At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting our trademark extraordinary journeys to Central Europe, Russia, and Central Asia for 23 years. Our specialty is to distill the best of the best in iconic places that are on so many people s travel must-do list. We are not a call center of nameless, faceless people. We do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a small team of specialists. We are all committed to providing the best travel experiences to our destinations. Each member of our team has travelled extensively throughout our destinations, giving them insider knowledge lacking in many other tour operators. Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and often closed to the general public. We can offer special insider access that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites. We know how important it is to remain authentic and increasingly going beyond the well-known sites is what is important to our guests discovering the little known museum or street market that adds to their experience. We do this through our local knowledge, cultivating our extensive contacts and regularly visiting each destination to enable us to share the most up-to-date insider information with you, our valued partner. The most important part of your trip will be your guides. We have worked with a core group of the best of the best for over 20 years. We know them like family and if they weren't the best, they wouldn't work for us. Simply stated, a guide can make or break your experience. You should have 100% confidence in who is introducing you to your guide and the level of guiding that you are going to get throughout the countries you will be visiting. The best does indeed cost more and we pay our guides at the very top of the market, with pride. You'll also want to know what kind of vehicle your tour will include. We use luxury late-model vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. You'll want to see things that may or may not be open to the public and go in early or after hours before the crowds whenever possible. We also make every effort to skip lines whenever possible. Avoiding long museum lines is one of our top priorities and we work hard to minimize the wait time to get into the most popular sights in each city, maximizing your time in each destination. You'll want impeccable planning and someone to bounce ideas off of before your trip and speak English as well as you do while planning your trip so there are no cultural misunderstandings when you arrive. You'll also want someone to talk to if your trip is not perfect when you get home. These are all ways that we distinguish ourselves from all other companies. A lot goes into our travel program design. We arrange the program so that it is flawless and effortless for our travelers from the time they set foot in the first city until they leave us. The expertise to set up an itinerary like this comes after years of investing in staff on both sides of the Atlantic, and this too is a value that is incorporated into our traveler's trips with us.
Arrival into Tashkent. If you arrive on Uzbek Air in Business class, a CIP arrival will be included for you to make the custom process much easier. If you are not arriving on Uzbek Air in Business, this can be added for about $170 per person. As your airplane lands, look for a CIP bus on the tarmac and give your name at boarding. You will be taken to a CIP arrival hall where a special immigration officer will complete the formalities your passport and visa will be checked. Provide your luggage tags and luggage will be collected for you. Please note that due to heightened security at the airport, your guide and driver will not be able to meet you inside the terminal building, but at the perimeter gate, clearly visible upon exit from the arrivals area. You will be met by your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. Early check-in is included. After checking-in at your hotel, take some time at leisure to relax and settle-in. Today, late in the morning or at noon, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of Tashkent s main sights. Originally an oasis on the Chirchik River, Tashkent gradually grew to become an important commercial center, which now has a population of over 2 million. Your tour will start in Tashkent s Old City, where you will visit the Barak Khan Madrasah from the 16 th century, and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque. The mosque houses a rich Islamic library with ancient manuscripts, including the famous Uthman Koran, considered to be the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Dating from 655 and reputedly stained with the blood of murdered caliph Uthman, it was brought by Timur to Samarkand and later seized by the Russians as a war trophy and taken to Saint Petersburg (held in the Hermitage) before it was returned to Uzbekistan in 1989. Later, you will see the 16 th -century Kukeldash Madrasah, which is one of the few remaining authentic historic monuments in the Old Town (the massive earthquake of 1968 destroyed most of central Tashkent), which is one of the largest Islamic schools in Central Asia. It was named after Kukeldash, who was a vizier (prime minister), a poet, and a scientist. The main façade of the Madrasah has a high portal, two-story loggias, and angular turrets. In the 18 th
