
Introducing
Four Extraordinary Expeditions
by Private Jet.
Around the World by Private Jet
See page 14 for full trip itinerary.
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic
See page 18 for full trip itinerary.
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The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
See page 26 for full trip itinerary.
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
See page 22 for full trip itinerary.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
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National Geographic Expeditions
Discover the
National Geographic Difference.
Ring-tailed lemur, Madagascar
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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MISSION
Deep in the
tropical forests
of Madagascar,
National Geographic
Emerging Explorer Luke
When you travel with us,
Dollar has spent more
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
than a decade studying
the endangered fossa
(Madagascar’s largest
carnivore) and working
to conserve its vanishing
habitat. High in the
Himalaya, anthropologist
Johan Reinhard, a National
Geographic Explorer-in-
These are the kind of people who will join you on our
private jet expeditions. Each journey is crafted to draw
out the insights and expertise of experts like Luke, Johan,
and Chris, who join us in the field to inspire a deeper
appreciation for the remarkable destinations we visit.
At every single stop on both our Ocean Wonders and
Island Cultures and our Celebrating Exploration with
National Geographic journeys, we’ll be joined by a
different expert, who will share an insider’s view of
far-flung places from Oman to Papua New Guinea.
We’ll discover legendary sites and cultures with an
extraordinary team of luminaries on our Around the
World expeditions. And our new trip, The Human
Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places,
was designed with the help of renowned geneticist and
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer
Wells—and Spencer accompanies the entire expedition.
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund
the National Geographic Society’s core
mission programs. By traveling with us,
you are helping support our grantees and
explorers in their efforts to preserve species
and habitats, protect cultures, and advance
understanding of our incredible planet.
As you page through this brochure, look for
the National Geographic seal to learn more
about the programs that your participation
helps fund.
documenting endangered
Enjoy the Flexibility to Follow Your Passion.
National Geographic Expeditions is
committed to sustaining the character
and integrity of each place we visit—its
environment, culture, and heritage, and
the well-being of its residents. In providing
unique travel experiences, we strive to
support local economies in our choice of
services. At the same time, we believe that
the powerful positive effects of travel go
beyond the long-term economic benefits,
inspiring passionate stewards committed
to protecting the places we visit.
cultures and languages all
In addition to enjoying a wealth of expertise on each
expedition, you’ll choose from a variety of excursions to
tailor the itinerary to your passions. Within each itinerary
in the pages that follow, you’ll find special opportunities
to customize your trip. These sightseeing options are
available at no additional cost; however, some have
limited space available or require a minimum number of
participants. Contact us for more information, as these
opportunities are a mere sampling of what’s possible.
We are identifying ways to reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions associated
with our travel programs and are offsetting
carbon emissions we cannot eliminate. We
have established an advisory board to guide
our reduction efforts and our investments
in high-quality offset programs—such as
those that develop new renewable-energy
sources—to advance this initiative.
Residence, studies remote
mountain peoples and
their ancestral traditions.
National Geographic
photographer Chris Rainier
has dedicated his life to
over the world.
“National Geographic is an incredible mix of science and education,
of media and mission, of storytellers and explorers, all working
to inspire people to care about the planet.”
—John Fahey, National Geographic Chairman of the Board
| nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Clockwise from top left:
Marine biologist Sylvia Earle; conservation scientist Luke Dollar; gers in the Gobi, Mongolia.
1-800-224-1894
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National Geographic Expeditions
Distinguished National Geographic Experts
Enhance Your Experience.
On each of our private jet expeditions, a world-class team of experts illuminates the history of empires,
the diverse cultures we encounter, the wildlife we see, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture
we visit. On each trip, we’ll be joined by a National Geographic photographer, who will share tips and
techniques as we explore together and present a slide show of our adventures at the end of our trip.
An in-flight lecture system allows for informative and stimulating talks aboard our private jet.
In addition, iPads loaded with trip-related content will be provided to each traveler.
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“We were treated to lectures from the best of the best: Explorers-in-Residence
and in the field. These encounters, talks, and mind-changing
perspectives were brain food of a degree that is normally experienced
over the fullness of a lifetime—if one is so lucky—not in a short 23 days.”
—Dane N., traveler
Kenny Broad
National Geographic 2011 Explorer of the Year
Kenny Broad is an anthropologist who studies
the relationship between humans and the
environment. Kenny has led or participated in
extreme scientific and filmmaking expeditions on every continent—
from urban jungles to the deepest caves on the planet. A professor
at the University of Miami, he co-directs Columbia University’s
Center for Research on Environmental Decisions. His recent
expedition to underwater caves in the Bahamas was featured as
a National Geographic magazine cover story and a NOVA-National
Geographic television special. Kenny will discuss the relationships
between ancient and modern civilizations and the environments
they’ve inhabited, shaped, and been shaped by. Kenny will join the
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures expedition in April 2015.
Wade Davis
Wade Davis holds degrees in anthropology and
biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany,
all from Harvard University. Wade is the author of
15 books including The Serpent and the Rainbow
(1986), One River (1996), The Wayfinders (2009), and The Sacred
Headwaters (2011). His latest book, Into the Silence: The Great
War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest, won the 2012 Samuel
Johnson Prize. His many film credits include Light at the Edge
of the World, an eight-hour documentary series produced for the
National Geographic Channel. In 2009 he received the Gold Medal
from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his contributions
to anthropology and conservation, and he is the 2011 recipient
of the Explorers Medal, the highest award given by the Explorers
Club. Wade will join the Celebrating Exploration with National
Geographic expedition in February 2015 and Around the World
by Private Jet in December 2015.
David Doubilet
Acclaimed underwater photographer David
Doubilet estimates he has spent nearly half his
life in the sea since taking his first underwater
photograph at the age of 12 with a Brownie
Hawkeye camera sealed in a bag. David has photographed and
explored the ocean depths in such places as New Zealand, Canada,
Japan, Tasmania, Scotland, and Antarctica. He has photographed
stingrays, sponges, and sleeping sharks in the Caribbean, as well
as shipwrecks in the South Pacific, the Atlantic, and at Pearl Harbor.
He has produced more than 70 stories for National Geographic
magazine and several books, including Fish Face, Pacific: An
Undersea Journey, and Water Light Time. David has received
the Explorers Club’s prestigious Lowell Thomas Award and
the Lennart Nilsson Award in Photography. David will join the
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures expedition in April 2015.
Sylvia Earle
Marine biologist Sylvia Earle is an Explorerin-Residence at the National Geographic Society.
Named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the
Planet” in 1998, Sylvia has pioneered research
on marine ecosystems. She is former chief scientist for the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the author of more than
125 scientific and popular publications. Sylvia led the Sustainable Seas
Expeditions, documenting life in the U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries.
She has partnered with National Geographic on Mission Blue, a global
initiative aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean by
reducing the impact of fishing, promoting the creation of marine
protected areas (MPAs), and inspiring people to care and act. Sylvia will
join Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic in February
2015 and Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures in April 2015.
