Along the Silk Route Escorted Group Tour 5 May 2016

Transcription

1 Along the Silk Route Escorted Group Tour 5 May 2016

2 Burana Tower We are very proud to have received a number of awards over recent years from The Guardian and Observer, The Telegraph newspaper and Ultratravel magazine, and Wanderlust, as voted by their readers. We are a Which? Recommended Provider achieving the maximum five star rating across all categories and have also won awards with The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. Additionally, we have achieved two stars from the Best Company organisation for our great working environment. These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the publications readerships. With over 500 travel companies for you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you can expect from Audley.

3 Contents Introduction to tour 6 Flights & visas 7 Day by day summary of our Along the Silk Route arrangements8 Price 11 Why travel with us? 12 Introduction to the region 13 Photographs of the region 20 Your itinerary in detail 22 Accommodation information 47 Charity support 54 General information 55 Terms and conditions 58 Booking form back page

4 4 Meet our specialists

5 Meet our North & Central Asia Specialists The members of our North & Central Asia team have lived and breathed this fascinating collection of countries. In the name of research we ve travelled to the tip of Japan and the far west of China, ventured along the exotic Silk Road, slept in yurts, and journeyed by train through the vast expanses of Siberia and Russia, stopping along the way to try delicacies such as yak butter tea, Mongolian hot pot, sea urchin sushi and shots of neat vodka! Meet our specialists 5

6 Flights & visas Introduction to our Along the Silk Route group tour Following in the footsteps of the great traders and explorers of old, this grand tour takes you along the route of the ancient Silk Road through western China and over the high passes into Central Asia to the fabled khanates of Bukhara and Samarkand. The tour combines the world-renowned cultural and historical sites of the Silk Route with some of the planet's most stunning scenery. En route you'll visit the magnificent Buddhist Grottoes at the oasis town of Dunhuang, haggle with the locals at the incredible Kashgar Sunday Market and cross the towering 3752m Torugart Pass into Kyrgyzstan, one of Asia's hidden gems. Commencing in Beijing, this three-week tour is timed to avoid the worst of the summer heat, and hopefully coincide with the alpine flowers in Kyrgyzstan. Much of the route is covered by private coach, though a few reliable domestic flights cover the great distances quickly and conveniently. Due to the remoteness of many of the regions, accommodation is often simple in nature, but always clean and comfortable. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Travelling in Central Asia requires flexibility, patience and understanding; flight timetables and other arrangements often change at short notice, accommodation is simple and there are long drives on unsealed roads. It should be remembered that Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are still very much third world counties and western China is similarly still developing. If, however, you are looking for stunning scenery, fascinating culture and have a keen sense of adventure, this is absolutely the trip for you! Group size The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by the presence of too many people. Your main mode of transport will be a coach that seats 20-30, so there is plenty of space for everyone. Please note that on this trip there are quite a few long days travelling, due to the sheer distances you will be covering, often on poor roads so be prepared for some bumpy conditions. The amazing scenery should make the journeys worthwhile. There is a minimum requirement of 10 passengers to run this tour, so the first 10 people to book will be done so on a provisional basis until minimum numbers are reached. Deposits for those first 10 people will be fully refundable should the tour not operate. Single travellers We welcome single travellers on tours. You have two options - you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price (this option will only be available if another single traveller of the same sex is also willing to share), or you can choose to guarantee the sole occupancy of your room, in which case a single supplement is payable. Group tour leader An experienced English guide will meet you on arrival in China and travel with you throughout your group trip. Along the way we will also be using expert local guides who are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge of the area. Meal arrangements Daily breakfast is included at your hotel and a number of lunch and dinners are included (where stated) at the hotel, a local restaurant or, on occasions where you are travelling, as a simple packed lunch. Your tour leader or guides will be able make suggestions for dining where this is not included. Special dietary requirements Special dietary requirements should be highlighted by you on the booking form. However, you must be aware that it is unrealistic to expect specialist diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we will be visiting. We will advise hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability. Tour health & fitness requirements To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude 6 Flights & visas

7 Flights & visas customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please contact us. Activity level - medium A good level of fitness is required for this trip and you should be physically active. You should be aware and prepared for all or any of the following on this trip: High altitude - the tour crosses passes at more than 3,500m. Extremes of temperature - this will vary considerably depending on date of departure, but be prepared for possible highs of 35-40C (Turpan and Bukhara particularly) and lows of 0-5C (Kyrgyz passes). Long drives on rough, occasionally bumpy roads, in a range of vehicles including coaches and 4x4 cars for up to 12 hours per day (and potentially more dependent on local conditions). To carry or wheel your own luggage through airports and from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. To join all day walking tours of cities, monuments and historic sites. (All of these are optional). Border crossings may require you to walk with your luggage. The longest of these is the Irkeshtam Pass between China and Kyrgyzstan, where a walk may be up to 7km long through No Man's Land. NB: This pass is only used in the event of the Torugart Pass closing and we shall endeavour to find alternative vehicular transport for this. This may involve hitching a lift with goods trucks. Where significant changes to the itinerary are required (e.g. following closure of the Torugart Pass), accommodation may be simpler than specified with shared facilities. We will endeavour to ensure this does not happen but in some cases options are likely to be very limited. Visas China A visa is required by all visitors to China. The visa should be applied for at least one month before departure. Please note passports must be valid for six months from the day of issue of your Chinese visa and that you need at least one blank page in your passport for your visa. You will also need to have at least six months' validity on your passport from the date of your planned return. If you are a UK citizen, all visas for China have to be made through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Manchester and London. Applications can be made directly or by post. Please see for more information. If you are a US citizen, you must apply for a Chinese visa through the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/Consulate General based on your State of residence. Please see for more information. If you would like us to arrange the visas on your behalf, the Audley Travel visa service will send you the appropriate forms. Please note that as our visa agency also has to apply through CVASC, and pay the CVASC handling charge, the cost of applying in this manner is higher than applying directly through CVASC. Kyrgyzstan UK citizens, along with citizens of the USA & Canada, do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. Your passport must be valid for six months after the date of departure from Kyrgyzstan, and we would advise you have two unused visa pages in your passport (i.e. a blank double page). Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance. Uzbekistan Visas for Uzbekistan need to be arranged in advance of travel. The Audley Travel visa service will send you the appropriate forms and apply for the visa on your behalf. Your passport will be required for a few days for the visa to be stamped in. Ordinary single entry tourist visas are normally valid for one calendar month. Please note passports must be valid for six months from the date of departure from Uzbekistan. Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Flights & visas 7

8 Day by day summary 1 Thursday 05 May Friday 06 May Saturday 07 May Sunday 08 May Monday 09 May Tuesday 10 May Wednesday 11 May 2016 Depart London on the overnight flight to Beijing. Arriving into Beijing where you will be taken to your hotel. This evening, your welcome dinner is the traditional Peking Duck, in a nearby restaurant. Today you head out of Beijing to the spectacular Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. En route to the Great Wall you will visit the magnificent Forbidden City. Once at Jinshanling, there will be time to walk along and take in the incredible scenery as well as enjoying a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. Today you board the high speed train to Xian. Upon arrival, you`ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you visit the iconic Terracotta Warriors. This morning you visit Xian`s distinctive Bell and Drum towers, before driving to the airport for your flight on to Dunhuang. Here, you`ll be met and driven to the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel. This morning you will visit the distinctive Mingsha sand dunes, visible from town. Once here there are a number of options for you to choose from to explore the expansive dunes, the most popular being walking and camel riding. In the afternoon you will be taken to the nearby Mogao caves to sample some of the finest Buddhist art in the world. You fly to Urumqi this afternoon, but still have the morning in Dunhuang, where you`ll be taken to visit the Dunhuang Museum. Once you arrive into the airport at Urumqi you will be met for the drive to the town of Turpan. This is a drive of around three hours which takes you through the desert and provides excellent panoramic views of the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. ** Please note, you`ll get into Turpan quite late this evening due to the late flight schedule between Dunhuang and Urumqi. On board the aircraft Peace Hotel, Beijing Superior room Peace Hotel, Beijing Superior room Mercure Hotel, Xian Standard room Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang Superior room Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang Superior room Huozhou Hotel, Turpan Standard room 8 Day by day summary

