The Stans, Central Asia

Transcription

1 a The Stans, Central Asia Departs April 17, 2018

2 THE STANS, CENTRAL ASIA Central Asia or "The Stans" is a vast landlocked region of Asia, increasing in popularity amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. In Stalin s time, the area was known as Turkestan. Soon after Independence, the five former Soviet Central Asian Republics, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, were defined as Central Asia. This is the common modern definition. Our tour covers the first four. The history of Central Asia is defined as much by the area's climate, as by its geography. Since the area is not buffered by a large body of water, temperature fluctuations are more severe. The aridness of the region made agriculture difficult and its distance from the sea also restricted the growth of industry. Thus, few large cities developed in the region, instead the area was for many centuries dominated by the nomadic horse people of the Steppe. Steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world. Periodically, great leaders would organise several tribes into one force of almost unstoppable power. These included the Hun invasion of Europe, the Wu Hu attacks on China and most notably the Mongol conquest of much of Eurasia. The fracturing of the Mongol Empire led to the resurgence of the Turkic people and from one minor tribe near Samarkand arose the tyrant Timur around His descendants ruled on separately in small kingdoms and duchies for almost a further century. The dominance of the nomads ended in the 16th century, as firearms allowed settled peoples to gain control of their surroundings. Russia, China and other powers expanded into the region and had captured the bulk of Central Asia by the end of the 19th Century. The geography is varied, including high plateaus, mountains, vast deserts, and treeless, grassy steppes. Much of the land is too dry and rugged for farming. A majority of its people earn a living by herding livestock. The two major rivers, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya used to replenish the Aral Sea. Now that most of their water is diverted for cotton growing, this sea/lake, has virtually disappeared. Water is an extremely valuable resource in Central Asia and has led to rather significant border disputes. The Silk Road gave rise to unprecedented trade, but its true brilliance and unique place in human history were the result of the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies that occurred amongst the very different peoples that used it. Our travels will encompass many of these historic places along with many other story-book destinations. Wonderful monuments, some restored, some not; museums full of ancient artifacts; colourful bazaars, all combined with stunning landscapes, will make this a memorable experience. There are parts of Central Asia that will have hardly seen a traveller before, and there are many wild and beautiful

3 Day 01, April 17 SYDNEY TO SEOUL Depart Sydney on Asiana Airlines OZ602 at 09.15hrs for Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. Arrive around 19.00hrs and transfer to our Seoul hotel where we stay overnight. The drive into Seoul from Incheon Airport is a little over an hour. Meals in flight. UZBEKISTAN Day 02, April 18 SEOUL TO TASHKENT Transfer back to Incheon Airport around lunch time and depart Seoul on Asiana OZ573 at 16.50hrs for Tashkent, arriving at 20.20hrs. Welcome to Central Asia! Patience will be required when clearing security, customs and waiting for our baggage. Our guide will meet us at the exit and transfer our group to the hotel. (Breakfast and lunch is provided at the hotel in Seoul). B/L/ Dinner in-flight. Day 03, April 19 TASHKENT After breakfast, we have a full day sightseeing in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. We visit the key sites of the Old City including the Hasti Imom Complex (the Kaffal Shashiy Mausoleum, Barak Khan ma- drasah, and the Tillya Sheikh mosque), Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldash madrasah and the Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 04, April 20 TASHKENT TO SAMARKAND After an early breakfast, the group will take the 08.00hrs Afrosiyob fast train to Samarkand (330km 2 hours) arriving around 10.15hrs On arrival check in to your hotel. An afternoon tour will include the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square. We will overnight at the same hotel for two nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 05, April 21 SAMARKAND After breakfast we continue our city tour of Samarkand. Visit the Bibi Khanym mosque, the bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiab Museum & Shakhi Zinda necropolis. Later in the afternoon, there s some local wine tasting. Tonight, a traditional Uzbek dinner is provided at a local family restaurant. B/D Day 06, April 22 SAMARKAND TO BUKHARA Today the group will again experience the Afrosiyob fast train network this time from Samarkand to Bukhara. We leave after breakfast and arrive in Bukhara about 90 minutes later. On arrival check in to our hotel where we will stay for three nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D

