Johanne Gordon
Expedition Leader
Overview
Enjoy close proximity to the Seattle Art Museum, world-class dining and shopping, and Pike Place Market. Meet fellow travelers and expedition staff at a welcome dinner at Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the striking glass sculptures of local artist Dale Chihuly against the backdrop of the iconic Space Needle.
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Overview
Stretching across the Bosphorus Strait that joins Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a millennia-old link between East and West. Encounter the architecture of empires past in a dazzling cityscape where soaring Byzantine churches stand alongside Ottoman mosques and Roman ruins.
Accommodations
Enjoy close proximity to the Seattle Art Museum, world-class dining and shopping, and Pike Place Market. Meet fellow travelers and expedition staff at a welcome dinner at Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the striking glass sculptures of local artist Dale Chihuly against the backdrop of the iconic Space Needle.
Accommodations
With views over the Puget Sound toward the snowcapped Olympic Mountains, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a luxurious urban oasis in the middle of the city. Enjoy sophisticated Pacific Northwest cuisine prepared with the finest local ingredients at Goldfinch Tavern, a cozy yet upscale gathering place.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts where ancient temples and age-old markets stand alongside modern high-rises and a sparkling skyline. Encounter the depth of traditional Japanese culture, carefully preserved through generations, as it intertwines with modern innovation and groundbreaking technology.
Featured Experiences
Style a bonsai in a hands-on workshop at Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, operated by renowned bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi. Discover bonsai styling’s deep connection to Zen philosophy and wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity, while engaging in this creative and meditative practice.
Accommodations
Set in the heart of Tokyo with sweeping views of the Imperial Palace and surrounding gardens and overlooking the glimmering nighttime skyline, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is home to next-level accommodations, style and service. Marvel at the vibrant capital city over a meal at one of the hotel restaurants or with an evening drink on the open-air terrace.
The breathtaking island of Bohol is known for its otherworldly Chocolate Hills. The unusual landscapes are just part of the attraction of Bohol, which is also home to unique wildlife, tranquil beaches and colonial-era churches.
Accommodations
Set along a white-sand beach on Mactan Island, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort offers a luxurious seaside retreat. Delight in a variety
of dining options, including Mediterranean cuisine at Buhi Cave Bar and Nikkei cuisine at Dip restaurant. Unwind at the Sheraton Spa with its soothing treatments or relax by the outdoor pool. Retreat to your spacious guest room, featuring sea views and premium bath amenities that will enhance your tropical getaway.
Experience the rich history and delectable food culture of Hanoi, the centuries-old capital of Vietnam. Be enraptured in the timeless allure of ancient legends as you drift through the mystical seascape of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, where emerald waters cradle limestone islets that seem to defy gravity.
Featured Experiences
Journey through the hidden treasures of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Ride on a bamboo boat rowed by a local or kayak into the enchanting Dark and Light Cave – a frog-jaw-shaped cave boasting sparkling stalactites in various shapes and sizes on the arched ceiling. This cave leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. Visit the Viet Hai Fishing Village – a primitive and tranquil location where you will glimpse the daily life of locals, visit fish pens and beehives or experience a fish foot massage.
Featured Experiences
Journey through Hanoi’s past with visits to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ during the Vietnam War, and the solemn war memorial at Huu Tiep Lake. Discover the heart of Vietnam’s political life at Ba Dinh Square where you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, glimpse Truc Bach Lake and the John McCain Monument, before concluding with a moment of reflection near the ancient Long Bien Bridge.
Featured Experiences
Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking class at a local hospitality school with a meaningful mission. KOTO, which stands for “Know One, Teach One,” is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged youth in Vietnam through comprehensive hospitality training. Your teacher, likely a KOTO graduate, will share their personal story as well as the mission and vision of KOTO as you cook – leaving you with a full stomach and a full heart as the class concludes.
Accommodations
Experience timeless elegance at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a cherished symbol of Hanoi’s heritage since 1901. Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic property has been a haven for distinguished guests, from playwrights to heads of state, offering a blend of luxury and tradition. Enjoy the storied charm and impeccable service complete with multiple acclaimed restaurants and a collection of designer shops.
Delve into the town of Luang Prabang—a UNESCO World Heritage site at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Infused with timeless traditions, golden temple spires and tranquil lanes, Luang Prabang’s gentle ambiance invites introspection, offering a profound immersion into Laos’ enduring heritage and monastic rituals.
Featured Experiences
Experience the incredible resilience of endangered Asian elephants at a local sanctuary. Watch as these majestic animals, which have been saved from the logging trade, trek through the surrounding jungle and bathe in the streams. Engage with knowledgeable mahouts and witness firsthand the community’s commitment to eco-conservation.
