So Much Planet, So Little Time
Extraordinary Journeys, Designed Around You
Luxury and Adventure Travel Experiences Around the World
Explore the world through thoughtfully designed private journeys, luxury adventures, safaris, expedition cruises, and immersive cultural experiences.
We combine expert destination knowledge, trusted travel partners, carefully selected accommodations, and meaningful experiences to create trips that feel personal rather than packaged.
Hourglass Expeditions creates personalized travel experiences for travelers who want more than a standard vacation. From African safaris and polar expeditions to culturally rich journeys across Japan, Europe, South America, and beyond, every itinerary is planned around how you want to experience the world.
Hourglass Expeditions is a luxury travel agency specializing in custom luxury travel, adventure travel, safaris, expedition cruises, and culturally immersive journeys around the world.
For over a decade, we have been designing tailor-made luxury journeys for discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences, seamless service, and unforgettable moments across the globe.
Our Travel Partners
Popular Destinations
Explore the destinations our travelers love most
Japan
Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond with a custom Japan itinerary combining culture, cuisine, history, and immersive local experiences.
Turkey
Discover Istanbul, Cappadocia, ancient ruins, Mediterranean coastlines, and private cultural experiences on a tailor-made Turkey vacation.
Croatia
Experience historic Dubrovnik, Adriatic islands, coastal villages, private sailing, and carefully selected luxury accommodations.
Spain
Travel through Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Andalusia, and beyond with private tours, culinary experiences, and personalized luxury travel planning.
Vietnam
Explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, historic towns, local cuisine, and cultural experiences on a private Vietnam journey.
Thailand
Combine Bangkok, Chiang Mai, tropical islands, wellness retreats, and authentic experiences on a customized Thailand vacation.
Wander Far
Every destination is just the beginning of your story. These are the places that have moved us, stayed with us, and left us wanting more and we’d love nothing more than to take you there
Travel Your Own Way
Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon, a wild safari, or a high-end corporate retreat, every itinerary is custom-crafted to your unique vision
Your Trip. Your Way. Let Us Plan the Details.
Tell us where you want to go, how you like to travel, and what would make the journey unforgettable.
Our luxury travel advisors will use your preferences to create a custom travel itinerary built around your destination, travel dates, interests, comfort level, and budget.
A 50th Birthday Trip I'll Never Forget
I had the pleasure of working with Hourglass Expeditions on a recent trip to Spain for my 50th birthday party. We had two separate families and a range of age groups. I can say without hesitation that they provided excellent recommendations for excursions and optimal timing throughout the entire trip. Â
Obviously, I will put Hourglass Expeditions to work again for my 51st birthday celebration.
- Frank
Newark, California | Traveled to Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
Travel Blogs
Discover the most beautiful, exotic, remote and luxurious destinations around the World.
Why Plan Your Luxury Vacation With Hourglass Expeditions?
We specialize in luxury adventure travel that combines exceptional comfort with authentic experiences.
Personalized Travel Planning
Every itinerary begins with you. Your destinations, interests, pace, preferences, and priorities guide every recommendation we make.
Destination Expertise
Our travel advisors combine firsthand travel experience with trusted local knowledge to help you decide where to go, where to stay, and what is worth experiencing.
Carefully Selected Accommodations
From luxury hotels and resorts to safari lodges, expedition ships, villas, and distinctive local stays, we recommend accommodations based on your individual travel style.
Private & Exclusive Experiences
Experience destinations more personally through private guides, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, culinary experiences, exclusive excursions, and unique local access.
Seamless Travel Coordination
Flights, accommodations, transportation, tours, cruises, transfers, and other trip details can be coordinated into one thoughtfully designed itinerary.
Support Throughout Your Journey
Our relationship does not end when your trip begins. We remain available to support you throughout your travels.
Our Luxury Travel Planning Services
From your first idea to your return home, Hourglass Expeditions provides personalized travel planning for complex and unforgettable journeys.
Luxury Safaris
Plan a luxury African safari through Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, and other extraordinary wildlife destinations.
We can coordinate luxury safari lodges, private game drives, wildlife experiences, gorilla trekking, walking safaris, transportation, guides, and multi-destination safari itineraries.
Adventure Travel
Explore extraordinary destinations through hiking, wildlife, cultural immersion, remote landscapes, and outdoor adventures.
From Machu Picchu and Patagonia to Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, the Galápagos, and polar regions, we design adventure travel experiences around your desired level of activity and comfort.
Expedition Cruises
Discover some of the world’s most remote destinations with small-ship and luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, Galápagos, Alaska, and other expedition destinations.
We help select the right ship, itinerary, cabin, travel dates, and pre- or post-cruise arrangements.