4 Day 07, April 23 BUKHARA After breakfast, today we have a wonderful full day city tour of Bukhara, visiting the following sites (time permitting) the Ark fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub, Poi Kalyan complex with Kalyan mosque and Miri Arab madrasa, Ulug- beg and Abdulazizkhan madrasas, ancient Silk Market, Magokki Attori mosque and Labi Hauz complex. In the evening we ll enjoy a folk show at Nodir Devonbegi madrasa (dependant on the weather conditions). Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 08, April 24 BUKHARA Our city tour of Bukhara continues today with the Chor Minor Mosque, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Chor Bakir, Naqshbandiy Complex and the Jewish Synagogue. Dinner at a local artist s family home with a plov (traditional rice based meal) cooking demonstration. B/D TURKMENISTAN Day 09, April 25 BUKHARA FARAB BORDER MARY An early start today. After breakfast drive to Uzbek-Turkmen border Farab. Here we say goodbye to Uzbekistan for a few days and make our way across the border into Turkmenistan. After border formalities - a long, frustrating business - we change transport and guide and drive to Mary to check in to our hotel where we stay for two nights. B/D Day 10, April 26 MARY MERV MARY After breakfast, we drive east of Mary, towards Bayram-Ali, the contemporary reincarnation of and humble suburb of the glorious Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site). One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2000 years. Then head back to Mary where we will visit the local History Museum, presenting a wide array of archaeological finds dating back to the III mill. BC through the late XIX century, from both Ancient Merv and Bronze Age sites of the Margush country as well as interesting ethnographic displays. B/D Day 11, April 27 MARY TO ASHGABAT In the morning we have an early flight to Ashgabat on T5-128 at 07.50hrs (40 minute flight), from the newly built airport of Mary. We then head for the fortress of Old Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the earliest Parthian Empire capital. Located in an atmospheric area on an irregular pentagon hill, at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, Old Nisa is a beautiful landmark. Then we return to Ashgabat, en route visit Kipchak village (10 km outside Ashgabat) to see an impressive complex of the biggest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first President. We will also visit the National Museum of History (more than 327,000 objects are on a display) exhibiting exclusive ancient artefacts from different historical and archaeological sites of Turkmenistan, including Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench and others. We will then transfer to the hotel where we will stay for two nights (Grand Turkmen or similar). Dinner in a local restaurant. B/D Day 12, April 28 ASHGABAT In the morning we visit the National Carpet Museum exhibiting an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various exquisite objects. Then we head to Geok-Depe (50km) to see real pure-blood Akhal-Tekke horses at Arkadash stud farm. On our way to the farm, we will pass by a former Tekke stronghold, which was the site of the biggest battle for the Russian domination in Central Asia in the late 19th century. After this excursion, we continue driving west to the Kov-Ata cave, accommodating a unique hot-water underground lake. There are heaps of stairs down into the cave so it may not be for everyone. After an optional dip in the lake (take your swimmers and a towel), we return to Ashgabat. B/D TURKMENISTAN TO UZBEKISTAN Day 13, April 29 ASHGABAT - KUNYA URGENCH - KHIVA Up early this morning to catch a flight to Dashoguz on T5-103 at 09.45hrs. Upon arrival at 10.35hrs (subject to change), we will board a bus and drive to Kunya Urgench (100 km). One of the very ancient cities of Central Asia and once the great capital of the Khorezm Empire. In 1221, this beautiful and romantic part of the world was ruined by Mongolians. The most famous monuments are the mausoleum of Hakhridin Razi, Tekesh mausoleum, minaret of Kutlug Timur, Najmiddin Kubra and Turabek Khanum mausoleum. Return to Dashoguz and drive to Uzbekistan Turkmenistan border. After border formalities we ll change back to Uzbek transport and your same Uzbek guide for the drive to Khiva where we will stay for two nights. B/D Day 14, April 30 KHIVA After breakfast there s a full day of sightseeing in Khiva. You will visit Muhammad Amin Khan madrasa, Kelte Minar, Konya Ark, Muhammad Rahimkhan madrasa, Pakhlavan Mahmud mausoleum, Islam Khoja minaret and madrasa, Juma Masjid and Tash Hovli Palace. B/D

