Crossroads of Cultures

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 Aqaba, Jordan.

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 Aqaba we will transfer to the Movenpick Aqaba Resort and Residences. After settling into our rooms we will meet for welcome drinks and dinner in the hotel this evening.
Flight Time: 5 Hours – 09.00 to 16.00

Day 3 Wadi Rum & Petra.

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre. From here we transfer to four-wheel drive vehicles for a tour to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon where the desert landscape is mixed with awe-inspiring shapes to create an almost supernatural atmosphere. See the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the famous landmark named after the book by T.E. Lawrence ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ as well as Siq Um Al Tawaqi, a short canyon containing a carving of the head of T.E. Lawrence. After lunch in a Bedouin tent, we continue our journey to visit the extraordinary site of Little Petra which is a miniature Petra, hidden amidst white sandstone, with its own small gorge (Siq el-Barid) and impressive rock-hewn facades of monuments, water reservoirs, aqueducts and stairways. Little Petra was probably the major caravanserai of the Nabatean capital Petra. After our visit we will check into the Movenpick Petra for a two night stay. Tonight, there will be the opportunity to join a ‘Petra by Night’ tour where parts of the ancient city, including the Siq, are lit by over 1500 candles offering a magical view of the site.

Day 4 Petra.

After breakfast in the hotel we will make our way to the entrance of the old city and walk along the ‘Siq’ to visit the rose-red city. The ancient city of Petra was built between 800 BC to 100 AD by Nabatean Arabs. In this era Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame. Petra covers an area of about 100 square kilometres, in which over 800 monuments can be found. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city’s importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. After a morning of exploration with our guides we will enjoy lunch in Petra. This afternoon is free to continue to explore further at your own pace or return to the hotel to relax. You may also wish to visit the Petra Museum located next to the hotel with many artefacts discovered in the city. This evening, join our Guest Speaker Ernie Rea for his first lecture before we enjoy dinner in the hotel’s roof garden restaurant.

Day 5 Petra to Muscat, Oman.

Check out this morning and return to Aqaba to embark 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 – 11.30 to 15.30

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 in the grounds of the castle 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 Registan Square for a private dinner inside the Ulugbek Madrasa.

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: 2.5 Hours – 12.00 to 13.30