2015 Private Jet Expeditions - National Geographic Society · Dear Traveler, The beauty of traveling by private jet with National Geographic is not just in the spectacular places

For more information or to reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.comFor more information or to reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

2015

Private JetExpeditions

Around the World by Private Jet

Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic

Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures

The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells

Dear Traveler,

The beauty of traveling by private jet with National Geographic is

not just in the spectacular places you go, nor the remarkable ease

and exhilaration of being whisked from one glorious destination

to the next. What makes all the difference is the team of experts

who explore with you, sharing their insights and their tales of

discovery, and bringing the wonders of the world to life. We are

thrilled to present our broadest collection of expeditions by

private jet ever, reaching across the globe from Machu Picchu to

the Maldives and from Botswana to Bhutan, and accompanied by

our top photographers, scientists, and explorers.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find two inspiring new itineraries

that take us far off the beaten path. On The Human Journey:

Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer

Wells, we’ll delve into the legacies of civilizations that have

shaped human history—from Mongolia to Ethiopia and Georgia—

traveling in the company of pioneering geneticist, anthropologist,

and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells.

Our new Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures journey will

immerse us in indigenous cultures and magnificent marine

worlds in Tonga, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and more.

A host of National Geographic experts, including oceanographer

Sylvia Earle and undersea photographer David Doubilet, joins

us along the way.

Our Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition

features a dazzling spectrum of archaeological treasures and

natural wonders from Oman to Rwanda, which you’ll discover

with 11 of the Society’s most accomplished explorers. And our

classic journey Around the World by Private Jet brings you to

storied places such as Tibet, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef,

Easter Island, and Angkor Wat.

Exploring by private jet with National Geographic is an extremely

rewarding way to celebrate the world’s incredible natural

and cultural diversity. I hope you’ll join us for one of these

extraordinary adventures. To reserve your space, please call

(800) 224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.

Sincerely,

John Fahey

Chairman, National Geographic Society

Your participation in this National Geographic Expedition provides support to National Geographic’s mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.

Private Jet Expeditions

Around the World By Private Jet 14

Machu Picchu | Easter Island | Samoa | Great Barrier Reef Angkor Wat | Lhasa, Tibet | Taj Mahal | Serengeti Plain Petra or Wadi Rum | Marrakech

Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: 18An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Oman | Bhutan | Palau | Laos | The Maldives Botswana | Rwanda | Spain

Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: 22An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Hawai‘i | Tonga | Australia | Sri Lanka | MadagascarThe Maldives | Bali | Papua New Guinea | Fiji

The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples 26and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells

Georgia | Uzbekistan | MongoliaMyanmar | Sri Lanka | Ethiopia | Israel

About Our Private Jet Trips

Four Extraordinary Expeditions 4

The National Geographic Difference 6

National Geographic Experts 8

Private Jet Travel 10

Accommodations 12

Terms and Conditions 30

Reservation Form 31

Cover: Bali, Indonesia. Insets: Maldives beach; young monk, Luang Prabang; moai, Easter Island; cheetah, Botswana; Taj Mahal, India. Above: Bactrian camels and rider, the Gobi, Mongolia.

“All I can say is that I was stunned at every stop...two magic words: National Geographic.”

—J. Alyce, traveler

3

4 1-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

National Geographic Expeditions

Introducing Four Extraordinary Expeditions

by Private Jet.

See page 18 for full trip itinerary.






Introducing Four Extraordinary Expeditions

by Private Jet.






Discover the National Geographic Difference.

6

Ring-tailed lemur, Madagascar


These are the kind of people who will join you on our private jet expeditions. Each journey is crafted to draw out the insights and expertise of experts like Luke, Johan, and Chris, who join us in the field to inspire a deeper appreciation for the remarkable destinations we visit. At every single stop on both our Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures and our Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic journeys, we’ll be joined by a different expert, who will share an insider’s view of far-flung places from Oman to Papua New Guinea. We’ll discover legendary sites and cultures with an extraordinary team of luminaries on our Around the World expeditions. And our new trip, The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places, was designed with the help of renowned geneticist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells—and Spencer accompanies the entire expedition.

Enjoy the Flexibility to Follow Your Passion.

In addition to enjoying a wealth of expertise on each expedition, you’ll choose from a variety of excursions to tailor the itinerary to your passions. Within each itinerary in the pages that follow, you’ll find special opportunities to customize your trip. These sightseeing options are available at no additional cost; however, some have limited space available or require a minimum number of participants. Contact us for more information, as these opportunities are a mere sampling of what’s possible.

When you travel with us, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the National Geographic Society’s core mission programs. By traveling with us, you are helping support our grantees and explorers in their efforts to preserve species and habitats, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our incredible planet.

As you page through this brochure, look for the National Geographic seal to learn more about the programs that your participation helps fund.

National Geographic Expeditions is committed to sustaining the character and integrity of each place we visit—its environment, culture, and heritage, and the well-being of its residents. In providing unique travel experiences, we strive to support local economies in our choice of services. At the same time, we believe that the powerful positive effects of travel go beyond the long-term economic benefits, inspiring passionate stewards committed to protecting the places we visit.

We are identifying ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our travel programs and are offsetting carbon emissions we cannot eliminate. We have established an advisory board to guide our reduction efforts and our investments in high-quality offset programs—such as those that develop new renewable-energy sources—to advance this initiative.

THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MISSION

Deep in the tropical forests of Madagascar,

National Geographic

Emerging Explorer Luke

Dollar has spent more

than a decade studying

the endangered fossa

(Madagascar’s largest

carnivore) and working

to conserve its vanishing

habitat. High in the

Himalaya, anthropologist

Johan Reinhard, a National

Geographic Explorer-in-

Residence, studies remote

mountain peoples and

their ancestral traditions.

National Geographic

photographer Chris Rainier

has dedicated his life to

documenting endangered

cultures and languages all

over the world.

“National Geographic is an incredible mix of science and education, of media and mission, of storytellers and explorers, all working

to inspire people to care about the planet.”

—John Fahey, National Geographic Chairman of the Board

Clockwise from top left: Marine biologist Sylvia Earle; conservation scientist Luke Dollar; gers in the Gobi, Mongolia.



On each of our private jet expeditions, a world-class team of experts illuminates the history of empires, the diverse cultures we encounter, the wildlife we see, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture

we visit. On each trip, we’ll be joined by a National Geographic photographer, who will share tips and techniques as we explore together and present a slide show of our adventures at the end of our trip.

An in-flight lecture system allows for informative and stimulating talks aboard our private jet. In addition, iPads loaded with trip-related content will be provided to each traveler.

Distinguished National Geographic Experts Enhance Your Experience.

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Distinguished National Geographic Experts Enhance Your Experience.

