Siem Reap & Angkor, Cambodia

Bangkok,Thailand

Yogyakarta &Borobudur, Indonesia

Hanoi & Ha Long Bay,Vietnam

Kunming, China

Lijiang, China

Japan

Pusan

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•Xi’an

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•

•

•• •

•

Osaka

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KyotoNara

Thailand Pre-Tour••

Private jet Local airPre- & Post-Tour

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Gyeongju• •

South Korea

Beijing•

China Post-Tour

Journey to the enchanting lands of Shaman kings, Buddhist monks, geishas, and hill tribes.

In Indonesia, fly to the island of Java and ascend the mysterious Borobudur temple. In Cambodia, explore the stunningly beautiful Angkor Wat or try your hand at Khmer-style ceramics at a local workshop. In Vietnam, cruise among the thousands of karst formations and islets in Ha Long Bay. In China’s Yunnan Province, meet with a Naxi family in their traditional home in Lijiang or stroll the Stone Forest of Kunming-one of Earth’s natural wonders. In South Korea, see the golden treasures of the great Shilla Kingdom and spend a night with the monks at Golgulsa Temple. And in Japan, explore Kyoto’s Zen gardens, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples; and visit the first imperial city, Nara, or take an ikebana or calligraphy class at a traditional ryokan where dinner will be served in exquisite kaiseki style.

Monk at Ta Prohm, Cambodia

saCreD PlaCes of asiaby Private jet

Thailand • IndonesiaCambodia • Vietnam • China

South Korea • Japan

April 5-19, 201015 Days / 72 Travelers

Depart Arrive Hours/MinutesBangkok, Thailand Yogyakarta, Java 4’ 00”Yogyakarta, Java Siem Reap, Cambodia 3’ 55”Siem Reap, Cambodia Hanoi, Vietnam 2’ 00”Hanoi, Vietnam Kunming, China 1’ 25”Kunming, China Pusan, South Korea 3’ 30”Pusan, South Korea Osaka, Japan 1’ 20”Osaka, Japan X’ian, China 4’ 40”

FLIGHT TIMINGS FOR THE BOEING 757 PRIVATE JET:

Siem Reap & Angkor, Cambodia

Bangkok,Thailand

Yogyakarta &Borobudur, Indonesia

Hanoi & Ha Long Bay,Vietnam

Kunming, China

Lijiang, China

Japan

Pusan

•

•Xi’an

•

•

•

•• •

•

Osaka

•

KyotoNara

Thailand Pre-Tour••

Private jet Local airPre- & Post-Tour

•

Gyeongju• •

South Korea

Beijing•

China Post-Tour

Borobudur Temple, Island of Java, Indonesia

Traditional Javanese instruments, Indonesia

Apsara dancers, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bangkok, thailandMonday, April 5. Meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a welcome dinner at our hotel in Bangkok. Please note that travelers from the U.S. will need to depart on April 3 in order to arrive in time for the expedition (This flight crosses the International Date Line and therefore travelers would lose a day en route). The Peninsula Bangkok

Yogyakarta & Borobudur, island of Java, indonesiaTuesday & Wednesday, April 6 & 7. Fly by private jet to Java and visit Borobudur—a 1,200 year-old temple. Made of lava rock, the temple is dramatically situated on a hill in the form of a stepped pyramid, six levels high, topped by three circular terraces ringed with Buddha statues, and a central stupa. Greet the next day with a sunrise visit to Prambanan, an enormous Hindu temple whose main shrine soars 154-feet high above the scattered ruins of 244 temples. Then in the evening, savor Indonesian cuisine at a festive “Night Market.” Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta (Accommodation upgrade available at Amanjiwo)

Options: Visit the Sultan’s Palace and enjoy a traditional Javanese music performance in the Sultan’s courtyard. Or explore the Water Castle, Yogyakarta’s old water system, and its surrounding village where you can meet a local Javanese family. Then spend time shopping in the local markets or enjoy a batik-making demonstration.

r Our expedition will finance the purchase of books for the Krebet elementary school and medical supplies for the health center in Krebet village outside Yogyakarta.

