The earliest travelers were traders who set off on expeditions to faraway places, pioneering routes that live on today. Following in their footsteps, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has curated Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet to allow 50 privileged guests to discover some of the world’s most fascinating peoples, places and celebrations, in intimate and enriching ways.
Follow a route around the world that features such timeless destinations as Kyoto, Kathmandu and Abu Dhabi, where enduring history blends seamlessly with a bustling modern culture. Travel back in time with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and a private geisha performance; then get a taste of the nomadic life in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Nepal offers incomparable views of Mount Everest by helicopter, while Bhutan affords a glimpse into a fiercely-protected traditional culture, as well as an opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. After stopping in Agra for a royal banquet and a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, guests jet off to Abu Dhabi, a city transformed, in contrast to the Bedouin encampments found in the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum and the Treasury of Petra. The journey ends with a taste of Sicilian dolce vita in Taormina, where guests can explore picturesque villages from a unique perspective behind the wheel of a vintage Italian sports car.
Privileged Access & Personalized Experiences
Private jet travel with Abercrombie & Kent is filled with invitation-only events, including a tshechu ceremony, a longstanding Bhutanese tradition with masked dancers; a Naadam Games tournament in Mongolia; and an exclusive Sicilian welcome party styled after a traditional wedding, with celebratory dancing, music and food –arranged exclusively for A&K guests.
Thoughtful curation makes it possible for guests to personalize their experience with a choice of Design Your Day® options, from relaxing spa treatments to active outdoor excursions. In Kyoto, they may meet a master swordsman for a hands-on Samurai experience; shop for modern and traditional treasures with a local guide; enjoy a sake tasting in the Fushimi Sake District; or learn the traditional ai-zome indigo dyeing process from a famous artisan.
One of A&K’s most experienced Tour Directors orchestrates the journey from start to finish. On the ground, guests travel in small groups of no more than 16, each led by a Tour Manager, assisted by expert local guides who share their personal stories and lend insights beyond any guidebook. New for 2019 is an onboard physician who travels with the group. A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy® service insures luggage is waiting in their rooms when guests arrive.
Distinctive Accommodations
Accommodations reflect the distinctive character of each destination and offer authentic hospitality. These highlights include a comfortable ger camp in Mongolia, exclusively reserved for A&K; Dwarika’s in Kathmandu, recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary native woodwork; and accommodations just steps from the iconic archaeological site of Petra. Guests may also take advantage of A&K’s complimentary laundry service, Traveller’s Valet® midway through the itinerary.
Fine Dining & Entertainment
Meals are more than just a chance to dine at the end of the day – they are a feast for the senses, with local entertainment and stunning natural backdrops. Dine in a 17th-century Japanese castle, with a welcome by armored samurai warriors; sample the flavors of India at a Mughal-themed banquet in Agra; and experience the romance of the desert with a candlelit feast in Siq el-Barid (“Little Petra”).
Luxury in the Air
Travelling by private jet allows guests to experience far more than on a conventional itinerary -- with greater comfort and ease. Onboard A&K’s privately-chartered Boeing 757-200ER are 50 custom-designed Italian leather seats equipped with personal massage system, 4-way adjustable headrests and lumbar support, that open to fully lie-flat beds 6.5' long (79” pitch). Additional seating enables guests to socialize in comfort with their traveling companions, while a full privacy screen and extra-high seat back provide undisturbed rest. Guests enjoy a fully stocked, open bar featuring top-shelf wine and spirits, in addition to first-class meal service with personalized espresso drinks. Completing the best-in-class in-flight experience is a dedicated cabin crew with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:7. Amenities onboard are designed to make guests feel at home, including Bose noise-cancelling headphones and iPads loaded with music and movies.
Abercrombie & Kent was a private jet pioneer, introducing the first Royal Air Tour in 1989. Today it is one of the most experienced companies in the private jet business, having designed and operated dozens of programs on a variety of luxury aircraft to destinations all over the world, as well as custom-designed jet itineraries for families and private groups.
To learn more about Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet (23 days from $129,000 per person, double occupancy) or other A&K Private Jet Journeys, contact your travel professional, go to https://www.abercrombiekent.com/private-jet or call 800.554.7094 to speak to an A&K Travel Consultant.