9 Day by day summary 8 Thursday 12 May Friday 13 May Saturday 14 May Sunday 15 May Monday 16 May Tuesday 17 May Wednesday 18 May Thursday 19 May Friday 20 May 2016 Today will be a busy day, during which we plan on visiting Jiaohe, Bezeklik, the Tombs of Astana, a small Uighur village in the Tuyaq Valley, and the striking Flaming Mountains. The higlight of the days is perhaps Jaohe, the best of Turpan`s desert cities. This is an ancient Buddhist town, comprised entirely of clay and set on a high escarpment which was eventually destroyed by Genghis Khan. You`ll explore the caves at Bezeklik and stop to photograph the Flaming Mountains scenery en route. You`ll also have the chance to stretch your legs in the Tuyaq Valley, taking a stroll through a traditional Uighur village. On the way back into Turpan you`ll stop at the Tombs of Astana and the beautiful Emin Minaret complex. You will drive back to Urumqi today, in time for your flight to Kashgar. Here, you will be met and driven to your hotel where you stay for the next 3 nights. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of this intriguing, atmospheric city which will include the old town and Id Kah Mosque. Today you head out onto the Karakoram Highway, into the towering mountains surrounding Kashgar. You`ll visit Karakul Lake from where you`ll have excellent views of Mount Muztagata, plus witness spectacular vistas along the way. Today is a highlight where you will enjoy the excellent Sunday Market, thriving with animals of all kinds, old men in traditional clothing haggling over cows, donkeys, goats, & knife sellers wandering through the dusty aisles offering handmade produce. From Kashgar, you will be driven to the Torugart Pass (3752m) high in the Tian Shan mountains this morning where your Kyrgyz guide and driver will be waiting for you. Another day of driving but probably one of the most beautiful. Today you will continue to drive through the Tian Shan towards Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan`s famous alpine lake, on to the town of Karakol. Today you will drive from Karakol to Bishkek, a long journey taking between six and seven hours. There you will be taken straight to your hotel. You`ll embark on a tour of the city today, before being taken to the airport later for your flight to Tashkent. Here you`ll be taken to your hotel for a night. After an early morning flight to Urgench, from where you transfer to Khiva, you spend a full day exploring the maze of streets within Khiva`s city walls with your guide. Huozhou Hotel, Turpan Standard room Barony Hotel, Kashgar Standard room Barony Hotel, Kashgar Standard room Breakfast and lunch are included Barony Hotel, Kashgar Standard room Hotel Khan Tengri, Naryn Standard room Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included Hotel Amir, Karakol Standard room Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included Silk Road Lodge, Bishkek Standard room Breakfast and lunch are included Wyndham Tashkent Standard room Hotel Malika, Khiva and surrounding area Standard room Day by day summary 9

10 Day by day summary 17 Saturday 21 May Sunday 22 May Monday 23 May Tuesday 24 May Wednesday 25 May Thursday 26 May 2016 Leave Khiva for Bukhara this morning, travelling through the vast Kyzyl Kum desert and crossing the mighty Amu Darya en route. Expect to arrive into `the Holy City of Bukhara` late this afternoon. Explore some of the many highlights of Bukhara with your guide today, including the ominous Ark where Connolly and Stoddart famously met their fate in June This morning you leave Bukhara and set out on the road to Samarkand. You travel on the scenic route which takes you through the Nurata Mountains. Visit the mighty Registan, Avenue of Tombs and Bibi Khanym mosque with your guide today - likely to be another highlight of your trip. You leave Samarkand this morning and drive to Tashkent airport in time to catch your return flight. The road takes you past the towering Pamir mountains and through some of Uzbekistan`s most fertile land before finally reaching Tashkent. Here, you embark on a half day tour of the city, then in the evening you`ll be taken to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. Your return flight leaves this morning. Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara Standard room Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara Standard room Hotel Sultan Boutique, Samarkand Standard room Hotel Sultan Boutique, Samarkand Standard room Wyndham Tashkent Standard room Breakfast and dinner are included 10 Day by day summary

11 Prices Arrangements as specified per person 5, Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement 845 Single entry tourist visa for China 125 Single entry visa for Uzbekistan Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements 899 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) 23 The deposit required is detailed above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. In most cases the deposit is 15% of the total cost or 200 per person (whichever is the greater), however in some instances a larger deposit is required in order to secure particular services. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. How to book If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please feel free to contact the Central Asia team on who will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified above. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel. Payment by credit card Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are detailed on the booking form. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. We have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque. Included in the price All flights as specified in the itinerary Twin share accommodation as specified All transfers and excursions as specified Services of experienced local guides Sightseeing and entrance fees Meals as specified in the itinerary Not included in the price Meals not indicated within your itinerary. Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable locally on departure in some locations. Where applicable, locally payable car hire related charges, including optional excess reduction. Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc.. Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary). Any camera or video fees at any sites. Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time. Travel insurance (see general information section). Prices 11

12 [ Why travel with us? The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of Witney in west Oxfordshire Reputation and quality Well over 80% of our clients have travelled with us in the past or have had Audley recommended to them. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by the readers of well-known publications including the Guardian & Observer, the Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust magazine, where we have consistently featured in their best tour operator awards for a number of years. Personal service We are committed to offering you a very personal service, with all your arrangements being handled by one country specialist. They will remain your one point of contact and will take responsibility for the smooth operation of your trip. They are supported by a team of specialists for that region and a professional administration and management team. From the moment you contact us, we are here to answer your questions accurately and honestly, be they about specific arrangements or any more general queries you may have. We are experienced travellers with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of our specialist destinations, and the benefit of this experience is yours throughout. When we do not know the answer to a question we will endeavour to find out and get back to you as soon as possible. Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the people you will meet. In many cases we know them personally, in all cases we ensure that they are of the highest calibre. They are there to do much more than show you specific sights and provide factual information. They will be able to tell you about local life, culture, cuisines and customs; and, where applicable, act as translator. In certain parts of the world a specialist guide is more appropriate, for example, a wildlife expert. First class guides A smooth journey We have procedures in place for dealing quickly and efficiently with mishaps from minor flight time alterations to more fundamental changes. If problems do occur we will rapidly rearrange your itinerary to make best use of your time given the changed circumstances, not simply cancel part of your trip or leave you sitting in an airport waiting for hours for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in these situations we will do everything possible to minimise any extra costs involved in the vast majority of cases no extra charges will be made. If a problem does occur while you are travelling you can contact us on our 24 hour number. We will do everything in our power to rectify the problem immediately rather than allow it to spoil your trip. Detailed travel documents Approximately two to three weeks before you travel we will send you all your travel documents presented in a convenient travel organiser. As well as your full itinerary and travel documents, there will also be additional information such as recommended restaurants and practical tips. A few days before you travel your specialist will call you to have a final talk through your itinerary and answer any last minute questions you may have. Responsible travel We have a firm commitment to minimising the environmental and social impact of travel, and strive to ensure that a visit from an Audley client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a firm commitment to the principles of responsible travel and have been awarded AITO 5 star status (the highest achievable) for our policies and practises. We continue to work with AITO, and a number of other bodies, to improve our policies. For more details please refer to our website ( where you will find details of our responsible travel policy and also our Travellers Code. If you are particularly interested in these issues, your country specialist will be able to tell you more. Legal liability We are a UK company and hence must fully comply with English law. When booking with us you can rest assured that your arrangements are carefully planned as we have a reputation to maintain and are legally liable for any omissions or negligent acts. You may not find you have this level of reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently. 12 Why travel with us?

13 Introduction to China Key facts: Population: million Land area: 9.60 million square kilometres Major languages spoken: Mandarin (Chinese), Yue (Cantonese) and Wu (Shanghainese) Currency: Chinese Yuan (also known as Renminbi) Time difference: GMT+8 hours Capital city: Beijing Introduction Home to more than a billion people and a thousand landscapes, China's beauty and contradictions have fascinated visitors since the days of Marco Polo and the Silk Route. It is the relics of 3,000 years of history - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army - that draw us in, and the magical landscapes we discover that capture the soul and make us long to return. Eternal China finds its contrast in the futuristic Olympic park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the modern metropolises of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Embracing the global economy at a breakneck speed whilst clinging to a communist and Confucian past makes for one of the most fascinating societies in the world, and nowhere else can offer such diversity of people, places and history, or show us such marvels of man-made and natural splendour. Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Beijing Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Dunhuang Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Kashgar Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Introduction to the region 13