Cambodia’s Angkor WatThursday & Friday, April 8 & 9. We arrive in Siem Reap, our base for explorations into the heart of the Khmer Empire. Angkor was built between the ninth and 13th centuries, and remains one of the world’s greatest architectural triumphs. Abandoned in 1434 and gradually hidden by the thick undergrowth of the surrounding jungle, the city was slowly forgotten—until four centuries later when it was uncovered by European explorers. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards. Visit the royal quarters of Angkor Thom, featuring the extraordinary Bayon Temple, considered to be the model of the Buddhist universe. Venture into the ancient site of Ta Prohm, left largely as it was found a century ago, engulfed by thick banyan trees. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap

Alternate: Or, instead of Angkor Wat, explore the ninth-century Roluos temple complex, which includes the Preah Ko Temple, the first brick temple to be built at this ancient site; the unique Bakong Temple, which represents an early use of stone construction with its five symmetrical towers; and the multi-towered Lolei, once an island temple in the center of a great lake. Take part in a tea ceremony with a resident monk at a local pagoda and learn about monastic life here. Meet with resident artisans at a non-profit crafts workshop and try your hand at traditional Khmer-style ceramics, then attend workshops demonstrating the production of traditional textiles. Space on this alternate excursion is limited.

r Our expedition will finance the purchase of an ox-cart taxi for one of Rohal Village’s citizens, offering a unique entrepreneurial opportunity that can provide for an entire Cambodian family.

15

saCr eD PlaCes of asi a by Privat e jet

Ngoc Son Temple and Rising Sun Bridge, Hanoi, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, VietnamOld Quarter, Lijiang, China

Dongba shaman, Lijiang, China

Hanoi & Ha long Bay, VietnamSaturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11. Fly by private jet to Hanoi and explore this beautiful 1,000-year-old city filled with lakes and parks. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s wooden house on stilts and the curiously shaped One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the old town and visit Ngoc Son Temple at the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.

Then travel to the spectacular seascape of Ha Long Bay, one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ha Long means “descending dragon,” named for the mythical mother beast who defended her offspring from an enemy by spewing shards of jade at their oncoming ships. The jade immediately turned into wondrous islands and karst formations, thereby thwarting the enemy ships. Enjoy a cruise among the massive limestone islands that tower above the waters, a breathtaking sight of ethereal beauty. Observe up close their dramatic forms, their hidden caves, and the many grotto altars where local fishermen whisper their prayers for a good catch. InterContinental Westlake Hanoi

r Our expedition will donate maps and craft supplies to Duc Son Pagoda Orphanage, which provides food, shelter, education, and job training for abandoned children in Hué.

lijiang or Kunming, Yunnan Province, ChinaMonday & Tuesday, April 12 & 13. Continue by private jet to Kunming and transfer by local air to Lijiang, an incredibly well preserved 1,000-year-old town that was an important stop on the Silk Road connecting Thailand, Myanmar, Yunnan, and Tibet. Take a walk in the Old Quarter, an enchanting network of ancient wooden homes and small spring-fed canals that wend their way along the narrow streets. Observe the local sorcerers presiding over Dongba religious ceremonies in ancestral halls. Meet with a Naxi family in their home. Stop by a teahouse for a sampling of the fine local varieties. And venture beyond town to enjoy a truly unforgettable Naxi dance performance in the open air, with the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its backdrop. Banyan Tree Hotel, Lijiang

Alternate: Or, instead of visiting Lijiang, remain in Kunming to see the Stone Forest. This extensive outcropping of limestone pillars inspired local legends because they bear remarkable resemblance to animals, humans, and plants. Then visit the Kunming Flower

16

Guardian figure, Bulguk-sa Temple, Gyeongju, South Korea

The Stone Forest, Kunming, China

Sokkuram Grotto, South Korea

Burial mounds of Shilla kings, Gyeongju, South Korea The Divine Bell, Gyeongju, South Korea

Jagalchi Fish Market, Pusan, South Korea

Market, a traditional teahouse, Green Lake Park, the Golden Horse & Phoenix Memorial Archway, and the bustling markets of Nanping Street. Kunming Bank Hotel

r Our expedition will support Lijiang Orphanage by purchasing their floral crafts—delightful reminders of the verdant Yunnan Province.

Pagodas & Palaces of the Great shilla Kingdom, south KoreaWednesday & Thursday, April 14 & 15. Depart Lijiang by local air to Kunming, where we board our private jet. Fly to South Korea, where we land in Pusan and transfer to Gyeongju. Explore the enormous tombs of the Shilla kings, which dominate Gyeongju’s townscape as a series of grass-covered hills. The tombs originally held countless treasures now housed in the Gyeongju National Museum, which we will also visit. View paintings, metalwork, earthenware, carved jade, weapons, and sculptures made from gold, granite, and bronze, including an exquisite golden crown with jade tiger claws. Also on display is one of the world’s largest and oldest bells, The Divine Bell for the Great King Song, whose sonorous tones are said to be heard 40 miles away.

