MIT Alumni Travel - Around the World by Private Jet

Washington, DC

Join fellow MIT alumni and friends on September 28, 2010 to start this exceptional 22-day 'round the world journey where you will see some of the most exceptional sites while enjoying learning and enrichment classes from world experts in culture, geology, biodiversity & conservation, and public affairs. Spend your first night amongst your fellow travelers enjoying dinner and the fine services at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.

Keep in mind that if these dates aren't convenient for you, the MIT Alumni Travel team can arrange other programs specially tailored to you and your interests or schedule. Visit http://alum.mit.edu/travel for more information.

Peru

Depart Washington D.C. and spend September 29 through October 1 exploring Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. In Cusco, you'll have the opportunity to see the historic district, the Plaza de Armas, and visit a local Andean weaver. From here, journey to the mysterious Machu Picchu and opt to spend one night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel (space limited). The group will bring supplies to a local primary school in the Urubamba Valley.

If you prefer to avoid the high altitudes of Cusco and Machu Picchu, you can opt to visit the temples of Chiclaya and Trujillo and a number of other sites in Northern Peru. Visit Chan Chan, known as the largest adobe city in the world and learn about Peru's ancient Mohica culture at the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán.

Easter Island

Spent Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3, on the world's most remote island, the UNESCO World Heritage site Easter Island, home to the moai statues recognized around the world. Local archaeologist Edmundo Edwards will enlighten you with the secrets of the moai, ceremonial centers, petroglyphs, and lava formations. Enjoy an evening performance of the Kari Kari Rapanui Ethnic Ballet dancers and rest soundly knowing your expedition has contributed funds to the Eastern Pacific Research Foundation which supports the ongoing work of Edwards and other local archaeologists.

Apia

On Monday, October 4, visit one of the world's most relaxing destinations, Upolu Island in Samoa, where you'll witness local performances and feasts and soak in some of nature's most exquisite colors. You'll even have the opportunity to visit Robert Louis Stevenson's plantation estate. The expedition will bring supplies to the local primary school which is attended by over 300 students.

Great Barrier Reef

Lose a day as you cross the international dateline from Polynesia to Australia. In Port Douglas, hop aboard a local expedition out onto the Great Barrier Reef where you'll see some of the world's most colorful and diverse fish and corals.

As an alternative, you can explore the Daintree Rainforest on a Dreamtime walk with an aboriginal guide and explore the oldest rain forest in the world while learning about the Kuku Yalanhi tribe.

The expedition will contribute to a local artisan of the Gumbaynggirr tribe who produces traditional paintings and donate funds to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which provides care and transport to Outback residents.

Angkor Vat

Fly to Siem Reap and spend October 8-10 on a leisurely expedition of Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire and one of the most stunning feats of architecture in the world. You'll visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm from your base at the luxurious Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor.

Join an optional sunrise excursion to Angkor Wat for stunning colors. Or browse Siem Reap's Old Market and the Angkor National Museum.

Or, as an alternative to Angkor, visit the lost jungle temple of Beng Melea, in the midst of a bamboo forest. See Preah Ko, Bakong Temple, Lolei, and local villages where you can participate in a tea ceremony or observe the production of shadow puppets.

If you prefer to visit Vietnam instead, enjoy a couple days in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay before returning to Cambodia to join your fellow travelers.

The expedition will support Watthan Artisans Cambodia in Phnom Penh and donate funds to Prehatit Orphanage, which is located in a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.

Taj mahal Agra

Spend Monday and Tuesday, October 11 & 12, in Agra and Jaipur, India. First visit the striking Taj Mahal and capture both panoramic views as well as the intricate details up close. In the Pink City of Jaipure see the unique Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, and the Jantar Mantar observatory before gathering for dinner at Dera Amer, the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Mansinghji.

There is an optional excursion to the tom of Itmad-Ud-Daulah and the village of Kachhpura, which is home to the Harijan people, otherwise known as "Untouchables." This is in lieu of visiting the Taj Mahal. Additionally, while in Jaipur you may choose to visit local stores to see exquisite carpets, textiles, and gems.

The expedition will donate supplies to the school of Kuchpura Village and funds to Jaipur Foot, which donates prosthetics to impoverished peoples.

Tanzania

From India, travel to Tanzania where you will visit either the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the wildlife on a fantastic safari. See the "big five" and Africa's big cats on your game drives. You will also have the opportunity to meet either Meave or Louise Leakey, whose family is known for discovering many important fossils in the area.

Handicrafts from a local women's cooperative will be purchased and given to travelers on this trek. Supplies will also be donated to a local school.

Egypt

Spend October 15 & 16 in Egypt. Visit the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun's tomb in Luxor. You'll also see the temple to Hatshepsut, the temple of Ramses III, and the Luxor Museum. Then you can sail the Nile in a felucca and visit the temples at Karnak. A leading Egyptologist will answer questions about all the sites visited along the route.

As an alternative to Luxor, opt to visit Petra in Jordan where you's see elaborate buildings and tombs carved into rock walls.

On October 17th, fly to Cairo and then transfer to Giza where you will see the Pyramids including the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx before continuing on to Morocco.

The expedition will provide supplies to the Awladi Orphanage.

Morocco

Arrive in Marrakech on Sunday evening and spend Monday the 18th exploring the ancient Berber city. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa college and wander a bustling souk before visiting Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. Visit the busiest market square in all of Africa at Kjemma el Fna before gathering with the group for a farewell dinner with traditional entertainment.

There will be an option in the afternoon to visit Jardin Majorelle. Or, as an alternative to exploring the city, you can op to spend the day in the Atlas Mountains where you will visit a Berber village.

The expedition will provide supplies and funds to the school at Tallatast, a remote Berber village in the Atlas Mountains.

On Tuesday, October 19th, the private jet will return to Washington D.C.