14 14 Introduction to the region Introduction to China

15 Introduction to Kyrgyzstan Key facts: Population: 5.51 million Land area: thousand square kilometres Major languages spoken: Kirghiz, Uzbek and Russian Currency: Kyrgyzstan Som Time difference: GMT + 6 hours Capital city: Bishkek Introduction Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the friendliest of the new Central Asian republics. The people here, largely Kyrgyz but with sizeable Russian and Uighur minorities, are extraordinarily welcoming and warm. There are some truly memorable experiences to be had throughout the country, right from the moment you arrive. Bishkek, the leafy capital, sits at the foot of the impressive Alatau range with the superb Ala-Archa Canyon nearby. To the east lies one of the world's deepest alpine lakes, Issyk-Kul, which never freezes over and provides the main coastal towns with a pleasant climate. Further south, a smaller lake, Song-Kol, occupies what many say is the country's most beautiful spot, with nomadic yurts dotted around its edge. From Song-Kol south is one of the world's grandest journeys: across the mighty Torugart Pass into western China. In the southwest lies the ancient caravan town of Osh with its kaleidoscopic bazaar. As if all that wasn't enough, in the northeast, accessible only by helicopter, is one of the greatest glaciers on earth, Inylchek, squashed between Khan Tengri and Pik Pobedy. Travel in Central Asia - what to expect When thinking of travelling to any Central Asian country, it is important to bear in mind that despite best laid plans, things can sometimes change, often at the last minute and sometimes whilst you are en route. Flight schedules in this part of the world are subject to cancellations, meaning we may have to rearrange your itinerary accordingly. Hotels can have a somewhat cavalier attitude to reservations and occasionally cancel confirmed reservations at the last minute, meaning we have to source alternative accommodation. This is something that happens rarely, but nevertheless can happen. We will always try to source alternative accommodation of a similar standard. In addition, you should bear in mind that Central Asia is very much a developing area and one that is, moreover, remote, with difficult terrain. This is, to an extent, part of the attraction of visiting the region, but you should be prepared for a small amount of discomfort, and for the fact that there are very few hotels of more than a three star standard throughout the region. If you are prepared for this, the region will more than reward with its stunning scenery, friendly people and fascinating history and culture. We take a serious approach to our clients health and safety and abide by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidelines. We do not send clients to places that the FCO advise against, whether that is a whole country or part of a country, and we minimise risk by designing itineraries that avoid regions or areas which pose significant safety concerns. You can stay fully informed of any political unrest, crime and health issues by visiting (UK citizens) or (US citizens) before travelling. Your country specialist will also be happy to offer personalised advice based on your trip and the areas you are visiting. Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Bishkek Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Karakol Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Introduction to the region 15

16 Introduction to Kyrgyzstan Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Naryn Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Introduction to the region

17 Introduction to Uzbekistan Key facts: Population: million Land area: thousand square kilometres Major languages spoken: Uzbek, Russian and Tajik Currency: Uzbekistan Som Time difference: GMT+5 hours Capital city: Tashkent Introduction The Silk Route, perhaps the most important trade artery in world history, is more accessible to the senses than anywhere else in Uzbekistan. Thankfully, it is no longer necessary to don a disguise and to bring greetings from the Queen in order to experience the cities of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. They are more welcoming to travellers now than at any time in their long history. Writers and poets have eulogised at length about these cities over many hundreds of years, but truly nothing compares to seeing the great monuments of this fascinating region at first hand; and they are unlikely to disappoint. Colourful majolica, intricate brick-work and soaring minarets come together in structures of epic proportions, whilst traders barter endlessly in chaotic bazaars. There is another, parallel, history here: of Russian imperialism and Soviet control, both of which have left their strong imprints on Uzbek society - in the lingua franca, in the new cities and, most of all, in the ethnic mix of the country, from Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkmen to Germans, Koreans and Kurds. Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Bukhara Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Khiva Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Avg Max Day Temperature ( 0 C) J F M A M J J A S O N D Samarkand Avg Min Night Temperature ( 0 C) Avg Hours of Sunshine Monthly Rainfall (mm) Introduction to the region 17

18 18 Introduction to the region Introduction to Uzbekistan

19

20 Top: Minaret in Bukhara Left: Terracotta Warriors, Xian Lower left: Market spices, Bishkek 20 Photographs of the region

21 Top: Shore of Lake Karakul Left: In front of the Forbidden City Right: Mingsha Singing Sand Dunes, Dunhuang Photographs of the region 21

22 Itinerary in Detail Thursday 05 May, 2016 Friday 06 May, 2016 Peace Hotel, Beijing Musicians, Beijing London Heathrow to Istanbul Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TBC Class; Economy Istanbul to Beijing Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TBC Class; Economy Beijing introduction Although the earliest records show that Beijing had settlements around 1,000BC, the city itself has only been China s capital for the past 700 years. As the country's political and cultural centre, and with a population of over 15 million people, Beijing is a very active, rapidly changing city. The capital is a tourist paradise, providing a vast array of historical and religious sites along with masterful architecture, demonstrating btoh the artistic and cultural side of China. Unfortunately, Beijing's transport infrastructure hasn't yet caught up with its rapid development, and travelling in Beijing can be a cause of frustration due to the high volume of traffic in the city. The new metro line has eased the situation slightly, but it's still best to be prepared for traffic jams. When compiling itineraries in Beijing, we do our best to ensure sightseeing follows the most logical routing to keep the time sitting in traffic to a minimum. There are a number of privately owned restaurants and eateries specialising in traditional northern cuisine, such as the world-renowned Beijing Duck or Mongolian Hot Pot. There are also plenty of back street cafés to be found where prices are still cheap; for example on Wangfujing Street or around the parklands, such as Beihai. Wangfujing is also a good place for shopping, as several large department stores are based there and are used by both the locals and tourists. Liulichang is Beijing s antique street, and both Qianmen and Dazhalan offer most items; from silk to Chinese medicines. Forbidden City, Beijing Meet and greet your local guide at the airport Group Tour meet-and-greet service at the airport You will be met by a local guide at the airport. Transfer from airport to hotel Group-tour transfer with your guide 22 Itinerary in Detail

23 Itinerary in Detail Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Welcome Peking Duck Dinner group tour dinner with your guide No visit to Beijing would be complete without trying the traditional Beijing Duck feast. In the evening you will be taken to the Hua Jia Yi Yuan Restaurant which specialises in Chinese duck cuisine. A variety of dishes will be served, the most famous being duck-filled pancakes with plum sauce. Vegetarians can also be catered for. Saturday 07 May, 2016 Peace Hotel, Beijing Visit to the Forbidden City group tour excursion with English speaking guide The transfer to your hotel will take in a visit to the Forbidden City. Closed to the world for over 500 years, and home to emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a truly fascinating place. The buildings are mostly empty as most of the contents have now been removed and placed in museums. However, the architecture and history of the city provides a detailed insight into the curious lives and customs of the past emperors who ruled from within its walls. The curators of the site usually hold vast exhibitions that showcase various elements of the Forbidden City's magnificent past, such as its opulent jewellery or staggering art. The vast site is filled with stunning treasures and intricately detailed, magnificent architecture, making a visit to the Forbidden City a once in a lifetime experience. Door detail, the Forbidden City The Forbidden City, Beijing Full day excursion to the Great Wall at Jinshanling group tour excursion with English speaking guide Built over the course of two thousand years to defend against the barbarians of the north and west, the wall is extremely well preserved in some sections, less so in others. There are several sections open to the public and we opt for a visit to the quieter section at Jinshanling, which though further from Beijing (approximately two hours' drive), offers the visitor a far more atmospheric and impressive experience. It's quite possible that you won't see anyone else at this section; certainly you will avoid the coach parties of visitors at other sections such as Badaling, approximately one hour from Beijing. You will be driven out of Beijing on a good quality expressway, arriving at the Wall one to two hours later. Once there, it is a walk of around 20 minutes up to the wall itself, up some gentle steps. You will have plenty of time on the wall itself to walk a little way along, see some of the turrets, take photographs and generally Itinerary in Detail 23

24 Itinerary in Detail take in some of the spectacular views of the wall snaking over the horizon. Your guide will also tell you some of the history of the wall and its construction. You will also enjoy a Chinese lunch served at a local restaurant in Jinshanling. Great Wall at Jinshanling Sunday 08 May, 2016 Mercure Hotel, Xian Transfer from hotel to station group tour transfer with your guide You will be transferred from your hotel to the station for your train journey today. Train journey Beijing to Xian group tour train journey accompanied by your tour leader The high-speed train from Beijing to Xian takes between five and six hours, depending on its departure time. There is designated space to store your luggage on board and the journey is a good way to see some of the countryside between the two cities. Terracotta Army Bullet train, Beijing Beijing to Xian by train Train details TBC Xian introduction Xian (or Chang'an as it was originally known) is China s ancient capital, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Though it has faded from prominence since the 24 Itinerary in Detail