We will also visit the Bulguk-sa Buddhist Temple, the most famous temple in the country, and a splendid example of classic Shilla architecture. We will also visit the Sokkuram Grotto, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists where you will find a breathtakingly beautiful statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. See one of South Korea’s oldest surviving structures, Cheomseongdae, the curious seventh-century astronomical observatory. Here, Shilla geomancers attempted to divine the futures of local noblemen. In Pusan, stop by the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, a lively gathering place where local fishermen bring in the morning’s catch. Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju

Option: Join monks of the Golgulsa Temple in a meditative session and traditional meal, and spend the night in the sacred halls of their temple. The ancient martial art, Seonmundo, a precursor to Taekwondo, originated at this temple. Golgulsa Temple

r Our expedition will support the work of a renowned Korean pictorial calligrapher who teaches children this colorful and rare folk art.

17

Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara

Palace gate of Nijo Castle, Kyoto

Daibutsu Buddha, Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Kasuga Shrine, Nara

Geisha

Cultural treasures of Kyoto & nara, JapanFriday, Saturday & Sunday, April 16, 17 & 18. Explore historic Kyoto and stroll the tree-lined streets by the Kamo River where traditional shops, theaters, and teahouses abound. See colorfully-kimonoed residents, including geisha, and observe their gorgeous robes up-close at a demonstration of the art of dressing in a kimono. See the resplendent Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion; pay homage to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, at Sanjusangendo, a centuries-old wooden temple that houses 1,001 statues in her honor; and admire the palaces and gardens of Nijo Castle, former residence of the famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Later, savor a gala banquet of traditional Japanese cuisine, and enjoy a rare opportunity to meet with a true Kyoto geisha.

The next day, explore the treasures of ancient Nara, Japan’s first imperial capital. See the glorious Todai-ji Temple—the world’s largest wooden building, guarded by two exquisite Nio figures and featuring the enormous bronze Daibutsu Buddha, weighing 437 tons. Pass by more than 1,000 stone lanterns along the enchanting path to Kasuga Shrine. Enter the headquarters of the Hosso School of Japanese Buddhism at the Yakushi-ji Temple and gaze up at the statue of ‘The Medicine Buddha,’ one of the first Buddhist deities to arrive from China in A.D. 680. Kyoto Hotel Okura

Option: You may, if you wish, take a class in a traditional Japanese art—such as calligraphy or ikebana flower arrangement—with an experienced instructor in her home.

Alternate Accommodation: Instead of spending all three nights at the Kyoto Hotel Okura, spend one night at an historic Japanese inn and immerse yourself in the graceful customs of old Japan. This excursion is limited to a small number of travelers and will incur a separate cost. Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto

r Our expedition will support the Women’s Association of Kyoto, an award-winning organization devoted to sharing hands-on traditional Japanese arts with the public.

HomewardMonday, April 19. Connect with individual commercial flights to your home city from Osaka, Japan. Or, extend your journey to other lands.

Cost Per Person: Double Occupancy: $29,950 Single Supplement: $3,990

Commercial airfare to Bangkok and from Osaka is not included. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. Federal Government.

saCr eD PlaCes of asi a by Privat e jet

18

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, near Chiang Rai Elephant trekking, northern Thailand Yao hill tribe woman in traditional dress, Thailand

Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi’an, China

The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

extend Your Journey to other lands, if You WishSacred Places of Asia travelers who are not continuing from the Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya expedition can join the Thailand Pre-Tour.

Sacred Places of Asia travelers who are also joining The Ancient Silk Road expedition can enjoy the China Interval.

Sacred Places of Asia travelers who are not joining The Ancient Silk Road expedition can join the China Post-Tour.

tHAilAnd Pre-tour Bangkok, Elephant Trekking & A Luxury Tented Camp in Northern ThailandThursday through Sunday, April 1 through 4. Spend a night at the Peninsula Bangkok, then fly by commercial air to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Cruise by riverboat through bamboo forests to our luxury camp. Go elephant trekking through the jungles to the confluence of the Mekong and Sop Ruak Rivers, the very point where Thailand, Laos, and Burma meet. Visit local villages and markets, for a rare chance to meet with the colorful hill tribe peoples. Then on April 5, return to Bangkok where you will join the Sacred Places of Asia expedition. The Peninsula Bangkok and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, near Chiang Rai

Cost Per Person: Double Occupancy: $5,900 Single Supplement: $2,100Round-trip airfare between Bangkok and Chiang Rai is included in the price.

