Johanne Gordon
Expedition Leader
Overview
Meet fellow guests, your expert trip leaders and dedicated guest services staff for a welcome dinner. As your adventure begins, enjoy the atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic cities. We depart for Montenegro in the morning.
Accommodations
Overview
One of Europe’s newest nations, Montenegro has been earning raves for its unspoiled Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains and medieval villages. Now is your chance to experience why this small nation is on many a must-see travel list.
Accommodations
Overview
With a wealth of Gothic and renaissance architecture, no other city in Poland has so many historic buildings and monuments.
Accommodations
Overview
A shining star in Eastern Europe, Romania’s picturesque castles, world-famous painted monasteries and café-filled capital city are packed with charm. Our base for exploring this country is Romania’s capital, Bucharest, which was once nicknamed “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture.
Accommodations
Overview
One of Central Asia’s oldest cities, Bukhara was a legendary stop on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes between China and Europe. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historic center, the city remains the best example of a well-preserved medieval Central Asian city.
Accommodations
Overview
Tbilisi is earning raves as one of the hottest travel destinations by outlets as diverse as Vogue and Lonely Planet. The narrow winding streets of the Old Town, the tantalizing flavors of Georgian cuisine and access to stunning mountain landscapes are just a few reasons to visit this former Soviet republic.
Accommodations
Overview
Set in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world. Explore the marble-clad buildings and gilded monuments of Ashgabat, its capital, before spending a day at Merv, one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities on the Silk Road.
Accommodations
Overview
Discover an ancient landscape where the Aegean’s signature cerulean waves lap at timeless sun-soaked shores. The Turquoise Coast is renowned for its Greek, Roman and Byzantine archaeological sites, as well as its tranquil beauty.
Accommodations
Overview
Return to London on the evening of July 1 for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Following a night of rest at your luxurious hotel, return home on your independent flight the following day.
Accommodations
Meet fellow guests, your expert trip leaders and dedicated guest services staff for a welcome dinner. As your adventure begins, enjoy the atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic cities. We depart for Montenegro in the morning.
Accommodations
Fresh, posh and inspired by Hyde Park greenery, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane boasts a classical contemporary ambience, balancing eclectic British sophistication and sleek modern style. Enjoy a cocktail in the Amaranto Lounge while taking in views of the city, or relax with a massage at the rooftop spa.
One of Europe’s newest nations, Montenegro has been earning raves for its unspoiled Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains and medieval villages. Now is your chance to experience why this small nation is on many a must-see travel list.
Featured Experiences
Sail from our hotel to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny manmade islet in the Bay of Kotor that is home to a Venetian-built church, before exploring the town of Kotor. Founded by the Romans and set on a stunning bay, Kotor has a storied past that is preserved in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, filled with churches, Venetian-inspired architecture and grand plazas.
Accommodations
Nestled on the shores of the Adriatic coast against the backdrop of mountains, One&Only Portonovi is a luxurious sanctuary that stands as the jewel of the riviera. Choose from several dining options, take in panoramic views of Boka Bay from the outdoor pool, or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at the spa.
With a wealth of Gothic and renaissance architecture, no other city in Poland has so many historic buildings and monuments.
Featured Experiences
Auschwitz–Birkenau was the most notorious of the six concentration camps established by Nazi Germany. A memorial to the 1.5 million people who were killed there during the Holocaust, choose to tour this haunting site and learn about this tragic period in history.
A shining star in Eastern Europe, Romania’s picturesque castles, world-famous painted monasteries and café-filled capital city are packed with charm. Our base for exploring this country is Romania’s capital, Bucharest, which was once nicknamed “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture.
Featured Experiences
Fly on the private jet into the remote countryside Bucovina region, home to UNESCO-listed painted monasteries from the 15th and 16th centuries. Covered in intricate frescoes in vibrant blues and reds that have endured the ages, these monasteries are masterpieces of Byzantine art.
