Red Carpets & Pyramid Views: A President’s Journey by Private Plane

Jokes aside, Dave was blown away. “Our President’s Journeys are where Road Scholar’s signature learning meets first-class treatment — and then some.” The exclusive program, flying between global destinations on a beautifully appointed aircraft, is about more than just skipping airport lines. It’s about transforming how we travel between destinations — an endeavor that is, at best, a test of patience and endurance — into something to savor.  

“The travel itself really became a highlight, something to look forward to,” Dave explains. “Participants loved the plane, and rightfully so. It was an oasis between destinations.” Because the plane was theirs throughout the journey, participants could leave anything on board — a true luxury. 

Liftoff in London 

The first leg of the President’s Journey by Private Plane Around the World kicked off in London, where the location of the five-star accommodations made it easy to explore the city. “Even the neighborhood the hotel was in was great — very walkable, lots of restaurants and little shops,” Dave recalls. But what stood out even more was what he learned.  

Road Scholar expert Ruth Polling, perennially popular among participants, both online and on-site, was so much more than an instructor — she became an avid and intriguing conversation partner, joining participants on the bus to chat about politics and culture. “She was absolutely top-notch,” Dave says. “Really extraordinary — I can’t say enough good things about her. She could talk about anything and make it fascinating — even topics you'd never considered before.” 

After London, the group skipped the usual airport hubbub and entered a private terminal just for them, an exquisitely appointed lounge stocked with drinks, food and comfortable couches. No lines, no crowds, no stress. After a quick and efficient security check, a red carpet led straight to the plane, where a sign marked their next destination — Cairo. 

“The plane was phenomenal,” Dave says. “Huge seats you could fully stretch out in and hors d’oeuvres already waiting.” Even the staff, handpicked for this itinerary, knew the program inside and out. “There was even a private chef on board, prepping fresh meals for the flight,” Dave adds. 

Travel as a Highlight, not a Hurdle 

For most people, flights and layovers are a necessary test of endurance between destinations. But on this program, that became part of the magic. “The flight was an event,” Dave says. “It must have been six hours, but it felt like we were up and down in minutes.” 

The best perk of the program, the one that removes most of the stress of travel, is that the plane doesn’t leave without you. “No frantic airport dash. No wondering if you’re at the right gate. The plane waits for us,” Dave says with genuine enthusiasm. “That alone takes so much anxiety out of international travel.” 

VIP Every Step of the Way 

In Cairo, the seamless experience continued. Participants stepped off the plane directly onto the tarmac, where they were fast-tracked through customs. “I think it took something like 15 minutes,” Dave says, noting that others who had been to Egypt before marveled at that — previous customs experiences had taken hours. Afterward, a bus waiting for the group took them straight to the hotel.  

Even their luggage skipped the hassle — with AirTags attached back in London, it was waiting in their hotel rooms in Cairo. “No detail was too small,” Dave explains. “I’ve never traveled like that, and I probably never will again. But it was so refreshing — so exquisitely planned that the whole thing felt carefree.” 

The beauty of having logistics so thoroughly addressed meant that educational programming could take center stage. Settled in Cairo, the group met with Group Leader Heba, who grew up near the pyramids and brought deep cultural insight to every experience. A university professor joined to discuss Egypt’s water resources. “The in-country instructors were just outstanding,” Dave stresses. “Everyone was blown away by the level of scholarship and instruction. We learned so much.” 

Optional adventures like climbing inside the Great Pyramid of Giza offered unforgettable moments. “It was amazing, but I did learn how claustrophobic I really am,” Dave says, laughing, but it was a unique experience, and one he couldn’t bypass. “It wasn’t harrowing, but I still felt pretty heroic,” he says. “It was a good test of endurance for me, and it was just incredibly cool to be in a pyramid to begin with.” 

Truly Elevated Travel 

After just a few days in Cairo, which, beyond the pyramid, included an excursion on a camel, Dave got ready to head home while the program continued on. This time, though, on a regular commercial flight. The contrast hit hard. “On the private plane, I couldn’t even touch the seat in front of me. Now? I’m wedged in. It’s over. I’m officially ruined,” he jokes. 

Commercial travel notwithstanding, even his departure was eased with the kind of hospitality that is Road Scholar’s signature. “We had a Road Scholar liaison at the hotel, so I asked if he’d help me arrange a transfer back to the airport. He came in on his day off to make sure we connected with who we needed to and make sure we got on the on the right bus and everything. That’s the kind of people we work with — they’re authentically amazing.”  

That level of service extended even to the airport. “He had someone meet us there,” Dave explains. “Because everything is in Egyptian, I had no idea what I was looking for, but his contact got us to the front of the security line and without him, I’m quite sure we would have missed our flight.” 

Dave’s legs may have fallen asleep on the flight home, but thanks to Road Scholar’s signature planning and genuinely kind people, he made it back without a hitch. 

From red carpets to pyramid views, private chefs to engaging lectures, Road Scholar’s President’s Journey programs offer more than luxury — they offer peace of mind, deeper connections, elevated learning and a way to turn even the travel days into stories you can’t wait to tell.