Louise Leakey
Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorerin-Residence Louise Leakey has continued the
historic legacy begun by her grandfather Louis S.
B. Leakey with his fossil discoveries in Tanzania’s
Olduvai Gorge. She spent much of her youth on field expeditions with
her family, and went on to receive a B.S. in geology and biology at the
University of Bristol and a Ph.D. at University College, London. With her
mother, Dr. Meave Leakey, Louise currently runs a research station at
Kenya’s Lake Turkana to facilitate the study of new specimens. Louise
will join the Around the World by Private Jet expeditions.
Spencer Wells
Geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells has analyzed
the DNA of thousands of people living in isolated
tribes around the world. He leads the landmark
Genographic Project, a multi-year endeavor to chart the journey of
our early ancestors as they populated the planet. Spencer earned his
Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted postdoctoral work at
Stanford and Oxford. He is the author of three books, The Journey
of Man, Deep Ancestry, and Pandora’s Seed. His fieldwork has taken
him to more than 80 countries, where he has worked with everyone
from heads of government to tribal chieftains in places as remote
as Chad, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea. Spencer will join the
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition
in February 2015 and The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary
Peoples and Sacred Places in May 2015.
These represent a sampling of the top experts who will accompany the
private jet expeditions. See the trip itineraries on the following pages
for information about all of the experts featured on each expedition.
Left: Kenny Broad. Right,
top to bottom: Sylvia Earle; Wade Davis; Louise Leakey; David Doubilet; Spencer Wells
| nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
1-800-224-1894
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National Geographic Expeditions
Private Jet Travel—
The Ultimate in Comfort and Convenience.
Samarqand, Uzbekistan
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Relax in spacious, VIP-style seats.
Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 jet is ideally suited for this extraordinary
expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford
us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding
layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land.
The jet’s interior has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide
the ultimate in comfort and convenience, accommodating only 74 travelers in
two-by-two VIP-style seats, instead of the standard 233 seats.
Expedition Staff and Crew
Traveling with the National Geographic team is a talented expedition staff,
experienced travel experts who attend to the trip’s every logistical detail. These
highly skilled and forward-thinking professionals travel with you to ensure that
your experience is truly extraordinary. Also, a dedicated flight crew is specially
selected for this expedition, chosen for its attention to detail, dedication to safety
and security, and top-notch hospitality.
Travel with a dedicated flight crew.
Expedition Physician
For your comfort and well-being, an expedition physician will accompany us
throughout the journey. On call 24 hours a day, the physician will be ready to
provide and coordinate health care services whenever and wherever needed.
Expedition Chef
We also travel with our own expedition chef and catering assistant, who create
delicious meals inspired by the various places we visit. Taking advantage of the
freshest local ingredients, they prepare dishes and serve them on board with a
selection of fine wines.
Enjoy fine cuisine on land and
on board the jet.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
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National Geographic Expeditions
The Finest
Accommodations
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)
Three Camel Lodge, the Gobi, Mongolia (The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples
and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells)
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Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa (Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic)
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)
From the serene beauty of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and the
traditional architecture of La Mamounia in Marrakech to the stunning views
from Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge, we stay in some of the world’s finest
accommodations. Each has been chosen for its exceptional amenities and prime
location. In remote areas where choices are limited, we have selected the best
available accommodations to ensure your comfort. In many of the destinations
we visit, we have arranged special dining experiences in unique settings
accompanied by traditional entertainment.
Enjoy unique dining experiences.
La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco (Around the World by Private Jet)
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
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National Geographic Expeditions
Around the World by Private Jet
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 Easter Island and the Taj Mahal. Experience natural wonders
such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.
The Taj Mahal, India
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Around the World By Private Jet
EXPERTS
January 22–February 14, 2015:
Washington, D.C.*
Marrakech,
Morocco
Lima, Cusco, and
Machu Picchu, Peru
Petra or
Wadi Rum,
Jordan
Lhasa, Tibet
Taj Mahal,
Agra, India
Anthropologist, linguist, and
National Geographic Explorer
who will accompany the
entire expedition
Chengdu, China
Angkor, Cambodia
Jan Nijman
Serengeti Plain or
Ngorongoro Crater,
Tanzania
Easter Island,
Chile
David Harrison
Xi’an, China
Great Barrier Reef or
Daintree Rain Forest,
Australia
Apia,
Samoa
Private Jet
Local Air
Geographer and Chair of National
Geographic’s Global Exploration
Fund-Northern Europe who will
accompany the entire expedition
Jay Dickman
Pulitzer Prize–winning
photographer who will accompany
the entire expedition
October 2–25, 2015:
Itinerary–24 Days:
Donald Johanson
Washington, D.C.*
Jack Daulton
January 22–February 14, 2015* | October 2–25, 2015
October 27–November 19, 2015 | December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016*
Paleoanthropologist and National
Geographic grantee who will
accompany the entire expedition
Day 1. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the
headquarters of the National Geographic Society, followed by dinner at our hotel.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.
Art historian who will accompany
the entire expedition
Lima, Peru
Chris Rainier
Day 2. This morning, our private jet takes us to Lima, once a thriving capital in Spain’s
New World empire, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Visit the renowned Larco
Herrera Museum, and enjoy a fine dinner at our hotel. Miraflores Park Hotel
Cusco and Machu Picchu or Trujillo and Chiclayo, Peru
Days 3 and 4. Travel to Cusco by a local flight, and explore the Plaza de Armas and the
Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city. Continue to Machu Picchu, an ancient
citadel abandoned by the Inca and rediscovered in 1911. Excavated by Hiram Bingham
with funding from the National Geographic Society, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s
greatest archaeological sites. Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, you may
visit Peru’s North Coast to see the Temples of Chiclayo and Trujillo.
Hotel Monasterio or Libertador Trujillo
Easter Island, Chile
Days 5 and 6. Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, an open-air
museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Explore
the island’s treasures with resident archaelogists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas,
and Claudio Cristino. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa
National Geographic photographer
who will accompany the
entire expedition
October 27–November 19, 2015:
Michael Melford
National Geographic photographer
who will accompany the
entire expedition
Jan Nijman and Jack Daulton (see above)
will also join the October 27 departure.
December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016:
Wade Davis
Anthropologist and National
Geographic Explorer who will
accompany the entire expedition
Cross the International Date Line
Day 7. Depart for Samoa and lose a day crossing the international date line.
Apia, Samoa, Polynesia
Day 8. Trace the coast on a scenic drive, passing through charming seaside villages.
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast and a fia fia, a colorful performance of Samoan
dance and song. Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa
*The January and December departures follow the itinerary shown above but begin and end in Orlando,
Florida with hotel accommodations on Day 1 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Massimo Bassano
National Geographic photographer
who will accompany the
entire expedition
Jack Daulton (see above) will also join the
December 27 departure.