CHinA interVAl Xi’an, ChinaMonday, April 19. Board our private jet to Xi’an and enjoy a complimentary night at our fine hotel, and enjoy a chance to unwind before joining The Ancient Silk Road expedition. Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi’an

CHinA Post-tourOsaka, Japan / Xi’an & Beijing, ChinaMonday through Friday, April 19 through 23. You may continue aboard our private jet from Osaka, Japan to Xi’an, China. In Xi’an, come face to face with the Qin terra-cotta warriors and visit the New Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Then take a local flight to Beijing, China’s booming capital city and heir to the magnificent legacies of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Explore the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square. Then on April 24, transfer to the airport and connect with your independent commercial flight home. Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi’an and Raffles Beijing Hotel

Cost Per Person: Double Occupancy: $5,900 Single Supplement: $900Airfare from Xi’an to Beijing is included in the price.

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The ancienT Silk roadBy privaTe JeT

China • Mongolia • Uzbekistan Armenia • Turkey

April 20-May 4, 201015 Days / 72 Travelers

London, U.K.•

Xi’an, China

Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia

Mogao Caves & Dunhuang, China

Samarkand,Uzbekistan

Yerevan,Armenia

Istanbul,Turkey

The Gobi Desert

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•

•

•

•

EphesusFamen Temple

Izmir,Turkey

Osaka, Japan

Beijing, China

Lhasa, Tibet

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China Pre-Tour

Private jet Local airPre-Tour Private jet transfer between expeditions

Chart the course of history along the world’s most famous trade routes, where ancient cities and cultures have flourished and still resonate with their unique, glorious pasts.

In the heart of China in Xi’an, marvel at the Qin terra-cotta warriors and a kung fu performance by Shaolin monks, or venture to the legendary Famen Temple to see the Sui and Tang dynasty riches of the largest religious vault ever discovered in the country. In China’s desert frontier, step into the fourth-century cave monasteries of Dunhuang, filled with awe-inspiring Buddhist art that few have ever seen. In Mongolia, search for dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs and spend an unforgettable night in a comfortable ger camp. In Uzbekistan, admire Samarkand’s markets and traditional Islamic architecture. In Armenia, visit the oldest churches in the world’s first Christian nation. And in Turkey, explore the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and Hagia Sophia at Istanbul, legendary wonders of the ancient world.

Mingsha Sand Dunes, Dunhuang, China

Depart Arrive Hours/MinutesXi’an, China Dunhuang, China 1’ 30”Dunhuang, China Urumchi, China 1’Urumchi, China Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 1’Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Samarkand, Uzbekistan 3’ 30”Samarkand, Uzbekistan Yerevan, Armenia 3’ 10”Yerevan, Armenia Izmir, Turkey 2’ 35”Izmir, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey 1’Istanbul, Turkey London, U.K. 4’

FLIGHT TIMINGS FOR THE BOEING 757 PRIVATE JET:

Emperor Qin’s tomb, Xi’an.

London, U.K.•

Xi’an, China

Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia

Mogao Caves & Dunhuang, China

Samarkand,Uzbekistan

Yerevan,Armenia

Istanbul,Turkey

The Gobi Desert

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•

•

•

EphesusFamen Temple

Izmir,Turkey

Osaka, Japan

Beijing, China

Lhasa, Tibet

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China Pre-Tour

Private jet Local airPre-Tour Private jet transfer between expeditions

Shaolin monk kung fu performance, Xi’an

Terra-cotta warriors, Emperor Qin’s tomb, Xi’an

Crescent Moon Lake, near Dunhuang

Painting detail, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Xi’an, ChinaTuesday & Wednesday, April 20 & 21. In Xi’an, meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a welcome dinner accompanied by a gravity-defying Shaolin monk kung fu performance. Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take an overnight flight departing April 19 in order to arrive in time for the dinner on Tuesday.