Featured Experiences
Explore the textile co-op of Ock Pop Tok, which means “East meets West” in Laotian. This living crafts center is dedicated to offering employment to rural Laotians through textile craftsmanship. Engage with master weavers, learn the stories behind contemporary and traditional designs and enjoy an afternoon workshop where you’ll dye your own silk scarf.
Featured Experiences
Step into the less-traveled lanes of Luang Prabang with Francis Engelmann, a Paris-born writer who was a pivotal figure in the town’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the colonial and Laotian architecture and the traditional essence as Francis reveals its tales and charms.
Accommodations
Opened in March 2018, the Rosewood Luang Prabang is a luxurious retreat designed by Bill Bensley to capture the romantic essence of bygone Indochina. It boasts spacious rooms, suites, villas and luxury tents with architecture that seamlessly blends Lao tradition with French colonial style, using indigenous materials and local artwork. The resort offers exceptional cuisine that emphasizes Laotian flavors with farm-to-table ingredients. The spa overlooks the valley’s streams, offering connection to Laos’ timeless healing traditions.
Accommodations
Nestled at the foot of Mount Phousi, Amantaka is set amidst the golden-tipped temples and charming alleys of Luang Prabang and is only a short walk from the Mekong River. Guests can enjoy the serene gardens of the estate, lavishly equipped suites, a pool and a relaxing hydrotherapy area as well as access to bikes and tuk tuks to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang.
Langkawi is a gem of an island surrounded by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and home to a diverse array of wildlife. With its stunning beaches, dense rainforests and local legends, Langkawi offers visitors a genuine taste of Malaysia’s natural wonders and cultural vitality.
Featured Experiences
Enjoy a myriad of activities offered at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi using a resort credit to tailor your stay to your interests. Explore the waters with paddle boarding, windsurfing or catamaran sailing or get active with private yoga sessions, beach volleyball, archery and much more.
Featured Experiences
Langkawi thrives on its fishing heritage. Opt for a fishing adventure in either the sheltered southern waters of the Langkawi archipelago, replete with islands and shallow reefs, or the northern stretch by Four Seasons Resort Langkawi’s beach. The southern expanse teems with diverse fish like grouper, sea bass, and trevally.
Featured Experiences
Embark on an exclusive excursion into the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a UNESCO-endorsed treasure housing a rich tropical ecosystem of eagles, monkeys and ancient geological formations. Sail from the resort’s beach, guided by a naturalist, and navigate the park’s ancient waterways and mangroves, explore limestone caves, and conclude with a unique debrief at the Geopark Discovery Centre.
Accommodations
Surrounded by lush rainforest, limestone cliffs and the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi blends dramatic views with a serene atmosphere. The Malay-style pavilions and secluded villas are perfect for relaxation, while the mangrove forests and waters of the UNESCO Global Geopark around the resort invite exploration.
Bhubaneswar is often referred to as the “Temple City of India.” Boasting a wealth of history, art and culture, the city echoes of a bygone era showcasing a myriad of ancient temples, architectural marvels and sacred shrines.
Featured Experiences
Explore Bhubaneswar’s historic temple complex in the Old Town. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the 10th-century Mukteshwar Temple–a testament to Kalinga artistry–and the ancient Parasurameswara Temple. As you stroll along the old city corridor, enjoy views of Bindusagar Lake and engage with the local community, including temple priests and traders.
Featured Experiences
Embark on a two-hour drive to witness the architectural marvel of the Sun Temple of Konarak. This UNESCO World Heritage site, often dubbed the ‘Black Pagoda,’ stands as a testament to India’s ancient temple art and architecture. View the intricate carvings that depict mythological tales, celestial beings and daily life in the 13th century.
Featured Experiences
Established in 1953 and regarded as one of India’s best tribal museums, the Odisha State Tribal Museum offers an in-depth look into the lives of over 60 tribal communities through its vast collection of artifacts, traditional tools and recreated dwellings. Learn about the multifaceted religious, cultural and social systems of India’s tribal communities and the ongoing work to preserve and develop tribal communities.
Accommodations
Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar seamlessly blends 11th-century-inspired Kalinga architecture with contemporary design. Its spacious verandas, tranquil gardens and native plant cultivation create peaceful retreats for guests. The hotel offers a spa, pool and fitness center. Additionally, guests can enjoy drinks at the elegant bar or dine in the hotel’s restaurant or cafés.
Stretching across the Bosphorus Strait that joins Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a millennia-old link between East and West. Encounter the architecture of empires past in a dazzling cityscape where soaring Byzantine churches stand alongside Ottoman mosques and Roman ruins.
Featured Experiences
Visit an authentic Turkish bath, known as a hammam. Relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful setting as you enjoy a therapeutic steam bath, indulge in invigorating massages and experience the cultural ritual of purification and renewal that locals have cherished for generations.
Featured Experiences
Discover the world-renowned Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, housed in the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace, offering the richest Islamic art collection and boasting significant artifacts from Turkish history. View a vast display from the prized carpet collection, the most extensive globally, to invaluable metal-glass-ceramic works and pieces from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, while enjoying panoramic views of Sultanahmet Square from the museum’s scenic terrace.
Accommodations
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is an intimate oasis in Istanbul’s oldest district. The century-old neoclassical home is a tranquil sanctuary in the middle of Istanbul’s Old City, Sultanahmet, bounded by the mystic waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. While just steps away from top historic attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the hotel offers a calming space filled with charm and elevated Four Seasons care from a more than 200-person-strong team.
All-Inclusive Price
per person double occupancy. $12,995 solo supplement. Contact us for applicable terms & conditions of the operator-participant contract.
SOLO TRAVELER OFFER
50% off on solo supplement when you book by December 31. Terms apply.
The price of this all-inclusive expedition covers everything from travel by private jet, hotels, and all meals and beverages (including select beer, wine and spirits aboard the jet and at group lunches and dinners), to ground transportation, all daily activities, top-of-the-line guides and every single tip. See below in the FAQs for a full list of what is included.
This expedition includes some Explorer Destinations—off-the-beaten path stops chosen for their remote beauty, wildlife access or historical and cultural significance, rather than luxury lodging and dining.
Embark on a journey of limitless potential on the new A321, the best-in-class plane for group jet expeditions. This aircraft offers so much more than the comfort of flatbed seats, the reliability of a new plane and in-air connectivity—it also becomes a welcoming home away from home during your travels. The moment you board the private jet, you can breathe deep and leave your worries at the door.
Aircraft is operated by Titan Airways Limited.
PIONEERING INNOVATION
Travel aboard the newest jet in the Group Jet Expedition category, with one of the largest cabins by height and width of all single-aisle aircraft in the market. The Airbus A321 is approximately 30% more fuel efficient than a Boeing 757 and for your safety, incorporates the most up-to-date, hospital-grade air filtration system that renews the cabin air every few minutes.
COMFORT & EASE
The private jet becomes your home in the sky for the entire tour. Your comfort is assured with a roomy interior custom-configured with only 52 flatbed Italian leather seats that offer 6.5 feet of personal reclining space.
EXPERIENCED STAFF & CREW
Taking care of you is an exceptional 18-member team of flight crew and staff. Your experienced expedition leader and two assistant leaders manage all logistics and handle all details, making your trip hassle-free. Also flying with you are an on-board chef, photographer, two subject matter experts, and an emergency-room trained physician.
IN-FLIGHT AMENITIES
Onboard amenities include Bose noise-cancelling headsets, iPads for streaming curated content and L’Occitane products. Onboard connectivity features an enhanced in-flight presentation system, on-demand entertainment and WiFi.
Expedition Leader
Guest Services Manager
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pat developed a deep appreciation for different cultures from a young age. Pat aims to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. He believes that travel is not just about sightseeing, but also about connecting with people and creating lifelong memories.
ON-TRIP EXPERT
ON-TRIP EXPERT
Photographer
A once in a lifetime trip is one of the best investments you can make, but as with any investment, you also want to safeguard it against the unexpected. We have partnered with Red Point Insurance to offer a best-in-class trip insurance program available exclusively to guests on our group jet expeditions. Learn more
Flying direct where possible means spending less time in the air and at airports and fewer layovers. On the ground, maximize your time in the local culture by enjoying special access to sites and fewer logistical hassles.
Selected for proximity to sights and ease of access, the properties on your trip are five-star and unique wherever possible, depending on destination remoteness or level of development.
Enjoy elevated culinary experiences in-flight and on-ground, often showcasing local flavors. We can also accommodate individual dietary preferences.
This once-in-a-lifetime trip is the perfect way to spend quality time with your partner or to treat yourself to an adventure you’ll never forget. Adults of all ages take our trips, sometimes with a companion and sometimes by themselves. You will meet fellow guests with a curiosity about the world and come away with unforgettable memories and special friendships. It can also help you memorably mark a special occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, retirement, honeymoon or other milestone.
The minimum age to take our expeditions is 12, but we will consider younger guests on a case-by-case basis.
Shortly after booking, your guest services manager will email you more details about your trip. This dedicated professional will be your main point of contact. He or she will provide you additional information leading up to your departure and is available to answer any questions via phone or email.
