FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 & 21
Home / Palo Alto, California, U.S.
After arriving in the Bay Area on Friday, meet travel companions, lecturers and expedition staff at a cocktail reception and dinner. On Saturday, gather for a special seminar at Stanford University. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SILICON VALLEY
SUNDAY & MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 & 23
Palo Alto / Sapporo, Japan / Hokkaido
FLIGHT TIME: 12H 5M (INCLUDING TECH STOP)
Our private jet takes us from San Jose International Airport across the Pacific to Japan, where we arrive on Monday, having crossed the international date line en route. Upon our arrival in Sapporo, embark on a scenic drive to our resort hotel in Hokkaido. THE WINDSOR HOTEL TOYA RESORT & SPA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
Hokkaido
This morning, depart for Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Take a breathtaking gondola ride to the upper slopes for incredible views of Lake Toya and the surrounding landscape. Adventurous travelers may opt to hike to the summit for a look into the volcano’s fuming crater.
This afternoon, embark on a walking trail to see the effects of the eruption and earthquake of 2000, including destroyed buildings, broken roads and changes in two of the area’s largest craters. Alternatively, cruise the placid waters of Lake Toya to Nakajima Island, home to towering pine forests and herds of tame deer. THE WINDSOR HOTEL TOYA RESORT & SPA
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 & 26
Hokkaido / Sapporo / Yogyakarta, Indonesia / Borobudur
FLIGHT TIME: 10H 15M (INCLUDING TECH STOP)
From Sapporo, fly east to the Southeast Asian archipelago of Indonesia, which consists of nearly 18,000 islands, most of which remain uninhabited. Upon arrival in Yogyakarta, travel to our hotel before enjoying dinner and a good night’s sleep at our luxurious sanctuary in the Menoreh Hills.
On Thursday morning, visit the intriguing Taman Sari Water Castle and a batik workshop. In the afternoon, travel to the Buddhist temple of Borobudur by traditional Javanese andong (horse cart). From its imposing setting on a forested hilltop, Borobudur looms over the countryside, reminding the faithful of the journey toward enlightenment. As we ascend to this magnificent temple, passing through the three levels of Buddhist faith—the world of desire, the world of forms and the world of formlessness, admire the delicate stonework and the beautiful outdoor art that traces the life of Buddha. At the top, admire the panoramic views and pause a moment to contemplate the crowning stupa of one of the world’s most impressive religious shrines.
Following our visit to the temple, enjoy cocktails and a sunset dinner onsite, marveling as the setting sun paints the landscape in a mesmerizing blend of crimson, ochre and violet. AMANJIWO
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 TO 29
Yogyakarta / Colombo, Sri Lanka / Galle
FLIGHT TIME: 5H 10M
Depart Indonesia bound for the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, a beacon of culture in the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Colombo, transfer to the walled city of Galle, which was extensively fortified by the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Over the next two days in Sri Lanka, visit the beautiful Kataluva Purvarama Monastery, home to an incredible collection of 19th-century Buddhist art. Watch the ancient practice of stilt fishing from the shores of Koggala Lake, its serene waters surrounded by fragrant cinnamon trees. Take a guided stroll through the history of Sri Lankan folk culture on the grounds of the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum. Then, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Galle Fort and Old Town of Galle, including the fort’s impressive fortifications, the town’s trade buildings and the oldest Christian church in Sri Lanka.
Another excursion is our drive along the coast to the hilltop village of Seenigama, home to the Foundation of Goodness, a grassroots charity that works to improve the lives of rural Sri Lankans. Join founder Kushil Gunasekera on a tour of the homes, school, medical clinic and factory that serve the local population. Those who wish can opt to continue to the Brief Garden, a luxuriant sylvan enclave designed by one of the country’s foremost artists and landscape architects. CAPE WELIGAMA
MONDAY & TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 & 31
Colombo / Kathmandu, Nepal / Bhadgaon / Krishnarpan/ Patan*
FLIGHT TIME: 3H 10M
After flying from Sri Lanka and arriving in Kathmandu, drive to the World Heritage-designated city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur, or City of Devotees. Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur is known for its medieval art and architecture. Visit Durbar Square, the Palace of 55 windows and the Nyatapola Temple, considered the finest example of the pagoda style of architecture. Later enjoy a cocktail reception at our hotel, followed by folk dancing and a gala Nepali banquet in Krishnarpan.
