We are delighted to have exclusively chartered a private plane to offer this remarkable itinerary which will enable us to travel in the utmost comfort between some of the most fascinating countries in Asia. Our three week journey includes the fascinating ancient city of Hegra in Saudi Arabia which has only recently opened to tourists, Oman’s ancient capital of Nizwa, the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, Nepal’s evocative capital of Kathmandu, the remote mountain Kingdom of Bhutan, the Silk Road city of Samarkand and finally Georgia’s charming capital city of Tbilisi. In addition to our Guest Speaker, Ernest Rea, and our excellent local guides, we have arranged for local specialists to give talks in some destinations which will add greatly to our knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the region.
Our in-depth itinerary certainly isn’t one which could be undertaken independently with such ease by using scheduled flights. With the luxury of a private plane at our disposal, we have planned our route meticulously to ensure that all the flights are during the day and no flight is in excess of five and a half hours. Guided excursions are included in each destination which will provide an insight into the cultures, customs and natural wonders of the region. We have carefully selected a range of wonderful hotels which are all five-star and we have chosen the accommodation based not only on the hotel’s facilities but also on the location and accessibility of the properties ensuring we are in close proximity to the sites whenever possible.
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Travelling by Private Plane
Our private plane is equipped with everything needed to ensure each flight is a comfortable and relaxing experience. Outfitted and custom configured to seat just 62 guests, the cabin is spacious with Business Class seating with only two seats on each side of the aisle. The seats provide a comfortable level of recline with leg rests. Lunches will be served on board accompanied by fine wines and throughout each flight all drinks are included. The ultimate advantage of travelling by private plane is the flexibility it provides when developing the itinerary and it ensures we are able to utilise your holiday time to the best effect, maximising time in destinations and minimising time wasted at airports. Whenever possible we will use private terminals at airports and benefit from expedited customs and immigration arrangements and our team will ensure that your luggage is collected from your hotel room and delivered to the plane when permitted (occasionally local authorities may insist that guests check in their own luggage and collect it upon arrival).
Luxury Hotel Accommodation
We have carefully selected a range of conveniently located, luxury hotels for our tour which are all five-star properties or in some of the locations, best available. Our first evening will be based at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted where you can meet your fellow travellers and the Noble Caledonia team before we transfer the following morning to the private jet terminal.
Itinerary
Day 1 Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.
This afternoon, check in any time after 15.00 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Complimentary parking will be available at the Inflite Private Jet Centre including a transfer to the hotel. For those arriving by train, the hotel is located a short walk from the station. This evening there will be a buffet dinner at the hotel at 19.00 where you can meet the Noble Caledonia Team who will be accompanying you for this adventure. Alternatively, you can join us at the Inflite Private Jet Centre prior to our first flight on the morning of Day 2 (rebate will apply).
Day 2 London Stansted to Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.
This morning we will transfer to the Inflite Private Jet Terminal at Stansted Airport avoiding the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. Our private plane will be directly in front of the terminal allowing for a stress-free boarding process. There will be a breakfast service on board and on arrival in Al Ula we will transfer to the Habitas Resort. After settling into our rooms we will meet for welcome drinks and dinner in the hotel this evening.
Flight Time: 5.5 Hours – 09.00 to 16.30
Day 3 Hegra & Maraya.
We will enjoy breakfast in the hotel before driving to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (Madain Saleh), the largest conserved site of Nabataean civilisation south of Petra. Once a thriving international trade hub, the site has been left practically undisturbed for 2,000 years. Here, surrounded by desert, we find over 100 well-preserved tombs featuring beautifully carved facades dating back to the first century BC. For lunch we will visit Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world with 9,740 reflective glass panels and a modern architectural wonder. Return to the hotel for some time to relax this afternoon before we depart in the early evening to one of Al Ula’s most iconic landmarks, Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil). The enormous, 52 metre high naturally-shaped rock formation resembles an elephant and looks magical in the fading sun at dusk. Tonight, dinner will be served at one of the restaurants offering views over the breathtaking desert landscapes.
Day 4 Jabal Ikmah & Dadan.