5 Day 15, May 1 KHIVA TO TASHKENT Today is a rest day and there is no better place than Khiva to have some down time to yourself. Our hotel is centrally located to the ancient Trading Domes where you will find time to wander and perhaps have a coffee at the German bakery and pick up an antique or some local handicrafts. Khiva is famous for silk carpets, miniature Islamic paintings, puppets, ceramics and wonderful calligraphy. We board our Tashkent flight HY-054 at 16.00hrs, arriving at 18.15hrs and then check into our hotel for two nights. Dinner is at the hotel. B/D Day 16, May 2 TASHKENT Our sightseeing in Tashkent today includes Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Navoi Theatre. If it is open, we will also visit the famous ceramics family workshop of Akbar Rakhimov. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. B/D KYRGYZSTAN Day 17, May 3 TASHKENT TO BISHKEK A very early start today. We board our 06.15hrs flight HY-779 from Tashkent arriving to Bishkek at 08.30hrs. Breakfast at a local restaurant next to the Airport (Uncle Tom s Hut). Upon arrival in Bishkek, we will take a city tour of the capital: Ala-Too Central Square; Manas on horse monument; the Central History Museum which displays the life history of the Kyrgyz people from their nomadic days; Panfilov Park, open air Art Gallery where one can see oil paintings of local artists; walk through the Erkindik Boulevard; the Fine Arts Museum; The Victory Square; Youth Avenue. Finish the tour with excursion to colourful and famous Osh bazaar. Check-in to hotel at/after 14:00. The rest of the afternoon is free before we head out to dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 18, May 4 BISHKEK Today is time to put on your walking shoes as we head out to Bishkek s breathtaking Ala- Archa alpine National Park which is in the Tian-Shan Mountains for hiking tour. There are some 20 glaciers within the park and it is also home to the endangered and very rare snow leopard. We will take a picnic lunch with us. This evening we will be entertained at the Supara Ethno complex and enjoy a Tash-Mangal barbecue. Dinner includes authentic Kyrgyz hunting dishes and other local delicacies, followed by a folklore show and Manas performance (depending on the weather, dinner will be outside in an open terrace or inside the yurt restaurant). B/Picnic lunch/d Day 19, May 5 BISHKEK TO CHOLPON ATA After breakfast, we will head east to Cholpon-Ata, a lakeside town on the very deep and beautiful lake - Issyk Kul. After driving about 90km stop to visit Burana Historical Complex, which consists of a minaret, small archeological museum and open air museum of Balbals (carved stone warriors). We will also visit the open air Petroglyphs Museum (carved stone inscriptions) in Cholpon-Ata. After checking in to our hotel, you will be able to have a short rest or enjoy a stroll along the lake shore. This evening we will take a boat tour on the lake and enjoy dinner onboard (1.5hrs). B/D Day 20, May 6 CHOLPON ATA TO KARAKOL After breakfast, we drive along the very scenic road for about 3 hours to Karakol at the far eastern end of the lake. Before reaching Karakol we ll visit an eco-farm Reina-Kench, where the host will give us a guided tour around the farm. Afterwards, we ll have an organic lunch prepared from ecologically pure products grown on the farm (depending on weather, lunch will be near the Jyrgalan river in the open air or indoors). Upon arrival in Karakol, we ll visit the beautiful Russian church made entirely of wood (no nails) and the Dungan mosque (the Dungan s are a minority group of Muslims living in this region and originally from Western China). En-route, we will visit the museum of Explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. The tour will end with a visit to the shop One Village-One Product - which offers handmade food and felt products produced by local women in the Issyk Kul region. Dinner tonight is at a local family s home with local food specialties. B/L/D Day 21, May 7 KARAKOL - JYRGALAN - KARAKOL After breakfast at our guest house we depart to Jyrgalan valley to discover the deeply hidden beautiful nature of the country. After arriving at the village, we ll be entertained by local men taking part in the national horse games called Kok-Boru and a wonderful demonstration of Kyrgyz eagle hunting skills. We will also have the opportunity to participate in the process of cooking Kyrgyz type of bread called Boorsok - making the dough, cutting them into small diamond shape pieces and frying them in big Kazan (steel pot) on a fire. Afterwards, taste freshly cooked boorsoks with jam/honey followed with barbeque lunch prepared and served at a local Kyrgyz family s house. In the afternoon we will go for a half-day hiking tour to surrounding mountains and enjoy the stunning view or simply relax and stay in the village and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. In the evening we will return to our guest house and have dinner there. B/L/D Day 22, May 8 KARAKOL TO CHON KEMIN VALLEY After breakfast depart for the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley on the north side of Issyk Kul (lake). Today is a long but rewarding drive. Upon arrival in Kalmak-Ashuu village, our

