Founder’s Trip 2017 Exeter Exploration of

Uzbekistan

   

  Day 1 April 28 Arrival in Tashkent Day 2 April 29 Tashkent Day 3 April 30 Tashkent-Nukus-Chilpak-Khiva Day 4 May 1 Khiva Day 5 May 2 Khiva-Urgench-Bukhara Day 6 May 3 Bukhara Day 7 May 4 Bukhara-Shakhrisabz-Samarkand Day 8 May 5 Samarkand Day 9 May 6 Samarkand-Tashkent Day 10 May 7 Tashkent - departure

 

Founder’s Trip to Uzbekistan Khiva,  Bukhara,  Samarkand:  names  that  evoke  the  magic  of  a  past  time.  Uzbekistan,  also  known  as  Transoxiana  (meaning  ‘Across  the  Oxus’),  lies  at  a  true  crossroads  of  cultures,  from  Chinese  to  Arab,  Indian  to  Persian  and  Mongol.      Perhaps  the  most  enchanting  part  of  the  fabled  Silk  Road,  with  stunning  blue  domes  set  off  by  a  backdrop  of  piercing  azure  skies  and  desert  dunes.      The  locals  are  colorful  and  are  some  of  the  warmest  and  most  welcoming  people  you  will  meet  anywhere  in  the  world.        Join  Greg  Tepper  on  our  second  Founder’s  Tour  to  this  incredible  country.    Highlights  include:      

•                          A  private  view  of  the  oldest  Koran  in  the  world  in  Tashkent  •                          A  private  tour  of  the  avant-­‐garde  Savitsky  museum  in  Nukus  •                          An  exclusive  folk  show  in  the  Hareem  at  the  Tash  Hauli  Palace  in  Khiva  •                          Dinner  under  the  stars  in  Ichan  Kala,  Khiva    •                          Meet  local  craftsmen  reviving  ancient  crafts  in  each  city  

 Greg  has  been  traveling  to  Uzbekistan  since  the  collapse  of  the  Soviet  Union  and  personally  selected  Uzbekistan  for  our  second  Founder’s  Trip,  as  it  is  a  destination  where  you  can  enjoy  the  benefits  of  being  in  a  group  of  other  travelers,  and  experience  things  you  would  not  be  able  to  as  an  individual.    

Friday, April 28 Arrival in Tashkent Upon your arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. Early check-in is included. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax and settle-in. At 11:00AM you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of Tashkent’s main sights. Originally an oasis on the Chirchik River, Tashkent gradually grew to become an important commercial center, which now has a population of over 2 million. Start in Tashkent’s Old City, where you will visit the Barak Khan Madrasah and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque. Exeter Extraordinary Experience At the mosque, you will have a private visit of its rich Islamic library with ancient manuscripts, including the famous Uthman Koran, considered to be the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Dating from 655 and reputedly stained with the blood of murdered caliph Uthman, it was brought by Timur to Samarkand and later seized by the Russians as a war trophy and taken to St. Petersburg (held in the Hermitage) before it was returned to Uzbekistan in 1989. After lunch, your guide will also take you to the Applied Arts Museum. This building was constructed at the end of the 19th century in the elaborate style of the period as a private residence of a wealthy merchant. It now displays various types of national handicrafts, including carpets, jewelry, woodcarving and gold embroidery from the 19th and 20th centuries. At the end of your day, you will enjoy dinner in the garden of a famed Uzbek ceramist who comes from a dynasty of ceramic artists. Exeter Services Airport Transfer; Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Meals B, L, D    

DAY 1

Saturday, April 29 TAshkent

Today, continue your exploration of Tashkent. First, stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar for the true feeling of Tashkent! Bazaars in Uzbekistan are a unique site in each city. You will capture some of your best local photos at these markets, where you will find everything from bins of spices, nuts, fruit and cheese to clothing, toys, tools and everyday goods. Next, visit the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the few remaining authentic historic monuments in the Old Town (the massive earthquake of 1968 destroyed most of central Tashkent), and one of the largest Islamic schools in Central Asia. It was named after Kukeldash, who was a vizier (prime minister), a poet, and a scientist. The main façade of the Madrasah has a high portal, two-story loggias, and angular turrets. In the 18th century it was used as a caravanserai (roadside inn) and later as a fortress. Nowadays it also includes a functioning mosque. You will also visit Independence Square and Amir Temur Square, before venturing underground to see some of Tashkent’s metro stations.