This morning is free to relax at the hotel, maybe have a swim in the pool, visit the spa or join one of the yoga sessions in this tranquil desert setting. After lunch we will make our way to Jabal Ikmah which served as a crossroads for travellers as far back as the first century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known as an “open air library” due to the hundreds of rock carvings, inscriptions and petroglyphs from that time. Continue to Dadan, the ancient capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms more than 2,000 years ago which were the hub of trade and agriculture on the incense route. We will explore the impressive ruins and learn about the history and culture of these once-thriving civilisations. Tonight, we head to Al Ula’s vibrant downtown area, where you can stroll through the markets, shops, and local attractions before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 Al Ula to Muscat, Oman.
Check out this morning and return to our private plane for the flight to Muscat. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. After time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the hotel we will meet for a private dinner in the hotel grounds.
Flight Time: 3 Hours – 11.00 to 15.00
Day 6 Muscat.
A morning city tour of Muscat will include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning piece of modern Islamic architecture which can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Continue to the fascinating National Museum which houses historical artefacts as well as the Royal Opera House. Return to the hotel for lunch and some free time to relax on the beach or poolside. Guest Speaker, Ernie Rea, will deliver his second lecture this evening before we drive to the Al Angham Restaurant, located by the Opera House where we will enjoy a traditional Omani dinner.
Day 7 Muscat & Nizwa.
On a full day excursion we will drive inland through fascinating scenery to see one of the most impressive forts in Oman at the sultanate of Nizwa. Nizwa was Oman’s ancient capital where we find the 17th century fort which has a unique 40-metre-tall round tower. We will continue to Jabrin Castle built in 1675 as a centre of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic Law. Lunch will be served before we return to Muscat. The remainder of the day will be at leisure with dinner served in the hotel this evening.
Day 8 Muscat to Kerala, India.
This morning we return to the airport and embark our private plane for the flight to Cochin, the gateway to the Kerala region of India. On arrival we will drive to the Kumarakom Lake Resort, situated amongst palm fringed canals and paddy fields in the lush backwaters of Kottayam. Arriving in the late afternoon we have time to settle into our rooms before we meet for a dinner of local cuisine by the banks of the lake.
Flight Time: 3.5 Hours – 09.30 to 14.30
Day 9 Kerala Backwaters.
This morning is free to relax in the hotel or maybe join one of our local guides for a visit to a nearby village and learn a little about daily life in this part of India. In the early afternoon we will board a traditional houseboat and enjoy lunch on board and an afternoon cruising the serene backwaters of Kerala. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and towns of the area. Spend the time relaxing on deck and admiring the passing landscapes of colonial warehouses, paddy fields and coconut thatched houses whilst spotting birds and floating plants and observing scenes of daily life along the water. We will disembark in Alleppy and return to the hotel by coach. This evening we will meet for a buffet dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 10 Kerala Backwaters.
Today you can choose to spend the day at the resort, maybe relax by the pool or indulge in an Ayurveda spa therapy. Alternatively join one of the “shikaras”, which are the boats used by the locals to carry trade and people between the villages, as we make our way to a local farm where they practice sustainable farming for spices, fruit and fish. Learn about the farming techniques and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of local specialities. Return to the hotel for some free time this afternoon before we meet in the early evening for a lecture by Ernie Rea. Afterwards we will say farewell to India with a performance of Kathakali, a classical dance form that combines literature, music, acting, and elaborate costumes. We will see the performers as they apply the intricate make-up and enjoy a private dance performance and dinner on the hotel lawns by the lake.
Day 11 Kerala to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Return to Cochin airport this morning and board our private plane for a flight to Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, a 2000-year-old city surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to Dwarika’s Hotel. Enjoy some time at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening at the hotel’s Toran restaurant this evening.
Flight Time: 3.5 Hours – 12.00 to 15.45
Day 12 Kathmandu & Patan.
After breakfast we make our way to the 5th century Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal where pilgrims can be seen circumnavigating the stupa chanting mantras. We will interact with some of the monks at a Buddhist monastery, before continuing to Patan. Situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu and known as the ‘city of artisans’, Patan is home to the finest craftsmen still using many ancient techniques. After lunch we return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. In the early evening we will be joined by a representative of Deprosc Nepal who will provide insight into the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake of 2015 as well as other projects with the local farming communities. Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious and traditional Nepali menu served in the hotel courtyard.
