Day 1 — Fort Lauderdale

Arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Your dedicated guests services team are there to greet you and formally check you in for your journey. This afternoon they are available to answer any questions you may have. Have time to unpack and relax before your evening welcome festivities.

This evening meet fellow travelers, your destination experts, including your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, and your tour staff in the hotel for a festive welcome reception and dinner. During dessert and coffee get an overview of what’s ahead on your incredible journey around the world. (R,D)

Days 2-4 — Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

This morning depart The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale and meet your private jet. Your captain and expert cabin crew are there to welcome you aboard and will assist you with settling into your home-away-from-home. Take off for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you’ll have the choice to join the main program visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu or if you have been to this area before or wish to avoid the high altitude, travel to Peru’s north coast.

With the Main Group connect to a specially chartered flight for Cusco. In this charming and historic Spanish colonial city, see how Inca and Spanish cultures intertwine. Explore the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the ruins of Koricancha, formerly the main Inca temple of Cusco. You’ll also visit the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and journey outside the city to the Andean village of Chinchero. There you’ll explore a colorful market and visit a textile center for a weaving demonstration by a master Andean weaver. Then step aboard our exclusively chartered train and enjoy sumptuous dining and white-glove service as you wind your way along the banks of the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, a World Heritage site. See why they call this valley one of the world's most astonishing archaeological treasures. Upon arrival meet your private guides and ascend the mountain by private sprinter van. Once up top marvel at the panoramic views from this legendary 15th-century Inca citadel, which was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. (B,L,D) 

Belmond Monasterio 

OR 

Days 2-4 — The North Coast, Peru

If you’ve already visited Cusco and/or Machu Picchu or prefer a lower altitude, travel to Peru’s North Coast, a region filled with stunning natural scenery, deeply rooted traditions, and archaeological wonders from several pre-Inca cultures. Trujillo is the second oldest Spanish city in Peru and contains important remnants of the ancient Moche and Chimú cultures, including the towering Temples of the Sun and Moon and the sprawling ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. Guests choosing this alternate excursion will travel separately by local air and will meet the main group back in Lima. (B,L,D) 

Hotel Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro

Days 5-6 — Easter Island, Chile

Both groups meet the private jet back in Lima and take off for the 2,300 mile journey over the Pacific to remote and mysterious Easter Island. Peer out your window for a first look at this verdant island standing alone in the vast blue of the Pacific. Upon landing marvel at the majestic landscape with volcanic calderas, lava fields, and windswept grasslands. Spend time in Hanga Roa where you’ll encounter Ahu Tahai, a site of three restored moai, and explore the Rano Raraku quarry where almost 400 giant statues remain in various stages of completion, giving us fascinating insights into how these mysterious icons may have been created. Visit Ahu Akivi, considered to be a particularly sacred site and home to seven moai, all of which are positioned to face sunset during the spring equinox. Stop at the Orongo ceremonial village where the famous “birdman” competition was held, and winning this dangerous race led to great honor, prestige and power within the Rapa Nui society. There will also be opportunities to meet for sunrise photography classes for those interested in capturing the perfect shot of the moai and this unique island landscape. (B,L,D) 

Days 7-8 — Nadi, Fiji

Days 9-10 — Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Continue on to Australia where your jet lands in Cairns, along the countries northeast coast. Travel north by luxury coach along the coast of the Coral Sea to the charming beach side town of Port Douglas. Relax at your deluxe resort hotel with sprawling gardens and a magnificent lagoon-style pool. You’ll have your choice between two programs while here. Take a private boat charter out to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage site and earth’s largest coral reef system. Composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,600 miles the reef is truly one of our planets great natural wonders. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel or dive (training and license required) among a vast collection of exotic corals and colorful tropical fish. For those preferring to remain on land opt for a visit to the exotic wonders of Daintree Rainforest. This rainforest is a part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, a World Heritage site and one of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. Travel through the Mossman Gorge, a rainforest sanctuary of rare and exotic fruit trees and wildlife and immerse yourself in a region that combines tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches, and fringing reefs just offshore, a rare combination. (B,L,D) 