Luxury Cruises
Explore ocean and river cruise options from leading cruise lines around the world.
Whether you are interested in a Mediterranean cruise, European river cruise, Alaska cruise, Caribbean itinerary, or extended world voyage, we can help match the right cruise to your travel preferences.
Customized Travel Planning
Our custom travel planning service transforms your ideas into a complete personalized itinerary.
We coordinate destinations, accommodations, private tours, transportation, flights, activities, and important trip logistics so you can focus on the experience rather than the planning.
Flights & Private Jet Charters
Complex international flights and multi-destination journeys can be challenging to coordinate.
We assist with flight planning and private aviation options based on your itinerary, schedule, preferred cabin, routing, and travel priorities.
Luxury Hotels & Accommodations
From five-star hotels and luxury resorts to safari camps, villas, boutique properties, and unique destination stays, we recommend accommodations selected around your priorities and budget.
Travel Concierge Services
Need additional arrangements?
We can assist with private transfers, vehicle rentals, travel insurance options, special experiences, dining recommendations, and other travel logistics associated with your itinerary.
Certified Travel Agency
At Hourglass Expeditions, we believe true luxury lies in the details.
As a certified travel agency based in Newark, California, we’re making sure every journey we design, whether across the United States or around the world, is as seamless as it is unforgettable
Meet Our Travel Advisors With Firsthand Destination Experience
Great travel planning starts with understanding the destination.
Hourglass Expeditions’ advisors bring firsthand international travel experience and destination-specific expertise to the journeys they design.
Ahmer Khan
Luxury & Adventure Travel Advisor
Ahmer specializes in luxury adventure travel, African safaris, Antarctica and polar expeditions, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, and multi-generational travel.
Having traveled to more than 50 countries across all seven continents, he brings firsthand experience into the itineraries he creates.
Cheryl Thompson
Japan Travel Specialist
Cheryl specializes in custom Japan travel, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagasaki, and culturally immersive journeys throughout Japan.
Having lived in Japan for three years and speaking Japanese, she combines local understanding with personalized travel planning for first-time and returning travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury & Adventure Travel
Your Bespoke Travel Questions Answered From Luxury Safaris To Private Cruises Worldwide
What does a luxury travel agency do?
A luxury travel agency creates personalized trips based on your destination, interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Hourglass Expeditions can coordinate accommodations, private tours, cruises, flights, transfers, local experiences, and other travel arrangements into one custom itinerary.
What is custom luxury travel?
Custom luxury travel is a personalized journey designed specifically for the traveler rather than a pre-built vacation package. Your itinerary can include luxury accommodations, private guides, unique experiences, personalized transportation, adventure activities, cruises, safaris, and cultural experiences.
Does Hourglass Expeditions plan luxury African safaris?
Yes. We plan customized African safari trips across destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Rwanda. Safari itineraries can include luxury lodges, private game drives, wildlife experiences, gorilla trekking, walking safaris, and multi-country journeys.
Do you plan Antarctica cruises?
Yes. We help travelers plan Antarctica expedition cruises, including expedition cruise selection, cabin options, flights, transfers, and pre- and post-cruise accommodations and experiences.
Can you create a custom Japan itinerary?
Yes. Our Japan travel specialist creates personalized Japan itineraries covering destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagasaki, and other regions of Japan. Trips can include private guides, cultural experiences, food, history, transportation, and carefully selected accommodations.
Do you plan luxury trips to Europe?
Yes. We design custom European vacations across destinations including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Do you offer luxury family travel?
Yes. We create customized family and multi-generational vacations based on the ages, interests, activity levels, and travel preferences of everyone in the group.
Can you plan honeymoons and anniversary trips?
Yes. We design personalized honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and other celebration trips with accommodations and experiences selected around the occasion.
Can you help with luxury cruises and river cruises?
Yes. We work with leading cruise partners and can help travelers compare ocean cruises, river cruises, expedition cruises, itineraries, cabin categories, and pre- or post-cruise travel arrangements.
How do I start planning a custom trip?
Start by telling us where you are considering traveling, your approximate dates, who is traveling, and the type of experience you want. Our travel advisors will then work with you to develop a personalized itinerary.
Is Hourglass Expeditions a licensed travel agency?
Hourglass Expeditions is an Independent Affiliate of A.S.A.P. Cruises Inc., Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578, CST 2090937-40, Washington UBID No. 603189022.
Ready to Plan an Extraordinary Trip?
Your next journey does not have to come from a standard travel package.
Tell us where you want to go and what you want to experience. Our luxury travel advisors will help create a personalized itinerary combining exceptional destinations, accommodations, private experiences, and seamless travel planning.