After breakfast, visit World Heritage site of Patan, commissioned by India’s great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century. This royal city is enclosed within four stupas and the main square is surrounded by impressive temples. After visiting the Patan Museum, set in a picturesque setting within the palace, stop for lunch before heading back to Kathmandu for a tour of one of its three Durbar Squares, all of which are World Heritage sites. The one we visit is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square, named after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, whose huge stone impression acts as a protector next to the square’s main entrance. We’ll also see a great variety of temples constructed mainly between the 15th and 18th centuries and dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. This evening, visit the World Heritage-designated Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and take part in an Aarti ceremony. Situated in a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple is built in the pagoda style and features a gilded roof and richly carved silver door. Dine this evening at our hotel. DWARIKAS HOTEL
*PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary has changed from the original brochure, we are now visiting Nepal.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 & 2
Katmandu / Delhi, India / Dehradun
FLIGHT TIME: 2H 5M
This morning, we have time to visit the Boudhanath Stupa prior to our noon departure for India. The great Stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest of its kind in the world and commissioned by King Man Deva in the 5th century, features four pairs of eyes facing in the four cardinal directions and keeping watch for righteous behavior. The stupa, a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, is inset with prayer wheels and ringed with homes of lamas, or Buddhist monks. From the stupa we visit a nearby monastery where we meet with a senior-level monk before heading to the airport.
Fly to Delhi and transfer to Dehradun, which lies in the foothills of the Himalayas. Known as the birthplace of yoga, Dehradun is also home to the former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri- Garhwal, where we stay for the next two nights. While ensconced in our peaceful resort, become immersed in the spirituality of the region with a yoga or meditation session, an Ayurvedic treatment, or one of any number of Western or Eastern massages. On our first evening here, enjoy a performance of some of India’s most beloved forms of dance.
The next day, rise early for optional yoga or meditation. Then embark on a nature walk or a spiritual class in Vedanta, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Relax in the afternoon before descending to the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, where the Beatles famously met with the legendary Maharishi Mahesh Yogi—a connection that introduced many in the West to Indian spirituality. At sunset, watch as pilgrims set floating lamps upon the sacred waters as part of an aarti ritual, the Hindu ceremony of light. ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 & 4
Dehradun / Delhi / Samarkand, Uzbekistan
FLIGHT TIME: 2H 15M
Return to Delhi on Friday and board our private jet to fly north to the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan. Crisscrossed by the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan is home to many relics of the medieval age, and no city better typifies the grandeur of the fabled empire of Timur than Samarkand.
Our explorations of Samarkand begin in expansive Registan Square, which was designed to awe visitors with its exquisitely decorated mosques, imposing madrassas and towering minarets glowing with vibrant cobalt tiles. Then pay our respects to the feared conqueror, Timur, in his grand tomb, the sparkling Gur-Emir, which is crowned with a turquoise dome. Discover the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which was once the largest in the world, and the magnificent architecture of the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis. Search for treasures in the city’s legendary bazaars filled with the bounty of the East and West, including exotic produce, exquisite carpets and delicate jewelry. Choose to visit the 15th-century observatory of Ulug Beg, which was one of the first in the Islamic world. After a festive dinner with entertainment, retire for the evening to dreams of deserts and softly tinkling caravan bells. REGISTAN PLAZA
SUNDAY & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 & 6
Samarkand / Muscat, Oman
FLIGHT TIME: 2H 45M
On Sunday, fly to the Sultanate of Oman, a crossroads of cultures where some 1,200 years ago traders sailed a maritime silk route from the Arabian Peninsula to China in wooden ships. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialties and then relax in our resort before embarking on a cruise on the Gulf of Oman in a traditional dhow. As the sun illuminates the stark desert hills and sapphire waters, cruise by the small fishing village of Qantab before reaching Bandar Khairan, a series of secluded bays.
