TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

The Grand Project

PART ONE: XI’AN – KASHGAR

with Joyce Morgan 25 September–16 October 2013 (22 days) Tour The Grand Silk Road Project leader

For over two thousand years the Silk Road linked the Mediterranean world with the kingdoms of Central Asia and far . Traders and spies, adventurers, rogues and missionaries all wandered its many routes spreading goods, artistic styles, ideas and faiths throughout one of the great melting pots of the ancient world. Today, this route is once again open to the adventurous traveller. Traversing Tibet, western China, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Turkey, the Silk Road offers a chance to make the great overland journey across some of the most exotic, romantic and breathtaking lands on earth. Renaissance Tours and the Art Gallery Society of NSW are delighted to offer an epic three-part journey, over three years, along the entire Silk Road – The Joyce Morgan is a journalist and co-author of Journeys Grand Silk Road Project. Part One crosses China, from Xi’an to Kashgar. on the Silk Road. She is an Part Two is a tour to Uzbekistan, including Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. arts writer with The Sydney Morning Herald and a former The project will culminate with a tour to the Caspian Sea, Armenia and the arts editor of the paper. Caucasus. The three journeys will each be stand-alone tours, but linked by a She has written on arts and common theme. culture for nearly 20 years and was a Getty Arts Journalism Fellow in 2005. Joyce has worked as a journalist in London, Hong Kong and Sydney. • See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an She has travelled widely in • Visit the Labrang Lamasery in Xiahe Asia, including in , Pakistan, • Mogao Caves, Cresent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes in Dunhuang China and Bhutan. • Excursion to Heavenly Lake from Urumqi • Explore the Sunday Bazaar, the largest in Asia, in Kashgar

Fly Coach Urumqi Map is a guide only

Turpan

Jiayuguan Beijing Dunhuang Great Wall Kashgar NORTH KOREA Lanzhou SOUTH KOREA Xiahe Xi’an

AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN

NEPAL BHUTAN

BANGLADESH TAIWAN INDIA MYANMAR VIETNAM (BURMA) LAOS

THAILAND PHILIPPINES

CAMBODIA

SRI LANKA

MALAYSIA Part One: Xi’an to Kashgar

Part one of our epic Grand Silk Road Project takes Wed 25 Sep 2013 Sydney - Guangzhou you across China, beginning in Xi’an, home to the Evening departure from Sydney on China Southern Airlines to Guangzhou. Overnight in flight. famous Terracotta Warriors. Thence to Lanzhou from where you make a side-trip to Xiahe - known as Thu 26 Sep Guangzhou - Xi’an Morning arrival in Guangzhou. Connect with the flight to Xi’an. ‘Little Tibet’. Continue through the Gansu Corridor to Early afternoon arrival in Xi’an and transfer to the hotel located Jiayuguan, the ancient outpost that marks the end of within the ancient city walls. the Great Wall. In the desert oasis of Dunhuang visit Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi province. Known as Changan in ancient the Mogao Caves, a brilliant trove of Buddhist statues China from the 11th century BC to the mid-10th century AD, Xi’an was the capital of 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, th th and frescos from the 4 to the 10 centuries. Tang and Ming dynasties. Its long history has left many fascinating historical sites and precious cultural relics. It was the birthplace of a Continue to region, a fascinating ‘hot pot’ of united China and was known as the starting point (or terminus) of ancient historical sites, predominant Islamic religion the Old Silk Road, linking China in the East, with Europe in the West. and contemporary Han Chinese culture. Highlights Tonight join Joyce Morgan and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and dinner. D include the ancient city of Turfan, bustling Urumqi, the Heavenly Mountains and exotic and remote Kashgar, Fri 27 Sep Xi’an where your stay has been timed for the legendary Full day tour to the Terracotta Warriors, the Banpo Neolithic Village and the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. The ‘Terracotta Warriors’ Sunday Bazaar which draws traders from afar afield as – life-size figurines of armoured warriors and horses arranged Pakistan and Central Asia. in battle formation – are located near the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China (died 209 BC). The main vault contains over 6,000 figures. Continue to the Banpo Neolithic Village which was a typical Neolithic matriarchal community of the Yangshao Culture dating back about 6,000 years. At that time, the Banpo people used tools made primarily of wood and stone. Women, the crucial labour force, were responsible for making pottery, spinning, and raising the family, while men fished. Finish the day with a visit to the Hanyangling Museum to view the tomb of Emperor Jingdi. B L Sat 28 Sep Xi’an Today explore the city of Xi’an. First see the ancient city wall, the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. Built during the , the wall is surrounded by a moat and features corner towers and city entrance gates.

Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an Xi’an City Wall See the Great (742 AD), the ancient Drum and Bell Towers the old crossing point for travellers and merchants who were (1380) and visit the fascinating Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, heading north on the Silk Road. B L D with its famous collection of cultural treasures. Fri 4 Oct Lanzhou - Jiayuguan In the evening attend the dinner show, a performance of Chang’an music and dance which originated in the Tang Dynasty Morning flight from Lanzhou to Jiayuguan – an ancient Han Chinese over a thousand years ago. It has been recreated according to out-post. The Great Wall once extended beyond Jiayuguan but in various historical records as well as ancient art and relics discovered 1372 during the first years of the Ming dynasty, a fortress was built. From then on Jiayuguan was considered both the western tip of the in Xi’an, the capital of the empire during the Tang Dynasty. B L D wall and the western tip of the empire. B L D Sun 29 Sep Xi’an - Lanzhou Sat 5 Oct Jiayuguan - Dunhuang Morning flight from Xi’an to Lanzhou – the capital of Gansu province is situated on the upper course of the Yellow River. Morning tour of Jiayuguan including visits to the Overhanging Mountain ranges surround it in the north and south, and the Yellow Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great River flowing through it from east to west, make it an attractive city. Wall Museum and the Jiayuguan Fort. Built in 1372, it was dubbed the “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven” and was the last major B D stronghold of the empire to the west. The Ancient Tombs of the Mon 30 Sep Lanzhou - Xiahe Wei and Jin Dynasties are renowned as the largest subterranean art gallery in the world, with original wall paintings. A day’s journey to Xiahe (approx. 300km / 6hrs). En route, pass Moslem areas and if possible visit Moslem markets and Coach transfer from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang (approx. 360km / passing through terraced fields and Tibetan villages. Xiahe is located 5hrs). In the late afternoon join Joyce Morgan for a lecture about at the northwest corner of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau with the history and sights of Dunhuang followed by a visit the lively beautiful views over the Sanker Grassland. B L D night market where an exotic range of souvenirs including leather puppets, scroll paintings, jade items, antique coins and much more is Tue 1 Oct Xiahe offered for sale. B L D Xiahe is often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’. Visit the Labrang Lamasery, one of the six main lamaseries of the Yellow Hat Sect Sun 6 Oct Dunhuang of and the largest Lamaism institute in the world. The Morning visit to the Mogao Caves, constructed over a millennium, Lamasery has a famed large collection of scriptures and volumes. from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world’s richest B L D treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures. Visit the Dunhuang Museum, where the exhibits include some of the Tibetan Wed 2 Oct Xiahe - Lanzhou and Chinese scriptures unearthed from Cave No. 17 at Mogao and Return travel to Lanzhou. B L D sacrificial objects from the Han to Tang dynasties. In the afternoon visit the Crescent Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes Thu 3 Oct Lanzhou which are considered the meeting place of the sand and the oasis. On a tour of Lanzhou visit the Gansu Provincial Museum and Mount B L D White Pagoda, located on top of the mountain by the same name, with views of the Yellow River and Zhongshan Bridge, which was