century it was used as a caravanserai (roadside inn) and later as a fortress. Nowadays it also includes a functioning mosque. Next, you might want to stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar for the true feeling of Tashkent! Bazaars in Uzbekistan are a unique site in each city. You will capture some of your best local photos at these markets, where you will find everything from bins of spices, nuts, fruit and cheese to clothing, toys, tools and everyday goods. If you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Applied Arts Museum. This building was constructed at the end of the 19 th century in the elaborate style of the period as a private residence of a wealthy merchant. It now displays various types of national handicrafts, including carpets, jewelry, woodcarving and gold embroidery from the 19 th and 20 th centuries. This afternoon we recommend visiting the workshop of a famed Uzbek ceramist who comes from a dynasty of ceramic artists. His workshop and peaceful gardens give an insight into the ceramic arts in Uzbekistan. You may also enjoy a masterclass in ceramic making. You will return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. If you are interested, an evening performance at the Alisher Navoi Theater can be added (subject to availability). Airport Transfer; Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours) Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace
Today your guide and driver will take you to the Chimgan mountains, Uzbekistan s wintersports center, located about 100km outside of the city. There you will find ski tracks, hiking trails and splendid views from the Great Chimgan, the highest summit in the region. The nearby resort of Beldersay is also worth a visit. Later you will visit the Charvak Reservoir, created recently by the confluent of several mountain rivers. Its stunning blue waters are very popular among local people and half of its 60 miles of coastline is occupied by various recreation zones and summer camps. There you will visit the village of Brichmula, as well as the rock paintings of Khodjikent. Late afternoon return to Tashkent. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Nukus departing at 7:10 and arriving at 8:55AM. (Cost of the flight is not included, business class is currently at around $145 per person. VIP airport procedures are included.) The small city of Nukus in western Uzbekistan is the capital of the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, home to the Karakalpaks, a Turkic people more closely related to Kazakhs than to Uzbeks. A modern city, Nukus is at the center of an area crisscrossed by old caravan routes and dotted with ancient ruins. The surrounding cotton fields testify to the monoculture that stole the water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, the rivers that fed the Aral Sea. About 230 km north is Muynak and the former seashore. Explore the wonderful Savitsky Art Museum. This remote desert museum houses the incredible life's work of founder, Igor Savitsky, who was able to amass a collection of thousands of banned avant-garde Russian art pieces without interference from Moscow and keep it hidden from the watchful eyes of the KGB. The story of this collection has been told in the award-winning documentary, "Desert of Forbidden Art." The collection is the second- largest gathering of Russian avant-garde art after the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. An exclusive private tour includes an opportunity to go inside the archives to view paintings not on public display and learn about the restoration efforts of this unique collection. (If you do not purchase a permit to take pictures here, you will have to leave your cellphone and cameras checked with your bags in the cloakroom.) Before your transfer to Khiva, you may also visit the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence from the 4 th century. Later afternoon arrival into Khiva and check-in at the hotel. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Malika Kheivak
This morning, enjoy a tour of Khiva. Khiva s origin dates back to the 6 th century and during the medieval times it became a city of great importance. It also has a long history of barbaric rulers and your guide will give you a glimpse into their colorful stories. Today, approximately 40,000 people live and work inside the ancient city walls (called Ichan Kala). Within these walls, the old town of Khiva is an official city museum, where you will find several interesting sites. One of the most notable sites within the walls of Khiva is the Kunya Ark. This was the former fortress and residence of the Khiva rulers since the 12th century. You will be able to walk through the courtyards of this partially restored building and see some residential and administrative quarters, such as the harem, the mint, the stables, and the jail. Just opposite the Kunya Ark, you will see the Muhammad Rakhim Madrasah II, which was built to honor the last Khivan Khan who surrendered the city to Russia in 1873 and signed a peace treaty, which turned Khiva into a semi-independent Russian province. You will also visit the Djuma Mosque, which was built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. Its unique design features a roof supported by 218 wooden columns, possibly an early Arabic influence. The two openings in the roof provide light for only the inner courts, while the opposite walls lie hidden from sight by the colonnade.the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud was built in 1810 to honor the patron of Khiva, Pakhlavan Makhmud, a poet and wrestler who died in the 14th century and is thought to be buried here. Its full turquoise dome has become a symbol of Khiva, along with the nearby Islam Khodja Minaret, banded in dark and light blue. In the afternoon, if you are interested, a visit to a silk carpet workshop sponsored by UNESCO could be arranged. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Malika Kheivak
