S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y WHERE OLD TRADITIONS ABOUND August 30 to September 18, 2018
Think you ve been everywhere? Only the most intrepid travelers have visited the legendary Stans of Central Asia. While traveling to this region is a daunting proposition for most, those with a sense of adventure will find these lands visited by Alexander the Great, Tamerlane and Marco Polo well worth the effort. Today, the ancient cities of these emerging countries Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva retain vestiges of their legendary past when they were important stops along the fabled Silk Road. Along the way benefit from the expertise of local guides and Stanford faculty leader, Professor Abbas Milani, and in each country learn from local experts about the state of politics, economy and culture of each Stan since independence. Join us on a journey you ll never forget! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights EXPLORE Tajikistan, a strategically important corner of Central Asia, where Silk Road caravans resupplied long ago. VIEW part of a fortification remaining from Tajikistan s Hisor Fortress some archaeological finds here go back to the Stone Age. ADMIRE the monumental and dazzling Persian architecture of the ancient Silk Road oasis towns of Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan. COVER: BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN MINARET AND MADRASAH OF ISLAM KHOJA, OLD KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN
Faculty Leader Abbas was forth- coming, informative, passionate and always willing to engage in conversation even outside of the lecture environment. KIM NORRIS, ANCIENT CITIES OF THE EAST- ERN MEDITERRANEAN, 2015 Born in Iran to a Muslim family, ABBAS MILANI was trained by French nuns and Jesuit priests before leaving Iran as a teen for the U.S. After earning his PhD in political science at the University of Hawaii, he returned to Iran to teach first at the National University and then at Tehran University. Since 1986 he has lived in the Bay Area. At Stanford, Dr. Milani is a research fellow and co-director of the Iran Democracy Project at the Hoover Institution, the Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies, and a professor (by courtesy) in the division of global studies. Throughout his adult life, his focus of study has been the cultures, politics and societies of Central Asia and the Middle East through the prism of scholarship. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Shah (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012). This will be the 14th Travel/Study program led by the popular faculty leader. Richard W. Lyman Award, Stanford University, 2017 Adjunct professor, Center on Democracy, Development, and Rule of Law Research Fellow and Co-Director of Iran Democracy Project, Hoover Institution Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies, Stanford University Chair and professor, department of history and political science, Notre Dame de Namur University Research fellow, Institute of International Studies, UC-Berkeley Assistant professor, law and political science faculty, Tehran University PhD, political science, University of Hawaii BA, UC-Berkeley S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?centralasia2018 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 TAJIK CAPITAL, DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
Dasoguz Aral Sea UZBEKISTAN Khiva KAZAKHSTAN Tashkent Bishkek Alma La Issyk KYRGYZSTAN Ashgabat Bukhara TURKMENISTAN Khujand Samarkand Hisor Dushanbe TAJIKISTAN CH IRAN AFGHANISTAN Itinerary THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 & 31 DEPART U.S. / ALMA- TY, KAZAKHSTAN Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Almaty late on Friday night or early on Saturday morning, transfer to our hotel, located in the city center. HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 ALMATY Set on the edge of the Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty, Kazakhstan s largest city, began as an important Silk Road town. Begin our exploration at the pastel-colored Zenkov Orthodox cathedral in Panfilov Park. At the Green Bazaar, marvel at the fresh, locally grown produce, nuts and dried fruits. Then tour the Kazakh Museum of Musical Instruments. At the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, view part of its vast collection of more than 200,000 artifacts. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant. HOTEL INTERCONTI- NENTAL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 ALMATY / BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN This morning, observe the sport of falconry at a falcon farm near Almaty. After lunch, drive to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, which finally gained independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This city of trees and broad boulevards was originally a rest stop on the Silk Road. Check in to our hotel where we dine tonight. HYATT REGENCY BISHKEK (B,L,D) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 BISHKEK Today visit the Ata-Beiit Memorial just outside Bishkek, which honors fallen Kyrgyz war heroes. After lunch at one of several local homes in the village of Tokmok, observe the traditional art of felt-making and help set up a yurt, then watch Kyrgyz national horse games at a nearby stadium before returning to Bishkek for dinner and a folk performance. HYATT REGENCY BISHKEK (B,L,D) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 BISHKEK Explore Bishkek today, visiting Victory and Oak Parks and the Ala Too Square and viewing the Manas on the Horse monument and the exterior of the neoclassical Parliament Building. At the State Museum of Fine Arts, marvel at its more than 15,000 paintings, sculptures and decorative pieces from the Soviet period. After a stop at the Osh Bazaar, meet with students and staff at the American University of Central Asia. This evening, enjoy dinner and a performance of classical Kyrgyz music. HYATT REGENCY BISHKEK (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 BISHKEK / DUSHAN- BE, TAJIKISTAN Fly to Dushanbe, Tajikistan s capital, a pleasant city of treelined streets that started as a small market village where traders would gather each Friday to sell their goods. Today it is home to many national museums and landmarks. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon before we dine together at a local restaurant. SERENA HOTEL (B,L,D) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 DUSHANBE / HISOR Venture 18 miles outside the capital to the town of Hisor, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the area features an 8th-century
ty ke -Kul INA Optional Post-trip Extension SEPTEMBER 17 TO 20 (2 ADDITIONAL DAYS) TURKMENISTAN Drive to Daşoguz, entering Turkmenistan, for a short tour of the city and lunch. Then fly over the dramatic Karakum ( Black Sand ) Desert to Ashgabat. Visit Ashgabat s magnificent President Palace Square and the National Museum of History and Ethnography. Tour a nearby horsebreeding farm devoted to the Akhal- Tekke, the oldest cultured breed of horses in the world. Stop at Kipchuk Mosque, a huge modern mosque in former Turkmen President Niyazov s hometown and whose golden dome had to be lowered in place by helicopter. Join a local archaeologist to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nisa, once an important trading center of the ancient Parthian kingdom. Additional details will be sent to confirmed travelers. ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN mosque, a 16th-century madrasah and an 18th-century fortress. Silk Route traders who traversed the valley in the Middle Ages made Hisor a center of commerce and learning. At the Hisor Fortress, view its remaining thick, burnt-brick monumental gate framed by two towers. SERENA HOTEL (B,L,D) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 DUSHANBE / KHUJAND Spend today in Dushanbe, exploring its Museum of Antiquities and the bustling Shohmansur Bazaar. In the evening, fly to Khujand, Tajikistan s secondlargest city and another ancient Silk Road stop. At dinner, hear representatives of a local Tajik NGO discuss local humanitarian projects. HOTEL SUGD (B,L,D) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 KHUJAND / TASH- KENT, UZBEKISTAN Following breakfast, explore Khujand, visiting the Timurmalik Fortress, Sogdian History Museum and colorful Panshanbe Bazaar. This afternoon drive to Uzbekistan s capital, Tashkent, a mix of tree-lined boulevards, Soviet-style buildings, mosques and madrasas. LOTTE CITY HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE (B,L,D) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 TASHKENT On our all-day tour of Tashkent, stop at Alisher Navoi Park to see its monument honoring the park s namesake, the father of Uzbek literature. Then visit the Abdul Kasim Madrasah; the Kukeldash Madrasah, among the largest in Central Asia; and the Jummi Mosque. In the library of the Muy Muborok Madrasah, view the Uthman Koran, believed by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest true Koran in the world. Visit the studio of a contemporary ceramicist and the Museum of Applied Arts. Enjoy a free evening and dinner independently. LOTTE CITY HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE (B,L) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 TASHKENT / SAMARKAND This morning travel by express train to the desert city of Samarkand, located at the midpoint of the Silk Road. Visit its famed Registan ( Place of Sand ) Square and the Gur- Emir Mausoleum, final resting place of Tamerlane who conquered Central Asia in the 14th century. Be dazzled by the mausoleum complex s brilliant blue mosaic and tile work. EMIR HAN HOTEL (B,L,D) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 SAMARKAND Today in Samarkand, visit a mosque designed by Tamerlane and dedicated to his favorite wife and wander among the nearby mausoleums of Shah- I-Zinde. Next explore the Ulug Bek Observatory, built by Tamerlane s grandson, a remarkable astronomer-king, then visit the workshop of a UNESCOsponsored fine-papermaking project. EMIR HAN HOTEL (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SAMARKAND / BUKHARA En route to Bukhara, stop in the ancient town of Shakrisabze, birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit his Ak Saray, or White Palace, complex, known for its massive portal covered with blue, white and gold ceramics. Arriving in Bukhara, check in to our traditional hotel. HOTEL LYABI HAUZ (B,L,D) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 BUKHARA Bukhara, a storied city of mosques and madrasahs, has Central Asia s only intact, stillinhabited historic core. Begin our tour at Lyabl-Hauz Square, the center of the Old Town, and the nearby Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest Koranic
