SILK ROAD SAFARI PART 2

Transcription

1 SILK ROAD SAFARI PART 2 Van, Turkey to Athens, Greece September 20 October 16, 2015 Another amazing personalised, escorted and catered tour created by Global Gypsies & Coates Wildlife Tours Join us as we retrace the second half of the exotic Silk Road Trade Route to its conclusion! Personally escorted by Jan and Jeremy and local English-speaking guides. Quality transport, meals, accommodation and activities included. What an Adventure! Join us on one of the world s most exciting and mysterious adventures as we follow the legendary Great Silk Road to its conclusion! We ve explored Part 1 from Xian to Tashkent, now we re completing the journey from Turkey to Greece & we hope that you ll join us! Centuries ago, spices, fabrics, hand-made goods, livestock, pottery, ceramics and dried fruits from China were transported thousands of miles over rugged deserts and mountains by wandering merchants using camels, donkeys and horses travelling in convoys, or caravans. These overland journeys could take months with intermittent stops in caravanserais (local inns). When the precious goods arrived in Mediterranean or Aegean ports, they were sold to merchants eager to obtain the exotic wares of the Orient. On completion of our Silk Road Safari: Part 1 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (which is fully booked), we will travel on to Van, Turkey to commence the Silk Road Part 2 itinerary with our friends from Eastern Turkey Tours. We will continue on the ancient trade route visiting such history-book destinations in the former Ottoman Empire as Mt Ararat, Diyarbakir, Urfa, Kayseri, Cappadocia, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) and Ankara (Turkey s modern-day capital). Then we ll continue our journey westward on a luxurious week-long cruise of the Aegean Sea in a large private yacht visiting several Turkish and Greek islands and spend two nights in Mykonos before arriving in Athens, where our adventure will end. En-route we ll visit markets, mosques, museums, temples, World Heritage sites, legendary ruins and scenic attractions. We ll enjoy a bevy of cultural activities; meet local people and learn the fascinating history of the region. We ll enjoy delicious traditional food and travel in coaches, trains, planes, boats and on foot. We ll stay in quality 3-4 star hotels (twin/share basis) while on land and on a 32m/10 cabin private yacht during our spectacular cruise on the Aegean Sea. And we ve arranged our tour just out of peak season to minimise costs and avoid the crowds! Included in the package are airport transfers, internal flights, ground transport, most meals, entries to attractions, lots of fun and educational activities, Australian tour escorts, local English-speaking guides, Pre-Departure Workshop and Pre- Departure Kit. What to Bring Pack comfortable, casual clothes for a variety of conditions - cosmopolitan cities, a cruise, searing deserts, chilly mountains, sunny days and cool nights - also bring one or two smart outfits for special occasions. A detailed list of suggested items will be included in your Pre Departure Kit. Soft bags with wheels weighing 15kgs or less are preferable. Bring only what you can carry yourself along with a day/overnight pack. These and many other topics will be discussed at the Pre-Departure Workshop. Please have a current passport valid for at least six months. Note that Australian citizens require a visa for Turkey but not for Greece. Check with your doctor as to which inoculations you ll need and get them well in advance. Coates Wildlife Tours can help plan flights, book airfares, assist with visas and insurance and arrange pre/post-tour excursions to must-see destinations in Europe or elsewhere. Because of the complexity of coordinating this tour, early bookings are recommended. Don t miss out on this unique opportunity to travel on the exotic Silk Road with people you know and trust! Minimum number of 16 participants (maximum 18 + guides) is required for the tour to proceed.

