20-Nights Cityscapes and Sacred Spaces - Japan, Vietnam, The Philippines and Beyond by Luxury Private Jet

Istanbul

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.

 

 

Bhubaneswar

Three towns near the southwest coast of India have fascinating temple complexes. During the eighth to 13th centuries, Bhubaneswar, the largest of the three located 300 mi/485 km southwest of Kolkata, boasted 7,000 temples. Today, 500 can still be visited in town and in the nearby Dhauli Hills.

Konark, 40 mi/64 km east of Bhubaneswar, is known for its 12th-century Sun Temple, one of the most impressive shrines in India. The temple is shaped like a chariot for the sun god—enormous "wheels" and other carvings decorate the side of the building. Puri, 37 mi/48 km south of Bhubaneswar, was built in the 12th century as a holy Hindu city, and even today pilgrims stream in to visit the Jagannath Temple. Non-Hindus can't enter the temple, but the area is worth visiting to watch the people come and go. All the buildings are covered with chiseled images of mythological figures, elephants and erotica. Plan three nights for the area. If you're going to Puri in June or July, book early—200,000 pilgrims will be in town for the Rath Yatra Festival, when 45-ft-/14-m-high chariots transport the image of Jagannath through the streets.

Langkawi

A holiday on the idyllic isle of Langkawi is just that. A holiday. Whether you wish to soak in the sun and do absolutely nothing or join in the fun and do everything, on Langkawi, you can do so without a care in the world. Be it a round of golf on one of the world's most challenging courses or some shopping on this duty-free haven, everything you'll ever need will be taken care of. Quietly, unobtrusively.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the crown jewel of Laos and perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The ancient capital of the former Kingdom Lan Xang, it is nestled in the mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, and is an enchanting and charming destination. The town is adorned with gilded temples on nearly every street corner and saffron robed monks strolling through the quiet city center, giving it a unique charm of bygone days and rich cultural heritage.

Halong Bay (Hanoi)

Meaning “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” Halong Bay’s water is calm and undisturbed despite the jutting limestone mountains that soar out of the water and toward the sky. As if a tail of a Dragon plunged into the earth, the mountains are craggy, sharp, and barren, and are dotted with thousands of small caves of various depths and heights. At dusk, they all take on mysterious shades of gray, mauve and olive, lending credence to the local legends.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.

Bohol

Bohol is an island in The Philippines, located in the middle of the Visayas. Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol, and the location of a number of landmarks as well as the port and a small airport. Bohol is known for its beaches and resorts, incredible diving, and The Chocolate Hills, beautiful limestone formations that can be explored by land or air.

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Seattle

Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.