We can email you a detailed version of this itinerary. Click here. Email your friend a detailed version of this itinerary. Click here. Click here to receive, by mail, R. Crusoe’s Travel Journal.

ovement in Asia—the movement of goods as well as ideas—changed the face of civilization back in the days of the ancients. That movement occurred thanks to the nomads that wandered the land. And thanks to traders who took with them the stuff of commerce as well as religious beliefs, principles of governance, military know-how, and more. On a wondrous journey through China, South Korea, Manchuria, the Russian Far East, Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, trace the trails of our very influential ancestors.

Starting point? Shanghai, China, home of the bustling Bund and proof positive that China is tomorrow's master of the economic universe.

Aboard our private corporate jet, a Fokker 100, head for South Korea, where shamans of the great Shilla Dynasty held court. Enormous (and jam-packed) Shilla tombs prove their rulers' might as well as their wealth.

Have any idea where Manchuria is on the map? You soon will. This legendary stew of Russian, Chinese, and Korean cultures lies tucked into the geography between Russia and China. Its borders are vague at best, which explains quite a lot when we dig into the place. See the multifaceted cultural legacy here as well as a bit of the natural side of things at the Siberian Tiger Park (home of 20 or so great cats).

Khaborovsk, in the Russian Far East, was once a frontier town. That is, until the railroad arrived. Spend time in the Central Food Market and at other landmarks.

Siberia's Lake Baikal next. The deepest in the world, it's known for its clear water and gorgeous surroundings. A hydrofoil gets us where we want to go. Meet local Buryat and Evenki nomads en route.

Cossacks founded Ulan Ude, Russia, in 1666 as their winter HQ. Today, it's the center of Russian Buddhism. The Dalai Lama has been a number of times—now it's out turn.

Head south into Mongolia to experience life in a ger, tented home of the local nomadic peoples. It's much more cozy and substantial that you might expect. In Ulaanbaatar's Natural History Museum, examine dinosaur skeletons and the world's fist dino eggs, all found in the Gobi Desert. In fact, the Gobi Desert is our next destination. You'll never forget the Flaming Cliffs, we promise.

On to Kazakhstan and the city of Almaty, one of the former U.S.S.R.'s most gracious cities. Russian czarist-era dissidents were exiled here.

Traders on camelback established the Silk Road through the Taklimakan Desert in China. For sale once upon a time: ivory, silk, gems, precious metals. See how wine production is just taking hold in Turfan, thanks to a very, very old irrigation system.

We wind up in Xian, China, where Emperor Qin Shi Huang's larger-than-life terracotta army still stands at attention.

Private Jet: Nomads, Traders, & Conquerors. 20 Days.

* Prices, dates, and routing are not yet finalized. Nevertheless, space fills up very quickly for this journey. if you are interested in booking, please contact an R. Crusoe tour consultant right away. Should the final itinerary not be to your liking, R. Crusoe will refund 100 percent of your deposit until one year prior to departure.