Around the World aboard a Privately Chartered Qantas 747 - September 2019

Itinerary

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   Thursday 3 October

   Welcome aboard your flying home – we’re on our way to Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities

   in the world – the spiritual and religious centre for Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

   This evening we touch down in Tel Aviv before driving to our hotel.

   Friday 4 October
   We waste no time getting out to explore, starting with Temple Mount. Then it’s on to the Western Wall and the maze of tunnels beneath before rising to ground level near the Bethesda pools, of Old and New Testament fame. Following Via Dolorosa through the colourful Shuk (Muslim Market) we reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

   Our walk continues to the Jewish Quarter then it’s over to the Armenian Quarter, arguably the most intriguing, peaceful and picturesque area of Jerusalem.

   After lunch we embark on an adventure through time, visiting the original City of David.

   This evening we are invited into family homes in Jerusalem to share in the tradition and ceremony of Shabbat dinner 

   Saturday 5 October
   Choose from A La Carte options today:

   Descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea Basin, and continue to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jewish people in the Great Revolt against the Romans.  

   Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. Visit Shepherds’ field and walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of the Nativity.

   Take  a gentle bike riding tour of Tel Aviv. With bike paths and a seaside promenade the city is perfectly laid out for exploring by bicycle.

   Dine at a selection of restaurants this evening.

   VALLETTA - MALTA

   Sunday 6 October
   From the Middle East to the heart of the Mediterranean we go in style.  Descending into the jewel of the Mediterranean we land at the tiny Maltese capital, Valletta.  This afternoon join a traditional sailing vessel to cruise around Valletta’s magnificent harbours. The fortifications, walls and buildings built by the Knights of St. John, Rhodes and Malta upon their arrival in 1530 form a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable harbour cruise.

   Monday 7 October
   Today the choices abound. Which will you select?

   Visit the Grand Master’s Palace and its armoury plus St John’s Cathedral and Casa Rocca Piccola before diverging down your chosen path: Uncover the intriguing mysteries of Malta’s former capital, Mdina. On our way back to Malta we visit Mosta, with its impressive dome. Head south to the Tarxien Temples, the magical Blue Grotto and the irresistible fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Walk the Three Cities of Malta’s inception – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The Three Cities have provided a home, harbour and fortress to citizens since Phoenician times. Or spend the day further afield? Sail the stunning Mediterranean archipelago to Gozo, the second largest island in Malta. After a traditional Maltese lunch and time at the fascinating Gozo360 display you’ll discover the 300 year old salt pan area along the coast.

   Tonight we come together for a magical night to remember in Valletta, experience local Maltese specialities in a location that is sure to amaze!

   BARCELONA - SPAIN

   Tuesday 8 October
   After touching down in Barcelona, the heart of Catalunya, we make the most of our afternoon, taking the panoramic route to Montjuic Hill for a view over the city.

   Wednesday 9 October & Thursday 10 October
   It’s time to delve deep into Barcelona, and with A La Carte options offered over two days, you’ll be able to enjoy the city on your own terms:

   Wine connoisseurs might be tempted with a full day visit to the fascinating wine region of Priorat. With 600 growers and 99 wineries this a land for wine!

   Drive into the countryside to the Benedictine Monk retreat at Montserrat. Enter the cliffside monastery and enjoy this serenely stunning location amidst the Catalan mountains.

   Join a colourful morning walking tour through the markets and cafés of Barcelona.

   Join a morning discovery of the Gaudi icons, concluding with a visit inside La Sagrada Familia.

   On both afternoons there will be shuttle buses running from your hotel to Las Ramblas, enabling you time to explore this marvellous city independently.

   On Wednesday evening there is a special dinner planned just for us. On Thursday it’s dinner A La Carte style – where you choose from a selection of restaurants.

   CARTAGENA - COLOMBIA

   Friday 11 October
   Adios Spain and hola Colombia – we’re moving continents but the language remains unchanged.  Arriving into Cartagena you will be driven directly to your hotel.

   Saturday 12 October
   Cartagena is one of the most surprising cities you’ll come across. It’s also one the most superbly preserved colonial cities of the Spanish Empire. This morning we enter into the old town, surrounded by a 13km circumference stone wall. Ensconced within the walls is a living open air museum of wooden houses, pastel facades and cobbled streets. Cartagena breathes history, beauty and culture in a way that only a Latin city could. How you discover the old town is up to you – by foot or by wheels (of the pushbike variety)!

   There are plans afoot this evening, rather than spoil the surprise, let’s just say a “special” dinner is planned. 

   Sunday 13 October
   A La Carte options spread out before you today: 

   Cartagena’s old town is filled with architectural treasures. Join a walking tour this morning with an architect and decipher some of the mysteries.

   Colombia, home of rum and coffee. This morning you may like to tickle your tastebuds with a tasting.  

   Escape the city for the day and head to Rosario Islands. Idyllically located on an archipelago, this is the Caribbean of your dreams – azure blue waters, white sands and palm trees.

   This evening the A La Carte options continue with a choice of dining venues.

   CUSCO - PERU

   Monday 14 October
   We take off from the Caribbean coast and, after changing aircraft in Lima, land high in the Andes. Upon arriving in Cusco we transfer directly to our hotel and prepare for tomorrow, our journey to Machu Picchu. 

   Tuesday 15 October
   A visit to Machu Picchu is the pinnacle for many travellers but the rail journey itself is a highlight, with its zig zags down the mountains and its picturesque route following the Urubamba River. It’s hard to imagine what the Incas were thinking when they deemed this remote mountain ridge as the site of their 15th century citadel.  But rather than speculate and reason, sometimes it’s better to let the magic take over. Machu Picchu is one of those times. 

   Wednesday 16 October
   A La Carte options are yours to select: 

   The Incas were industrious people – from mountaintop citadels to ancient irrigation systems, salt mines, stone villages and sacrificial sites. We spend the day exploring the Ancient Valley of the Incas from our Cusco base with a variety of half and full day alternatives offering cultural, shopping and scenic highlights.

   LOW ALTITUDE OPTION: Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400m. If you are concerned about travelling to this altitude you’ll be pleased to know we offer an alternate option visiting the fascinating Peruvian city of Chiclayo, discovering its archaeological and colonial treasures. Please enquire for a detailed itinerary.

   EASTER ISLAND - CHILE

   Thursday 17 October
   We fly to Lima to rejoin the ‘Queen of the Sky’, bound for Easter Island. One of the most remote, confounding and mystical places on earth. This afternoon its straight out to explore, starting with the ancient abandoned village of Orongo and the volcanic crater lake of Rano Kau.

   Friday 18 October
   A tiny island, lying 3700km off the coast of its nation and filled with more than 600 giant moai statues – Easter Island is unlike anywhere on earth.  Witness the inexplicable moai statues, standing with their backs to the sea, and walk through the quarry where they were made thousands of years ago. We continue around the island to Anakena beach, more like Tahiti than Chile. There will be one more chance to photograph the extraordinary moai before local performers treat us to a show. Soon the call of home sounds out and we’re boarding our private flying kangaroo one more time for the flight home to Sydney.

   Saturday 19 October
   Celebrate the journey of a lifetime and farewell newfound friends with a glass of Champagne or fine Australian wine as we fly towards home. Whilst you will arrive in Sydney with time to connect to most other cities today, it may take a week or so to adjust back to regular life!

Accommodation

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