After lunch, you will tour the Navoi Theater. The current building was built in the 1940’s to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Alisher Navoi, the famed poet, painter, mystic and a true renaissance man of the Central Asia.

Dinner  this  evening  will  be  at  a  local  Georgian  restaurant,  one  of  Greg’s  favorite  cuisines!     Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Meals B, L, D

DAY 2

Sunday, April 30 Tashkent - Nukus - Chilpak - Khiva This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Nukus departing at 7:10AM and arriving at 8:55AM. (Cost of the flight is not included and will be quoted separately). Nukus in western Uzbekistan is the capital of the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, home to the Karakalpaks, a Turkic people more closely related to Kazakhs than to Uzbeks. A modern city, Nukus is at the center of an area crisscrossed by old caravan routes and dotted with ancient ruins. The surrounding cotton fields testify to the monoculture that stole the water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, the rivers that fed the Aral Sea. About 230km north is Muynak and the former seashore. Explore the wonderful Savitsky Art Museum. This remote desert museum houses the incredible life's work of founder, Igor Savitsky, who was able to amass a collection of thousands of banned avant-garde Russian art pieces without interference from Moscow and keep it hidden from the watchful eyes of the KGB. The story of this collection has been told in the award-winning documentary, "Desert of Forbidden Art." The museum houses the second-largest Russian avant-garde collection after the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. (If you do not purchase a permit to take pictures, you will have to check your cellphone and cameras prior to entering.)

Before your transfer to Khiva, you may also visit the Zoroastrian “Tower of Silence” from the 4th century. Upon your arrival into Khiva, check-in at your hotel. Those not too tired, can take a walk on the Ichan Kala walls to view the sunset before heading to dinner. Dinner  tonight  will  be  served  under  the  stars  in  Ichan  Kala  on  a  private  terrace  reserved  exclusively  for  our  group.   Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Asia Meals B, L, D    

DAY 3

Monday, April 4 Khiva

Khiva’s origin dates back to the 6th century and during the medieval times it became a city of great importance. It also has a long history of barbaric rulers and your guide will give you a glimpse into their colorful stories. Today, approximately 40,000 people live and work inside the ancient city walls (called Ichan Kala). Within these walls, the old town of Khiva is an official “city museum,” where you will find several interesting sites. You will visit the Djuma Mosque, which was built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. Its unique design features a roof supported by 218 wooden columns, possibly an early Arabic influence. The two openings in the roof provide light for only the inner courts, while the opposite walls lie hidden from sight by the colonnade. The mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud was built in 1810 to honor the patron of Khiva. Pakhlavan Makhmud was a poet and wrestler who died in the 14th century and is thought to be buried here. Its full turquoise dome has become a symbol of Khiva, along with the nearby Islam Khodja Minaret, banded in dark and light blue. One of the most notable sites within the walls of Khiva is the Kunya Ark. This was the former fortress and residence of the Khiva rulers beginning in the 12th century. You will be able to walk through the courtyards of this partially restored building and see some residential and administrative quarters, such as the harem, the mint, the stables, and the jail. Just opposite the Kunya Ark, you will see the Muhammad Rakhim Madrasah II, which was built to honor the last Khivan Khan who surrendered the city to Russia in 1873 and signed a peace treaty, which turned Khiva into a semi-independent Russian province. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a silk carpet workshop sponsored by UNESCO. The aim of the workshop is to revive the art of the purely natural dyeing process and recreation of the Timurid silk designs from the 15th century. You will view their rich collection of carpets and suzannis and get an insight into the different types of design.

DAY 4

Exeter Extraordinary Experience Before dinner, you will enjoy a private performance of a traditional Uzbek Folk Show at the Hareem. Dinner tonight is on your own. Your guide will give you recommendations. Exeter Services Full-Day Guide (8 Hours) Hotel

Asia Meals B, L

   