Days 11-13 — Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Fly north and west to Cambodia and land in the country’s northern province of Siem Reap. Your charming hotel is just a few miles from Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure built from stone. This magnificent site with several urban plans, vast water features and impressive monuments holds the remains of the Khmer Empire, which ruled from the 9th to the 15th century. The site encompasses the Temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the supremely decorated Bayon Temple. There will be an option for an early-morning visit to beat the heat of the day, tour the complex and meet with Buddhist monks for a blessing. Alternatively, opt to explore this World Heritage site after breakfast and discover why it is also known as “the city of temples.” You’ll also visit Ta Prohm, a prominent temple left in a state similar to the way it appeared when it was discovered. At Bayon Temple, marvel at the intricate decorations and carvings, a temple that served as the center of Jayavarman VII’s capital. While in country you’ll also take a tour by boat of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, passing Chong Khneas Floating Village, which features floating shops, churches and schools. Peruse the bustling Siem Reap Market where locals sell clothing, spices, housewares, fresh food and handicrafts or visit the workshops and showroom of Artisans d’Angkor, an organization that trains young people in traditional crafts. (B,L,D) 

Days 14-15 — Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, India

Days 16-18 — Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Your private jet touches down in Tanzania where the group (depending on your choice) takes a private charter aircraft to either Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.

For those who chose Serengeti National Park enjoy choice of a half-day or full day game drive in this awe-inspiring World Heritage site, The acacia woodland and year-round water supply in this area create an ideal environment for viewing a wide variety of wildlife including countless zebra, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, gazelle, wildebeest and other species that make this plain their home. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Tanzanian bush and enjoy time relaxing in your stunning accommodations located next to an animal watering hole, where you might catch a glimpse of a family of elephants who often stop for their morning drink, all as you sip coffee from your room’s private balcony. You’ll also have an opportunity to soar high above the landscape for a truly once-in-a-life-time experience during an optional hot-air balloon safari. Then gather for a special evening of sunset cocktails and a Maasai dance performance and dinner under the stars. (B,L,D) 

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

OR 

Days 16-18 — Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

If you have already visited the Serengeti, take a light aircraft to Ngorongoro Crate. Enjoy a full-day game drive in this unique and breathtaking World Heritage site within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It is approximately 10 miles wide and creates a natural amphitheater for one of the densest populations of large animals anywhere including rhinos, lions, water buffalo, zebra, elephants, Thompson’s gazelles and warthogs. There will also be an option to stop and meet local Maasai in their village and enjoy a dance performance. Your stunning accommodations are perched on the edge of the crater with each villa set on stilts to evoke traditional East African red-mud-and-thatch homesteads. Spend time on your private balcony to take in the sweeping views of the crater below. (B,L,D)

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Days 19-20 — Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

Both groups return to the private jet where we say farewell to Tanzania and set out for the Middle East kingdom of Jordan. Upon arrival we’ll check in to our hotel then it’s just a short walk from the lobby to the entrance to the Lost City of Petra. Walk through the narrow, twisting siq that has guarded this site for hundreds of years. Half-built and half-carved into red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago this World Heritage site is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. At the Treasury, observe up-close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. For the more active you may depart early in the morning allowing time to hike up to the harder-to-reach sites, or for those who wish for a more leisurely visit depart the hotel mid-morning. While at Petra  encounter members of the local Bedouin community, nomadic Arabs who have inhabited the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. In addition,  explore the starkly beautiful landscapes of Wadi Rum on a 4x4 expedition. This evocative lunar-like landscape was made famous by T.E. Lawrence and the film “Lawrence of Arabia.” There is also an option to experience the Bedouin way of life with an overnight stay at a luxury camp in the desert (at an additional fee). (B,L,D)

Days 21-22 — Marrakech, Morocco

Days 23-24 — Return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This morning say farewell to Morocco and board your private jet for your transatlantic flight back to the U.S. mainland. There’s time to reflect on your epic adventure, share stories and enjoy lively conversation with your fellow tour staff and travelers as you make your way back to your final destination, Fort Lauderdale. Touch down in the late afternoon and say farewell to your flight crew. Check back in to The Ritz-Carlton-Fort Lauderdale for a final evening of relaxation. Enjoy  a casual dinner at your leisure. After an overnight and breakfast, guests will depart the hotel for the airport and their independent commercial flight home. (B,L,D,B)  

Day 1 — Fort Lauderdale

Arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Your dedicated guests services team are there to greet you and formally check you in for your journey. This afternoon they are available to answer any questions you may have. Have time to unpack and relax before your evening welcome festivities.