Sylvia Earle

Marine biologist Sylvia Earle is an Explorer- in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” in 1998, Sylvia has pioneered research

on marine ecosystems. She is former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the author of more than 125 scientific and popular publications. Sylvia led the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, documenting life in the U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries. She has partnered with National Geographic on Mission Blue, a global initiative aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean by reducing the impact of fishing, promoting the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs), and inspiring people to care and act. Sylvia will join Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic in February 2015 and Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures in April 2015.

Louise Leakey

Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey has continued the historic legacy begun by her grandfather Louis S. B. Leakey with his fossil discoveries in Tanzania’s

Olduvai Gorge. She spent much of her youth on field expeditions with her family, and went on to receive a B.S. in geology and biology at the University of Bristol and a Ph.D. at University College, London. With her mother, Dr. Meave Leakey, Louise currently runs a research station at Kenya’s Lake Turkana to facilitate the study of new specimens. Louise will join the Around the World by Private Jet expeditions.

Spencer Wells

Geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells has analyzed the DNA of thousands of people living in isolated tribes around the world. He leads the landmark

Genographic Project, a multi-year endeavor to chart the journey of our early ancestors as they populated the planet. Spencer earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted postdoctoral work at Stanford and Oxford. He is the author of three books, The Journey of Man, Deep Ancestry, and Pandora’s Seed. His fieldwork has taken him to more than 80 countries, where he has worked with everyone from heads of government to tribal chieftains in places as remote as Chad, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea. Spencer will join the Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition in February 2015 and The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places in May 2015.

Kenny Broad

National Geographic 2011 Explorer of the Year Kenny Broad is an anthropologist who studies the relationship between humans and the environment. Kenny has led or participated in

extreme scientific and filmmaking expeditions on every continent—from urban jungles to the deepest caves on the planet. A professor at the University of Miami, he co-directs Columbia University’s Center for Research on Environmental Decisions. His recent expedition to underwater caves in the Bahamas was featured as a National Geographic magazine cover story and a NOVA-National Geographic television special. Kenny will discuss the relationships between ancient and modern civilizations and the environments they’ve inhabited, shaped, and been shaped by. Kenny will join the Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures expedition in April 2015.

Wade Davis

Wade Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. Wade is the author of 15 books including The Serpent and the Rainbow

(1986), One River (1996), The Wayfinders (2009), and The Sacred Headwaters (2011). His latest book, Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest, won the 2012 Samuel Johnson Prize. His many film credits include Light at the Edge of the World, an eight-hour documentary series produced for the National Geographic Channel. In 2009 he received the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his contributions to anthropology and conservation, and he is the 2011 recipient of the Explorers Medal, the highest award given by the Explorers Club. Wade will join the Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition in February 2015 and Around the World by Private Jet in December 2015.

David Doubilet

Acclaimed underwater photographer David Doubilet estimates he has spent nearly half his life in the sea since taking his first underwater photograph at the age of 12 with a Brownie

Hawkeye camera sealed in a bag. David has photographed and explored the ocean depths in such places as New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Tasmania, Scotland, and Antarctica. He has photographed stingrays, sponges, and sleeping sharks in the Caribbean, as well as shipwrecks in the South Pacific, the Atlantic, and at Pearl Harbor. He has produced more than 70 stories for National Geographic magazine and several books, including Fish Face, Pacific: An Undersea Journey, and Water Light Time. David has received the Explorers Club’s prestigious Lowell Thomas Award and the Lennart Nilsson Award in Photography. David will join the Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures expedition in April 2015.

“We were treated to lectures from the best of the best: Explorers-in-Residence and in the field. These encounters, talks, and mind-changing

perspectives were brain food of a degree that is normally experienced over the fullness of a lifetime—if one is so lucky—not in a short 23 days.”

—Dane N., traveler

These represent a sampling of the top experts who will accompany the private jet expeditions. See the trip itineraries on the following pages for information about all of the experts featured on each expedition.

Left: Kenny Broad. Right, top to bottom: Sylvia Earle; Wade Davis; Louise Leakey; David Doubilet; Spencer Wells



Private Jet Travel—The Ultimate in Comfort and Convenience.

Samarqand, Uzbekistan

10


Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 jet is ideally suited for this extraordinary expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. The jet’s interior has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience, accommodating only 74 travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats, instead of the standard 233 seats.

Expedition Staff and Crew Traveling with the National Geographic team is a talented expedition staff, experienced travel experts who attend to the trip’s every logistical detail. These highly skilled and forward-thinking professionals travel with you to ensure that your experience is truly extraordinary. Also, a dedicated flight crew is specially selected for this expedition, chosen for its attention to detail, dedication to safety and security, and top-notch hospitality.

Expedition Physician For your comfort and well-being, an expedition physician will accompany us throughout the journey. On call 24 hours a day, the physician will be ready to provide and coordinate health care services whenever and wherever needed.

Expedition Chef We also travel with our own expedition chef and catering assistant, who create delicious meals inspired by the various places we visit. Taking advantage of the freshest local ingredients, they prepare dishes and serve them on board with a selection of fine wines.

Travel with a dedicated flight crew.

Enjoy fine cuisine on land and on board the jet.

Relax in spacious, VIP-style seats.

Private Jet Travel—The Ultimate in Comfort and Convenience.



The Finest Accommodations

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)

Three Camel Lodge, the Gobi, Mongolia (The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells)

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa (Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic)


La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco (Around the World by Private Jet)

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)

From the serene beauty of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and the traditional architecture of La Mamounia in Marrakech to the stunning views from Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge, we stay in some of the world’s finest accommodations. Each has been chosen for its exceptional amenities and prime location. In remote areas where choices are limited, we have selected the best available accommodations to ensure your comfort. In many of the destinations we visit, we have arranged special dining experiences in unique settings accompanied by traditional entertainment.

Enjoy unique dining experiences.



Marrakech,Morocco

Taj Mahal, Agra, India Angkor, Cambodia

Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, Peru

Easter Island,Chile

Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater,

TanzaniaGreat Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest,

AustraliaApia,

Samoa

Chengdu, China Lhasa, Tibet

Washington, D.C.*

Petra or Wadi Rum,

Jordan

Xi’an, China

Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from

Machu Picchu and Tibet to Easter Island and the Taj Mahal. Experience natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.


The Taj Mahal, India

14


Marrakech,Morocco

Taj Mahal, Agra, India Angkor, Cambodia

Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, Peru

Easter Island,Chile

Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater,

TanzaniaGreat Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest,

AustraliaApia,

Samoa

Chengdu, China Lhasa, Tibet

Washington, D.C.*

Petra or Wadi Rum,

Jordan

Xi’an, China

Itinerary–24 Days:January 22–February 14, 2015* | October 2–25, 2015October 27–November 19, 2015 | December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016*

Washington, D.C.*Day 1. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the headquarters of the National Geographic Society, followed by dinner at our hotel.The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.