Ancient tower, City Wall, Xi’an Ancient City Mon 7 Oct Dunhuang - Urumqi - Sat 12 Oct Urumqi - Kashgar Morning flight from Dunhuang to Urumqi. On arrival in Urumqi, Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Urumqi to transfer by coach to Turpan (approx. 200km / 2.5hrs). Turpan Kashgar. Even in the 21st century, the name Kashgar (Kashi) still has long been the centre of a fertile oasis with water provided by sparks images of a remote desert oasis. Desert brigands, exotic karez and an important trade centre located along the Silk Road’s bazaars and colourful silks spring to mind at the mention of China’s northern route. B L D westernmost city. B D Tue 8 Oct Turpan Sun 13 Oct Kashgar Full day exploration of Turpan. Visit the , Karez Well and Full day tour of Kashgar including visits to the Idkar Mosque, the the Emin . The Karez Well is an irrigation system of wells Abakh Khoja Tomb as well as the Sunday Bazaar. Once a week connected by underground channels and is considered one of the Kashgar’s population swells by 50,000 as people swarm into the three great ancient projects in China. The Emin Minaret was built Sunday Bazaar. Nomads arrive in their donkey carts, often causing in 1777 to commemorate the ruler of Turfan, Emin Khoja who traffic jams. Large numbers of minority peoples come to trade, all successfully suppressed the armed rebellion. B L D sporting their distinctive costumes and headgear. Wed 9 Oct Turpan The Idigar Mosque was built in 1426. It is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and the centre of Moslem activities. The Abakh Khoja Full day excursion to the Gaochang Ancient City, the Bezeklik Tomb served as the family tomb of Abakh Khoja, the powerful ruler Thousand Buddha Caves, the Astana Tombs and the Flaming of Kashgar in the 17th century who was revered as a prophet and Mountains. Gaochang Ancient City means ‘the King City’. It was second only to Mohammed. B L D built in the first century B.C. and abandoned in the 15th century. The dead of Gaochang city are buried in the Astana Graves, famous for Mon 14 Oct Kashgar their terra cotta figurines and tomb paintings. Early morning departure for the excursion to Lake Karakol Visit the when the sun’s rays beat down in mid- (meaning black lake), stunningly located adjacent to the Karakorum afternoon and the mountains look as if they are on fire. B L D Highway and close to the junction of the Pamir, and Kunlun mountain ranges. At 3,600m this high altitude lake is Thu 10 Oct Turpan - Urumqi surrounded by much higher peaks including Muztagh Ata (7,546m), Coach transfer (approx 2.5 hrs) from Turfan to Urumqi in the Kongur Tagh (7,649m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530m). Visit a local morning. Afternoon city tour of Urumqi including a visit to the Kirgiz family in their yurt before returning to Kashgar. B L D Xinjiang Regional Museum. B L D Tue 15 Oct Depart Kashgar Fri 11 Oct Urumqi Transfer to the airport for the China Southern flight to Sydney via Full day excursion to the Heavenly Lake located 1900 metres above Guangzhou. B sea level. A small, deep-blue lake surrounded by hills covered in fir trees. Scattered around are the yurts (circular tents) of the Kazak Wed 16 Oct Arrive Sydney people who inhabit the mountains. B L D Morning arrival in Sydney.

