in the footsteps of alexander the great

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Central Asia in the footsteps of trip highlights Desert city of Bukhara Fabled Silk Rd city of Samarkand Lake Iskander Kul Magnificent markets, minarets and medressa The Historic Centre of

World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great trip.

1975 when we began operating adventure holidays.

1 Central Asia in the footsteps of trip highlights Desert city of Bukhara Fabled Silk Rd city of Samarkand Lake Iskander Kul Magnificent markets, minarets and medressa The Historic Centre of Shakhrisabz The ancient city of Khujand Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: IFA Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring Summary 15 day trip, 12 nights hotel and 2 nights homestay welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every trip is accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most cases, all internal transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers are included in the cost of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

Kazakhstan Tashkent Bukhara Uzbekistan Khujand Samarkand Tajikistan Dushanbe Turkmenistan 2016 05 Jun - 19 Jun 03 Jul - 17 Jul 31 Jul - 14 Aug 04 Sep - 18 Sep 02 Oct - 16 Oct 2017 01 May - 15 May 04

For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs.

We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge.

2 Kazakhstan Tashkent Bukhara Uzbekistan Khujand Samarkand Tajikistan Dushanbe Turkmenistan Jun - 19 Jun 03 Jul - 17 Jul 31 Jul - 14 Aug 04 Sep - 18 Sep 02 Oct - 16 Oct May - 15 May 04 Jun - 18 Jun 02 Jul - 16 Jul 30 Jul - 13 Aug 03 Sep - 17 Sep 01 Oct - 15 Oct trip dates important notes Note: - Similar dates in 2018 Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2016. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs. trip cost Joining Tashkent: $2779 All prices are per person options & supplements Single Supplement: $360 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For Competitive aiurfares to Tashkent and stopover ideas,contact our expert staff today to recieve a detailed quote. Want a private trip? Book this trip as a private departure just for you and your group on your chosen date. Contact us for conditions, costs and availability. the trip Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and discover the fabled Silk Road oasis towns of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. After exploring the famous museums of Tashkent we travel to Samarkand with one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square. Discover some of the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques and palaces, citadels, minarets, colourful bazaars, highly adorned mausoleums, and age old traditions. This unforgettable adventure travels through the ancient cultural landscapes and spectacular landscapes of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia s most picturesque countries. Visit the stunning alpine lake of Iskander Kul on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains, where according to tradition the lake takes its name from Alexander the Great. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience exploring the hidden heart of Central Asia its natural wonders are perfectly combined with cultural highlights to discover in depth the beauty of this historical region. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAYS 4-5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 ARRIVE TASHKENT TRANSFER TO SAMARKAND SAMARKAND SIGHTSEEING, TRANSFER TO BUKHARA BUKHARA DRIVE TO SHAKHRIISABZ VIA NAUTAKA AND KATTA LANGAR VILLAGE DRIVE TO TERMEZ VIA BAYSUN REGION SIGHTSEEING IN TERMEZ TRANSFER TO DUSHANBE TRANSFER TO MARGIB VILLAGE TRANSFER TO SARITAG VIA ISKANDERKUL TRANSFER TO KHUJAND (ALEXANDRIA ESHATA) VIA ISTRAVSHAN KHUJAND, TRANSFER TO TASHKENT SIGHTSEEING IN TASHKENT TASHKENT, TRIP CONCLUDES what s included 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners airport transfers (day 1 and 15 only) comfortable hotels on twin share basis local sightseeing guide entrance fees to museums and monuments private transport throughout medical kit 2 nights homestay on a multishare basis Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

3 detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Tashkent On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for dinner. Overnight Hotel meals: D DAY 2 Transfer to Samarkand This morning we drive from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand (300 km, 5 hrs). The rest of the day is dedicated to sightseeing of Samarkand s major attractions such as Registan Square considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Being the heart of Samarkand and city s main square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with quite inner courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming azure blue glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Cathedral Mosque Bibi-Khanum, nearby Siab Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur-Emir Mausoleum the resting place of Timurid royal family. Overnight Hotel DAY 3 Samarkand sightseeing, transfer to Bukhara After breakfast we check out from the hotel and proceed for Samarkand sightseeing covering the remains of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg observatory which allowed Samarkand s astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars position. Their outstanding body of work comprised Zidj -e - Kuragoni, astronomic tables featuring the most exact coordinates of 1018 stars; Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, resting place of princesses and princes of Timurid dynasty, as well as aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colors. Both sights are located on the ancient hill from which the city of Marakanda, once conquered by Alexander the Great, majestically dominated the area. We will also get acquainted with the Hellenistic period in the history of Samarkand exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. After lunch we drive to Bukhara. Overnight hotel. DAYS 4-5 Bukhara Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed to be founded in the 13th Century BC during reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years before Alexander the Great. The name of Bukhara originates from the Sanscrite word vihara which stands for Buddhist monastery. The city with its 140 architectural monuments was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow streets, busy bazars and colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age. Visit mausoleum of the founder of Samanid dynasty which plan reminds the geometric pattern of Buddhist mandala, Bukhara s citadel belted by massive defensive walls and overlooking the Old City. We will also visit ancient mosques, madrassah and ancient domed bazaars as well as the Summer Residence of the last rulers of Bukhara located in the city s suburb. Overnight hotel. DAY 6 Drive to Shakhriisabz via Nautaka and Katta Langar village Today we drive to Shakhrisabz. Along the way we will visit major sights of Nautaka ( present day Karshi) located on the bank of Limpid River (Kashkadarya ) and Katta Langar village. In Nautaka Alexander the Great with his army passed two winters and planned his Indian campaign. Here we will visit Odina Madrassah, the oldest female educational establishment of the region once erected on the sight of Khan s residence. It is now converted in little local museum. The biggest and the most beautiful mosque of the city, Kok-Gumbaz, built in XVI c. in the basement of the World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