25 Itinerary in Detail halcyon days of the Tang dynasty, it remains the pivotal centre of politics, economy and culture for northwest China. Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province and boasts a population of eight million. A small percentage of its people are Islamic, and the mosques and markets hidden in the back streets of the Muslim Quarter make up one the city s most interesting attractions. The city is one of only a handful in China that retains their original city walls, dating back to the time of the first Ming emperor, Hong Wu. Despite these other attractions, however, Xian remained a relative backwater until the unearthing of the Terracotta Army in the early 1970s. It now draws visitors from all over the world, and rates as one of China s most celebrated destinations. Ancient City Walls, Xian Transfer from station to hotel group tour transfer with a local guide You will be transferred from the station to your hotel. Terracotta Warriors excursion Group tour excursion with an English-speaking guide Leaving the city, visitors drive to the area where the army was first discovered in What was finally unearthed proved to be one of the 20th century s greatest archaeological finds, and ranks with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as one of China s most potent images. During years of excavation, rank after rank of lifesize terracotta warriors were discovered, each unique, built over 2,000 years before to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. In the brief and tyrannical 14 year reign of the Qin dynasty, Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in unifying the Chinese empire for the first time, beginning the construction of the Great Wall and producing a tomb of such scale that even now new vaults are waiting to be unearthed. Such was the cruelty and severity of his regime, however, that he was soon overthrown, making way for the Han dynasty, which was to last for 400 years. After seeing the army, a small film is viewed in a 360 degree auditorium. The film depicts life during the Qin dynasty, with battles and ceremonies reconstructed, giving visitors a fascinating insight in to the period. The Terracotta Warriors are viewed around the edges of the vast pit. Plaques explain the intricate detail of the warriors, horses and chariots. After the discovery of the main army, two more chambers were discovered, which are also on display. Itinerary in Detail 25

26 Itinerary in Detail Terracotta horses, Xian Monday 09 May, 2016 Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang Bell & Drum towers group tour excursion with your guide Xian's Bell and Drum Towers date back to the 14th century and were both moved and rebuilt in the 1700s. Traditionally the Bell Tower was used to ring in the dawning of a new day and the Drum Tower nightfall. Dunhuang, China The Bell Tower, Xian Transfer from hotel to airport group tour transfer with your guide Xian to Dunhuang (flight) Flight details TBC Dunhuang introduction Between the southern Gobi desert and the Taklamakan, lies Dunhuang. Its relative isolation over the centuries has made it a repository of cultural treasure, and also an important oasis for traders along the Silk Route. Both the southern and northern Silk Routes essentially converge at Dunhuang - in one direction it was the last provisions stop before Hami or Cherchen, and in the other direction, a sign that the great Han cities of the east were not far away. There are two principal reasons to come here, with some interesting side trips for those with more time. About 25 kilometres southeast of Dunhuang, between the sand dunes and the western reaches of the Qilian Mountains, are the Mogao Caves. 26 Itinerary in Detail

27 Itinerary in Detail Inside, are some spectacular frescoes, most well over 1,000 years old. There has been restoration here, but much of what is visible is original. Some of the caves were used by fleeing White Russian soldiers as temporary accommodation - look out for the blackened sections, resulting from the soldiers' cooking fires. Also near Dunhuang are some enormous sand dunes known as the Singing Mountains. Around the town are some interesting excursions to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, the Yumen Pass and Yadan Geological Site. The city itself is small and neat, with a good selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and views of the sand dunes. Mingsha Singing Sand Dunes, Dunhuang Transfer from airport to hotel Group Tour transfer Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tuesday 10 May, 2016 Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Dunhuang Mingsha Singing Sand Dunes, Dunhuang Excursion to Mingsha Mountains and Mogao caves Group Tour excursion About four kilometres out of town, and visible throughout the region, are the mighty sand dunes known locally as the Mingsha Mountains. The highest dune here reaches 1715 metres, though the majority of visitors seem to prefer to look up at the peaks rather than down from them. The morning light on the dunes as the sun rises is a superb sight. Camel rides are available here, from the dunes to the small Crescent Moon Lake, which has never dried up. It is a photogenic spot, prompting thoughts of archaeologists struggling through the shifting sands searching for lost cities - though you should be aware that it is becoming increasingly popular with domestic tourists. You will also visit the Mogao Caves. Here you will find some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. There are over 4000 square metres of murals to savour, though the most rewarding visits take in around seven or eight of the best caves, where you will be guided by one of the site's qualified guides. Photography is not allowed inside the caves (or, indeed, anywhere within the site), but you can buy a book on the caves from the museum on site. The best caves are probably those dating from the Tang period, when this region was at its zenith. A couple of the caves house large statues of the Buddha - one, at over 34 metres high, is one of the world's tallest. Itinerary in Detail 27

28 Itinerary in Detail Dunhuang, China Wednesday 11 May, 2016 Huozhou Hotel, Turpan Visit to the Town Museum Private excursion with your vehicle, driver and guide You will visit the museum in Dunhuang with your guide. Mosque, Urumqi Crescent Moon Lake, Mingsha Transfer from hotel to airport Group Tour transfer. Transfer from your hotel to the airport. Dunhuang to Urumqi (flight) Flight details TBC Urumqi introduction This shiny new city has risen seemingly from nowhere, in only a few decades. There have been settlements in the region for some considerable time, but the evidence of this is presumably buried beneath the skyscrapers and office blocks of Xinjiang's capital. The population is around 40% Chinese, with also some Kazakhs and Uighurs. For those contemplating China's meteoric rise, this is an interesting place. The capitalist boom has been built largely on the back of oil and minerals, and has spread across a city clearly hungry for growth and investment. There are only a few places of real interest for tourists, apart from the Xinjiang Provincial Museum, which is rightly regarded as the best museum west of Dunhuang. However, Urumqi 28 Itinerary in Detail

29 Itinerary in Detail is a wonderful place simply to wander around. Urumqi, China Drive from Urumqi airport to Turpan Group Tour transfer The drive from Urumqi to Turpan passes through some barren and rocky desert scenery. There are good views along the ridge of the northern Tian Shan, and later the road passes right through the middle of an enormous wind farm. In total the drive takes about 3 hours. Turpan introduction Turpan sits inside the world's second lowest depression. It is the hottest town in China, and receives almost no precipitation. However, there is plenty of water underground, flowing down from the Tian Shan glaciers. This incredible irrigation system is unique to central Asia and, these days, can be seen only in Afghanistan, Iran and western China. An interesting exhibition on the local karez, all 5,000 kilometres of them, can be seen on the outskirts of town - next to a large area of grape vines, which thrive in the local climate. Nearby, is the austere and majestic Emin Minaret and mosque, made entirely of mud brick. Sights out of town include the rather forlorn Bezeklik caves, the Flaming Mountains and the superb ruined cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe. Also worth a look is the local bazaar, which has a fascinating section devoted to birds - the local Uighurs are famous pigeon fanciers and look terribly serious as they weigh up the merits of each specimen. Itinerary in Detail 29

30 Itinerary in Detail Grape Houses, Turpan Thursday 12 May, 2016 Huozhou Hotel, Turpan Bezeklik, Turpan Excursion to Tuyaq Valley, Gaochang and the Tombs of Astana Group tour excursion The Tuyaq Valley snakes its way through the flaming mountains, contrasting the scorched, sun-blemished mountain scenery with the lush green of the oases that flow through it. The valley is eight kilometres long and your walk will take you along its steep sides. From the car park you will first pass through a small Uighur village, past a mosque and then you will follow the southern bank of the valley. From here your path crosses a stream and a waterfall before following a boardwalk and the northern bank for another minutes. The path finally rises steeply to a small collection of grottoes, which you may be able to see if there is someone on hand to open the gates. Once again, it is the scenery en route, not the frescoes, which is the highlight. The village itself is a wonderful example of the sleepy way of life here in the heat of rural Xinjiang. You may well be asked to look around some of the villagers' houses, which is a lovely opportunity to learn more about the way of life here. Built from clay, the houses are warm in the winter and cool in the summer, although during the summer months most villagers move their beds outside to sleep in the fresh air. There are no mosquitoes here, and no chance of rain, which makes this an excellent option! After visiting the Tuyaq Valley, you will head to the Astana tombs and Gaochang which are located close together, around 35 kiloemtres east of Turpan. Gaochang is the more rewarding of the two. Although plenty of visitors come here, the ruins are so big that you can walk off by yourself and see no one for an hour or so. The city walls here are huge - there are one or two places where it is possible to climb them, for panoramic views of the old city. It was originally a Chinese Buddhist settlement before being captured and turned into the capital of the Uighurs. The Astana tombs are worth a brief stop, especially when done in conjunction with a trip to Gaochang. The complex itself consists of three tombs which are open to tourists, each accessible by a flight of stairs leading to the chamber, which is about six metres underground. Of particular note is the last tomb you come to, which holds the mummified bodies of two local dignitaries which have been amazingly preserved due to the searing heat and lack of moisture. 30 Itinerary in Detail