Day 13 Kathmandu.
This morning we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the Royal Palace with its gilded gates and elaborate statues and the many stalls displaying a wide variety of Nepalese and Tibetan handicrafts. Later we take a rickshaw ride to the commercial area of Thamel where we can shop for local artefacts. Return to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening.
Day 14 Kathmandu to Thimpu, Bhutan.
Mid-morning we return to Kathmandu Airport for our specially chartered flight to Paro Airport. Enjoy the spectacular views before we land in the Paro Valley and transfer to Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel and the wonderful views over the Himalayas. Before dinner this evening in the hotel, we will be joined by a Bhutanese scholar who will talk to us about Bhutan and Gross National Happiness. The Gross National Happiness philosophy serves as a beacon for Bhutan in its search for greater wellbeing and advancement of the Bhutanese people.
Flight Time: 1 Hour – 10.00 to 11.15 (Local charter flight)
Day 15 Thimpu.
This morning we will drive to the Dochula Pass situated over 3000 metres above sea level. The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese stupa with 108 small stupas and prayer flags fluttering on amongst the cypress trees. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Return to Thimpu where we will visit the Textile Museum, created to preserve the ancient art of weaving, the painting school, National Memorial Chorten and the Great Buddha Dordenma statue from where there are wonderful views over the valley of Thimphu. There will be free time to explore the bustling streets of the capital before dinner this evening.
Day 16 Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Paro.
Early this morning we will take a scenic drive into the Paro valley where there will be a choice of activities. You may choose to join the excursion to Paro Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Clinging to the cliffs almost 3000 metres above the Paro valley, the breathtaking Paro Taktsang monastery is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. The Buddhist monastery consists of four temples and eight caves, accessed through the forest from the valley below. The challenging walk will take us along paths strewn with colourful prayer flags and spectacular views of the valley. Alternatively, those who prefer a less strenuous day can visit the National Museum which showcases collections of Bhutanese art, weapons and historical artefacts before learning more about the national sport of archery. Later today we will transfer to Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay and a traditional dinner including local dance and music.
Day 17 Thimpu to Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
This morning we will transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Kathmandu. Here we will connect with our private plane for the flight to Samarkand. Located in the valley of the Zarafshan River in northeastern Uzbekistan it is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Central Asia. Founded in the 7th century BC, the city prospered from its location on the trading routes between China and the Mediterranean, became a centre for Islamic scholars and in the 14th century became the capital of the Tamerlane Empire. We arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel where we have the reminder of the day to relax. This evening we will meet for a pre-dinner drink and lecture before dinner in the hotel.
Flight Time: Paro to Kathmandu: 1 hour – 10.00 to 10.45 (Local charter flight)
Flight Time: Kathmandu to Samarkand: 3 Hours – 12.15 to 14.30
Day 18 Samarkand.
This morning our local guide will take us to some of the highlights of the city including the stunning architecture, 15th century Gur Emir Mausoleum and Registan Square. When Samarkand was the pride of the Muslim world, Registan Square was the centre of the city surrounded on three sides by mosques and madrassas which in the 16th century were said to “hold up the sky” with their huge portals, minarets and blue tiles. After lunch we will continue our discovery of the city seeing the Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, also known as the ‘street of tombs’ which is a compound of mausoleums adorned with blue cuppolas, high portals and ornamental stone arches. Also see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar. Return to the hotel to freshen up before we return to enjoy a private dinner at a local venue with music.
Day 19 Samarkand to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Return to the airport this morning and embark our private plane for our flight to Tbilisi. The city’s location on the crossroads of Europe and Asia and close to the Silk Road made it a strategic centre for many years. Today we still discover diverse people, cultures and traditions intermingling with one another. On arrival we will transfer to the Marriott Hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner.
Flight Time: 2.5 Hours – 12.00 to 13.30
Day 20 Tbilisi.