4 fast facts Countries Visited: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Asia *Ask our staff for more information. older Namosgokh Mosque and adorned with majolica glazed tiles. In the picturesque Katta langar mountain village we will see ancient mosque which for many decencies housed world s oldest copy of Holy Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). In Shakhrisabz we will visit Burial places of Timurid royalty in their hometown - Shakhrisabz and will explore the ruins of Tamerlan s summer residence, the Ak-Sarai Palace ( ). Overnight hotel. DAY 7 Drive to Termez via Baysun region Today we drive to Termez. Along the way we will have half day sightseeing in Baysun. Baysun is a picturesque region situated in the grand Ketmen-Chapti massif. Its deeply rooted folk traditions were included on UNESCO s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today we will also meet renowned Baysun artist Tura Shomirzaev who will introduce us to the lifestyle, traditions and culture of local people. Along the way to Baysun we will visit 1000 years old chinara (plane tree) in Sayrob mountain settlement, 10th century Towering minaret of Jarkurgan and the sight known as the bridge of Alexander the Great. Overnight hotel. DAY 8 Sightseeing in Termez Today we will have full day sightseeing in and around Termez. We will first visit ruins of Buddhist monastic complex with stupa Fayaz tepe ; resting place of Samanid aristocracy; Kyrk-Kyz country estate of Samadid dynasty; archeological site of Kampyr-Tepe with its maze of excavated walls as well as Termez archeological museum. Overnight hotel. DAY 9 Transfer to Dushanbe After breakfast we commence our drive to Saryosiyo border point where we will complete border formalities and cross on foot into Tajikistan. Today we will have excursion around Dushanbe. We will explore Dushanbe modern landmarks : Independent Square, Monument erected to the founder of Tajik State, Ismail Samani; Rudaki Avenue as well as city s museum with interesting collection of ancient artifacts. Overnight Hotel. DAY 10 Transfer to Margib village Margib is an ancient Tajik ethnic settlement situated in the Valley of Yagnob River. Its inhabitants called Yagnobiens are descendants of ancient Sogdians. Today we will hike along the grandiose gorge of Zamin-Karor rocky massif and get familiar with the lifestyle of local people. Overnight homestay. DAY 11 Transfer to Saritag via Iskanderkul Iskanderkul is the biggest and the most picturesque lake of Fann mountains. Today we will hike around the lake and to the Fann Niagara - 40 meters high waterfall. Picnic by the lake. After lunch we will drive to Saritag village where we will be acquainted with traditions and the daily life of local people. Overnight in Saritag village. DAY 12 Transfer to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata) via Istravshan Today we set off for Khodjent our route will lay through the mountain pass Shakhristan. Along the way we will visit the ancient city of Kiropolis, present day Istravshan, founded by Persian King Cyrus in 7th century B.C. We will explore old city with its bazaar Kok Gumbaz Mosque(XVI) and Mug hill. After lunch we continue the drive to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata). Overnight Hotel World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

5 responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website trip grading Introductory On our journey we want to keep the accent on the active. We therefore suggest that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience. Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. DAY 13 Khujand, transfer to Tashkent Today we will get around Khujand and visit its main sights such as Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum and Mosque (XIV- c.c.), Payshambe bazaar and Country estate of Urumkhodjaev family which bears resemblance to the palace of Russian tsars in Petergof. After lunch we commence our drive to the Oybek border point and after completing border formalities enter into Uzbekistan. Overnight Hotel. DAY 14 Sightseeing in Tashkent Today we will get around Tashkent and get acquainted with its main sights: Khast-Imam( Jhazret Imam) complex including Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Barak Khan madrassah, Muyimuborak madrassah converted in library-museum and housing the world s oldest copy of the Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). Overnight hotel. DAY 15 Tashkent, trip concludes Today in Tashkent, your trip concludes. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. accommodation on the trip The hotels used in Central Asia are usually 3 star properties on a twin share basis. Generally Russian in style. All rooms have private facilities, however please bear in mind that plumbing can at times be dubious in Central Asia, even in the best hotels. If you have a problem, advise your group leader, or floor attendant. on this trip there will be two nights homestay which are on a multi share basis. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. equipment required There is no specialised equipment required for this trip however a suggested gear list is supplied in the pre departure information provided on booking World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

6 important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as tuk tuk s could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what s not included International airfares and departure taxes Travel Insurance (compulsory) Visas Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc Optional activities and sightseeing during free time Still/video camera fees at monuments info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience World Expeditions Travel Group - Brett Taylor 4/29/2016 5:00:14 PM

7 how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your non refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares to Morocco. Call your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 5/30/ :29:42 PM

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