LEGENDARY SILK ROAD FOLLOW THE - September 27th 2019 - Great Trains of ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FOLLOW THE
LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
From the Great Wall of China to the Walls of Constantinople
20 days - Private Train & First Class Hotels
September 27th 2019
www.greattrainsofeurope.com.au
LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
September 27th 2019: To BEIJING Join your flight today to China’s capital, Beijing.
On arrival you are transferred to your centrally located 5 star hotel. Overnight: First
into the region’s unique folklore, before continuing to the green city of Shakhrisabz,
Tamerlane’s birthplace, where we visit the brutal Mongol leader’s great palace. Back
Class hotel [D] on board, we head for the magical city of Samarkand. Overnight on board the Orient
Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
September 28th: BEIJING Today we are introduced to the ancient (and modern)
city of Beijing – highlights include the Temple of Heaven as well as the famous October 8th: SAMARKAND On arrival in Samarkand we settle into our First Class
Tiananmen Square. For centuries the doors to the former Emperor's Palaces have hotel for a 2 night stay. During the rule of Tamerlane, Samarkand was considered
been closed to the public. Today the glorious halls and mysterious temples of the the world’s most beautiful city, and it still speaks of all the magic of 1,001 Nights.
Forbidden City are open for us. A traditional Chinese dinner of Peking Duck tonight. Today we learn why. It is also historically important, as the site where many Uzbek
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] women burned their veils (burkhas) in 1917, with the arrival of the Soviet system.
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
September 29th: BEIJING — Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China is the 8th
Wonder of the World; today you can experience it up close, both on foot and from a October 9th SAMARKAND Our day’s sightseeing in this fascinating city includes a
cable car. Construction began in the 7th century BC with sections of the 1,500 mile long tour of a silk carpet manufactory, a visit to an Uzbek craftsman’s family to see paper
wall dating from the 3rd century BC, and most from the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). being made from mulberry bark, stops at the Ulug Beg Observatory and the ruins
On the way back to our Beijing hotel, we visit the famous Ming Tombs (a UNESCO of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and viewing the interior of the palace-like Gur Emir
World Heritage Site) and the Sacred Way. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Mausoleum. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
September 30th: To XIAN On the tracks today. We join China’s high-speed bullet October 10th: SAMARKAND The morning is yours to explore Samarkand or spend
train, taking our reserved First Class seats for our journey at 300kph from China’s as you please. We re-board the Silk Road Orient Express at noon and depart for
modern capital, to her historic capital, the walled city of Xian. On arrival we are Khiva. Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
transferred to our 5 star city-centre hotel. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
October 11th: KHIVA Today we visit the oasis of Khiva, an exotic fairy tale from
October 1st: XIAN – Entombed Warriors This morning there is a city sightseeing tour 1001 Nights – in stone. Its palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums and madrassas
of Xian, including the 7th Century Wild Goose Buddhist Pagoda and the 14th Century (Muslim religious schools) represent one of the best preserved ensembles of
Great Mosque. The afternoon is free for the markets or, for the more athletic, a bicycle medieval oriental urban architecture in the world. Overnight on board the Orient Silk
ride around the city walls – 14 kilometres. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Road Express [B,L,D]
October 2nd: XIAN Yet another wonder of the world today – the Entombed Warriors October 12th: BUKHARA On arrival in Bukhara (also called Sherif — the noble one)
of Xian. 8,000 life-size soldiers, and 130 chariots with 520 horses, stand guard we transfer to our First Class hotel and then commence our city sightseeing of just
over the grave of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, since 210–209 BC. a few of its thousand architectural monuments recalling the golden age of the Great
Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] Silk Route, including the almost fifty-metre tall Kalyan Minaret. Exotic spices, furs and
especially silk were stored and traded then in the city’s caravanserais. The Old Town is
October 3rd: To ALMATY We skip the next bit of the Silk Road today, as there is no a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
train. Instead, we join our international flight to Almaty in Kazakhstan where, on arrival,
we are transferred to our centrally located hotel. Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D] October 13th: BUKHARA This morning we continue to explore Bukhara’s ancient
oriental architecture — the splendid Mir-e-Arab Madrassa, the Samanid Mausoleum,
October 4th: ALMATY This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this green and the massive Ark Citadel. Our private train continues its journey in the evening.