31 Itinerary in Detail Tuyaq Valley, Turpan, China Excursion to Jiaohe Group tour excursion You will return to Turpan for lunch and then this afternoon head to Jiaohe. The ruins of Jiaohe are arguably the best within the Turpan region, although they usually avoid the large numbers of tourists that Gaochang attracts. The ruins themselves are of an ancient garrison town that was established by the Chinese Buddhists during the Han dynasty. Towards the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century it was invaded and finally taken over by Muslims, who nevertheless left the Buddhist temple and pagoda standing. The town was eventually decimated by the might of Genghis Khan, however, the outlines of buildings and the city walls remain. Combining this with the fact that it is located in an excellent spot between two rivers makes for a pleasant afternoon excursion. Jiaohe ruins, Turpan Excursion to Bezeklik and the Flaming Mountains group tour excursion The Flaming Mountains were first described so by a Chinese monk, Xuan Zang, who passed through the region. It formed the basis of his classic book 'Journey to the West'. They do vaguely look like they are on fire through the midday heat haze and are quite photogenic. Also in the area are the caves at Bezeklik; a number of grottoes dug into the mountainside which contain several Buddhist murals. The history of this site is quite sad as the frescoes here were robbed, vandalised then painted over - all in the last 100 years. The scenery outside, however, is Itinerary in Detail 31

32 Itinerary in Detail marvellous, so for this alone it is worth the journey. Excursion to Bezeklik and the Flaming Mountains, Turpan Friday 13 May, 2016 Kashgar, China Barony Hotel, Kashgar Transfer from hotel to Urumqi airport group-tour transfer You will be transferred from your hotel to Urumqi Airport for your onward flight. Urumqi to Kashgar (flight) Flight details TBC Kashgar introduction Just where you least expect it, sandwiched between a vast sand sea and some of the world's highest mountains, lies Kashgar, one of the greatest cities along the Silk Route. The initial shock of seeing a drab new Chinese city soon turns to wonder at the sights found within the Uighar portion of the town. Uighar style homes and labyrinthine alleyways sprawl outwards from the central mosque - the second largest in China. Local craftsmen make Central Asia's finest musical instruments, hawkers push trolleys laden with fruit through the streets, old men with long grey beards 'aksakals' sip tea on carved wooden balconies and everywhere the sound of money changing hands. This is China's 'Wild West', with a culture unrelated to the rest of the country. Indeed from Kashgar it is a shorter distance to Turkey than to Beijing. The prime attractions are some beautiful and moving tombs, a large and venerable mosque and, most of all, one of the great markets of the world. 32 Itinerary in Detail

33 Itinerary in Detail Kashgar market Transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Kashgar City Tour group tour excursion The old part of town is an intriguing place. Much of it is caught in a seemingly eternal time-warp, to the chagrin of the Chinese authorities, who want to knock the whole place down. Indeed, there is very little left now of the traditional residential districts. The surviving streets are, however, very atmospheric, and a potter about with a guide can be most rewarding. Particular sights worth seeing include Id Kah Mosque - standing since 1442, and some ancient sections of the medieval city walls. Near to the city is a beautiful and moving mausoleum to a local missionary, Abakh Hoja. The tile work here is amongst the best in western China. Uighars outside Kashgar Central Mosque Saturday 14 May, 2016 Barony Hotel, Kashgar Excursion to Karakul Lake and Mount Muztagata group tour excursion High in the mountains to the south of Kashgar, across some strange and wonderful scenery, is Karakul Lake. It is a beautiful spot, squeezed between two proper giants, Muztag ata (7546 metres) and Kongur (7719 metres). There will be time for some walking around the lake, though be mindful that you are at altitude (3800 metres) Itinerary in Detail 33

34 Itinerary in Detail so avoid anything too strenuous. The journey to Lake Karakul is most definitely the focus of the day; as you leave Kashgar you head almost immediately into the towering, snow-peaked mountains, through which you travel as the road winds higher. You will pass vast lakes, immense panoramas and formidable peaks, before you enter the plateau on which Lake Karakul lies. Lake Karakul, Karakoram Highway You will pass through the town of Upal, where there is an interesting Monday market - a rural counterpoint to Kashgar's more metropolitan atmosphere. Lake on Karakoram Highway Sunday 15 May, 2016 Barony Hotel, Kashgar Kashgar Sunday Market Group tour excursion There's nothing like it to the east and little to rival it to the west. The town's population swells by more than 80,000 on Sundays - usually far more. These unquantifiable hordes - of Uighur, Kazakh, Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese, Dungan, Kyrgyz, Mongol and Russian complexion - put together one of China's most engaging spectacles. In the livestock section, on the outskirts of town, goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses get put through their paces by buyers looking for something special - or just a trusty old beast for the apple cart - whilst 'middle-men' - ever on the make - busy themselves with the closing of deals. In the second section the stalls sprawl for more than 2 kilometres through the town. Traditional goods for sale When looking around the bazaar it is important to remember that it is primarily for local consumption. Local tastes change over time and although 20 years ago - when the livestock bazaar was the main event - you could feel yourself at the ends of the earth, this is now unlikely to be the case. There is still the frisson of excitement at seeing large crowds of Uighur men, all in traditional clothing, haggling over a particularly fine cow, but you are just as likely to see T-shirts, pots and pans and spare tyres on sale now. The magic of the event is as a focal point for southwest Xinjiang and the adjoining countries - Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in particular. 34 Itinerary in Detail

35 Itinerary in Detail Tradesman Monday 16 May, 2016 Hotel Khan Tengri, Naryn Naryn, Kyrgyzstan Transfer Kashgar to Naryn via Torugart Pass Group-tour transfer with border crossing This overland journey, one of the grandest in Central Asia, is a memorable way to depart China. It wasn't so long ago that the trip was rendered impossible for various political reasons, but it is now open season on the Torugart. The brief grace period between the heavy snows allows all kinds of traffic across - including tourists. Precaution should be the byword of the trip. Even if the weather is crystal clear on leaving Kashgar you should take warm clothes, sun cream, sunglasses and water. As you cross the border in to Kyrgyzstan, the landscape opens up in to a vast, grassy plateau surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Look out for golden eagles and Himalayan vultures circling high on the thermal air currents and the ubiquitous and endearing marmot scampering for cover as you drive past. Beyond the Chinese immigration post, the road is mostly gravel and you should expect a bumpy 3 hours or so until the road climbs steeply up to the Torugart Pass at 3,752 metres. The Kyrgyz side of the pass is bumpier still as the rubble road crosses the plateau on a journey of around 5-6 hours to Naryn. Naryn introduction Naryn is locally famous for its shyrdaks (felt carpets), although the prices tend to be higher here. Some of the surrounding mountain scenery is starkly beautiful, with the best light just after dawn. Itinerary in Detail 35

36 Itinerary in Detail Naryn road, Kyrgyzstan Tuesday 17 May, 2016 Hotel Amir, Karakol Altyn Arashan,. Karakol Naryn to Karakol via Jeti Oghuz group-tour transfer This long journey takes you through the Tian Shan towards Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan's famous alpine lake. You'll drive via the Jeti Oghuz valley, which winds gently upward with steep wooded hillsides regularly giving way to open, yurt-dotted pasture used by local shepherds during summer for grazing their flocks of sheep and goats and herds of horses. If approached with your guide, most local people will be happy to stand and chat and show you the inside of an authentic yurt. In a spirit of hospitality they are likely to want to share their kymyss (fermented mare's milk) with you also, so be warned! After your stop in Jeti Oghuz you'll continue towards Karakol, only 30 minutes away. When you reach the lake you head along the southern shore to the eastern town of Karakol. Provided the weather is clear, the mountains on the southern shore are perhaps more beautiful - and certainly more stark - than those on the northern shore. This will be a very long day in total. Karakol introduction Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-kul, Karakol is the largest town in the area and the administrative hub of the region. Around the town are the apple orchards for which the area is famous, and beyond these the snow-capped Terskey Alatau mountains cut the horizon. The main reason to come here is the superb scenery nearby, with trekking and horse-riding possibilities as well as multiple opportunities for photography. In the town itself there are a few sights of interest, including a peculiar mosque that looks like a Chinese temple and a pretty Orthodox Church that fills up on Sundays. The mosque is made of wood and uses no nails whatsoever. On Sundays Karakol has one of the region's more interesting markets. Local farmers, often wearing traditional 'kelpek' hats, pop down, trailing a few goats or cows, and fill up a field on the north edge of town. 36 Itinerary in Detail

