For those itching to travel the world in a private jet while visiting some of the planet’s most incredible natural, manmade, and cultural wonders, National Geographic has just the adventure for you.
For the first time since the pandemic, National Geographic Expeditions is offering its stunning “Around the World by Private Jet” adventure. Snagging tickets may be a bit of a challenge, but for those who do, the expedition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Private Jet Luxury
Travelers will experience luxury private jet travel aboard an Icelandair Boeing 757-200 (Reg: TF-LLL / MSN 29307). National Geographic is leasing the 757 from Iceland’s flag carrier.
Built in 2000, the jet features a fresh National Geographic livery and a specially-modified interior. Designed to carry 233 passengers, the modified 757 will feature just 80 seats in a 2×2 configuration. However, National Geographic is selling just 75 for each expedition. The VIP-style leather seats feature adjustable leg and headrests; although they aren’t lie-flat, they recline to a comfortable 45-degree angle.
Every passenger will have access to in-seat power outlets and ample storage space for computers, cameras, and other personal belongings.
The specially-trained flight crew includes three pilots, a chef, a catering officer, multiple flight attendants, an engineer, and a dedicated luggage handler. A physician will be available to travelers at all times – on air and land.
24-Days, Five Continents
In a two-week span, National Geographic will whisk 75 passengers to five continents, where they will explore ten UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The adventure starts at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia. From there, travelers will visit Peru, Chile, Samoa, Australia, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tanzania, Jordan, and Morocco. Some of the incredible sites on the expedition include Easter Island, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal, and the Serengeti Plain.
Also on the expedition will be a dedicated group of experts that will provide information and lectures throughout the trip. Some of the experts will include photographers, art historians, authors, anthropologists, biologists, archaeologists, and geographers.
Travelers will stay at “world-class accommodations” throughout the expedition.
This Could All Be Yours for the Low, Low Price of $100K
National Geographic Expeditions is offering nine more trips between now and 2024 (there is an ongoing expedition at the time of this writing).
The next trip begins on 29 December 2022 and ends on 21 January 2023. However, that trip is sold out (you can get on the waitlist here).
Additional trips include six departures in 2023 and two departures in 2024. Out of the nine trips listed on the website, only one has availability. Travelers can depart on 25 January 2023, arriving back in the US on 17 February.
How much, you ask? Well, let’s just say this adventure isn’t for everyone. 2023 dates have a going rate of $106,690 per person (based on single occupancy) and $96,995 per person (double occupancy). Those prices are a relative bargain, however, as they jump to $109,990 and $99,995 per person (double and single occupancy, respectively) in 2024.
Icelanders Love Adventure
Perhaps it’s in the genetic makeup of every Icelander, but adventure seems to be a way of life for the island country. Just a few months ago, an Icelandair 767-300 made a trip to Antarctica.
My guess is that there’s not much else to do in Iceland during the winter months when it’s dark 24 hours a day. You either step outside to watch the Northern Lights, or you plan your next adventure.
To watch the National Geographic 757 on flight monitoring websites, you can track TF-LLL or Icelandair 1239 (FI1239). As of 05 October, TF-LLL is en route to Australia from Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT).
TF-LLL is one of 18 Boeing 757s that currently makes up Icelandair’s fleet. However, only 11 are in active service. The carrier also has two Boeing 757-300s.