Tuesday, May 2 Khiva - Urgench - bukhara This morning, you will meet your driver for the transfer to the Urgench airport for the flight to Bukhara departing at 10:10AM. (Cost of the flight is not included and will be quoted separately). Bukhara is actually an oasis in the Kyzyl Kum desert, located on the banks of the Zeravshan River. It is believed to have been continuously inhabited from approximately 3,000 BC. Located on the historic Silk Road, the city has long been a center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The old city part of the town has a small and friendly feel and many of today’s sights are accessible on foot. There are over a hundred buildings in the historic city center (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and you will have a very full day of exploration ahead. Upon arrival in Bukhara, start with a visit to Sitoray Mokhi Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. After lunch, continue exploring the Old Town and the impressive Poi Kalyan architectural complex located south of the Ark citadel. Its most impressive feature and a popular landmark is the Kalyan Minaret, which was built in the form of a circular 150-feet-high brick tower. A spiral staircase twists up inside the tower leading to a rotunda with 16 arched windows, from which the Muslims in the city were called to prayer. It is said that the tower so impressed Genghis Khan that he ordered it to be spared while his invading army was destroying the rest of the city. The 16th-century Kalyan Mosque is covered by 288 domes resting on 208 pillars. The mosque’s courtyard ends with a portal leading to the main chamber with a cruciform hall, topped with a massive blue cupola on a mosaic drum. Next, visit the Lyabi Khauz, a pond that used to be the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble dating from the 16th -17th centuries, Still standing today, it now includes a madrasah and a lodging house.

DAY 5

Exeter Extraordinary Experience Tonight, you will have an opportunity to dress up in traditional elegant Uzbek attire to enjoy a special dinner. You will be invited into the home of Rahmon, who will teach you how to make traditional Uzbek Plov. Rahmon is also a master Suzane embroiderer and has an incredible selection to view and purchase, should you wish to. Exeter Services Transfer Khiva – Urgench; Guide in Bukhara (6 Hours) Hotel Omar Khayam Meals

B, L, D    

Wednesday, May 6 Bukhara Today, continue your exploration with a visit to the massive Ark Fortress – the very core of the ancient city and the oldest building in Bukhara. Initially built in the 5th century, it was used as a royal residence and a fortress until the early 20th century when it fell in the hands of the Russians. The main entrance into the citadel is protected by two 18th Century towers, the upper parts of which are connected by a series of rooms and terraces. A long covered corridor leads to a mosque and offers access to storerooms, prison cells, and the inner courtyard housing a large complex of building. Just opposite the Ark, you will see the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. The earliest part of this religious complex is the pond called Bolo-khauz (The Children's pond) - one of the few remaining historical ponds the city of Bukhara. Many such ponds existed up until the Soviet period and were the city's principal source of water. Unfortunately, they were notorious for spreading diseases and were gradually filled-in during the 1920’s. Next, you will visit Ismail Samani mausoleum, built in the 9th century as the final resting place of Ismail Samani - founder of the Samanid dynasty, the last Persian dynasty to rule in Central Asia. Near the Samani mausoleum, you will also see the Chashmai Ayub (Job's Well). According to a legend, Job (Ayub) once visited this place and made a well with a single blow of his staff. The water of this well is considered to be healing. The current building was constructed during the reign of Timur and features an unusual conical dome. After lunch, your guide will also take you to the Jewish Quarter where you can see the Synagogue. Bukhara once had a large Jewish community. As a matter of fact, most of the Jews in Central Asia in the 16th century used to live in Bukhara and played a major role in the city’s development. Many Bukharan Jews migrated to the United States and Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but still speak a distinctive language, which is a dialect of ancient Persian. At the end of the day you will enjoy a tasting of herbal teas in the “Silk Road Spices” tea house.

DAY 6

Dinner  tonight  will  be  a  la  carte  on  the  rooftop  of  restaurant  Minzifa  with  breath-­‐taking  views  of  Bukhara.    

 Exeter Services Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Omar Khayam Meals

B, L, D    

Thursday, May 4 Bukhara – Shakhrizabz -Samarkand Today, you will have an early departure to Samarkand. On the way, you will stop in Shakhrizabs, the  birthplace  of  Tamerlane,  which  over  time  has  become  a  Mecca  to  him.    Over  the   last   four   years,   billions   of   Uzbek   Soums   have   been   spent   on   restoration   and   upgrades,  culminating  with   it’s   completion   in  2016.  You  will  visit the impressive Aksaray Palace and the main sites of the city, including the Mausoleums of Kuk-Gumbaz and Gumbazi Sayidon, Mausoleum of Djakhangir and Hazrati Imam Mosque.     This afternoon, continue the drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. One of the most famous towns along the Silk Road, Samarkand also belongs among the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was sacked by the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1220’s and remained under Mongol domination until the late 14th century, when Timur (Tamerlane) decided to make Samarkand the capital of his empire which extended from India to Turkey. Today will be a long day, with arrival at the hotel at approximately 8.00pm where a light dinner has been pre-arranged upon arrival. Those who wish to may go and visit Registan Square after dinner to see it beautifully illuminated at night. Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (10 Hours) Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior Meals B, L, D    