This evening meet fellow travelers, your destination experts, including your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, and your tour staff in the hotel for a festive welcome reception and dinner. During dessert and coffee get an overview of what’s ahead on your incredible journey around the world. (R,D)

Days 2-4 — Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

This morning depart The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale and meet your private jet. Your captain and expert cabin crew are there to welcome you aboard and will assist you with settling into your home-away-from-home. Take off for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you’ll have the choice to join the main program visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu or if you have been to this area before or wish to avoid the high altitude, travel to Peru’s north coast.

With the Main Group connect to a specially chartered flight for Cusco. In this charming and historic Spanish colonial city, see how Inca and Spanish cultures intertwine. Explore the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the ruins of Koricancha, formerly the main Inca temple of Cusco. You’ll also visit the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Then step aboard our exclusively chartered train and enjoy sumptuous dining and white-glove service as you wind your way along the banks of the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, a World Heritage site. See why they call this valley one of the world's most astonishing archaeological treasures. Upon arrival meet your private guides and ascend the mountain by private sprinter van. Once up top marvel at the panoramic views from this legendary 15th-century Inca citadel, which was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. (B,L,D) 

Belmond Monasterio 

OR 

Days 2-4 — The North Coast, Peru

If you’ve already visited Cusco and/or Machu Picchu or prefer a lower altitude, travel to Peru’s North Coast, a region filled with stunning natural scenery, deeply rooted traditions, and archaeological wonders from several pre-Inca cultures. Trujillo is the second oldest Spanish city in Peru and contains important remnants of the ancient Moche and Chimú cultures, including the towering Temples of the Sun and Moon and the sprawling ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. Guests choosing this alternate excursion will travel separately by local air and will meet the main group back in Lima. (B,L,D) 

Hotel Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro

Days 5-6 — Easter Island, Chile

Both groups meet the private jet back in Lima and take off for the 2,300 mile journey over the Pacific to remote and mysterious Easter Island. Peer out your window for a first look at this verdant island standing alone in the vast blue of the Pacific. Upon landing marvel at the majestic landscape with volcanic calderas, lava fields, and windswept grasslands. Spend time in Hanga Roa where you’ll encounter Ahu Tahai, a site of three restored moai, and explore the Rano Raraku quarry where almost 400 giant statues remain in various stages of completion, giving us fascinating insights into how these mysterious icons may have been created. Visit Ahu Akivi, considered to be a particularly sacred site and home to seven moai, all of which are positioned to face sunset during the spring equinox. Stop at the Orongo ceremonial village where the famous “birdman” competition was held, and winning this dangerous race led to great honor, prestige and power within the Rapa Nui society. There will also be opportunities to meet for sunrise photography classes for those interested in capturing the perfect shot of the moai and this unique island landscape. (B,L,D) 

Days 7-8 — Nadi, Fiji

Days 9-10 — Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Continue on to Australia where your jet lands in Cairns, along the countries northeast coast. Travel north by luxury coach along the coast of the Coral Sea to the charming beach side town of Port Douglas. Relax at your deluxe resort hotel with sprawling gardens and a magnificent lagoon-style pool. You’ll have your choice between two programs while here. Take a private boat charter out to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage site and earth’s largest coral reef system. Composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,600 miles the reef is truly one of our planets great natural wonders. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel or dive (training and license required) among a vast collection of exotic corals and colorful tropical fish. For those preferring to remain on land opt for a visit to the exotic wonders of Daintree Rainforest. This rainforest is a part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, a World Heritage site and one of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. Travel through the Mossman Gorge, a rainforest sanctuary of rare and exotic fruit trees and wildlife and immerse yourself in a region that combines tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches, and fringing reefs just offshore, a rare combination. (B,L,D) 

