TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2014 Mosque in Tashkent in Mosque The Splendours of Central Asia UZBEKISTAN & KYRGYZSTAN with Liz Gibson 20 September– 07 October 2014 (18 days) The Splendours of Central Asia UZBEKISTAN & KYRGYZSTAN Central Asia is a fascinating blend of ethnicities and cultures, encompassing extremes of landscape from arid deserts to fertile oases, from vast steppes to majestic mountain ranges. For over two millennia, migratory tribes travelled across its vast territory in a heady mix of conquest, destruction and construction. At the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Central Asia absorbed many religions, including Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Nestorianism and Islam, and many cultures as wide ranging as Greek, Persian, Turkish and Chinese. This tour focuses on Uzbekistan, the undoubted jewel of Central Asia and the repository of the region’s most impressive treasures. During the reign of the terrifying tyrant Tamerlane (Amir Timur), in the mid to late 14th century, Transoxiana, as the area of Uzbekistan was known, became the cradle of one of the largest empires of history and the birthplace of the some of the most arresting architecture in the Islamic world. As we travel across the vast territory of today’s Uzbekistan, you will discover the architectural legacy of Timur and his Liz Gibson, Tour Leader successors, in the romantic oasis cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, ancient citadels Former Senior Coordinator of strung across the desert like rare pearls, their turquoise tiled mosques, madrassahs and Public Programs at AGNSW, minarets dazzling in the distance. You will also discover a rich tradition of arts and crafts, Liz lectures on broad ranging such as intricately embroidered suzanis, hand woven silk carpets, miniature paintings and aspects of art history and art tribal jewellery, found not only in these desert cities, but also in the verdant valley of Fergana, appreciation. She has led many famous for its distinctive ceramic ware and exquisite silk Ikat weavings. Art Gallery Society tours to Russia and Germany, as well as the Baltic States, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. Since her first tour to Russia, Liz has immersed herself in Eastern Europe At a glance and is currently exploring the • Optional pre-tour to Kyrgyzstan – the green heart of Central Asia cultures of Central Asia and their complex relationship • Begin and end in the ancient – and modern – Silk Road trading city of Tashkent with Russia, as part of both the • Stay in the historic old towns of Khiva and Bukhara Russian Empire and the USSR. • Follow ‘the golden road’ to Samarkand While Liz’s tours take you • Visit Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane and second capital of the Timurid Empire on a journey of adventure and discovery, they are also • Explore the traditional arts, crafts and textiles of the lush Fergana Valley designed for fun! Bishkek Nukus Issyk Kul Urgench Tashkent KYRGYZSTAN Khiva Fergana UZBEKISTAN Fly Coach Bukhara Samarkand Rail Shakhrisabz Map is a guide only AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN NEPAL Optional pre-tour to Kyrgyzstan 13–21 September 2014 In great contrast to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan also crossed for Sat 13 Sep 2014 Sydney – Seoul centuries by travellers along the Silk Road, is the lush heart of Morning departure from Sydney on Korean Airlines to Seoul. Late Central Asia renowned for its verdant landscape of mountains afternoon arrival and overnight at Seoul Airport hotel. D and lakes, popular with mountaineers, hikers and skiers. You will be pleasantly surprised not only by the stunning scenery but also Sun 14 Sep Seoul – Tashkent by the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz people, many of whom still Morning at leisure. live a nomadic existence tending their flocks and herds during After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent, the summer months. Traditional arts and crafts, particularly felt arriving in the evening. After immigration and customs formalities, making, have been revived with many local enterprises flourishing transfer to your hotel. once more. Like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan was locked within the USSR for over 70 years, as a result its cities retain a Soviet face. The capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia with a But the spirit of the Kyrgyz people still resides in their beloved population of 2.3 million people, for centuries Tashkent has stood at majestic mountains and open landscapes. the crossroads of the ancient trade route along the Silk Road. B L D Mon 15 Sep Tashkent – Bishkek Morning at leisure until midday checkout and transfer to airport for departure on an afternoon Uzbekistan Airways flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (approx. 1 hr). Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the business, government and cultural district of the city. B D Tue 16 Sep Bishkek Join your local guide for a full day tour of Bishkek, located at an altitude of about 800 metres in the foothills of the Tien-Shan Mountains, along one of the ancient trading route of the Great Silk Road. Fortified in 1825 by the Uzbek khan of Kokhand, Bishkek was razed and rebuilt after annexation by Tsarist Russia in 1862. The city was renamed Frunze in 1926, reverting to its original name following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. During the morning, see Ala-Too (the Central Square), Lenin Monument, Victory Square and visit the History Museum. After lunch visit the Central Asia Craft Support Association and see a felt making demonstration where you will learn about the two traditional types of rugs - Shyrdaks and Ali- Kee. B L Ala Archa National Park Markets in Bishkek Wed 17 Sep Bishkek Sun 21 Sep Issyk-kul – Bishkek – Tashkent Drive a short distance out of Bishkek to the stunning Ala Archa Morning checkout and drive back to Bishkek. National Park. Enjoy a walk and lunch in the spectacular Gorge En route visit Burana Tower, a large minaret in the the beautiful, surrounded by the Tien-Shan Mountains. Enjoy a performance verdant Chui Valley. The tower, along with grave markers, some with traditional music. earthworks and the remnants of a castle and three mausoleums, Return to Bishkek in the early afternoon and visit the Fine Arts is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was Museum, dedicated to Kyrgyz folk and applied art, and Russian established by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. and Soviet art. Afternoon arrival at Bishkek Airport in time for a Kyrgyzstan Subject to performance schedules, it may be possible to attend a Airways flight to Tashkent (approx. 1 hr). Following immigration performance at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, housed in grand and customs formalities, transfer to your hotel in Tashkent. B L monument of Classical architecture (not included in tour cost). B L Thu 18 Sep Bishkek – Issyk-kul Drive to Cholpan-Ata, a small resort town on the northern shore of Issyk-kul (‘Lake Issyk’) 250 km from Bishkek (approx. 5 hr). With a Tour Prices length of 182 km and a width of up to 60 km, Issyk-kul is the second Per person twin-share AUD 4,250 largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca in South Single supplement* AUD 850 America. Located at an altitude of 1,607 m, the lake’s southern shore is dominated by the rugged Teskey Ala-Too Range of the Tien Shan Deposit per person AUD 250 mountains. Check into your resort. B L D Final payment due 22 July 2014 Fri 19 Sep Issyk-kul *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. Enjoy a day trip exploring the towns around Issyk-kul. Tour code AG1419 First drive to Karakol, which was founded as a Russian military outpost in 1869 and later boomed with an influx of Dungans, Chinese Fitness level Above average Muslims fleeing warfare in China. Visit the grave, memorial park and a small museum dedicated to the Important information famous Russian explorer Nicholay Przhevalsky who died here in 1888 Because of local customs, ‘vegetarian’, ‘gluten free’, ‘dairy free’ while preparing for an expedition to Tibet. Followed by a visit the and other special meal requests cannot be catered for. Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque. Tour price includes Continue to Djety-Orguz, the extraordinary ‘Valley of Seven Bulls’, • Flights SYDNEY SEOUL TASHKENT (if taking main tour famous for its unusually bright, red sandstone rock formations. B L D on air-inclusive basis) Sat 20 Sep Issyk-kul • Overnight at Seoul Airport hotel on 13 September (only if taking group flight) Morning visit to the Issyk-Kul Open-air Museum, featuring many • Accommodation in four-star hotels with daily breakfast. petroglyphs dating from 800 BC to 1200 AD. The petroglyphs were Many other meals. carved and painted onto the surface of granite boulders, burnt • Flights TASHKENT BISHKEK TASHKENT in economy class black or brown by strong sunlight over thousands of years. Images (20 kg luggage allowance) of deer, goats, snow leopards, hunting and breeding scenes, all of different sizes, present an important source of information about • Transfers on arrival and departure in Seoul, Tashkent and Bishkek Kyrgyz history and culture. Also, visit the nearby regional Museum • Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides and drivers, with its modest but interesting history of Issy-Kul. Late afternoon including entrance fees, as per itinerary and evening at leisure. B L D • Tips and gratuities to local guides and drivers Tour price does not include • Multiple entry individual visa for Uzbekistan (obtained on arrival, current cost approx. USD 150). Australian passport holders currently do NOT require a visa for Kyrgyzstan. • Drinks with meals • Hotel and airport porterage • Travel insurance • Items of a personal nature (i.e.