See our website for full bios on all experts.
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National Geographic Expeditions
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet
Lion, Serengeti, Tanzania
Machu Picchu, Peru
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s
research and exploration programs, which include
archaeological excavations at an Inca ritual site near
Cusco; a study on the response of the Great Barrier Reef
to environmental stress; and the numerous programs of
the Big Cats Initiative, including protection of endangered
lions and cheetahs on Tanzania’s Maasai Steppe.
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Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Around the World By Private Jet
The Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest, Australia
Days 9 and 10. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the
world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and
swimming in this magnificent ecosystem, or you may discover the natural wonders of
the Daintree Rain Forest. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Angkor Wat or the Hidden Temples of Cambodia
Days 11 and 12. Fly to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient
Khmer Empire. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, and visit the royal city
of Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple. Or explore the lost jungle temple
of Beng Mea Lea and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex of Hariharalaya.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Chengdu, China
Day 13. Travel to Chengdu, where we visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research
Center and stay overnight before flying to Tibet. Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
Lhasa, Tibet or Xi’an, China
Days 14 and 15. Depart by local flight to Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s
oldest and most revered temple. The next day, visit the fabled Potala Palace and the nearly
600-year-old Sera Monastery. Alternatively, you may choose to travel to Xi’an, China to
view the famous terra-cotta warriors. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort or The Westin Xian
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Petra, Jordan
Days 16 and 17. Return to Chengdu by local flight and continue on our private jet to
Agra. See the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest monuments to love.
The Oberoi Amarvilás
The Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Days 18 and 19. Fly to Kilimanjaro airport and choose from two options: go deep
into Serengeti National Park to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in
Africa; or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of
about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic
fossil finds. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan
Days 20 and 21. Visit Petra, the lost city of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan’s deep
canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years
ago, and consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls. Or
travel to the beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum, exploring the spectacular rock
formations known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, followed by a traditional mansaf
meal. On our last evening, gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. Mövenpick Resort Petra
Marrakech or the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Days 22 and 23. Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, see the
Koutoubia Mosque and visit the Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina and the
open-air market of Djemaa el Fna, or take a stroll in the stunning Majorelle Garden.
Tonight, gather for a festive farewell banquet with traditional entertainment.
La Mamounia
Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.*
Day 24. 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 and December departures, which end in Orlando, Florida, complimentary accommodations
will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport hotel for one night.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Departure Dates:
January 22–February 14, 2015*
October 2–25, 2015
October 27–November 19, 2015
December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016*
Expedition Cost:
January October and December $72,950
$73,950
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a
single room, add $8,650. Transportation by private
Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted
in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost.
Airfare to and from Washington, D.C. or Orlando,
Florida is not included.
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National Geographic Expeditions
Celebrating Exploration
with National Geographic:
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Join us for an extraordinary private jet expedition celebrating the past, present, and future
of exploration at National Geographic. Eleven of today’s most accomplished explorers join us
in spectacular places to share insights into their groundbreaking research and fieldwork.
Encounter wildlife in Palau and Rwanda, step back in time in Oman and Laos, and get immersed
in enchanting cultures in Bhutan and Botswana’s Kalahari Desert on an adventure of a lifetime.
Chortens, Dochula Pass, Bhutan
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Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
London, England, U.K.
•
Barcelona, Spain
EXPERTS
•
Kathmandu,
Nepal
Muscat, Oman
•
The Maldives
Volcanoes National Park
and Kigali, Rwanda
Selinda Reserve,
Botswana
•
• Luang Prabang, Laos
Siem Reap,•
Cambodia
•
• •• Maun, Botswana
The Kalahari Desert,
Botswana
Wade Davis
• • Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan
Anthropologist and National
Geographic Explorer who will
join us in Laos
•
The Rock Islands,
Palau
Private Jet
Local Air
Sylvia Earle
Oceanographer and National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
who will join us in the Maldives
Fred Hiebert
Archaeologist and National
Geographic Explorer who will
join us in Oman
Dereck and Beverly Joubert*
Itinerary–24 Days:
February 15–March 10, 2015
Award-winning filmmakers
and National Geographic
Explorers-in-Residence who
hope to join us in Botswana
Bob Krist
U.S./London, England
Sunday and Monday, February 15 and 16. Depart the U.S. independently on an
overnight flight to London. The following day, gather for a welcome reception and
dinner at our hotel. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Muscat, Oman
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18. Fly to the sultanate of Oman. Explore
the vibrant capital city of Muscat, and meet archaeologist and National Geographic
Fellow Fred Hiebert. Fred curated an exhibit on ancient treasure ships, including the
recreation of the Jewel of Muscat, which was supported by National Geographic
Channels International and sailed to Singapore in 2010.
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 19, 20, and 21. Fly by private jet to
Kathmandu, Nepal, where we spend the night. After breakfast, take a local flight to
Bhutan. Explore this peaceful Himalayan kingdom with anthropologist and Explorerin-Residence Johan Reinhard, who will share his research on Tibetan Buddhism and
remote Himalayan tribes. See the great Paro Dzong and witness a prayer ceremony
at the Choeding Temple. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Textile
Museum in Thimphu, or hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu; Zhiwa Ling or Uma by COMO, Paro
Rock Islands, Palau
Sunday and Monday, February 22 and 23. Fly by local charter to Siem Reap, Cambodia,
where we reconnect with our private jet for the flight to Palau. Explore Palau’s
spectacular Rock Islands, composed of hundreds of mushroom-shaped islets. Meet
with marine biologist and Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Greg Marshall, whose
Crittercam and other remote imaging systems make it possible to see the world
through the eyes of its wildlife. Dive or snorkel among these “floating gardens,” or
swim with harmless, fascinating jellyfish. Palau Pacific Resort
National Geographic photographer
who will accompany the entire
expedition
Louise Leakey
Paleontologist and National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
who will join us in Rwanda
Greg Marshall
Marine biologist and filmmaker
who will join us in Palau
Mireya Mayor
Primatologist, National Geographic
Emerging Explorer, and Nat Geo
WILD host who will join us in
Rwanda
Johan Reinhard
Anthropologist and National
Geographic Explorer
who will join us in Bhutan
Spencer Wells
Geneticist, anthropologist, and
National Geographic Explorer-inResidence who will accompany
the entire expedition
*Dereck and Beverly Joubert are hoping to join the expedition in Botswana,
and will confirm their participation once their schedule is finalized.