6 accommodation is at a family run eco friendly guest house. This lovely guest house is located inside the quiet village with a stunning view to Kalmak-Ashuu Mountains. After checking into our rooms, there is an optional excursion towards the Kalmak Ashuu Gorge on a horse and cart (a light hike is also possible). A delicious homemade dinner will be served on the terrace opening out to the panoramic view of the mountains and village. The evening provides free time to explore the village, introducing you to the life of these people as they go about their daily activities (depending on weather, it is possible to have bonfire in the garden of the guest house). B/D KAZAKHSTAN Day 23, May 9 CHON KEMIN VALLEY TO ALMATY Today we ll head off for the Chernaya Rechka border crossing into Kazakhstan. Our Kyrgyz guide will stay with us and complete the next phase of the tour. In Almaty we ll visit Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral, and the Sunkar Falconry to see the eagles, hawks, owls and vultures obey their master s commands. Later, we ll transfer to our Almaty hotel where we will stay for two nights, check in and have dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 24, May 10 ALMATY A full day starting with a morning drive into the beautiful countryside to visit Esik village on the Issyk River and at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. This is where the gravesite of the golden warrior lies. Then, we ll drive on to Ile-Alatau National Park for some light trekking (for those up to it). This area is famous for its wildlife and scenic beauty. Then we will drive back to Almaty to visit the Green Bazaar markets. Watch the locals selling and buying fresh vegetables and wares. Dinner at a local restaurant. B/D Day 25, May 11 ALMATY TO SEOUL Today we ll visit the wonderful Museum of Kazakh national instruments and the Central State Museum that gives a full overview of Kazakhstan s history. It also displays miniature replicas of the country s greatest archaeological treasures including the Golden Man Warrior costume made from 4,000 golden parts! We ll then take an excursion on the cable car to Shymbulak. Check-out from the hotel in the morning after breakfast. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, we ll be transferred to the airport for our flight to Seoul - OZ578 departing 23.10hrs. B/D Day 26, May 12 SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Welcome to the fabulous, bustling, mega city that is Seoul. You will arrive into Incheon Airport at around 07.50hrs. A coach will collect you and you ll have a half day orientation tour of some key sights of the city before taking you to your hotel in the Myongdong district for check in. (Check-in time is around 14.00hrs). Your afternoon is free to catch up on some zzz s or explore around the hotel in Myongdong. A trip to the DMZ is also a great option and your host can provide details. (You ll need about 5-6 hours). The group farewell dinner is at our hotel tonight. There s an opportunity to explore the local area after dinner for a drink, coffee or dessert. B/D Day 27, May 13 SEOUL Today we have arranged for a highlights tour of the city. You will visit the Gyeongbok Palace which was built in 1395 and served as the main palace until the 16th century, the National Folk Museum that displays the lifestyle of ancient Koreans, Insadong Antique Alley with it s art galleries and second hand book stores. Then you ll visit Namdaemun Market, considered the best of the markets for just about everything! We will also visit Bukchon Hanok Village with it s traditional wooden homes. If there s time, you ll take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, which was a sewer but is now a wonderful place to stroll in the middle of the city. You ll be dropped back to your hotel in Myondong around 3.30pm in time for your transfer back to the airport for the flight home which is OZ601 departing around 20.00hrs. B/D Day 28, May 14 SEOUL TO SYDNEY Arrival into Sydney is approx hrs. Optional add-on Extension to South Korea. For those interested, there is an opportunity to add a 7 night extension to Korea, a wonderful and fascinating country with much to see, do and eat! Day 1 SEOUL After your main tour, you will be collected at Incheon International airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in at Center Mark Hotel (4*) or similar. The time is at your leisure and dependent on flight arrivals. Meals are at your leisure. B Day 2 SEOUL / MT. SEORAK Start with breakfast at the hotel before meeting with your local English speaking driver/guide and head to Sokcho about 3 hours. Today you ll visit Mt. Seorak National Park, Sinheungsa Temple, take a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress & do some short hiking to Biseondae Rock Flat. Then, check in to the Seorak Kensington Hotel (4*) or similar. B Day 3 MT. SEORAK / TAEBAEK / ANDONG After breakfast you ll visit the gorgeous Naksansa Temple before transfering to Cheolam train Station about 2.5hrs drive. Here s, you ll take V-train to Bucheon Station which is about a one hour journey. (Your driver/guide will go to Bucheon Station by his car where he will meet you and take you to Andong about 1.5hrs drive. Overnight at Andong Grand Hotel (4*) or similar. B Day 4 ANDONG / DAEGU Today you ll take a tour of Andong including the UNESCO- Listed Hahoe Village, Buyongdae Cliff and the Byeongsan

