Captain s Choice Asian Explorations FOLLOWING TRACKS OF THE SILK ROAD & IRAN

Transcription

1 Captain s Choice Asian Explorations FOLLOWING TRACKS OF THE SILK ROAD & IRAN

2 TEHRAN GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIN SHIRAZ ISFAHAN YAZD ASHGABAT SAMARKAND MOSCOW 71

3 1 3 MOSCOW Coach Rail Included flights Stay (nights) RUSSIA 13 Golden Eagle KA Z AKHSTAN Baikonur UZBEKISTAN Khiva Caspian Sea Darvaza Ashgabat TEHRAN Bukhara TURKMENISTAN Mashhad 1 2 IRAN Isfahan Shiraz Persian Gulf Yazd Persepolis Mahan Rayen Sarakhs Tashkent Samarkand

4 73 Captain s Choice Asian Explorations AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR JOURNEY FOLLOWING TRACKS OF THE SILK ROAD & IRAN 22 Days 12 October 2019 A mosaic of mysterious beauty and a multitude of sacred sites will be revealed to those prepared to lift the veil on the world s oldest trade route. Tracing tracks of textiles, spices and grain, colourful history becomes another ware on offer. Alongside the Golden Eagle, a desert breeze lifts crimson sand into a mirage, and ahead lay horizons of biblical proportions. Become one of the few to touch on this region s past we ve secured this journey for only 24 guests.

5 DEPART AUSTRALIA Day 1 Saturday 12 October Imagining we are aboard a magic carpet (Persian of course) intricately woven with silken threads, we wing our way across the star-studded sky to Iran s capital. ARRIVE TEHRAN (IRAN) Day 2 Sunday 13 October Upon arrival in Tehran, we check in to the five-star Espinas International Hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers with a Welcome Reception and Dinner. TEHRAN Day 3 Monday 14 October Keen to explore this fascinating city, we begin with a visit to the Crown Jewels Museum in the Central Bank of Iran building. Its vast array of crown jewels capture our attention. At the Golestan Palace, we see its Versaillesinspired, mirror-encrusted Marble Throne Hall, which was used for the coronation of the last Shah. TEHRAN, EMBARK GOLDEN EAGLE Day 4 Tuesday 15 October Transfer to the main railway station today, and prepare to board the Golden Eagle. Settle in to your stylish cabin, then enjoy dinner as the train rolls on through the night towards Persepolis. PERSEPOLIS, SHIRAZ Day 5 Wednesday 16 October This morning, we make a brief stop at Sa adat Shahr, a small town whose locals have been struck with a fascination for astronomy. Continuing on, we come to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the ancient

6 world. The ruins seen here provide insight into what the city would have been like under Darius the Great in 522BC. We then travel to Naqsh-e Rostam, an immense necropolis, its elaborately designed entrances are carved high into the rock face. By coach, we then travel to Shiraz. An astonishing city rich in culture, wine and architecture, we pass through the imposing Quran Gate, stand at the tomb of the revered Persian poet Hafez, and approach the lofty walls of the Shiraz Citadel Vakil Fortress. ISFAHAN Day 6 Thursday 17 October We follow the tracks north to the city of Isfahan. The exquisitely designed blue and green tiles ornamenting the mosques of this enchanting city draw our attention. We visit the grand Chehel Sotoun Palace, seeking our reflection in its pool on approach to the main entrance. A sense of overwhelm then overcomes us upon entering the Vank Church; its elaborate frescoes adorn the entire interior, telling the biblical story of creation. Setting aside time to survey the expansive grounds of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, we take in the unique designs of the Ali Qapu Palace and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Perhaps, also peruse the wares on offer at the Qaisarieh Bazaar. YAZD Day 7 Friday 18 October Rolling on, we reach the ancient desert city of Yazd where Persian architecture has withstood the ages and the elements. Sometimes Yazd is referred to as the city of windcatchers because of a design feature of the buildings roofs which traps even the smallest of drafts and directs the cooler air into the dwellings below. We visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, where the flame has been burning for almost 1,500 years. Next stop is the Amir Chakhmaq complex which curiously combines a mosque, a bathhouse and a confectioners. 75 Because of its high resistance to the elements, many buildings and monuments in Persepolis are built from limestone.

