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Unearthing a giant of the jurassic period
JOIN THE PALAEONTOLOGISTS
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, The Luminaire and Naturalis Biodiversity Center, an award-winning museum and research centre in the Netherlands, present the unique opportunity to participate in an active dinosaur excavation at a classified dig site in northern Wyoming, USA.
Join expert palaeontologists, researchers and geologists from Naturalis, to unearth the bones of a Diplodocus, one of the world’s largest and most captivating dinosaurs, from the ground where they have lain hidden for 150 million years. Be among the first to expose the remains of this gigantic creature from the Jurassic period and help shape our understanding of that lost world.
How significant are these fossil deposits and what do we hope to discover from unearthing this dinosaur?
THE JOURNEY
Price from £37,600 per person, based on a party of four guests. A portion of the sales from each journey will support the work of Naturalis’ scientists in Wyoming and all over the world.
INCLUSIONS
Three mornings at the dig site actively working with Naturalis researchers and palaeontologists
A guided walk around the site with a geologist
Area exploration with a Navajo Nation expert
Stargazing with an Astronomer
Local horse riding and fly-fishing experiences
Four nights' accommodation in luxury safari-style tents
All meals & drinks are included at the camp
Helicopter return transfers from Jackson Hole to dig site, flying over Yellowstone National Park and Grand Prismatic Spring on the way to the dig site
Two nights' accommodation at Amangani, Jackson Hole, in a Superior Room
All local transfers to activities as mentioned
Donation to Naturalis to help fund their research
TRAVEL DATES
Trip departures to suit guest preference, between July and September 2024
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Wyoming
Excursions, meals and drinks other than mentioned
BEFORE YOUR JOURNEY
Ahead of your journey, there is the opportunity to meet with the team of experts, virtually or in person at the Naturalis Museum in the Netherlands, and gain a deeper understanding of the research they are undertaking and how the project came to be.
DAY ONE
Arrive into Jackson Hole, and transfer by private car to Amangani. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY TWO
Spend the morning at leisure, before a private helicopter transfer takes you to the dig site, flying over Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone National Park.
Upon arrival at the camp, a light meal and refreshments will be served. Settle in to your individual tent and meet the local team who will be at your service for the duration of your stay.
DAY THREE
Join Naturalis researchers and palaeontologists and spend the morning learning about the techniques involved in excavating and recording dinosaur fossils, before embarking on your first dig.
After lunch at the camp, explore the beautiful landscapes of the area on horseback. Learn about life in the West from a Montana horseman, with extensive knowledge on breeding and training horses, as well as wagon trains and the craft of making saddles.
Return to camp for sunset drinks and dinner prepared by a private chef under the stars. As the remote location benefits from no light pollution, you will be able to navigate the infinite dark sky overhead under the guidance of an astronomer.
DAY FOUR
Spend a second morning with Naturalis experts at the dig site. Actively contribute to scientific research by digging under the guidance of archaeologists to discover the skeleton of the Diplodocus.
After lunch at the camp, drive to a secluded spot on the Stillwater River for fly fishing with the spectacular backdrop of the Montana mountains. The river offers prime trout fishing sections, home primarily to rainbows and browns.
Complete the day with a sumptuous dinner prepared by a private chef.
DAY FIVE
Spend your final morning at the dig site with the Naturalis experts. Your participation in this momentous experience will grant you a place in history, as a ‘Sponsor of the Diplodocus Dig’, with the option to take away a 3D printed version of the bone you uncover.
In the afternoon, after lunch at the camp, a Navajo guide will lead a hike to the petroglyphs in the area, providing insight into the Navajo and Native American history and culture.
A farewell dinner is prepared by a private chef.
DAY SIX
A private helicopter transfer will take guests back to Jackson Hole, for a night of post-dig relaxation at Amangani.
Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure at the hotel.
DAY SEVEN
A private transfer will take guests back to Jackson Hole Airport for their onward journey.
THE STAY
Home for the next four nights is a specially developed luxury camp near the excavations, offering uninterrupted views across the rugged, open landscapes of northern Wyoming.
Spacious safari tents with generous verandas are furnished with fabrics and artworks crafted by local artisans for an atmospheric stay, whilst canopy beds, private bathrooms and rain-style showers deliver on comfort. Dedicated tents serve as lounging areas, bars and dining rooms, decorated with thoughtfully sourced wooden furniture, and a team of chefs will prepare memorable campfire grills and dinners under a clear, star-filled sky.
ABOUT NATURALIS
The Naturalis Biodiversity Center is the national Natural History Museum of the Netherlands, and one of the largest in the world. It was awarded the European Museum of the Year in 2021 and is a longstanding heritage institution. A national research institute, researchers at Naturalis commit to understanding, reporting and conserving biodiversity.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Celebrating a special occasion? Renowned Executive Chef Shon Foster, previously of Amangiri in Utah, and his team are on hand to create bespoke dining experiences.
On Day 4, opt to travel to the fly-fishing experience by helicopter.
On Day 5, enjoy live music and an outdoor cinema at the camp.
For those wanting to extend their journey, trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, The Mammoth Site Museum (South Dakota), the Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC), the American Museum of Natural History (NYC) or The Field Museum (Chicago), can be arranged upon request, before or after the excavation.
Speak to a Travel Designer about exclusive experiences that can be added to your journey.
“THERE IS SOMETHING DECIDEDLY MAGICAL ABOUT SLOWLY REVEALING A DINOSAUR SKELETON" - PROFESSOR DR ANNE SCHULP
THE EXPERT
PROF DR. ANNE SCHULP
A professor of vertebrate palaeontology at Utrecht University and researcher at Leiden’s award-winning Naturalis Biodiversity Center since 2013, Prof Dr. Anne Schulp has made his passion for the Age of Dinosaurs his life’s work.
Over the last two decades, he has worked on projects aross the globe, including the excavation of one of the most complete and best-preserved skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found in Montana, which is now a much-prized centrepiece of the museum, as well as a herd of Triceratops, discovered in Wyoming.
START PERSONALISING YOUR EXPERIENCE
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From discovering the life of a classical composer with an acclaimed concert pianist, to unearthing treasures in Cairo with an archaeologist, our travel designers will create a personalised one-off journey, shaped by you.