7 Seowon Confucian Academy. Then, drive to Daegu about 1.5hrs away. Check in at the Daegu Grand Hotel (4*) or similar. B Day 5 DAEGU / GYEONGJU Once you ve had breakfast, you will drive about 2 hours to the historical city of Gyeongju which is often called the "Museum without Walls. Visit the Seokguram Grotto, he UNESCO-Listed Bulguksa Temple and then overnight at Gyeongju Commodore Chosun Hotel or similar. B Day 6 GYEONGJU / BUSAN Today you will drive to Korea s second largest city Busan which will take about 1.5 hours. You will visit the following places of interest - Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Dongbaek Island & Nurimaru APEC House, Haeundae Beach, Busan Tower and the enormous Jagalchi Fish Markets. Camera s ready for this one! Then check in at Crown Harbour Hotel or similar. B Day 7 BUSAN / INCHEON /DEPARTURE Breakfast is at the hotel and then, depending on your flight time, you ll have more time to look around or, you will transfer to Busan Station by yourself (which is very easy). The KTX fast train will take you to Incheon Int l Airport where you alight for your flight home. Note, most flights back to Australia from Incheon depart about 8.00pm but all flights are to be confirmed. The train trip is about hours depending on the number of stops. There are currently 5 trips a day. B Based on 4 travelling together, the cost for this Korean extension is approximately $2,750 pp on a twin share basis. Final costs will depend on final number of participants. The extension includes 6 night accommodation twin share, 6 breakfasts at the hotel, minivan day 1 then car or minivan with English speaking driver/guide from days 2 6. Entrance fees are included as is your return train ticket. Lunches and dinners have not been included to keep the tour as flexible as possible. Driver/guide tips are also additional. It is possible to spend more time in Seoul should you wish to do so. The Stans, Central Asia Tour cost inclusions and exclusions. The cost of this 28 day itinerary is $12,590 ex Sydney per person. The tour cost includes economy return air-fares, transfers between terminals and hotels; hotel accommodation, all ground travel throughout, entry fees to all museums, monuments, parks and places of interest. It also includes all meals except on the free days. Tariff is on a twin-share basis; Supplement for single accommodation is $1,180. If less than 10 persons apply, the tour will proceed but will not have an Australian host accompanying the group. The Group will be escorted from Seoul and will have the services of an English speaking guide at all times. It is possible to extend the stop over in Seoul on the way home and we can assist with this if you need help. We can also help with business class international airfares if you prefer to fly at the pointy end of the plane! Asiana Airlines continually rates very highly in the annual industry awards winning the Airline of The Year Award by ATW (Airline Transport World) in It also has a Five Star Airline Ranking held for two consecutive years by research group Skytrax. Incheon Airport has also bagged a swag of awards including best international airport. It is possible to fly on to another destination after the tour. We can help with business class international airfares if you prefer to fly at the pointy end of the plane. $250 secures your place on this wonderful trip. Please refer to the booking form. A partial payment will also be required when we lock in your international airfares. The full tariff less deposit and any interim payment is due 60 days prior to departure. You must refer to the terms and conditions attached to this itinerary and available on our website prior to making a decision to travel. Services included: Economy airfares Internal flights All accommodation on a twin share basis Breakfasts, lunches & dinners as indicated on the itinerary All transfers while overseas Air conditioned mini bus or coach including driver, insurance, and petrol English speaking guides Australian host ( providing there is a minimum of 10 pax) All entrance fees for museums and places of interest Services not included: Alcoholic drinks and other beverages Any entry visas as required Any special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines Tips Domestic Australian transfers Travel Insurance which is compulsory If you have any questions please call us on

