TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2012

The Grand Silk Road Project Part one: Xi’an to 20 September – 9 October 2012 (20 days / 19 nights) Tour Leader: Julian Droogan The Grand Silk Road Project. Part one: Xi’an to Kashgar

For over two thousand years the Silk Road linked the Mediterranean world with the kingdoms of Central Asia and far . Traders and spies, adventurers, rouges and missionaries all wandered its many routes spreading goods, artistic styles, ideas and faiths throughout one of the great melting pots of the ancient world. Today, this route Tour Leader is once again open to the adventurous traveller. Traversing Tibet, Julian Droogan western China, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Turkey, the Silk Road offers B.A., PhD a chance to make the great overland journey across some of the most exotic, romantic and breathtaking lands on earth. Dr Julian Droogan is a scholar of comparative religions, Over three years – 2012, 2013, and 2014 – the Art Gallery Society of archaeology and material NSW is embarking on an epic three-part journey along the entire Silk culture who graduated from Road – The Grand Silk Road Project. Starting in September 2012, the the University of Sydney, and first tour will cross China, from Xi’an in the east to the classic Silk is now a lecturer at Macquarie Road trading post of Kashgar in western China, traversing the University. Julian has been Corridor, Tibet and Xingjian, the Gobi and Taklimakan deserts. In researching the world’s 2013 this will be followed by a tour across Uzbekistan, including Khiva religions for the past fifteen and Samarkand. In 2014 the project will culminate with a tour to the years and has a special interest Caspian Sea, Armenia and the Caucasus. in the art, archaeology and cultural traditions of the Silk The three journeys will each be stand-alone tours, but linked by a Road and Central Asia. common theme. The tours will be led by Dr Julian Droogan, scholar of Asian archaeology and religions, who has had a long fascination Julian is a popular lecturer with the Silk Road, its art, people and lost cultures. in Australia who regularly presents seminars and workshops at universities and government institutions on cross-cultural understanding, religions and communication. In 2011 Julian presented the popular ten week ‘For God’s Sake’ series of lectures at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and also led the Society’s art and religion tour through central India.

Tang Dynasty Show ITINERARY records as well as ancient art and relics discovered in Xi’an, the capital of the empire during the Tang Dynasty. Thu 20 Sep 2012 Sydney - Xi’an (BLD) Morning departure from Sydney on China Southern Airlines to Xi’an via Guangzhou. Late evening arrival in Xi’an. Sun 23 Sep Xi’an - Lanzhou Transfer to the hotel located within the ancient city walls. Morning flight from Xi’an to Lanzhou. Lanzhou the capital of Gansu province is situated on the upper course of the Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi province. Known as Yellow River. Mountain ranges surround it in the north Changan in ancient China from the 11th century BC to and south, and the Yellow River flowing through it from the mid-10th century AD, Xi’an was the capital of 13 east to west, making it an attractive city. (BLD) dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang and Ming dynasties. Its long history has left many fascinating Mon 24 Sep Lanzhou - Xiahe historical sites and precious cultural relics. It was the A day’s journey to Xiahe (approx. 300 km / 6hrs). En birthplace of a united China and was known as the route, pass Moslem areas and if possible visit Moslem starting point (or terminus) of the Old Silk Road, linking markets and mosques passing through terraced fields and China in the East, with Europe in the West. Tibetan villages. Xiahe is located at the northwest corner of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau with beautiful views over Fri 21 Sep Xi’an the Sanker Grassland. (BLD) Full day tour to the Terracotta Warriors, the Banpo Neolithic Village and the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. The Tue 25 Sep Xiahe ‘Terracotta Warriors’ – life-size figurines of armoured Xiahe is often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’. Visit the warriors and horses arranged in battle formation - are Labrang Lamasery, one of the six main lamaseries of the located near the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the Yellow Sect of Buddhism and the largest Lamaism institute first Emperor of China (died 209 BC). The main vault in the world. The Lamasery has a famed large collection contains over 6,000 figures. Continue to the Banpo of scriptures and volumes. (BLD) Neolithic Village which was a typical Neolithic matriarchal Wed 26 Sep Xiahe – Lanzhou community of the Yangshao Culture dating back about Return travel to Lanzhou. (BLD) 6,000 years. At that time, the Banpo people used tools made primarily of wood and stone. Women, the crucial Thu 27 Sep Lanzhou - Jiayuguan labour force, were responsible for making pottery, On a tour of Lanzhou visit the Gansu Provincial Museum and spinning, and raising the family, while men fished. Mount White Pagoda, located on top of the mountain by the same name, with views of the Yellow River and Zhongshan Finish the day with a visit to the Hanyangling Museum to Bridge, which was the old crossing point for travellers and view the tomb of Emperor Jingdi. (BL) merchants who were heading north on the Silk Road. Sat 22 Sep Xi’an In the evening board the overnight train from Lanzhou Today explore the city of Xi’an. First see the ancient city to Jiayuguan. Accommodation in 4-berth soft sleeper wall, the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. Built compartments. (BLD) during the Ming Dynasty, the wall is surrounded by a moat and features corner towers and city entrance gates. See the Fri 28 Sep Jiayuguan Great Mosque (742 AD), the ancient Drum and Bell Towers Morning arrival in Jiayuguan, transfer to the hotel for (1380) and visit the fascinating Shaanxi Provincial History breakfast and morning at leisure. Museum, with its famous collection of cultural treasures. Jiayuguan is an ancient Han Chinese out-post. The Great In the evening attend the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, Wall once extended beyond Jiayuguan but in 1372 during a performance of Chang’an music and dance which the first years of the Ming dynasty, a fortress was built. originated in the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years From then on Jiayuguan was considered both the western ago. It has been recreated according to various historical tip of the wall and the western tip of the empire.

