Sweden
Remember the Vikings
History, Philanthropy
Take a private tour of Stockholm's Vasa Ship Museum, and climb aboard the Vasa—an honor normally extended only to scientists and heads of state. This seventeenth-century warship was commissioned by King Gustav Adolphus but sank just a mile into her maiden voyage in 1628 and remained underwater until she was finally salvaged, nearly intact, in 1961. The director of the museum will accompany you around the exhibits before or after hours. Cost: $1,000, plus a contribution to the museum (determined at time of booking). Source: Jan Sortland, Norwegian Adventures, Gvarv, Norway (47-35-95-65-37; jan@norwegian-adventures.com; norwegian-adventures.com).

Turkey
Sultan's Supper
Culinary, History, Philanthropy, Politics
Have dinner in Topkapi Palace's Imperial Room, normally reserved for the Turkish prime minister to entertain foreign dignitaries. Enjoy a ten-course dinner of classic Ottoman dishes, surrounded by the room's original furnishings and accompanied by a trio of musicians, while food historians explain the significance of each course as it is served. If you come in June, July, or September, you can finish the evening with cocktails on the terrace. Cost: $6,000, including a donation to the Topkapi Palace Museum. Source: Karen Fedorko, Sea Song Tours, Istanbul (90-212-292-8555; fedorko@seasong.com; seasong.com).

Ancient History
History
Meet archaeologist Sümer Atasoy at a Pontic tomb from the fourth century b.c. that he discovered in 2005 and which isn't yet open to the public. He'll explain the items unearthed and their relevance to that period. The Pontic Greeks established colonies along the Black Sea starting around 800 b.c., and remained there until they were evicted by the Turks in 1923. Weather conditions—and Atasoy's availability—are optimal for this experience from May through mid-October. Cost: $1,750. Source: Carrie McDougall (see Egypt).

Ukraine
Setting the Stage
The Arts
Have a private backstage tour of Odessa's opera house, where Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff performed. You'll be able to view the dressing and rehearsal rooms and, if you time your visit right, you can see singers warming up for the evening's performance. Cost: $300. Source: Greg Tepper (see Czech Republic).