The following day, explore some of Muscat’s magnificent museums, the Grand Mosque, the Sultan’s palace and the atmospheric Muttrah Souq. Continue our cultural immersion in Muscat with a demonstration of traditional Omani cuisine before returning to our resort for dinner. Alternatively, embark on a full-day adventure to the Nizwa region, an early site of Islam in Oman. This evening, gather for a festive dinner accompanied by a performance of Omani music and dance. SHANGRI-LA’S BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA
TUESDAY TO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 TO 9
Muscat / Isfahan, Iran*
FLIGHT TIME: 1H 40M
On Tuesday, fly north to Iran. Once one of the largest cities in the world and the capital of the Persian Empire in the 16th century, Isfahan enchants with the splendors of the past and also offers a peek into the contemporary society of Iran.
On Wednesday, explore Imam Khomeini Square, including in-depth visits to the incredible blue-tiled Masjed e-Shah Mosque and its lovely counterpart, the Masjed e-Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, as well as the Ali Qapu Palace and the frescoes and gardens of the Chehel Sotoun Palace, which was built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century. Or opt to explore the Armenian and Jewish quarters of the city, as well as the Al-Hakim Mosque and the elegant Hasht-Behesht Palace.
On Thursday, take a day trip to the city of Kashan, which lies at the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s Great Salt Desert. The town, famed for textiles and its acres of fragrant rose gardens, also boasts a massive 7,000-year-old ziggurat, a fascinating covered bazaar, one of the loveliest gardens in the country and some excellent examples of traditional Persian architecture. ABBASI HOTEL
*PLEASE NOTE: Our visit to Iran is pending special permission and visa approval by Iranian authorities. In the event that we are not able to obtain entry, we will visit Turkmenistan instead.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 & 11
Isfahan / Marrakech, Morocco
FLIGHT TIME: 7H 10M
Board our private jet and fly west to Morocco, which the ancient Arabs called Maghreb al-Aksa (“farthest land of the setting sun”). Lying near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the cultural heart of southern Morocco.
On Saturday embark on an in-depth cultural immersion in the walled medina. Discover the intricate tile work and gorgeous gardens of the Bahia Palace; the distinctive minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque; and the renowned Ben Youssef madrassa, which has attracted scholars from across the Arab world for centuries. Later in the day, stroll through the narrow lanes and twisting passageways of Marrakech’s many souks, searching for treasures, visiting the workshops of expert craftsmen and sampling the hot bread pulled fresh from the ovens of family bakeries. Or take a peaceful stroll through the blue-and-green landscapes of the Majorelle Gardens before returning to the medina in the late afternoon to witness the nightly spectacle of musicians, fortunetellers, fire-eaters and snake charmers in the Jemaa el-Fna square and marketplace.
Alternatively, opt to spend the day exploring the ruggedly beautiful terrain of the Atlas Mountains and visiting a village to learn about traditional Berber. LA MAMOUNIA
SUNDAY & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 & 13
Marrakech / Paris, France / U.S.
FLIGHT TIME: 2H 30M
On Sunday we make our final journey aboard our private jet—a nonstop flight to Paris. Upon landing in the City of Light in the mid-afternoon, visit the villa and workshop of the legendary sculptor, Auguste Rodin. After some time to relax at our luxurious Paris hotel, gather to celebrate our journey at a festive farewell dinner. Following breakfast on Monday morning, travel to the airport for our flights home aboard commercial aircraft. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V