11 Nov 2004
INTRAV's Luxurious Private-Jet Tours Revive Comfort in Air Travel

INTRAV

INTRAV, the pioneer in escorted private-jet travel, has announced its schedule of these exclusive journeys for 2005. Six different itineraries in three categories Luxury Journeys, Discovery Journeys, and Luxury Getaways will take passengers on very special explorations of exciting destinations. Favorites, including around-the-world adventures, as well as two brand-new itineraries, give ample choices for those embarking on these one-of-a-kind journeys.

Our expertise in private-jet travel weve been operating these types of trips since the 1970s gives INTRAV the ability to fulfill the expectations of this discerning customer, CEO David Drier said. Aboard exclusively chartered aircraft, reconfigured for maximum comfort, our guests receive personal attention from hand-selected flight crews and enjoy relaxed, unique itineraries that cannot be duplicated on commercial flights. Our passengers fly comfortably to their destinations, sharing a refined onboard experience with fellow passengers. Additionally, our more than 45 years of experience in designing deluxe international travel allows us to arrange wonderful accommodations, exceptional local sightseeing, exciting special events and receptions, and much more. And, our experienced travel staff accompanying each private-jet adventure ensures that nothing is left to chance, providing the best-possible experience for guests. This is simply the best way to travel that you can image, he concluded.

INTRAVs three categories of private-jet adventures are:

Discovery Journeys Themed adventures that explore some of the worlds more unique or culturally significant regions and present an in-depth educational component. Itineraries are custom-designed in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) or The Art Institute of Chicago to feature destinations that are not easily accessible in combination via commercial flight schedules. Accompanied by a distinguished study leader with considerable knowledge on the theme of the journey, these adventures are for the more active and intellectually curious traveler, with lectures and other educational experiences provided throughout the trip.

Luxury Journeys These relaxed itineraries feature world-famous locations of great beauty and offer access to some of the worlds most magnificent venues through signature tours and evening events. World-class hotels provide access to shopping, spas, fine dining, and places for independent exploration, while senior travel directors and a private concierge staff attend to all desires. Guests will enjoy outstanding service from door-to-door on these fully inclusive trips.

Luxury Getaways These regionally focused journeys are designed for sophisticated travelers who appreciate style and elegance, but prefer more leisure time and less structure in a shorter-duration trip. All allow for considerable independent exploration and dining, while still including the personalized services of a senior travel director and private concierge staff. Featuring the exclusive use of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, or Historic Hotels of America properties, these journeys allow for a customized, though uniformly upscale, experience in each destination.

INTRAV uses a variety of high-end reconfigured aircraft for its private-jet programs. Each has been refitted with comfortable seating arranged in two-by-two, VIP-style to maximize passenger satisfaction and simplify travel. In addition to providing a cozy and enjoyable in-flight experience, these aircraft take advantage of more direct routes and often cut air travel time by more than a full day. In addition, since boarding and deplaning often occur at charter terminals, passengers may leave behind congested concourses, lost luggage, and security concerns.

Along with the best in luxurious air transportation, all INTRAV private-jet adventures include select accommodations, special receptions and events, superb dining opportunities, exclusive sightseeing, gratuities, and much more. On private-jet flights, complimentary premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes are always available, while gourmet meals and snacks are served with elegant china and linens. INTRAVs experienced travel directors also accompany the adventure to ensure passenger satisfaction. Guests selecting INTRAVs Luxury Journeys adventures will also receive over-the-top extras such as first-class, round-trip scheduled air transportation to the private jet and private-car transfers between home and the airport.

INTRAVs private-jet adventures for 2005 are:

Discovery Journeys

Following The Fossil Trail - Dinosaurs and Human Origins Created by scientists at the AMNH, this journey from Asia to Africa, and on to Western Europe, focuses on many of the worlds most important paleontological discoveries. In Mongolia, passengers will visit the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi Desert, which is the site of the first-discovered nest of dinosaur eggs, and visit the Olduvai Gorge where the earliest recorded remains of hominids were discovered in Tanzania and the Cro-Magnon cave paintings at Lascaux in Frances Dordogne Valley. A special INTRAV exclusive will be a viewing of the authentic Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) skeleton at The National Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Departs on September 3, 2005. Rate is $48,900 per person, double occupancy.

Luxury Journeys

Italian Seascapes by Private Jet Enchanting coastlines and charming seaside resorts are featured during a 14-day escape along the Mediterranean coast. Beginning in Rapallo and continuing to Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, Sicily, and Capri, guests will thrill to the relaxed itinerary, gourmet meals, and personalized service throughout the experience. Special events include a private sailing excursion in Cinqueterre, golf at the legendary Pevero Golfing Club, and a day visit to the ruins at Pompeii. Departs May 27, 2005. Rate is $33,900 per person, double occupancy.

Around the World by Private Jet This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes passengers to some of the most exotic locations on Earth. Guests are assured of the highest caliber facilities, amenities, and personalized service in beautiful places such as Hawaii, Kyoto, Jaipur, Istanbul, and Biarritz. INTRAV extras include an elephant ride in the Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, a Rajasthani barbecue and elephant polo match in Jaipur, and a private opening of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Departs September 27, 2005. Rate is $52,500 per person, double occupancy. Luxury Getaways

European Countrysides A ten-day, round-trip adventure from New York explores the romantic and lovely English, Irish, and French countrysides. Guests will relax in the tranquil atmospheres of stunning Four Seasons properties in Hampshire, Dublin, and Provence, and enjoy a day trip that features the savory wines of Bordeaux. Departs July 15, 2005. Rate is $22,800 per person, double occupancy.

North Americas Magnificent Pacific Coast Flying from Dallas, passengers will enjoy a nine-day exploration of the Pacific Coast. With luxurious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts serving as home base in each city, escorted excursions and leisure time offer opportunities to explore Vancouver, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. Also included is a day trip to vibrant Portland, Oregon, for a visit to the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. Departs August 6, 2005. Rate is $13,600 per person, double occupancy.

Grand American Resorts of a Bygone Era Accompanied by a specialist from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this nine-day getaway departing from Dallas connects the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, The Sagamore resort in the Adirondack Mountains, and The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport. Also included are lunch and a tour of the Breakers mansion during a day-trip to Newport, Rhode Island. Departs August 20, 2005. Rate is $15,600 per person, double occupancy.

Copies of INTRAVs 2005 catalog and more information are available from travel agents or from INTRAV at 11969 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146-3220; by telephone at (800) 576-6811 or (314) 655-6700; by e-mail at info@intrav.com; and on INTRAVs website at http://www.intrav.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Doug Bolnick 314-655-6750 dbolnick@intrav.com