2 PROPOSED ITINERARY Day 1: Sunday September 20 Clients arrive Van independently (to avoid jet lag you may wish to arrive a day earlier). Meet and greet at airport; transfers to hotel. No plans that night. Overnight at hotel in Van. Day 2: Monday September 21 - Van Welcome Breakfast and Introductory Briefing by Jeremy, Jan and local guides in hotel. Coach and walking tour of Van and surrounds including Hosap Castle, Akdamar, Lake Van and Citadel. We enjoy an evening of folklore, dance and a traditional meal. Overnight at Van (B, L, D) Day 3: Tuesday September 22 - Van & Dogubeyazit, Mt Ararat We drive from Van to Dogubeyazit (2 ½ hours) to visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace and Mt Ararat, the legendary site of Noah s Ark. Overnight at Dogubeyazıt (B, L, D) Day 4: Wednesday September 23 Dogubeyazit/Tatvan/Ahlat We drive to Ahlat stopping to visit the 13 th century funerary site of the Seljuks, El Aman Caravanserai and the Nemrut Volcano Crater en-route. Overnight at Ahlat (B, L, D) Day 5: Thursday September 24 Ahlat -Diyarbakir We drive through Bitlis Gorge to Hasankeyf to view caves and ruins of a medieval Byzantine city and visit the 14 th century El Rizk Mosque. We then drive on to Diyarbakir, an ancient city from pre-roman times and a major stopping point on the old Silk Road where we can soak up the atmosphere, puff on a nargile (water pipe) or try a pistachio coffee. Overnight at Diyarbakir (B, L, D) Day 6: Friday September 25 - Diyarbakir to Sanliurfa (Urfa) - 2 hours Today we visit Urfa (Sanliurfa), another town with a very ancient pedigree which has strong Biblical connections as the birth place of Abraham. This part of South East Turkey lies at the northern arc of the Fertile Crescent and has been at the centre of trading routes for millennia. The centre of Urfa features a beautiful Mosque complex, the Pools of Abraham, a fascinating bazaar district and the new archaeological museum, which houses many priceless artefacts. Overnight at Şanliurfa (B, L, D) Day 7: Saturday, September 26 - Urfa (FREE DAY) Free day to explore historic Urfa, relax or take an optional tour to Harran, believed to be where Abraham lived for some time. Lunch and dinner at own expense. Overnight at Şanliurfa (B) Day 8: Sunday September 27 Urfa - Kayseri An early start and long day s drive to Kayseri. En-route we will stop for lunch in Karamanmaras and visit Karatay Han a major Seljuk caravanserai. Overnight Kayseri (B, L, D) Day 9: Monday September 28 - Kayseri/Cappadocia We take a morning walking tour of Kayseri stopping at the City Wall, bazaar, Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Medrese. After lunch we depart for Cappadocia visiting Pigeon Valley and Uchisar en-route. Overnight in Cappadocia. Goreme. (B, L, D) Day 10: Tuesday September 29 - Cappadocia & surrounds Free day to explore this historic area further or take one of the many optional half or full-day tours. We recommend the early morning balloon flight (6:00 9:00 a.m. including Champagne Breakfast), or horse-riding, walking or cycle tours through the spectacular local countryside. Overnight Goreme (B) 2

3 Day 11: Wednesday September 30 Goreme/Tuzgulu/Ankara A long day s drive to Ankara. En-route we visit Derinkuyu Underground City and the Ihlara Valley where we take a gentle walk in the valley floor. After lunch we visit the Selime monastery before continuing to Ankara along the Great Salt Lake, Tuz Golu. Late arrival in Ankara. Overnight Ankara. (B, L, D) Day 12: Thursday October 1 - Ankara Today we ll tour Ankara, the capital of Turkey visiting Anitkabir (Ataturk s Mausoleum), the old citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations - considered to be one of the world s best. Overnight Ankara (B, L, D) Day 13: Friday October 2 - Ankara to Istanbul After breakfast we will depart Ankara on the high speed rail service (2 hours) for Haydarpasha in Kadikoy, Istanbul, arriving for lunch. Afternoon coach tour of the city. Overnight at Kadıkoy (B, L, D) Day 14: Saturday October 3 Istanbul We catch a ferry and go on a two-hour cruise of the Bosphorus Straits, visiting the place where Jason s Argonauts were said to be blocked in their quest for the Golden Fleece. After lunch in a local fish restaurant we will be catching the ferry back to town where we visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and the New Mosque Overnight at Kadıkoy (B, L, D) Day 15: Sunday October 4 - Istanbul We continue exploring Old Istanbul visiting The Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Yerebetan Saray (Basilica Cistern) Overnight at Kadıkoy (B, L, D) Day 16: Monday October 5 Aegean Cruise We catch an early morning flight from Istanbul to the port city of Bodrum on the Turkish coast where we board our private gulet for a wonderful week of cruising on the Aegean Sea. Our magnificent 32m/10 cabin ketch has a full crew to look after us and all meals will be provided (beverages charged on consumption). Our cruise destinations will include several Turkish and Greek Islands we may visit Kos, Amorgos, Ios, Santorini, Naxos, Paros or other magical places. Overnight on gulet. (B, L, D) Day 17: Tuesday October 6 Aegean Cruise Day 18: Wednesday October 7 Aegean Cruise Day 19: Thursday October 8 Aegean Cruise Day 20: Friday October 9 Aegean Cruise Day 21: Saturday October 10 Aegean Cruise Day 22: Sunday October 11 Aegean Cruise Day 23: Monday October 12 Mykonos We arrive at Mykonos, the last island on our itinerary and disembark after breakfast. After checking into our hotel, we are met by a local guide who takes us on tour of the island. We spend the next two nights ashore exploring this iconic Hellenic destination and soaking up the atmosphere. Overnight in Mykonos Hotel (B, L, D). 3