Lima, PeruDay 2. This morning, our private jet takes us to Lima, once a thriving capital in Spain’s New World empire, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Visit the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and enjoy a fine dinner at our hotel. Miraflores Park Hotel

Cusco and Machu Picchu or Trujillo and Chiclayo, PeruDays 3 and 4. Travel to Cusco by a local flight, and explore the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city. Continue to Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel abandoned by the Inca and rediscovered in 1911. Excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from the National Geographic Society, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, you may visit Peru’s North Coast to see the Temples of Chiclayo and Trujillo. Hotel Monasterio or Libertador Trujillo

Easter Island, ChileDays 5 and 6. Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Explore the island’s treasures with resident archaelogists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas, and Claudio Cristino. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

Cross the International Date LineDay 7. Depart for Samoa and lose a day crossing the international date line.

Apia, Samoa, PolynesiaDay 8. Trace the coast on a scenic drive, passing through charming seaside villages. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast and a fia fia, a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa

Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from

Machu Picchu and Tibet to Easter Island and the Taj Mahal. Experience natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.

January 22–February 14, 2015:

David HarrisonAnthropologist, linguist, and National Geographic Explorer who will accompany the entire expedition

Jan NijmanGeographer and Chair of National Geographic’s Global Exploration Fund-Northern Europe who will accompany the entire expedition

Jay DickmanPulitzer Prize–winning photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

October 2–25, 2015:

Donald JohansonPaleoanthropologist and National Geographic grantee who will accompany the entire expedition

Jack DaultonArt historian who will accompany the entire expedition

Chris RainierNational Geographic photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

October 27–November 19, 2015:

Michael MelfordNational Geographic photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

Jan Nijman and Jack Daulton (see above)will also join the October 27 departure.

December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016:

Wade DavisAnthropologist and National Geographic Explorer who will accompany the entire expedition

Massimo BassanoNational Geographic photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

Jack Daulton (see above) will also join the December 27 departure.

See our website for full bios on all experts.

EXPERTS

Private JetLocal Air

*The January and December departures follow the itinerary shown above but begin and end in Orlando, Florida with hotel accommodations on Day 1 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.


Around the World By Private Jet



Machu Picchu, Peru

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Lion, Serengeti, Tanzania

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and exploration programs, which include archaeological excavations at an Inca ritual site near Cusco; a study on the response of the Great Barrier Reef to environmental stress; and the numerous programs of the Big Cats Initiative, including protection of endangered lions and cheetahs on Tanzania’s Maasai Steppe.


The Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest, Australia Days 9 and 10. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in this magnificent ecosystem, or you may discover the natural wonders of the Daintree Rain Forest. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Angkor Wat or the Hidden Temples of CambodiaDays 11 and 12. Fly to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, and visit the royal city of Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple. Or explore the lost jungle temple of Beng Mea Lea and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex of Hariharalaya. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Chengdu, ChinaDay 13. Travel to Chengdu, where we visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center and stay overnight before flying to Tibet. Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu

Lhasa, Tibet or Xi’an, ChinaDays 14 and 15. Depart by local flight to Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered temple. The next day, visit the fabled Potala Palace and the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery. Alternatively, you may choose to travel to Xi’an, China to view the famous terra-cotta warriors. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort or The Westin Xian

Taj Mahal, Agra, IndiaDays 16 and 17. Return to Chengdu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra. See the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest monuments to love. The Oberoi Amarvilás

The Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, TanzaniaDays 18 and 19. Fly to Kilimanjaro airport and choose from two options: go deep into Serengeti National Park to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa; or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, JordanDays 20 and 21. Visit Petra, the lost city of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan’s deep canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years ago, and consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls. Or travel to the beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum, exploring the spectacular rock formations known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, followed by a traditional mansaf meal. On our last evening, gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. Mövenpick Resort Petra

Marrakech or the Atlas Mountains, MoroccoDays 22 and 23. Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, see the Koutoubia Mosque and visit the Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina and the open-air market of Djemaa el Fna, or take a stroll in the stunning Majorelle Garden. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell banquet with traditional entertainment. La Mamounia

Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.*Day 24. Following breakfast, board our private jet and fly to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, you may connect with your commercial flight home, or, if you wish, we will provide complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Dulles Airport Hotel for the night.*

*For the January and December departures, which end in Orlando, Florida, complimentary accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport hotel for one night.

Around the World By Private Jet

Petra, Jordan

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Departure Dates: January 22–February 14, 2015*October 2–25, 2015October 27–November 19, 2015December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016*

Expedition Cost:January $72,950October and December $73,950

Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,650. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Washington, D.C. or Orlando, Florida is not included.



Muscat, Oman

London, England, U.K.•

•Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan

•The Rock Islands,

Palau

•

•

•

The Maldives

•Selinda Reserve,Botswana

The Kalahari Desert,Botswana

• •

Barcelona, Spain

Volcanoes National Park and Kigali, Rwanda

Luang Prabang, Laos

Maun, Botswana

• •Kathmandu,

Nepal

••Siem Reap,

Cambodia

Join us for an extraordinary private jet expedition celebrating the past, present, and future of exploration at National Geographic. Eleven of today’s most accomplished explorers join us

in spectacular places to share insights into their groundbreaking research and fieldwork. Encounter wildlife in Palau and Rwanda, step back in time in Oman and Laos, and get immersed in enchanting cultures in Bhutan and Botswana’s Kalahari Desert on an adventure of a lifetime.

Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic:

An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Chortens, Dochula Pass, Bhutan

18


Muscat, Oman

London, England, U.K.•

•Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan

•The Rock Islands,

Palau

•

•

•

The Maldives

•Selinda Reserve,Botswana

The Kalahari Desert,Botswana

• •

Barcelona, Spain

Volcanoes National Park and Kigali, Rwanda

Luang Prabang, Laos

Maun, Botswana

• •Kathmandu,

Nepal

••Siem Reap,

Cambodia

Itinerary–24 Days: February 15–March 10, 2015

Join us for an extraordinary private jet expedition celebrating the past, present, and future of exploration at National Geographic. Eleven of today’s most accomplished explorers join us

in spectacular places to share insights into their groundbreaking research and fieldwork. Encounter wildlife in Palau and Rwanda, step back in time in Oman and Laos, and get immersed in enchanting cultures in Bhutan and Botswana’s Kalahari Desert on an adventure of a lifetime.