See our website for full bios on all experts.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
19
National Geographic Expeditions
Cheetahs, Makgadikgadi Pans, the Kalahari Desert, Botswana
A snorkeler in Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands, Palau
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research
and exploration programs, which include studies on snow leopard
populations in Bhutan; wild dog conservation projects in Botswana,
as well as the Big Cats Initiative, spearheaded by Dereck and Beverly
Joubert. Proceeds also support our Explorer Programs, funding
explorers like Mireya Mayor, Spencer Wells, and Sylvia Earle.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro, Bhutan
20
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Luang Prabang, Laos
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24 and 25. Anthropologist Wade Davis introduces
the cultural riches of the enchanting city of Luang Prabang. Visit renowned Buddhist
temples and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. Then cruise the Mekong
River to the cave temples of Pak Ou, home to thousands of lacquered and gilded
Buddha figures. La Résidence Phou Vao or Amantaka, Luang Prabang
The Maldives
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 26, 27, and 28. In this island paradise, meet
pioneering oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia
Earle, founder of Mission Blue, a global marine conservation initiative. Learn about
Hope Spots—vital marine ecosystems—and the unique ecosystem of the Maldives.
Dive, snorkel, or swim in lagoons teeming with fish, and perhaps see a manta ray
breach the water’s surface. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Sunday and Monday, March 1 and 2. Botswana offers incredible wildlife viewing and
bird-watching. Here, we’ll meet Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert,*
the award-winning filmmakers and conservationists who established National
Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. Embark on game drives to spot lions, hippos,
cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, Cape buffalo, and elephants. Learn how the local community
has become involved in conservation efforts. Selinda Tented Camp
Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3 and 4. The vast, arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert
is home to the San bushmen, members of one of the longest surviving cultures in
the world. Go trekking with local bushmen, and discuss their legacy with National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells.
Jack’s Camp, Tau Pan Camp, or Kalahari Plains Camp
Mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 5, 6, and 7. Hike through bamboo forests in
search of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, and meet with primatologist and Emerging
Explorer Mireya Mayor, whose work with Africa’s lowland gorilla population has
helped to unravel their mysteries and guide important conservation measures. Or
fly by helicopter over the Virunga volcanoes and visit the inspiring Akilah Institute for
Women. Meet in Kigali with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey
to discuss her family’s historic fossil finds.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Kigali Serena Hotel
Barcelona, Spain
The Maldives
Sunday and Monday, March 8 and 9. In the Mediterranean city of Barcelona, marvel at
architectural gems, including Gaudí’s masterpiece, Sagrada Família. Stroll the Passeig
de Gracia, lined with old and new houses, and explore the Mercat de la Boqueria with a
local chef. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner. El Palace Hotel
Barcelona/London, England/U.S.
Tuesday, March 10. Return by private jet to London, and transfer to your commercial
flight home.
*Dereck and Beverly Joubert are hoping to join the expedition in Botswana, and will confirm their participation once
their schedule is finalized.
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Departure Date:
February 15–March 10, 2015
Expedition Cost: $76,950
Price is per person, double occupancy.
For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation
by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance,
as noted in the itinerary, is included in the
expedition cost. Airfare to and from London
is not included.
21
National Geographic Expeditions
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures:
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Madagascar, Hawai‘i, Bali, the Maldives: the names alone conjure up images
of exotic creatures and unique cultures, sparkling seas that lap white sands, and reefs
that swirl with dazzling marine life. Join eleven of National Geographic’s
top scientists, photographers, and explorers to discover rich island cultures
from Tonga to Sri Lanka, and incredible wildlife in remote places
like the Maldives and Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
Maldivian man and traditional dhoni, the Maldives
22
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
EXPERTS
Kenny Broad
Honolulu, Hawai‘i
•• Kona, Hawai‘i
Sri Lanka
• •
••
Antananarivo, •
Madagascar •
Bali,
Indonesia
Papua
New Guinea
•
•
•
•
•
Robin Coningham
•
The
Maldives
Fiji
•
Adelaide and •
Kangaroo Island,•
Australia
Anthropologist and National
Geographic 2011 Explorer of
the Year who will accompany the
entire expedition
• Vava‘u, Tonga
Archaeologist and National
Geographic grantee who will join
us in Sri Lanka
Michael Davie
Private Jet
Local Air
Emmy Award–winning documentary
filmmaker and author who will join
us in Australia
Luke Dollar
Conservation scientist and National
Geographic Emerging Explorer who
will join us in Madagascar
Itinerary–25 Days:
April 14–May 8, 2015
September 27–October 21, 2015
Home City/Kona, Hawai‘ i
David Doubilet
National Geographic photographer
who will accompany the entire
expedition
Days 1 and 2. Depart independently on a commercial flight to Hawai‘i. Gather for a
welcome dinner and enjoy a talk by National Geographic wildlife photographer Flip
Nicklin. The next day, depart for Tonga and lose a day crossing the international date
line. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Sylvia Earle
Vava’u, Tonga
Andrea Marshall
Days 3 and 4. Immerse yourself in the island culture of Tonga that traces its royal
lineage back about 900 years. During our visit, take in spectacular ocean views on
a chartered flight to the Vava‘u Group, northern islands known for verdant hills and
flawless beaches. Spend an afternoon snorkeling with Sylvia Earle among some of the
most pristine reefs in the world, and sail to sheltered coves and bays hidden among
limestone cliffs. Scenic Hotel Tonga
Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, Australia
Days 5, 6, 7, and 8. Set out on a walking tour of Adelaide and visit nearby Barossa
Valley, known for its world-class wines. Meet with Emmy Award–winning filmmaker
Michael Davie before flying by local aircraft to Kangaroo Island, considered Australia’s
Galápagos for its teeming wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Stay in one of the world’s
top island properties, and discover the island’s native inhabitants, including Tammar
wallabies and endemic kangaroos. Hilton Adelaide Hotel, Adelaide; Southern Ocean
Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Days 9, 10, and 11. Fly via Jakarta, Indonesia, to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Take a local flight
to Habarana and continue overland to Dambulla to visit several of the island’s eight
UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore Sigiriya, a fifth-century royal city built by
King Kassapa I, and visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave monastery that has
drawn pilgrims for more than 22 centuries. Meet National Geographic grantee and
archaeologist Robin Coningham, who conducted excavations at Anuradhapura, Sri
Lanka’s earliest capital. Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo and Amaya Lake, Dambulla
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Oceanographer and National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
who will join us in Tonga
Conservation biologist and National
Geographic Emerging Explorer who
will join us in the Maldives
Flip Nicklin
Marine biologist and National
Geographic wildlife photographer
who will join us in Hawai‘i
Chris Rainier
National Geographic Explorer and
photographer who will join us in
Papua New Guinea
Greg Stone
Marine conservationist and
National Geographic writer who
will join us in Fiji
Tierney Thys
Marine biologist and National
Geographic Emerging Explorer
who will join us in Bali
The experts noted above will join the April departure.
See our website for the experts joining the September
departure, as well as full bios on all experts.
23
National Geographic Expeditions
Juvenile clownfish, the Maldives
Monk visiting the Gal Vihara rock temple, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
24
Huli Wigman, Papua New Guinea
Rice fields below Gunung Agung, Bali
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Days 12, 13, and 14. Thanks to its isolation from the African mainland, more than 80
percent of species in Madagascar are endemic. National Geographic Emerging Explorer
and wildlife biologist Luke Dollar meets us here to discuss the island’s unique wildlife.