Featured Experiences
Explore Bucharest’s Old Town, once the home of merchants and artists in the 16th century, and where you will find wide, cobblestoned boulevards and Parisian-inspired architecture. Visit the palatial home of former Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, which has been turned into a museum.
Accommodations
Built in 1914 in the heart of Bucharest, the Athenee Palace Hilton blends historic flair with contemporary style and modern comforts. Guest rooms feature sweeping city views and a spacious living area, while on-site amenities include a fitness center, a pool and a range of dining options.
One of Central Asia’s oldest cities, Bukhara was a legendary stop on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes between China and Europe. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historic center, the city remains the best example of a well-preserved medieval Central Asian city.
Featured Experiences
Learn why UNESCO calls the historic center of Bukhara “an open-air museum.” Stroll through Lyabi-Khauz, a central square built around an artificial reservoir and flanked by mulberry trees. Admire the decorative carved terra cotta and brick masonry of one of Bukhara’s oldest mosques, thought to be more than 1,000 years old. Visit the ancient trading domes, covered bazaars where vendors still sell handicrafts.
Accommodations
Set in a beautifully restored, 19th-century hotel in the heart of Bukhara’s UNESCO listed Old Town, Mercure Old Town Bukhara features well-appointed rooms with traditional Uzbekistani decor and modern amenities. Enjoy authentic local cuisine at the on-site restaurant or relax with a drink at the bar. With a fitness center, sauna and rooftop terrace, Mercure Old Town Bukhara provides a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Uzbekistani hospitality.
Tbilisi is earning raves as one of the hottest travel destinations by outlets as diverse as Vogue and Lonely Planet. The narrow winding streets of the Old Town, the tantalizing flavors of Georgian cuisine and access to stunning mountain landscapes are just a few reasons to visit this former Soviet republic.
Featured Experiences
Begin your exploration in the historic Metekhi district, where much of the architecture dates back to the golden age of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Visit Metekhi Church, a 13th-century stone-and-brick structure overlooking the river, and the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, which is the city’s oldest surviving church.
Featured Experiences
Head into the Georgian countryside to visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The Stalin Museum charts the Soviet dictator’s life from the tiny house in Gori where he was born to his role in the 1917 Russian Revolution to his leadership of the USSR until his death in 1953. Then, explore Uplistsikhe, home to an amazing 3,000-year-old cave city filled with rock-hewn temples, squares and dwellings connected by tunnels.
Accommodations
Exposed brick and books line the walls of the Stamba Hotel’s guest rooms, a modern interpretation of the Soviet-era publishing house it now occupies. Enjoy fresh takes on classic Georgian cuisine at the hotel’s café, or sample the decadent offerings at the on-property chocolatier.
Set in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world. Explore the marble-clad buildings and gilded monuments of Ashgabat, its capital, before spending a day at Merv, one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities on the Silk Road.
Featured Experiences
On the way to Bukhara, stop in Merv, once a thriving city on the ancient Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a day of exploration. Settled in prehistory, Merv became the world’s largest city in the 12th century and was occupied until the late 1700s. Discover the remnants of the citadel within Erk Kala, a Persian fortress and the oldest city structure, before taking in the intricate brickwork and murals in the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
Accommodations
Located in the city’s urban center, Oguzkent Hotel offers sweeping views of Ashgabat’s landmarks from its guest rooms. The on-site amenities include an indoor pool, full-service spa and fitness center, and you can try Central Asian, European and Moroccan cuisine at the hotel restaurant.
Discover an ancient landscape where the Aegean’s signature cerulean waves lap at timeless sun-soaked shores. The Turquoise Coast is renowned for its Greek, Roman and Byzantine archaeological sites, as well as its tranquil beauty.
Featured Experiences
Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, including the famous terrace houses, where you can get a sense of family life during the Roman era and admire intricate frescos and mosaics. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred mountainside shrine where the Virgin Mary is thought to have lived near the end of her life.
