After a gala kickoff at Stanford, board our private jet and head for unbeaten paths to explore exotic parts of the world as they have seldom been experienced. On our fascinating journey, visit the stunning temples of Borobudur, the fort cities of Sri Lanka and Nepal, an Indian sanctuary in the Himalayas, the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand, the deserts of Oman, the mosques and madrasahs of Esfahan, and the medina of Marrakech. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of these distinct nations and also the different paths each is taking toward modernity.

The best way to reach so many far-flung destinations over the course of one trip is to fly by private jet. Our fully customized private Boeing 757 is ideally suited for this expedition, as its long-range capabilities allow us to fly direct to destinations, avoid layovers and land in smaller airports that are closer to hard-to-reach destinations. Its custom interior generously accommodates just 46 guests in spacious two-by-two, flat-bed leather seats—in a plane that was built to accommodate 233 passengers! Our talented expedition staff, flight crew and trip doctor are with us every step of the way to ensure that our experience is extraordinary.

Watch a short video to see inside our Boeing 757:
Our private plane

Watch a preview of the educational program with two mini lectures by professors Goldstein and Milani:
Globalizaion from Indonesia to Asia and the Middle East

Download trip brochure>>

$115,000 

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

ABOUT YOUR PRIVATE JET
The most convenient and comfortable way to reach so many far-flung destinations on a single itinerary—arriving on time, fresh and rested—is to fly by private jet. The Boeing 757 used by commercial airlines accommodates 239 passengers. Ours, on the other hand, is designed for just 52 special guests to luxuriate in the com-fort of flatbed Italian leather seats.

Our private jet allows us to set our own schedule by flying direct between desti-nations and avoiding layovers. We also are able to land at airports that are closer to remote destinations. We have the free-dom to change the routing, if necessary— even while our trip is in progress. We arrange for expedited boarding, luggage handling, and customs and immigration formalities wherever possible.

See more about the private jet here.

STANFORD AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team of travel-savvy experts attends to the expedition’s every logistical detail before and during the trip. Our Stanford expedition leaders are highly skilled professionals who travel with us to ensure a worry-free experience, and our local guides are top-notch.

DOCTOR ONBOARD
Our travelers’ well-being is our top priority, thus we will be accompanied by Dr. Eric L. Weiss, ’80, Travel/Study’s director of travel medicine, associate clinical professor of emergency medicine and infectious diseases at Stanford Hospital, and founder and CEO of “The Village Doctor,” a Concierge Medicine family practice in his hometown of Woodside. Dr. Weiss has provided healthcare services for Stanford travelers all over the world on six previous private jet expeditions.

ON THE GROUND
Stay at some of the world’s most outstanding accommodations, from the splendid Amanjiwo in Java’s Menoreh Hills to the historic La Mamounia in Marrakech. Each hotel has been carefully selected for its prime location and amenities, ensuring that each moment of our experience is well-spent. In remote areas where choices are limited, we stay at the very best hotel available.

IN THE AIR
When it comes to managing around-the-world journeys by private jet, our flight crew is second to none. A dedicated, specially trained flight crew offers the finest service—the staff-to-passenger ratio is among the highest in aviation. Each flight features delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients by our dedicated expedition chef. Destination-specific movies and documentaries as well as amenities such as noise-canceling head-phones, iPads and an in-flight library further enhance our onboard experience.

GO YOUR OWN WAY
Stanford’s many connections allow us to create a truly personal and in-depth experience. Enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access to special sites and events at each of our destinations. Also take advantage of our flexible itinerary to enjoy a choice of excursions along the way.

Feel like customizing our once-in-a-lifetime trip even further? Call us! We are happy to go the extra mile to ensure that your adventure is truly extraordinary.

SIZE
Limited to a total of 46 participants

COST*
$115,000 per person, double occupancy
$126,000 per person, single occupancy
*Association nonmembers add $300 per person

INCLUDED

• 23 nights of deluxe or best-available hotel accommodations 
• 24 breakfasts, 23 lunches and 24 dinners 
• Welcome cocktail reception 
• Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and flight crew for all group activities 
• All tours as described in the itinerary 
• Airport transfers to and from our hotels at the beginning and end of the trip; group transfer to the airport on 10/22 
• All in-tour private jet and charter flights 
• Transfers and baggage handling on private jet 
• Visa fees (for U.S. and Canadian citizens) 
• Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance 
• Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, selected books, maps and travel information 
• Services of a full tour staff including a trip doctor, professional expedition leaders and flight crew to assist you throughout the program 

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare to the San Francisco Bay Area and home from Paris 
• Passport fees, including any costs associated with obtaining a second passport, if necessary 
• Immunization costs 
• Meals and beverages others than those specified as included 
• Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance 
• Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

WHAT TO EXPECT
Although travel by private jet eliminates many of the hassles of traveling to such far-flung destinations, our program is an active one—at times physically demanding and busy. You are expected to be active and in good health, enjoy traveling as part of a group and be able to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required when boarding our aircraft, at some of our hotels and on many excursions. Daily programs involve one to three miles of walking that might include stairs without handrails, high thresholds and uneven terrain such as cobblestone city streets. There may be some early-morning departures and late nights during the course of our journey. Details about health and medical considerations will be sent to confirmed travelers. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Eligibility
We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members' price. A person traveling as a paid guest of a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, call (650) 725-0692 or click here for more information.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Stanford University will provide educational enrichment for Stanford Travel/Study (Sponsor) and has selected TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. (Operator), 3131 Elliott Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121, a qualified tour operator, to organize and administer The World Less Known by Private Jet expedition (Expedition) for all travel.

TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., as the principal, is responsible to you for arranging and providing all of the services and accommodations offered in connection with the tour.