37 Itinerary in Detail Karakol, Kyrgyzstan Wednesday 18 May, 2016 Silk Road Lodge, Bishkek Karakol to Bishkek via the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul Group Tour transfer This will be another lengthy drive of around seven hours as you take the road south of Lake Issyk-Kul back to Bishkek. Bishkek introduction This is Kyrgyzstan's financial and political capital, and the country's international face. The city is small and manageable, and no less striking for that. Taking a walk around sometimes feels like strolling through a forest with a few buildings here and there. The city's inhabitants are a friendly bunch, and in the evenings, locals can be seen promenading along the central streets. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The main attractions of the city are its size and lack of pretension, as well as a couple of fine museums, and a beautiful Russian cathedral. Also here, are the enormous 'Osh' bazaar and a giant statue of Lenin, that someone has clearly forgotten to remove! It is in the capital where the greatest ethnic mix can be found: Kyrgyz, Russians, Koreans, Uighurs, Kazakhs and Dungans all seem to mingle quite happily. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Itinerary in Detail 37

38 Itinerary in Detail Thursday 19 May, 2016 Wyndham Tashkent, Tashkent Bishkek City Tour Group tour excursion A tour of this congenial capital makes for an interesting and relaxing day. Although there is nothing to compare to some of Central Asia's more famous destinations, the city can offer a poignant National History Museum, with exhibits on Kyrgyz victims of Stalin as well as some interesting displays on Kyrgyz applied arts. Also worth seeing are some of the Soviet-era relics that remain - such as Lenin's giant statue defiantly pointing at the nearby parliament building, and the old department store, Zum. Bishkek's main market, confusingly called the Osh Bazaar, sprawls across the centre of the city with hawkers selling everything from fake brand-name clothes to sheep's heads. The State Museum of Fine Arts is the place to go for fans of Kyrgyz 'shyrdak' rugs. The Orthodox church is worth a visit too, and is a moving and fascinating experience. Earthquake memorial in Tashkent, Uzbekistan Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Transfer from hotel to airport Group Tour transfer You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight. Bishkek to Tashkent (flight) Flight details TBC ** Please note, the flight schedules in Kyrgyzstan change regularly and continue to do so until quite close to your departure. It may therefore be necessary for us to make some slight changes to this section of your trip in order to fit in with the new flight schedule. Tashkent introduction Virtually flattened in an earthquake in 1966, Tashkent has now been rebuilt and is the capital of the most interesting of the Central Asian countries. Although most buildings date back to the Soviet era, if you venture into the old part of the city you may be surprised at the culture and history that remains. The skyline is dominated by concrete apartment blocks decorated with traditional Uzbek motifs, but on the ground you will find parks, monuments, tree-lined avenues and an interesting older town with a vibrant market and shady courtyards. Particular points of interest here include the country's finest museums, the Alisher Navoi Opera House and the fascinating Soviet-era Metro stations, all with art-deco designs (and the trains are on time). 38 Itinerary in Detail

39 Itinerary in Detail Independence Square, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Transfer from airport to hotel group tour transfer You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Friday 20 May, 2016 Hotel Malika, Khiva Transfer from hotel to airport Group Tour transfer. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. Tashkent to Urgench (flight) Flight details TBC Urgench introduction With little to interest the visitor and unspectacular accommodation and restaurants, many westerners wonder why they have made the effort to travel to Urgench. On visiting nearby Khiva, they realise that the journey was worthwhile. Urgench is best used as a transport hub to explore this less visited area of the country. Kalta Minor Minaret outside the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa, Khiva Khiva, Uzbekistan Urgench to Khiva group-tour transfer Itinerary in Detail 39

40 Itinerary in Detail The drive from Urgench to Khiva takes around minutes, travelling along a good surfaced road. As you approach Khiva the road passes through residential areas before winding around and through the old city walls to arrive in the old town itself. Khiva introduction Uzbekistan's western flank forms the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. This hot dry region bordering Turkmenistan is home to a fascinating history, under the Khans of Khorezm, typified by the walled city of Khiva. The name itself is most often associated with slavery, in this case of Russians, who were captured within the boundaries of the khanate and taken to the walled city as indentured labourers. This rather sordid historical episode has a lighter end; many slaves were freed by the surprising intervention of two British officers, Lieutenant Richard Shakespear and Captain James Abbott. Other activities for which the khanate was known include the rather harsh use of minarets as execution towers, plus some interesting forms of punishment for transgressors of local law. Attractions in Khiva are numerous, including the superbly preserved and renovated city walls and dozens of mosques and medressas. The city is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the sun begins to dip; the fading light makes for some beautiful photography. Man in madressah Exploring Khiva group tour excursion Khiva is a walker's town, with most of the monuments within a short distance of each other. The Ichon Qala citadel, its giant defensive wall dominating the skyline, marks out the old town from the new town, which sprawls out towards the desert on all sides. For most visitors the citadel walls are a place of fascination in their own right. Starting at the West Gate your guide will take you to the chief points of interest. First up are the Kalta Minor minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa. The former is a stunning example of majolica techniques and looks slightly eccentric due to being left unfinished. Also nearby are The Ark - with a charming display on dungeons in a side room - and the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa, a lovely building often overlooked by large tour groups. A look inside the Juma mosque is worthwhile - the pillars here support the huge ceiling without artificial assistance. An interesting building to the north is the Tosh-Khovli Palace - the former royal harem - with stunning tile work and some interesting design motifs. The highlights to either side of the central street include the Pahlavon Mohammed Mausoleum and the Islom-Huja mosque and minaret. The latter is Khiva's highest point and, if you can climb all 118 steps, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the town and the desert beyond. 40 Itinerary in Detail

41 Itinerary in Detail Khiva, Uzbekistan Saturday 21 May, 2016 Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara Khiva to Bukhara Group-tour transfer The journey from Khiva to Bukhara is a long and hot one through the Kyzyl Kum desert - one of the world's most inhospitable places. There are animals here, and you may occasionally catch sight of some - including monitor lizards and eagles - but generally there is not an awful lot to see along the way. It is possible to stop and take a photo of the Oxus River (Amu Darya) and, from the road, there are one or two colossal gas refineries. Otherwise, drink plenty of water and relax for what is usually an eight or nine hour journey. Bukhara, Uzbekistan Bukhara introduction Bukhara, Central Asia's holiest city, is also one of its most manageable. Most of the hotels and guesthouses are dotted amongst the well-preserved old town and the principal monuments of interest are almost all within walking distance of each other. There is an informal saying about Bukhara - that two visits here are worth one to Mecca - and you can see why. There are more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, including medressas, mausoleums, mosques, minarets and a handful of caravanserais. Indeed there is so much to see that one day is simply not enough. Due to the old town's separation from the new city next door Bukhara has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, perfect for taking your time. Madressah domes Itinerary in Detail 41

42 Itinerary in Detail Sunday 22 May, 2016 Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara Bukhara, Uzbekistan City tour of Bukhara group tour excursion The sheer quantity of sights here means most visitors cannot see everything. The true highlights of the city are detailed below, though if you know exactly what you want to see, feel free to make suggestions to the guide. One of the city s most recognisable monuments is the Kalon mosque and minaret complex. Climbing up this 46 metre ornamental minaret rewards you with a stunning view over the whole city and the biggest Friday mosque in Bukhara. The minaret has stood for 850 years. It was, unbelievably, spared by Genghis Khan and later bombed by the artillery of the Red Army Commander Mikhail Frunze. Around 150 metres away is the Ark, an ancient citadel that was the home of the rulers of the region for more than 1,000 years. The Emirs who ruled from here were infamous for their depraved regime and the summer palace, on the edge of town, shows evidence of their elaborate lifestyle. Other recommended sights include the famous four-domed Chor Minor, the Spring of the Prophet Job, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum - one of the most beautiful monuments in Central Asia. One fascinating addition to a city tour is the small Jewish synagogue just south of the Lyabi Hauz. There have been Jews living in Bukhara for more than 800 years and their dwindling community is centred around this building. Bukhara Kalon mosque and minaret comples Monday 23 May, 2016 Hotel Sultan Boutique, Samarkand Bukhara to Samarkand via the Nurata Mountains group tour transfer Your journey on to Samarkand today takes the scenic mountain route, and you'll have the chance to see some interesting local villages on the way. There are three main ethnic groups in this region - Uzbeks, Tajiks and Kazakhs, populating the Nurata Mountains and Kyzyl-Kum steppe. For centuries, important trade routes existed that passed through these mountains, and the valleys were used as resting places by the many traders who used the routes. Nowadays, eco-tourism is concentrated in the villages of Eski Forish, Uhum and Sentyab, and some others inhabited by ethnic Tajik people. These villages are on the northern slopes of the Nurata Mountains, and feel a world away from the bustling trade cities elsewhere in the country. Residents of these settlements retain a rural way of life and are noted for their hospitality. Samarkand majolica tilework This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with rural life in Uzbekistan, and to try local food, and perhaps go for a short walk in the mountains to stretch your legs on the journey to Samarkand. In the 1950s the Soviets forced the local people 42 Itinerary in Detail

