Along the Silk Route Escorted Group Tour 10 May 2018

The Terracotta Warriors, Xian

We are very proud to have received a number of awards over recent years from The Times, The Guardian and Observer, The Telegraph newspaper and Ultratravel magazine, and Wanderlust, as voted by their readers. We are a Which? Recommended Provider and have also won awards with The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. Additionally, we have achieved recognition from the Best Company organisation for our great working environment.

These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the publications’ readerships. With over 500 travel companies for you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you can expect from Audley.

Contents

Meet our specialists ______4 Introduction to tour ______6 Flights & visas ______8 Day by day summary of our Along the Silk Route arrangements ______9 Price ______12 Why travel with us? ______13 Introduction to the region ______14 Photographs of the region ______22 Your itinerary in detail ______24 Accommodation information ______45 Charity support ______53 General information ______54 Terms and conditions ______58

Forbidden City, Beijing

CONTACT This tour has been put together by: Quality of Service

Stuart Howarth Most companies claim to offer first Product Executive class service, but very few genuinely Direct Line: 01993 838 432 set out to achieve it. At Audley we are wholeheartedly devoted to Telephone: 01993 838 200 offering you first class service from Fax: 01993 838 010 the moment we start planning your E-mail: trip until after your return. If you feel that our standards at any time drop [email protected] below your expectations or you have Stuart's love of travel began with a trip around Europe any suggestions about how we could improve our the summer before starting University, and was fully service, then please contact the Manager, Hannah Busby realised whilst living in Canada as part of his Master's on 01993838302 or email Degree in Organic Chemistry. Having completed his [email protected] studies, Stuart set off again, this time exploring Asia and Australasia. Of all of the places he visited the culture and We may record telephone calls to ensure quality of service and for incredible landscapes he found in had him hooked training purposes. and he spent the majority of his first trip exploring as much of the Chinese countryside as possible.

Upon joining Audley Stuart travelled back to China to expand his knowledge of the country and revisit some of his favourite places, as well as discovering some hidden gems.

When he's not waxing lyrical about the joys of China and it's incredible food, people and landscapes, Stuart loves the outdoors and you'll find him hiking and skiing whenever and wherever possible.

4 Meet our specialists Meet our North & Specialists

The members of our North & Central Asia team have lived and breathed this fascinating collection of countries. In the name of research we’ve travelled to the tip of Japan and the far west of China, ventured along the exotic , slept in yurts, and journeyed by train through the vast expanses of Siberia and Russia, stopping along the way to try delicacies such as yak butter tea, Mongolian hot pot, sea urchin sushi and shots of neat vodka!

Meet our specialists 5 Introduction to our Along the Silk Route tour

 Introduction to our Along the Silk Route group tour Following in the footsteps of the great traders and explorers of old, this grand tour takes you along the route of the ancient Silk Road through western China and over the high passes into Central Asia to the fabled khanates of Bukhara and Samarkand. The tour combines the world-renowned cultural and historical sites of the Silk Route with some of the planet's most stunning scenery. En route you'll visit the magnificent Buddhist Grottoes at the oasis town of , haggle with the locals at the incredible Kashgar Sunday Market and cross the towering 3752m into , one of Asia's hidden gems. Commencing in Beijing, this three-week tour is timed to avoid the worst of the summer heat, and hopefully coincide with the alpine flowers in Kyrgyzstan. Much of the route is covered by private coach, though a few reliable domestic flights cover the great distances quickly and conveniently. Due to the remoteness of many of the regions, accommodation is often simple in nature, but always clean and comfortable.

 IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Travelling in Central Asia requires flexibility, patience and understanding; flight timetables and other arrangements often change at short notice, accommodation is simple and there are long drives on unsealed roads. It should be remembered that Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are still very much third world counties and western China is similarly still developing.

If, however, you are looking for stunning scenery, fascinating culture and have a keen sense of adventure, this is absolutely the trip for you!

 Group size The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by the presence of too many people.

Your main mode of transport will be a coach that seats 20-30, so there is plenty of space for everyone. Please note that on this trip there are quite a few long days travelling, due to the sheer distances you will be covering, often on poor roads so be prepared for some bumpy conditions. The amazing scenery should make the journeys worthwhile.

There is a minimum requirement of 10 passengers to run this tour, so the first 10 people to book will be done so on a provisional basis until minimum numbers are reached. Deposits for those first 10 people will be fully refundable should the tour not operate.

 Single travellers We welcome single travellers on tours. You have two options - you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price (this option will only be available if another single traveller of the same sex is also willing to share), or you can choose to guarantee the sole occupancy of your room, in which case a single supplement is payable.

 Group tour leader An experienced English guide will meet you on arrival in China and travel with you throughout your group trip. Along the way we will also be using expert local guides who are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge of the area.

 Meal arrangements Daily breakfast is included at your hotel and a number of lunch and dinners are included (where stated) at the hotel, a local restaurant or, on occasions where you are travelling, as a simple packed lunch. Your tour leader or guides will be able make suggestions for dining where this is not included.

 Special dietary requirements Special dietary requirements should be highlighted by you on the booking form. However, you must be aware that it is unrealistic to expect specialist diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we will be visiting. We will advise hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability.

 Tour health & fitness requirements To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude

6 Introduction to our Along the Silk Route tour Introduction to our Along the Silk Route tour

customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please contact us.

 Activity level - medium A good level of fitness is required for this trip and you should be physically active. You should be aware and prepared for all or any of the following on this trip:

• High altitude - the tour crosses passes at more than 3,500m. • Extremes of temperature - this will vary considerably depending on date of departure, but be prepared for possible highs of 35-40C (Turpan and Bukhara particularly) and lows of 0-5C (Kyrgyz passes). • Long drives on rough, occasionally bumpy roads, in a range of vehicles including coaches and 4x4 cars for up to 12 hours per day (and potentially more dependent on local conditions). • To carry or wheel your own luggage through airports and from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. • To join all day walking tours of cities, monuments and historic sites. (All of these are optional). • Border crossings may require you to walk with your luggage. • Where significant changes to the itinerary are required (e.g. following closure of the Torugart Pass), accommodation may be simpler than specified with shared facilities. We will endeavour to ensure this does not happen but in some cases options are likely to be very limited.

Visas China A visa is required by all visitors to China. The visa should be applied for at least one month before departure. Please note passports must be valid for six months from the day of issue of your Chinese visa and that you need at least one blank page in your passport for your visa. You will also need to have at least six months' validity on your passport from the date of your planned return.

If you are a UK citizen, all visas for China have to be made through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Manchester and London. Applications can be made directly or by post. Please see www.visaforchina.org for more information.

If you would like us to arrange the visas on your behalf, the Audley Travel visa service will send you the appropriate forms. Please note that as our visa agency also has to apply through CVASC, and pay the CVASC handling charge, the cost of applying in this manner is higher than applying directly through CVASC.

Kyrgyzstan UK citizens, along with citizens of the USA & Canada, do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. Your passport must be valid for six months after the date of departure from Kyrgyzstan, and we would advise you have two unused visa pages in your passport (i.e. a blank double page). Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance.

Uzbekistan Visas for Uzbekistan need to be arranged in advance of travel. If you wish, we can send you the documents in order to apply for this through a visa agency called Travcour. Alternatively, you can arrange this by yourself. Ordinary single entry tourist visas are normally valid for one calendar month. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of departure from Uzbekistan.

Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Introduction to our Along the Silk Route tour 7 Important Information

FLIGHTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Kyrgyzstan Flights in Kyrgyzstan You should be aware that all domestic airlines that operate in Kyrgyzstan have been put on an aviation blacklist by the European Union (EU) as a result of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit. The airlines on this list are banned from operating within the EU, as the EU has concluded that they are operating below essential safety levels. In the majority of cases we are able to use alternative airlines which are registered outside of Kyrgyzstan and are therefore not affected by the ban. If we are not able to do this, then you will be informed accordingly. If you do not want to use any of these airlines and there are no alternatives available, then we will not be in a position to provide this itinerary. The majority of travel insurance policies are not affected by the EU banned list, but it is essential that you check this with your insurance provider.

8 Important Information Day by day summary

1 Thursday 10 Depart London on the overnight flight to Beijing. On board the aircraft May 2018

2 Friday 11 Arriving into Beijing in the morning, you will be taken to your Novotel Peace Hotel, Beijing May 2018 hotel. Superior room Dinner is included This evening, your welcome dinner is the traditional Peking Duck, in a nearby restaurant.

3 Saturday 12 Today you head out of Beijing to the spectacular Novotel Peace Hotel, Beijing May 2018 section of the Great Wall. En route to the Great Wall you Superior room will visit the magnificent Forbidden City. Breakfast and lunch are included

Once at Jinshanling, there will be time to walk along and take in the incredible scenery as well as enjoying a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.

4 Sunday 13 Early this morning you board the high speed train to Xian. Mercure Hotel, Xian May 2018 Upon arrival, you`ll be met by your local guide the taken to Standard room visit the iconic Terracotta Warriors. Breakfast is included

5 Monday 14 This morning you visit Xian`s distinctive Drum tower, before Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, May 2018 driving to the airport for your flight on to Dunhuang. Dunhuang Superior room Here, you`ll be met and driven to the Silk Road Dunhuang Breakfast is included Hotel.

6 Tuesday 15 This morning you will visit the distinctive Mingsha sand dunes, Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, May 2018 visible from the rooftop of your hotel. Dunhuang Superior room In the afternoon you will be taken to the nearby Mogao caves Breakfast is included to sample some of the finest Buddhist art in the world.

7 Wednesday 16 You drive to Liuyuan train station, but still have time in the Huozhou Hotel, Turpan May 2018 morning in Dunhuang where you'll be taken to visit the Standard room Museum. Breakfast and dinner are included The train to Turpan takes around three and a half hours and upon your arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel.

8 Thursday 17 Today will be a busy day, during which you'll be visiting Huozhou Hotel, Turpan May 2018 Jiaohe, Bezeklik, the Tombs of Astana, a small Uighur village Standard room in the Tuyaq Valley, and the striking Flaming Mountains. Breakfast is included

The highlight of the day is perhaps Jiaohe, the best of Turpan`s desert cities. This is an ancient Buddhist town, comprised entirely of clay and set on a high escarpment that was eventually destroyed by Genghis Khan.

You`ll explore the caves at Bezeklik and stop to photograph the Flaming Mountains scenery en route. You`ll also have the chance to stretch your legs in the Tuyaq Valley, taking a stroll through a traditional Uighur village. On the way back into Turpan you`ll stop at the Tombs of Astana and the beautiful Emin Minaret complex.

Day by day summary 9 Day by day summary

9 Friday 18 You will drive back to Urumqi today, in time for your flight Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, May 2018 to Kashgar. Here, you will be met and driven to your hotel Kashgar where you stay for the next 3 nights. Standard room Breakfast is included In the afternoon enjoy a tour of this intriguing, atmospheric city which will include the old town and Id Kah Mosque.

10 Saturday 19 This morning you'll head out of Kashgar to visit the Mo'er Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, May 2018 Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist monument. You'll return to the Kashgar city at lunch, to dine with a local family in their home - a Standard room great opportunity to learn more about local Uighur life. Breakfast and lunch are included

The afternoon is free for you to explore Kashgar by yourself, or simply relax and recover after the trip so far!

11 Sunday 20 Today is a highlight where you will enjoy the excellent Sunday Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, May 2018 Market, thriving with animals of all kinds, old men in Kashgar traditional clothing haggling over cows, donkeys, goats, & Standard room knife sellers wandering through the dusty aisles offering Breakfast is included handmade produce.

12 Monday 21 From Kashgar, you will be driven to the Torugart Pass Hotel Khan Tengri, Naryn May 2018 (3752m) high in the Tian Shan mountains this morning where Standard room it is time to say farewell to your Chinese guide and driver and Breakfast, lunch and dinner are meet your Kyrgyz guide and driver on the other side of the included border.

Time and road conditions permitting, you will visit Tash Rabat, a silk road caravanserai, before continuing on to tonight's destination of Naryn.

Today is a long day of driving but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it.

13 Tuesday 22 Today you will continue to drive through the Tian Shan Hotel Green Yard , Karakol May 2018 towards Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan`s famous alpine lake, on to the Standard room town of Karakol. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included Another long day of driving but the fabulous scenery makes it enjoyable.

14 Wednesday 23 Today you will head off along the North shore of Issyk Kul, Silk Road Lodge, Bishkek May 2018 from Karakol to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek. Today’s Standard room driving time will be around seven hours. Breakfast and lunch are included

15 Thursday 24 You`ll embark on a tour of the city today, before being taken Wyndham Tashkent May 2018 to the airport later for your flight to Tashkent. Here you`ll be Standard room taken to your hotel for a night. Breakfast and dinner are included

16 Friday 25 After an early morning flight to Urgench, from where you Hotel Malika , Khiva May 2018 transfer to Khiva, you spend a full day exploring the maze of Standard Room streets within Khiva`s city walls with your guide. Breakfast is included

17 Saturday 26 Leave Khiva for Bukhara this morning, travelling through the Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara May 2018 vast Kyzyl Kum desert and crossing the mighty Amu Darya Standard room en route. Expect to arrive into `the Holy City of Bukhara` Breakfast, lunch and dinner are late this afternoon. included

10 Day by day summary Day by day summary

18 Sunday 27 Explore some of the many highlights of Bukhara with your Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara May 2018 guide today, including the ominous Ark where Connolly and Standard room Stoddart famously met their fate in June 1842. Breakfast is included

19 Monday 28 Today you'll continue your sightseeing around Bukhara Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara May 2018 visiting Vobkent and further on to Gijduvan. Standard room Breakfast is included

20 Tuesday 29 This morning you leave Bukhara and set out on the road to Hotel Sultan Boutique, May 2018 Samarkand. You'll travel via the UNESCO World Heritage Samarkand city Shakhrisabz, the birth place of Timur the Lame. Standard room Breakfast and lunch are included

21 Wednesday 30 A full day's tour of Samarkand during which you'll visit the Hotel Sultan Boutique, May 2018 mighty Registan, Avenue of Tombs and Bibi Khanym mosque Samarkand with your guide. Today is likely to be another highlight your Standard Room trip. Breakfast is included

22 Thursday 31 This morning you'll be transferred to the train station to take Wyndham, Tashkent May 2018 your train to Tashkent. The journey usually takes around two Standard room hours. Breakfast and dinner are included Here you embark on a short tour of the city before enjoying a farewell dinner

23 Friday 01 You'll be transferred to the airport this morning in time to June 2018 catch return flight.

Day by day summary 11 Prices

Arrangements as specified per person ______£6,660 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement ______£960 Business class upgrade on international Turkish Airlines Flights ______£946 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ______£999 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £18 The deposit required is detailed above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. In most cases the deposit is 15% of the total cost or £200 per person (whichever is the greater), however in some instances a larger deposit is required in order to secure particular services. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

How to book Included in the price If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this  All flights as specified in the itinerary itinerary and would like to book, please forward your  Twin share accommodation as specified completed booking form and the deposit specified above. If  All transfers and excursions as specified you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact me  Services of experienced local guides and I can prepare another version which will hopefully match  Sightseeing and entrance fees your requirements. Please see below for payment methods.  Meals as specified in the itinerary

On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make payment to Not included in the price them earlier than normal. Such requests may, for example, be  Meals not indicated within your itinerary. made in order to secure flights, accommodation and other services  Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable during periods of peak demand. Whilst suppliers may have no locally on departure in some locations. contractual right to make such requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. Where  Where applicable, locally payable car hire related this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask you to make charges, including optional excess reduction. payment of the requested sum within a stipulated period and  Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc.. prior to balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid  Tips kitty of US$150 per person to cover tips for local doing so if we can. Any such part payment will be treated as part guides, drivers & hotel porters. This does not include a of your deposit for the purposes of our terms and conditions. tip for your UK Tour Leader, which is of course discretionary. A suggested amount would be US$5-10 Payment methods per couple per day of the trip The deposit can be paid by bank transfer, cheque or credit  Any camera or video fees at any sites. /debit card. Please contact me for bank details if you wish to  Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’. pay by bank transfer. Cheques should be made payable to  Travel insurance (see general information section). Audley Travel and kindly write your quotation reference number on the reverse. Please note we are unable to accept post-dated cheques. We welcome Maestro and Visa debit cards. We also accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. Please do not send cash in the post.

Terms and Conditions The Terms and Conditions that apply to all of our holidays are detailed at the back of this booklet. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

12 Prices Why travel with us?

Personal service Detailed travel documents A smooth journey We are committed to offering you a Approximately two weeks before you We have procedures in place for very personal service, with all your travel we will send you all your travel dealing quickly and efficiently with arrangements handled by one country documents presented in a convenient mishaps from minor flight time specialist. They will remain your one travel organiser. In addition to your full alterations to more fundamental point of contact and will take itinerary and airplane tickets, there will changes. If problems do occur we will responsibility for the smooth operation also be additional information such as rapidly rearrange your itinerary to of your trip. They are supported by a recommended restaurants and practical make the best use of your time given team of specialists for that region and a tips. A few days before you travel your the changed circumstances, not simply professional administration and specialist will call you to have a final talk cancel part of your trip or leave you management team. through your itinerary and answer any sitting in an airport waiting for hours last-minute questions you may have. for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in From the moment you contact us, we these situations we will do everything are here to answer your questions You can also view your itinerary on our possible to minimise any extra costs accurately and honestly, be they about Travel Companion app for your involved – in the vast majority of cases specific arrangements or any more convenience. no extra charges will be made. If a general queries you may have. This problem does occur while you are level of service is followed through travelling you can contact us on our from enquiry to booking right to when 24-hour number. you return from your trip. We are experienced travellers with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of our destinations, and you benefit from this Responsible travel experience. When we do not know the We have a firm commitment to answer to a question we will find out minimising the environmental impact of and get back to you as soon as travel, and strive to ensure that a visit possible. from an Audley client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a firm commitment to the principles of “responsible travel” and work with Reputation and quality Support while you’re away AITO, and a number of other bodies, Well over 80% of our clients have We take a good deal of care when to continually improve our policies. travelled with us in the past or have choosing our travel partners overseas, For more details please refer to our had Audley recommended to them. taking into account their quality of website: www.audleytravel.com/rt When you book with us you are service, guides and vehicles. We have where you will find details of our assured of quality arrangements. Our built up many long-standing responsible travel policy and also our service has been recognised by the relationships, ensuring that they deliver Travellers’ Code. If you are particularly readers of well-known publications the level of service demanded by interested in these issues, your country including the Guardian & Observer, the Audley clients. Our local guides and specialist will be able to tell you more. Telegraph, the Times and Wanderlust drivers, where appropriate, are the magazine, where we have consistently people you will meet. In many cases we featured in their “best tour operator” know them personally; in all cases we awards for a number of years. We are ensure that they are of the highest also a Which? recommended company, calibre. They are there to do much assuring you of our service and quality. more than show you specific sights and provide factual information. They will be able to tell you about local life, culture, cuisines and customs, and, where applicable, act as translators. In certain parts of the world a specialist guide is more appropriate, for example, a wildlife expert.

[ Why travel with us? 13 Introduction to China

Key facts: Population: 1344.13 million Currency: Chinese Yuan (also known as Renminbi) Land area: 9.60 million square kilometres Time difference: GMT+8 hours Major languages spoken: Mandarin (Chinese), Yue Capital city: Beijing (Cantonese) and Wu (Shanghainese)

Introduction Home to more than a billion people and a thousand landscapes, China's beauty and contradictions have fascinated visitors since the days of Marco Polo and the Silk Route. It is the relics of 3,000 years of history - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army - that draw us in, and the magical landscapes we discover that capture the soul and make us long to return.

Eternal China finds its contrast in the futuristic Olympic park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the modern metropolises of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Embracing the global economy at a breakneck speed whilst clinging to a communist and Confucian past makes for one of the most fascinating societies in the world, and nowhere else can offer such diversity of people, places and history, or show us such marvels of man-made and natural splendour.

Vehicles in China There are a wide variety of vehicles available in China, some of good quality, some of not so good quality. In major cities, Audley's clients can expect as a minimum to be driven in clean, well-maintained vehicles of five years or less in age, all equipped with seat belts. There are a few areas where this is not the case, which are detailed below. Typically, the kind of vehicle used for two people is a mid-sized saloon such as a Volkswagen Santana or (Chinese brand) Red Flag. The only exceptions to this are Shanghai, Guilin and Huangshan, where people carriers are generally used, typically a Hyundai Refine. These types of vehicles are also used throughout China for groups of three to five people.

In the city of Chengdu, vehicles may be up to six years old; in more remote locations such as Yunnan and Xinjiang (for the Silk Route) vehicles may also be older and not in such good condition.

In most locations, larger and more luxurious vehicles are available - please ask your country specialist for more details if you would like to upgrade your vehicle.

Volkswagen Santana and Hyundai Refine

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Beijing Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 2 4 7 18 29 65 152 143 42 18 7 2

14 Introduction to the region Introduction to China

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Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Dunhuang Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 1 1 1 2 3 8 11 6 2 1 1 1

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Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Kashgar Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 3 5 8 10 17 11 11 16 10 5 3 1

Introduction to the region 15 Introduction to China

16 Introduction to the region Introduction to Kyrgyzstan

Key facts: Population: 5.51 million Currency: Kyrgyzstan Som Land area: 199.90 thousand square kilometres Time difference: GMT + 6 hours Major languages spoken: Kirghiz, Uzbek and Russian Capital city: Bishkek

Introduction Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the friendliest of the new Central Asian republics. The people here, largely Kyrgyz but with sizeable Russian and Uighur minorities, are extraordinarily welcoming and warm. There are some truly memorable experiences to be had throughout the country, right from the moment you arrive. Bishkek, the leafy capital, sits at the foot of the impressive Alatau range with the superb Ala-Archa Canyon nearby. To the east lies one of the world's deepest alpine lakes, Issyk-Kul, which never freezes over and provides the main coastal towns with a pleasant climate. Further south, a smaller lake, Song-Kol, occupies what many say is the country's most beautiful spot, with nomadic yurts dotted around its edge. From Song-Kol south is one of the world's grandest journeys: across the mighty Torugart Pass into western China. In the southwest lies the ancient caravan town of Osh with its kaleidoscopic bazaar. As if all that wasn't enough, in the northeast, accessible only by helicopter, is one of the greatest glaciers on earth, Inylchek, squashed between Khan Tengri and Pik Pobedy.

Travel in Central Asia - what to expect

When thinking of travelling to any Central Asian country, it is important to bear in mind that despite best laid plans, things can sometimes change, often at the last minute and sometimes whilst you are en route. Flight schedules in this part of the world are subject to cancellations, meaning we may have to rearrange your itinerary accordingly. Hotels can have a somewhat cavalier attitude to reservations and occasionally cancel confirmed reservations at the last minute, meaning we have to source alternative accommodation. This is something that happens rarely, but nevertheless can happen. We will always try to source alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

In addition, you should bear in mind that Central Asia is very much a developing area and one that is, moreover, remote, with difficult terrain. This is, to an extent, part of the attraction of visiting the region, but you should be prepared for a small amount of discomfort, and for the fact that there are very few hotels of more than a three star standard throughout the region. If you are prepared for this, the region will more than reward with its stunning scenery, friendly people and fascinating history and culture.

You should be aware that all domestic airlines that operate in Kyrgyzstan have been put on an aviation blacklist by the European Union (EU) as a result of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit. The airlines on this list are banned from operating within the EU, as the EU has concluded that they are operating below essential safety levels. In the majority of cases we are able to use alternative airlines which are registered outside of Kyrgyzstan and are therefore not affected by the ban. If we are not able to do this, then you will be informed accordingly. If you do not want to use any of these airlines and there are no alternatives available, then we will not be in a position to provide this itinerary. The majority of travel insurance policies are not affected by the EU banned list, but it is essential that you check this with your insurance provider.

We take a serious approach to our clients’ health and safety and abide by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidelines. We do not send clients to places that the FCO advise against, whether that is a whole country or part of a country, and we minimise risk by designing itineraries that avoid regions or areas which pose significant safety concerns. You can stay fully informed of any political unrest, crime and health issues by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (UK citizens) or http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/kyrgyzstan.html (US citizens) before travelling. Your country specialist will also be happy to offer personalised advice based on your trip and the areas you are visiting.

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Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Bishkek Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 26 28 48 63 60 35 17 10 14 39 41 32

Introduction to the region 17 Introduction to Kyrgyzstan

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Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Karakol Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 9 10 19 35 51 56 60 53 37 25 17 11

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Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Naryn Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 7 17 25 39 34 34 32 17 11 9 4

18 Introduction to the region Introduction to Uzbekistan

Key facts: Population: 29.34 million Currency: Uzbekistan Som Land area: 447.40 thousand square kilometres Time difference: GMT+5 hours Major languages spoken: Uzbek, Russian and Tajik Capital city: Tashkent

Introduction The Silk Route, perhaps the most important trade artery in world history, is more accessible to the senses than anywhere else in Uzbekistan. Thankfully, it is no longer necessary to don a disguise and to bring greetings from the Queen in order to experience the cities of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. They are more welcoming to travellers now than at any time in their long history. Writers and poets have eulogised at length about these cities over many hundreds of years, but truly nothing compares to seeing the great monuments of this fascinating region at first hand; and they are unlikely to disappoint. Colourful majolica, intricate brick-work and soaring minarets come together in structures of epic proportions, whilst traders barter endlessly in chaotic bazaars. There is another, parallel, history here: of Russian imperialism and Soviet control, both of which have left their strong imprints on Uzbek society - in the lingua franca, in the new cities and, most of all, in the ethnic mix of the country, from Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkmen to Germans, Koreans and Kurds.

Travel in Central Asia - what to expect When thinking of travelling to any Central Asian country, it is important to bear in mind that despite best laid plans, things can sometimes change, often at the last minute and sometimes whilst you are en route. Flight schedules in this part of the world are subject to cancellations, meaning we may have to rearrange your itinerary accordingly. Hotels can have a somewhat cavalier attitude to reservations and occasionally cancel confirmed reservations at the last minute, meaning we have to source alternative accommodation. This is something that happens rarely, but nevertheless can happen. We will always try to source alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

In addition, you should bear in mind that Central Asia is very much a developing area, and one that is remote, with difficult terrain. This is, to an extent, part of the attraction of visiting the region, but you should be prepared for a small amount of discomfort, and for the fact that there are very few hotels of more than a three star standard throughout the region. If you are prepared for this, the region will more than reward with its stunning scenery, friendly people and fascinating history and culture.

We take a serious approach to our clients’ health and safety and abide by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidelines. We do not send clients to places that the FCO advise against, whether that is a whole country or part of a country, and we minimise risk by designing itineraries that avoid regions or areas which pose significant safety concerns. You can stay fully informed of any political unrest, crime and health issues by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (UK citizens) or http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/uzbekistan.html (US citizens) before travelling. Your country specialist will also be happy to offer personalised advice based on your trip and the areas you are visiting.

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Bukhara Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 22 17 32 30 11 1 0 0 1 5 12 21

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Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Khiva Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 9 8 18 18 11 3 3 1 1 5 9 13

Introduction to the region 19 Introduction to Uzbekistan

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Monthly Rainfall (mm) 39 35 59 62 34 4 3 1 3 21 22 35

20 Introduction to the region

Introduction to Uzbekistan

Top: The Forbidden City, Beijing Left: Bukhara, Uzbekistan Lower left: Dunhuang, China

22 Photographs of the region Introduction to Uzbekistan

Top: Market spices, Bishkek Left: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan Right: Kashgar Old town

Photographs of the region 23 Itinerary in Detail

Thursday London Heathrow Terminal: 2 to Istanbul Terminal: I 10 May, 2018 Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TK1972 - Dep: 18:00 - Arr: 23:50 - (same day) - Duration: 03hr 50min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Friday Istanbul Terminal: I to Beijing Terminal: 3 11 May, 2018 Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TK 20 - Dep: 01:25 - Arr: 15:25 - (same day) - Duration: 09hr; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Novotel Peace Hotel,

Beijing Beijing introduction Dinner is included Although the earliest records show that Beijing had settlements around 1,000BC,

the city itself has only been China’s capital for the past 700 years. As the country's political and cultural centre, and with a population of over 15 million people, Beijing is a very active, rapidly changing city. The capital is a tourist paradise, providing a vast array of historical and religious sites along with masterful architecture, demonstrating btoh the artistic and cultural side of China.

Unfortunately, Beijing's transport infrastructure hasn't yet caught up with its rapid development, and travelling in Beijing can be a cause of frustration due to the high volume of traffic in the city. The new metro line has eased the situation slightly, but it's still best to be prepared for traffic jams. When compiling itineraries in Beijing, Musicians, Beijing we do our best to ensure sightseeing follows the most logical routing to keep the

time sitting in traffic to a minimum.

There are a number of privately owned restaurants and eateries specialising in traditional northern cuisine, such as the world-renowned Beijing Duck or Mongolian Hot Pot. There are also plenty of back street cafés to be found where prices are still cheap; for example on Wangfujing Street or around the parklands, such as Beihai.

Wangfujing is also a good place for shopping, as several large department stores are based there and are used by both the locals and tourists. Liulichang is Beijing’s antique street, and both Qianmen and Dazhalan offer most items; from silk to Chinese medicines.

Street food, China

Meet and greet your local guide at the airport Group Tour meet-and-greet service at the airport You will be met by a local guide at the airport.

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Transfer from airport to hotel Group-tour transfer with your guide Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Welcome Peking Duck Dinner Group Tour dinner with your guide No visit to Beijing would be complete without trying the traditional Beijing Duck feast. In the evening you will be taken to a local Restaurant and a variety of dishes will be served, the most famous being duck-filled pancakes with plum sauce. Vegetarians can also be catered for.

Saturday Visit to the Forbidden City 12 May, 2018 Group Tour excusion with an English speaking guide The transfer to your hotel will take in a visit to the Forbidden City.

Novotel Peace Hotel, Beijing Closed to the world for over 500 years, and home to emperors from the Ming and Breakfast and lunch are Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a truly fascinating place. The buildings are included mostly empty as most of the contents have now been removed and placed in

museums. However, the architecture and history of the city provides a detailed insight into the curious lives and customs of the past emperors who ruled from within its walls. The curators of the site usually hold extensive exhibitions that showcase various elements of the Forbidden City's magnificent past, such as its opulent jewellery or staggering art. The vast site is filled with stunning treasures and intricately detailed, magnificent architecture, making a visit to the Forbidden City a once in a lifetime experience.

Rooftops in Forbidden City in Beijing

Door detail, the Forbidden City

Excursion to the Great Wall at Jinshanling group tour excursion with English speaking guide Built over the course of two thousand years to defend against the ‘barbarians’ of the north and west, the wall is extremely well preserved in some sections, less so in others. There are several sections open to the public and we opt for a visit to the quieter section at Jinshanling, which though further from Beijing (approximately two hours' drive), offers the visitor a far more atmospheric and impressive experience. It's quite possible that you won't see anyone else at this section; certainly you will avoid the coach parties of visitors at other sections such as , approximately one hour from Beijing.

You will be driven out of Beijing on a good quality expressway, arriving at the Wall one to two hours later. Once there, it is a walk of around 20 minutes up to the wall itself, up some gentle steps. You will have plenty of time on the wall itself to

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walk a little way along, see some of the turrets, take photographs and generally take in some of the spectacular views of the wall snaking over the horizon. Your guide will also tell you some of the history of the wall and its construction.

You will also enjoy a Chinese lunch served at a local restaurant in Jinshanling.

Great Wall of China at Jinshanling

Sunday Transfer from hotel to station 13 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer You will be transferred from your hotel to the station for your train journey today.

Mercure Hotel, Xian

Breakfast is included

Train journey Beijing to Xian Group Tour train journey accompanied by your tour leader The high-speed train from Beijing to Xian takes six hours. There is designated space to store your luggage on board and the journey is a great way to see some of the countryside between the two cities.

Terracotta Army

Bullet train, Beijing

Beijing to Xian By Train Train: G651 - Dep: 07:00 - Arr: 12:52 - (same day) Class: Economy Class

Xian introduction

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Xian (or Chang'an as it was originally known) is China’s ancient capital, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Though it has faded from prominence since the halcyon days of the , it remains the pivotal centre of politics, economy and culture for northwest China.

Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province and boasts a population of eight million. A small percentage of its people are Islamic, and the mosques and markets hidden in the back streets of the Muslim Quarter make up one the city’s most interesting attractions.

The city is one of only a handful in China that retains their original city walls, dating back to the time of the first Ming emperor, Hong Wu. Despite these other attractions, however, Xian remained a relative backwater until the unearthing of the Terracotta Army in the early 1970s. It now draws visitors from all over the world, and rates as one of China’s most celebrated destinations.

Great Mosque, Xi'an

Transfer from station to hotel group tour transfer with a local guide You will be transferred from the station to your hotel.

Terracotta Warriors excursion Group Tour excursion Leaving the city, visitors drive to the area where the army was first discovered in 1974. What was finally unearthed proved to be one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds, and ranks with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as one of China’s most potent images. During years of excavation, rank after rank of life- size terracotta warriors were discovered, each unique, built over 2,000 years before to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. In the brief and tyrannical 14 year reign of the Qin dynasty, Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in unifying the Chinese empire for the first time, beginning the construction of the Great Wall and producing a tomb of such scale that even now new vaults are waiting to be unearthed. Such was the cruelty and severity of his regime, however, that he was soon overthrown, making way for the , which was to last for 400 years.

After seeing the army, a small film can be viewed in a 360 degree auditorium. The film depicts life during the Qin dynasty, with battles and ceremonies reconstructed, giving visitors a fascinating insight in to the period. The Terracotta Warriors are viewed around the edges of the vast pit. Plaques explain the intricate detail of the

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warriors, horses and chariots. After the discovery of the main army, two more chambers were discovered, which are also on display.

Terracotta Warriors, Xian

Monday Bell & Drum towers 14 May, 2018 group tour excursion with your guide Xian's Bell and Drum Towers date back to the 14th century and were both moved

Silk Road Dunhuang and rebuilt in the 1700s. Traditionally the Bell Tower was used to ring in the Hotel, Dunhuang dawning of a new day and the Drum Tower nightfall. Breakfast is included

Transfer from hotel to airport group tour transfer with your guide

Xian to Dunhuang China Eastern Airlines - Flight No: MU2215 - Dep: 12:10 - Arr: 14:45 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Dunhuang introduction

Between the southern Gobi desert and the Taklamakan, lies Dunhuang. Its relative Singing sand dunes,. Dunhuang isolation over the centuries has made it a repository of cultural treasure, and also an important oasis for traders along the Silk Route. Both the southern and northern Silk Routes essentially converge at Dunhuang - in one direction it was the last provisions stop before or Cherchen, and in the other direction, a sign that the great Han cities of the east were not far away.

There are two principal reasons to come here, with some interesting side trips for those with more time. About 25 kilometres southeast of Dunhuang, between the sand dunes and the western reaches of the Qilian Mountains, are the Mogao Caves. Inside, are some spectacular frescoes, most well over 1,000 years old. There has been restoration here, but much of what is visible is original.

Some of the caves were used by fleeing White Russian soldiers as temporary accommodation - look out for the blackened sections, resulting from the soldiers' cooking fires. Also near Dunhuang are some enormous sand dunes known as the Singing Mountains. Around the town are some interesting excursions to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, the Yumen Pass and Yadan Geological Site.

The city itself is small and neat, with a good selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and views of the sand dunes.

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Yadan, Dunhuang

Transfer from Aiport to Hotel Group Tour transfer Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Tuesday Excursion to Mingsha Mountains and Mogao caves 15 May, 2018 Group Tour excursion About four kilometres out of town, and visible throughout the region, are the

Silk Road Dunhuang mighty sand dunes known locally as the Mingsha Mountains. The highest dune here Hotel, Dunhuang reaches 1715 metres, though the majority of visitors seem to prefer to look up at Breakfast is included the peaks rather than down from them. The morning light on the dunes as the sun

rises is a superb sight. Camel rides are available here, from the dunes to the small Crescent Moon Lake, which has never dried up. It is a photogenic spot, prompting thoughts of archaeologists struggling through the shifting sands searching for lost cities - though you should be aware that it is becoming increasingly popular with domestic tourists.

You will also visit the Mogao Caves. Here you will find some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. There are over 4000 square metres of murals to savour, though the most rewarding visits take in around seven or eight of the best caves, where you will be guided by one of the site's qualified guides. Photography is Mogao Caves not allowed inside the caves but you can buy a book on the caves. The best caves

are probably those dating from the Tang period, when this region was at its zenith. A couple of the caves house large statues of the Buddha - one, at over 34 metres high, is one of the world's tallest.

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Mingsha Dunes

Wednesday Visit to the Town Museum 16 May, 2018 private excursion with your vehicle, driver and guide You will visit the museum in Dunhuang with your guide.

Huozhou Hotel, Turpan

Breakfast and dinner are included Drive from Dunhuang to Liuyuan station

Group tour transfer You'll drive for around two and a half hours through the changing colours of the Gobi desert to Liuyuan. Please be aware that the road is rough in places.

Dunhuang to Turpan By Train Train: D2707 - Dep: 16:17 - Arr: 19:52 - (same day) Class: 2Nd

Turpan introduction Ruins at Jiaohe, Turpan Turpan sits inside the world's second lowest depression. It's the hottest town in China, and receives almost no precipitation. However, there's plenty of water underground, flowing down from the Tian Shan glaciers. This incredible underground irrigation system, known as the karez, is unique to central Asia and, these days, can be seen only in , Iran and western China. An exhibition on the tunnels, all 5,000 km (3,106 miles) of them, can be seen on the outskirts of town next to a large area of grape vines, which thrive in Turpan's climate.

Nearby is the austere Emin minaret and mosque, made entirely of mud brick. Sights out of town include the rather forlorn Bezeklik caves, the Flaming Mountains and the ruined cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe. Also worth a look is the local bazaar, which has a section devoted to birds: the local Uighurs are renowned for being pigeon fanciers and look terribly serious as they weigh up the merits of each specimen.

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Bazaar, Turpan

Transfer from station to hotel Group tour transfer You will be transferred from the station to your hotel.

Thursday Excursion to Tuyaq Valley and the Tombs of Astana 17 May, 2018 Group Tour excursion The Tuyaq Valley snakes its way through the flaming mountains, contrasting the

Huozhou Hotel, Turpan scorched, sun-blemished mountain scenery with the lush green of the oases that Breakfast is included flow through it. The valley is eight kilometres long and your walk will take you

along its steep sides. From the car park you will first pass through a small Uighur village, past a mosque and then you will follow the southern bank of the valley. From here the path crosses a stream and a waterfall before following a boardwalk and the northern bank for another 10-15 minutes. The path finally rises steeply to a small collection of grottoes, which you may be able to see if there is someone on hand to open the gates. Once again, it is the scenery en route, not the frescoes, which is the highlight.

The village itself is a wonderful example of the sleepy way of life here in the heat of rural Xinjiang. You may well be asked to look around some of the villagers' houses, which is a lovely opportunity to learn more about the way of life here. Built from clay, the houses are warm in the winter and cool in the summer, although during the summer months most villagers move their beds outside to sleep in the fresh air. There are no mosquitoes here, and no chance of rain, which makes this an excellent option!

After visiting the Tuyaq Valley, you will head to the Astana tombs around 35 kilometres east of Turpan. The complex itself consists of three tombs which are open to tourists, each accessible by a flight of stairs leading to the chamber, which is about six metres underground. Of particular note is the last tomb you come to, which holds the mummified bodies of two local dignitaries which have been amazingly preserved due to the searing heat and lack of moisture.

Excursion to Jiaohe Group Tour excusion Start your day by visiting Jiaohe. The ruins are arguably the best within the Turpan region and are located in a scenic spot between two rivers. The ruins themselves are the remnants of an ancient garrison town, which was established by the Chinese Buddhists during the Han dynasty. Towards the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century the town was invaded and finally taken over by Muslims, who nevertheless left the Buddhist temple and pagoda standing. The

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town was eventually decimated by Genghis Khan, but the outlines of buildings and the city walls remain.

Excursion to Bezeklik and the Flaming Mountains group tour excursion The Flaming Mountains were first described so by a Chinese monk, Xuan Zang, who passed through the region. It formed the basis of his classic book 'Journey to the West'. They do vaguely look like they are on fire through the midday heat haze and are quite photogenic. Also in the area are the caves at Bezeklik; a number of grottoes dug into the mountainside which contain several Buddhist murals. The history of this site is quite sad as the frescoes here were robbed, vandalised then painted over - all in the last 100 years. The scenery outside, however, is marvellous, so for this alone it is worth the journey.

<> Excursion to Bezeklik and the Flaming Mountains,Turpan

Friday Transfer from Hotel to Urumqi Airport 18 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer You will be transferred from your hotel to Urumqi Airport for your onward flight.

Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, This journey will take around three and a half hours. Kashgar

Breakfast is included

Urumqi to Kashgar China Southern Airlines - Flight No: CZ6809 - Dep: 12:30 - Arr: 14:20 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Kashgar introduction Situated just where you least expect it, sandwiched between a vast sand sea and some of the world's highest mountains, is Kashgar, one of the greatest cities along the Silk Route. At first it may appear drab, but start to explore the Uighar portion of the city, and your impressions may change. Uighar-style homes and labyrinthine alleyways sprawl outwards from the central mosque, the second largest in China. Kashgar market Local craftsmen make Central Asia's finest musical instruments; hawkers push trolleys laden with fruit through the streets. Old men (known as 'aksakals', elders) with long grey beards sip tea on carved wooden balconies and everywhere you'll hear the sound of money changing hands. This is China's 'Wild West', with a culture unrelated to the rest of the country. Indeed, from Kashgar it's a shorter distance to Turkey than to Beijing. The prime attractions are some beautifully designed tombs, a large and venerable mosque and, best of all, one of the great markets of the world.

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Kashgar Mosque

Transfer from Airport to Hotel group tour transfer You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.

Kashgar City Tour group tour excursion The old part of town is an intriguing place. Much of it is caught in a seemingly eternal time-warp, to the chagrin of the Chinese authorities, who want to knock the whole place down. Indeed, there is very little left now of the traditional residential districts. The surviving streets are, however, very atmospheric, and a potter about with a guide can be most rewarding. Particular sights worth seeing include Id Kah Mosque - standing since 1442, and some ancient sections of the medieval city walls. Near to the city is a beautiful and moving mausoleum to a local missionary, Abakh Hoja. The tile work here is amongst the best in western China.

Saturday Excursion to the Mo'er Pagoda 19 May, 2018 Group tour excursion

Around 30 kilometres to the north east of Kashgar sits the Mo’er Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist structure which dates back to the 7th Kashgar Breakfast and lunch are century. This is part of an ancient ruined city within the Shule Kingdom, included where monks and Buddhist pilgrims lived to come and worship at the

pagoda. The city walls were around three kilometres long, although very little of this remains today. The pagoda itself is 12 metres tall and is comprised of three layers. The journey out to the pagoda will take around an hour each way.

Lunch with a local family Group tour excursion The predominant population in most parts of Xinjiang is the Uighur minority. Uighur people are Muslim, and can trace their history back over two millennia to nomads in the vicinity of Lake Baikal. While visiting a Uighur family at their home, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about their culture, religion, and lifestyle through impromptu discussions.

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Afternoon at leisure

Sunday Kashgar Sunday Market 20 May, 2018 Group tour excursion There's nothing like it to the east and little to rival it to the west. The town's

Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel, population swells by more than 80,000 on Sundays - usually far more. These Kashgar unquantifiable hordes - of Uighur, Kazakh, Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese, Dungan, Breakfast is included Kyrgyz, Mongol and Russian complexion - put together one of China's most

engaging spectacles. In the livestock section, on the outskirts of town, goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses get put through their paces by buyers looking for something special - or just a trusty old beast for the apple cart - whilst 'middle-men' - ever on the make - busy themselves with the closing of deals. In the second section the stalls sprawl for more than 2 kilometres through the town.

When looking around the bazaar it is important to remember that it is primarily for local consumption. Local tastes change over time and although 20 years ago - Traditional goods for sale when the livestock bazaar was the main event - you could feel yourself at the ends

of the earth, this is now unlikely to be the case. There is still the frisson of excitement at seeing large crowds of Uighur men, all in traditional clothing, haggling over a particularly fine cow, but you are just as likely to see T-shirts, pots and pans and spare tyres on sale now. The magic of the event is as a focal point for southwest Xinjiang and the adjoining countries - and Kyrgyzstan in particular.

Sunday Market, Kashgar

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Monday Transfer Kashgar to Naryn via Torugart Pass 21 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer with border crossing This overland journey, one of the grandest in Central Asia, is a memorable way to

Hotel Khan Tengri, depart China. It wasn't so long ago that the trip was rendered impossible for Naryn various political reasons, but it is now open season on the Torugart. The brief Breakfast, lunch and grace period between the heavy snows allows all kinds of traffic across - including dinner are included tourists. Precaution should be the byword of the trip. Even if the weather is crystal

clear on leaving Kashgar you should take warm clothes, sun cream, sunglasses and water. As you cross the border in to Kyrgyzstan, the landscape opens up in to a vast, grassy plateau surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Look out for golden eagles and Himalayan vultures circling high on the thermal air currents and the ubiquitous and endearing marmot scampering for cover as you drive past.

Beyond the Chinese immigration post, there are a few bumpy sections of the road up to theTorugart Pass at 3,752 metres. The Kyrgyz side of the pass is a smooth road that crosses the plateau on a journey of around 4 hours to Naryn.

Hotel Tengri

Naryn introduction Naryn is locally famous for its shyrdaks (felt carpets), although the prices tend to be higher here. Some of the surrounding mountain scenery is starkly beautiful, with the best light just after dawn.

Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

Tuesday Naryn to Karakol via Jeti Oghuz 22 May, 2018 Group tour transfer This long journey takes you through the Tian Shan towards Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan's

Hotel Green Yard, famous alpine lake. You'll drive via passes and valleys, which wind gently through Karakol the country side with steep wooded hillsides regularly giving way to open, yurt- Breakfast, lunch and dotted pasture used by local shepherds during summer for grazing their flocks of dinner are included sheep and goats and herds of horses. If approached with your guide, most local

people will be happy to stand and chat and show you the inside of an authentic yurt. In a spirit of hospitality they are likely to want to share their kymyss (fermented mare's milk) with you also, so be warned!

When you reach the lake you head along the southern shore towards the eastern town of Karakol. Provided the weather is clear, the mountains on the southern shore are perhaps more beautiful - and certainly more stark - than those on the northern shore. After your stop in Jeti Oghuz and walk, time and weather permitting, you'll continue towards Karakol, only 30 minutes away.

Jeti-Oghuz

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This will be a very long day as the drive from Naryn to Karakol is around eight hours.

Karakol introduction Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-kul, Karakol is the largest town in the area and the administrative hub of the region. Around the town are the apple orchards for which the area is famous, and beyond these the snow-capped Terskey Alatau mountains cut the horizon. The main reason to come here is the superb scenery nearby, with trekking and horse-riding possibilities as well as multiple opportunities for photography. In the town itself there are a few sights of interest, including a peculiar mosque that looks like a Chinese temple and a pretty wooden Orthodox Church that fills up on Sundays. The mosque is also made of wood and uses no nails whatsoever. On Sundays Karakol has one of the region's more interesting markets. Local farmers, often wearing traditional 'kelpek' hats, pop down, trailing a few goats or cows, and fill up a field on the north edge of town.

Altyn Arashan,. Karakol

Wednesday Karakol to Bishkek via the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul 23 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer This will be another lengthy drive of around seven hours as you take the road

Silk Road Lodge, Bishkek north of Lake Issyk-Kul to Bishkek via a visit to the Burana Tower in Tokmok. Breakfast and lunch are

included

Bishkek introduction This is Kyrgyzstan's financial and political capital, and the country's international face. The city is small and manageable, and no less striking for that. Taking a walk around sometimes feels like strolling through a forest with a few buildings here and there. The city's inhabitants are a friendly bunch, and in the evenings, locals can be seen promenading along the central streets.

The main attractions of the city are its small size and lack of pretension, as well as a couple of fine museums, and a beautiful Russian cathedral. Also here, are the enormous 'Osh' bazaar and a giant statue of Lenin, that someone has clearly Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan forgotten to remove! It is in the capital where the greatest ethnic mix can be

found: Kyrgyz, Russians, Koreans, Uighurs, Kazakhs and Dungans all seem to mingle quite happily.

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Ala Archa, Bishkek

Thursday Bishkek City Tour 24 May, 2018 Group tour excursion A tour of this congenial capital makes for an interesting and relaxing day. Although

Wyndham Tashkent, there is nothing to compare to some of Central Asia's more famous destinations, Tashkent the city can offer a poignant National History Museum, with exhibits on Kyrgyz Breakfast and dinner are victims of Stalin as well as some interesting displays on Kyrgyz applied arts. Also included worth seeing are some of the Soviet-era relics that remain - such as Lenin's giant

statue defiantly pointing at the nearby parliament building, and the old department store, Zum.

Transfer from Hotel to Airport Group Tour transfer You will be transfered to the airport in time for your flight.

Bishkek to Tashkent Statue of Amir Timur, Tashkent Uzbekistan Airways - Flight No: HY780 - Dep: 18:40 - Arr: 19:00 - (same day); Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Tashkent introduction Virtually flattened in an earthquake in 1966, Tashkent has now been rebuilt and is the capital of the most interesting of the Central Asian countries. Although most buildings date back to the Soviet era, if you venture into the old part of the city you may be surprised at the culture and history that remains. The skyline is dominated by concrete apartment blocks decorated with traditional Uzbek motifs, but on the ground you will find parks, monuments, tree-lined avenues and an interesting older town with a vibrant market and shady courtyards. Particular points of interest here include the country's finest museums, the Alisher Navoi Opera House and the fascinating Soviet-era Metro stations, all with art-deco designs (and the trains are on time).

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Transfer from Airport to Hotel group tour transfer You will be taken for supper before being transfered to your hotel.

Friday Transfer from Hotel to Airport 25 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

Hotel Malika, Khiva

Breakfast is included

Tashkent to Urgench Uzbekistan Airways - Flight No: HY1055 - Dep: 07:40 - Arr: 09:20 - (same day); Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Urgench introduction With little to interest the visitor and unspectacular accommodation and restaurants, many westerners wonder why they have made the effort to travel to Urgench. On visiting nearby Khiva, they realise that the journey was worthwhile. Urgench is best used as a transport hub to explore this less visited area of the country. Khiva, Uzbekistan

Urgench to Khiva Group Tour transfer The drive from Urgench to Khiva takes around 45 minutes, travelling along a good surfaced road. As you approach Khiva the road passes through residential areas before winding around and through the old city walls to arrive in the old town itself.

Khiva introduction Uzbekistan's western flank forms the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. This hot dry region bordering Turkmenistan is home to a fascinating history, under the Khans of Khorezm, typified by the walled city of Khiva. The name itself is most often associated with slavery, in this case of Russians, who were captured within the boundaries of the khanate and taken to the walled city as indentured labourers. This rather sordid historical episode has a lighter end; many slaves were freed by the surprising intervention of two British officers, Lieutenant Richard Shakespear and Captain James Abbott. Other activities for which the khanate was known include the rather harsh use of minarets as execution towers, plus some interesting forms of punishment for transgressors of local law. Attractions in Khiva are

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numerous, including the superbly preserved and renovated city walls and dozens of mosques and medressas. The city is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the sun begins to dip; the fading light makes for some beautiful photography.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Exploring Khiva group tour excursion Khiva is a walker's town, with most of the monuments within a short distance of each other. The Ichon Qala citadel, its giant defensive wall dominating the skyline, marks out the old town from the new town, which sprawls out towards the desert on all sides. For most visitors the citadel walls are a place of fascination in their own right. Starting at the West Gate your guide will take you to the chief points of interest. First up are the Kala Minor minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa. The former is a stunning example of majolica techniques and looks slightly eccentric due to being left unfinished. Also nearby are The Ark - with a charming display on dungeons in a side room - and the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa, a lovely building often overlooked by large tour groups. A look inside the Juma mosque is worthwhile - the pillars here support the huge ceiling without artificial assistance. An interesting building to the north is the Tosh-Khovli Palace - the former royal harem - with stunning tile work and some interesting design motifs. The highlights to either side of the central street include the Pahlavon Mohammed Mausoleum and the Islom-Huja mosque and minaret. The latter is Khiva's highest point and, if you can climb all 118 steps, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the town and the desert beyond.

Saturday Khiva to Bukhara 26 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer The journey from Khiva to Bukhara is a long and hot one through the Kyzyl Kum

Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara desert - one of the world's most inhospitable places. There are animals here, and Breakfast, lunch and you may occasionally catch sight of some - including monitor lizards and eagles - dinner are included but generally there is not an awful lot to see along the way. It is possible to stop

and take a photo of the Oxus River (Amu Darya) and, from the road, there are one or two colossal gas refineries. Otherwise, drink plenty of water and relax for what is usually a seven hour journey.

Bukhara introduction Bukhara, Central Asia's holiest city, is also one of its most manageable. Most of the hotels and guesthouses are dotted among the well-preserved old town and the principal monuments of interest are almost all within walking distance of each other. There's an informal saying about Bukhara: that 'two visits here are worth

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Bukhara, Uzbekistan one to Mecca' — and you can see why. There are more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, including madrasas, mausoleums, mosques, minarets and a

handful of caravanserais. Indeed, there's so much to see that one day is simply not enough. Due to the old town's separation from the new city next door, Bukhara has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, ideal for taking your time.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Sunday City tour of Bukhara 27 May, 2018 group tour excursion The sheer quantity of sights here means most visitors cannot see everything. The

Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara true highlights of the city are detailed below. Breakfast is included

One of the city’s most recognisable monuments is the Kalon mosque and minaret complex. The minaret has stood for 850 years. It was, unbelievably, spared by Genghis Khan and later bombed by the artillery of the Red Army Commander Mikhail Frunze. Around 150 metres away is the Ark, an ancient citadel that was the home of the rulers of the region for more than 1,000 years. The Emirs who ruled from here were infamous for their depraved regime and the summer palace, on the edge of town, shows evidence of their elaborate lifestyle. Other recommended sights include the famous four-domed Chor Minor, the Spring of the Prophet Job, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum - one of the most beautiful monuments in Central Asia. One fascinating addition to a city tour is the small Jewish synagogue Bukhara mosque and minaret complex just south of the Lyabi Hauz. There have been Jews living in Bukhara for more than

800 years and their dwindling community is centred around this building.

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Bukhara

Monday Exploration around Bukhara 28 May, 2018 Group Tour excursion Today you'll visit some of the sites of interest around the town of Bukhara,

Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara including Vobkent and on to Gijduvan. On the way back to town you'll stop at the Breakfast is included shrine of the famous Sufi Saint Bakhauddin Naqshbandi.

Tuesday Bukhara to Samarkand (via Shakhrisabz) 29 May, 2018 group tour transfer From Bukhara, the road veers off toward Termez. Just south of the Zerafshan

Hotel Sultan Boutique, Mountains and within sight of the Fan Mountains is Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Samarkand Tamerlane. The monuments in this town are a testament to the glorious Breakfast and lunch are architecture that flowered in the region in Tamerlane's time. They may also remind included some visitors of Shelley's poem Ozymandias - the giant statue of Tamerlane

alongside the ruins of what he built certainly makes for an interesting comparison. Perhaps the most poignant sight is the tomb of the tyrant's beloved eldest son, Jehangir. After Shakhrisabz, the drive to Samarkand is remarkably scenic.

Including your time in Shakhrisabz, this will be a full day, arriving in to Samarkand early evening. It is likely you will stop of for supper before checking into your hotel.

Shakhrisabz

Samarkand introduction

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Sandwiched between desert wastes and the High Pamir, and drained by the Zerafshan River, Samarkand is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest cities of the Orient. A brief rollcall of some of the city's many visitors reveals the importance of the place: Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Babur, Tamerlane, Ulughbek and Marco Polo. There is, perhaps, nowhere better in central Asia to see the sweep of human history.

The Registan ensemble, the finest public square in the world, according to Lord Curzon, dominates the Old Town, along with the gigantic proportions of Bibi Khanym Mosque. A short walk away lie the old street of tombs, the Shahr-i-Zindah, and the remains of the ancient city conquered by the Macedonians over 2,000 years ago. Elsewhere, there is a fine and colourful bazaar, and the ornate splendour of Tamerlane's tomb at Gur Emir.

Samarkand majolica tilework

Wednesday Samarkand City Tour 30 May, 2018 Group tour excursion Unlike Bukhara, where walking from site to site is possible, Samarkand's attractions

Hotel Sultan Boutique, are spread right across the city. Starting in the centre, the Mosque of Bibi Khanym Samarkand dominates the skyline. It was once the biggest mosque in the world and has been Breakfast is included partially rebuilt with UNESCO's help. Inside is an enormous Qur'an stand, under

which women yearning for lots of children are reputed to crawl, seeking heavenly help. Not far away from here, set back from the street, is the Registan Square. It is indescribably beautiful - a monument to majesty covered in majolica tiles of awesome complexity and craftsmanship. The square is made up of three buildings, one of which dates back to the early 15th century. High up on the façade of the Sherdor Medressa are two giant lions - though the artists had clearly never seen any before - flouting, in a very public way, Islamic doctrine on the depiction of live animals. About a kilometre west is Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. The atmospheric interior is covered in golden tiles with inscriptions proclaiming the status of the occupant. The large slab of that marks the tyrant's tomb is, by Samarkand, Uzbekistan convention, simply a headstone, with the body buried in a separate chamber below.

Heading east you come to the Old Town with its tangled alleyways and hidden courtyards. Extending along the northern side of the Old Town is the Shahr-i- Zindah, one of the city's main cemeteries. Standing on either side of a preserved medieval street here are some exquisite mausoleums, with majolica patterns and colours that are quite distinct from anything else in the country. Heading along the Tashkent road out of town you come to Samarkand's best archaeological sight -

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Afrosyab. This was the city that the Macedonians conquered more than 2,000 years ago and is now an open archaeological dig, occasionally used as goat pasture by local shepherds. To the north lies the Ulughbek observatory, the remains of a massive astrolab used to determine the precise position of the stars.

Thursday Transfer from Hotel to Station 31 May, 2018 Group Tour transfer You will be collected from your accommodation in time to make an unhurried

Wyndham Tashkent, journey to the railway station for your onward journey. Tashkent

Breakfast and dinner are included Samarkand to Tashkent by Train

Group Tour transfer This rail journey takes around two and a half hours, leaving in the late afternoon.

Samarkand to Tashkent By Train Train: TBC - Dep: 00:00 - Arr: 00:00 - (-365 days later) Class: Economy Class

Short tour of Tashkent Group Tour excursion Tashkent, Uzbekistan Tashkent sprawls in all directions from its focal point, Amir Temur Square. It is here that you can see Uzbekistan's curious elevation of Tamerlane to national hero. The tyrant's defiant posture atop a huge horse is certainly engaging. In the evenings the square fills up with chess players, who will happily play anybody. From here looking west is the Zerafshan - a popular jumble of cafés, restaurants and shops. At the other end of this is a fascinating sight - the last palace of the Romanovs in Central Asia. The building was abandoned to the Bolsheviks during the revolution and, for that reason alone, retains considerable atmosphere. Unfortunately you can't go inside - it is now used, ironically enough, by the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. On the other side of the stadium is the ankhor - Tashkent's central canal. You are highly likely to see boys and men of all ages leaping in and out of this fast-flowing channel during the hotter months. Along the banks are some very pleasant tea houses - chaykhanas in Uzbek - where you can find shade and a fresh pot of the local brew.

One of the finest ways to get around the city is by using the Metro. The style throughout is very Moscow circa 1937, though the oldest stations were constructed only 40 years ago. It is not clear which parts are original and which parts have been renovated, though some stations - in particular, Alisher Navoi and Amir Timur - are very fine indeed. Near the latter is Tashkent's pretty opera house, with nightly performances between September and May.

Older attractions in the city include the Kukeldash Medressa, a fine old pile near the bazaar, and Khast Imom, home to what is thought to be the world's oldest extant Qur'an.

Farewell dinner group tour dinner As tonight is your last night on the group tour, there will be a farewell dinner.

Friday Transfer from Hotel to Airport 01 June, 2018 Group Tour transfer

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You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

Tashkent Terminal: 2 to Istanbul Terminal: I Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TK 369 - Dep: 08:15 - Arr: 11:35 - (same day) - Duration: 05hr 20min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Istanbul Terminal: I to London Heathrow Terminal: 2 Turkish Airlines - Flight No: TK1985 - Dep: 12:45 - Arr: 14:40 - (same day) - Duration: 03hr 55min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Important Notes  Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change.  Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel.  All flight times are local.

44 Itinerary in Detail Accommodation

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective. Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.

Accommodation 45 Accommodation

NOVOTEL PEACE HOTEL, BEIJING First Class

The Novotel Peace Hotel is a four star joint-venture hotel, located in the very heart of Beijing’s famous Wangfujing shopping district, and close to Tiananmen Square. The 344-room hotel offers all the usual facilities visitors expect, including a variety of restaurants serving Chinese and European cuisine, and even a Korean barbecue.

Our opinion:

A long-standing Audley favourite, the Peace Hotel has an ideal location in the bustling Wangfujing shopping and entertainment district, and is walking distance from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Rooms here are comfortable and spacious, making this an excellent choice.

MERCURE HOTEL, XIAN Medium

The Mercure Hotel is a comfortable, elegantly appointed hotel, situated on Renmin Square. Rooms have modern facilities and are tastefully decorated. Guests can also make use of the facilities of the nearby Sofitel Hotel.

Our opinion: The Mercure is positioned in a great location and is part of a complex of five hotels.

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SILK ROAD DUNHUANG HOTEL, DUNHUANG Medium

Located on the edge of town, overlooking the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel offers probably the best quality accommodation in the area. The hotel has a rooftop cafe with panoramic views of the desert. Rooms are decorated to reflect the character of the region and both the cafe and the restaurant offer good, reasonably priced food. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection is not reliable in all the rooms. Our opinion: While there are new hotels being built in the area, this hotel offers some of the best accommodation and in great surroundings: the breakfast bar offers expansive views over the sand dunes.

HUOZHOU HOTEL, TURPAN Medium

This is the best hotel option in Turpan, centrally located by an attractive lakeside park, plenty of restaurants and the Turpan Museum. This is a hotel typical of provincial China and not a particularly inspiring place to stay, though is currently the best option.

Our opinion: This hotel is the best option for accommodation in Turpan and has a great location but serves rather poor quality food for breakfast.

Accommodation 47 Accommodation

LUXEMON QINIBAGH HOTEL, KASHGAR Medium

The Luxemon Qinibagh, once used as the British Consulate General for Kashgar, is located close to Kashgar Bazaar, the Id Kah Mosque and the town's central hub. The hotel has over 300 rooms, a restaurant serving both western and Chinese food, and a lobby bar. Rooms have western facilities including air conditioning and phones able to make international calls.

Our opinion: The location of this hotel makes it stand out from the other choices in Kashgar, and although the breakfast is poor you'll still have a comfortable stay here.

HOTEL KHAN TENGRI, NARYN Simple

This simple hotel is comfortable for an overnight stay with no frills in this remote part of Kyrgyzstan. It's in a quiet area, a short walk from the town's central hub. The hotel has recently expanded and there are two new buildings offering more rooms with some great views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are large but basic, with western facilities. The hotel also has a traditionally decorated restaurant in an adjacent building, which offers local and western dishes.

Our opinion: We think that this is the best choice in Naryn and although the rooms offer simple facilities they are comfortable and in beautiful surroundings. The large restaurant offers good dinners, a very large breakfast and it's not rare for some live singing to take place in the evening.

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HOTEL GREEN YARD, KARAKOL Simple

Hotel Green Yard is a bright and comfortable hotel. It's located a few minutes from downtown and 18 km (11.18 miles) from the shores of Issyk- Kul Lake. It's also a good base for those wishing to explore the Djetyy- Oguz, Karakol and Ak-Suu gorges that run into the Teskey Ala-Too Mountains.

The hotel offers 14 guest rooms, each featuring a flat-screen satellite TV, Wi- Fi access, an en suite bathroom, hair dryer and individually controlled heating. The rooms on the south side benefit from great views over the nearby mountain ranges. The on-site restaurant serves local and Russian food, and has a selection of French wines. There are also three sitting rooms, and a Russian-Finnish sauna. Bicycle hire is available.

Our opinion: Our preferred hotel in Karakol, we love the home-cooked breakfast at the Green Yard Hotel, where everything is made from local produce, including the large selection of jams and honeys which accompany the pancakes, kasha and syrniki.

Accommodation 49 Accommodation

SILK ROAD LODGE, BISHKEK Medium

This three-star hotel is located in a suburb of Bishkek, within walking distance of the National Parliament. The facilities and rooms here are basic but homely, with plenty of space for those in the middle of a long journey.

Our opinion: Although the hotel is relatively simple its welcoming and comfortable, there is a brilliant restaurant called Arzu just a 5-minute walk away that we highly recommend. Its also possible to walk to the centre of the city via a park.

WYNDHAM TASHKENT, TASHKENT Medium

The centrally-located Wyndham hotel, offers amongst the best quality accommodation in Tashkent. Rooms are international business style and of a reasonable size, though those front facing can be a little noisy. Other hotel facilities are smart and modern, with a good quality breakfast buffet available.

Our opinion: Room quality at this hotel can be a little disappointing compared with the lobby and exterior renovations. Having said that, it's still one of the best quality accommodations on offer in the city.

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HOTEL MALIKA, KHIVA Medium

This hotel is superbly situated, just 50 metres away from the west gate of the Ichon Qala, and is the best hotel in town. The rooms are simple and comfortable, surrounding an indoor courtyard. The restaurant here serves up a mixture of Uzbek and Turkish food, and occasionally puts on performances of traditional music.

Our opinion: Although just outside the city walls, the location is beautiful and the friendly service and comfortable rooms make this hotel a brilliant option.

MINZIFA HOTEL, BUKHARA Medium

This beautiful boutique hotel, situated to the south of the Lyabi Hauz pond, is a restored former merchant's home. As with much of the old Jewish Quarter, some of Bukhara's best houses were here, and many are now opening their doors to visitors.

The rooms are en suite, and have satellite television, and the hotel has a small restaurant and an ayvan - Uzbek colonnaded terrace.

Our opinion: A true boutique hotel, the traditional rooms, friendly owners and great location make this a fantastic option.

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HOTEL SULTAN BOUTIQUE, SAMARKAND Medium

This is a pleasant boutique hotel, built in 2014, located next to Gur Emir Mausoleum and an easy walk away from the Registan. Decorated in a traditional Uzbek style, the hotel has 17 rooms.

The hotel's rooftop terrace offers fantastic views of Gur Emir Mausoleum and is a great place to relax in the evening after a busy day's sightseeing.

Our opinion: The location of this hotel is great and we love the small boutique feel although the mattresses are a little firm for some people.

52 Accommodation Charity support

Each of our regional teams supports a charity or charities in that region. This is one that is close to their hearts and the team fundraise through the year. Additionally, we have an overall company charity of the year, to find out more visit: www.audleytravel.com/rt. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and Audley’s Contribution The Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) is dedicated to helping children in need with education, medical care, social opportunities and job placement. Located in the country’s capital, the foundation conducts outreach work in and around Ulaan Bataar offering housing for poor and single parent families as well as medical care, shelter and schooling for street children. In 1997 the foundation established a permanent centre here with the aim of creating a stable home for as many orphaned children as possible. Today the charity’s ‘Sunshine Ger Village’, boasts a number of residential gers (the traditional felt tent of the Mongolian people) and other facilities which serve as a stable home for 60 children and young adults ranging in age from 2 to 24 years old. Each residential ger is staffed by an adopted ger mother, often a single parent herself, who creates a loving home for all of the children within her care. At school age the children are enrolled alongside their peers at the local district school: learning within the community and gaining vital qualifications for later adult life. Children below school age attend the Foundation’s kindergarten, constructed in 2002 on land adjacent to the ger village. The kindergarten also serves the wider community and provides invaluable pre-school education to children of local families.

Our contribution As part of their outreach work in the capital CNCF also administer the ‘Give a Ger’ fund, an emergency fund established to provide families in danger of becoming homeless with a secure and comfortable place to live. This has proved an essential lifeline for many in a country which is renowned for its particularly harsh winters where temperatures drop as low as -40C, conditions which often drive whole families beneath the city’s streets as they find refuge in central heating pipes and vents. In 2008 our department made a £500 donation to the charity which bought a ger for a nomadic family who had been living in what can only be described as a primitive hut in the heart of the city’s slum district.

In 2009 we decided to strengthen our support for the charity by committing our annual donation to sponsor a child through his secondary education. Delgerbat is an, ambitious 15 year old young man who we have been supporting through the Christina Nobel Children’s Foundation Child sponsorship programme. We donate an annual amount to the foundation each year which goes towards ensuring that he is able to attend school and provides the funds for his family to purchase the supplies he needs. Delgerbat is from a single parent family and when we started to sponsor him, he, his mother and his older sister were surviving on less than $100 a month and were living in a run-down rented ger on the outskirts of Ulaan Bataar. The sponsorship money has helped to ensure that he continued to attend school and as a result he has flourished, learning Chinese and Russian and taking pleasure in reading, becoming the class librarian. He has always had high hopes, when we first met him, through the foundation’s annual reports, he just wanted to be the boss, now he hopes to be an economist, an ambition which we wholeheartedly hope he realises.

If you would like further information please speak to your specialist or visit www.cncf.org

Charity support 53 General information

Passport & visa information for British citizens

You must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months following the return date of your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s) for all sectors of your journey. Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges. For further details on passports and visas, or for information on requirements for non-British citizens, please check www.cibtvisas.co.uk/audleytravel

Travel insurance

It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Cover should include medical expenses, as well as repatriation, in the event of accident or illness. In addition, we strongly recommend that you have cover for personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities on your trip, including trekking, you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions.

The type of trips we create and the requirements of Audley clients vary greatly. There are a number of companies who offer policies which may suit these varying requirements. You can find links to the companies' websites at www.audleytravel.com/insurance

Once you have a travel insurance policy in place, please let your specialist know who your insurance company is and your policy number. Having this information enables us to support you should an emergency situation arise.

Health

It is essential that you visit your GP or a travel clinic well in advance of travel, preferably at least six weeks ahead, to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections, and some may be incompatible with certain medicines or medical conditions. It is therefore important that your own individual medical history is taken into account. For up-to-date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) www.masta-travel-health.com, the NHS website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or NaTHNaC www.travelhealthpro.org.uk

Mosquito bite avoidance In many tropical countries, mosquitoes can spread diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, malaria, yellow fever and Zika virus. It is essential that you seek medical advice prior to travel, and especially if you are pregnant or have an underlying medical condition. Whilst travelling there are several simple measures you can take to reduce your risk of infections spread by mosquitoes: wear suitable clothing and cover up at times of day when mosquitoes are active, use insect repellent on exposed skin, and use a mosquito net if sleeping in unscreened accommodation. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you have a fever or display any other symptoms. If you become unwell on your return, make sure you tell your doctor about any trips abroad you have taken in the past year.

High altitude Your itinerary may include sections where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet (3,048 metres). If you suffer from circulation, heart or respiratory problems we advise that you consult with your doctor before confirming your booking.

Pre-existing medical conditions and your ability to participate The nature of many of the destinations we travel to means that in some cases they may be unsuitable for those who use a wheelchair or have a lack of mobility. However we will be delighted to discuss the feasibility of creating a tailor-made itinerary for you that takes into consideration your level of mobility. To assist us in doing this we may ask you to complete a short questionnaire.

It is essential that you advise us before booking if you do have any disability or pre-existing medical condition which may affect your holiday, or if you have any special requirements as a result of any disability or medical condition (including any which affect the booking process) so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or in making the booking. It will also enable us to make sure you receive the relevant level of assistance when you fly. Full details must be confirmed in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs.

54 General information General information

On our tailor-made tours and escorted group tours the guides and tour leaders are, unfortunately, unable to offer additional assistance to passengers with limited mobility and all such assistance will need to be provided by whoever the passenger is travelling with. We may request that you provide a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to travel.

Special dietary requirements Special diets should be noted on the booking form; however, it is not always possible to expect special diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we feature. We will advise the hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability. If you have an airborne nut allergy you must make us aware at the time of booking as most airlines require this information in advance of travel. Please note that all special meals for flights must be requested at least 48 hours in advance.

Government travel advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas destinations and offers advice to British citizens. In order to be fully informed of safety issues, crime rates, political stability and local customs you can view the advice at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

We monitor FCO advice carefully and on occasion may be required to cancel trips, re-route itineraries or make other changes to trips based on the warnings given. Any decision will always be taken in the interests of your safety and security and will be communicated fully with you.

Travelling with children

If travelling with a child and only one parent is present, please be aware that you must have the permission of everyone with parental responsibility before that child can be taken abroad. You automatically have parental responsibility if you’re the child’s mother, but you still need the permission of anyone else with parental responsibility before you take the child abroad. A letter from the person with parental responsibility for the child is usually enough to show you’ve got permission to take them abroad. You might be asked for the letter at a UK or foreign border. The letter should include the other person’s contact details and details about the trip.

If you are a single parent but your family name is different from the child’s you are advised to travel with evidence of your relationship (eg a birth certificate) and a divorce or marriage certificate.

You should also check the requirements of the country you are travelling to as they may have additional specific requirements and the age limit up to which a person is considered a child may vary.

Flights

Flight routing The difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight can cause confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight no change of aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will be made en route either to refuel or to board or disembark passengers. On non-stop flights no change of aircraft is required and no stops are made en route. Exact details of your route will be given in your itinerary.

Internal flights Smaller local airlines are more likely to change their schedule at short notice. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance of travelling but this may not always be possible.

Seating Most airlines now operate one of two main seating policies. The majority offer paid-for seating, with a smaller number maintaining a free-of-charge seating policy; please ask your country specialist for details regarding the seating policy of the airline you are booked to travel with. More detail on each type of seating can be found below:

Paid-for seating The majority of airlines now offer you the opportunity to secure specific seats in advance of travel by paying an additional premium. In order to do this it is a requirement of the airlines that you have fully paid for your flight ticket. Once a flight ticket is fully paid for amendment charges will apply should you wish to change your arrangements (please see the section entitled The flexibility of flight arrangements, below). Please be aware that, even with paid-for seating, some changes can be made by the airline that are outside of our control and which may affect your paid-for seating. If you do not wish to pay a premium to secure a specific seat you can wait until online check-in opens, usually 24 hours in advance of travel, and reserve a seat at this point.

General information 55 General information

Free-of-charge seat requests For the airlines that still maintain a free-of-charge seating policy we will do all we can to try to reserve a specific seat for you, if you have a preference. Please make it clear on your booking form if you have a specific request. However, whilst airlines may allow us to make free-of-charge seat requests, they will not guarantee any such seat reservations. Most airlines now allow you to check-in online 24 hours ahead of travel and select or re-confirm free-of-charge seat reservations at this stage. If seating is important to you and you have been unable to check-in online it is always best to arrive for your flight early.

The flexibility of flight arrangements If fully flexible flight arrangements are important to you, please let your specialist know at the earliest possible time in the quote process so they can include the most appropriate fare for you. We primarily use special ‘inclusive tour’ fares when we purchase your tickets from the airlines and while these fares are very good value they are inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds once the tickets are issued. If your specialist uses this type of fare then once your flight is confirmed the airlines will charge an amendment fee or insist on the purchase of a completely new ticket should you wish to make changes.

Frequent flyer clubs If you collect points through any of the airline frequent flyer clubs and wish to accrue points on your Audley trip, please let your specialist know so that they can chose an appropriate airfare where points can be awarded. Please provide your membership details on the booking form and we will ensure that these are recorded against your flight reservation.

If you wish to use your points to purchase flights then you will have to make these arrangements directly with the airline as we are not able to access fares in this way. If you do chose to do this please provide the flight details to your specialist so they can ensure the ground arrangements dovetail with your flights.

Carbon offsetting your flights The carbon footprint of flying is relatively high and we would encourage you to offset your flights by contributing to our carbon reduction scheme operated by ClimateCare. We carbon offset all our staff research trips. The quote for your trip will include an optional amount for carbon offsetting, which can be paid at the time of booking or you can make your payment directly to ClimateCare using their carbon calculator www.climatecare.org/calculator

Accommodation & additional travel services

UK airport hotels, car parking and lounges We are able to arrange airport hotel accommodation, car parking, meet and greet services and airport lounge access in the UK, subject to availability. To arrange any of these services please speak to your country specialist.

Hotel room configuration There is often confusion over the terminology used for bed arrangements (eg single, double, twin) in hotel rooms, and this can vary considerably from country to country. If you have specific requirements please do make this clear to your country specialist. We will endeavour to confirm your preferred configuration wherever possible but please note that all rooms are allocated at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

World travel & cultural differences

Many of our destinations are in parts of the world where attitudes, infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and cultures are very different from our own. This is often the very reason to visit the destination but certain aspects may be frustrating, disorientating or even stressful. A sense of humour can prove invaluable when travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft and communicating with hotel staff whose first language is not English.

Airlines may change their schedules, roads may close and government regulations may alter. Should there be any changes to the travel arrangements you have booked we will do our best to keep you informed of the situation prior to departure, and we will of course assist with any issues that arise whilst you are travelling.

Health and safety standards Every country has its own regulations and enforcement levels relating to health and safety standards. These do not always match the very high standards we are used to in the UK. The health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance and we are continually working to assess and improve the services we provide. We provide more information on things to be aware of whilst you are travelling in the Important Information section of your Travel Organiser, which you will receive around 14 days before you depart on your trip.

56 General information General information

Security Opportunistic crime such as bag-snatching and pick-pocketing is unfortunately a fact of life in many destinations. Use your common sense when walking around, make use of hotel safes where available, and leave all but essential valuables at home. We suggest carrying a photocopy of your passport separately from the original document, purely as a back-up.

Quality Assurance

Financial security We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that we provide are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check to ensure that the booking reference shown on it matches your booking and that all your flights are listed on it. Please see Section 12 of our Terms and conditions for further information about financial protection and www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate for further information on the ATOL Certificate.

*The flight inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the Civil Aviation Authority website at www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Those package arrangements which do not include any flights and therefore are not protected by our ATOL are covered by ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust. This insurance means your money will be refunded or you will be returned to the starting point of your contracted arrangements if already abroad in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency. (For more details please see Section 12 of the Terms and Conditions.) In these instances you will not receive an ATOL certificate with your invoice.

AITO Membership Audley Travel is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and as such we sign up to the AITO Quality Charter. Please visit AITO’s website www.aito.com for more details or call 0208 744 9280.

Responsible Travel At Audley we are passionate about the countries we specialise in, therefore it is a natural progression that we help to protect each region and maximise the benefits that tourism can bring. Responsible Travel (RT) doesn't mean having to compromise on the enjoyment of your trip or the quality of your accommodation. We feel strongly that we should directly benefit the communities we visit whenever possible through sustainable travel, environmental protection and social projects, without sacrificing comfort or character. For more information about our social responsibility please visit our website www.audleytravel.com/about-us/responsible-travel

General information 57 Terms and conditions

Please read the following conditions carefully. All (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to Alterations or cancellations by you after holidays are sold by us subject to these conditions and make payment to them earlier than normal. Such commencement of travel and unused services the other general information in this booklet, our requests may, for example, be made in order to secure We will do our best to implement any changes to your brochures and quotations. accommodation and other services during periods of arrangements you request once they have commenced, peak demand. Whilst suppliers may have no contractual but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices right to make such requests, failure to comply with event of such amendments being made you will be are at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 them may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. liable for any direct cancellation charges that may be 9SX) are members of the Association of Independent Where this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask levied for the services originally booked, and for the Tour Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter you to make payment of the requested sum within a cost of booking the revised arrangements and the referred to as 'we', 'us', 'our') offers a number of stipulated period and prior to balance due date. We arrangements themselves. We cannot guarantee products and the trading names we use are 'Audley', will of course endeavour to avoid doing so if we can. refunds will be paid to clients who do not complete a and 'Audley Travel'. In these Terms and Conditions, Any such early payment will be non-refundable except tour. However where we ourselves are able to obtain a 'you' and 'your' means all persons named on the as set out in clause 4. refund from hotels or principals for services not used, booking, or any of them as applicable (including anyone we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable who is added or substituted at a later date). (v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our administration charges. authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it the agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE are governed by English law. We both agree that any due date as specified on the booking If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in confirmation/invoice and quotation. All payments made depending on the detail of your policy, be able to connection with this contract or your holiday, will be to one of our authorised travel agents for the recover the cancellation charges, check your policy for dealt with by the AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause arrangements we have contracted to provide will be details. Never travel without insurance, the unexpected 9 or the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in held by them on our behalf. If you book your holiday can always happen. It is your responsibility to ensure the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or through a travel agent who is not a member of ABTA, you are adequately covered by insurance for all Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings may be all payments must be made to us directly and not your elements of your trip. Please read your policy and take brought in the Courts of your home country. If travel agent. it on holiday with you. proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract 2. If you change your holiday 4. If we change your holiday governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as If, after the contract between us has come into We start planning the holidays we offer many months applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will existence, you want to change your holiday we will do in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to apply. our best to pass your request to the relevant supplier, and correct errors in itineraries and other details both however we cannot guarantee that such changes can be before and after bookings have been confirmed and 1.Paying for your holiday made. Where a change can be made, we will charge for very rarely cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in any additional costs incurred including any costs always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, your itinerary quotation and on our website. All imposed or incurred by any of our suppliers, and we must reserve the right to do so. However, we bookings are subject to these terms and conditions and including for example cancellation charges that may be promise we will only cancel your confirmed booking by asking us to confirm your booking, and by paying a incurred for sectors cancelled. You should note, for after balance due date where you have failed to comply deposit, the person who makes the booking is taken to example, that a change of name on or other alteration with any requirement of these booking conditions have accepted these booking conditions on behalf of all to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% cancellation entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time or persons named on the booking. Once we have received charge and full rebooking fee. unacceptably abusive behaviour) or where we are the applicable payment(s) due at the time of booking forced to do so as a result of 'force majeure' as defined (see below), we will, subject to availability of the 3. If you cancel your holiday in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this date for requested arrangements, send you your booking If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the any other reason. confirmation/invoice. It is at the point when we issue entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, this to you that a valid contract will come into written notification must be sent to us by recorded Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to existence between us. Please check your booking delivery post or by email. As proof of receipt by email make a 'significant change'. A significant change is a confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully of your notification to cancel you must receive and change made before departure which, taking account of as soon as you receive them and contact us retain written acknowledgement from Audley Travel. the information you give us at the time of booking and immediately if you think any details are incorrect. We If you wish to cancel your entire booking, a cancellation which we can reasonably be expected to know as a regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not charge will be payable by you on the date the letter is tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a notified of any inaccuracies (for which we are received, or the email is acknowledged by Audley major effect on your holiday. Significant changes are responsible) in any document within ten days of our Travel. The charge is applied in two parts: first, as a likely to include the following changes when made sending it out).We will do our best to rectify any percentage of the total holiday cost as follows: before departure; a change of accommodation to that mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you of a lower official classification or standard for the must meet any costs involved in doing so. Up to balance due date 15% whole or a major part of the time you are away*, a From balance due date 25% change of accommodation area for the whole or a (ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The major part of the time you are away, a change of UK deposit required will be shown on the quotation page And secondly, in addition to the above, any amounts outward departure time or overall length of time you of your itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part paid in addition to the deposit at the time of booking are away of 12 or more hours, or a change of UK payment of certain elements of your holiday (such as or before the cancellation date (see clauses 1(ii) and departure airport to one which is more inconvenient flights) may be required at the time of booking or at 1(iv)) which are likely to be non-refundable in the event for you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). some point between booking and balance due date. of cancellation, plus (i.e. in addition to the above) any Also see clause 1 (iv) for other advance payments payments and direct charges we are contractually *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during which may be required. The balance must be paid not required to make to third parties in connection with a tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the later than the date specified on the booking your holiday (to the extent not already paid under tour, does not constitute a significant change. confirmation/invoice. This is normally no less than 8 clause 1(ii) and/or clause 1(iv) above), although we shall weeks before the departure date. However, there are a endeavour to mitigate these to the extent we can If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we few destinations or trip components that require reasonably do so. In respect of cancellation of part of will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do payment no less than 90 days before the departure your booking, the cancellation charge payable by you so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the date which will be specified on your booking will comprise any direct cancellation costs and charges following options:- confirmation/invoice and quotation. Please note if we we incur as a result of such cancellation, our do not receive all payments due (including any reasonable administration costs of dealing with the (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we will cancellation arrangements, plus any payments we are arrangements or contact you to confirm that you wish to cancel your contractually required to make to third parties in booking, and you must pay the cancellation charges connection with the cancelled part of the holiday to the (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a shown in clause 3. extent not already paid under clause 1(ii) and/or clause similar standard to that originally booked if available. 1(iv) above, although we shall endeavour to mitigate Please note: Due to the original and individual nature of (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for these to the extent we can reasonably do so. our holidays it frequently may not be possible to offer all bookings made after balance due date as above. you a comparable holiday to that originally booked.

(c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us.

58 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions

You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of 6. Surcharges (c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier the date on which we notified you of the significant Once the price of your chosen holiday has been of the service(s) in question could not have predicted r change or cancellation. Please note, the above options confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause are not available where any change made is a minor or decrease it in the following circumstances. Price 5) one. A minor change is any change which, taking increases or decreases after booking will be passed on account of the information you have given us at the by way of a surcharge or refund. A surcharge or refund (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work time of booking or which we can reasonably be (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions for us (generally or in particular) at the time. expected to know as a tour operator, we could not set out in this clause, if transportation costs (e.g. fuel, reasonably expect to have a significant effect on your scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges In addition, we will not be responsible where you do confirmed holiday. which are part of the contract between airlines (and not enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or of a reason you did not tell us about when you booked If we have to make a significant change or cancellation fees payable for services such as landing taxes or your holiday or where any problems you suffer did not we will pay you the compensation set out below embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or result from any breach of our contract or other fault of subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will airports change. ourselves or, where we were responsible for them, our not be payable and no liability beyond offering the suppliers or agents or where any losses, expenses, above mentioned choices can be accepted where (1) Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the costs or other sum you have suffered relate to any we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of business. unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), will control, the consequences of which we could not have we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any avoided even with all due care or (2) we have to cancel 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding any services which do not form part of our contract. This because the minimum number of bookings necessary amendment charges), you will be entitled to cancel includes, for example, any additional services or for us to operate your holiday has not been reached - your booking and receive a full refund of all monies you facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees in this case we will notify you no less than 60 days have paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or to provide for you where the services or facilities are before departure. Please note: all escorted group trips alternatively purchase another holiday from us as not advertised in our brochure and we have not agreed are based on group arrangements involving a given referred to in clause 4 'If we change your holiday'. to arrange them as part of our contract and any minimum number of passengers. No compensation will Please note that travel arrangements are not always excursion you purchase during your holiday. be payable and the above options will not be available if purchased in local currency and some apparent changes we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any have no impact on the price of your travel due to (ii)The promises we make to you about the services we requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to contractual and other protection in place. have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our cancel (such as paying on time). contract - and the laws and regulations of the country A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be Period of notification of Compensation costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is used as the basis for deciding whether the services in change before scheduled per person due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in question had been properly provided. If the particular departure date our costs. services which gave rise to the claim or complaint More than 60 days Nil complied with local laws and regulations applicable to 60-43 days £10 You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the those services at the time, the services will be treated 42-29 days £20 surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or as having been properly provided. This will be the case 28-15 days £30 purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do even if the services did not comply with the laws and 14-0 days £40 not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of regulations of the UK which would have applied had time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the those services been provided in the UK. The exception In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the a significant proportion of the services you have of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue absence of a safety feature which might lead a booked after you depart, we will make alternative date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday arrangements for you at no extra charge, or, if this is later. in question. impossible, or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you We reserve the right to make changes to and correct (iii)We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay with transport back to the point where your holiday errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do arrangements with us commenced. If we are forced by is confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which not involve personal injury, illness or death. Except 'force majeure' (see clause 5) to change or terminate we are aware and of the then applicable price at the where loss of and/or damage to luggage or personal your holiday after departure but before the scheduled time of booking. possessions is concerned or a lower limitation of end of your time away, we regret we will be unable to liability applies to your claim, the maximum amount we make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from 7. Our responsibility will have to pay you for such non personal injury claims our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the if we are found liable to you on any basis is twice the costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set holiday we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide price (excluding any amendment charges) paid by or on out above. as part of our contract with you are arranged, behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. amount will only be payable where everything has gone 5. Force majeure This means that, subject to these booking conditions, wrong and you have not received any benefit at all Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer from your holiday. cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where death or personal injury or your contracted holiday the performance or prompt performance of our arrangements are not provided as promised or prove Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our to any luggage or personal possessions (including otherwise suffer any loss or damage (as more fully employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you described in clause 7 (i) below) as a result of and care in making, performing or providing, as is £150 per person affected as you are assumed to have circumstances amounting to 'force majeure'. In these applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. taken out adequate insurance at the time of booking. terms and conditions 'force majeure' means any event Please note, it is your responsibility to show that Please also see clause 7(iv) below. or circumstances which we or the supplier of the reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish services in question could not foresee or avoid even to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is with all due care. Such events and circumstances may responsible for what our employees, agents and based on any travel arrangements (including the include, whether actual or threatened, war, suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time process of getting on and/or off the transport insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by acting within the course of their employment (for concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier governments or governing authority, technical or employees) or carrying out work we had asked them or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of maintenance problems with transport, changes of to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (including The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that terrorist activity, industrial action, natural or nuclear loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis activity, epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather sum or claim of any description whatsoever which is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned conditions, fire and all similar events outside our results from any of the following:- would have to pay under the international convention control. (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements of their party or or hotel stay in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by air (b) the fault of a third party not connected with the and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by provision of your holiday which we could not have an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier predicted or avoided or Liability for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, Terms and conditions 59 Terms and conditions

the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is so that we may confirm it to you when accepting your note: Where a carrier or hotel would not downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in booking. be obliged to make any payment to you under the circumstances which would entitle you to claim applicable International Convention or Regulation in compensation or any other payment from the airline 9. Complaints respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Should you have any complaints about any aspect of not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or Boarding Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline your holiday arrangements, you must inform our local part of the claim. When making any payment, we are for the compensation or other payment due to you. All representative or tour leader immediately and the entitled to deduct any money which you have received sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the supplier of the arrangements concerned. Problems can or are entitled to receive from the transport provider airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations most easily be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. represent the full amount of your entitlement to you do not report a problem or complaint which, if it compensation or any other payment arising from such had been reported at the time it occurred could have (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. been resolved there and then we cannot accept any all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also This includes any disappointment, distress, liability in respect of that problem or complaint. It is tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. sensible to expect a client travelling in the developing complaint as set out in clause 9 below. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight world to be reasonably resourceful if things go wrong. does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other If you experience any difficulties, please follow the 8. Flights and your responsibility arrangements even where those arrangements have steps shown in your Travel Organiser. If the issue The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no cannot be resolved locally you can contact us in the UK for guidance only and are subject to change. Final liability to make any payment to you in relation to the on our 24 hour emergency telephone service. The details will be confirmed on your travel documentation, Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight number will be found in your Travel Organiser in the sent approximately 14 days prior to departure. The cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket Important Information section. In the unlikely event times shown on all e-tickets are local times and check or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you should in for both outward and return flights is at least 3 entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as then write to us within 28 days of your return with full hours prior to the departure times on the travel dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this documents. It is possible that flight times may be under the Denied Boarding Regulations. complaints procedure, your right to claim the changed even after e-tickets have been dispatched - we compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a may be affected or even lost as a result. material effect on your holiday arrangements (see In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 clause 4). If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention you do have the right to refer the dispute to the the existence of a "Community list" which contains You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a Association of Independent Tour Operators which details of air carriers who are subject to an operating manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause operates an Independent Dispute Service (details on ban within the EU. The Community list is available for distress, danger or annoyance to other clients and/or request) for resolution of the dispute by a mediator inspection at any third party or damage to property. If, in the view of provided the claim does not involve personal accident, https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air- ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers, you are injury or illness. ban_en In accordance with EU Regulations we are in breach of this clause, we reserve the right to required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the terminate your contract and neither we nor the 10. The brochure and quotation actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that providers of any of the services in question will have We have taken every care in ensuring that the will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. any further contractual obligations to you either in information in the brochure and given in Where we are only able to inform you of the likely respect of covering any expenses, paying any quotations/itineraries is correct at the time of carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return publication. However we are sure you will appreciate the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we home. that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We become aware of this. Any change to the operating reserve the right to change any of the prices, services carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will When you book with us, you accept responsibility for or other particulars contained in this brochure or any be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not with you. If there is any change we will notify you subject to an operating ban as above as a result of precisely known) must be paid direct at the time to the before we enter into such contract. Where we state which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If that additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the available on a particular itinerary or programme, this change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, amount paid where estimated, you must pay the information should be regarded as a term of the and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to difference once known. If the actual cost is less than contract. cancel or change to other arrangements without paying the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you our normal charges except where specified in these fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any The hotel classifications given on our website, in our conditions. claims subsequently made against us (together with our brochures, quotations and dossiers and fact sheets are own and the other party's full legal costs) as a result of for guidance only. They are not based on any national We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for your actions. or international classification system, they are the the check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we opinions of our staff or agents and are quite subjective. accept responsibility for any loss by you of your You must ensure that all your travel documents, full The photographs that appear in the accommodation holiday/flight travel tickets, vouchers or coupons. passports, visas, vaccination certificates and currency section of your quotation are indicative only and may are in order and valid for travel. All costs incurred in not be of the exact room you have been quoted for. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We and airports which may result in delays and diversions. regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused 11. Special requests Please note that minor carriers sometimes change the entry onto any transport or into any country due to If you have any special request, you must advise us in departure time of short-haul or domestic flights at failure on your part to carry correct documentation. writing at the time of booking. Although we will short notice, and in some instances, schedules shown in We are able to give general advice on these matters for endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the the computers of intercontinental carriers differ from British citizens holding a British passport. However, relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any those actually flown by smaller local carriers. We non-British citizens and non-British passport holders request will be met. For your own protection, you advise you that it is your responsibility to be should check with their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your meticulous in locally reconfirming directly with the current requirements. See also our General request will be complied with (where it is possible for carrier operating the flight. We accept no liability for Information section. us to give this) if your request is important to you. the consequences of flights missed owing to the Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passenger's failure to reconfirm. If failure to have any necessary travel or other passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial request on your booking confirmation/invoice or any Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible other documentation is not a guarantee that the should be aware that flights are often full and you may for reimbursing us accordingly. request will be met by the relevant supplier. All special not be able to get seats together. We also recommend requests are subject to availability. that you check in early for a long flight, and in any case The name on your airline tickets must be the name that not less than 3 hours before the scheduled departure appears on your full passport. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, time. i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on Please note that if you believe that we have stated the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings orally that a particular facility or service should be will be treated as 'standard' bookings subject to the available, but is not in the brochure or in writing from above provisions on special requests. us, please make reference to it on the booking form

60 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions

If you have any medical problem or disability which may 13. Excursions affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm Please note that we do not provide or arrange your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability excursions other than those listed in your itinerary and of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must forming part of the arrangements booked and paid for give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put must also promptly advise us if any medical condition you in touch with local organisers of excursions if you or disability which may affect your holiday develops request but we can have no liability for such after your booking has been confirmed. If we excursions, as your contract for such excursions will be reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the with a local company providing the services and not particular needs of the person concerned, we must with us. reserve the right to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, cancel 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy when we become aware of these details. Please note, the information and prices shown on our website, in our brochures and/or quotations may have 12. Your financial protection changed by the time you come to book your holiday. We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). the website, brochures, quotations and prices at the When you buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive time of printing or when they are given to you, holiday* from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen other services that are financially protected, where you holiday (including the price) with us at the time of can get information on what this means for you, and booking. who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you 15. Data Protection with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a We will hold any personal data you supply us with suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we (such as full name, address and date of birth) on our nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of database in accordance with the Data Protection Act insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide 1998. We may need to share this information with you with services you have bought or a suitable third parties (including airlines, see further below) to alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to arrange and provide your holiday. This may mean we accept that in those circumstances the alternative pass your details to third parties outside the EU, where ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you less stringent data protection controls may be in place. agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you We may also be required to disclose your data to under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. regulatory bodies or public authorities such as customs However, you also agree that in some cases it will not or immigration, in order to monitor / enforce be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in compliance with applicable rules. According to IATA which case you will be entitled to make a claim under Resolution 830d, we are required to provide airlines the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where with passenger mobile phone number and email applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your contact details for the airline to inform the passenger ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services of any operational difficulties. listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, 16. Honeymoon Gift Service the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the Honeymoon Gift Service are subject to our Terms and ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a conditions. It is important to note that in the payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those unfortunate event of the cancellation of your booking Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising you will be responsible for all cancellation charges as out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, detailed in our Booking terms & conditions. Audley also including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your reserve the right to charge a £150 administration fee to credit card issuer where applicable).You also agree that cover refunding all monies to your guests. These any such claims may be reassigned to another body, if refunds will only be made once all cancellation charges that other body has paid sums you have claimed under have been paid. As the client, you will take on the the ATOL scheme. responsibility for the full payment of the booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot be *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are guaranteed. ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the Civil Aviation Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: Authority website at www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/ New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. Registered in England with Company Reg. No. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us 3190720. VAT Reg. No.125454721. June 2017. will be protected by the ATOL scheme. The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Audley Travel (ABTOT Membership number 5297) and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:

1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Audley Travel.

Terms and conditions 61 Terms and conditions

62 Terms and conditions