Choose one of four excursions:
Walk through the rain forests of Andasibe−Mantadia National Park on the lookout
for indri, the largest species of lemur, whose eerie calls resonate in the canopy
overhead. Or hike easy trails to waterfalls and volcanic lakes in Montagne d’Ambre
National Park. Travel north to Baobab Beach to go sea kayaking and snorkeling, or
discover some of the 1,800 floral species on the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula.
Carlton Hotel; Andasibe Hotel, Le Domaine de Fontenay or Litchi Tree, Eden Lodge,
or Anjajavy l’Hotel
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research
and exploration programs, which include fossil studies on Kangaroo
Island, where more than 25 well preserved fossils of unknown species
from the Cambrian age have been excavated; and a Hawai‘i-based
study of the role of song in the social organization, communication,
and breeding of humpback whales. Proceeds also help fund the
Society’s Explorer Programs, which support researchers like wildlife
biologist and photographer Tim Laman, whose documentation of every
known species of bird of paradise resulted in a National Geographic
museum exhibition and television documentary.
The Maldives
Days 15, 16, and 17. Settle into private overwater bungalows and wake up to
magnificent ocean views. Then dip into translucent waters to snorkel or scuba dive in
a dazzling underwater world of more than a thousand sea species. Or hop on a bicycle
and enjoy the beautiful island scenery. National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea
Marshall, one of the world’s leading experts on manta rays, joins us here.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Bali, Indonesia
Days 18 and 19. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of magical Bali, whose cultural
landscape was declared a World Heritage site in 2012. Visit the Hindu temple of Pura
Luhur Batukaru; explore Ubud, the island’s cultural and artistic center; or ride through
the countryside atop an elephant. Meet National Geographic Emerging Explorer and
marine biologist Tierney Thys, who will discuss her work on the giant ocean sunfish
(Mola mola). Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan or Amandari, Ubud
Sifaka lemur, Madagascar
Papua New Guinea
Days 20, 21, and 22. In Papua New Guinea, meet National Geographic photographer
Chris Rainer, whose work celebrates the cultural diversity of this country, where more
than 800 languages are spoken. After a night in Port Moresby, fly by local aircraft to
one of four remote areas.
Visit with the Melpa people in the Western Highlands, an area known for its orchid
species and birds of paradise. Or head to the Southern Highlands, where the Huli
Wigmen sport extravagant warrior headdresses. Alternatively, cruise the Sepik River
basin, exploring the tropical lowland forest. Or head to Kokopo beach on New Britain
Island. Airways Hotel; Rondon Ridge, Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge,
or Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort
Legong dancers, Bali
Fiji
Days 23 and 24. On Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, take part in a traditional kava
ceremony at the Kalevu Cultural Centre. Ride jet boats on the Sigatoka River or take a
catamaran cruise around Natadola, stopping to swim and snorkel the reef. Meet with
National Geographic writer and marine conservationist Greg Stone to learn about his
Society-backed efforts to protect the nearby Phoenix Islands.
Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an InterContinental Resort
Fiji/Hawai‘ i/Home City
Day 25. Board our private jet and depart for Hawai‘i. As we cross the international date
line, we gain a day, and arrive in Honolulu on day 24. Enjoy a casual buffet dinner in the
evening. The next day, connect with your commercial flight home.
The Modern Honolulu
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Departure Dates:
April 14–May 8, 2015
September 27–October 21, 2015
Expedition Cost: $76,950
Price is per person, double occupancy.
For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation
by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance,
as noted in the itinerary, is included in the
expedition cost. Airfare to and from Hawai‘i
is not included.
25
National Geographic Expeditions
The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places
with Dr. Spencer Wells
Join geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells
on an extraordinary private jet expedition, venturing off the beaten path to discover the
enduring legacies of legendary civilizations that have shaped our shared human history.
Following a specially crafted itinerary we developed with Spencer, explore sacred sites,
ancient cities, and astonishing cultural treasures from Uzbekistan
and Mongolia to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and beyond.
Ger, the Gobi, Mongolia
26
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
London, England, U.K.
•
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
EXPERTS
•
•
Samarqand,
Uzbekistan
Tbilisi, Georgia
•
Spencer Wells
Gobi, •
Mongolia
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel •
•
•
Addis Ababa •
and Lalibela,
Ethiopia
Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan,
and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)
•
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Private Jet
Local Air
Itinerary–24 Days:
May 11–June 3, 2015
U.S./London, England
Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12. Depart the U.S. independently on an overnight
flight to London. The next day, meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers during a
welcome reception and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Tbilisi, Georgia
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 13, 14, and 15. Get acquainted with Tbilisi’s
Old City, visiting the Georgian Orthodox Sioni Cathedral. At the Georgian National
Museum, enjoy a private tour and reception with paleoanthropologist and National
Geographic grantee Dr. David Lordkipanidze, the museum’s director. Join David on an
optional excursion to the archaeological site of Dmanisi, where he led the discovery of
the earliest-known hominid remains outside of Africa. Explore the historic churches
and monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mtskheta, or travel to the
ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe and visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.
Marriott Tbilisi Hotel
Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. The fabled city of Samarqand flourished in
the 14th and 15th centuries under the rule of Tamerlane and his successors, who
commissioned spectacular mosques and madrassas covered in blue tiles. Discover the
city’s vibrant bazaars, and examine some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture
in the world on a stroll through Registan Square. Venture into Gur-e Amir and the
Shah-i-Zinda complex of mosques and mausoleums; and see the turquoise domes of
the Bibi Khanum mosque. Registan Plaza Hotel, Samarqand
Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi, Mongolia
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 18, 19, and 20. Our next stop is the land of
Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark
beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few
monasteries to survive the anti-Buddhist attacks of the 1930s. Then take a private
local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger camp.
In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At
the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur
fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi Terelj
National Park. The Blue Sky Hotel, Ulaanbaatar and Three Camel Lodge or Terelj Hotel
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Geneticist, anthropologist,
and National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Spencer
Wells has analyzed the DNA
of thousands of people living in isolated
tribes around the world. He leads the
landmark Genographic Project, a multi-year
endeavor to chart the journey of our early
ancestors as they populated the planet.
Spencer earned his Ph.D. from Harvard
University and conducted postdoctoral work
at Stanford and Oxford. He is the author
of three books, The Journey of Man, Deep
Ancestry, and Pandora’s Seed. His fieldwork
has taken him to more than 80 countries,
where he has worked with everyone from
heads of government to tribal chieftains in
places as remote as Chad, Tajikistan, and
Papua New Guinea.