This morning, you will meet your driver for the transfer to the Urgench airport for the flight to Bukhara departing at 10:10AM. (Cost of the flight is not included, business class is currently at around $99 per person. VIP airport procedures are included.) Upon arrival in Bukhara, you will drop off your bags at the hotel and start your walking tour of this historic city which was once one of the main centers of Persian civilization. Bukhara is actually an oasis in the Kyzyl Kum desert, which is located on the banks of the Zeravshan River and has been inhabited since approximately 3,000 BC. Located on the historic Silk Road, the city has long been a center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The old city part of the town has a small and friendly feel and much of today s sights are accessible on foot. There are over a hundred buildings in the historic city center (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and you will have a very full day of exploration ahead. Your logical first step will be the massive Ark Fortress the very core of the ancient city and the oldest building in Bukhara. Initially built in the 5 th century, it was used as a royal residence and a fortress until the early 20 th century when it fell in the hands of the Russians. The main entrance into the citadel is protected by two 18 th Century towers, the upper parts of which are connected by a series of rooms and terraces. A long covered corridor leads to a mosque and offers access to storerooms, prison cells, and the inner courtyard housing a large complex of building. Just opposite the Ark, you will see the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. The earliest part of this religious complex is the pond called Bolo-khauz (The Children's pond) - one of the few remaining ponds the city of Bukhara. Until the Soviet period there were many such ponds, which were the city's principal source of water, but they were notorious for spreading diseases and were gradually filled-in in the 1920s. Another one of these ponds - the Lyabi Khauz, survived because it was the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble from the 16 th -17 th centuries, which still exists and includes a madrasah and a lodging house.
Next, you will visit Ismail Samani mausoleum, which was built in the 9 th century as the final resting place of Ismail Samani - the founder of the Samanid dynasty, the last Persian dynasty to rule in Central Asia. Near the Samani mausoleum, you will also see the Chashmai Ayub (Job's Well). According to a legend, Job (Ayub) once visited this place and made a well with a single blow of his staff. The water of this well is considered healing. The current building was constructed during the reign of Timur and features an unusual conical dome. At the end of the day you will enjoy a tasting of herbal teas in the Silk Road Spices tea house. Afterwards, and if you are interested, you can attend this a traditional folk show at one of the Hareems in Khiva. Transfer Khiva Urgench; Vehicle, Driver & Guide in Bukhara (6 Hours) Omar Khayam
Today, continue your tour with everything you may have missed yesterday. Also in the historic part of Bukhara, you can see the impressive Poi Kalyan architectural complex located south of the Ark citadel. Its most impressive feature and a popular landmark is the Kalyan Minaret, which was built in the form of a circular 150-feet-high brick tower. A spiral staircase twists up inside the tower leading to a rotunda with 16 arched windows, from which the Muslims in the city were summoned to prayer. It is said that the tower so impressed Genghis Khan that he ordered it to be spared when his invading army was destroying the rest of the city. The 16 th -century Kalyan Mosque is covered by 288 domes resting on 208 pillars. The mosque s courtyard ends with a portal leading to the main chamber with a cruciform hall, topped with a massive blue cupola on a mosaic drum. Next, if you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Jewish Quarter where you can see the Synagogue. Bukhara once had a large Jewish community. As a matter of fact, most of the Jews in Central Asia in the 16 th century used to live in Bukhara and played a major role in the city s development. The Bukharan Jews, many of which migrated to the United States and Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union, still speak a distinctive language, which is a dialect of the ancient Persian. After short break to refresh yourselves, you will be invited into the home of Rahmon, who will teach you how to make traditional Uzbek Plov. Rahmon is also a master Suzane embroiderer and has an incredible selection for sale. Please note that all touring today is on foot and includes walking on cobblestone and stairs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Guide (8 Hours) Omar Khayam