Begin your exploration of this ancient city with a visit to one of the most significant archaeological finds of the last century—the life-sized funerary army of Emperor Qin’s tomb, meant to accompany and protect the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty into the afterlife. Incredibly, each warrior and horse is unique, totaling over 7,000 in number and representing a variety of squadrons in full uniform, ready for battle. Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi’an

Options: While in Xi’an, you may also peruse the souk-like markets of the Muslim Quarter; see the Great Mosque of Xi’an, built during the Ming dynasty; and stroll the ramparts of the Old City Wall, one of the best-preserved examples of an ancient wall in the world. Or, visit the famed Big Wild Goose Pagoda; stop at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum; and at the Yangling Tombs, marvel at the exquisite funerary treasures of Emperor Liu Qu and Empress Wang.

Alternate: Or, instead of Xi’an, you may visit the Famen Temple outside of the city and admire the 13-tiered pagoda and the largest religious vault ever discovered in China, where Sui and Tang Dynasty riches, including colored glazeware, jewelry, silks, gold artifacts, and one of the few remaining relics of the Lord Buddha were protected in secret for centuries. Enjoy lunch at the temple before returning to Xi’an in the afternoon. Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi’an

r Our expedition will donate supplies to Xi’an’s Yanta Road Primary School, and will support the work of the Jingrui Jade Carving factory that provides meaningful employment and fair wages to disabled employees.

Caves of the thousand Buddhas, dunhuang, ChinaThursday & Friday, April 22 & 23. Board our jet for China’s most westerly province, Gansu, once a key gateway to the west. Stop at Dunhuang, an ancient Silk Road oasis, and follow in the footsteps of early pilgrim Fa Hsien here as we explore the treasures of the Mogao Caves, set into a cliff wall of the Echoing Sand Mountains. For more than 1,500 years, this extensive network of cave monasteries has been an important site of pilgrimage for traveling monks and houses countless carvings, murals, paintings, and other priceless Buddhist artifacts. Take a camel ride along the Mingsha Sand Dunes to Crescent Moon Lake, a rare and paradoxical spring deep within an arid landscape. Dunhuang Hotel

r Our expedition will support the disabled artisans of Guojiapu Village who create detailed paper cuttings, also known as “Window Flowers”—an art form that began in the Han Dynasty.

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Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar

Th e anci enT Si lk roa d By privaT e JeT

Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar

A young rider and his horse, Mongolian Steppe Flaming Cliffs, Gobi DesertAvalokitesvara, Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar

ulaanbaatar & the Gobi desert, MongoliaSaturday, Sunday & Monday, April 24, 25 & 26. Continue by private jet, briefly stopping in Urumchi for departure clearance, to Mongolia—the legendary land of Genghis Khan. Experience the vast expanse of the beautiful steppe that is inextricably intertwined with the nomadic lifestyle of its people. Visit the renowned Gandan Monastery, one of only a few monasteries to survive the political upheaval of the 1930’s. Then visit the Museum of Natural History, featuring a dinosaur skeleton and eggs recovered from the Gobi Desert.

The next day, fly by private local aircraft deep into southern Mongolia and spend two nights at a traditional ger-style encampment in the Gobi Desert. Explore the foothills of the Gobi-Altai Mountains, one of the best-protected ecosystems in the Asian continent. This area is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Gobi bear, ibex, black-tailed gazelle, and more than 250 species of birds. At the Flaming Cliffs, search for dinosaur fossils with an expert guide. During the 1920s, adventurer and paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews was the first to find dinosaur eggs, jaws, and skulls here, which we can see at the Museum of Natural History in Ulaanbaatar. Marvel at the ancient petroglyphs by our camp, ride Bactrian camels into the sand dunes, and watch the sun set over the desert’s golden expanse.Kempinski Hotel, Ulaanbaatar and Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert

r Our expedition will provide funding to purchase traditional Mongolian instruments for the Hanhongor Sum School Children’s Music Club.

Takhi, wild horses of Mongolia

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A vividly-colored tapestry at Etchmiadzin, Armenia

Ulughbek Madrassah, Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Siab Market in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Greco-Roman temple at Garni, Armenia

the silk road outpost of samarkand, uzbekistanTuesday & Wednesday, April 27 & 28. Fly by private jet to the Silk Road outpost of Samarkand, traditional home of Tajik merchants who established this city as a major trade center. Discover the city’s vibrant bazaars and grand monuments, most notably Registan Square, an assembly of some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world, including the sparkling turquoise Gur-e Amir Mausoleum and exquisitely decorated madrassahs with fluted domes and minarets. In the event that a U.S. travel warning is still in effect for Uzbekistan prior to our arrival, we will visit Almaty, Kazakhstan, a remote outpost of the Mongol empire. Unwind at the Arasan Baths and meet Kazakhs who continue the tradition of hunting with golden eagles and falcons in the Eurasian steppeland. President Hotel, Samarkand

r Our expedition will support the Hayot Center in Samarkand, which is devoted to integrating disabled people and their families into society. Our donation will fund the purchase of materials that members of the center use to create souvenirs they sell to support the center.