8 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS August 2017 By making a booking and paying your deposit you accept the following booking terms and conditions. A. BOOKING CONDITIONS 1. How to Book To secure your place on a tour, a deposit and completed booking form should be sent to Blue Dot Travel. Balance of payment becomes due 60 days prior to departure. If the balance is not paid by the due date, we may regard the booking as cancelled. If flights are not booked on a group fare basis, then an interim payment will be required within 7 days of notification. On occasions, you may be asked to pay for certain aspects of the tour prior to final payment. An example may be a cruise component within our overall program. 2. Single supplement A booking may be accepted on a share room basis on the condition that the person requesting the share reservation agrees that we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between the persons sharing and no guarantee is given that a share room will be available. If not available, at the time of final payment you agree to pay the single supplement. If you choose to pay a single supplement for a tour and on an occasion due to non availability, a single room cannot be provided, a refund will be made for any night that a single room was not available. 3. Compulsory Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, however, we insist that you take out a personal travel Insurance policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. Each traveller is responsible for ensuring they have the correct level of cover for their individual circumstances. It is the traveller s responsibility to check that your insurance policy (especially those offered by your credit card company) covers you comprehensively for the entirety of the tour you have booked on. Your travel insurance must be in place before airline bookings are made. In the event of cancellation after flights have been booked, any airfares paid by Blue Dot Travel may be forfeited. You may be entitled to a refund of some or all the airfare depending on the airline s cancellation policy, or you may be able to claim this on your travel insurance. 4. Discounts Early bird discounts, if offered, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount applied. 5. Client responsibilities The client acknowledges and agrees that the tours offered by Blue Dot Travel may be adventurous in nature and that he or she travels at his/her own risk. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a Blue Dot Tour. You must be able to walk at least 500 metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, and be able to walk up three flights of stairs unassisted. It is the client s own responsibility to obtain and maintain any appropriate travel documents, eg, a valid passport, any valid visas, permits, vaccination certificate or the like. The client has the obligation to disclose any pre existing medical condition or allergies to Blue Dot Travel when booking the tour and the company reserves its right to refuse a booking with a client suffering from any such condition. 6. Tour Cancellations Cancellation must be notified in writing to our office. If cancellation is received more than 60 days prior to departure, the deposit will be forfeited along with any other prepaid portions of your tour such a cruise deposits. If cancellation takes place between 60 days and 31 days before departure a fee of 50% of the total booking cost will be charged. If 30 days or less remain before departure 100% of the tour cost will be charged. [Depending on the reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy]. If less than 10 people are booked on any tour, the trip may proceed without a host accompanying the group. This will be at the discretion of Blue Dot Travel. An in-country guide will still be provided in these circumstances. Should there be too few people booked for any tour, we reserve the right to cancel that tour no later than 60 days before scheduled departure. In this event, a full refund will be made, and Blue Dot Travel will not be liable for any claims made or any additional costs incurred by you. Upon commencement of the trip, no refunds will be made for any reason, for unused section(s). If Blue Dot Travel deems it to be appropriate to cancel any tour due to factors beyond its control, such as civil unrest, natural disaster or other emergencies in the areas to be visited, in the period just prior to departure when Client Trust funds have, or could reasonably be expected to have been expended on purchasing elements of the tour, i.e. domestic and international flights, hotel accommodation among other things, then Blue Dot Travel will refund all monies that can be recovered from the recipients of those expenses, without entering into any legal dispute, this being the limit of its obligations. Blue Dot Travel is only obliged to cancel a tour if the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issue a travel warning stating Do Not Travel. 7. Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to vary the itinerary, accommodation and forms of transport should any conditions make it preferable, appropriate or necessary to do so, we will provide alternative services as close as possible to those listed. Wherever possible we shall advise you of such changes prior to departure, however we accept no responsibility for any alterations made for any reason, or for any associated loss or damage. If any additional expenses are incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries because of force majeure or if it considered advisable by our principals, such expenses are to be borne by you. It is possible that a route change could be necessary due to inclement weather, political restrictions or any other cause. Route changes will always be at the discretion of the group leader and the responsible agency. We will not be responsible for postponement or delay caused by delayed flights or schedule changes at any point in tour. No refund will be available in the event of any route or itinerary changes including hotel accommodation.

9 8. Costs We reserve the right to amend our prices for any tour, without notice, at any time up until final payment has been made by you, in the event of exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs, airport charges, airfares or increase in other service provider s fees. It is the travellers duty to ensure they have checked the most up to date travel itinerary prior to the tour departure. On occasions we may be booking special cruises, ferries, expedition ships or internal flights which require larger advance payments, in which case you will be advised. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. Items not included in our costs Your personal travel insurance (which is compulsory) Tourist visas Special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines Transfers not included on the Group s itinerary, for example when you arrive separately from a different destination or using different airline Domestic Australian transfers unless specified on the itinerary Seat preferences where additional cost applies Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, and all items of a personal nature Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges. Expenses incurred as a result of illness and any other unforeseen situations and events. Expenses incurred in cases of personal liability, injury or death if you have been participating in optional activities. Excess baggage charges. Loss incurred by rerouting, cancellation, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances. Meals not stipulated in the itinerary Alcoholic drinks and other beverages Tips to guides, drivers or service personnel on tour Photography fees (where applicable) 9. Blue Dot Travel s rights Blue Dot Travel reserve the right to exclude a client from any tour if they fail to comply with our fair and sensible instructions while on tour, if they prevent other clients enjoyment of a tour, if they jeopardise the safety of other clients, if they engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if they become a danger to themselves or other clients. If this happens, the client will not be entitled to a refund and Blue Dot Travel will not be responsible for any expenses that the traveller may incur if they are excluded from a tour for any of these or other unforeseen reasons. 10. Consumer Claims If a problem occurs while you are away, it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the guide, host or provider. If you are unhappy with your hotel room please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you have any other complaint please advise us promptly so that we can attempt to resolve the matter. If you fail to take these steps any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this must be put to us in writing advising details of the efforts, if any, that were made with the local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of return to Australia. No claim made after this period will be considered. 11. Photo competitions If you provide us with a photo from the tour in relation to our on-tour photo competitions, you are providing us to use the image in our newsletters, website, social media sites and other promotional material. This is a condition of entry to our on-tour photos competitions. 12. Social Media From time to time, usually whilst on tour, Blue Dot Travel will post photos to the Blue Dot Travel Facebook page and other Blue Dot Travel social media websites. The photos may include images of individuals and groups of individuals who are on the tour. These are available for anyone to see when they log in to the Blue Dot Travel Facebook or relevant social media site page. Should you not wish to have your photo posted on any of these social media sites, you must advise us on or before departure of the tour. Otherwise, we cannot take responsibility for your image being posted. B. DISCLAIMER BY BOOKING AGENT (Blue Dot Travel, ACN , Licence No 2TA004048) 1. These booking conditions cannot exclude the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or of any relevant State Act or Australian Consumer law. 2. Under these Acts Blue Dot Travel is required to provide services to you with due care and skill and to provide services which are reasonable for a particular purpose if you have made that purpose known. The Acts provide a right to compensation in appropriate cases. 