Today, you will again meet your driver for the transfer to the train station where you will board the train to Samarkand (currently there is a train departing at 8:05 AM and arriving at 11:10 AM). The cost of the train in VIP class is included in your program subject to availability and change. Upon arrival in Samarkand and your hotel, you will continue with the exploration of this historic city. One of the most famous towns along the Silk Road, Samarkand also belongs among the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was sacked by the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1220s and remained under Mongol domination until the late 14 th century, when Timur (Tamerlane) decided to make Samarkand the capital of his empire which extended from India to Turkey. One of the highlights of today s tour will certainly be the Registan Square, the most famous landmark and the heart of the ancient city. Registan (Sandy Place) probably got its name from the sand, which was strewn on the ground to soak up the blood from the public executions, which were held there until the early 20 th century. Nowadays, the Registan complex consists of three main buildings the 15 th -century Ulugbek Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and the 17 th - century Sher-Dor Madrasah, where if you are interested, you can get acquainted with the history of Uzbek musical instruments. You will also visit the Gur Emir (Tomb of the King) Mausoleum the actual place where Timur was buried. This architectural complex with its bright blue dome contains not only the tomb of Tamerlane, but also the ones of his sons, grandson, and other notable political and religious figures. You will return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. Bukhara Station Transfer; Vehicle, Driver & Guide Grand Samarkand Superior
This morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and continue with the tour of the city. Your guide will show you the Bibi Khanym Mosque, which was constructed in the 14 th century after Timur s conquest of India. It is said that some 90 elephants were used to carry from India the precious stones and metals to be used for the decoration of this temple. There is a large marble Koran standing in the center of the mosque s courtyard and the bazaar next to it has changed little since the time of Tamerlane. You can also visit the Observatory of Ulugbek, located on a hill in the outskirts of the city. Ulugbek turned Samarkand into the intellectual and scientific center of the empire. He built the madrasah on Registan Square and invited Islamic mathematicians and astronomers to study there. His observatory was a remarkable scientific discovery in its time (the early 15 th century). As Ulugbek did not have a telescope to work with, he improved the accuracy of his observations by increasing the length of his sextant, which helped him compile one of the best known star catalogues of that time. You will also walk through Siyab Bazaar and then visit Happy Bird handicrafts centre and meet with the famous artist Mr Toir Sharipov. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure or you may decide to explore with your guide the Afrosiyob Museum and ruins or to walk around Samarkand s former Jewish quarter and visit the synagogue. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Grand Samarkand Superior
This morning, you may also see the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis. This cluster of 11 mausoleums was built during the 14 th through the 15 th centuries and will allow you to see several types and periods of architecture and design of the region. This religious center is still very much in use today. Later, your guide will take you to the small village of Konigil, a few miles from the centre of Samarkand. With the help of UNESCO funding, the ancient art of silk papermaking has been revived. You will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient process, brought to Samarkand from China in the 7 th century, and have a go at making your own silk paper to take home. Next, you will meet your driver for the transfer to the train station for the train to Tashkent (currently there is a train departing at 5:00 PM and arriving at 7:10 PM). The cost of the train in VIP class is included in your program subject to availability and change. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel where the rest of the evening will be at your leisure. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours); Station Transfer in Tashkent Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace
Today, check-out of the hotel and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The cost of the flight is not included. Airport Transfer
For Two (2) guests travelling together From $3,875 per person (total for 9 nights) For Four (4) guests travelling together From $3,400 per person (total for 9 nights) Tashkent Two (2) nights at Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Khiva Two (2) nights at Malika Kheivak Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Bukhara Two (2) nights at Omar Khayam Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Samarkand Two (2) nights at Grand Samarkand Superior Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Tashkent One (1) nights at Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily. Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request. Transportation All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program. Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary. Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program. Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more. SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars. Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events. OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.
GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15- $20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted. DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable. CANCELATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun. INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet. PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed. The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2016. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program. All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full. Exeter International www.exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 (800) 633-1008 Fax: (813) 251-6685