Stanford Travel/Study, The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University, and TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. are responsible to you for arranging the services and accommodations offered in connection with the tour as stated herein, 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 this expedition.

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. Stanford Travel/Study, The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University, and TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., shall not 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, and (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. The participant waives any claim against Stanford Travel/Study, The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University, and TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., for any such loss, damage, injury or death. By registering for this expedition, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. Stanford Travel/Study, The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University, and TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept or remove any participant on this expedition and reserve the right, subject to the terms of this Contract, to withdraw any part or all of the trip and to make such changes as may be necessary. Stanford Travel/Study, The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University, and TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant’s departure city of the Expedition.

As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Reservations & Payment: To reserve your place on the Expedition, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $10,000 per person. Make checks payable to “SAA-17 Escrow.” The deposit may be made by check or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express). If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form or Terms and Conditions Document. Mail to Stanford Travel/Study, Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez Street, Stanford, CA 94305, or fax to (650) 725-8675. The second payment of $25,000 per person is due by February 22, 2017. Final payment is due by June 22, 2017. The second and final payments are payable by check only, made out to the secure escrow account. If the expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be returned within 7 days, or with your authorization, we can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize us to put your name on a waiting list and we retain your deposit, we will notify you within 7 days that the expedition is fully booked. All deposits and payments paid by you under these terms and conditions will be used solely for the travel and accommodations stated herein.

Security Agreement: Your payments pursuant to these terms and conditions will be held in an escrow account at The Commerce Bank of Washington (Bank), 601 Union Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA, 98101-1342. Participants will be protected by a Letter of Credit #592 issued by the Bank. Any claims against this letter of credit must be filed with the Operator or the Bank within 60 days of the termination of the Expedition. After that time, the Operator and the Bank will be released from liability under the security agreement.

Expedition Price: The expedition price of $115,000 per person (double occupancy) with an $11,000 single supplement includes a privately chartered Boeing 757 that departs from Mineta San Jose International Airport, California, U.S. Included in the price are deluxe or best-available accommodations and all applicable taxes in the destinations, options as indicated in the brochure, from arrival at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto, California, on October 20, 2017, through departure in the morning from the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France. All meals, beginning with dinner on October 20, 2017, and ending with breakfast on November 13, 2017, are included, as are bottled water throughout the program (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals and in our rooms); 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, and coffee, tea, milk and soft drinks at all scheduled meals on land. Also included are airport transfers at the beginning of the expedition in San Jose, California, and at the end of the expedition in Paris, France; all taxes; group transportation; excursions; complete program of special events and activities, including an 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, to assist you throughout the trip; cost of philanthropic activities; amenities package; $100,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons (U.S. citizens only); visa fees and entry permits for U.S. and Canadian citizens; baggage handling during the expedition; and tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and wait staff. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition price will be at your discretion. Not included in the price: commercial airfare from your home city to San Jose, California, and return from Paris, France; optional and additional accident, baggage or cancellation insurance; passport fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax and Internet charges; all beverages not mentioned above as included; hotel mini-bar charges; meals not scheduled by the Operator; and inoculation and medication costs of any kind. 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.

Insurance: Trip cancellation, health and accident insurance are available for purchase; we will send you more information upon registration. These important protections can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. Insurance premium payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier.

Baggage: On the private jet, each passenger is limited to a total of 150 pounds of checked baggage in 3 bags (each limited to 50 pounds), plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack, purse, camera and/or laptop. 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 Operator, and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

Aircraft: All international flights aboard a private jet will be performed using a Boeing 757 jet with 52 flatbed seats. The air carrier for the Tour will be TAG Aviation (UK) Ltd., Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, GU14 6XA, United Kingdom. The Operator and air carrier(s) reserve the right to substitute equivalent aircraft if necessary.

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 the expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative arrangements may be made, at the discretion of the Sponsor and Operator. Our itinerary will 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 on the configuration of the aircraft.

Visa Documents/Entry Permits: To participate in the Tour, visas and/or entry permits may be required for some countries. The cost of acquiring visas and/or entry permits is included in the trip price, but failure to obtain visas and/or entry permits does not negate the terms and conditions. Should our independent security advisors assess that there is anything related to your professional or personal history that may preclude you from visiting Iran safely, we will deviate you around Iran at our expense. We will provide information on the necessary visas and/or entry permits in the Tour documents.

Health Requirements: This expedition is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic assessment of your health. All participants are expected to be active and in good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Prior to traveling, we highly recommend your visiting your personal physician for a checkup, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. 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. 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.

Stanford and the Operator reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to remove anyone whose physical condition or behavior compromises the operation of the private jet tour, detracts from the enjoyment or safety of other participants, or poses a safety threat to the participant. The removed party will not be entitled to a refund or any compensation by, or from, the Operator or Stanford for the Tour, including any refund for any unused portions of the Tour. Any liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from such removal, including but not limited to the costs of travel arrangements, are the sole responsibility of the removed party and not Stanford or the Operator.

Single/Shared Accommodations: A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

Basis of Rates: 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 do everything possible 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. The Operator reserves the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate. In such a case, a full refund of the expedition cost will be made.

Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this brochure are subject to modification and change by the Sponsor, Operator and authorized Carrier Service Provider for all Bangladesh- and Iran-related travel. 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.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event we cannot visit Bangladesh, we will instead visit Nepal. In the event we cannot visit Iran, we will instead visit Turkmenistan. There will be no change to the tour price in the event of either such itinerary change.

By registering for the Expedition, the participant agrees to the Operator-Participant Contract, Responsibility Statement, and Terms and Conditions herein.

Stanford Alumni Association is a California Seller of Travel (Program Registration #2048523-50). TCS & Starquest Expeditions is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265) and a California Seller of Travel (#2071584-30).