Gregory Anderson
National Geographic Society
ExplorerGregory Anderson is
a linguist and head of scientific
research for the Society’s
Enduring Voices Project, which documents
endangered languages and cultures around
the world. Gregory is an experienced
fieldworker, and has worked on-site with
speakers of languages on every inhabited
continent. He has authored ten books and
more than 75 academic articles and was
featured, along with National Geographic
Explorer David Harrison, in the acclaimed
documentary film The Linguists. Gregory
will accompany the entire expedition.
Bob Krist
National Geographic
photographer Bob Krist has
shot several articles for National
Geographic magazine and more
than 30 articles for National Geographic
Traveler, where he is a contributing editor.
His many assignments have taken him to all
seven continents and have earned him awards
in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts,
and World Press Photo competitions. His
book Travel Photography: Documenting the
World’s People and Places was published as
a part of the Digital Masters series. Bob will
accompany the entire expedition.
27
National Geographic Expeditions
Jerusalem, Israel
Lalibela, Ethiopia
28
Registan Square, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan, and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 21, 22, 23, and 24. Our visit begins at
Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, a dazzling structure that has dominated the city’s skyline
for more than 1,000 years. Then take a private local flight to remote Inle Lake, home to
the floating gardens, stilt houses, and markets of the Intha people. Learn about their
traditional weaving and blacksmithing methods; watch fishermen poling their skiffs
with one leg; and visit Nga Phe Chaung Monastery. Then fly to the ancient capital of
Bagan and explore its extraordinary plain, dotted with thousands of temples, stupas,
and monasteries. Traders Hotel, Yangon; Aureum Resort & Spa, Inle Lake;
and Aureum Palace Hotel, Bagan
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and
exploration programs, which include a two-month trek to summit
the highest Himalaya peak in Myanmar, a study of the endemic
species revealed on Uzbekistan’s Ustjurt Plateau, and the excavation
of a Middle Bronze Age palace in Israel. Proceeds also support the
groundbreaking research of Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells
through the Explorer Programs.
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 25, 26, and 27. We fly next to Colombo, Sri
Lanka’s colorful capital. Take a private local flight to Habarana and continue overland
to Dambulla. From our base at a stunning lakeside hotel, set out to visit several World
Heritage sites: the rock fortress of Sigiriya—a wonder of ancient engineering; the cave
temples of Dambulla, a Buddhist pilgrimage site; and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa,
where many ruins date from the 12th century. Amaya Lake, Dambulla
Addis Ababa and Lalibela, Ethiopia
Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29. Ethiopia is home to diverse religions, distinct
tribal cultures, evidence of some of the earliest humans, and an array of archaeological
treasures. In the capital city of Addis Ababa, pay a visit to the National Museum
of Ethiopia. Then travel by local air to the northern town of Lalibela, an important
pilgrimage center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—one of the oldest Christian sects
in the world. At this fascinating World Heritage site, stroll among 11 breathtaking
subterranean churches that were carved out of bedrock in the 13th century.
Sheraton Addis; Panoramic View Hotel or Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 30, 31, and June 1. Fly by private jet to Tel Aviv
and continue overland to Jerusalem, a city that holds a rich spiritual meaning to
many faiths. We will visit a number of holy sites in the Old City and learn about their
significance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Face the Western Wall, one of the most
sacred of Jewish sites, and touch its ancient stones; wander through the Church of
the Holy Sepulchre, which, according to tradition, houses the tomb of Jesus; and visit
the Temple Mount, capped by the gleaming cupola of the Dome of the Rock, where the
Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven.
King David Hotel, Jerusalem
Inle lake, Myanmar
London, England/U.S.
Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2 and 3. Return by private jet to London and celebrate
our adventure with a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your
commercial flight home. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Departure Date:
May 11–June 3, 2015
Expedition Cost: $64,950
Price is per person, double occupancy.
For a single room, add $7,950. Transportation
by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance,
as noted in the itinerary, is included in the
expedition cost. Airfare to and from London
is not included.
Cave temple of Dambulla, Sri Lanka
1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
29
2015 Private Jet Expeditions / Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions
INSTRUCTIONS
Please read the following information carefully. By registering for a National Geographic Expedition (the or an “expedition”), the
Participant agrees to the Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions herein (the “Agreement”). In order to secure
your reservation on an expedition, you must read the terms of the Agreement, and indicate your acceptance of the terms of the
Agreement by signing and submitting the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions along with a deposit.
after receiving notification of a major change, but in no event later than departure, you may cancel your reservation and
you will receive a full refund within 14 days after canceling. If a major change that you are unwilling to accept occurs after
the departure of the flight, we will refund, within 14 days after your scheduled return date, that portion of your payment
that applies to the services not accepted. If we must cancel the expedition, we will notify you in writing within 7 days of the
cancellation, but in no event later than 10 days before the scheduled departure date. We have no right to cancel the expedition
less than 10 days before departure, except for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the trip or
if a United States State Department Travel Warning not previously in effect is issued for one of the destinations on the
itinerary. If that occurs, we will notify you as soon as possible, but not later than the scheduled departure date. If the expedition
is canceled, the Tour Operator will make a full refund to you within 14 days after cancellation. The rights and remedies made
available under this Contract are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer
refunds under this contract with the express understanding that the receipt of that refund by a passenger waives the additional
remedies.
OPERATOR-PARTICIPANT CONTRACT
The National Geographic Society will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Expeditions as a sponsoring
organization and has licensed TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. (henceforth referred to as “the Tour Operator”), 3131 Elliott
Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington, 98121, a qualified professional expedition operator, to organize and administer the
Around the World by Private Jet, Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic, Oceans Wonders and Island Cultures, and The
Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells private jet expeditions. The Tour Operator is
responsible to you for arranging and providing all the services and accommodations offered in connection with an expedition,
provided, however, that in the absence of gross negligence on our part, we are not responsible for personal injury or property damage TERMS AND CONDITIONS
caused by the air carrier, hotel, or other suppliers of any of the services being offered in connection with the expedition.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff are subject to modification and change by the National Geographic Society or the
Tour Operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world
EXPEDITION PRICES
events and conditions require our itinerary to be altered, we reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group.
Expedition Trip dates Price per person Single Supplement Second Payment Due Final Payment Due National Geographic Society and the Tour Operator reserve the right to cancel any trip in the event inadequate enrollment makes
Around the World
1/22/15–2/14/15 $72,950 $8,650 May 22, 2014
Sept. 22, 2014
the trip economically infeasible to operate. In such a case, the Tour Operator will provide you with a full refund of the monies paid
Celebrating Exploration 2/15/15–3/10/15 $76,950 $8,950 June 16, 2014 Oct.14, 2014
to the Tour Operator for the expedition.
