Crossroads of Civilization: A 22-Day Private Jet Journey Across Europe, Asia and North Africa

This 22-day private jet journey traveling November 1 – 22, 2027, designed by TCS World Travel, is created for culturally curious, well-traveled guests seeking rare global access by private jet. Traveling aboard a reconfigured private Airbus A321*, the itinerary includes eight destinations across Europe, Asia and North Africa: Palermo, Italy; Samarkand, Uzbekistan; Galle, Sri Lanka; Bangkok, Thailand; Paro, Bhutan; Kathmandu, Nepal; Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina; and Tangier, Morocco, with departure from London and return to Boston.

This multi-continent journey focuses on cultural crossroads and UNESCO World Heritage sites where civilizations have intersected and evolved over centuries. At each destination, guests are offered deeper context through curated access, expert interpretation and immersive local encounters.

Expedition Overview

• Dates: November 1 – 22, 2027
• Duration: 22 days
• Aircraft: Private Airbus A321
• Route: London, United Kingdom → Palermo, Italy → Samarkand, Uzbekistan → Galle, Sri Lanka → Bangkok, Thailand → Paro, Bhutan → Kathmandu, Nepal → Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina → Tangier, Morocco → Boston, Massachusetts
• Destinations: 8 across Europe, Asia and North Africa
• Price: $159,000 per person, double occupancy; $15,900 solo supplement

Trip Highlights

Deeper Access, Greater Understanding

This journey offers curated access to significant cultural sites, with experiences designed to reveal how architecture, religion, politics and trade have shaped cities that once stood at the center of global exchange. These are led by subject-matter specialists and highly qualified local guides who offer insights that connect local history to broader regional and global narratives. Guests experience:

• Expert-led interpretation at UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Privately arranged access to culturally significant and restricted landmarks
• Context-driven encounters with local artisans and performers

In Palermo, for example, a private visit to the Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace reveals layered Islamic, Byzantine and Norman design influences. Rather than viewing it simply as a monument, guests explore it as evidence of Sicily’s historical role as a Mediterranean crossroads of empire, religion and trade.

Where Cultures Converge Across Continents

Each destination on this journey offers a distinct perspective on how geography and movement have shaped cultural identity. From the Silk Road cities of Central Asia to the trading ports of the Indian Ocean and the layered histories of North Africa, each stop offers a lens into how civilizations have influenced one another and evolved over time.

In Samarkand, one of the most significant hubs along the ancient Silk Road, grand architectural landmarks such as Registan Square and Bibi Khanum Mosque reflect centuries of exchange between East and West. Here, intricate tilework and monumental scale speak to the city’s role as both cultural and economic crossroads.

In Galle, Sri Lanka, the fortified city tells a story shaped by maritime trade. Within its UNESCO-listed walls, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences remain visible in the architecture, cuisine and daily life. A helicopter journey inland to Sigiriya Rock Fortress adds another layer, revealing how power, religion and landscape intersect in one of South Asia’s most iconic heritage sites.

High in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a contrasting sense of continuity. In Paro, experiences such as the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visits to centuries-old dzongs provide insight into a society where spiritual traditions remain deeply woven into everyday life.

In Kathmandu, a historic crossroads of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, centuries of spiritual and cultural exchange are reflected across UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Boudhanath Stupa and the Durbar Square. Here, the architecture illustrates how religion, craftsmanship and daily life have evolved side by side over centuries.

Finally, in Tangier, positioned at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, centuries of exchange between Africa, Europe and the Middle East are reflected in the city’s architecture, language and cuisine. From the medina to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, the region offers a vivid example of cultural layering shaped by both geography and history.

Seamless Access Across Continents

Many of the destinations on this itinerary would be difficult to combine in a single journey due to limited commercial flight routes, indirect or multi-stop connections between regions, and the time-intensive coordination required to reach remote locations. TCS World Travel streamlines these connections through private jet travel, enabling a seamless experience across regions.

• Accessing Paro’s Himalayan valleys typically requires numerous flights and careful coordination; here, it is part of a continuous journey.
• Samarkand’s remote Silk Road location is integrated into a broader route rather than approached as a standalone destination taking multiple connections to reach.
• A private helicopter transfer from Weligama to Sigiriya reduces a multi-hour overland journey, allowing more time at one of Sri Lanka’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this expedition designed for?

This journey is designed for experienced travelers seeking deeper cultural context, seamless logistics, and meaningful access to places less frequently explored. It appeals to guests who value understanding how history, geography and culture intersect across regions.

Can guests travel comfortably to remote destinations?

Yes. Accommodations are selected for comfort, location and cultural relevance, ensuring a high standard across all regions.

• In Palermo, a historic palazzo with Belle Époque interiors overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River offers a resort-style sanctuary with sweeping skyline views and refined urban design. 
• At the foot of Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest, a luxury lodge provides panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
• In Tangier, a restored 1920s palace blends Moroccan-Andalusian design with tranquil gardens and refined interiors.

How much does this trip cost?

This all-inclusive expedition costs $159,000 per person, double occupancy. There is a $15,900 supplement for solo travelers. This expedition is all-inclusive by design—crafted to allow for full immersion in each destination, from chef-led cooking classes to private UNESCO tours, artisan workshops, and properties chosen for luxury and sense of place. Flights, accommodations, daily programming, gratuities and dining are all included.

Can guests choose from different activities?

Yes. Each destination includes multiple options of curated experiences from which guests can choose. One guest might decide on a hands-on culinary experience in a private villa, while another could choose to browse local goods at busy market stalls or hike to a mosque for incredible views over the valley below.

What distinguishes this journey from others that TCS offers?

This expedition is defined by its focus on cultural crossroads and lesser-visited destinations, including places such as Sarajevo and Tangier that are rarely included on global itineraries for North American travelers. It also reaches destinations that are logistically complex to access independently—such as Samarkand in Uzbekistan or Paro in Bhutan—where private jet travel enables a seamless, continuous route.

Beyond where it goes, the journey is shaped by a thematic narrative that traces how civilizations have intersected across regions, from the Silk Road to the Indian Ocean and North Africa. This perspective is brought to life through expert-led interpretation, including a dedicated on-trip expert, alongside local guides who provide deeper historical and cultural context throughout.

What is TCS World Travel?

TCS World Travel is a luxury travel company specializing in all-inclusive private jet expeditions and custom global journeys. Since 1991, the company has pioneered multi-destination travel by private aircraft, combining seamless logistics with expert-led programming and curated local access across more than 200 destinations worldwide.

Having operated over 300 private jet expeditions, TCS World Travel is recognized as a leader in the category, with honors from Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and Departures Legend Awards.

^*Aircraft operated by Titan Airways Limited.