spiritual Heritage of ArmeniaThursday & Friday, April 29 & 30. Fly to Armenia, the world’s first Christian nation. Step into the Matenadaran Museum, an important repository of medieval written literature, including exquisite illuminated manuscripts. The next day, go to Vagharshapat to explore one of the world’s first churches, the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator. Then visit Armenia’s only Greco-Roman structure, Garni Temple, with views of the wildly scenic Garni Gorge, and join Armenian villagers for a picnic lunch. Travelers may then venture to the spectacular Khor Virap Monastery near the beloved Mount Ararat, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before he converted King Trdat III to Christianity and helped found the Armenian Church. Or instead of the monastery, visit the Armenian History Museum and the National Art Gallery to peruse marvelous collections of Armenian paintings, miniatures, and frescoes. Marriott Yerevan

r Our expedition will support the Pyunic Association for the Disabled in Yerevan, devoted to helping Armenians with disabilities including those who were injured in the devastating earthquake of 1988. We will donate art supplies to the association’s school, and purchase traditional wooden crafts made by its students.

Khor Virap Monastery near Mount Ararat, Armenia

23

Interior of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Topkapi Palace and the Bosphorus, IstanbulBlue Mosque, Istanbul

ephesus & istanbul, turkeySaturday, Sunday & Monday, May 1, 2 & 3. Fly by private jet to Izmir and transfer to Ephesus, a former trading port connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Gaze up at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Peek into a small chapel believed to be the Virgin Mary’s last home, and go on a special excursion to see the ‘palaces on the slope,’ inhabited by the wealthiest social class of the ancient city. Enjoy a festive dinner at the Celsus Library, a rare example of a public library of the Roman Empire.

The next day, land amidst Istanbul’s exotic skyline of graceful domes and soaring minarets, an iconic scene that has captured the imagination of countless travelers and conquerors for centuries. Visit the colossal Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine jewel, whose dome influenced architecture around the world for 1,500 years. Discover some of Istanbul’s finest Byzantine art at the Chora Church. Explore the Topkapi Palace, housing the opulent jewels, furnishings, and other treasures of Ottoman sultans. Enter the 17th-century mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, known as the Blue Mosque, due to its vivid azure iznik tile decor. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait that winds its way through the city. Stroll the Grand Bazaar brimming with jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpets. And in the evening, enjoy a gala farewell dinner. Kismet Hotel, Kusadasi and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Alternate: Instead of exploring some of Istanbul’s main sites, take a cooking class at the Istanbul Culinary Institute, and try your hand at Turkish calligraphy, ebru paper marbling, or miniature painting at a local art school.

r Our expedition will support the artisan communities of Kahramanmaras and Diyarbakir, who create traditional Turkish metalworks.

HomewardTuesday, May 4. After breakfast, depart Istanbul on an independent commercial flight to your home city, or reboard our private jet to London and depart in the early evening. Or, if you wish to extend your stay in Turkey, please call to make further arrangements.

Cost Per Person:Double Occupancy: $29,950 Single Supplement: $3,990

Commercial airfare to Xi’an and from Istanbul or London is not included. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully protected by the U.S. Federal Government.

Th e anci enT Si lk roa d By privaT e JeT

Celsus Library, Ephesus

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CHinA Pre-tour

Beijing, China & Lhasa, TibetThursday & Friday, April 15 & 16. In Beijing, meet your expedition leader and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Spend the next day exploring the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square. Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take an overnight flight departing April 14 in order to arrive in time for the dinner on Thursday. Raffles Beijing Hotel

Saturday, Sunday & Monday, April 17, 18 & 19. Take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet—a fabled Buddhist gathering place nestled deep in the snowy Himalaya mountain range. Explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Sera Monastery. Then on April 20, take a local flight to Xi’an where you will join The Ancient Silk Road expedition. Brahmaputra Hotel, Lhasa

Cost Per Person:Double Occupancy: $5,900 Single Supplement: $900Airfare from Beijing to Lhasa and on to Xi’an is included in the price.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet The Great Wall, near Beijing, China

Lhasa, Tibet The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

extend Your Journey to other lands if You Wish

The Ancient Silk Road travelers who are not continuing from the Sacred Places of Asia expedition can join the China Pre-Tour.