Oceans Wonders 4/14/15–5/8/15 $76,950 $8,950 Aug.15, 2014 Dec.15, 2014
Photography: We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and
The Human Journey 5/11/15–6/3/15
$64,950 $7,950
Sept. 15, 2014
Jan. 12, 2015
to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on an
Oceans Wonders 9/27/15–10/21/15$76,950
$8,950 Jan 25, 2015
May 27, 2015
expedition, the Participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by the National Geographic Society, National Geographic
Around the World
10/2/15–10/25/15 $73,950 $8,650
Feb. 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
Society-authorized third parties, and the Tour Operator without compensation to the Participant. If the Participant prefers
Around the World
10/27/15–11/19/15 $73,950 $8,650
Feb. 27, 2015
June 29, 2015
that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify us in writing prior to departure of the trip. Copyright in all photographs,
Around the World
12/27/15–1/19/16 $73,950 $8,650
April 27, 2015
Aug. 27, 2015
video, and related materials created by the Participant (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Participant upon creation.
Reservations and Payments: To reserve your place on an expedition, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your The Participant grants to the National Geographic Society a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any Expedition
deposit of $2,500 per person. The deposit may be made by check; wire transfer; or by a major credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, Materials provided to the National Geographic Society and/or the Tour Operator in any media now existing or subsequently
American Express, and Discover Card. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation developed for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of National Geographic’s
Form. The second payment of $15,000 per person and final payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure travel programs, or promotion of the mission of the National Geographic Society.
escrow account. For the second and final payments, please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your trip (as
Release of Liability: The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and
outlined on the Reservation Form), following the payment schedule associated with your trip as noted above.
the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time expedition Participants are not
Mail or fax the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington 98121; aboard their conveyance. Neither National Geographic Expeditions nor the Tour Operator, nor any of their respective owners,
fax: 206-447-7717; or call 1-800-224-1894. If an expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be directors, employees, contractors, officers, or agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) shall be held liable for (A) any damage to,
returned within 7 days, or with your authorization, the Tour Operator can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider,
in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize the Tour Operator to put your name on a waiting list including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, (B)
any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to
and retain your deposit, the Tour Operator will notify you within 7 days if the expedition is still fully booked.
act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire,
Security Agreement: Your payments are held in an escrow account at The Commerce Bank of Washington (“TCBW”), 601 Union flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control,
Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101-1342. Participants are protected by a Letter of Credit #592 issued by TCBW (the “Security and (C) any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits,
Agreement”). Any claims against this Security Agreement must be filed with the Tour Operator or TCBW within 60 days of the consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during your travel in
termination of the expedition. After that time, the Tour Operator and TCBW will be released from liability under the Security connection with an expedition. The Participant waives any claim against any of the Released Parties for any such loss, damage,
Agreement.
injury, or death, including any right to seek consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages against any of the Released Parties for
any reason whatsoever. None of the Released Parties shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase
What Is Included in the Price: A privately chartered Boeing 757 that departs from the first destination in the itinerary, and returns of a nonrefundable ticket.
to the last destination in the itinerary, as indicated in the catalog. Deluxe or best available accommodations and all applicable
taxes in the destinations and options as indicated in the catalog, from arrival at the first hotel on the first day of the expedition, Acknowledgment of Risk: You understand and acknowledge that your travel in connection with and participation in an
through departure from the last hotel on the last day of the expedition. All meals are included, beginning with the welcome dinner expedition or any activities which may take place during an expedition, may involve risk and potential exposure to injury or fatal
on the first night of the expedition, ending with the last meal on the last day of the itinerary (varies per itinerary). All taxes; airport injury and that risk and dangers may arise or be caused by the negligence or participation of other Participants, contractors, and/or
transfers at the beginning and end of the expedition; group transportation; excursions; special events and activities; extensive subcontractors for an expedition or from other foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of nature.
program of customized options at most destinations; enrichment program, including lectures by a team of experts; services of
professional staff, including an expedition physician; amenities package; $100,000 medical evacuation insurance (which includes Express Assumption of Risk and Responsibility: In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in which
minimal accident/sickness/baggage insurance) for covered reasons; bottled water throughout the expedition (during sightseeing, you are intending to engage, you confirm that you are physically and mentally capable of participating in an expedition and
at scheduled meals, and in your room); all beverages, including liquor, aboard the private jet; liquor during special events and that you willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by you or caused by you. By
cocktail parties on land; house wine and/or beer at lunch and dinner; nonalcoholic beverages at all scheduled meals on land; registering for an expedition, you certify that you do not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would
baggage handling during the expedition; Internet access in hotels, where available; and tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, create a hazard for yourself or other Participants. The Tour Operator reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to
porters, and waitstaff are included. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition price will accept, or remove any Participant on an expedition and reserves the right, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein,
be at your discretion. Except for “major changes” as described below, no refund will be made for any accommodations or services to withdraw any part or all of an expedition and to make such changes as may be necessary.
included in the expedition price that you voluntarily do not use. The exact expedition itinerary, name and location of hotels, length
of stay at each hotel, and other ground accommodations and services, are set forth in the itineraries, which is by this reference Arbitration: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance there under, including
without limitation any claim related to bodily injury, property damage or death, shall be settled by binding arbitration in Seattle,
expressly incorporated into this Agreement.
Washington, USA in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then existing, and judgment on the
What Is Not Included in the Price: Commercial airfare from your home city to the first city of an expedition and from the last arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy. Such proceedings
city of an expedition to your home city; optional and additional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; passport and visa will be governed by substantive Washington law. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify the liability release
fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and fax fees; all beverages not mentioned above as included; hotel minibar contained in this document.
charges; meals not scheduled by the Tour Operator; and inoculation and medication costs of any kind.
Exclusive Governing Law and Jurisdiction: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without
Insurance: National Geographic Society and the Tour Operator strongly recommend trip insurance. Insurance premium regard to conflicts of laws principles. If the right to seek arbitration is for any reason waived by both parties, or if judicial review
of any arbitration is sought, any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the
payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier.
courts of the State of Washington, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Western
Baggage: On the private jet, each passenger is limited to 90 pounds of checked baggage in 2 bags (one bag of your choice District of Washington or the appropriate appellate courts, and the parties hereby waive any objection to venue or jurisdiction
limited to 50 pounds and one wheeled bag/duffle that the Tour Operator will send to you ahead of time for use on the expedition in connection therewith. In connection with any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement, the parties hereby
limited to 40 pounds), plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack, purse, camera, and/or laptop. On the Celebrating specifically and knowingly waive any rights that either party might have to demand a jury trial.
Exploration with National Geographic expedition, you will fly on local charters in Botswana, and your total luggage may not exceed
22 pounds. For international flights, the air carrier’s liability is limited to the actual value of the baggage but not more than 1,000 Single/Shared Accommodations and Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a firstSpecial Drawing Rights, approximately $1,250 per passenger, unless a higher value is declared at the time of check-in and an come, first-served basis. The Tour Operator will make reasonable efforts to assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will
appropriate excess valuation charge is paid. Baggage, when not handled by the Tour Operator, and personal effects are at all be notified if a suitable roommate is found. If a roommate is not confirmed, the single rate will be charged. Suite rooms are available
in some destinations; more information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you in the months before departure.
times the sole responsibility of the Participant.
