Crossroads of Civilizations by Private Jet

Arrive in London and transfer to your hotel overlooking Hyde Park. This evening, meet fellow travelers, trip staff, and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (R,D)

Set off on your first flight by private jet, crossing mainland Europe to Palermo, the cultural and historic heart of Sicily. The city’s atmosphere and fabulous architecture reflect the numerous civilizations that have passed through over the centuries—Carthagians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, to name a few. Venture into the Old Quarter, known for its unique Arab-Norman monuments, built in the 12th century and collectively recognized as a World Heritage site. Step into the opulent Palazzo Alliata di Villefranca, an 18th-century palace filled with art, and soak up the souk-like atmosphere of the Capo Market, which dates back to Palermo’s Muslim era. Travel outside the city to view more spectacular examples of the region’s Arab-Norman architecture: the fortress-like cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù, both filled with glittering Byzantine mosaics. You’ll have time to explore the picturesque coastal town of Cefalù on your own. (3B, 3L, 3D)

Your next flight brings you to the fabled city of Samarkand, once an important crossroads on the Silk Road. With evidence of human settlements dating back as far as 1500 BC, Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world. Stroll through Registan Square, flanked by majestic madrassas and mosques clad with luminous mosaics. Learn about the discoveries made at the Ulugh Beg Observatory and admire the exquisite interior of Gur-e-Amir, the ornate tomb of the medieval conqueror Timur, also known as Tamerlane. Then visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque, built to honor Timur’s wife in the 15th century—and once the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Get a taste of Uzbekistan’s rich textile traditions on a visit to a workshop where silk carpets are woven. (2B,2L,2D)

Touch down in Sri Lanka, an island only slightly larger than West Virginia that is home to a rich cultural legacy and a host of World Heritage sites. Settle into a luxurious resort perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea near the beach town of Weligama. Catch a glimpse of local life on a stroll through the lively fish market, where fishermen haul their catch straight from the sea. Visit the World Heritage site of Galle, a fortified trading port founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later ruled by the Dutch and the British. Discover its unique blend of South Asian and European styles as you tour the walled town, and enjoy time on your own to explore its galleries and boutiques.

The next day, a helicopter flight brings you inland to the World Heritage site of Sigiriya, a fifth-century city and fortress perched atop a massive granite monolith known as Lion Mountain. Continue to Dambulla to discover World Heritage-listed caves filled with eighth-century sculptures and murals. Return to Galle for a festive dinner on your final evening in Sri Lanka. (3B,3L,3D)

Immerse yourself in the colorful chaos of Bangkok, discovering many facets of the city on excursions of your choice. Glide past splendid temples during a private cruise on the Chao Phraya River, and stop at Wat Pho to see its colossal reclining Buddha. Continue by tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace, the official residence of the kings of Siam since the 18th century, and visit the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Another private cruise brings you into Bangkok’s klongs, or canals, where you’ll take in the rhythms of life along the waterfront as you pass traditional stilt houses and visit a floating market.

Opt to take part in a Thai culinary experience, visiting the local market to gather ingredients with a chef before preparing beloved Thai dishes at a cooking school. You’ll feast on your creations for lunch. View rare Asian art on a tour of the Jim Thompson House, once the private residence of an American businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. Or take a guided walk through Bangkok’s creative district, a warren of art studios, galleries, street art, and sidewalk eateries. You may also choose to learn about Thai boxing during a lesson with a Muay Thai coach. Cap off your stay with a private cocktail cruise on the Chao Phraya River, savoring local snacks and viewing Bangkok’s twinkling skyline. (3B,3L,3D)

Travel by chartered jet to the Kingdom of Bhutan, where a rich and timeless culture endures among emerald valleys and snowcapped peaks. Arrive in Paro and head to the Rinpung Dzong, a spectacular example of Bhutanese architecture perched in the hills overlooking the Paro Valley. On an excursion to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, visit the Dechen Phodrang Monastery, a monastic school that houses 12th-century paintings and other important Bhutanese artifacts. At the National Textile Museum, learn about thangka weaving techniques, and see examples of locally made textiles and traditional dress. Return to Paro and take part in a range of activities or simply relax at your stunning hotel, a showpiece of Bhutanese craftsmanship set among lovely parklands. If you wish, hit the trails for a vigorous hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, built high on a cliff side more than 10,000 feet above sea level. (2B,2L,2D)

Another charter jet flight brings you over the soaring Himalayan peaks to Kathmandu, where Buddhist and Hindu traditions have intermingled for centuries. Set out into the World Heritage-listed Kathmandu Valley to visit two ancient cities: in Patan, stroll the expansive Durbar Square, filled with temples, towering pagodas, and detailed brickwork; and in Bhaktapur, visit the Palace of 55 Windows, named for its beautiful wooden window frames, as well as the intricately carved Golden Gate. Then venture into the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva and built in the Nepalese pagoda style; or explore the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, where thousands of Buddhist pilgrims gather daily. On your final morning in Nepal, meet up with the private jet for the flight to Sarajevo. (B,L,D)

Step into the past in Sarajevo, a crossroads of religions where pivotal historic events took place—from the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand that set off World War I to the 1984 Olympics to the deadly battles of the Bosnian War. On a walking tour, delve into the Ottoman-era Old City of Bascarsija, discovering historic mosques and monuments tucked into its narrow lanes. Meet coppersmiths, weavers, and other artisans as you meander through its lively bazaar. Then hear an unscripted firsthand account of the infamous Siege of Sarajevo on a tour led by a resident who lived through the four-year standoff in the mid 1990s. At the National Museum, gain insight into the region’s cultural and natural history on a curator-led tour and view the Sarajevo Haggadah, a revered Sephardic illuminated manuscript that was smuggled out of plague-ridden Spain during the 14th century. (2B,2L,2D)

Your next stop is Tangier, a storied city strategically poised on the Strait of Gibraltar where sultans, diplomats, writers, and intellectuals have long gathered. Meander through the lanes of the medina to the Kasbah, a citadel overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Trace the city’s history from prehistoric times to the 19th century at Dar-el-Makhzen Palace, once the home of an Ottoman sultan. Head out on a full-day excursion to the fabled “blue city” of Chefchaouen, nestled on the slopes of the Rif Mountains. Wind through the medina, painted bright shades of blue every year, and visit the lively Uta el-Hammam Square and the kasbah on a guided walking tour. Enjoy free time to discover the town’s nooks and treasures on your own before returning to Tangier. (3B,3L,3D)

Board a final private jet flight to Boston and toast your journey to cultural crossroads during a farewell dinner at your hotel. Depart on independent flights the next day. (2B,1L,1D)