Wade DavisAnthropologist and National Geographic Explorer who will join us in Laos

Sylvia EarleOceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence who will join us in the Maldives

Fred HiebertArchaeologist and NationalGeographic Explorer who will join us in Oman

Dereck and Beverly Joubert*Award-winning filmmakers and National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence who hope to join us in Botswana

Bob KristNational Geographic photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

Louise LeakeyPaleontologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence who will join us in Rwanda

Greg MarshallMarine biologist and filmmakerwho will join us in Palau

Mireya MayorPrimatologist, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and Nat Geo WILD host who will join us in Rwanda

Johan ReinhardAnthropologist and National Geographic Explorerwho will join us in Bhutan

Spencer WellsGeneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence who will accompany the entire expedition

*Dereck and Beverly Joubert are hoping to join the expedition in Botswana, and will confirm their participation once their schedule is finalized.

U.S./London, EnglandSunday and Monday, February 15 and 16. Depart the U.S. independently on an overnight flight to London. The following day, gather for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Muscat, OmanTuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18. Fly to the sultanate of Oman. Explore the vibrant capital city of Muscat, and meet archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow Fred Hiebert. Fred curated an exhibit on ancient treasure ships, including the recreation of the Jewel of Muscat, which was supported by National GeographicChannels International and sailed to Singapore in 2010. Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Paro and Thimphu, BhutanThursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 19, 20, and 21. Fly by private jet to Kathmandu, Nepal, where we spend the night. After breakfast, take a local flight to Bhutan. Explore this peaceful Himalayan kingdom with anthropologist and Explorer-in-Residence Johan Reinhard, who will share his research on Tibetan Buddhism and remote Himalayan tribes. See the great Paro Dzong and witness a prayer ceremony at the Choeding Temple. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Textile Museum in Thimphu, or hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu; Zhiwa Ling or Uma by COMO, Paro

Rock Islands, PalauSunday and Monday, February 22 and 23. Fly by local charter to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where we reconnect with our private jet for the flight to Palau. Explore Palau’s spectacular Rock Islands, composed of hundreds of mushroom-shaped islets. Meet with marine biologist and Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Greg Marshall, whose Crittercam and other remote imaging systems make it possible to see the world through the eyes of its wildlife. Dive or snorkel among these “floating gardens,” or swim with harmless, fascinating jellyfish. Palau Pacific Resort

EXPERTS

Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

See our website for full bios on all experts.



Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and exploration programs, which include studies on snow leopard populations in Bhutan; wild dog conservation projects in Botswana, as well as the Big Cats Initiative, spearheaded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Proceeds also support our Explorer Programs, funding explorers like Mireya Mayor, Spencer Wells, and Sylvia Earle.

Cheetahs, Makgadikgadi Pans, the Kalahari Desert, Botswana

A snorkeler in Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands, Palau


Departure Date: February 15–March 10, 2015

Expedition Cost: $76,950

Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from London is not included.

Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Luang Prabang, LaosTuesday and Wednesday, February 24 and 25. Anthropologist Wade Davis introduces the cultural riches of the enchanting city of Luang Prabang. Visit renowned Buddhist temples and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. Then cruise the Mekong River to the cave temples of Pak Ou, home to thousands of lacquered and gilded Buddha figures. La Résidence Phou Vao or Amantaka, Luang Prabang

The MaldivesThursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 26, 27, and 28. In this island paradise, meet pioneering oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue, a global marine conservation initiative. Learn about Hope Spots—vital marine ecosystems—and the unique ecosystem of the Maldives. Dive, snorkel, or swim in lagoons teeming with fish, and perhaps see a manta ray breach the water’s surface. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa

Selinda Reserve, BotswanaSunday and Monday, March 1 and 2. Botswana offers incredible wildlife viewing and bird-watching. Here, we’ll meet Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert,* the award-winning filmmakers and conservationists who established National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. Embark on game drives to spot lions, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, Cape buffalo, and elephants. Learn how the local community has become involved in conservation efforts. Selinda Tented Camp

Kalahari Desert, BotswanaTuesday and Wednesday, March 3 and 4. The vast, arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert is home to the San bushmen, members of one of the longest surviving cultures in the world. Go trekking with local bushmen, and discuss their legacy with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells. Jack’s Camp, Tau Pan Camp, or Kalahari Plains Camp

Volcanoes National Park, RwandaThursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 5, 6, and 7. Hike through bamboo forests in search of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, and meet with primatologist and Emerging Explorer Mireya Mayor, whose work with Africa’s lowland gorilla population has helped to unravel their mysteries and guide important conservation measures. Or fly by helicopter over the Virunga volcanoes and visit the inspiring Akilah Institute for Women. Meet in Kigali with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey to discuss her family’s historic fossil finds. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Kigali Serena Hotel

Barcelona, SpainSunday and Monday, March 8 and 9. In the Mediterranean city of Barcelona, marvel at architectural gems, including Gaudí’s masterpiece, Sagrada Família. Stroll the Passeig de Gracia, lined with old and new houses, and explore the Mercat de la Boqueria with a local chef. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner. El Palace Hotel

Barcelona/London, England/U.S.Tuesday, March 10. Return by private jet to London, and transfer to your commercial flight home.

*Dereck and Beverly Joubert are hoping to join the expedition in Botswana, and will confirm their participation once their schedule is finalized.

Mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Maldives



Kona, Hawai‘i

Vava‘u, Tonga

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island,

Australia

Bali,IndonesiaThe

Maldives

Antananarivo,Madagascar

Sri LankaPapua

New Guinea

Fiji

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Madagascar, Hawai‘i, Bali, the Maldives: the names alone conjure up images of exotic creatures and unique cultures, sparkling seas that lap white sands, and reefs

that swirl with dazzling marine life. Join eleven of National Geographic’s top scientists, photographers, and explorers to discover rich island cultures

from Tonga to Sri Lanka, and incredible wildlife in remote places like the Maldives and Australia’s Kangaroo Island.

Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures:An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Maldivian man and traditional dhoni, the Maldives

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Kona, Hawai‘i

Vava‘u, Tonga

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island,

Australia

Bali,IndonesiaThe

Maldives

Antananarivo,Madagascar

Sri LankaPapua

New Guinea

Fiji

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Honolulu, Hawai‘i

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Kenny BroadAnthropologist and National Geographic 2011 Explorer of the Year who will accompany the entire expedition

Robin ConinghamArchaeologist and National Geographic grantee who will join us in Sri Lanka

Michael DavieEmmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker and author who will join us in Australia

Luke DollarConservation scientist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer who will join us in Madagascar

David DoubiletNational Geographic photographer who will accompany the entire expedition

Sylvia EarleOceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence who will join us in Tonga

Andrea MarshallConservation biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer who will join us in the Maldives

Flip NicklinMarine biologist and National Geographic wildlife photographer who will join us in Hawai‘i

Chris RainierNational Geographic Explorer and photographer who will join us in Papua New Guinea

Greg StoneMarine conservationist and National Geographic writer who will join us in Fiji

Tierney ThysMarine biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer who will join us in Bali

