Four Seasons inaugural Around-The-World Tour set to take flight as 2013 expedition is announced

As wheels go up this fall for the first-ever Around-The-World by Private Jet tour trips, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces an incredible new 2013 itinerary. In partnership with private jet tour operator TCS & Starquest Expeditions, next year’s luxury 22-day globetrotting journey is tailored to international adventurers, offering the chance to see some of the world's most exciting cities, and recharge and re-energize in an incredible beach setting.

Urban Intrigue and an Island Oasis by Private Jet

From experiencing the monumental treasures in the art and architecture of St. Petersburg to swimming alongside fascinating marine life in the Maldives and seeing the future in Tokyo, the journey is certain to create memories for a lifetime. Departing Seattle on September 14 and ending October 5, the 2013 trip features visits to some of the most exciting urban destinations and a breathtaking beach setting, including: Seattle, Tokyo, Hangzhou, Shanghai, the Maldives, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Marrakech and New York.

Travellers will stay exclusively at Four Seasons properties during their journey, including two distinctive hotels that are new to the portfolio: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, a restored authentic 19th century palace steps from the city’s iconic landmarks; and Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai,which is perched within a skyscraper offering exclusivity and comfort in the booming Pudong district. Itinerary highlights include: exploring Asakusa and the Sensoji Temple, the oldest in Tokyo; touring the famed Dragon Well tea plantations and learning how tea is dried and processed in Hangzhou; swimming with 700 species of fish in the blue lagoons of the Maldives; strolling the Grand Bazaar for jewellery, pottery and carpets in Istanbul; wandering through the Medina, a jumble of colourful souks in Marrakech; and celebrating the journey’s end with a gala dinner in New York City.

Guests can venture beyond the main on-the-ground itinerary by choosing personalized excursions in each destination. Every detail of the trip is guided by a dedicated team of professionals, including a veteran air crew, expedition managers, luggage handlers, a physician, a chef and an on-board Four Seasons concierge. This well-connected team can book spa treatments, arrange shopping excursions, assist with individual requests and liaise with property concierges. The in-flight experience provided by TCS & Starquest Expeditions includes an impressive one to five crew-to-traveller ratio, direct flights, expedited boarding, luggage handling and even assistance with customs and immigration formalities when possible.

Renowned art historian, lecturer and writer Charles Doherty and award-winning photographer Bob Krist will join the journey to share unique facts and history behind each destination while en route. Each guest will also receive an iPad loaded with trip-related enriching content for use during the journey. Guests will sink back into the specially outfitted Boeing 757 boasting VIP-style leather seats for the ultimate in travel comfort.

Follow Four Seasons 2012 Inaugural Around-The-World Tours Online

Beginning this month, the initial two sold-out trips will each depart for ten extraordinary destinations. Four Seasons counts down to the sold-out inaugural 22-day journey exploring ten legendary destinations September 30-October 21, 2012 and October 29-November 19, 2012, promising to deliver unforgettable adventures.

These trips can be experienced through the eyes of guest journalists and bloggers Adam H. Graham and Rachelle Lucas @FSMagazine.  These special guests will be sharing their stories and adventures via blog posts, videos, photos and tweets.

Follow the 2012 adventure on Twitter by following #FSJet and on Four Seasons Magazine where Four Seasons will document each leg of the journey through photos, blog posts and more.