Aircraft: The private jet flights will be performed using a Boeing 757 jet with 80 VIP-class seats. The air carrier for the expeditions will
be Thomson Airways, Wigmore House/Wigmore Place, Wigmore Lane, Bedfordshire, Luton LU2 9TN England. The Tour Operator and
air carrier reserve the right to substitute equivalent aircraft if necessary. Your itinerary may include flights on smaller aircraft operated
by local approved airline carriers. Seating on these aircraft will be economy or economy with limited business seats, based upon the
configuration of the aircraft.
Visas and Entry Permits: To participate in an expedition, visas and/or entry permits may be required for some countries.
Acquiring visas and/or entry permits is the responsibility of the Participant. Failure to obtain visas and/or entry permits does
not negate the terms and conditions. Any extra costs for rerouting a Participant without visas and/or entry permits will be the
responsibility of the Participant. The Tour Operator will provide information on the necessary visas and/or entry permits in predeparture documents.
International Flights: The operation of these flights is subject to the foreign governments involved granting landing rights for Health Requirements: These are active trips, which require you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we
the flight. If the air carrier cannot obtain these rights for any particular flight leg of an expedition, that flight leg will be canceled recommend that you visit your personal physician for a checkup so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey.
All Participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience
and alternative arrangements may be made at the discretion of National Geographic Expeditions or the Tour Operator.
cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, and to board the aircraft,
Cancellations and Refunds: If you cancel your reservation or change your plans, your right to receive a refund is limited, as and are part of many excursions. Please note: To go to certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a
described in the following schedule. All requests for refunds must be sent to us in writing via mail, fax, or email. All cancellations high-altitude area (7,500 feet above sea level and higher), you will need to obtain your physician’s approval. A form will be sent to
will become effective as of the date of the postmark or email receipt. If your cancellation notice is received within the timeframe you for your physician to sign. We are prepared to arrange for an alternative destination or activity, if your physician recommends
below, you will receive a refund of all deposits minus the per person cancellation fee.
it. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in these itineraries. Proof of yellow fever inoculation
is required on some of the expeditions in this catalog. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the
Number of Days Prior to Departure: Per Person Cancellation Fee:
areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control. Any physical condition requiring special attention,
240 or more days
$1,000
diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate
180-239 days
$5,000
travelers with special needs; however, we regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. If you require a slower pace, extra
120-179 days
$15,000
assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at
119 or fewer days
No refund
the discretion of our expedition staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would
like to forgo some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time.
Refunds will be made within 14 days of receipt of your notice of cancellation.
Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any
unused portions of an expedition. If you cancel and provide a substitute Participant for the expedition, you will receive from the
Tour Operator a full refund of money paid toward the price less an administrative charge of $25 for effecting the substitution
once the substitute Participant has paid in full. If we make major changes prior to departure, you have the right to cancel
and receive a full refund. Please note that the costs for visas, commercial air tickets, insurance, suite upgrades, and preor post-expedition independent arrangements may not be refundable. The following are major changes: (1) a change in
the departure or return date, unless the change results from a flight delay experienced by the air carrier (If, however, the delay
is longer than 48 hours, it will be considered a major change); (2) a change in the origin or destination city for any flight leg,
unless the change affects only the order in which cities named in a tour package are visited; (3) a substitute of any hotel of lower
standard; (4) a price increase of more than 10 percent occurring 10 or more days before departure. In no event can we increase
your price less than 10 days before departure. If a major change must be made in the expedition, we will notify you within 7 days
after first learning of the change, but in any event at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure. If, less than 10 days before
scheduled departure, we become aware that a major change must be made, we will notify you as soon as possible. Within 7 days
30
Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based
on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will make reasonable efforts to maintain
the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so and will notify you at the time of final invoicing.
Eligibility: Participation in a National Geographic Expedition is a benefit of membership in the National Geographic Society.
Membership dues for 2014 are $39. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for an expedition.
The Tour Operator is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265), a California Seller of Travel (#2071584-30), an
accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network
(#50-755585). The Tour Operator’s Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961.
Copyright © 2014 National Geographic Society
Recycled Paper
Back Cover: Bagan, Myanmar
• RESERVATION FORM •
To reserve your place, complete this form and mail to the address listed below.
Or reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com, or call 1-800-224-1894.
PLEASE RESERVE
PLACE(S) ON THE SELECTED EXPEDITION:
Expedition
Expedition Dates
Double
Occupancy
Single
Supplement
❏ Around the World by Private Jet
January 22–February 14, 2015
$72,950
$8,650
ATW2-15
❏ Around the World by Private Jet
October 2–25, 2015
$73,950
$8,650
NGATW3-15
❏ Around the World by Private Jet
October 27–November 19, 2015
$73,950
$8,650
NGATW5-15
❏ Around the World by Private Jet
December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016
$73,950
$8,650
NGATW6-15
❏ Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic
February 15–March 10, 2015
$76,950
$8,950
NGEXP-15
❏ Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
April 14–May 8, 2015
$76,950
$8,950
NGISL-15
❏ Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
September 27–October 21, 2015
$76,950
$8,950
NGISL2-15
❏ The Human Journey May 11–June 3, 2015
$64,950
$7,950
NGS-15
Name
Escrow Account
Date and year of birth
Name Date and year of birth
Mailing address (Please do not list a P.O. box.)
City, State, Zip Code
(
)
(
Home phone ) (
Work phone )
Cell phone
(
Email
)
Fax National Geographic Expeditions customer code
(from blue box on back cover)
National Geographic Expeditions key code
(from yellow box on back cover)
ACCOMMODATIONS: Please check the box that applies.
❏ I plan to share accommodations.
❏ I plan to share accommodations with someone who
❏ I prefer single accommodations where available and agree to pay
❏ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❏ nonsmoker ❏ smoker.
the single supplement.
has submitted a separate Reservation Form:
If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the single supplement.
Name:
Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will be
sent to you separately.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract. (Each traveler must sign.)
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
PAYMENT:
❏ Enclosed is my deposit check for $
($2,500 per person).
Please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your expedition (see above).
OR
❏ Please charge my deposit of $
($2,500 per person) to
/
Account number
/
/
/
Expiration date
(Charges can be made to most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.)
My credit card and billing address (if different from above)
National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 1-800-224-1894 • Fax: 1-206-447-7717 • Web: www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
PJM0214
31
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO 2389
3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121
2015 Private Jet Expeditions
Join National Geographic’s
most accomplished experts
around the globe.
Around the World by Private Jet
Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
Formore
moreinformation
informationorortotoreserve
reserveyour
yourplace,
place,please
pleasecall
call1-800-224-1894
1-800-224-1894ororvisit
visitnationalgeographicexpeditions.com
nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
For

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