Itinerary–25 Days: April 14–May 8, 2015September 27–October 21, 2015

Home City/Kona, Hawai‘iDays 1 and 2. Depart independently on a commercial flight to Hawai‘i. Gather for a welcome dinner and enjoy a talk by National Geographic wildlife photographer Flip Nicklin. The next day, depart for Tonga and lose a day crossing the international date line. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

Vava’u, TongaDays 3 and 4. Immerse yourself in the island culture of Tonga that traces its royal lineage back about 900 years. During our visit, take in spectacular ocean views on a chartered flight to the Vava‘u Group, northern islands known for verdant hills and flawless beaches. Spend an afternoon snorkeling with Sylvia Earle among some of the most pristine reefs in the world, and sail to sheltered coves and bays hidden among limestone cliffs. Scenic Hotel Tonga

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, AustraliaDays 5, 6, 7, and 8. Set out on a walking tour of Adelaide and visit nearby Barossa Valley, known for its world-class wines. Meet with Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Michael Davie before flying by local aircraft to Kangaroo Island, considered Australia’s Galápagos for its teeming wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Stay in one of the world’s top island properties, and discover the island’s native inhabitants, including Tammar wallabies and endemic kangaroos. Hilton Adelaide Hotel, Adelaide; Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Dambulla, Sri LankaDays 9, 10, and 11. Fly via Jakarta, Indonesia, to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Take a local flight to Habarana and continue overland to Dambulla to visit several of the island’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore Sigiriya, a fifth-century royal city built by King Kassapa I, and visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave monastery that has drawn pilgrims for more than 22 centuries. Meet National Geographic grantee and archaeologist Robin Coningham, who conducted excavations at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s earliest capital. Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo and Amaya Lake, Dambulla

EXPERTS

Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

The experts noted above will join the April departure. See our website for the experts joining the September departure, as well as full bios on all experts.



Monk visiting the Gal Vihara rock temple, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Juvenile clownfish, the Maldives

Rice fields below Gunung Agung, Bali

Huli Wigman, Papua New Guinea


Departure Dates: April 14–May 8, 2015September 27–October 21, 2015


Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Hawai‘iis not included.

Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Antananarivo, MadagascarDays 12, 13, and 14. Thanks to its isolation from the African mainland, more than 80 percent of species in Madagascar are endemic. National Geographic Emerging Explorer and wildlife biologist Luke Dollar meets us here to discuss the island’s unique wildlife. Choose one of four excursions:

Walk through the rain forests of Andasibe−Mantadia National Park on the lookout for indri, the largest species of lemur, whose eerie calls resonate in the canopy overhead. Or hike easy trails to waterfalls and volcanic lakes in Montagne d’Ambre National Park. Travel north to Baobab Beach to go sea kayaking and snorkeling, or discover some of the 1,800 floral species on the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula. Carlton Hotel; Andasibe Hotel, Le Domaine de Fontenay or Litchi Tree, Eden Lodge, or Anjajavy l’Hotel

The MaldivesDays 15, 16, and 17. Settle into private overwater bungalows and wake up to magnificent ocean views. Then dip into translucent waters to snorkel or scuba dive in a dazzling underwater world of more than a thousand sea species. Or hop on a bicycle and enjoy the beautiful island scenery. National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall, one of the world’s leading experts on manta rays, joins us here. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa

Bali, IndonesiaDays 18 and 19. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of magical Bali, whose cultural landscape was declared a World Heritage site in 2012. Visit the Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Batukaru; explore Ubud, the island’s cultural and artistic center; or ride through the countryside atop an elephant. Meet National Geographic Emerging Explorer and marine biologist Tierney Thys, who will discuss her work on the giant ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan or Amandari, Ubud

Papua New GuineaDays 20, 21, and 22. In Papua New Guinea, meet National Geographic photographer Chris Rainer, whose work celebrates the cultural diversity of this country, where more than 800 languages are spoken. After a night in Port Moresby, fly by local aircraft to one of four remote areas.

Visit with the Melpa people in the Western Highlands, an area known for its orchid species and birds of paradise. Or head to the Southern Highlands, where the Huli Wigmen sport extravagant warrior headdresses. Alternatively, cruise the Sepik River basin, exploring the tropical lowland forest. Or head to Kokopo beach on New Britain Island. Airways Hotel; Rondon Ridge, Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, or Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

FijiDays 23 and 24. On Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, take part in a traditional kava ceremony at the Kalevu Cultural Centre. Ride jet boats on the Sigatoka River or take a catamaran cruise around Natadola, stopping to swim and snorkel the reef. Meet with National Geographic writer and marine conservationist Greg Stone to learn about his Society-backed efforts to protect the nearby Phoenix Islands. Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an InterContinental Resort

Fiji/Hawai‘i/Home CityDay 25. Board our private jet and depart for Hawai‘i. As we cross the international date line, we gain a day, and arrive in Honolulu on day 24. Enjoy a casual buffet dinner in the evening. The next day, connect with your commercial flight home. The Modern Honolulu

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and exploration programs, which include fossil studies on Kangaroo Island, where more than 25 well preserved fossils of unknown species from the Cambrian age have been excavated; and a Hawai‘i-basedstudy of the role of song in the social organization, communication, and breeding of humpback whales. Proceeds also help fund the Society’s Explorer Programs, which support researchers like wildlife biologist and photographer Tim Laman, whose documentation of every known species of bird of paradise resulted in a National Geographic museum exhibition and television documentary.

Legong dancers, Bali

Sifaka lemur, Madagascar



Join geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells on an extraordinary private jet expedition, venturing off the beaten path to discover the enduring legacies of legendary civilizations that have shaped our shared human history. Following a specially crafted itinerary we developed with Spencer, explore sacred sites,

ancient cities, and astonishing cultural treasures from Uzbekistan and Mongolia to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and beyond.

The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places

with Dr. Spencer Wells

Ger, the Gobi, Mongolia

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Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel

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Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaLondon, England, U.K.

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Gobi,Mongolia

Addis Ababa and Lalibela,

Ethiopia

Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan, and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)

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The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places

with Dr. Spencer Wells

Spencer WellsGeneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells has analyzed the DNA

of thousands of people living in isolated tribes around the world. He leads the landmark Genographic Project, a multi-year endeavor to chart the journey of our early ancestors as they populated the planet. Spencer earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted postdoctoral work at Stanford and Oxford. He is the author of three books, The Journey of Man, Deep Ancestry, and Pandora’s Seed. His fieldwork has taken him to more than 80 countries, where he has worked with everyone from heads of government to tribal chieftains in places as remote as Chad, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea.