43 Itinerary in Detail to grow cotton in the area, and you will see abandoned houses in the villages as people have left the hills for the cities since independence. Samarkand introduction Sandwiched between desert wastes and the High Pamir, and drained by the Zerafshan River, Samarkand is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest cities of the Orient. A brief rollcall of some of the city's many visitors reveals the importance of the place: Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Babur, Tamerlane, Ulughbek and Marco Polo. There is, perhaps, nowhere better in central Asia to see the sweep of human history. The Registan ensemble, the finest public square in the world, according to Lord Curzon, dominates the Old Town, along with the gigantic proportions of Bibi Khanym Mosque. A short walk away lie the old street of tombs, the Shahr-i-Zindah, and the remains of the ancient city conquered by the Macedonians over 2,000 years ago. Elsewhere, there is a fine and colourful bazaar, and the ornate splendour of Tamerlane's tomb at Gur Emir. Bibi Khanym Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Tuesday 24 May, 2016 Hotel Sultan Boutique, Samarkand Bibi Hanum Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Samarkand City Tour Group tour excursion Unlike Bukhara, where walking from site to site is possible, Samarkand's attractions are spread right across the city. Starting in the centre, the Mosque of Bibi Khanym dominates the skyline. It was once the biggest mosque in the world and has been partially rebuilt with UNESCO's help. Inside is an enormous Qur'an stand, under which women yearning for lots of children are reputed to crawl, seeking heavenly help. Not far away from here, set back from the street, is the Registan Square. It is indescribably beautiful - a monument to majesty covered in majolica tiles of awesome complexity and craftsmanship. The square is made up of three buildings, one of which dates back to the early 15th century. High up on the façade of the Sherdor Medressa are two giant lions - though the artists had clearly never seen any before - flouting, in a very public way, Islamic doctrine on the depiction of live animals. About a kilometre west is Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. The atmospheric interior is covered in golden tiles with inscriptions proclaiming the status of the occupant. The large slab of jade that marks the tyrant's tomb is, by convention, simply a headstone, with the body buried in a separate chamber below. Itinerary in Detail 43

44 Itinerary in Detail Heading east you come to the Old Town with its tangled alleyways and hidden courtyards. Extending along the northern side of the Old Town is the Shahr-i- Zindah, one of the city's main cemeteries. Standing on either side of a preserved medieval street here are some exquisite mausoleums, with majolica patterns and colours that are quite distinct from anything else in the country. Heading along the Tashkent road out of town you come to Samarkand's best archaeological sight - Marakanda. This was the city that the Macedonians conquered more than 2,000 years ago and is now an open archaeological dig, occasionally used as goat pasture by local shepherds. To the north lies the tomb of Daniel - he of the lion's den - and, a little further away, the Ulughbek Observatory, the remains of a massive astrolabe used to determine the precise position of the stars. Sherdor Madressah, Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Wednesday 25 May, 2016 Wyndham Tashkent, Tashkent Minaret at Kukeldash Madrassa, Tashkent Samarkand to Tashkent Group tour transfer From Samarkand the road skirts the Pamir Mountains, marking a natural border with Tajikistan, before pushing through some arid, flat scrubland to Tashkent. The journey usually takes between four and five hours. Half day tour of Tashkent Group tour excursion Tashkent sprawls in all directions from its focal point, Amir Temur Square. It is here that you can see Uzbekistan's curious elevation of Tamerlane to national hero. The tyrant's defiant posture atop a huge horse is certainly engaging. In the evenings the square fills up with chess players, who will happily play anybody. From here looking west is the Zerafshan - a popular jumble of cafés, restaurants and shops. At the other end of this is a fascinating sight - the last palace of the Romanovs in Central Asia. The building was abandoned to the Bolsheviks during the revolution and, for that reason alone, retains considerable atmosphere. Unfortunately you can't go inside - it is now used, ironically enough, by the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. 44 Itinerary in Detail

45 Itinerary in Detail On the other side of the stadium is the ankhor - Tashkent's central canal. You are highly likely to see boys and men of all ages leaping in and out of this fast-flowing channel during the hotter months. Along the banks are some very pleasant tea houses - chaykhanas in Uzbek - where you can find shade and a fresh pot of the local brew. One of the finest ways to get around the city is by using the Metro. The style throughout is very Moscow circa 1937, though the oldest stations were constructed only 40 years ago. It is not clear which parts are original and which parts have been renovated, though some stations - in particular, Alisher Navoi and Amir Timur - are very fine indeed. Near the latter is Tashkent's pretty opera house, with nightly performances between September and May. The museums in Tashkent are the best in the country. For carpets and fabrics the best place is the Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan, swiftly followed by the Museum of Applied Arts. For those interested in the Soviet era the Geology Museum is an interesting visit. The structure itself, and the staff inside, are so utterly Soviet you would think you were in some sort of time warp. Inside you can find mineral and rock samples from all over Central Asia, as well as a complete dinosaur skeleton. Near here is the national parliament and concert hall - though neither are of any distinction. Older attractions in the city include the Kukeldash Medressa, a fine old pile near the bazaar, and Khast Imom, home to what is thought to be the world's oldest extant Qur'an. Artisan craft shop in the Barakhan Madressah, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Farewell dinner group tour dinner As tonight is your last night on the group tour, you'll be taken to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your tour leader. Thursday 26 May, 2016 Transfer from hotel to airport Group Tour transfer. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. Tashkent to Istanbul Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TBC - Class: Economy Istanbul to London Heathrow Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TBC - Class: Economy Itinerary in Detail 45

46 Itinerary in Detail Tashkent, Uzbekistan Important Notes Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change. Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel. All flight times are local. 46 Itinerary in Detail

47 Accommodation OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective. Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges. Accommodation 47

48 Accommodation PEACE HOTEL, BEIJING First Class The Novotel Peace Hotel is a four star joint-venture hotel, located in the very heart of Beijing s famous Wangfujing shopping district, and close to Tiananmen Square. The 344-room hotel offers all the usual facilities visitors expect, including a variety of restaurants serving Chinese and European cuisine, and even a Korean barbecue. Our opinion: A long-standing Audley favourite, the Peace Hotel has an ideal location in the bustling Wangfujing shopping and entertainment district, and is walking distance from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Rooms here are comfortable and spacious, making this an excellent choice. MERCURE HOTEL, XIAN Medium The Mercure Hotel is a comfortable, elegantly appointed hotel, situated ideally on the grounds of Renmin Square. In total, there are 103 rooms, each with modern facilities, and tastefully decorated. Guests can also make use of the facilities of nearby Sofitel Hotel. Our opinion: The Mercure is positioned in a great location, as part of a complex of five hotels. The main benefit of the Mercure is that you can use the facilities of the Sofitel whilst saving money on your accommodation. The rooms and facilities are not as good as its glamorous neighbours, but if you would like to save a little money, then this is a great option. 48 Accommodation

49 Accommodation SILK ROAD DUNHUANG HOTEL, DUNHUANG Medium Located on the edge of town, overlooking the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel offers probably the best quality accommodation in the area. The hotel has a roof top cafe with panoramic views of the desert. Rooms are beautifully decorated to reflect the character of the region and both the cafe and the restaurant offer good, reasonably priced food. Our opinion: Whilst there are new hotels being built in the area, this hotel offers some of the best accommodation in the area in great surroundings. The breakfast bar offers fantastic views over the sand dunes that make this hotel very special. HUOZHOU HOTEL, TURPAN Medium This is the best hotel option in Turpan, centrally located by an attractive lakeside park, plenty of restaurants and the Turpan Museum. This is a hotel typical of provincial China and not a particularly inspiring place to stay, though is currently the best option. Our opinion: This hotel is the best option for accommodation in Turpan but serves rather poor quality food for breakfast and dinner. Accommodation 49

