A jetsetter’s dream: These are some of the most expensive private jet tours on earth
How would you travel the world if money was no object?
Wonder no more thanks to this collection of exorbitant private jet adventures, where every need and want is catered for. From the moment you set foot on the tarmac, you’ll experience a level of all-inclusive luxury typically reserved for royalty.
Boasting onboard chefs and butlers, expert local travel guides, customisable itineraries, refitted private jets and luxury accommodations, these journeys let you experience the best of the world from the best in the sky.
Venture into the virtually uninhabited Antarctic, relax on a secluded white-sand beach in the Seychelles, or swim with a majestic whale shark – the world’s largest fish – in the azure waters off the coast of the Philippines.
These four global excursions are sure to turn even the most affluent traveller’s wildest dreams into reality.
DreamMaker: Passport to 50
20 cities, 20 days
US$277,500 per person
The first ever private jet trip to completely circumnavigate the globe, Passport to 50 took a party of 50 to 20 cities in 20 days, covering 50,000 kilometres in total – all for the eye-watering, jaw-dropping 2017 price of US$13.875 million. That’s equivalent to US$278,000 per person, or US$695,000 per day, and no doubt a little more expensive now.
Created by US-based tour operator DreamMaker, with one year's notice, the trip can take clientele to destinations such as Koh Samui, Cannes, London, Barcelona, Ibiza, Kathmandu, Agra, Florence and Havana with unique opportunities and tailored encounters included throughout.
On board the elegantly outfitted Boeing 767 – described as a "playhouse for adults, with wings" – guests can enjoy inflight activities including yoga sessions, spa services, fashion shows, and a hybrid of hypnotherapy and sleep therapy by a certified holistic health professional.
The unique sojourn also incorporates a handful of special ‘hop on, hop off’ guests during various legs of the journey, which in its inaugural circumnavigation included the world’s top-ranked poker player, a former commander of the US armed forces, a previous chef to the Queen of England and an American baseball legend.
The extravagant adventure includes an astonishing time ratio of 88% on-the-ground and 12% in-the-air travel, allowing clients to make the most of their journey around the world.
Even better, DreamMaker has partnered with charities including Water.org, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation and Whole Child International to support the less fortunate with some of the profits from each round-the-world trip.
Four Seasons: World of Adventures 2020
8 countries, 24 days
From US$155,000 per person
From the Kyoto and Marrakech to the Galapagos Islands, experience the rare, the wild and the beautiful on this journey across four continents from 3-26 June 2020.
The state-of-the-art private jet is equipped with 52 spacious flat-bed seats, each with an iPad, a plush ottoman and bespoke amenities. On board, guests are gifted a custom Ghurka cabin bag and a pair of Bose noise-cancelling headphones.
Starting in vibrant Seattle, guests are then swept off to explore Kyoto, with its beautiful temples and gardens and bourgeoning culinary scene, followed by Bali and its lush rainforests, terraced rice paddies and rich spiritual heritage.
After three nights in the tropical Seychelles, guests will delve into Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, where they’ll come face-to-face with a family of gorillas in an unmissable wildlife experience.
Next up on the world tour is the buzzing medina of Marrakech, followed by the colourful streets of Bogota and the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, before the adventure concludes in sunny Miami, the US.
Exclusive Four Seasons guest services include a 24/7 concierge, a dedicated travel planner who will share authentic local insights, an onboard executive chef delivering five-star dining, a luggage concierge and a physician.
Captain’s Choice: Antarctic Frontiers
2 countries, 13 days
From AU$162,800 per person
Led by experienced polar voyager Eric Philips, this private jet journey will take 12 guests to one of the planet’s furthest reaches where nothing but ultimate luxury and adventure await.
Departing from Australia on 26 November 2019, guests will make a two-night stopover in Cape Town before crossing the Southern Ocean to touch down on the Great White Continent.
Travellers can then settle into their sleeping pods at the eco-luxury Whichaway Camp, which boasts a past guest list including Buzz Aldrin, Bear Grills and Prince Harry.
Over the ensuing seven days, guests can choose their own adventure – whether trekking to see ice waves, hiking to the Russian Antarctic station, abseiling down a towering glacial island or taking a short flight to spend a night in the remote South Pole.
One experience that cannot be missed is the chance to watch as newly hatched emperor penguin chicks are fussed over by their devoted parents.
Abercrombie & Kent: Wildlife Safari 2020
9 countries, 25 days
From A$205,810 per person
Offering so much more than the average zoo encounter or wilderness experience, Abercrombie & Kent will take 50 guests on an immersive, action-packed Wildlife Safari across the globe.
The animal adventure begins with a trip to Japan’s Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, where an animated population of snow monkeys awaits. On arrival in China, travellers are greeted with a tea ceremony and martial arts demonstration before visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, they’ll step inside the enclosures to observe the bears and help feed them.
Guests can swim with majestic whale sharks in the Philippines, observe rescued honey bears and endangered orangutans in Malaysia, scan the jungles near Jaipur for the elusive Bengal tiger and watch Madagascar’s lively lemurs forage and play with each other.
After long days spent exploring each destination, guests will enjoy extraordinary culinary experiences and local entertainment before retreating to their hand-selected accommodations.
And when it’s time to travel to the next location, they’ll board a private Boeing 757, equipped with first-class, flat-bed seats, and a dedicated crew, Executive Chef, physician and photo enrichment coach.
Looking for more unique experiences to add to your next holiday? Why not stay in one of these incredible high-tech hotels?