Gregory AndersonNational Geographic Society Explorer Gregory Anderson is a linguist and head of scientific research for the Society’s

Enduring Voices Project, which documents endangered languages and cultures around the world. Gregory is an experienced fieldworker, and has worked on-site with speakers of languages on every inhabited continent. He has authored ten books and more than 75 academic articles and was featured, along with National Geographic Explorer David Harrison, in the acclaimed documentary film The Linguists. Gregory will accompany the entire expedition.

Bob KristNational Geographic photographer Bob Krist has shot several articles for National Geographic magazine and more

than 30 articles for National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. His many assignments have taken him to all seven continents and have earned him awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. His book Travel Photography: Documenting the World’s People and Places was published as a part of the Digital Masters series. Bob will accompany the entire expedition.

Itinerary–24 Days: May 11–June 3, 2015

U.S./London, EnglandMonday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12. Depart the U.S. independently on an overnight flight to London. The next day, meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers during a welcome reception and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Tbilisi, GeorgiaWednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 13, 14, and 15. Get acquainted with Tbilisi’s Old City, visiting the Georgian Orthodox Sioni Cathedral. At the Georgian National Museum, enjoy a private tour and reception with paleoanthropologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. David Lordkipanidze, the museum’s director. Join David on an optional excursion to the archaeological site of Dmanisi, where he led the discovery of the earliest-known hominid remains outside of Africa. Explore the historic churches and monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mtskheta, or travel to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe and visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Marriott Tbilisi Hotel

Samarqand, UzbekistanSaturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. The fabled city of Samarqand flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries under the rule of Tamerlane and his successors, who commissioned spectacular mosques and madrassas covered in blue tiles. Discover the city’s vibrant bazaars, and examine some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world on a stroll through Registan Square. Venture into Gur-e Amir and the Shah-i-Zinda complex of mosques and mausoleums; and see the turquoise domes of the Bibi Khanum mosque. Registan Plaza Hotel, Samarqand

Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi, Mongolia Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 18, 19, and 20. Our next stop is the land of Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few monasteries to survive the anti-Buddhist attacks of the 1930s. Then take a private local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger camp. In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. The Blue Sky Hotel, Ulaanbaatar and Three Camel Lodge or Terelj Hotel

EXPERTS




Registan Square, Samarqand, Uzbekistan Lalibela, Ethiopia

Jerusalem, Israel


Departure Date: May 11–June 3, 2015


Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $7,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Londonis not included.

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and exploration programs, which include a two-month trek to summit the highest Himalaya peak in Myanmar, a study of the endemic species revealed on Uzbekistan’s Ustjurt Plateau, and the excavation of a Middle Bronze Age palace in Israel. Proceeds also support the groundbreaking research of Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells through the Explorer Programs.

Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan, and Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma)Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 21, 22, 23, and 24. Our visit begins at Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, a dazzling structure that has dominated the city’s skyline for more than 1,000 years. Then take a private local flight to remote Inle Lake, home to the floating gardens, stilt houses, and markets of the Intha people. Learn about their traditional weaving and blacksmithing methods; watch fishermen poling their skiffs with one leg; and visit Nga Phe Chaung Monastery. Then fly to the ancient capital of Bagan and explore its extraordinary plain, dotted with thousands of temples, stupas, and monasteries. Traders Hotel, Yangon; Aureum Resort & Spa, Inle Lake; and Aureum Palace Hotel, Bagan

Dambulla, Sri LankaMonday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 25, 26, and 27. We fly next to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s colorful capital. Take a private local flight to Habarana and continue overland to Dambulla. From our base at a stunning lakeside hotel, set out to visit several World Heritage sites: the rock fortress of Sigiriya—a wonder of ancient engineering; the cave temples of Dambulla, a Buddhist pilgrimage site; and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where many ruins date from the 12th century. Amaya Lake, Dambulla

Addis Ababa and Lalibela, EthiopiaThursday and Friday, May 28 and 29. Ethiopia is home to diverse religions, distinct tribal cultures, evidence of some of the earliest humans, and an array of archaeological treasures. In the capital city of Addis Ababa, pay a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia. Then travel by local air to the northern town of Lalibela, an important pilgrimage center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—one of the oldest Christian sects in the world. At this fascinating World Heritage site, stroll among 11 breathtaking subterranean churches that were carved out of bedrock in the 13th century. Sheraton Addis; Panoramic View Hotel or Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, IsraelSaturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 30, 31, and June 1. Fly by private jet to Tel Aviv and continue overland to Jerusalem, a city that holds a rich spiritual meaning to many faiths. We will visit a number of holy sites in the Old City and learn about their significance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Face the Western Wall, one of the most sacred of Jewish sites, and touch its ancient stones; wander through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which, according to tradition, houses the tomb of Jesus; and visit the Temple Mount, capped by the gleaming cupola of the Dome of the Rock, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven. King David Hotel, Jerusalem

London, England/U.S.Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2 and 3. Return by private jet to London and celebrate our adventure with a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your commercial flight home. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Inle lake, Myanmar

Cave temple of Dambulla, Sri Lanka


2015 Private Jet Expeditions / Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions

Back Cover: Bagan, Myanmar30

INSTRUCTIONSPlease read the following information carefully. By registering for a National Geographic Expedition (the or an “expedition”), the Participant agrees to the Operator-Participant Contract and Terms and Conditions herein (the “Agreement”). In order to secure your reservation on an expedition, you must read the terms of the Agreement, and indicate your acceptance of the terms of the Agreement by signing and submitting the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions along with a deposit.

OPERATOR-PARTICIPANT CONTRACTThe National Geographic Society will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Expeditions as a sponsoring organization and has licensed TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. (henceforth referred to as “the Tour Operator”), 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington, 98121, a qualified professional expedition operator, to organize and administer the Around the World by Private Jet, Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic, Oceans Wonders and Island Cultures, and The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells private jet expeditions. The Tour Operator is responsible to you for arranging and providing all the services and accommodations offered in connection with an expedition, provided, however, that in the absence of gross negligence on our part, we are not responsible for personal injury or property damage caused by the air carrier, hotel, or other suppliers of any of the services being offered in connection with the expedition.

EXPEDITION PRICESExpedition Trip dates Price per person Single Supplement Second Payment Due Final Payment DueAround the World 1/22/15–2/14/15 $72,950 $8,650 May 22, 2014 Sept. 22, 2014Celebrating Exploration 2/15/15–3/10/15 $76,950 $8,950 June 16, 2014 Oct.14, 2014Oceans Wonders 4/14/15–5/8/15 $76,950 $8,950 Aug.15, 2014 Dec.15, 2014The Human Journey 5/11/15–6/3/15 $64,950 $7,950 Sept. 15, 2014 Jan. 12, 2015Oceans Wonders 9/27/15–10/21/15 $76,950 $8,950 Jan 25, 2015 May 27, 2015Around the World 10/2/15–10/25/15 $73,950 $8,650 Feb. 2, 2015 June 2, 2015Around the World 10/27/15–11/19/15 $73,950 $8,650 Feb. 27, 2015 June 29, 2015Around the World 12/27/15–1/19/16 $73,950 $8,650 April 27, 2015 Aug. 27, 2015

Reservations and Payments: To reserve your place on an expedition, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $2,500 per person. The deposit may be made by check; wire transfer; or by a major credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form. The second payment of $15,000 per person and final payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account. For the second and final payments, please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your trip (as outlined on the Reservation Form), following the payment schedule associated with your trip as noted above.

