jewels of uzbekistan - twosacrowd.com.au uzbekistan), the khast imom complex including the barak...

JEWELS OF 11 DAYS SOLOS TOUR: 24TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2020

§ Exclusively for Solo Travellers § Your Own Room Always § Visit Amazing Destinations

ITINERARY

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UZBEKISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

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UZBEKISTAN 11 DAYS SOLOS TOUR: 24TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2020

Travel with Two’s a Crowd on this small group, solos only tour and discover the Silk Road country of Uzbekistan. From modern buzzing Tashkent to the fabled city of Khiva, we will journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road with the medieval cities, stunning architecture and turbulent history of Uzbekistan. Begin in modern, cosmopolitan Tashkent and voyage out into the deserts to uncover 2000-year-old fortress cities lost in the sands of time.

Stand awestruck, as Genghis Khan once did, in front of Bukhara’s Kalon Minaret and gaze upon Samarkand’s mighty Registan Ensemble. Join a local family for dinner, learn a few things about making plov and raise a drink while you enjoy the colorful Khiva at sunset from a rooftop.

This trip is for anyone keen to get a glimpse into a part of the world steeped in Silk Road legend, with plenty of focus on the architecture and key historical sights of the country.

Why you’ll love this trip:

• The largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent will surprise you with its Soviet legacy and it’s contemporary culture.

• Join a local family in their home for a cooking class of the quintessential Central Asian rice dish - plov.

• Stop by the famed ceramics town of Gijduvan and visit a ceramics maker in their workshop.

• Explore the vast Chorsu Bazaar - one of Asia’s oldest markets.

• Steeped in Silk Road history and immortalised in many a tale, the UNESCO-protected town of Khiva is as photogenic as it is legendary.

• Absorb the magic of Uzbekistan’s “holiest city” as you tour the minarets, madressas and mosques of Bukhara.

• Witness the extraordinary architecture of Samarkand’s Registan. This public square is one of the true wonders of the Islamic world.

Will you join us?

UZBEKISTAN


UZBEKISTAN

DAY 1: Thursday 24th September 2020 TASHKENT (D)Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia with a population of over 2 million, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and new, sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. On arrival at Tashkent Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The day is then yours to relax and enjoy a little local exploration. If you have time, take a walk to see some of the contemporary architecture that sets this city apart from many other Silk Road destinations. There will be an important group meeting at 6pm this evening where you will be introduced to your fellow tour participants, Two’s a Crowd Host and the local guide. Afterwards we will then all enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. Tashkent Optional Activities• State History Museum of the Timurids - UZS6000 (AUD $1)• Art Gallery of Uzbekistan - UZS5000 (AUD 83 cents)• Museum of Applied Arts - UZS10000 (AUD $1.65)

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘City Palace Hotel,’ in Tashkent (4 star)

11 DAYS SOLOS TOUR: 24TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2020

UZBEKISTAN

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UZBEKISTAN

DAY 2: Friday 25th September 2020 TASHKENT (B)Spend a full day exploring Tashkent on a guided city tour. A highlight is the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and youwill find yourself chatting tomany locals who are keen toget to know you. Be sure to try some of the fresh produce on offer. Afterwandering through the bazaar, explore some of therich cultural history of Uzbekistan, including the 16th-century Kulkedash Medressa – an Islamic school that sits beside the 15th-century Juma (Friday) Mosque. The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan provides an introduction to the country and the region in general, from the Silk Road era to Soviet times. A brief tour of Tashkent’s metro system will reveal some beautiful stations (note that photography is not allowed in the subway). Also visited will be Amir Temur Square (the central park with the statue of Amir Temur on the horseback just outside the imposing Hotel Uzbekistan), the Khast Imom Complex including the Barak KhanMadrasa (a college for Islamic instruction), Kaffal Shashimausoleum, Quran Library and Mosque, and the Roman Catholic Church of Tashkent. After a full day of sightseeing, perhaps go to the ballet or opera at the stunning National Theatre in the evening if there is a performance tonight. Your local tour leader can assist you with what’s on and buying tickets.Tashkent Included Activities• Kukeldash & Barak Khan Madressas• Chorsu Bazaar• Amir Timur Square• Roman Catholic Church• Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum• History Museum of the People of UzbekistanSpecial InformationThere will be private transport for the tour today (other than the section completed by metro), but there’s also a fair amount of walking involved, so be sure to bring comfortable footwear and adequate sun protection.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘City Palace Hotel,’ in Tashkent (4 star)

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DAY 3: Saturday 26th September 2020 SAMARKAND (B)Transfer to the station this morning and take the 8am high speed “Afrosiab” train to Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This is a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, Samarkand has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. From Alexander the Great who stormed its walls in 329 BC, to the Soviet occupiers who declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, Samarkand’s history is as rich as it is complex. Keep your camera at the ready, as this destination is a photographer’s dream, with colourful domes and minarets gracing the skyline. Begin your tour of the city’s sights on arrival.Make a visit to theGur AmirMausoleum – the finalresting place of the mighty Timur and his sons and grandsons. Thecityflourishedunderhisruleinthe14thcentury.Foramanofhis stature, it is quite a simple tomb. Continue to the Shah-i-Zinda complex, the so-called ‘Town of the Dead’ necropolis, with more than 20 beautifully decorated unique buildings. It’s a holy site for local Muslims and is where the Prophet Mohammed’s cousin is buried. Nearby is the Ulugbek Observatory, built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer of the same name. It is considered byscholars tohavebeenoneof thefinestobservatories in theIslamic world, and the largest in Central Asia, before it was destroyed in 1449. Finish the day’s tour with a stop in the Afrosiab Museum, which houses a 7th century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman.Samarkand Included Activities• Ulugbek’s Observatory• Shakh-I-Zinda• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum• Afrosiab Museum

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Asia Hotel,’ in Samarkand (4 star)



UZBEKISTAN

DAY 4: Sunday 27th September 2020 SAMARKAND (B, D) A highlight of this trip is standing in the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over you. The Registan is probably the most recognisable of all Central Asia’s monuments. The facades of the two medressas facing the central square are decorated in elaborate mosaic tiles andintricategeometricbrickwork,flankedbytoweringminaretsand topped by azure-hued domes. The interiors of some of the buildings are just as impressive and there’s so much to explore, including the many handicraft and souvenir stalls in the courtyards. While here you will visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built by Timur. It is often compared to the Taj Mahal as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man’s love for his wife. This mosque overlooks the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and the huge array of produce, as well as encountering friendly greetings from the local traders. Next up is a classic Uzbek experience – join a local family for a cooking class in the traditional meal known as plov. Uzbek men pride themselves on their ability to prepare the most unique and scrumptious plov. This dish is cooked over an openflameinatraditionalcauldronandismadeupoffriedandboiled meat, onions, carrots, rice, raisins, berries and chickpeas. We will enjoy what we have cooked for dinner together. Included Activities• Plov cooking class & family visit• Registan• Bibi-Khanym Mosque• Siob Bazaar

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Asia Hotel,’ in Samarkand (4 star)

DAY 5: Monday 28th September 2020 GIJDUVAN - BUKHARA (B) Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or have a leisurely walk around and take in the skyline one last time. Then, in the afternoon, drive west to Bukhara (approximately 4 hours). En route you will stop in Gijduvan, which is famous for its ceramic pottery. There are potteries here that date back six generations. Here you will have the unique and memorable experience of visiting a ceramic pottery workshop. Witness the full pottery process from throwingtofiringtodecoration,andvisitasmallmuseumtofindout some history of ceramics in this area. Continue to Bukhara, a favourite Silk Road city for many travellers. Trading domes near herestillofferanintriguingandcolourfularrayofgoodsincludingembroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills and share a joke or two with local craftsman and merchants.Gijduvan Included Activity• Ceramics workshop

§ Accommodation: Your at ‘Sasha & Son hotel,’ in Bukhara (3.5 star)



UZBEKISTAN

Day 6 - Tuesday 29th September 2020 BUKHARA (B, D)A UNESCO-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as CentralAsia’sholiestcity.Withmore than100officiallypreserved monuments, there is a lot to see. Your extensive sightseeing program here is spread over two days to make the most of your time. With many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, there is a vast span of history and architecture to discover. The meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Start by visiting the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress. This is the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events. You’ll also see the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Medressa), and Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz Khan Medressa. The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering around the central Lyabi-Hauz and its surrounding areas. Tonight we enjoy a group dinner accompanied by a folklore & music performance.Bukhara Included Activities• Ismail Samani Mausoleum• Ark Fortress• Guided city tour• Bolo Hauz Mosque• Folklore & music performance