The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

25

Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet ProgramTerms & Conditions

Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya (DC-10) March 21-April 3, 2010Sacred Places of Asia (SP-10) April 5-19, 2010The Ancient Silk Road (SR-10) April 20-May 4, 2010

Expedition Prices: DC-10: $34,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($4,950 single supplement). SP-10: $29,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($3,990 single supplement). SR-10: $29,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($3,990 single supplement). Travelers who go on more than one Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet expedition will save 5% off the total tour cost per person for the trips.

What Is Included: All hotel accommodations, group transportation, excursions, and other group activities as detailed in the itinerary, beginning with arrival on the first evening of the expedition, through arrival in the final destination of the expedition • Transportation on a private Boeing 757 and local aircraft according to the itinerary • All meals, beginning with dinner on the first evening of the expedition, and ending with lunch on the jet or breakfast in the final destination of the expedition, according to the itinerary • Complete program of special events and activities, including 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 efforts as described in the brochure • Bottled water throughout the program (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals, and in your room) • 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 • Baggage handling during the expedition • Tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff • Amenities package • $100,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons • Minimal accident/sickness/baggage insurance (details about optional and additional insurance for purchase, including trip cancellation insurance, will be mailed to you after registration) • Option to overnight at The Peninsula Bangkok or an airport hotel at the end of DC-10 • Airport transfers in London, England and Bangkok, Thailand for DC-10; in Bangkok, Thailand and Osaka, Japan for SP-10; and Xi’an, China and London, England for SR-10.

What Is Not Included: Commercial airfare to the first destination of the expedition from your home city, and from the last destination of the expedition to your home city • Optional and additional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance • Passport and visa fees • The extra cost of shipping final documents to international households • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax, and Internet charges • All beverages not mentioned above as included • Hotel minibar charges • Meals not scheduled by Starquest Expeditions • Inoculation and medication costs of any kind • Optional registration fee for travelers participating in the Continuing Medical Education component of DC-10. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition price will be at your discretion.

Airfare: We are happy to assist you in reserving commercial flights from your home city to the first destination of the expedition and to your home city, from the last destination of the expedition, in the class of service that you prefer. We can also arrange pre- or post-trip hotel accommodations. Ask for details.

Reservations & Payments: To reserve your place on one of the Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet expeditions, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $2,500 per person payable by check. Or charge your deposit to Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form. Mail to Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program: 245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830. The second payment of $15,000 per person and final payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account according to the following schedule:

DC-10: Make checks payable to “DC-10 Escrow”. The second payment is due August 20, 2009. Final payment is due December 21, 2009.

SP-10: Make checks payable to “SP-10 Escrow”. The second payment is due September 4, 2009. Final payment is due January 4, 2010.

SR-10: Make checks payable to “SR-10 Escrow”. The second payment is due September 18, 2009. Final payment is due January 19, 2010.

Cancellation & Refunds: All requests for refunds must be sent to us in writing via mail, fax, or e-mail. Cancellations must be in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark or e-mail receipt. Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a cancellation fee, as set forth in the following schedule:

For the DC-10 expedition:If your notice is received… You will receive a refund of all deposits less a…On or before August 20, 2009 $1,000 per-person cancellation fee.From August 21 to October 20, 2009 $5,000 per-person cancellation fee.From October 21 to December 21, 2009 $15,000 per-person cancellation fee.After December 21, 2009 No refund.

For the SP-10 expedition:If your notice is received… You will receive a refund of all deposits less a…On or before September 4, 2009 $1,000 per-person cancellation fee.From September 5 to November 4, 2009 $5,000 per-person cancellation fee.From November 5 to January 4, 2010 $15,000 per-person cancellation fee.After January 4, 2010 No refund.

For the SR-10 expedition:If your notice is received… You will receive a refund of all deposits less a…On or before September 18, 2009 $1,000 per-person cancellation fee.From September 19 to November 19, 2009 $5,000 per-person cancellation fee.From November 20 to January 19, 2010 $15,000 per-person cancellation fee.After January 19, 2010 No refund.

Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent Travel Study Services, LLC (hereafter known as TSS), and Starquest Expeditions reserve the right to cancel any expedition because of inadequate enrollment that makes the expedition economically unfeasible to operate. If the Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, or Starquest Expeditions cancels an expedition prior to departure, you will receive a full refund of monies paid. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. We will not be

responsible for any refund for nonrefundable airline tickets, or for any airline tickets purchased by the traveler directly from an airline or travel agent. We strongly recommend expedition cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you upon registration.

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 and are generally not refundable.

Baggage: On the private jet, each person is limited to 100 pounds of baggage in 2 bags each weighing 50 pounds or less. 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 person, unless a higher value is declared at the time of check-in and an appropriate excess valuation charge is paid.

Single/Shared Accommodations & Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do everything possible to assist persons requesting a roommate. If one is not confirmed, the single rate will be charged. Suite rooms are available in some destinations; more information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you approximately 4 months before departure.

Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this brochure are subject to modification and change by the Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the expeditions 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.

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 an expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative arrangements may be made, at the discretion of the Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions.

Health Requirements: This is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey as described in the trip brochure. All participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. Please note: 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. An alternate destination or activity can be arranged, if your physician recommends it. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would like to forego some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in this itinerary; proof of yellow fever inoculation is required for DC-10 travelers. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control.

Responsibility: The Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, has selected Starquest Expeditions Corp., 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104, a qualified professional tour operator, to organize and administer the Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet expedition. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions act only as the agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with this tour (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. 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 tour participants are not aboard their conveyance. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions 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 Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for a Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet 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. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on an expedition and reserve the right without notice to withdraw any part or all of the trip and to make such changes as may be necessary. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the first or last destination of a Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet expedition. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the traveler. We cannot guarantee the size of the Columbia Alumni Travel Study group. We reserve the right to substitute or cancel lecturers.

Starquest Expeditions is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265), aCalifornia Seller of Travel (#2071584-30), an accredited member of the Better BusinessBureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network(#50-75585). Starquest’s Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961.

Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program:245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830Phone: 1-866-325-8664 • Fax: 203-724-0844Email:travelstudy@columbia.eduwww.Alumni.Columbia.edu/Travel

R E S E RVATI O N FO R M

Hidden Corners Around tHe WorldThree Interconnected Journeys by Private Jet

Name q CME Participant Columbia UNI/Degree/Year

Name q CME Participant Columbia UNI/Degree/Year

Address (Please do not list a P.O. box.)

City, State, Zip Code

Home phone Work phone Cell phone

E-mail Fax

( )

( ) ( ) ( )

I/We have read and accept the Terms and Conditions (each traveler must sign).

Signature Date

Signature Date

q Please arrange a share for me. I am a q non-smoker q smoker. If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the single supplement per itinerary.

Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will be sent to you four months before departure.

q I prefer single accommodations and agree to pay the single supplement per itinerary.q I plan to share accommodations with:

INSURANCE: q Please send me information about trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance. I understand that pre-existing health conditions require prompt enrollment in the trip insurance package.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

q Enclosed is my deposit check for $ ($2,500 per person, per itinerary). Please make checks payable to: “Escrow DC-10” and/or “Escrow SP-10” and/or “Escrow SR-10”

q Please charge my deposit of $ ($2,500 per person, per itinerary) to

q Visa q MasterCard q American Express. / / / /

Account Number Expiration Date

PAYMENT:

My credit card billing address, if different from above.

Please reserve _________ place(s) on Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet.

SELECT DEPARTURE(S): q Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya (DC-10) March 21 – April 3, 2010 $34,950 (double occupancy); $4,950 (single supplement)q Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program $745 per personq Sacred Places of Asia (SP-10) April 5 – April 19, 2010 $29,950 (double occupancy); $3,990 (single supplement) q The Ancient Silk Road (SR-10) April 20 – May 4, 2010 $29,950 (double occupancy); $3,990 (single supplement)

Travelers who choose to go on more than one Hidden Corners Around The World expedition will save 5% off the total tour cost per person for the trips.

Mail or fax to Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program: 245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830

Phone: 1-866-325-8664 • Fax: 203-724-0844 • travelstudy@columbia.edu • www.Alumni.Columbia.edu/Travel

Three Interconnected Journeys by Private Jet

deSerT croSSroadS & The hiMalaya

March 21-april 3, 2010 Z

Sacred placeS of aSia

april 5-19, 2010

Z

The ancienT Silk road

april 20-May 4, 2010

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

A.M.S. 98230Alumni Travel Study Program245 Mill Street, Second FloorGreenwich, CT 06830