Mail or fax the Reservation Form to National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington 98121; fax: 206-447-7717; or call 1-800-224-1894. If an expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be returned within 7 days, or with your authorization, the Tour Operator can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize the Tour Operator to put your name on a waiting list and retain your deposit, the Tour Operator will notify you within 7 days if the expedition is still fully booked.

Security Agreement: Your payments are held in an escrow account at The Commerce Bank of Washington (“TCBW”), 601 Union Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101-1342. Participants are protected by a Letter of Credit #592 issued by TCBW (the “Security Agreement”). Any claims against this Security Agreement must be filed with the Tour Operator or TCBW within 60 days of the termination of the expedition. After that time, the Tour Operator and TCBW will be released from liability under the Security Agreement.

What Is Included in the Price: A privately chartered Boeing 757 that departs from the first destination in the itinerary, and returns to the last destination in the itinerary, as indicated in the catalog. Deluxe or best available accommodations and all applicable taxes in the destinations and options as indicated in the catalog, from arrival at the first hotel on the first day of the expedition, through departure from the last hotel on the last day of the expedition. All meals are included, beginning with the welcome dinner on the first night of the expedition, ending with the last meal on the last day of the itinerary (varies per itinerary). All taxes; airport transfers at the beginning and end of the expedition; group transportation; excursions; special events and activities; extensive program of customized options at most destinations; enrichment program, including lectures by a team of experts; services of professional staff, including an expedition physician; amenities package; $100,000 medical evacuation insurance (which includes minimal accident/sickness/baggage insurance) for covered reasons; bottled water throughout the expedition (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals, and in your room); all beverages, including liquor, aboard the private jet; liquor during special events and cocktail parties on land; house wine and/or beer at lunch and dinner; nonalcoholic beverages at all scheduled meals on land; baggage handling during the expedition; Internet access in hotels, where available; and tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff are included. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition price will be at your discretion. Except for “major changes” as described below, no refund will be made for any accommodations or services included in the expedition price that you voluntarily do not use. The exact expedition itinerary, name and location of hotels, length of stay at each hotel, and other ground accommodations and services, are set forth in the itineraries, which is by this reference expressly incorporated into this Agreement.

What Is Not Included in the Price: Commercial airfare from your home city to the first city of an expedition and from the last city of an expedition to your home city; optional and additional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and fax fees; all beverages not mentioned above as included; hotel minibar charges; meals not scheduled by the Tour Operator; and inoculation and medication costs of any kind.

Insurance: National Geographic Society and the Tour Operator strongly recommend trip insurance. Insurance premium payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier.

Baggage: On the private jet, each passenger is limited to 90 pounds of checked baggage in 2 bags (one bag of your choice limited to 50 pounds and one wheeled bag/duffle that the Tour Operator will send to you ahead of time for use on the expedition limited to 40 pounds), plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack, purse, camera, and/or laptop. On the Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic expedition, you will fly on local charters in Botswana, and your total luggage may not exceed 22 pounds. For international flights, the air carrier’s liability is limited to the actual value of the baggage but not more than 1,000 Special Drawing Rights, approximately $1,250 per passenger, unless a higher value is declared at the time of check-in and an appropriate excess valuation charge is paid. Baggage, when not handled by the Tour Operator, and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Participant.

Aircraft: The private jet flights will be performed using a Boeing 757 jet with 80 VIP-class seats. The air carrier for the expeditions will be Thomson Airways, Wigmore House/Wigmore Place, Wigmore Lane, Bedfordshire, Luton LU2 9TN England. The Tour Operator and air carrier reserve the right to substitute equivalent aircraft if necessary. Your itinerary may include flights on smaller aircraft operated by local approved airline carriers. Seating on these aircraft will be economy or economy with limited business seats, based upon the configuration of the aircraft.

International Flights: The operation of these flights is subject to the foreign governments involved granting landing rights for the flight. If the air carrier cannot obtain these rights for any particular flight leg of an expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative arrangements may be made at the discretion of National Geographic Expeditions or the Tour Operator.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you cancel your reservation or change your plans, your right to receive a refund is limited, as described in the following schedule. All requests for refunds must be sent to us in writing via mail, fax, or email. All cancellations will become effective as of the date of the postmark or email receipt. If your cancellation notice is received within the timeframe below, you will receive a refund of all deposits minus the per person cancellation fee.

Number of Days Prior to Departure: Per Person Cancellation Fee:240 or more days $1,000180-239 days $5,000120-179 days $15,000119 or fewer days No refundRefunds will be made within 14 days of receipt of your notice of cancellation.

Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. If you cancel and provide a substitute Participant for the expedition, you will receive from the Tour Operator a full refund of money paid toward the price less an administrative charge of $25 for effecting the substitution once the substitute Participant has paid in full. If we make major changes prior to departure, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. Please note that the costs for visas, commercial air tickets, insurance, suite upgrades, and pre- or post-expedition independent arrangements may not be refundable. The following are major changes: (1) a change in the departure or return date, unless the change results from a flight delay experienced by the air carrier (If, however, the delay is longer than 48 hours, it will be considered a major change); (2) a change in the origin or destination city for any flight leg, unless the change affects only the order in which cities named in a tour package are visited; (3) a substitute of any hotel of lower standard; (4) a price increase of more than 10 percent occurring 10 or more days before departure. In no event can we increase your price less than 10 days before departure. If a major change must be made in the expedition, we will notify you within 7 days after first learning of the change, but in any event at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure. If, less than 10 days before scheduled departure, we become aware that a major change must be made, we will notify you as soon as possible. Within 7 days

after receiving notification of a major change, but in no event later than departure, you may cancel your reservation and you will receive a full refund within 14 days after canceling. If a major change that you are unwilling to accept occurs after the departure of the flight, we will refund, within 14 days after your scheduled return date, that portion of your payment that applies to the services not accepted. If we must cancel the expedition, we will notify you in writing within 7 days of the cancellation, but in no event later than 10 days before the scheduled departure date. We have no right to cancel the expedition less than 10 days before departure, except for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the trip or if a United States State Department Travel Warning not previously in effect is issued for one of the destinations on the itinerary. If that occurs, we will notify you as soon as possible, but not later than the scheduled departure date. If the expedition is canceled, the Tour Operator will make a full refund to you within 14 days after cancellation. The rights and remedies made available under this Contract are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer refunds under this contract with the express understanding that the receipt of that refund by a passenger waives the additional remedies.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSItinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff are subject to modification and change by the National Geographic Society or the Tour Operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require our itinerary to be altered, we reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. National Geographic Society and the Tour Operator reserve the right to cancel any trip in the event inadequate enrollment makes the trip economically infeasible to operate. In such a case, the Tour Operator will provide you with a full refund of the monies paid to the Tour Operator for the expedition.

