KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN TURKMENISTAN Silk Road Odyssey: The Five Stans. September 6 23, 2016

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1 KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN TURKMENISTAN Silk Road Odyssey: The Five Stans September 6 23, 2016

2 Silk Road Odyssey: The Five Stans September 6 23, NIGHTS / 18 DAYS GROUP SIZE: The rich history of the Silk Road cities we visited combined with the geopolitical situation of the area made for a fascinating trip. The people were some of the most friendly I ve met anywhere. Margaret Weglinski, Rochester, MN Past traveler TRACE THE PATH OF THE GREAT CAMEL CARAVANS along the Old Silk Road, admiring the vaulted portals of the mosques, their domes cloaked in sky-blue ceramic tiles, and the madrassahs. Explore five different UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic Old Towns of the fabled Uzbek oases, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Wander the fabulous bazaars and step into the past on the streets of Silk Road trade centers crowned with complex Persian architecture. Along the way, learn about ongoing renovations with a local Bukharan architect, converse with students at the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, discuss current affairs with guests from the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and meet with representatives of a Tajik nongovernmental organization. TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

3 WHY TRAVEL WITH HAA? Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents Choice of land & rail, cruises rivers & lakes, and family adventures Travel with fellow HAA alums Local culture, history, and cuisine at each stop Friendships that outlast your trip HARVARD STUDY LEADER As this brochure goes to print, we have not yet confirmed the faculty study leader for this program. We intend, however, that you will be joined by a Harvard lecturer who will enhance your travel experience. You will discover that our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars and teachers but also friendly traveling companions, eager to share their insights through conversation as well as in scheduled presentations. FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

4 SCHEDULE BY DAY USA/ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN Tuesday Wednesday, September 6 7 Depart the USA bound for Almaty, Kazakhstan. Most flights arrive late at night or or very early the next morning. Intercontinental Almaty Hotel ALMATY Thursday, September 8 Following an introductory lecture, begin exploring Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Visit Panfilov Park with its candy colored Zenkov Orthodox Cathedral, the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Central Museum. Intercontinental Almaty Hotel (B, L, D) BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN Friday Saturday, September 9 10 On the drive to Kyrgyzstan, observe traditional Kazakh falconry at a falcon farm. In the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, explore some of the city s fine museums, and meet with a resident Kyrgyz who participated in the April 7, 2010, revolution. Enjoy a traditional performance of selections from the Epic of Manas. Hyatt Regency Bishkek (2B, 2L, 2D) TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN Sunday Monday, September Before a flight to to Uzbekistan, visit UNESCO-listed Burana Tower, attend a lively demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games, and enjoy lunch with a village family. In the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, explore the Old Town, and meet with invited guests from the U.S. Embassy. By special arrangement, view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest koran in the world. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (2B, 2L, 2D) KHUJAND, TAJIKISTAN Tuesday, September 13 Cross the Uzbek/Tajik border and continue to Khujand, Tajikistan s second-largest city. Visit the remains of the 10th-century Timurmalik Fortress, the poet Muslihiddin s memorial complex, the Historical Museum of Sogdiana, with its reconstructed medieval gate/entrance, and the covered Panshanbe Bazaar. Meet with representatives of a local NGO and hear about their experiences of life in Tajikistan. Sugd Hotel Hotel (B, L, D) SAMARKAND Wednesday Thursday, September Drive back into Uzbekistan to the fabled Silk Road oasis of UNESCOlisted Samarkand. Visit Tamerlane s Bibi Khanum Mosque, the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shahi-Zinda, and Ulug Bek s medieval observatory. Tour a workshop where paper is crafted by hand, and attend a presentation at the studio of the internationally recognized fashion designer Valentina Romanenko. Hotel Registan Plaza (2B, 2L, 2D) FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