Prior to departure, you will receive a set of amenities for your trip. These may include a wheeled bag, a backpack, packing cubes and other useful travel items.
Our trips are a unique opportunity for like-minded travelers who are interested in learning and exploring to come together. The strong friendships forged on our trips continue long after guests return home and open the door to more travel adventures.
On expeditions with 48 or more travelers, daily activities will be divided into intimate groups of 6 to 12, so you never feel like you’re part of a crowd. On all trips, we offer numerous activity options at each destination such as: guided small-group sightseeing, curated shopping, and exclusive visits to museums and landmarks. Other examples include more active options like hikes or snorkeling, as well as unforgettable moments like an intimate guided exploration of Angkor Wat and our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
TCS World Travel is committed to maintaining the quality and safety of the expedition for all participants. Overall, our trips give you the freedom to set your own pace. Each destination on every itinerary offers a variety of options with different activity levels. In some, you may only be walking for short periods of time and have more downtime between excursions, while in others, you may spend the entire day touring or walking over uneven terrain. You may, of course, choose to have a day off and relax at any location.
On all our expeditions, you can expect the following:
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate participants with special needs; however, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements can be made for private touring at each destination. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the participant.
Destination Safety
Before TCS travels to any destination, we vet it for safety. We and our consultant medical advisors, Dr. Thomas Burke and the BostonMD team, closely monitor all health situations. We monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of State, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other third-party destination experts, and are consulting with our trusted local suppliers to evaluate travel to all locations featured on our expeditions.
The beauty of private jet travel is the ease of pivoting. If we need to change an itinerary for any reason, we can use our contacts in countries worldwide to assist us with making alternate arrangements for our group. These changes could be made well in advance of arrival or even while we are in the air en-route to a given location.
On-Trip Resources
On many expeditions, a trip physician will be available to consult with you at your request about general medical health issues such as upper-respiratory infections or gastro-intestinal upsets, which are not uncommon on this type of trip. Should you become seriously ill en route, the trip physician will be able to liaise with local physicians at your request and, if necessary, your medical providers back home, to assist in determining what further care you may require.
On-Trip Activity Level
This is an active program which requires a serious health assessment. There will be walking excursions at nearly every location, and you will need to climb stairs at some of the sites, as well as when you board and disembark the aircraft. There are some airports where you will be responsible for transporting your small wheeled overnight bag. We will have some early-morning departures and late-night activities, and may travel through multiple time zones.
As part of our commitment to climate and nature action, we’ve joined our sister companies across the Travelopia Group* to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.
Our objective is to help conserve the stunning coastlines and marine life that enrich your travel experiences and help restore ocean ecosystems that are vital in tackling climate change. Together with our sister travel companies, the group intends to donate at least £1 million (roughly USD$1.25 million at current exchange rates) over three years, with an aim to support the conservation and restoration of 7,000 hectares of vital marine ecosystems through seven global projects.
*TCS World Travel is a member of the Travelopia group of travel companies which has come together to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.
Our luggage allowances are based on the type of aircraft on which the expedition is offered. On the custom Airbus A321, luggage typically is limited to two checked bags: the wheeled bag we mail you and one additional large suitcase of your own. On expeditions on smaller aircraft like the Fokker 70, guests are allowed the wheeled bag we mail you and one additional smaller bag due to weight restrictions. Bags will be stored in the hold of the jet during our flights, but you will be allowed to take your backpack and another small personal item, such as purse or camera bag, along with you in the cabin.
On many trips, a dedicated expedition staff member handles your luggage throughout the journey. In many destinations, our staff will transfer your luggage directly from the plane to your hotel room. In others, you may be required to walk your bags through customs before handing them over to our staff, but we take over from there. Secure vehicles accompanied by a dedicated expedition staff member are used to transfer luggage between the airport and the hotel on arrival and departure. Often times, your bag is in your room by the time you’re checked into the hotel.
We suggest you bring comfortable clothing that can be layered. One of your most important items is a pair of comfortable shoes for walking. Our guests generally dress up a little for the welcome and farewell dinners, but this is their choice and is certainly not required. Also, you will find slightly more formal dining options at many of the hotels where we stay. For this reason, you may want to bring a few nicer outfits. A more detailed packing list with specific clothing recommendations will be sent to you closer to the departure date. While you’re packing, please keep in mind that laundry services are available at most of our hotels. We also recommend you leave extra space in your suitcase to bring home souvenirs of your journey.