Photography: We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use. By making a reservation on an expedition, the Participant agrees to allow his/her likeness to be used by the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Society-authorized third parties, and the Tour Operator without compensation to the Participant. If the Participant prefers that his/her likeness not be used, he/she must notify us in writing prior to departure of the trip. Copyright in all photographs, video, and related materials created by the Participant (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Participant upon creation. The Participant grants to the National Geographic Society a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use any Expedition Materials provided to the National Geographic Society and/or the Tour Operator in any media now existing or subsequently developed for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of National Geographic’s travel programs, or promotion of the mission of the National Geographic Society.

Release of Liability: The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time expedition Participants are not aboard their conveyance. Neither National Geographic Expeditions nor the Tour Operator, nor any of their respective owners, directors, employees, contractors, officers, or agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) shall be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control, and (C) any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during your travel in connection with an expedition. The Participant waives any claim against any of the Released Parties for any such loss, damage, injury, or death, including any right to seek consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages against any of the Released Parties for any reason whatsoever. None of the Released Parties shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket.

Acknowledgment of Risk: You understand and acknowledge that your travel in connection with and participation in an expedition or any activities which may take place during an expedition, may involve risk and potential exposure to injury or fatal injury and that risk and dangers may arise or be caused by the negligence or participation of other Participants, contractors, and/or subcontractors for an expedition or from other foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of nature.

Express Assumption of Risk and Responsibility: In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in which you are intending to engage, you confirm that you are physically and mentally capable of participating in an expedition and that you willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by you or caused by you. By registering for an expedition, you certify that you do not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for yourself or other Participants. The Tour Operator reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any Participant on an expedition and reserves the right, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, to withdraw any part or all of an expedition and to make such changes as may be necessary.

Arbitration: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance there under, including without limitation any claim related to bodily injury, property damage or death, shall be settled by binding arbitration in Seattle, Washington, USA in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then existing, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Washington law. This agreement to arbitrate does not waive or modify the liability release contained in this document.

Exclusive Governing Law and Jurisdiction: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflicts of laws principles. If the right to seek arbitration is for any reason waived by both parties, or if judicial review of any arbitration is sought, any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of Washington, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington or the appropriate appellate courts, and the parties hereby waive any objection to venue or jurisdiction in connection therewith. In connection with any action or legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement, the parties hereby specifically and knowingly waive any rights that either party might have to demand a jury trial.

Single/Shared Accommodations and Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The Tour Operator will make reasonable efforts to assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is found. If a roommate is not confirmed, the single rate will be charged. Suite rooms are available in some destinations; more information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you in the months before departure.

Visas and Entry Permits: To participate in an expedition, visas and/or entry permits may be required for some countries. Acquiring visas and/or entry permits is the responsibility of the Participant. Failure to obtain visas and/or entry permits does not negate the terms and conditions. Any extra costs for rerouting a Participant without visas and/or entry permits will be the responsibility of the Participant. The Tour Operator will provide information on the necessary visas and/or entry permits in pre-departure documents.

Health Requirements: These are active trips, which require you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal physician for a checkup so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. All Participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, and to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. Please note: To go to certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a high-altitude area (7,500 feet above sea level and higher), you will need to obtain your physician’s approval. A form will be sent to you for your physician to sign. We are prepared to arrange for an alternative destination or activity, if your physician recommends it. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in these itineraries. Proof of yellow fever inoculation is required on some of the expeditions in this catalog. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate travelers with special needs; however, we regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our expedition staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would like to forgo some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time.

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will make reasonable efforts to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so and will notify you at the time of final invoicing.

Eligibility: Participation in a National Geographic Expedition is a benefit of membership in the National Geographic Society. Membership dues for 2014 are $39. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for an expedition.

The Tour Operator is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265), a California Seller of Travel (#2071584-30), an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (#50-755585). The Tour Operator’s Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961.

Copyright © 2014 National Geographic Society Recycled Paper

❏ Enclosed is my deposit check for $ ($2,500 per person). Please make checks payable to the escrow account associated with your expedition (see above).

OR ❏ Please charge my deposit of $ ($2,500 per person) to

PLEASE RESERVE PLACE(S) ON THE SELECTED EXPEDITION:

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/ / / /Account number Expiration date

❏ I prefer single accommodations where available and agree to pay the single supplement.

❏ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❏ nonsmoker ❏ smoker. If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the single supplement. Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will be sent to you separately.

❏ I plan to share accommodations.

❏ I plan to share accommodations with someone who has submitted a separate Reservation Form:

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National Geographic Expeditions, 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121Phone: 1-800-224-1894 • Fax: 1-206-447-7717 • Web: www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

(Charges can be made to most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.)

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PAYMENT:

ACCOMMODATIONS: Please check the box that applies.

❏ Around the World by Private Jet January 22–February 14, 2015 $72,950 $8,650 ATW2-15

❏ Around the World by Private Jet October 2–25, 2015 $73,950 $8,650 NGATW3-15

❏ Around the World by Private Jet October 27–November 19, 2015 $73,950 $8,650 NGATW5-15

❏ Around the World by Private Jet December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016 $73,950 $8,650 NGATW6-15

❏ Celebrating Exploration with National Geographic February 15–March 10, 2015 $76,950 $8,950 NGEXP-15

❏ Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures April 14–May 8, 2015 $76,950 $8,950 NGISL-15

❏ Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures September 27–October 21, 2015 $76,950 $8,950 NGISL2-15

❏ The Human Journey May 11–June 3, 2015 $64,950 $7,950 NGS-15

Expedition Expedition Dates Double Single Escrow Account Occupancy Supplement

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• RESERVATION FORM •

To reserve your place, complete this form and mail to the address listed below. Or reserve online at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com, or call 1-800-224-1894.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract. (Each traveler must sign.)

PJM0214

2015 Private Jet Expeditions

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDSEATTLE, WA

PERMIT NO 23893131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121





Join National Geographic’s most accomplished experts around the globe.

For more information or to reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.comFor more information or to reserve your place, please call 1-800-224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

Documents

2015 Private Jet Expeditions - National Geographic Society · Dear Traveler, The beauty of traveling by private jet with National Geographic is not just in the spectacular places