5 DETAILS GROUP SIZE: GUESTS PRICING: per person double occupancy $8,995 / $10,370 (SINGLE) HIGHLIGHTS Witness a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon-breeding farm. SHAKHRISABZE, BUKHARA Friday Sunday, September Depart for Bukhara, stopping to explore the UNESCO of Shakhrisabze, Tamerlane s hometown. Admire the 10th-century Ismael Samani Mausoleum, buried under the desert sands for centuries, visit the Summer Palace of the last emir, and its Museum of National Crafts. Enjoy dinner and a performance by local artists at a madrassah. Sasha & Son Hotel (3B, 3L, 2L) KHIVA Monday Tuesday, September Drive across long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sands desert, to UNESCO-listed Khiva. Highlights include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four legal wives, and the ninth century century Dzhuma Mosque with its 115 carved wood columns. The khans had several residences, but the Kunya Ark (Old Fortress) dates back to the fifth century century as the original residence. Enjoy a colorful Khalfi performance of Khorezmian music and dance during dinner. Asia Hotel Khiva (2B, 2L, 2D) ASHKABAD Wednesday Friday, September Begin touring in Turkmenistan s capital, Ashkabad, enjoying the view of the magnificent white marble President Palace Square. Visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient Parthian kingdom of Nisa, led by a professional local archaeologist. Toast your journey through the five stans of Central Asia at a farewell dinner. Oguzkent Hotel (3B, 2L, 2D) Enjoy a dinner of Kyrgyz delicacies with a special folk performance of selections from the Epic of Manas. View the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest koran in the world. Discuss current political and economic affairs with guests from the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Discuss ongoing humanitarian projects with representatives of a local Tajik NGO in Khujand. Participate in an exclusive meeting with a senior advisor for Bukhara s Ark Museum. Visit a ranch outside Ashkabad where the elegant Akhal-Teke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world, is bred.

6 Astana Caspian Sea Atyrau Aktyubinsk Aral Sea Nukus Kunya Urgench Tashauz Aralsk KYZYL KUM DESERT KAZAKHSTAN Kzyl Orda Karaganda Bishkek Lake Balkhash Almaty Semipalatinsk Lake Issyk-Kul Khiva Tashkent Margilan KYRGYZSTAN KARA KUM UZBEKISTAN DESERT TURKMENISTAN Bukhara Samarkand Khujand Kokand Osh Fergana Shakhrisabze TAJIKISTAN Merv Ashkabad Dushanbe WHAT TO EXPECT: This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. To fully enjoy this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day; flexibility and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are highly recommended as well. In true expedition style, some delays or changes in the itinerary are likely. MAP AREA TERMS AND CONDITIONS: TOUR COST INCLUSIONS Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; Round trip charter flights between Moscow and Baikonur; private coach for all touring and transportation per the itinerary; group arrival and departure transfers if arriving / departing on the start / end dates; all sightseeing and excursions including entrance fees per itinerary; local English speaking guides; special cultural features as stated in itinerary; services of a tour manager throughout the program; special Welcome & Farewell receptions; bottled /purified water with meals; beverages, local beer and wine with lunches/dinners; all gratuities including to tour manager, local guides, drivers; baggage handling at the hotels and train station where available; $200,000 medevac emergency evacuation insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS International airfare between the U.S. and the start and ending cities; air taxes or fuel surcharges; pre- or post-tour services; independent travel arrangements, visa or passport fees; medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance; evacuation costs; food or beverages not included in group meals; items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expenses inside museums (where allowed); other items not expressly listed as included. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT To reserve a space on any HAA program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Payment terms will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation from our partner company. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. If cancellation is received 91 or more days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is the nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. If cancellation is received days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is 50% of land tour cost paid or due. If cancellation is received 60 days or less before tour start, there is no refund. ITINERARY CHANGES Itineraries contained in this brochure are available at the time of printing and HAA and the Tour Operator reserve the right to change a program or accommodations as conditions warrant. RESPONSIBILITY Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/silkroad If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at or DISCLAIMER Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Harvard Alumni Association is not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this catalog is subject to change without notice. QUESTIONS Please call the Travel Program at the Harvard Association at or , haatravels@ harvard.edu. TOUR OPERATOR: MIR CORPORATION CST # WST # MIR Corporation, all rights reserved Photos MIR Corporation, Vlad Ushakov TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

