In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great and Discover the Fabled Silk Road Oasis Towns of with Another Traveller of the Same Gender and Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
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in the footsteps of Central Asia Central alexander the great trip highligh ts Discover the desert city of Bukhara Take in the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand Hike around the picturesque lake of the Fann mountains, Lake Iskander‑Kul Marvel at splendid markets, minarets and medressa Experience the historic centre of Shakhrisabz Journey to the ancient city of Khujand Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: IFA Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring Summary 15 day trip, 12 nights hotel, 2 nights homestay welcome to why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be World Expeditions considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every trip is Great trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. We take of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most cases, all internal regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers are included our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored in the cost of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, experience. designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience. 1 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group ‑ Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM Kazakhstan in the footsteps of Tashkent Uzbekistan alexander the great Bukhara Khujand A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Samarkand Tajikistan Great Dushanbe Turkmenistan World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. the trip We will arrange for you to share accommodation Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and discover the fabled Silk Road oasis towns of with another traveller of the same gender and Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. After exploring the famous museums of Tashkent we travel if we can not match you up we will provide a to Samarkand with one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square. Discover single room at no extra charge. If you prefer some of the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques and palaces, citadels, minarets, not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer colourful bazaars, highly‑adorned mausoleums, and age‑old traditions. This unforgettable to our website for the additional cost. adventure travels through the ancient cultural landscapes and spectacular landscapes of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia’s most picturesque countries. Visit the stunning alpine lake For Competitive aiurfares to Tashkent and of Iskander‑Kul on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains, where stopover ideas,contact our expert staff today to recieve a detailed quote. according to tradition the lake takes its name from Alexander the Great. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience exploring the hidden heart of Central Asia ‑ its natural wonders are perfectly combined with cultural highlights to discover in depth the beauty of this historical region along the ancient Silk Route. at a glance DAY 1 ARRIVE TASHKENT DAY 2 TO SAMARKAND DAY 3 IN SAMARKAND DAY 4 TO BUKHARA DAY 5 IN BUKHARA DAY 6 TO SHAHRISABZ VIA NAUTAKA (KARSHI) DAY 7 TO TERMEZ VIA THE BAYSUN REGION DAY 8 IN TERMEZ DAY 9 TO DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN DAY 10 IN DUSHANBE DAY 11 TO LAKE ISKANDERKUL DAY 12 TO KHUJAND (ALEXANDRIA ESHATA) VIA ISTRAVSHAN DAY 13 KHUJAND TO TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN DAY 14 IN TASHKENT DAY 15 TASHKENT, TRIP CONCLUDES what’s included 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners airport transfers on day 1 and day 15 comfortable hotels on twin share basis local sightseeing guide entrance fees to museums and monuments private transport throughout medical kit 2 nights homestay on a multishare basis Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. what’s not included International airfares and departure taxes Travel Insurance (compulsory) Visas 2 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group ‑ Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM in the footsteps of alexander the great A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great trip dates Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, 2020 28 Jun - 12 Jul alcohol etc 26 Jul - 09 Aug 30 Aug ‑ 13 Sep Optional activities and sightseeing during free time 27 Sep ‑ 11 Oct Still/video camera fees at monuments 2021 26 Apr - 10 May detailed itinerary 30 May ‑ 13 Jun 27 Jun - 11 Jul DAY 1 Arrive Tashkent 25 Jul - 08 Aug On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The rest 29 Aug ‑ 12 Sep of the day is at leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for dinner. 26 Sep ‑ 10 Oct Overnight: City Palace Hotel or similar fast facts meals: D DAY 2 To Samarkand Countries Visited: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan This morning we board the high speed train from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand. We won’t be able to check in to our rooms until 14:00 but we will Visas: leave our main luggage at the hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to sightseeing Yes* of Samarkand’s major attractions such as Registan Square considered one of the Vaccinations: wonders of the ancient world. Being the “heart” of Samarkand and city’s main Please consult a travel vaccination square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with specialist for up to date information quite inner courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming azure blue glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Private Groups: Cathedral Mosque Bibi‑Khanum, nearby Siab Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur‑ Private group options are Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Timurid royal family. available for this trip* Train: ~2hrs Singles: Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar A single supplement is available for this trip* meals: B,L,D Leader: Expert local leader DAY 3 In Samarkand Advice for people with limited mobility After breakfast we head out for more Samarkand sightseeing, covering the remains This trip is not suitable for people of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg’ observatory which allowed Samarkand’s astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars position. Their with limited mobility. outstanding body of work comprised “Zidj ‑e ‑ Kuragoni”, astronomic tables featuring *Ask our staff for more information. the most exact coordinates of 1018 stars; Shakhi‑Zinda Necropolis, the resting place of princesses and princes of the Timurid dynasty and aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colors. Both sights are located on the ancient hill from which the city of Marakanda, once conquered by Alexander the Great, majestically dominated the area. We will also get acquainted with the Hellenistic period in the history of Samarkand exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar meals: B,L,D DAY 4 To Bukhara This morning we check out and head to the train station to board the high speed train once again, this time to Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed to have been founded in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years 3 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group ‑ Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM in the footsteps of alexander the great A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great thoughtful travel before the arrival of Alexander the Great. The name Bukhara originates from the Sanskrit word “vihara” which stands for “Buddhist monastery”. The city with its The environments we travel through are 140 architectural monuments was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow streets, busy bazars and to minimise the impact of our presence. colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age. World Expeditions were the proud recipients Train: ~1½hrs of the inaugural Australian National Travel Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar Industry’s Environmental Achievement award meals: B,L,D for our Responsible Travel Guidebook.