Gabriel Moreno
Expedition Leader
Overview
Meet fellow travelers, your expert trip leaders and dedicated guest services staff for a welcome dinner in this fabled city.
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Featured Experiences
Accommodations
Overview
We depart Sri Lanka and fly to Athens, where we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. You will return home on your independent flight the following day.
Accommodations
Meet fellow travelers, your expert trip leaders and dedicated guest services staff for a welcome dinner in this fabled city.
Accommodations
Return to the golden age of the Athens Riviera at this tranquil hideaway, a favorite seaside escape for world leaders and celebrities alike. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s spa, stroll the boardwalk on the Aegean Sea, or discover five-star dining at Matsuhisa Athens by Michelin-distinguished chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
The city of Amritsar is best-known for the Golden Temple, one of the holiest sites in the Sikh religion.
Accommodations
Taj Swarna, Amritsar showcases the vibrant culture and rich history of the Punjab region with spacious rooms that blend contemporary style with traditional elegance. Choose from an array of dining options, enjoy the fitness center or try one of the spa’s signature wellness experiences.
Discover Jodhpur’s markets and historic monuments, including Mehrangarh Fort, an imposing sandstone citadel aptly described by writer Rudyard Kipling as “the work of giants.”
Featured Experiences
Massive Mehrangarh Fort looms about 500 feet above Jodhpur. Visit gilded royal chambers, adorned with vibrant murals and ornate mirrorwork. Explore the Mehrangarh Fort museum, which hosts an excellent collection of miniature paintings, palanquins and lavish elephant carriages.
Featured Experiences
Named after the Maharaja Sardar Singh, the Sardar Bazaar sits at the center of Old Jodhpur and is a hub for commerce. The scent of fresh spices fills the air as you wander the narrow streets looking for treasures. The Sardar Bazaar is especially known for its textiles.
Accommodations
Live like royalty at Umaid Bhawan Palace, a stunning hilltop hotel built in the 1930s, which is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur. Set amid 26 acres of lush gardens, the hotel features period pieces from the maharaja’s personal collection and art deco rooms.
Experience the contrasts of the starkly beautiful Thar Desert, an arid landscape that brings together a vibrant community of chili and mustard farmers, carpet weavers, metalsmiths and potters. Or, rejuvenate in the remote oasis of Lake Chhatrasagar and encounter the unique birdlife that calls this area home.
Featured Experiences
Drive through the Thar Desert by Jeep to visit the Bishnoi tribe—the desert’s native residents. Get a glimpse of village life as you witness a traditional opium ceremony, visit a local home and meet the blacksmiths, weavers and shoemakers who make essential supplies for the village.
Accommodations
Surrounded by the Thar Desert, the well-appointed tents at Samsara Desert Camp feature traditional block-print textiles and locally crafted furniture, as well as en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge tent, and soak in views of the setting sun against the golden dunes.
Accommodations
Located along the stunning Lake Chhatrasagar, RAAS Chhatrasagar is truly an oasis in the desert. Tents feature air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort and a private veranda. Home to over 250 diverse bird species, guests will have a chance to get up close to unique birds almost anywhere and bask in the serenity of the uninterrupted natural surroundings.
More than a thousand years ago in Khajuraho, the Chandela kings built elaborate temples dedicated to two different religions—Jainism and Hinduism. Scattered over a nine-mile area, the surviving sandstone structures stand as a testament to the artisans who carved ornate, often sensual, sculptures into the temple walls.
Dive into Varanasi—a bustling city filled with vibrant colors, sounds and aromas—to explore its temples and rituals. Varanasi’s energetic pace has a unique ability to awaken the senses, touch the soul, and offer an unforgettable encounter with India’s ancient traditions and spirituality.
Featured Experiences
‘At dusk, sail down the Ganges in a private boat. Bask in an atmosphere rich with the chant of priests, the sound of temple bells, and the fragrance of flowers and incense. Watch the Brahmins along the banks invoking Lord Shiva with a ceremonial ritual known as an ‘aarti‘.
Accommodations
The Taj Ganges, Varanasi is a welcoming oasis spread over 40 acres of tropical gardens. Conveniently located near many of the city’s most important sites, the contemporary hotel features a variety of dining and drinking options as well as a lovely outdoor pool and workout space. Airy, sophisticated rooms offer flat screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi.
Situated amid the boulder-strewn hills of Southern India, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a journey through the expansive open-air museum of the Vijayanagara Empire, featuring around 1,600 intriguing ruins of temples, palaces and ancient markets.
Featured Experiences
Visit the Hazara Rama Temple at the Royal Enclosure to witness the Ramayana tale, narrated and depicted on the temple walls. Explore various sites including the step well tank, the Mahanavami Dibba platform, and the Queens‘ Bath. You will also get a chance to see the Elephant Stables, the Zenana enclosure featuring the Lotus Mahal and the Queen‘s Summer Palace, showcasing Mughal architectural influence.
Accommodations
Inspired by the architecture of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, this elegant property boasts stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways and luxurious suites. After a day of exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site—located just two miles from the hotel—take a dip in the infinity pool, relax with a traditional Ayurvedic therapy at the spa or dine at one of two on-property restaurants.
As the flattest country on earth—with an average elevation of just five feet above sea level—the Maldives is one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to rising seas. The coral reef teems with more than 700 fish species, including anemones, sweetlips and gentle, graceful Manta rays, some of which have a wingspan of up to 20 feet.
Accommodations
An unforgettable island retreat, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands features overwater villas with stunning views of the crystal-clear waters. Overwater villas feature a plunge pool, sundeck and a personal dock with a net for lounging. Pamper yourself with a soothing spa treatment, dine at any of the properties’ seven restaurants and bars or simply relax on the pristine white sands of the beach.
Sri Lanka boasts many UNESCO World Heritage sites. This lush haven, where ancient relics lie undisturbed in the dense jungle, will delight nature and history enthusiasts alike.
Accommodations
Set amid lush paddy fields in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a luxurious eco-resort that combines rural simplicity with modern comforts. Relax in unique dwellings designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the hotel’s private nature reserve.
We depart Sri Lanka and fly to Athens, where we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. You will return home on your independent flight the following day.
Accommodations
Return to the golden age of the Athens Riviera at this tranquil hideaway, a favorite seaside escape for world leaders and celebrities alike. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s spa, stroll the boardwalk on the Aegean Sea, or discover five-star dining at Matsuhisa Athens by Michelin-distinguished chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
All-Inclusive Price
per person double occupancy. $13,995 solo supplement. Contact us for applicable terms & conditions of the operator-participant contract.
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
Guest Services Manager
Aspen’s extensive background in customer service enables her to build long-lasting connections and luxury experiences with guests. She has a passion for travel and loves to be a part of crafting one-of-a-kind itineraries to experience cultures in truly unique destinations.
ON-TRIP EXPERT
ON-TRIP EXPERT
Photographer
Chris Boyes is an accomplished explorer, storyteller, and photographer. Leveraging a background in science and a passion for discovering and protecting the last wild places on our planet, Chris uses impactful imagery and storytelling to communicate the importance and urgency of conservation.
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 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