7 RAYEN, MAHAN Day 8 Saturday 19 October We arrive in Rayen, set under the gaze of Mt Hezar. Rayen Castle is a vast complex of ruins within the stillintact external walls. Since the 15th century, Mahan has received a steady stream of pilgrims, their sights set on the shrine dedicated to the Iranian poet and mystic, Shah Nematollah Vali. We also stop at the opulent Prince Garden, with its grand entrance and elaborate waterfalls and pools. at the Homa Hotel, while the Golden Eagle prepares for the new rail gauge. SARAKHS Day 10 Monday 21 October Arriving at the border town of Sarakhs by road, we pay a visit to the excavation site of the old Sarakhs Citadel and the Mausoleum of Abul Fazl. We then re-join the Golden Eagle and continue our journey into Turkmenistan. MASHHAD Day 9 Sunday 20 October We alight our carriages in Iran s holiest city Mashhad. Our first stop is the Imman Reza Shrine complex, considered the heart and soul of Iran. We then continue on to the Mausoleum of Nadir Shah before learning about the life and works of the father of Persian Literature, Ferdowsi, during a visit to his tomb. This evening, we stay overnight ASHGABAT (TURKMENISTAN) Day 11 Tuesday 22 October We are now delivered to the shimmering town of Ashgabat. Located between the desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat was completely redesigned in 1948 after being levelled by an earthquake.today s Ashgabat glows, particularly at dawn and dusk, as it lays claim to having the largest number of marble buildings

8 of any city in the world 543 to be exact. We discover cultural curiosities with a visit to the National Museum before a trip to the Kipchak Mosque. A highlight occurs this evening as the Golden Eagle makes a brief stop at Ichoguz, where we alight and venture to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Here, we peer into a vast hollow, rich in natural gas. Known to locals as the door to hell, the gas burns brightly at night, giving the crater a fiery, other-worldly appearance. KHIVA (UZBEKISTAN) Day 12 Wednesday 23 October The Golden Eagle takes us across the border and into Uzbekistan. We arrive at an ancient intersection of the Silk Road where pre-christian travellers from Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia would have greeted each other, rested and traded curious wares. Some stayed on, and the dusty desert crossroads became a camp, a village, then emerged as the prosperous walled town of Khiva. Welcomed by musicians playing traditional karnay horns, we make our way to a local market. Women dressed in their customary fashion hold court here, selling Persian rugs and knitted garments. In the ornate mosques and minarets, the remnants of Khiva s former glory prevail. The rustic beauty and unattainable air of mystery that remains today is simply spellbinding. BUKHARA Day 13 Thursday 24 October The oasis city of Bukhara awaits us early this morning. The World Heritage-listed city dates back more than 2,500 years. Appreciate the city s history and grandeur with a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara who ruled in earlier times. Just outside the city, the Palace of the Moon and Stars (the last Emir s summer residence), holds magnificent celestial significance. 77

9 Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

10 SAMARKAND Day 14 Friday 25 October One of Central Asia s longest inhabited cities, Samarkand marks the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. These days described as the Paris of the Muslim World, the city s grand mosques reflect its tradition as a hub for ancient arts and craft. We explore the grand architecture at Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Registan Square. TASHKENT Day 15 Saturday 26 October Our train arrives into the city of Tashkent, where we disembark for a tour of the Old Town. Wandering narrow streets, we pass traditional homes and buildings of religious significance, before arriving at an unassuming library. It is here that we have the rare privilege of viewing the world s oldest Koran. We then seek further enlightenment with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts and the Railway Museum. BAIKONUR (KAZAKHSTAN) Day 16 Sunday 27 October Having crossed the border into Kazakhstan, the Golden Eagle rolls to a halt today in the town of Baikonur. Administered by the Russian Federation, it is here that we visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the site from where Yuri Gagarin made his history making journey into space. ON BOARD GOLDEN EAGLE Day 17 Monday 28 October As we enjoy a relaxing day on board the Golden Eagle, it s tempting to simply gaze wistfully out of the windows, as mile after mesmerising mile reveals landscapes of Kazakhstan and Russia. Take the opportunity to join in on a Russian language lesson, then try conversing with your fellow passengers. MOSCOW (RUSSIA), DISEMBARK GOLDEN EAGLE Day 18 Tuesday 29 October As we enter Moscow, the gold-domed Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer bids us welcome, before we spy a different view of the surrounds from the observation platform of Moscow University. We make our way to the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, our resplendent home for the next three nights, located just steps from the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow s historic heart. MOSCOW Day 19 Wednesday 30 October We begin our full day of exploration at the Kremlin Armoury. Before the popular museum opens to the public, the ornate creations, along with countless artistic and military treasures of the Tsars, are available exclusively to us for a private viewing. In Moscow, all roads lead to Red Square and we explore the legendary plaza before making our way toward the spires of St Basil s Cathedral, where we enjoy a private performance by the choir. Russia s artistic soul then reveals itself to us at the Tretyakov Gallery. MOSCOW Day 20 Thursday 31 October Visit Sergiev Posad, spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox Church. Amid bookshelves and antiques, we take lunch at the delightful Café Pushkin. Make the most of our final full day in Russia s capital with one of these Your World experiences: Theatre lovers won t want to pass up the chance to step behind the curtains of the Bolshoi. Delve into Russia s history with a visit to an authentic World War 2 bunker. Take the afternoon to explore the shops and statues along Arbat Street, before we gather for a Farewell Dinner at Turandot; its divine interiors recalling the splendour of centuries past. DEPART MOSCOW Day 21 Friday 1 November Enjoying a leisurely morning, before we transfer to the airport for our flight home. ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Day 22 Saturday 2 November We touch down in Australia this morning, our minds running over with memories of exotic locations and rich and unusual experiences. Extend Your World with a post-tour option to St Petersburg see pages for further details. 79