metropolitan city at the foot of the mighty Ile Alatau Mountains. Highlights include Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D]
the Zenkov Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built entirely of wood, the Wedding Palace,
the Almaty Circus and the Central Mosque. After a Kazakh welcome lunch, we board October 14th: MERV We farewell the Silk Road Orient Express this morning on
our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express. Overnight on board the Orient Silk arrival at the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Merv. Here are the remnants
Road Express [B,L,D] of what was once one of the world’s largest and most magnificent cities: gigantic
walls and ramparts simply standing in the middle of the desert next to the imposing
October 5th: TURKESTAN We arrive after breakfast in the city of Turkestan and visit ruins of ancient buildings such as the Tomb of the Sultan Sanjar and the Maidens’
the 1394 Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most significant examples Castle. We have lunch with a local family in their home’s picturesque courtyard.
of Timurid architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards our private Overnight: First Class hotel [B,L,D]
train continues its journey, crossing the Kazakhstan — Uzbekistan border towards
Tashkent. Border formalities are completed in the comfort of our compartment. October 15th: NISA & ASHGABAT This morning we are driven to the ancient
Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D] Parthian city of Nisa, then after lunch we take a guided tour of the modern-day
Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat and the National Museum in Ashgabat, where you
October 6th: TASHKENT Our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express, arrives in view artefacts excavated from the ruins at Nisa and gain insight into the development
the early morning at Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. During our city sightseeing of of a culture shaped by various peoples, ethnicities and religions. Overnight: First
this green oasis in the steppe, we see the Madrassa Kukeldash, the Kavoj and Amir Class hotel [B,L,D]
Timur monuments. This evening we attend a concert in a music hall, and then re-
board our private train. Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express [B,L,D] October 16th: To ISTANBUL (Constantinople) The traditional Silk Route further
West requires passage through Iran, Iraq and Syria, so we bail out and take a flight to
October 7th: SHAKHRISABZ Through mountainous territory, we follow the route its historic terminus, Constantinople (Istanbul) where, on arrival, you transfer to your
of the trade caravans, also the route and the armies of Alexander the Great, homeward flight or, if you choose to join your Tour Director on an 8 day Add-on tour
Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. A traditional ceremony offers us first-hand insight of Istanbul, Troy and Gallipoli, we transfer to our First Class hotel. [B]
TURKEY
ISTANBUL, TROY & GALLIPOLI
POST TOUR:
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
OCT 16th ISTANBUL On arrival in Istanbul Airport from our
Silk Road journey, we are transferred to our First Class city-
centre hotel. [D]
D
OCT 17th ISTANBUL Istanbul has a long and eventful history,
reflected in its 3 names – Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul.
Today we see modern Istanbul, the city spread across the two
continents of Europe and Asia. [B,D]
OCT 18th ISTANBUL We begin our exploration of the Byzantine
and Ottoman city at the Hippodrome and nearby twin shrines
Although the term Silk Road (or Silk Route) was coined only in the 1870s by the German cartographer of Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a
Ferdinand von Richthofen, there has been a trading route between China and Europe since the third millennium, and the Blue Mosque. We then visit the historic
century BC, with silk from the East being but one of the commodities traded. 1,500 years later Marco underground cisterns constructed under Emperor Justinian
Polo may or may not have followed the route. We don’t have 20 years to spare to make the journey, in the sixth century. Free time in the afternoon for the Spice
so we commence with the high-speed train from Beijing to Xian, then fly on to Almaty in Kazakhstan Market, which has been selling spices from the East since
to join our private train, the Orient Silk Road Express, for a 13 day journey (6 nights spent on board) mediaeval times. [B]
along the historic route through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We skip the next section
of the Silk Road — through Iran, Iraq and Syria — and fly on to finish our journey in Istanbul, ancient OCT 19th ISTANBUL This morning we visit the Topkapi
Palace, the royal palace of the Ottomans, founded in 1459,
Constantinople, the terminus of the historic Silk Road.
just 6 years after the invasion of Christian Constantinople by
CHINA INCLUDED FEATURES: the Turks. Since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end
• 6 nights bed and buffet breakfast in international of World War 1 it has served as a most important museum with
5 star hotels fine art and ornamentation from the Ottoman era. The harem
• All meals according to programme
C T BOX: room is of more than appropriate interest to most tourists.
• Guided sightseeing and entrances FA S
20 DAY
ATION:
as per itinerary We spend the afternoon in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of
• First Class seats on the high-speed DUR ES:
Beijing to Xian train E PARTUR 2019 the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61
h
ber 27t
• Xian to Almaty Economy Class flight
D in sh
are covered streets and over 4,000 shops. [B]
Septem ,95 0 pp tw
on pa ge 12
U 16d Costs detailsleave in
• Airport arrival and departure transfers. OCT 20th To GALLIPOLI By coach today we skirt the Sea
$A
ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS: From abins ansee C
Beijing
, of Marmara south-west into European Turkey towards the
(Join in
• 7 overnights on the private train according Please ly Content Dardenelles. Here is the town of Gelibolu situated on the
On
to the booked cabin category Land tinople). : , and peninsula of the same name. We all know it as Gallipoli. [B,D]
Consta
n FARES Beijing
• 5 overnights in First Class hotels
ATION AL AIR apital city to stralian city.
• All meals according to programme INTERNny Australian the same A
c u OCT 21st GALLIPOLI The “holy of holies” for Australians and
• Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees From a tanbul back to$2,200 Kiwis today. Our sightseeing today is a roll call of those places
according to programme from Is MY CLASS: $5,200 seared into our national psyche – Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair,
• Guided transfers to and from all airports and train ECONOESS CLASS: Lone Pine. Back to our Gallipol hotel tonight.[B,D]
stations according to programme BUSIN
• Multi-lingual Tour Director OCT 22nd TROY — ISTANBUL An Ancient history excursion
• Experienced local guides today to Classical Troy, long believed to be a Greek myth until
• Doctor on board unearthed in the 1860s by the German archaeologist Dr Heinrich
• Ashgabat to Istanbul Economy Class flight.
Schliemann. In the afternoon we make our way back to our
ALMATY
TURKESTAN 1
2 Istanbul hotel.[B,D]
FLIGHT
SMARAKAND
OCT 23rd FAREWELL Our Turkish holiday ends this morning
1 FROM XIAN
1
TASHKENT
HARA 2 3
1 BEIJING 3 NORTH
after breakfast. [B]
SHAKHRISABZ FLIGHT KOREA
TO ALMATY
MERV
1
SOUTH
KOREA
INCLUDES 7 nights in First Class hotels (best available
3
in Gallipoli) with breakfasts, 5 dinners, all entrances and
RUSSIA XIAN
sightseeing per itinerary.
CHINA
UKRAINE
KAZAKHSTAN
BOX: NIGHTS
FACTION: 8 DAYS / 7
DURAT
ALMATY E:
RTUR
TURKESTAN 1
DEPA 16th 2019
2
UZBEKISTAN
FLIGHT
r
Octobe
SMARAKAND
4,900
KHIVA 1 KYRGYZSTAN FROM XIAN
1 1
ISTANBUL BUKHARA 2 3
TASHKENT
S T: $AU re.
CO twin sh
a ul.)
TURKEY TURKMENISTAN 1 TAJIKISTAN CHINA per pers
on tour in
IstanbBEIJING 3
SHAKHRISABZ
ly. (Join
1 FLIGHT
0 0.
The Legendary Silk Road
nt on $9
ASHGABAT 1 TO ALMATY
onte ent
MERV Land c
room supplem
SYRIA Single 3
IRAQ
IRAN AFGHANISTAN
XIAN
LEGENDARY SILK ROAD
CABINS & COSTS September 27th 2019
to October 16th 2019
ALADDIN CATEGORY CABIN:
This category features two lower beds (67cm x 184 cm), a small table and storage space. Each car has eight compartments
and one shower facility. Combined toilet and washing facilities are located at both ends of each car.
SULTAN CATEGORY CABIN:
This category features two beds, with an upper berth measuring 80cm x 174cm and the lower one a more generous 110cm
x 184cm. The compartment also offers comfortable seating, a larger table and a small closet. Each compartment has its own
lavatory equipped with toilet, washing basin and integrated shower with shower curtain. Every car of this category contains
only six compartments.
KALIF CATEGORY CABIN:
This category is the highest available on the Orient Silk Road Express, and has the same cabin layout as the Sultan category,
except that each cabin has its own en suite bathroom. Each compartment features closet, safe and en-suite bath with separate
shower cabin. Every car of this category, offering the highest level of comfort available on the Silk Road, contains only four
compartments and offers space for a maximum of just 8 guests.
ROME
5
SINGLE IN HOTELS
CABIN CLASS TWIN SHARE SINGLE THROUGHOUT
TWIN ON TRAIN
Aladdin $16,950 $18,750 $20,950
Sultan $20,950 $22,750 $24,950
5 MALTA
Kalif $22,950 $24,750 $28,950
Based on $US exchange rates at 10th March 2018, $1 AUS = $0.78 USD. Tour Costs in Australian dollars.
ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS: INCLUSIONS & COSTS: PAYMENT DETAILS:
• 7 overnights on the private train We have a strictly limited allocation of A deposit of $5,000 per person guarantees
according to the booked cabin category cabins in the top 3 classes Aladdin, Sultan your seat (unless your preferred class
• 5 overnights in First Class hotels and Kalif on the Orient Silk Road Express. of cabin is sold out prior), with the final
• All meals according to programme payment due 6 months in advance.
(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) Tour costs do not include costs associated
• Sightseeing programmeme including all with arranging visas for the 5 countries Travel insurance is mandatory and Great
entrance fees according to programmeme visited, but Great Trains of Europe Tours is Trains of Europe Tours will be delighted to
• Guided transfers to and from all delighted to assist you with obtaining the quote for your travel insurance.
airports and train stations according to necessary visas.
Direct deposit details for payments:
programme INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES: Bank: Heritage Bank, 400 Ruthven St,
• Multi-lingual Tour Director (Based on airfares quoted at 10th March Toowoomba, Queensland 4350 AUSTRALIA
• Experienced local guides 2018). From any Australian capital city to BSB: 638 060
• Doctor on board Beijing, and from Istanbul back to the same Account No: 11109734
• Ashgabat to Istanbul Economy Class Australian city. Account Name: Great Trains of Europe
flight. Economy Class: $2,200 Tours
Business Class: $5,200
Travel Insurance: A condition of joining a Great (iii) a place on an alternative Great Trains of Europe
BOOKING CONDITIONS Trains of Europe tour is either the purchase of travel
insurance through Great Trains of Europe Tours, or
Tour. Each tour is sold as a package and there can
be no refund for any element of the tour (e.g. a
Great Trains of Europe Tours (ABN 75 325 documentary evidence of a sufficient level of travel meal or an excursion) not utilised by the traveller
insurance purchased elsewhere. by her / his own choice. Tour costs have built into
010 987) is an accredited travel agent them the costs associated with researching tours,
(ATAS #12982). We are members of IATA European Rail Travel: The standard of rail travel communicating with overseas suppliers, brochure
in Europe ranges from small and basic local trains
(Licence #968366100) and the Concorde to luxury high-speed international trains. On rare
preparation and marketing. Great Trains of Europe
Independent Agents’ Network. Tours does not claim or imply that some of the
occasions European rail companies may change inclusions in our tours may or may not be available
timetables, classes of travel available or rolling stock
Costs: All costs in this brochure are expressed in within the period of validity of a travel brochure.
at a lower price direct from the overseas supplier.
Australian dollars and are based on airfares, and Travellers are reminded, however, that purchases
Descriptions of trains & routes provided in this made direct with overseas suppliers are generally
land transport and accommodation costs, and brochure are accurate at the time of printing and
Australian dollar exchange rates effective as at not covered by Australian Travel Agents licensing
provided in good faith. It is not possible to request protections or the Australian Travel Compensation
June 1st, 2018. Exchange rate fluctuations in the rail seating either facing or with back to the direction
price of any service provided, beyond the control of Fund. Most photographs used in this brochure were
of travel. Many European trains change direction taken by the Tour Leader on past tours, but some
Great Trains of Europe Tours, may be passed on to during a journey.
travellers, right up to the date of departure. Please have been provided by hotels, rail companies or
note that some city taxes or bed taxes cannot be Baggage allowance: Porterage of one suitcase per Tourism Boards. Photographs are indicative only
pre-paid by agents, and must be paid by the tour person is included in tour cost. and we cannot guarantee that a traveller on a Great
member at check-out. Coaches: When itineraries take us away from rail Trains of Europe tour will personally see all of the
routes and coaches must be used, a seating rotation places depicted in them.
A deposit of $2,500 per person will guarantee a
place on your chosen tour (unless already filled, system applies. Great Trains of Europe Tours reserves the right to
in which case you will be advised of your place on Hotels: European hotel rooms – even in 4 or 5 star decline any reservation or booking request, and
the waiting list. With a maximum tour size of 25 hotels – are often smaller than in Australian hotels. may at the Tour Directors discretion terminate any
travellers, tours often fill early). Single rooms, particularly, can be very small. Should person’s involvement in the tour due to disruptive or
a traveller who has requested a single room wish anti-social behaviour.
Full final payment is due 90 days before
commencement of the tour. Please make to have a quote for the cost of single occupancy of Great Trains of Europe Tours does not accept
payment by cheque to “Great Trains of Europe a double room, please ask. Tea and coffee making responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay,
Tours” or by bank transfer as follows: Heritage facilities are rare in European hotels, as are in- change of schedule or other events which are
Bank, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. room security safes. In some European countries, beyond our direct control such as, but not limited
BSB 638-060 Account Number 111 097 34. government environmental agencies restrict the use to war, terrorism, civil disturbance, industrial action,
Great Trains of Europe Tours currently does not of air-conditioning in hotels to the summer months. acts of government or of God, or mechanical failure
accept payment by credit card. Travellers sharing a room on a twin share basis such as aircraft, trains or coaches.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation at any time after will be asked their preferences re a double bed Great Trains of Europe Tours cannot be held
the deposit is paid will result in the forfeiture of the or twin beds, but no guarantee can be given that responsible for changes to provision of services by
deposit. Any booking cancelled between 90 days your request will be met. Hotel star ratings, where local European suppliers, but we will do all in our
and 45 days before departure will incur a 50% provided, are those of the country in which the hotel power to provide an alternative service of equal
cancellation charge on land content and up to 100% is situated, and vary from country to country. standard to that advertised, or make a cash refund
on airfares, depending on the airfare used. Bookings Other Important Advice: All tours will proceed of the difference on the spot.
cancelled within 45 days of departure will incur a if a minimum of 12 travellers have paid deposits Contract: The contract between the traveller
100% cancellation charge. Travel insurance will by 90 days before scheduled departure. In the and Great Trains of Europe Tours, entered into
cover cancellation because of illness, death in the highly unlikely (unprecedented) event that there by your signing the Booking form, shall be
family etc. Travel insurance is therefore considered are insufficient travellers for a tour, you will be construed in accordance with the laws of the
mandatory. offered either (i) a full refund of all monies paid, State of Queensland.
(ii) a modified cost structure for a smaller group, or
P: 0488 423 848
E: greattrains@bigpond.com
PO Box 4553 TOOWOOMBA EAST 4350, Qld AUSTRALIA
W: www.greattrainsofeurope.com.au
ABN 75 325 010 987 ATAS # A12982 IATA # 96 8 36610
33144 931
Great Trains of Europe Tours BOOKING FORM
One form per person, please.
Tour Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Departure Date: ____________________
PASSPORT DETAILS
Full name (as in passport): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Passport No:________________________________ Date of Issue: _____________________________________ Expiry Date: ________________________
Nationality: _________________________________ Date of Birth:______________________________________
Ph. Home: ( )______________________________ Ph. Work: ( ) _____________________________________
Mobile: ____________________________________ Email:____________________________________________
MEDICAL / DIET
Do you have any medical conditions or dietary requirements that we should be alerted to?
YES NO If you answered YES, please outline briefly: ______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you able to walk 500 metres and climb 25 stairs without assistance? YES NO
NEXT OF KIN {to be contacted in event of an emergency}
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Ph. Home: ( )______________________________ Ph. Work: ( ) _____________________________________ Mobile:____________________________
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please provide me with travel insurance. I have a pre-existing medical condition.
{NOTE: Passengers over 75 years of age at end of a tour will need a medical clearance}
I decline your offer of travel insurance and attach documentary evidence that I have sufficient travel insurance cover.
Insurance Company _________________________________________________________________________ Policy Number _____________________
ACCOMMODATION
Double Twin, sharing with ________________________________________________________________
Twin, please find someone to share with me. If no suitable room-mate can be found, the single supplement is payable.
Single Room Single occupancy of double sized room {surcharge} Non-smoking Smoking
EXTRA ACCOMMODATION
Pre-Tour in ______________________________{city} Date IN ___/___/___ Date OUT ___/___/___
Post-Tour in ______________________________{city} Date IN ___/___/___ Date OUT ___/___/___
FLIGHTS
I seek your assistance with an airfare. Please contact me. or I will make my own flight arrangements.
PAYMENT METHOD
I enclose a cheque, payable to “Great Trains of Europe Tours” for $ __________________________________ or
I have deposited $ ________________________ in the “ Great Trains of Europe Tours” account at Heritage Bank, 400 Ruthven St, Toowoomba, Qld.,
4350, Australia as follows.
BSB 638 — 060 Account Number 11109734 Swiftcode HBSLAU4T, and I attach a pay-in slip as evidence.
By signing this form I declare that I have read the Tour Terms and Conditions, understand them, and agree to abide by them.
Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________ Date _____________________________
www.greattrainsofeurope.com.au
Phone 0488 423 848 Fax 07 4613 4728
Email greattrains@bigpond.com
Postal PO Box 4553 TOOWOOMBA EAST 4350, AUSTRALIA
ABN 75 325 010 987 Travel Licence # 3217475 IATA # 96836610
You can also read