A morning city tour of Tblisi will include a drive to the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Freedom Square before a walking tour of the city passes the Rezo Gabriadze puppet Theatre and Clock tower, the Sioni Cathedral and the old bathhouses. Those feeling active can continue to see the city waterfall. Our tour ends with a walk up to the Metechi plateau for a view over the old town and to see the Metechi Church. We continue to Chateau Mukhrani, the first and only true Georgian Royal Chateau, which unites four key components: vineyards, winery, castle and history. Mukhranian wine production was established by Ivane Mukhranbatoni, a famous representative of the royal family and a political and public figure of the 19th century. In 1879, Ivane Mukhranbatoni returned from France with Chateau concept knowledge and established wine production at the Chateau Mukhrani. We will explore the chateau and enjoy a wine tasting with lunch before returning to our hotel this afternoon. This evening we will meet for dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant in the city.
Day 21 Mtskheta & Tblisi.
Today we will explore Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns and the cultural and religious centre of Georgia. It was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC and due to its location at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari River was a crossroad of many trade routes. Today it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a living museum, with many architectural and historical monuments. See the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Church, a masterpiece of the early Medieval Period where we can hear some Georgian polyphonic choral music presented by The Anchiskhati Choir. Return to Tblisi for a leisurely afternoon. Tonight we will take the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda for our farewell dinner with wonderful views over the city below.
Day 22 Tbilisi to London Stansted.
Return to the airport this morning for our final flight to London Stansted Inflite Private Jet Centre. If you have parked at the Jet Centre, you will have direct access to your car alternatively a transfer will be provided to Stansted Airport Train Station.
Flight Time: 4.5 Hours – 12.00 to 13.30
Dates and Prices
7 to 28 April 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Twin | £35995 | £32995 |
Single | £39995 | £36995 |
Tour Reference Code: LACROSSROADS
PRICE INCLUDES: Flights aboard privately chartered plane in business class style seats (specially arranged charter flight in Nepal) • 21 nights hotel accommodation in five-star (or best available) hotels • All meals inclusive of drinks • All guided excursions • All transfers • All porterage • Noble Caledonia Team including Guest Speaker • All gratuities • All taxes. Noble Caledonia will also be carbon offsetting the air travel on behalf of all those travelling.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas.
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted If you would prefer to join us at the Private Jet Terminal on 8th April (Day 2 of itinerary) prior to our first flight, we can offer a rebate for the first night’s accommodation. Please advise at the time of booking and we will adjust your booking accordingly.
Visa Information: A visa is required for British passport holders for Saudi Arabia (an E-Visa can be applied for before travel for a fee of £85); India (an E-visa can be applied for before travel for fee of approximately £25); Nepal (applications are made online before travel for fee of approximately £25) and Bhutan (arranged by local agents, no fee). Noble Caledonia will provide all supporting documentation needed for passengers to arrange their visas. This information is correct at the time of printing and should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated guidelines.
NB: Itinerary is subject to change. Flight departure and arrival times shown are local, are provisional and subject to change. During the tour all drinks with meals are included, however please note there will be certain days during our tour, including our time in Saudi Arabia, where, due to local customs, we are unable to include alcohol. In these cases a range of non-alcoholic drinks will be served.
Luxury Hotel Accommodation
We have carefully selected a range of conveniently located, luxury hotels for our tour which are all five-star properties or in some of the locations, best available. Our first evening will be based at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted where you can meet your fellow travellers and the Noble Caledonia team before we transfer the following morning to the private jet terminal.
A Note from Your Tour Leader
Our inaugural ‘Crossroads of Cultures’ tour by Private Plane took place in September 2023 and was a great success. Neil Horrocks who led that tour will once again be accompanying our tour in 2025:
I am delighted to have been asked to join the “Crossroads of Cultures” tour again in 2025. As Noble Caledonia’s Senior Cruise Director, I never dreamt that I would have the opportunity to visit the likes of Bhutan, Nepal and Uzbekistan. These landlocked countries are understandably off the cruising map, but to be able to visit them with a group of like-minded people, by private plane, is the perfect way to experience these far off destinations. My colleagues and I are looking forward to creating incredible memories for you as we journey across these varied and fascinating cultural landscapes. We begin with an exploration of Hegra, an ancient city in Saudi Arabia which was untouched for millennia, and end at the Silk Road crossroads of Tbilisi, Georgia. Highlights en route include the ornate Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, a relaxing scenic cruise on a houseboat in Kerala, a blessing from a monk in a Kathmandu temple, the happiness of the Bhutanese people, a glimpse of the summit of Mount Everest on a clear day, and marvelling at the architecture of Registan Square in Samarkand.