11 ESPINAS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, TEHRAN As we anticipate following the footsteps of traders gone by, we find blissful comfort in the Espinas International Hotel. Ideally located in the heart of Tehran, there s hardly a more appropriate location from which to discover the local life and customs of Iran. Over two evenings we become acquainted with the hotel s elaborate chandeliers and archways a fitting beginning to our journey. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, MOSCOW In 1936, the original Hotel Moskva was built on this spot. The plans were approved by Stalin himself. At the time, it was one of Moscow s finest, containing art and mosaics by Russia s most renowned artists. Age took its toll, and in 2004, the building was demolished and rebuilt in exactly the same design. Today, this is the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring the elegant interiors, attentive service and delectable dining we have come to expect from the Four Seasons group. GOLDEN EAGLE Renowned world wide for unparalleled service and amenities, the Golden Eagle invites you to devour cinematic landscapes over 14 days. Gaze from your picture window and puzzle over the lives of those who roamed these towns before you. Traverse cities known for their fascinating histories in the utmost comfort of your personal air-conditioned cabin. You may even like to take the time to enjoy a Russian language lesson or history lecture hosted by an expert on board. Espinas International Hotel, Tehran.

12 JOURNEY FARES Following Tracks of the Silk Road & Iran Days Land Only per person, twin share $32,500 Guests join the journey in Tehran for dinner on Day 2 and depart Moscow after breakfast on Day Days With Flights per person, twin share Economy Class...$35,300 Business Class...$44,300 First Class...$48,700 Fares include Emirates flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide. It would be our pleasure to arrange your journey from other cities, please enquire. Fares are based on a Silver Cabin on board the Golden Eagle. Learn more about your train on pages Rail Upgrades add per person, twin share Gold Cabin...$5,200 Solo Supplements add per person Silver Cabin....$13,800 Gold Cabin...$19,000 Includes single use accommodation. Availability is limited. Imperial Suite price available on request. This journey is reserved for just 24 guests. Private Journeys Private Journeys can be arranged and customised for a party of six guests or more. It is not a group journey. You travel by yourselves in seamless style and comfort but have the added benefit of Captain s Choice private guides, vehicles and drivers. Available on select journeys. Please enquire for details. All fares are in Australian dollars. Four Seasons Hotel, Moscow.

13 The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg, Russia. EXTEND YOUR WORLD ST PETERSBURG POST-TOUR 4 Days 1 November to 4 November 2019 MOSCOW, ST PETERSBURG Friday 1 November Following a tour of Moscow s Space Museum, we embark the Sapsan high-speed train to St Petersburg. Arriving late afternoon, we check in to the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe for three nights. This evening, enjoy a degustation dinner in the Caviar Bar at our hotel. 1 Rail Included flights Stay (nights) ST PETERSBURG Saturday 2 November 3 ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA From Moscow This morning, take a tour of the regal Hermitage Museum, replete with an enormous collection of Western European art. Pushkin Palace s monumental complex and grounds display the splendour enjoyed by Russia s Tsars. This evening, enjoy dinner at our hotel or at one of the specially selected restaurants in St Petersburg.

14 83 ST PETERSBURG Sunday 3 November Visit the Smolny Institute, one of the centres responsible for helping to secure women s voting rights in Russia. Afterwards, take in the Peter and Paul Fortress, a former citadel which now makes up part of the State Museum of St Petersburg History. Witness the glorious interior of St Isaac s Cathedral, with its elaborate frescoes. See the distinctly Russian architecture of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Enjoy a tasting with lunch at Russian Vodka Room No.1. Take a tour of Yusupov Palace, the site of Rasputin s murder, before enjoying a Farewell Dinner at Russian Empire, which includes a private inspection of its authentic cellars. DEPART ST PETERSBURG Monday 4 November Transfer to the airport for our flight home, contemplating all the wonders of Russia we have been privileged to witness and enjoy. POST-TOUR JOURNEY FARES Per person, twin share...$4,600 Solo supplement...$1,600 When you Extend Your World with Captain s Choice, our dedicated World Hosts accompany you every step of the way.