Captain’s Choice unveils new small-group itineraries

Luxury tour operator Captain’s Choice has introduced five new ultra-luxury tours as it eyes growth in the UK market.

The company is currently “strengthening [its] relationship” with the UK trade as it looks to attract more British travellers, with 90% of the client base currently coming from the Australian market, where the brand originates from.

The brand hosted agents and press at Stansted Airport last week as part of its effort to increase booking numbers from the UK market.

Agents were able to board a 50-seat private plane which is currently hosting guests on the company’s new Latin America jet itinerary, before enjoying afternoon tea at one of two private Harrods Aviation terminals.

Captain’s Choice was founded in 1994 with a chartered plane journey coined ‘The Captain’s Choice Tour’ which travelled to Beijing, Delhi, Agra, Jerusalem, Tanzania, the Seychelles and Broome. It has since branched out into rail and ocean journeys alongside private jet tours.

The new 17-day Mediterranean Riches & La Dolce Vita itinerary includes a Rome to Siena train journey on board the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express and a Mediterranean sailing on Silversea’s Silver Ray, plus experiences such as a hot-air balloon over Burgundy and a stay on the French Riviera. The tour will depart on June 30 with prices starting from £27,200 per person based on two people sharing.

The India, Sri Lanka & the Maharajas’ Express 16-day trip also incorporates rail travel and will see guests visit the Taj Mahal and take three game drives to spot tigers, leopards and elephants. This journey will depart on October 1, with prices starting at £20,750 per person.

Also new is the Namibia & South Africa – Adventures with Rovos Rail itinerary which will take 16 guests through the African landscape over 16 days, with stays at lodges in the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, and a visit to Fish River Canyon. The journey will depart on April 17 and leads in at £25,350 per person.

Guests can stay on board a three-masted sailing ship during the 20-day Panama to Mexico Sailing Expedition with Sea Cloud Spirit journey, visiting the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize, incorporating rainforest excursions and a visit to Mexico’s Maya architecture. Prices begin at £23,200 per person for the trip which departs on March 11.

The final new itinerary for 2027 includes a private charter of Belmond’s sleeper train the Britannic Explorer from London to Edinburgh, followed by a cruise to the Faroe Islands on board Silversea’s Silver Wind, before ending in Dublin. The 18-day trip will begin on May 16, costing from £24,050 per person.

Every new itinerary has scope to be repeated or adapted for future journeys based on guest feedback, with the operator reporting that rail journeys were proving particularly “popular”.

The brand continues to operate its private jet itineraries around Africa, Australia, China and India, with more to come later this year including a newly debuted Latin America itinerary. 

The brand’s UK and Europe manager Cait Gargett said: “Our full-service offering makes us a great option for agents, as not only do their clients receive an end-to-end experience, including commercial flights, visas and transfers, but the agents only have to work with one point of contact. 

“Agents are finding particular popularity amongst their clients with our private jet journeys, such as China by Private Jet, thanks to the ease and convenience they promise in destinations that are typically viewed as more complex to organise independently in the UK market.”