Xian Ancient Wall & Gate Terracotta Warriors Terracotta Banpo Neolithic Village Warrior Afternoon tour of Jiayuguan including visits to the Overhanging Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall Museum and the Jiayuguan Fort. Built in 1372, it was dubbed the “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven” and was the last major stronghold of the empire to the west. The Ancient Tombs of the Wei and Jin Dynasties are renowned as the largest subterranean art gallery in the world, with original wall paintings. (BLD) Sat 29 Sep Jiayuguan - Morning coach transfer from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang (approx. 360 km / 5hrs). In the late afternoon join Julian Droogan for a lecture about the history and sights of Dunhuang followed by a visit the lively Night Market where an exotic range of Binglingsi souvenirs including leather puppets, scroll paintings, jade items, antique coins and much more is offered for sale. (BLD) Sun 30 Sep Dunhuang Morning visit to the Mogao Caves, constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world’s richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures. Visit the Dunhuang Museum, where the exhibits include some of the Tibetan and Chinese scriptures unearthed from Cave No. 17 at Mogao and sacrificial objects from the Han to Tang dynasties. In the afternoon visit the Crescent Lake and the Sounding Sand Dunes which are considered the meeting place of the sand and the oasis. (BLD) Monks at Labrang Monastery Mon 01 Oct Dunhuang - Urumqi - Turpan Morning flight from Dunhuang to Urumqi. On arrival in Urumqi, transfer by coach to Turpan (approx. 200 km / 2.5hrs). Turpan has long been the centre of a fertile oasis with water provided by karez and an important trade centre located along the Silk Road’s northern route. (BLD) Tue 02 Oct Turpan Full day exploration of Turpan. Visit the Jiaohe ruins, Karez Well and the Emin Minaret. The Karez Well is an irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels and is considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China. The Emin Minaret was built in 1777 to commemorate the ruler of Turfan, Emin Khoja who successfully suppressed the armed rebellion. (BLD) Gansu Provincial Museum Mount White Pagoda Wed 03 Oct Turpan Full day excursion to the Gaochang Ancient City, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, the Astana Tombs and the Flaming Mountains. Gaochang Ancient City means “the King City”. It was built in the first century B.C. and abandoned in the 15th century. The dead of Gaochang city are buried in the Astana Graves which are famous for their terra cotta figurines and tomb paintings. Visit the Flaming Mountains when the sun’s rays beat down in mid-afternoon and the mountains look as if they are on fire. (BLD) Thu 04 Oct Turpan - Urumqi Coach transfer (approx 2.5 hrs) from Turfan to Urumqi in the morning. Afternoon city tour of Urumqi including a Labrang Lamasery visit to the Regional Museum. (BLD) Fri 05 Oct Urumqi Full day excursion to the Heavenly Lake located 1900 metres above the sea level. A small, deep-blue lake surrounded by hills covered in fir trees. Scattered around are the yurts (circular tents) of the Kazak people who inhabit the mountains. (BLD) Sat 06 Oct Urumqi - Kashgar Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Urumqi to Kashgar. Even in the 21st century, the name Kashgar (Kashi) still sparks images of a remote desert oasis. Desert brigands, exotic bazaars and colourful silks spring to mind at the mention of China’s westernmost city. (BD) Sun 07 Oct Kashgar Ancient Tombs of the Wei and Jin Dynasties Full day tour of Kashgar including visits to the Idigar Mosque, the Abakh Khoja Tomb as well as the Sunday Bazaar. Once a week Kashgar’s population swells by 50,000 as people swarm in to the Sunday Bazaar. Nomads arrive in their donkey carts, often causing traffic jams. Large numbers of minority peoples come to trade, all sporting their distinctive costumes and headgear. The Idigar Mosque was built in 1426. It is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and the centre of Moslem activities. The Abakh Khoja Tomb served as the family tomb of Abakh Khoja, the powerful ruler of Kashgar in the 17th century who was revered as a prophet and second only to Mohammed. (BLD) Mon 08 Oct Kashgar Early morning departure for the excursion to Lake Crescent Lake and Sounding Sand Dunes in Dunhuang Karakol. In a stunning location adjacent to the Karakorum Highway and near the junction of the Pamir, Tian Shan and Kunlun mountain ranges lies (meaning black) lake. At 3,600m this high altitude lake is surrounded by much higher peaks including (7546m), Kongur Tagh (7649m) and Kongur Tiube (7530m). Visit a local Kirgiz family in their yurt before returning to Kashgar. (BLD) Tue 09 Oct Depart Kashgar Transfer to the airport for the China Southern flight to Sydney via Guangzhou. (B) Wed 10 Oct Arrive Sydney Morning arrival in Sydney. Locals in Kashgar