3. Blue Dot Travel gives notice that it acts as agent only for our tours, and of all other persons and companies who provide the services outlined in this itinerary and in connection with any tour for which you book and that this contract is between the applicant and the in country operator. 4. Blue Dot Travel warrants that its services as a tour retailer and booking agent will be rendered with due care and skill. 5. Blue Dot Travel does not state that the route suggested or recommended in the itinerary for any tour is the best or more suitable from any particular point of view. 6. Any maps in the itinerary and other documents are for information only, and may not necessarily show the exact routings. 7. In promoting the tours outlined in our itineraries Blue Dot Travel acts as agent for each travel supplier and their associated companies and contractors and therefore: all tours outlined in this itinerary, and all tickets, vouchers and documents issued by Blue Dot Travel are subject to the terms and conditions of the persons and companies for whom Blue Dot Travel are agents all tickets and coupons or vouchers issued by Blue Dot Travel and all arrangements for transport or conveyance or accommodation, are made by Blue Dot Travel as agents for such others persons and companies and are made at your request on the express conditions that Blue Dot Travel shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in carrying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection with the tour or of any provider of any accommodation to provide any facility normally available. Blue Dot Travel is not responsible for any default, omission, negligence or other act our suppliers and the contractors associated with them. Blue Dot Travel is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in transportation services, other services, sickness, accident, injury, weather, strikes, war, civil unrest or disturbance, riots, quarantine or other causes. 8. These terms and conditions cannot be altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of Blue Dot Travel or of any person providing services on the tour.

10 BOOKING FORM By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. TOUR NAME:... Tour Departure Date:... Today s Date:... YOUR DETAILS Passenger 1: Passenger 2: Preferred Name:... Preferred Name:... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Mr/Mrs/Ms Mr/Mrs/Ms First Name Middle Name First Name Middle Name Surname Surname Date of Birth:... Date of Birth:... Postal Address:... Postal Address: P/Code:......P/Code:... Home Ph: ( )... Home Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Mobile:... Mobile: Passport Number:... Passport Number:... Nationality:... Nationality:... Date of Issue:... Date of Expiry:... Date of Issue:...Date of Expiry:... Important: please photocopy and post or scan & your passport details to us. Accommodation Needs: Double Room Twin Share Single Room (at additional cost) Dietary/Special Needs:... Emergency Contact: Name:... Who will be in Australia while you are travelling. Phone 1: ( )... Phone 2: ( )... Travel Insurance: Provider Name:... Policy Number:... Travel insurance is compulsory and must be in place prior to Blue Dot Travel booking your flights. Yes, I confirm I can walk at least 500 metres without requiring a stop and can walk up three flights of stairs unassisted. Signature 1:... Signature 2:... Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to keep up with the group while travelling? Yes No How did you hear about us?... PAYMENT A $250 deposit (per person) is required to secure your position. An interim payment will be due when flights are booked. Balance is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. There are three payment options: 1 Credit Card: Please call (02) or complete and fax/post to Blue Dot Travel. If paying balance by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. (Note: merchant fee is not applied to your $250 deposit.) Mastercard Visa Name on Card:... Card Number: Expiry Date: / Amount to Pay: $250 (p/p)... Signature of Card Holder:... 2 EFT Payment $250 (p/p) Please use your surname as a reference when making payment. Account Name: Blue Dot Travel Trust Account BSB: Account Number: Cheque $250 (p/p) Please make cheque payable to Blue Dot Travel Trust Account and post to address opposite, with this completed form. THANK YOU. We look forward to welcoming you. Please ensure you have read the Terms & Conditions issued with the itinerary and provided at TA Blue Dot Travel Phone Fax Suite 109, Ground Floor, 48 Atchison Street, St.Leonards NSW 2065 BDT082017