Featured Experiences
Observe a traditional folk dance while enjoying lunch in the courtyard of a local weaving center in Ephesus. Topkapi Palace rugs were woven in this region during Ottoman times, and the tradition carries on today. Following the performance, shop for fine leather, tiles and rugs, admiring the rich textiles and artisanal designs.
Featured Experiences
Discover the seaside town of Bodrum, including the impressive Castle of St. Peter, the ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Hellenistic Theatre of Bodrum overlooking the town. Leisure options on the Bodrum Peninsula include golfing, swimming, snorkeling and time to unwind at the hotel.
Accommodations
Located on the Bodrum Peninsula, surrounded by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers innovative dining experiences and exclusive access to two secluded sand beaches. The resort’s extensive leisure facilities include a fitness and aquatic center, luxury retail shops and a 2,700-square-meter spa featuring a variety of holistic therapies and treatments.
Return to London on the evening of July 1 for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Following a night of rest at your luxurious hotel, return home on your independent flight the following day.
Accommodations
Overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square occupies a landmark art deco building that was once home to the Port of London Authority. Enjoy city views from light-filled rooms and savor afternoon tea under the beautiful domed ceiling of the Rotunda.
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
To show our appreciation for our solo travelers, we have created a limited-time offer. Book a solo seat on this expedition and receive 100% off the solo supplement. 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 Expedition Details 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 the largest cabin by height and width of any single-aisle aircraft. The Airbus A321 is 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
ON-TRIP EXPERT
David Keeling is the Distinguished Professor of Cultural Geography Emeritus in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University. Learn more about David.
ON-TRIP EXPERT
Andrew Evans is an author, speaker and TV host. A renowned travel writer, he has reported live from all seven continents and over a hundred different countries. Andrew is a contributor to many notable publications and has authored five books, including his award-winning memoir The Black Penguin. Learn more about Andrew.
Photographer
Raised in New Zealand and based in Seattle, Josh is a filmmaker and photographer with a passion for adventure and the natural world. Fortunate to have worked on assignment in many of Earth’s wild places, he enjoys telling stories that illuminate the importance of cultural and biological diversity. Professionally, Josh produces content for non-profit and commercial clients, and he’s happiest exploring nature with a camera in hand.
Guest Services Manager
Since 2013, Adam has had the privilege to get to know and help hundreds of guests prepare for unique travel experiences. The most rewarding part is meeting the guests before they depart—their excitement is always palpable.
From now until March 31, 2024, you can take advantage of our TCS Refund Protection benefit allowing you to Cancel for Any Reason* when you book a group jet expedition that departs at least six months after your booking date. With this benefit, you can cancel your reservation up to six months before departure if you deposit 50% of the trip cost at the time of booking. Terms apply. Learn more
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.
Trip Pace Definitions
These icons refer to the overall pace of the trip and not to specific activities at each destination. For example, an expedition classified as moderate or relaxed in overall pace can still offer active options such as hiking or snorkeling.
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.
To help counterbalance the carbon footprint that results from flying, starting in 2023 TCS World Travel is investing directly in measurable and meaningful sustainability projects that reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere while positively impacting local communities and protecting local biodiversity.
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.
This was my 7th trip with TCS and all trips I would give an A+ except the last one which I would give an A. The difference is in the leadership. Other than who leads the group the hotels are perfect, the restaurants 4 & 5 star and the places we visited very educational and enlightening
This Around-the-World by Private Jet excursion will be my first journey with TCS World Travel. My initial encounter was with Rachael, who is extremely personable, knowledgeable, and accommodating. She was very patient in answering many questions and offering suggestions and guidance. I look forward to the next stage of planning for the exciting excursion.
Superb people making the trip wonderful
Great itinerary, great expedition team, great plane and crew, wonderful accommodations and exceptional service throughout makes for the Best of Africa.
What an amazing journey. Every step of the way was perfectly organized and stress free thanks to TCS. The trip, the jet, the staff, the hotels and restaurants were all top shelf everywhere we went. Fabulous experiences with great people. We will definitely be travelling again with TCS