TCS World Travel is committed to safeguarding the security of its guests on every expedition. The company has implemented a set of security processes throughout the journey – from before guests depart to when they touch down in a destination. These processes have been fine-tuned over two decades and more than 300 private jet expeditions and thousands of custom trips to help ensure peace of mind for everyone involved.
All guests must have valid passports to participate in this program. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond the end date of your expedition. If visas are required for the expedition, a visa kit will be sent to you approximately between 6 and 3 months prior to departure depending on destination requirements. We work with an expediting service that helps make getting your required visas easier. Although you’re still required to fill out your visa forms and cover the application costs, they will review the application to make sure it’s complete and liaise with the necessary consulates and embassies to process your visas.
We pre-fill your customs and immigrations forms at every stop—all you have to do is sign. Where possible, our guests enjoy special privileges, such as expedited customs and immigration formalities. We may have a dedicated customs counter for our group and are occasionally allowed to go through without individual clearance.
The price of your expedition incorporates large items like the jet, hotels, transportation and meals, but it also includes many other things, such as activities, top-of-the-line guides, private dinners in restaurants, beverages and every single tip (guides, restaurants, hotel staff, drivers, etc.). In addition, we give you some “walking around money” in the local currency at each stop. We also supply you with all the bottled water you can drink all day every day. We even provide you with postcards that we mail for you—all you have to do is write.
Your expedition includes:
Your expedition does not include:
*Aircraft operated by Titan Airways Limited.
Reservation Process
To reserve your place on the Tour, you must complete and sign the Reservation Form and pay your deposit. The deposit can be made by wire transfer or by a major credit card such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card. To cover the cost of processing a credit or charge card transaction, and pursuant to applicable state regulations (including, with respect to Colorado, section 5-2-212, Colorado Revised Statutes), TCS charges a surcharge of 3.0 % for credit card payments. This surcharge is not greater than our merchant discount rate for credit card transactions and does not apply to payment via debit card, ACH or check or redemption of a gift card, or to credit card payments with a billing address in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Puerto Rico. Your place on the Tour is not reserved until the deposit and signed reservation form are both received.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your reservation or change your plans, your right to receive a refund is limited, as set forth in the trip payment schedule. All cancellations will become effective as of the date of the postmark or email receipt. All requests for refunds must be sent to TCS World Travel in writing via mail, fax or email.
If you are traveling solo and prefer the privacy of your own room, you will be charged a solo traveler supplement. This ensures that individual travelers will get the same type and size rooms as our double occupancy travelers.
The Jet tour is operated by TCS World Travel, dedicated to delivering immersive, worry-free travel experiences for the globally curious and modern luxury traveler. The aircraft is operated by Titan Airways, an IOSA-certified airlines with over 30 years of experience in bespoke air charter travel.
We strongly recommend purchasing insurance to protect your travel investment. We offer a best-in-class trip insurance program available exclusively to guests on our group jet expeditions. Our program provides unique benefits that you won’t find anywhere else in the insurance market, including:
Our insurance program also includes these additional benefits for your peace of mind:
If you would like a personalized quote, or have any questions about our insurance program, please contact our Guest Relations team at 800.454.4149.
Global health institutions like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now categorizing COVID-19 as an endemic disease, similar to other infectious diseases we live with daily. In response to this changing global scenario, most countries have now relaxed or dropped their COVID-19 vaccine and testing regulations – so TCS has adapted our policy as well.
Choose Private Custom Travel if our group jet expeditions aren’t quite what you’re looking for. You pick the dates and destinations, and we plan and execute every last detail for you. We are your one-stop resource for all kinds of personalized luxury trips using private jets or commercial airlines.
The People, first and foremost, from booking agent to baggage handlers-professionalism, experience and the highest dedication to service. The Places, all bucket list worthy, done like you are a VIP. The Process, seamless transitions every step of the way mean that you can relax and enjoy the travel experience. The Plane, luxury, comfort and efficiency!
From the first point of contact with staff to the very last time spent with them and on the trip, I couldn’t have asked for a better travel company and incredible trip around the world. So many special touches, access to sites not available to the general public, all along the way in great hands. I can’t recommend enough TCS for out of this world, all over the world trips!
TCS World Travel trip was the trip of a lifetime. We were able to see so many places we would have never been able to visit in one trip or by ourselves. Trip was very well planned. Airplane crew and travel staff were amazing. Aircraft and lodging during trip were the best.
Offering many wonderful opportunities.
TCS allows you to see multiple destinations – many that would be difficult to travel to on your own – in a fast, efficient and comfortable manner. They craft a trip that helps you to sample some of the finest aspects of each location, such as the architecture, the history, the food and other aspects of the local culture. Their staff is kind and goes out of their way to ensure that all the guests are having an excellent experience.