DAY 7

Friday, May 5 Samarkand One of the highlights of today’s tour will certainly be the Registan Square, Samarkand’s most famous landmark. Registan (Sandy Place) probably got its name from the sand that was strewn on the ground to soak up blood from public execution held there until the early 20th century. Nowadays, the complex consists of three main buildings – the 15th-century Ulugbek Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and the 17th-century Sher-Dor Madrasah, where you can get acquainted with the history of Uzbek musical instruments. Your guide will also show you the Bibi Khanym Mosque constructed in the 14th century after Timur’s conquest of India. It is said that some 90 elephants were used to carry the precious stones and metals from India used to decorate this temple. There is a large marble Koran standing in the center of the mosque’s courtyard and the bazaar next to it has changed little since the time of Tamerlane. You will also walk through Siyab Bazaar and then visit Happy Bird handicrafts center and meet with the famous artist Mr Toir Sharipov. This afternoon, you will also see the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis. This cluster of 11 mausoleums was built during the 14th and 15th centuries and showcases several types and periods of architecture and design of the region. This religious center is still very much in use today. Next, visit the Gur Emir (Tomb of the King) Mausoleum – the actual place where Timur was buried. This architectural complex with its bright blue dome contains not only the tomb of Tamerlane, but also the ones of his sons, grandson, and other notable figures. Tonight  our  final  dinner  together  will  be  a  la  carte  at  Restaurant  Platan.     Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior Meals B, L, D    

DAY 8

Saturday, May 6 Samarkand - Tashkent Today, you will visit the Observatory of Ulugbek, located on a hill in the outskirts of the city. Ulugbek turned Samarkand into the intellectual and scientific center of the empire. He built the madrasah on Registan Square and invited Islamic mathematicians and astronomers to study there. His observatory was a remarkable scientific discovery in its time (the early 15th century). As Ulugbek did not have a telescope to work with, he improved the accuracy of his observations by increasing the length of his sextant, which helped him compile one of the best known star catalogues of that time. Exeter Extraordinary Experience Later, your guide will take you out of the center to the small village of Konigil. With the help of UNESCO funding, the ancient art of silk papermaking has been revived. You will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient process, brought to Samarkand from China in the 7th century, and have a go at making your own silk paper to take home.

 Today,  our  farewell  lunch  of  traditional  Uzbek  plov  will  be  served  at  the  Silk  papermaking  center.     Next, you will transfer to the train station for the train to Tashkent (currently departing at 5:00 PM and arriving at 7:10 PM). VIP class is included in your program subject to availability and change. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel. As  many  flights  depart  very  early  in  the  morning,  the  rest  of  this  evening  will  be  at  your  leisure.    

Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours); Station Transfer in Tashkent Hotel Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Meals B, L    

DAY 9

Sunday, May 7 Tashkent - Onward Today, check-out of the hotel and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The cost of the flight is not included. Exeter Services Airport Transfer

   

DAY 10

Price: $5,000 per person, double occupancy

Your Itinerary Includes Accommodations

Tashkent Two (3) nights at Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Khiva

Two (2) nights at Asia Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Bukhara Two (2) nights at Omar Khayam Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Samarkand Two (2) nights at Grand Samarkand Superior Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Tashkent One (1) nights at Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Meals

Meals are included as described in the itinerary. Lunches and dinners are mostly a set menu and do not include alcoholic beverages. A la carte dinner will be served once in Bukhara and once in Samarkand.  Please  note  that  we  will  endeavour  to  assist  with  any  specific  dietary  requirements,  however  allergies,  gluten  free  and  very  specific  dietary  needs  are  difficult,   if  not   impossible  to  arrange  in  Uzbekistan.

Services Vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day will be updated in your final documents.

What Is Included

Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling.

Transportation

All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary.

Guide Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guide is at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Airfare None included. Current airfare for Tashkent to Nukus is approximately $160 in Business class, $120 in Economy, and for Urgench to Bukhara, $105 per person in Business, $80 per person in Economy. Fares are subject to availability and not guaranteed until time of ticketing.

Rail

VIP class tickets for the train from Samarkand to Tashkent are included.

Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more. SIGHTSEEING Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events. OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency. GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Your copy of “Travel Tips” contains suggested gratuity guidelines for your consideration. Gratuities may be extended in the local currency, U.S. Dollars or Euro.

Booking Conditions

PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable. CANCELATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost

•   59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost •   14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun. INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet. PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2016. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Visa fee is not included.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com

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