Dunhuang Night Markets Gaochang Ancient City Karez Well in Turpan TOUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR HOTELS ... • Transfers on arrival and (Best available in smaller towns) Per person, twin-share AUD 8,850 departure if not travelling on Single supplement* AUD 1,200 group flights Grand Mercure Xi’an • Items of a personal nature, Reduction without Xi’an including telephone calls, international airfare AUD 1,350 «««« laundry, taxis etc. Deposit (per person) AUD 500 • Airport porterage Legend Hotel Lanzhou • Travel insurance Final Payment Due 22 July 2012 Lanzhou «««« *Single travellers may request to share. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please advise at time of booking. Please note that a moderate level Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel NB. Single supplement prices are of fitness and a sense of adventure Xiahe for hotel accommodation only and are required for this tour. The «««« do not include the train journey LIUYUAN - TURFAN. For this overnight tour includes the exploration of train journey, there are no single remote areas of China with basic Jia Yu Guan Hotel compartments on the train and single tourist infrastructure. Jiayuguan travellers will be required to share with «««« other tour members of the same sex. VISAS Australian and New Zealand Grand Sun Hotel TOUR CODE AGS Silk Road passport holders require a visa Dunhuang TOUR PRICES INCLUDE for China. Renaissance Tours will «««« • Accommodation in centrally assist tour members in obtaining located hotels with private their visa prior to departure from Southern Airlines Pearl facilities and daily breakfast (B) Australia. Urumqi (breakfast is a mix of western «««« A WORD ABOUT TRAIN buffet, western-chinese buffet or TRAVEL IN CHINA local dishes served to the table) Tuha Petroleum Hotel • Transfers on arrival and Chinese trains link virtually all Turpan departure if travelling on group main cities and towns in China, «««« flights and are a safe, comfortable & • Economy class flights Sydney civilised way to travel, even for Shenzhen Air International Hotel – Guangzhou – Xian / Kashgar families or women travelling alone. Kashgar «««« – Guangzhou – Sydney on Soft sleeper: Soft sleepers are China Southern (23 KG luggage 4-berth compartments with two allowance) upper & two lower berths by NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. • Taxes and fuel surcharges as at night, converting to two sofas for 01 May 2011 daytime use. All necessary bedding • Domestic flights Xian – Lanzhou, is provided. There’s a table with Dunhuang – Urumqi – Kashgar tablecloth, and usually a vacuum incl. taxes flask of hot water for making tea. • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, The compartment door locks D=Dinner) including a special securely, and a smartly-dressed Welcome lunch and Farewell attendant looks after each car. dinner. • Comprehensive sightseeing, Toilets: Chinese trains generally visits to museums and have both western & ‘squat’ toilets, attractions with Julian Droogan but it’s always a good idea to take including entrance fees as per your own supply of toilet paper. itinerary Restaurant cars: Most long- • Lectures and talks with your distance trains have a restaurant tour leader throughout car, with waiter service of drinks, • Gratuities for local guides and snacks & meals. drivers • Hotel porterage (one piece per Smoking: Smoking is not permitted person) in the sleeping-car compartments • Visas for China or corridors on any Chinese train. But smoking is allowed in the vestibules between carriages and in some restaurant cars. TERMS & CONDITIONS The above cancellation charges include provide the following information no later How to Book applicable GST. than 60 days prior to commencement of travel: Complete, sign and return the Booking Form In addition to the above cancellation charges, available from Renaissance Tours with your the full insurance premium together with any • a copy of your travel insurance policy deposit of $500 per person. Upon receipt existing administration fees is also payable in (or details of master policy) of your Booking Form and deposit, you will the event of a cancellation by the Client. If • the emergency telephone number of receive confirmation of your place from the reason for cancellation is covered by the your insurance company Renaissance Tours. insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim • next of kin emergency contact these charges. Deposit / Final Payments Fitness and Participation Deposit (at time of booking) AUD$500 Forced Cancellations While our tours do not require a special level Your deposit is used to pay supplier deposits We reserve the right to cancel a tour for of fitness, for the overall benefit of the group, and is non-refundable in the event of your any reason (such as failure to reach minimum all tour members must possess a moderate cancellation. Your final payment is due 60 tour participant numbers). Except for force level of mobility, including the ability to: days before departure. Failure to make your majeure or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will not cancel a tour less than • negotiate airports and railway stations final payment by the due date may result without wheelchair assistance in cancellation of your booking and loss 60 days before departure. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return • use combined shower/bath facilities of deposit. We reserve the right to charge (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in a late payment fee in the event of late all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and administration fees. shower facilities) booking and/or payment to cover additional • undertake walking tour of 2-3 hours communication and other expenses. No compensation will be paid in the event duration, including using stairs, walking Payment by cash, cheque, American Express, of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full over Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. refund of monies paid for tour costs will be cobblestones and other uneven surfaces A 3% service charge applies for payment by the full extent of our liability. Airlines may • stand for long periods in museums and American Express and Diners Club. impose up to 100% cancellation charges. other sites • embark / disembark coaches, trains Cancellation & Refunds Passports, Visas and Vaccinations and other methods of transportation You may cancel the booking at any time. It is your responsibility to be in possession without assistance Written notification is essential even if verbal of a passport valid for 6 months after the • handle your own luggage notification of an intention to cancel has been date of your return to Australia. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, If you (or we) have any doubts about your given. Cancellation charges will be applied as ability to participate in your chosen tour, you shown below, calculated from the day written inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. notification is received by Renaissance Tours. This would require a doctor to read the In addition to the charges shown below, Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without itinerary of your chosen tour and provide airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation you with a written confirmation of your charges. responsibility on the part of Renaissance Tours. ability to participate. 60 days or more forfeit of deposit (includes any flight deposit paid) Travel Insurance Terms & Conditions 59 - 45 days 25% of tour cost It is a condition of travel that you are covered You can find a copy of the full terms & 44 - 31 days 50% of tour cost by comprehensive travel insurance. You can conditions attached to the Renaissance Tours 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost make your own arrangements or your travel booking form. They can also be found on our Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost insurance can be arranged by Renaissance website at: www.renaissancetours.com.au or Tours. In either case all participants must we would be happy to post you a copy on request.

Abakh Khoja Tomb Kashgar Sunday Bazaar Kashgar Idigar Mosque Kashgar Front Cover: Jiayuguan Fort Back Cover: Lake Karakol

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