7 2016 HAA TRIPS LAND & RAIL: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE & COLONIAL MEXICO FEB 10 15, 2016 GATEWAY TO ICELAND FEB 12 15, 2016 STEPHEN MITCHELL AUTHENTIC HAWAII MAR 1 6, 2016 TREASURES OF JORDAN MAR 9 19, 2016 CARLOS DIAZ ROSILLO FIRST NIGHTS: DUBLIN, PARIS & VIENNA MAR 11-20, 2016 THOMAS KELLY EXPLORING HAVANA, CUBA APR EXPERIENCE THE MASTERS APR 9 12, 2016 CUBA IN-DEPTH APR 22 MAY 2, 2016 JORGE DOMINGUEZ VILLAGE LIFE IN DORDOGNE MAY 12 20, 2016 PATRICE HIGONNET MOROCCAN DISCOVERY MAY 13 26, 2016 SUE WEAVER SCHOPF INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM JUNE 15-23, 2016 CATHLEEN LEWIS THE DESERT KINGDOMS OF PERU MAY 25 JUN 5, 2016 JEFFREY QUILTER HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS: TIBET, NEPAL & BHUTAN MAY 29 JUN 12, 2016 MARK VAN BAALEN MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKY MAY 29 JUN 10, 2016 ANDREW BERRY MOAB, UTAH JUN 13 17, 2016 CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA JUNE 22 JULY 2, 2016 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT S AMERICA JUN 24 30, 2016 TANZANIA: EXPLORING THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND JUL 16 30, 2016 SANTA FE: ART & LANDSCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENT JUL 27 31, 2016 JOHN STEWART SILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE STANS SEP 6 23, 2016 FIVE NIGHTS IN VIENNA SEP 10 16, 2016 JOHN STEWART THE HOLY LAND: ISRAEL & PALESTINE SEP 18 28, 2016 PETER MACHINIST CELEBRATING CERN & ITER: GENEVA & AIX-EN- PROVENCE SEP 19 28, 2016 LEGENDARY TURKEY SEP 20 OCT 4, 2016 WERNER SOLLORS COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ & CARTAGENA SEP 23 30, 2016 DISCOVERING EASTERN EUROPE OCT 17, 2016 HUNTINGTON LAMBERT DISCOVER ETHIOPIA OCT 5 22, 2016 THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA OCT 7 21, 2016 PETER BOL INSIDER S PATAGONIA OCT 8 23, 2016 MYSTICAL INDIA OCT 13 29, 2016 INSIDER S ROME OCT 19 27, 2016 HARVEY COX SOUTHERN AFRICA ODYSSEY OCT 20 NOV 6, 2016 INSIDER S CHINA: ANCIENT VILLAGES TO DYNAMIC BOOM OCT 22 NOV 4, 2016 CRUISES: CRUISING TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUIN FEB 4 14, 2016 ROBERT DARNTON JOURNEY THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES ON CALEDONIAN SKY MAR 12 28, 2016 DUTCH AND FLEMISH LANDSCAPES ON AMAPRIMA APR 10 18, 2016 THOMAS FORREST KELLY JAPAN BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY APR 20 MAY 3, 2016 HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKIN RIVIERAS AND ISLANDS OF FRANCE, ITALY, AND SPAIN ON TERE MOANA MAY 6 14, 2016 LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKE JEWELS OF THE WESTERN MEDITTERANEAN: ROME TO MALAGA ON SEA CLOUD II MAY 11 20, 2016 JAMES SIMPSON SPAIN & PORTUGAL ON SEA CLOUD MAY 17 29, 2016 MICHAEL MCELROY IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS ON LE BORÉAL JUN 8 16, 2016 DANIEL DONOGHUE ADRIATIC SEA VOYAGE ON ISLAND SKY JUN 10 18, 2016 MICHAEL MCCORMICK THE BALTIC S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD II JUL 1 12, 2016 TIMOTHY J. COLTON CASTLES & PRIVATE COLLECTIONS OF THE CELTIC ISLES ON SEA CLOUD II JUL 22 AUG 2, 2016 CATHERINE MCKENNA BLACK SEA ON ISLAND SKY SEP 25 OCT 6, 2016 DAVID AGUILAR TREASURES AND ANCIENT WONDERS OF SICILY ON SEA CLOUD II OCT 14 23, 2016 WILLIAM GRANARA RIVERS & LAKES: AMAZON RIVER ADVENTURE ON ZAFIRO FEB 19 28, 2016 PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, & ZIMBABWE ON ZAMBEZI QUEEN MAR 3 17, 2016 PETER DEL TREDICI ELBE RIVER CRUISE: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 26 MAY 6, 2016 ROBERT KIELY WATERWAYS OF FRANCE ON THE AMADEUS FLEET MAY 29 JUN 9, 2016 SUSAN SULEIMAN THE LOWER DANUBE: MEDIEVAL TO MODERN (VIENNA TO BUCHAREST) ON ROYAL CROWN JUN 10 21, 2016 MICHAEL SHINAGEL FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK: CAMBODIA SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 12-20, 2016 GREECE SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 12-20, 2016 GREGORY NAGY FAMILY GALÁPAGOS ON SANTA CRUZ II JUL 19-26, 2016 WARREN ZAPOL ROME & TUSCANY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE AUG 8-16, 2016 REGISTRATION FORM To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA Or by fax: Please call with any questions: or I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE

8 HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR CAMBRIDGE, MA BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH THE HAA TODAY! CALL OR VISIT US AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL