There is truly no means of transport more convenient, comfortable or prestigious than a private jet – the epitome of luxury travel in the 21st century. Globetrotters who insist on the best, then, would do well to look to exclusive tour operator Captain’s Choice, whose repertoire of fascinating journeys by business class private jet promise all the grandeur and exoticism of an old-world voyage combined with the ease and freedom afforded by state-of-the-art travel.

No languishing in airport queues, no entire days wasted in transit, nothing but captivating destinations reached swiftly by direct routes – some not even served by commercial airlines – aboard a privately chartered business class jet. Settle in with a glass of Champagne, and enjoy the dedicated cabin crew’s thoughtful service as you converse with your convivial yet intimate group of no more than 58 fellow travellers. Or perhaps you prefer to doze off for a couple of hours before arriving at your next destination, handpicked by seasoned travel experts for its unparalleled treasures whether natural, cultural or both.

This year, Captain’s Choice has added a host of exhilarating experiences to their global portfolio, allowing travellers to explore some of the world’s most sought-after yet hard-to-reach destinations without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or a moment of their valuable time. We take a look at a few of the highlights.

The Spirit & Colours of India by Private Jet

Vast, vibrant and teeming with bucket list sites, from the dazzling palaces of Udaipur to the backwaters of Kerala, India has rightfully earned its place among the top travel destinations on the planet – and this 15-day itinerary aims to take in a number of the must-see marvels without becoming too harried or bogged down in travel time.

Departing from Singapore by private jet, the first days are spent revelling in the beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, before soaking up the holy atmosphere of Varanasi along the sacred Ganges River. In Chennai, you’ll witness bewitching traditional music and dance; in Kochi, you’ll get up close with the city’s storied history and customs; and in Kerala you’ll glide along tranquil waters in a traditional houseboat. Later on, Udaipur will reveal the splendour of its palaces, while Jaipur will bare its brilliant pink edifices as you float in a hot air balloon. The undeniable highlight, however, will be the chance to experience Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’ and one of India’s most joyous and important holidays. You’ll get a taste of the age-old Diwali traditions observed across India, and celebrate the occasion at a glittering gala dinner in Jaipur.

Ultimate South America by Private Jet

Experiencing the grand sites of Panama, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Cuba on one trip may seem an unworkable feat, but Captain’s Choice is in the business of making the impossible possible.

Taking off from Los Angeles, this 20-day journey makes its first stop in Panama for a tour of Panama City’s historic Old Quarter and a leisurely day cruise on the famed Panama Canal. Next, you’ll travel to the legendary Galápagos Islands, where you’ll hike, cruise, kayak and snorkel to glimpse some of the world’s most seldom-seen wildlife and landscapes. Then it’s off to the Andes to investigate the mysteries of Machu Picchu (hopping aboard the Hiram Bingham train for a relaxed ride to the peak), before heading to the barrios of Buenos Aires for tango and asados, followed by a helicopter flight over the majestic Iguazú Falls and a whirlwind stay in Rio de Janeiro, complete with a Carnival dinner show. The journey ends in lively Havana, providing a chance to explore this colourful city’s history and trace the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway.

Remote Reaches of West Africa & Madeira by Private Jet

Africa awaits – an Africa like you’ve never seen before. This 16-day odyssey is designed to open travellers’ eyes to new and unexpected sights in some of the continent’s most far-flung regions, with an epic itinerary only made possible by chartered air travel.

Departing from dynamic Cape Town, you’ll retreat to luxury lodges in Namibia’s Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert. The former offers prime Big Five game watching, while the latter promises ethereal landscapes, elusive desert wildlife and unparalleled stargazing. Back in civilisation, you’ll take to the markets and museums of Accra and Dakar, before setting off for the isolated Portuguese island of Madeira with its verdant mountains, dramatic coastal vistas and world-class cuisine. On the African mainland, Marrakesh beckons you to stroll through the medina, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, tuck into a traditional tagine and perhaps even venture into the Atlas Mountains to meet the Berber people and learn about their unique culture and customs.

African Adventures by Private Jet & Rovos Rail

For a more classic view of the continent, including an exclusive multi-day train journey aboard Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, consider this 16-day journey starting in Cairo and ending in Cape Town – a true top-to-bottom tour of Africa that takes in several of its most iconic sights.

Your time in Cairo, of course, will revolve around its ancient treasures, from the pyramids to the Sphinx and the tombs of Tutankhamun and Nefertiti, along with a private dinner in front of the Temple of Ramses III. Then it’s off to the Maasai Mara to spot a number of Africa’s headlining acts: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos, as well as astonishing herds of wildebeest migrating from the Serengeti. To glimpse gorillas, on the other hand, we’ll have to head to the mist-veiled mountains of Rwanda, where you will be among the privileged few who are permitted to trek through the jungle to observe this endangered species in their natural habitat. The next day will take you to Zambia and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls; for the best views of the falls and surrounding gorge, take a helicopter ride.

After all that excitement, you’ll be looking forward to kicking back on the privately chartered Pride of Africa for a three-day rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, rolling through picturesque landscapes and stopping to take in landmarks like the old diamond mines in Kimberley and the Victorian town of Matjiesfontein. Finally, after the train has pulled into Cape Town, the last days of the trip will be spent exploring the city’s stunning natural beauty, complicated history, great cultural riches and delightful gastronomy.