The hotels have been specially selected, our aircraft crew are the epitome of friendliness, and our expert local guides bring all the different cultures to life. We learn how the religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Orthodox Christianity have influenced the places we visit, and our Guest Speaker, Ernie Rea, is on hand to encourage us to think about how these cultures have evolved. Some of the destinations may be places you have visited before, but I found this unique combination of cultures made me think about these regions as a whole, and feel like I was discovering them again for the first time. The sumptuousness of our accommodation allows you to explore these countries at your own pace – there is no pressure to join the included guided tours. You can feel free to take advantage of the hotels’ facilities and then reconvene with your fellow travellers over a stimulating dinner. The world is yours to explore, and my colleagues and I very much look forward to welcoming you on board as we embark on our “Crossroads of Cultures” tour by private plane.
Travelling with You
On board our private plane you will be cared for by a specially trained crew including two pilots and a team of flight attendants. The same crew will remain with us throughout the tour and welcome you back on board after each exciting destination. There will also be a Noble Caledonia team of five who will accompany you throughout and will dine with our group each evening. In addition to our Tour Leader, Guest Speaker and experienced Tour Managers, there will be a medically trained first responder travelling as part of the team.
Guest Speaker - Ernest Rea
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio. He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 to 2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all religious television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this period, he spent much time in the United States, brokering coproduction television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales. He is in wide demand as a speaker at international inter faith conferences, literary festivals and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council of Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith Understanding. He has First Class Honours Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics which helped to fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the way in which they impact on the ancient and modern worlds.
Travelling by Private Plane
Our private plane is equipped with everything needed to ensure each flight is a comfortable and relaxing experience. Outfitted and custom configured to seat just 62 guests, the cabin is spacious with Business Class seating with only two seats on each side of the aisle. The seats provide a comfortable level of recline with leg rests. Lunches will be served on board accompanied by fine wines and throughout each flight all drinks are included. The ultimate advantage of travelling by private plane is the flexibility it provides when developing the itinerary and it ensures we are able to utilise your holiday time to the best effect, maximising time in destinations and minimising time wasted at airports. Whenever possible we will use private terminals at airports and benefit from expedited customs and immigration arrangements and our team will ensure that your luggage is collected from your hotel room and delivered to the plane when permitted (occasionally local authorities may insist that guests check in their own luggage and collect it upon arrival).
Also of Interest
Landscapes of the Silk Road by Private Train
From Almaty to Tashkent aboard the Orient Silk Road Express
Orient Silk Road Express
Itinerary at a glance
- Almaty / Lake Issyk-Kul / Bishkek / Samarkand / Shakhrisabz / Dushanbe / Bukhara / Khiva / Tashkent
South Africa & Namibia by Private Train
A journey from Pretoria to Swakopmund aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail Private Train
Rovos Rail Private Train
Itinerary at a glance
- Johannesburg / Pretoria / Kimberley / Upington / Fish River Canyon / Kolmanskop / Luderitz / Keetmanshoop / Quiver Tree Forest / Soussuvlei / Windhoek / Cheetah Conservation Fund / Etosha National Park / Namib Desert / Walvis Bay / Swakopmund /
Exotic India
Discover the wonders of India including Amritsar, Ranthambore, Jaipur & Kerala by Private Plane
Luxury Hotel Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Tbilisi / Delhi / Agra / Amritsar / Jaipur / Ranthambore National Park / Varanasi / Cochin / Kerala Backwaters / Marari Beach / Cochin / Mumbai / Luxor
Journey from Victoria Falls by Private Train
An escorted journey between Victoria Falls & Pretoria aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail Private Train
Itinerary at a glance
- Victoria Fallls / Hwange Game Reserve / Matopos / Antelope Park / Great Zimbabwe Monument / Limpopo Province / Kapama Game Reserve / Kingdom of eSwatini / Maputo / Kruger National Park / Pretoria
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000