Days 11-13 — Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Fly north and west to Cambodia and land in the country’s northern province of Siem Reap. Your charming hotel is just a few miles from Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure built from stone. This magnificent site with several urban plans, vast water features and impressive monuments holds the remains of the Khmer Empire, which ruled from the 9th to the 15th century. The site encompasses the Temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the supremely decorated Bayon Temple. There will be an option for an early-morning visit to beat the heat of the day, tour the complex and meet with Buddhist monks for a blessing. Alternatively, opt to explore this World Heritage site after breakfast and discover why it is also known as “the city of temples.” You’ll also visit Ta Prohm, a prominent temple left in a state similar to the way it appeared when it was discovered. At Bayon Temple, marvel at the intricate decorations and carvings, a temple that served as the center of Jayavarman VII’s capital. While in country you’ll also take a tour by boat of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, passing Chong Khneas Floating Village, which features floating shops, churches and schools. Peruse the bustling Siem Reap Market where locals sell clothing, spices, housewares, fresh food and handicrafts or visit the workshops and showroom of Artisans d’Angkor, an organization that trains young people in traditional crafts. (B,L,D) 

Days 14-15 — Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, India

Days 16-18 — Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Your private jet touches down in Tanzania where the group (depending on your choice) takes a private charter aircraft to either Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.

For those who chose Serengeti National Park enjoy choice of a half-day or full day game drive in this awe-inspiring World Heritage site, The acacia woodland and year-round water supply in this area create an ideal environment for viewing a wide variety of wildlife including countless zebra, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, gazelle, wildebeest and other species that make this plain their home. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Tanzanian bush and enjoy time relaxing in your stunning accommodations located next to an animal watering hole, where you might catch a glimpse of a family of elephants who often stop for their morning drink, all as you sip coffee from your room’s private balcony. You’ll also have an opportunity to soar high above the landscape for a truly once-in-a-life-time experience during an optional hot-air balloon safari. Then gather for a special evening of sunset cocktails and a Maasai dance performance and dinner under the stars. (B,L,D) 

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

OR 

Days 16-18 — Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

If you have already visited the Serengeti, take a light aircraft to Ngorongoro Crate. Enjoy a full-day game drive in this unique and breathtaking World Heritage site within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It is approximately 10 miles wide and creates a natural amphitheater for one of the densest populations of large animals anywhere including rhinos, lions, water buffalo, zebra, elephants, Thompson’s gazelles and warthogs. There will also be an option to stop and meet local Maasai in their village and enjoy a dance performance. Your stunning accommodations are perched on the edge of the crater with each villa set on stilts to evoke traditional East African red-mud-and-thatch homesteads. Spend time on your private balcony to take in the sweeping views of the crater below. (B,L,D)

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Days 19-20 — Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

Both groups return to the private jet where we say farewell to Tanzania and set out for the Middle East kingdom of Jordan. Upon arrival we’ll check in to our hotel then it’s just a short walk from the lobby to the entrance to the Lost City of Petra. Walk through the narrow, twisting siq that has guarded this site for hundreds of years. Half-built and half-carved into red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago this World Heritage site is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. At the Treasury, observe up-close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. For the more active you may depart early in the morning allowing time to hike up to the harder-to-reach sites, or for those who wish for a more leisurely visit depart the hotel mid-morning. While at Petra  encounter members of the local Bedouin community, nomadic Arabs who have inhabited the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. In addition,  explore the starkly beautiful landscapes of Wadi Rum on a 4x4 expedition. This evocative lunar-like landscape was made famous by T.E. Lawrence and the film “Lawrence of Arabia.” There is also an option to experience the Bedouin way of life with an overnight stay at a luxury camp in the desert (at an additional fee). (B,L,D)

Days 21-22 — Marrakech, Morocco

Days 23-24 — Return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This morning say farewell to Morocco and board your private jet for your transatlantic flight back to the U.S. mainland. There’s time to reflect on your epic adventure, share stories and enjoy lively conversation with your fellow tour staff and travelers as you make your way back to your final destination, Fort Lauderdale. Touch down in the late afternoon and say farewell to your flight crew. Check back in to The Ritz-Carlton-Fort Lauderdale for a final evening of relaxation. Enjoy  a casual dinner at your leisure. After an overnight and breakfast, guests will depart the hotel for the airport and their independent commercial flight home. (B,L,D,B)