50 Accommodation BARONY HOTEL, KASHGAR Medium This hotel was originally built for oil executives who needed to overnight in the town. The rooms are comfortable with adequate bathrooms. Hotel facilities include a simple spa and two restaurants. On our last visit we couldn't find a hotel that was better in the town, though it's best not to expect too much! Our opinion: This is a basic quality hotel so it's best not to expect too much, it is however the best quality hotel in the city that we can find. HOTEL KHAN TENGRI, NARYN Simple This simple hotel is new to Naryn and is comfortable enough for an overnight stay with no frills in this remote part of Kyrgyzstan. It's in a quiet area, a short walk from the town centre, and has good views of the mountains surrounding Naryn. The rooms are large but basic, with western facilities. The hotel also has a traditionally decorated restaurant in an adjacent building, which offers local and western dishes. 50 Accommodation

51 Accommodation HOTEL AMIR, KARAKOL Medium A new and distinctive hotel designed in Switzerland and owned by a Swiss couple, the hotel is starkly different to anything else you are likely to encounter in Kyrgyzstan, being of modern European style. The hotel has Internet access and English-speaking staff, and there is also a nice terrace where you can enjoy a drink whilst watching the sun go down. SILK ROAD LODGE, BISHKEK Medium In a suburb of Bishkek, within walking distance of the National Parliament, is this 3-star hotel. The facilities and rooms here are basic but nicely done, with plenty of space for those in the middle of a long journey. Accommodation 51

52 Accommodation WYNDHAM TASHKENT, TASHKENT Medium The centrally-located Dedeman Hotel, offers amongst the best quality accommodation in Tashkent. Rooms are international business style and of a reasonable size, though those front facing can be a little noisy. Other hotel facilities are smart and modern, with a good quality breakfast buffet available. Our opinion: Room quality at this hotel can be a little disappointing compared with the lobby and exterior renovations. Having said that, it's still one of the best quality accommodations on offer in the city. HOTEL MALIKA, KHIVA AND SURROUNDING AREA Medium This hotel is superbly situated, just 50 metres away from the west gate of the Ichon Qala, and is the best hotel in town. The rooms are simple and comfortable, surrounding an indoor courtyard. The restaurant here serves up a mixture of Uzbek and Turkish food, and occasionally puts on performances of traditional music. 52 Accommodation

53 Accommodation MINZIFA HOTEL, BUKHARA Medium This beautiful boutique hotel, situated to the south of the Lyabi Hauz pond, is a restored former merchant's home. As with much of the old Jewish Quarter, some of Bukhara's best houses were here, and many are now opening their doors to visitors. The rooms are en suite, and have satellite television, and the hotel has a small restaurant and an ayvan - Uzbek colonnaded terrace. HOTEL SULTAN BOUTIQUE, SAMARKAND Medium This is a pleasant boutique hotel, built in 2014, located next to Gur Emir Mausoleum and an easy walk away from the Registan. Decorated in a traditional Uzbek style, the hotel has 17 rooms. The hotel's rooftop terrace offers fantastic views of Gur Emir Mausoleum and is a great place to relax in the evening after a busy day's sightseeing. Accommodation 53

54 Charity support Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this each individual department also supports a charity of their choice with a yearly financial donation. This charity is one that is close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have. The Christina Noble Children s Foundation and Audley s Contribution The Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) is dedicated to helping children in need with education, medical care, social opportunities and job placement. Located in the country s capital, the foundation conducts outreach work in and around Ulaan Bataar offering housing for poor and single parent families as well as medical care, shelter and schooling for street children. In 1997 the foundation established a permanent centre here with the aim of creating a stable home for as many orphaned children as possible. Today the charity s Sunshine Ger Village, boasts a number of residential gers (the traditional felt tent of the Mongolian people) and other facilities which serve as a stable home for 60 children and young adults ranging in age from 2 to 24 years old. Each residential ger is staffed by an adopted ger mother, often a single parent herself, who creates a loving home for all of the children within her care. At school age the children are enrolled alongside their peers at the local district school: learning within the community and gaining vital qualifications for later adult life. Children below school age attend the Foundation s kindergarten, constructed in 2002 on land adjacent to the ger village. The kindergarten also serves the wider community and provides invaluable pre-school education to children of local families. Our contribution As part of their outreach work in the capital CNCF also administer the Give a Ger fund, an emergency fund established to provide families in danger of becoming homeless with a secure and comfortable place to live. This has proved an essential lifeline for many in a country which is renowned for its particularly harsh winters where temperatures drop as low as -40C, conditions which often drive whole families beneath the city s streets as they find refuge in central heating pipes and vents. In 2008 our department made a 500 donation to the charity which bought a ger for a nomadic family who had been living in what can only be described as a primitive hut in the heart of the city s slum district. In 2009 we decided to strengthen our support for the charity by committing our annual donation to sponsor a child through his secondary education. Delgerbat is an, ambitious 15 year old young man who we have been supporting through the Christina Nobel Children s Foundation Child sponsorship programme. We donate an annual amount to the foundation each year which goes towards ensuring that he is able to attend school and provides the funds for his family to purchase the supplies he needs. Delgerbat is from a single parent family and when we started to sponsor him, he, his mother and his older sister were surviving on less than $100 a month and were living in a run-down rented ger on the outskirts of Ulaan Bataar. The sponsorship money has helped to ensure that he continued to attend school and as a result he has flourished, learning Chinese and Russian and taking pleasure in reading, becoming the class librarian. He has always had high hopes, when we first met him, through the foundation s annual reports, he just wanted to be the boss, now he hopes to be an economist, an ambition which we wholeheartedly hope he realises. If you would like further information please speak to your specialist or visit 54 Charity support

55 General information Travel insurance It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for predeparture cancellation from the policy issue date. This will, therefore, provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident. We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Cover should include medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. In addition, we strongly recommend that you have cover for personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities, including trekking, on your trip you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions. The type of trips we create and the requirements of Audley clients vary greatly. We have therefore listed below a number of companies who offer policies which may suit these varying requirements. You can find links to the companies' websites, at Other companies and policies are also available. We are unable to provide you with more detailed information and you should contact the company concerned directly for this. Please note this is general information only. We are not providing any specific advice on travel insurance or recommending any particular policy or insurer. Trips of up to 5,000 pp A large number of companies offer insurance policies which include cover for cancellation charges of up to the full holiday cost. Trips over 5,000 pp It can be more challenging to get insurance which includes cover for cancellation charges of up to the full holiday cost for higher value trips. A number of companies do, however, offer such policies. Thomson (in partnership with AXA) ( ) offer cancellation cover up to 20,000 per person, American Express ( ) offer cancellation cover up to 12,500 per person and Insure and Go ( ) offer cancellation cover up to 7,500 per person. This information can also be found on our website with links to the insurers websites. Clients over 65 years of age Many companies now offer cover to people over 65 years of age. However, if you are finding it difficult to get cover you could try Age UK ( ) or Saga ( ) both of whom currently have no upper age limit on their policies. See also the companies referred to under preexisting medical conditions below. This information can also be found on our website with links to the insurers websites. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, there are a number of companies that may be able to help you. P J Hayman / Free Spirit ( ) will consider most pre-existing medical conditions and they have no upper age limit on single trip policies. Age UK ( ) and Insure and Go ( ) will also consider a number of pre-existing conditions and may be able to help. Cancer Travel Insurance Services ( ) specialise in travel insurance for people with non-terminal cancer and have no upper age limit on their policies. This information can also be found at with links to the insurers websites. Non-UK residents If you are not a UK resident you will usually need to get insurance in your country of residence. Some insurance companies, such as Columbus Direct ( ), will consider policies for non- UK residents. This information can also be found on our website with links to the insurers websites. Once you have a travel insurance policy in place, please let your specialist know who your insurance company is and your policy number. The above information is provided in good faith and is correct to the best of our knowledge. No liability is, however, accepted for any errors and all information must be checked directly with the insurance company. Financial security We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that we provide are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check to ensure that everything you booked is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information about financial protection and for further information on the ATOL Certificate. *The flight inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Those package arrangements which are not protected by our ATOL are covered by ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust. This insurance means your money will be refunded or you will be returned to the starting point of your contracted arrangements if already abroad in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency. (For more details please see Section 12 of the Terms and Conditions.) In these instances you will not receive an ATOL certificate with your invoice. Health It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before booking your trip and before travelling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections. You should visit your GP at least six weeks before departure. For up to date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). MASTA Traveller s Health Brief Before travelling abroad, you can visit to obtain a Health Brief specifically tailored to your journey. Your brief will give information about immunisations and malaria as well as any Foreign Office advice and the latest health news. General information 55