4 Day 24: Tuesday October 13 Mykonos/Athens FREE DAY in Mykonos to explore independently. Lunch and dinner at own expense. Overnight in Mykonos Hotel. (B) Day 25: Wednesday October 14 Athens We catch a ferry from Mykonos to Athens. After checking into our hotel, we are met by a local guide and taken on a halfday tour of the city (including light lunch). Tonight we enjoy a cultural evening of song, dance and delicious Greek food. Overnight in Athens hotel (B, L, D) Day 26: Thursday, October 15 - Athens Full day tour of Athens followed by special Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Athens (B, L, D) Day 27: Friday, October 16 - Athens Clients fly out independently or make arrangements to stay on in Athens (highly recommended!). Coates Wildlife Tours can arrange optional packages to enable you to spend additional days in Greece or visit other European destinations. MEET YOUR TOUR ESCORTS Your Australian Tour Escorts will be Jeremy Perks and Jan Barrie of Global Gypsies Tours and Training, assisted by local English-speaking guides from our friends at Eastern Turkey Tours. The couple established Global Gypsies in In 2011, Global Gypsies won the Tourism Council WA Gold Award for Adventure Tours and the Bronze Award for Tour Guide Training. The company offers a range of self-drive eco-adventures in outback Australia as well as escorted tours to such destinations as Antarctica, Borneo, Botswana, China, Central Asia, Kenya, South Africa and North and South America. Our clients come back to us again & again and are like part of our family! We work closely with Coates Wildlife Tours on many of our overseas adventures who provide our clients with such travel agency services as international flights, insurance and visas. Born in South Africa, Jeremy is a professional Tour Guide and a former Tour Guide of the Year. In his youth he served as an Officer in the elite South African Defence Force (similar to the SAS) where he learned bush survival and leadership skills. He is a qualified mechanic and an experienced four-wheel-driver who loves flora and fauna and holds a certificate in remote area first aid. In addition to leading Australian and overseas tours, he also teaches four-wheel-driving, towing and tour guiding. Prior to establishing Global Gypsies, Jeremy was the Managing Director of a major advertising agency in Johannesburg and managed a safari camp in Kenya s Rift Valley. Jan is a former journalist, travel writer and communications manager who is responsible for the administration, marketing and customer relations aspects of Global Gypsies. She was born in England, has lived in Africa, America and the UK, has travelled extensively and has called Australia home for the past 30 years. Jan and Jeremy led the inaugural Gypsies/Coates expedition along the first half of the Great Silk Road in 2013 and found it so fascinating they that will be repeating the journey in Completing the second half of the ancient trade route through Turkey and Greece will be a wonderful experience and a major achievement - they look forward to sharing it with you! 4

5 PRICE PER PERSON: AUD$10,999 per person (twin/share two people per room) Single supplement : AUD$2,300 (unless we can find you a travelling buddy ) Notes: Based on two persons sharing a twin room/cabin with single beds (double bed MAY be available if requested in advance). There is no single supplement charge if we can find you a buddy. Prices are subject to change if local costs are subsequently affected by government taxes, increase in fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond our control. If exchange rate fluctuations occur of more than 2.5%, we reserve the right to adjust tour cost accordingly. Please note that the tour can only proceed if we achieve a minimum of 16 participants (maximum 18 plus guides) A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1, per person to Coates Wildlife Tours is required by December 1, 2014 to secure your place. As we are required to provide a substantial deposit to our cruise company partner in order to secure the gulet, a further deposit of AUD$2,000 per person will be required once the tour departure is guaranteed. If minimum numbers are not achieved and we as the operators have to cancel the tour, client deposits will be refunded in full. Please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information. Final payment will be due on April 15, Inclusions: Meet and greet service at Van airport and other airport transfers for clients using nominated flights. All accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary on twin/share basis (please note hotels are subject to change). All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions (not camera or video fees) as per itinerary. English speaking local guides and two Australian Tour Escorts. Flights described in itinerary based on economy class including taxes. Train from Ankara to Istanbul Catered, fully crewed cruise on private gulet for seven nights (details of vessel and day-to-day itinerary to be confirmed) Pre Departure Workshop on date to be advised Pre-Departure Kit (for clients who are unable to attend the workshop we will phone you to go through the Kit) Does not include: International airfares and taxes to/from Australia. Personal expenditure such as all drinks, laundry service and souvenirs. Visa for Turkey (Australian passport holders do NOT require visas for Greece). Clients to obtain own visas for any other destinations. Camera and video entry charges at monuments/forts etc. Arrival/departure transfers if not travelling on recommended flights. Meals and services not mentioned. Travel insurance (please note this is compulsory). Tips. To cover tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, waiters, porters, yacht crew etc., rather than asking for individual daily contributions, your Tour Escorts will organise a Tips Kitty and distribute tips as appropriate throughout the tour. For this purpose we will request an AUD$250 per person contribution to be paid in advance. For more information, please contact: GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD PO Box 123, Scarborough, WA Phone: (08) Fax: (08) admin@globalgypsies.com.au web: Bookings & payments to be made to: COATES WILDLIFE TOURS (Licence No. 9TA1135/36) P.O. Box 4502, Myaree BC, Myaree WA 6960 Phone: Fax: coates@iinet.net.au EFT Payments: Coates Wildlife Tours Bankwest : BSB : : Account No:

6 SILK ROAD SAFARI - PART 2 BOOKING & DEPOSIT FORM Each participant to complete a separate form please! Name (as shown in passport) : Address: Phone:.. Mobile:. address:... Date/Place of Birth:.. Nationality:. Passport Number:.. Date of Issue: Expiry: Please note that the price of this tour is quoted in Australian Dollars. A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1, per person is required to secure your booking. If you wish to pay by credit card (Visa/MasterCard) please complete the following. Please note that a credit card levy of 1.5% will apply. We will be in touch again soon with a receipt and more information. Type of card:... Number:... Expiry date:... Name on card:... Three digit code on reverse :. Amount: AUD$.. Terms & Conditions Silk Road Safari Part 2 is being operated and conducted by Eastern Turkey Tours (ETT) & Guletbookers of Turkey (GT) under local laws, conditions and regulations in conjunction with Coates Wildlife Tours of Western Australia (CWT) hereafter called The Operators. Global Gypsies Pty Ltd of Western Australia (GG) is providing two professional Tour Escorts & assisting with tour development, marketing & customer inquiries. There will be a recommended flight to Van which can be arranged/booked by Coates Wildlife Tours. Clients wishing to book their own flights must arrive in Van, Turkey, by 5:00 p.m. on Day 1, September 20, ETT/GT/CWT/GG reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are insufficient participants (minimum 16/maximum 18). Deposits are non-refundable (unless the tour is cancelled by the operators in which case all moneys will be refunded in full). All cancellations by clients are subject to an administration fee from days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 50% of total tour cost will apply within 89 days of departure. No refunds will be made if cancelled within 70 days of departure. No refund will be given in the event clients fail to join the tour or leave it early. I understand I will be contributing AUD$250 in advance to a kitty to cover tips & gratuities incurred during the tour. Whilst all care is taken, ETT/GT/CWT/GG does not accept liability for loss or damage to baggage, sickness or injury, or additional expenses caused by factors beyond their control. Clients are advised that in many countries there is no free health service and that local vehicle insurance is of limited value. Travel insurance is compulsory and should cover most circumstances of cancellation as well as luggage loss and medical cover. The client accepts that this tour is of an adventurous nature and involves an element of personal risk, and that neither ETT/GT/CWT/GG nor their agents can be held liable for any injury, damage to property or loss of life caused. The client accepts responsibility for all risks involved. Most visitors require a visa for Turkey. It is the client s responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of valid travel documents including passports, visas, health certificates etc. ETT/GT/CWT/GG cannot accept any liability for incorrect documentation. Itinerary is subject to alteration without notice and is intended as a guide only. Alterations may occur due to road/sea conditions, flooding, mechanical defect, political events or other reasons. Any additional expenses incurred by passengers are not ETT/CWT/GG s responsibility. The operators and/or their agents and employees are unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times & will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services. In event of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, ETT/GT/CWT/GG reserve the right to substitute different vehicles & personnel. Properties used may change, however the same or similar standard is guaranteed. Accommodation is on a twin-share basis with single beds (double beds MAY be available if requested in advance). There is no single supplement charge if we can arrange a buddy. The client agrees to comply with the laws and regulations of all the countries visited and to comply with all reasonable instructions of the Tour Leaders and Escorts relating to the safety and organisation of the tour. This agreement between client & Eastern Turkey Tours & client & Guletbookers of Turkey is made subject to and shall be interpreted and construed in a Turkish court of law. Any legal conflict with CWT/GG shall be resolved in the jurisdiction of Western Australia. Please keep luggage packed in soft/pliable bags with wheels - maximum 15kg per person. ALL prices are based on 2014/15 costs and are subject to change if subsequently affected by increased government taxes, exchange rate differences, increases in jet fuel or car fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond the control of the operators. I have read and understand the above tour conditions and agree to abide by them. I acknowledge that there are risks associated with this tour and accept that these risks are my own responsibility. Signature... Date:.. PLEASE POST/FAX/ TO: COATES WILDLIFE TOURS, P.O. Box 4502, Myaree BC, Myaree WA 6960 Tel: Fax: coates@iinet.net.au EFT: Coates Wildlife Tours; Bankwest; BSB: ; Account: