Journey to Uzbekistan August 22-September 2, 2019 Optional Post-tour to Kyrgyzstan: September 2-7, 2019

Join Sister Cities International on a journey tracing the Silk Road past and present. A new Uzbek president has ushered in a new era of modernization and development. Meet with city officials and learn about the sweeping changes. And visit the fabled UNESCO- listed oases of Uzbekistan’s Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara (Santa Fe’s Sister City), plus the capital, Tashkent (Seattle’s Sister City). Savor the incredible sky-blue tile work, woven brick construction, brilliant fabrics of the Silk Road and warm hospitality of Central Asia. An optional post-tour takes you to Colorado Spring’s Sister City, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

About Sister Cities International Program Highlights Connect Globally. Thrive Locally. • Pay a visit to a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist whose Tashkent family has been Since 1956, Sister Cities International has worked to cre- making pottery since the 1790s. ate exchanges that create community impact and kindle lifelong friendships. • Explore the Savitsky Museum, a remote desert outpost housing a collection of thousands of Sister Cities International was created at President Eisen- hower’s 1956 White House conference on citizen diplo- banned avant-garde Russian art pieces. macy. Eisenhower envisioned an organization that could • Browse the backstreets and bazaars of be the hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds UNESCO listed cities of Khiva, Bukhara and between people from different cities around the world. Samarkand. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower rea- soned that people of different cultures could celebrate • Meet with mayors and/or other officials in and appreciate their differences and build partnerships Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. • On the optional Kyrgyz post-tour, enjoy alpine Lake Issy-Kul, and explore a Kyrgyz village. For More Information Contact Your Tour Host Clare Petrich Sister Cities International

253-304-8437 © 2018 WST# 601-099-932 • CST# 2082306-40 [email protected] Photos: Bill Fletcher, MIR Corporation Sister Cities International Journey to Uzbekistan Journey to Uzbekistan 13 Days Day by Day Itinerary ~ Aug 22-Sep 2, 2019 August 22-23 Tashkent, Uzbekistan $2,990 per person, Arrive Tashkent. Visit with the Mayor of Tashkent, and explore Uzbekistan’s capital city. double occupancy View the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the Single room supplement: $495 world, browse Tashkent’s lively Chorsu Bazaar and visit the private art studio of a sixth- generation Uzbek ceramicist whose family has been making pottery since the late 18th Optional Kyrgyzstan Post-Tour century. Miran International Hotel or similar (2B, 2L, 1D) 6 Days ~ Sep 2-7, 2019

$2,180 per person, August 24 Nukus Fly to Nukus, capital of the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, to admire the fabu- double occupancy lous collection of avant-garde Russian art at the world-renowned Savitsky Art Museum. Single room supplement: $295 Jipek Joli Hotel or similar (1B, 1L, 1D) Programs require a minimum of 10 August 25-26 Khiva travelers to operate Drive to the UNESCO-listed Silk Road oasis of Khiva, making stops along the way at the ruins of ancient desert citadels. Meet with the Mayor of Khiva. Wander the Old Included Town past the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four legal wives; • All hotel accommodations based on the 9th century Dzhuma Mosque with its 115 carved wood columns, and the Kunya double or twin occupancy Ark (Old Fortress) dating from the 5th century. Enjoy a colorful Khalfi performance of • Included meals per itinerary Khorezmian music and dance during dinner. Asia Hotel Khiva or similar (2B, 2L, 2D) • Group arrival / departure transfers • All internal air, train tickets and land August 27-29 Bukhara transportation by private vehicle per Drive across the Kyzyl Kum, or “Red Sands,” Desert, to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most ancient itinerary living city. Wander the maze of narrow streets lined with low mud-brick houses and dotted • Cultural events and extensive sightsee- with mosques and old madrassahs. Explore the domed bazaars and the major monuments ing, including entrance fees ringing the Old Town: the Kalon Asssembly, the Zindan Prison, and the Ark Citadel The del- • Special welcome and farewell dinners egation plans to meet with the Mayor of Bukhara. Lyabi House Hotel or similar (3B, 2L, 3D) • Services of an Uzbek MIR tour manager throughout the land program August 30-31 Samarkand • Gratuities to restaurant staff and baggage Travel by train to UNESCO-listed Samarkand, the grand capital of the conqueror Tamerlane. handlers Applaud the unsurpassed majesty of the Registan, the centerpiece of the city, along with Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane. Discover Ulug Bek’s remarkable • Comprehensive pre-departure packet. medieval observatory, and tour a workshop where handcrafted paper is made according to traditions handed down from the 8th century. Sultan Hotel or similar (2B, 2L, 2D) Not Included • Travel insurance • Roundtrip airfare from / to your home September 1 Samarkand • Urgut • Tashkent Venture outside of Samarkand to Urgut Market, a small authentic crafts market, or take city. MIR can assist you with reserva- the day to explore Samarkand independently on your own before hopping the high- tions on request speed train back to Tashkent. Miran International Hotel or similar (1B, 1L) • Passport and visa fees • Gratuities to tour manager, guides and September 2 Depart Tashkent drivers The tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. (1B, In • Personal items such as telephone calls, flight) alcohol, laundry, excess baggage fees; items not expressly listed as included This is a tentative schedule and events are subject to change without notice. • Single room supplement Travel Organized by MIR Corporation To sign up: please contact Alex Whan at [email protected] or 844-243-4720 www.mircorp.com How to Sign Up A $750 per person, non-refundable de- posit secures your space. Final payment is due by 23 June 2019 (60 days prior to Optional 6-Day Post-Tour to Kyrgyzstan departure). Explore the country’s capital, Bishkek, discover one of Kyrgyzstan’s last remaining Silk Cancellation Policy: if notice is received 61 Road watchtowers, and learn about the art of Kyrgyz felt-making, a craft that has survived or more days prior to departure, the pen- alty is your $750 non-refundable deposit; the centuries. Visit high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul and spend the night at a guesthouse in the by 60-46 days prior to departure, 50% of traditional village of Chon-Kemin, getting to know the locals before returning to the capi- the land tour; 45 days or less prior to de- tal for a performance of a favorite Kyrgyz folk tale, the Epic of Manas. parture, 100% of the land tour. Air policies vary by carrier.