ALLEY OF YOUTH, BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN FLAT CAKES, BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN TASHKENT CATHEDRAL, UZBEKISTAN UZBEK MASTER CARVES DECORATIVE PLATE school in Central Asia. Stroll through colorful bazaars to the Kalon Minaret and Mosque. At the Ark Citadel, meet with the museum s senior advisor, then explore Bukhara s old Jewish Quarter. HOTEL LYABI HAUZ (B,L,D) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 BUKHARA This morning admire the Summer Palace of the last local emir, built by the Russians to keep him in luxurious isolation. Tour the Museum of National Crafts and then continue to the Bakhaudin Nakshbah Complex, built for a mystic and founder of an order of Sufis. Enjoy free time to explore Bukhara independently, perhaps visiting its bazaar. This evening, attend a performance by local artists at a local madrasah. HOTEL LYABI HAUZ (B,L,D) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 BUKHARA / KHIVA Depart Bukhara for the great city of Khiva, crossing long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sands Desert, on a route once trod by camel caravans. Near the Turkmenistan border, stop for a look at the Amu Darya River, and upon arrival in Khiva, check in to our hotel where we gather for dinner this evening. HOTEL ASIA KHIVA (B,L,D) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 KHIVA According to legend, the oasis of Khiva was founded by Shem, a son of Noah, at the spot where he found water in the desert. Begin our walking tour here at the Tash Hauli ( Stone ) Palace, built in the 1830s and residence of Allah Kuli Khan and his four legal wives. Admire the Dzhuma Mosque s carved wooden ceiling and columns, then climb the watchtower of the Old Fortress for a sweeping view of Khiva. This evening after our farewell reception, enjoy a performance of Khorezmian TOKMOK MINARET, KYRGYZSTAN music and dance during dinner. HOTEL ASIA KHIVA (B,L,D) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 KHIVA / TASHKENT Explore Khiva s Old Town this morning, with time for independent exploration. Later, transfer to the regional airport for our flight to Tashkent, where we spend the night. LOTTE CITY HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE (B,L,D) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 TASHKENT / U.S. Transfer to the airport early this morning for flights back to the U.S. (B)
Trip Information DATES August 30 to September 18, 2018 (20 days) SIZE 30 participants (single accommodations limited please call for availability) COST* $10,695 per person, double occupancy $11,995 per person, single occupancy *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person INCLUDED 18 nights of best-available hotel accommodations 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 16 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary Visa fees for Uzbekistan Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days All internal air travel as outlined in the itinerary Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport fees Visa fees for Tajikistan, which must be obtained directly by each individual traveler; visa fees for Turkmenistan for travelers on the post-trip extension; other visa fees not listed above Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services AIR ARRANGEMENTS You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be moderately strenuous due to the countries weak infrastructures outside of the capital cities, requiring patience with local service standards. It is at times physically demanding and busy. Travelers need to handle their own luggage at airport customs and border crossings where porters are not available. Daily excursions involve one to three miles of walking on city streets, which can be uneven or cobbled. At ancient sites, paths can be rocky and uneven. In museums and at sites, guided tours require climbing up and down several flights of stairs, which may not have handrails. Elevators are limited or unavailable. Drives can be long; the longest drives are up to eight hours. Due to poor roads, travel may be slow at times. Medical treatment and care are not always up to U.S. standards. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We expect that participants will be a selfselecting group whose interest in the places we visit outweighs the need for creature comforts. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve your space. Sign up online at alumni.stanford. edu/trip?centralasia2018 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) 725-1093. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to subscribe to optional tripcancellation and baggage insurance. Information offering such insurance will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a guest paid for by a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692. Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in January 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 EMAIL travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.
Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305-6105 (650) 725-1093 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association WHERE OLD TRADITIONS ABOUND August 30 to September 18, 2018 I was fascinated to see how these Central Asian countries, steeped in so much history, are evolving now. The itinerary of this trip, the enrichment provided by our professor and trip staff, and most of all, actually experiencing these places and peoples in person have deepened my understanding of this part of the world. REBECCA REYNOLDS, 71, FIVE STANS, 2015 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y KALON MINARET AND MOSQUE, BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN