Main Tour. Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan September. DAY 1 Almaty Tues 15 Sept

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2 Main Tour Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan September DAY 1 Almaty Tues 15 Sept We arrive in Almaty in the evening and are transferred to our hotel*. Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan remains the largest and most developed, ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan. Accommodation: World Hotel Saltanat Almaty Flights depart Australia Monday 14 Sept * 2

3 DAY 2 Almaty Wed 16 Sept Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea and lunch After lunch we will do some sightseeing in Almaty s city centre. Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan is surrounded by the most beautiful mountain range called Alatau, which is translated as 'colourful mountains' from the Kazakh. The mountains can be seen from every corner of the city. The tour will include a visit to one of the oldest Almaty parks, Panfilov Park where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world, Zenkov Cathedral is located. We will also see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country and the interesting Museum of Musical Instruments. We then drive to Medeo Gorge. From the top of the dam we will enjoy an amazing panorama of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world surrounded by the wonderful mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau. Following this we ascend to Chimbulak ski resort for some hiking and exploration before returning to Almaty for our welcome dinner. Accommodation: World Hotel Saltanat Almaty (B D) 3

4 DAY 3 Almaty Thurs 17 Sept Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea and lunch In the afternoon we visit Almaty Lake one of the most picturesque mountain lakes in Kazakhstan. It is located in a gorge above the Bolshaya Almatinka River 2,511 metres above sea level. There will be time to enjoy the fascinating panorama of the crystal lake, surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks covered with Tian-Shan fir trees, aspen and juniper. On the way back we shall stop at an interesting falcon farm to enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained hawks. Hunting with these spectacular hawks is one of the most unique features of the Kazakh way of life. Accommodation: World Hotel Saltanat Almaty (B D) 4

5 DAY 4 Almaty Fri 18 Sept Today is a day of leisure OR Optional Full Day Tour with Lunch Charyn Canyon The Charyn Canyon, often described as Grand Canyon s little brother, is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, calling to mind ancient castles created by wind, sun and rain. The vista of dramatic erosion made by the Charyn River below and the elements has created a dramatic and impressive landscape. While we admire the grand panorama we will be offered a picnic, and have the opportunity to walk through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls. Accommodation: World Hotel Saltanat Almaty (B) DAY 5 Almaty Tashkent Sat 19 Sept There will be free time after breakfast to explore Almaty on our own or perhaps experience the famous Kazakh Circus. After exploring this beautiful vibrant city we catch our evening flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Accommodation: Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Tashkent (B) 5

6 DAY 6 Tashkent Sun 20 Sept Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea After lunch we visit various local artisan studios in the old city reminiscent of the old silk route. The works of the ceramists family are displayed in Tashkent s Applied and Fine Arts Museums. We also make a visit to the Applied Arts Museum. The wealthy Tsarist diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, a connoisseur of Oriental architecture and decorative patterns, invited local master artisans to decorate his private mansion. It now houses a splendid collection of ikat fabrics, suzani, ceramics, metal work, carved wood, carpets and national garments. In the evening, depending on availability at the time, there will be an option to enjoy a ballet, opera or music performance at the Alisher Navoi theatre. This neoclassical theatre, built by Japanese prisoners of war, was based on the plans of Alexey Schchuzev, the architect of Lenin s Mausoleum in Moscow. Accommodation: Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Tashkent (B L) DAY 7 Tashkent Bukhara Mon 21 Sept After early breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our morning flight to Bukhara. The Historic Centre of Bukhara, on the old Silk Route, is more than two thousand years old. It is one of the best examples of well-preserved Islamic cities of Central Asia of the 10th to 17th centuries, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact. 6

7 Before lunch we visit some of the cities architectural wonders including a visit to the famous Ark Fortress. This monument is thought to have been constructed at the beginning of the 1st millennium A.D and from this ancient time the Ark was the fortified residence of the rulers of Bukhara. A walking tour of the old city will be enjoyed after lunch, to experience the enchantment and charm of the narrow cobbled streets and colourful, dramatic monuments. In the evening we dine in the courtyard of a magnificent private merchant house and view a private textile and ceramic collection. Accommodation: Omar Khayam Bukhara (B L D) DAY 8 Bukhara Tues 22 Sept This morning we visit the Summer Palace, the most beautiful of the monuments in the Bukhara countryside. In the late 19 th century a palace was built in a huge garden with construction of a harem and greenhouse and a second palace continued on the site until The palace contains the wonderful interiors of the Waiting Room and the White Hall with their excellent murals and carved ganch (alabaster) on mirror panels. Using Russian experience, local architects built a rich building that had combined local Bukhara and European traditions. Its throne hall for royal receptions is impressive. This palace also houses the excellent Bukhara Museum of Decorative Applied Arts. On the way back to town we will visit a famous Gijduvan ceramicist at his workshop and have the opportunity to participate in a master class. 7

8 After lunch there is free time to explore the ancient streets and bazaars or relax with a cup of green tea at the Labi Hauz, a peaceful square shaded by 700-year old mulberry trees. OR Optional Uzbek Cooking Class with Dinner Experience an authentic cooking class in Akbar s house in the heart of Bukhara in the late afternoon. It includes purchasing ingredients in the market and preparing and serving and eating several dishes for dinner including Plov (the very first national meal of the Uzbek people) and Somsa, cooked in a traditional clay oven. Accommodation: Omar Khayam Bukhara (B L) DAY 9 Bukhara Wed 23 Sept Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea Following lunch in a local restaurant we have free time to explore this charming Silk Road city known also for it s famous carpet weavers. OR Optional Turkish Hamman Experience a relaxing massage at a 16 th century hamman. There are separate hammans for men and women In the evening enjoy the classic Bukhara puppet show followed by dinner. Accommodation: Omar Khayam Bukhara (B L D) 8

9 DAY 10 Bukhara Samarkand Thurs 24 Sept After breakfast we have an early morning transfer to the train station at Bukhara for our train trip to Samarkand. Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as Rome, Athens and Babylon- more than 25 centuries old. Ancient Arab manuscripts refer to it as the Gem of the East. A majestic and beautiful city, Samarkand is a jewel of the Silk Road, famous for the products in its bazaars, its scholars and artisans and for its extraordinary monuments. The turquoise domes of Samarkand are among the world s most evocative architectural symbols. Following lunch the afternoon takes on a tour of some of the local artisans including a musical instrument maker. Another highlight will be a stop at the papermaking workshop in Konigil. Begun in the 8 th century, the paper was made from mulberry bark and cotton. In the 19 th century the skills were lost as cheap Russian paper was introduced. Thanks to a UNESCO project, this ancient papermaking art using a watermill and traditional techniques has been revived. At the end of day we view the Ulughbek observatory and Shah-i-Zindar complex against the hues of sunset. Dinner is a special treat in Nargis boutique where talented architect-turned-designer Nargis Bekmuhamedova arranges a delightful fashion show and dinner accompanied by classical Uzbek music in her café and boutique. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Superior Samarkand (B L D) 9

10 DAY 11 Samarkand Friday 25 Sept Today we will explore more of the beautiful sights of Samarkand including Siab bazaar, Bibi Khanum, Gur Amir and the most magnificent landmark in the city, representing the finest in Islamic art, Registan Square. This square is lined on the three sides by sparkling and turquoise tiled buildings. In the late afternoon we catch the Afrosiab fast train back to Tashkent. Accommodation: Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Tashkent (B L) DAY 12 Tashkent Khiva Sat 26 Sept After an early breakfast in the hotel we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Khiva. With our guide we will have the day to explore the ancient city of Khiva. We will wander through the narrow streets of old Khiva shaded by preserved ramparts, monuments, citadels, palaces and great mosques and peek into the small courtyards along the way through beautiful wooden carved doors. 10

11 Khiva, once famous for it s slave trade and ruthless emirs, is the most intact and the most remote of Central Asia s Silk Road cities. The Soviets removed the residents, restored the city and made it an open air museum. Happily, since independence, the old families have moved back and life again vibrates within the baked mud walls. The old town is a place of extraordinary wood carved doors and magnificent tile work. During the day we will be treated to a thrilling rope walking performance by the Jabborov family. Coming from dor, meaning tightened rope and boz, meaning play or demonstration, dorboz has been performed along the silk road for centuries. Accommodation: Kala B & B Khiva (B L D) DAY 13 Khiva Nukus Tashkent Sun 27 Sept On the way to the remote town of Nukus we will visit the Ayaz Kala desert fortress complex on the Khorezm section of the Great Silk Road. Ayaz-Kala is one of the most spectacular fortresses in Khorezm dating back to the 4th century BCE. The double storey galleries were built to provide cover and ease of movement for the many archers needed to protect the fortress. The arched vaults of the lower galleries are still preserved in places and we are able to walk inside them. Lunch will be in a traditional yurt. 11

12 The main purpose of visiting the remote city of Nukus is to tour the extraordinary Savitsky collection, the second largest collection of Russian and Uzbek modernist art in the world after the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. It is also home to one of the largest collections of archaeological objects and applied and contemporary art originating from Central Asia. Russian artists, caught up in the idealism of the early Soviet days, were drawn by the exoticism of Central Asia. They visited the region and painted exuberant works fusing modernism with orientalism. All this came to an abrupt end in 1932 when artists whose works did not meet the 'radiant future' style of socialist realism found their paintings removed from galleries and were unable to participate in exhibitions. Savitsky rescued thousands of these 'dissident' works and hung them in his remote museum. We will be privileged to enjoy a guided tour of the museum and dinner in an exclusive area of the museum before our evening flight back to Tashkent. Accommodation: Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Tashkent (B L) DAY 14 Tashkent Mon 28 Sept Today we will enjoy a Soviet architecture tour in Tashkent visiting soviet buildings with mosaic ornamentation of soviet propaganda culture. We also will ride the subway of Tashkent and view the magnificent Tashkent stations. A visit today will also include Chorso bazaar, Tashkent s famous farmers market. Before our evening flight back to Australia we will enjoy a memorable farewell lunch. COST Please go to the Register Your Interest page on our website And complete and submit the form to receive all costing details. For any questions please contact Dr Naomi Jacobs

13 TRIP INCLUSIONS Conference sessions with morning tea and lunch as indicated (delegates only) 13 nights at well-appointed accommodation mentioned in the itinerary or similar with buffet breakfast daily. Domestic flight Tashkent to Bukhara Domestic flight Tashkent to Urgench Domestic flight Nukus to Tashkent Train Bukhara to Samarkand Afrosiab fast train Samarkand to Tashkent Lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary Transportation throughout the tour in air-conditioned bus. All group transfers, sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Bilingual guide Convention Abroad escort Porterage at train stations and hotels Tips to drivers and guides. Bottled water daily Visa support letter for Uzbekistan TRIP EXCLUSIONS Meals not indicated in the itinerary Optional tours/activities other than those specified Drinks Personal expenses laundry, telephone, mini bar Travel insurance (compulsory) Visas for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Visa support service Kazakhstan Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions 13

14 Pre Tour Kyrgyzstan 7 15 September DAY 1 Almaty-Bishkek Tues 8 Sept We arrive in Almaty on the evening of Tuesday 8 September and are driven across the border to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek*. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Bishkek (L D) Flights depart Australia Monday 7 Sept. * 14

15 DAY 2 Bishkek Wed 9 Sept Morning at our leisure. Following lunch you will have the option of touring around the main sights of this cool modest city located 800 metres above sea level at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains. This Sovietthemed walk will include the Ala Too square with the Statue of Manas (the national hero) and the Old Square with Lenin statue. We will also visit some local design studios. One of the highlights will be a visit to Aidai Asangulova s workshop. Aidai Asangulova was born and raised in the Issyk Kul Lake region to a family of yurt makers. Felt making has always been part of Aidai s life, and later, while working as an artist in Bishkek she developed a unique technique that fuses felt and silk in her creations. Her work is world renowned and sold in the US. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Bishkek (L D) DAY 3 Bishkek Thurs 10 Sept Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea Following this we depart on a scenic drive to nearby Ala Archa Nature Park. Ala Archa means bright juniper and indeed there are juniper bushes growing all through this beautiful alpine gorge. The area is stunning abundant with wild flowers, bubbling mountain streams and varied wildlife. We will have a picnic lunch of Central Asia s finest cuisine, the shashlyk followed by the opportunity to enjoy an easy or strenuous hike amongst the beautiful mountain scenery. Dinner will be at one of the doctors houses in Bishkek. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Bishkek (B L D) 15

16 DAY 4 Bishkek Kochkor Cholpon Ata Fri 11 Sept After breakfast, we travel to Kochkor village where we will watch the process of felt carpet making. On the way we will stop and visit Burana Tower, a minaret of the 11 th century. Burana is the site of the ancient city of Balasagun, founded in the 9 th century. The tower along with grave markers, some earthworks and the remnants of a castle and three mausoleums, is all that remains of this ancient city. For those who are energetic a climb to the top is possible so as to capture a beautiful view of Chu valley and Tokmok. After lunch at the master feltmaker s home, we travel to the northern shore of beautiful Issyk Kul Lake, situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains. It is the world s second largest mountain lake, situated at an altitude of 1,607 metres above sea level. Although snow-capped peaks surround it, it never freezes. Hence its name, which means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz. Accommodation: Karven Four Seasons Hotel Cholpon Ata (B L D) DAY 5 Cholpon Ata Karakol Sat 12 Sept After breakfast, we will visit an open-air gallery of rock engravings, sometimes referred to as the Stone Garden, which covers 42 hectares and contains prehistoric monumental structures and petroglyphs, dating from 500 BC up to 600 AD. 16

17 We then continue onto Karakol, originally a Russian colonial outpost but now the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Issyk Kul Lake, about 150 kilometres from the Kyrgyzstan-China border. The streets are lined with white-trunked poplars and apple trees and lilacs blossom in the gardens of the sweet Russian cottages decorated with wooden gingerbread. En route before Karakol town we visit Przevalski Memorial Museum dedicated to this famous Russian geographer and explorer, and after whom the Mongolian wild horse was named. We will also visit a very pretty wooden mosque built by Chinese artisans between 1907 and 1910 for the local Dungans, and a similarly appealing wooden Russian Orthodox church, the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The later was completed in 1895 and used as an officers club during Soviet times; it is now restored and in use again as a church. In the evening there will be a Kyrgyz folkloric dinner show with Kyrgyz national music and songs. Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel Karakol (B L D) DAY 6 Karakol Altyn Arashan Valley Sun 13 Sept Early morning we visit the famous Karakol livestock market. Thousands of Kyrgyz gather to trade livestock of all kinds and as this is Kyrgyzstan of course there are hundreds of horses. We then embark on a full day exploration of the Altyn-Arashan valley reached by a Russian Military Mountain Truck! The scenery is beautiful and we have the opportunity to swim in the thermal spas. 17

18 For dinner we will enjoy the local hospitality of a Dungan (ethnic Chinese) family. Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel Karakol (B L D) DAY 7 Karakol Jety Oguz Chon Kemin Valley Mon 14 Sept This morning we drive to Jety Oguz gorge, a lush valley with striking red sandstone rock formations the Seven bulls from which the valley takes it s name. We will have some free time to do some exploration hiking in this beautiful gorge. Also we will enjoy watching an Eagle Hunting Show. Later en route to Chon Kemin Valley we will stop at Kyzyl Tuu village on the southern side of Issyk Kul Lake. We then have the opportunity to visit the country workshop of Aidai Asangulova and experience local village life with a tasty lunch in a yurt cooked by the local village women. The Chon-Kemin gorge and valley, one of the most picturesque localities in the territory of Kyrgyzstan represents a unique natural complex comprising a gorge, valley and the Chon-Kemin River flowing along the Chon-Kemin water gap. In Chon-Kemin Valley we will also have the opportunity to visit an old soviet farm (kolkhoz) village and enjoy a short hike in the valley with it s green fir trees and mountains backdrop. Late afternoon we will walk to a local stadium where we will witness one of the most famous horseback games called Ulak-Tartysh (Buzkashi) followed by an evening experiencing true Kyrgyz hospitality with a traditional meal and a brandy and vodka party. Accommodation: Ashu guest house Chon Kemin (B L D) 18

19 DAY 8 Chon Kemin Valley Almaty Tues 15 Sept After breakfast we will drive to the outskirts of Bishkek for lunch at Jannat resort, a therapeutic recreation mountain resort in Koy-Tash village famous for its underground sources of mineral waters, clear mountain air and scenic surroundings. Following this we continue driving to Almaty city, Kazakhstan via the Korday border point. On arrival we will meet up with the main tour group and start the main tour the next day (B L). COST Please go to the Register Your Interest page on our website And complete and submit the form to receive all costing details. TRIP INCLUSIONS 7 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary on a twin share basis with buffet breakfast daily Most lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary Daily still mineral water All transportation, sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary All group transfers Bilingual local guide Convention Abroad escort Porterage at hotels TRIP EXCLUSIONS Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Optional tours / activities other than those specified Camera/video fees Items of a personal nature, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar etc. Tipping to guides and drivers Travel insurance (compulsory) Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions 19

20 RESERVATIONS To reserve your place on the tour(s) please fill in the accompanying Registration Form where details of the Registration Fee(s), Deposit(s) and payment options are outlined. FOR ANY FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT Dr Naomi Jacobs