In the last decade, the concept of luxury travel has undergone a full makeover. No longer is the extravagance of our adventures gauged by decadence. Time, freedom, seclusion and rare experiences are the modern markers of luxury.

That’s where TCS World Travel comes in. In its customised Boeing 757s, which seat just 50-80 guests, TCS’ world-class guides accompany travellers on the types of private jet expedition that make them feel like modern-day explorers, albeit in the comfort of flat-bed flights and five-star hotels.

TCS has been sharing first-hand access to the world’s greatest curiosities for more than 25 years, and access to exclusive experiences remains second to none, including a talk from the vets at Rwanda’s gorilla veterinary programme, a private sunrise breakfast at the Christ the Redeemer statue, or joining farmers as they sow rice in the paddy fields of Chiang Mai (pictured).

The jewel in the crown of TCS’s journeys is the Around the World trip, taking in Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Angkor Wat, the Serengeti Plains and Petra. The Ancient Empires of the Balkans tour takes place over 17 days and is an in-depth exploration of the Balkan Peninsula from Athens and Belgrade to Ljubljana and Albania – one of the world’s most secluded nations.

For ’19/’20 itineraries, visit tcsworldtravel.co.uk