Labrang Lamasery Idkah Mosque, Kashgar Tour Prices Visas Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa Twin share, per person incl. airfares AUD 9,250 for China. Renaissance Tours will assist tour members in Single supplement* AUD 1,400 obtaining their visa prior to departure from Australia. Reduction without international airfare AUD 1,250 Important information Business class surcharge On request Please note that a good level of fitness and a sense of Deposit per person AUD 500 adventure are required for this tour. The tour includes the Final payment due 29 July 2013 exploration of remote areas of China with basic tourist infrastructure. *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. Dietary requirements such as vegetarian or gluten free diets cannot be catered for on this trip. Tour code AG1310 Your hotels Tour prices include Xi’an - Sofitel Rennin Square     • Accommodation in centrally located hotels with private Lanzhou - Legend Hotel Lanzhou     facilities and daily breakfast ( B ) (breakfast is a mix of Xiahe - Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel    western buffet, western-chinese buffet or local dishes served to the table). Jiayuguan - Jiayuguan Hotel    • Economy class flights Sydney – Guangzhou – Xi’an / Dunhuang - Grand Sun Hotel     Kashgar – Guangzhou – Sydney on China Southern (23kg luggage allowance) Turpan - Tuha Petroleum Hotel     • Taxes and fuel surcharges as at 1 November 2012 Urumqi - Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel     • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on group flights Kashgar - Shenzhen Air International Hotel    • Domestic flights Xi’an – Lanzhou – Jiayuguan / Dunhuang NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted – Urumqi – Kashgar incl. taxes (20kg luggage allowance) • Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, D =Dinner) incl. special welcome and farewell meals • Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to museums and attractions with Joyce Morgan and local guides including entrance fees as per itinerary • Lectures and talks with your tour leader throughout • Gratuities for local guides and drivers • Hotel porterage (1 piece per person) • Visas for China Tour price does not include • Transfers on arrival and departure if not travelling on group flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone calls, laundry, taxis etc. • Airport porterage • Travel insurance

Locals in Kashgar Emin Minaret, Turpan Terms & Conditions

How to Book The above cancellation charges include Travel Insurance Complete, sign and return the Booking Form applicable GST. It is a condition of travel that you are available from Renaissance Tours with your covered by comprehensive travel In addition to the above, cancellation deposit and page one of your passport. insurance for international tours. Your charges may apply for additional travel insurance can be arranged by arrangements booked by Renaissance Deposit / Final Payments Renaissance Tours. Your deposit is due at the time of Tours, such as air tickets, hotels and travel booking and is used to pay hotel, airline, insurance premium. If the reason for Fitness and Participation performance tickets and/or other cancellation is covered by the insurance For the overall benefit of the group, all tour deposits. It is non-refundable in the event policy, you may be able to reclaim these members must possess a moderate level of of your cancellation. charges. mobility, including the ability to: Final payment is due 60 days before b) Cancellation by Us - We reserve • negotiate airports and railway stations departure. Failure to make the final the right to cancel a tour for any reason without wheelchair assistance payment by the due date may result in (such as failure to reach minimum tour • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is cancellation of your booking and loss participant numbers). Except for force impossible to guarantee walk-in shower of deposit. majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than facilities) 60 days before departure. No further • undertake walking tour of 2-3 hours Payments are accepted in cash and by compensation will be paid in the event of duration, including using stairs, walking cheque, bank transfer, American Express, cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full over cobblestones and other uneven Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. A 3% refund of monies paid for tour costs will be surfaces service charge applies for payment by the full extent of our liability. • stand for long periods in museums and American Express and Diners Club. Cancellation and/or amendment fees may other sites Cancellation & Refunds apply for additional travel arrangements • embark / disembark coaches, trains and a) Cancellation by You - Cancellation booked by Renaissance Tours. other methods of transportation without charges will be applied as shown below, assistance calculated from the day written notification Passports, Visas and Vaccinations • handle your own luggage All travellers must be in a possession of a is received by Renaissance Tours. In If you (or we) have any doubts about your valid passport – most countries require a addition to cancellation fees for tours ability to participate in your chosen tour, 6-month validity from your date of entry operated by Renaissance Tours as shown you may be required to have a doctor’s or exit. For some countries (e.g. China, below, airlines, hotels and other third appraisal. This would require a doctor to Vietnam, India, Russia), visas are included parties may impose up to 100% cancellation read the itinerary of your chosen tour and in the tour cost and will be arranged by charges. provide you with a written confirmation of Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other your ability to participate. 60 days or more Forfeit of deposit countries, it is your responsibility to ensure 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost you have the appropriate visa(s). Terms & Conditions You can find the full terms & conditions on 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary inoculations and preventative the Renaissance Tours booking form. They 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost medicines as may be required for the can also be found at www.renaissancetours. duration of the tour. com.au or we would be happy to post you Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost a copy on request.

Lake Karakol TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

Cover: Jiayuguan Fort Back: Cresent Moon Lake, Dunhuang

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