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Sasha & Son hotel,’ in Bukhara (3.5 star)

Day 7 - Wednesday 30th September 2020 BUKHARA (B) Start the second full day of sightseeing in Bukhara on adifferentnote,visitingthecity’stradingdomes. Inthe16th century, under the Shaybanides dynasty, Bukhara was a major trade, craft, and administration centre on the Great Silk Road. The city was famous for its bazaars, places of trade, meeting and entertainment. The dynasty built great covered bazaars, or trading domes, on major thoroughfares – a great dome over the main crossroads and smaller domes over the side streets. At its peak as one of the richest cities along the route, there are estimate to have been 50 bazaars and 75 caravanserais. Now there are only three of these domes left, but they still buzz with activity and give a glimpse of how commerce influenced urban development at the time of the SilkRoad. All manner of things can be found on sale, and no doubt you will wander through in search of bargains. Experience the spirit of trade that has driven this region since the halcyon days of the Silk Road era. In the midst of these bazaars is the Maghoki-Attar, reputed to be the oldest mosque in Central Asia. Stop by the Lyabi Hauz – a pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees in the Old Town’s centre – see the Nadir Devan-Begi, one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful medieval madrasas, and visit the unusual four minareted Chor Minor. Lastly, visit the Sitorai Mohi Hosa (star and garnet garden), which was the summer palace of the last emir. Its opulence is alsoreflectedinthecombinationof localandEuropeaninfluences in its designs and furnishings. The halls arerichly decorated with carpets and paintings. This evening is again your own to explore the splendours of Bukhara by night.Bukhara Included Activities• Walking tour• Kalon Minaret & Mosque• Chor Minor• Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Sasha & Son hotel,’ in Bukhara (3.5 star)



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Day 8 - Thursday 1st October 2020 KHIVA (B, L)Today we will set off early and drive 450 kilometres to Khiva(approximately 10 hours including photo stops and lunch). Along the way you’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in Central Asia. It’s long been inhabited by various nomadic people and on the way you might pass cowboys on their camels. You will also encounter the Amu Darya River, which was once known as the Oxus. This river bubbles up far to the south-east in the Pamirs, then runs west through the area now bordering modern Afghanistan (once famous throughout the ancient world for its lapis-lazuli mines). With the impressive oasis of Khiva ahead of you, this long journey is an ideal opportunity to catch up on some reading, or simply sit back and imagine you are a trader – relieved to have made it safely through the desert! On the way we will stop for lunch at a roadside cafe to break up the journey. Arrive in the fabled city of Khiva in the evening and check into the hotel. The town’s colourful procession over the years (conquering khans, Silk Road traders, Great Game spies and Russian invaders) has long captured the imagination of writers and poets. Grab a drink, sit down and enjoy the colorful panoramic view of the city at sunset from the roof top of our hotel.Khiva Included Activities• Sunset drinks

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Asia Hotel,’ in Khiva (3 star)

Day 9 - Friday 2nd October 2020 KHIVA (B) Today we take a full day to explore the city. Khiva is enchanting at dawn, with its empty streets and the palpable weight of thousands of years of history. Perhaps get up early before the day’s sightseeing begins, and enjoy the sunrise. Khiva is beautifully preserved and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Upon entering its gates you will see towering minarets and numerous medressas. Your local guide will take you through many of these monuments, including the turquiouse Kalta Minor Minaret, the Khan museum in the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa, the 17th-century Juma Mosque, the Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa (built in 1908 and the highest structure in Khiva), and the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex (the Persian-style resting place of Khiva’s patron saint). Visit the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress, and look over the city from the hill of the Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform, once used as a patrol tower of the citadel. Finish with the 19th century summer palace of Mohammed Rakhim Khan II, the Tosh-Hovli Palace, set in orchards and surrounded by walled gardens, fountains and aywans.Khiva Included Activities• Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum• Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa• Juma Mosque• Tosh-Hovli Palace• Kunya Ark and Kalta Minor Minaret

§ Accommodation: Your room at ‘Asia Hotel,’ in Khiva (3 star)



UZBEKISTAN

Day 10 - Saturday 3rd October 2020 TASHKENT (B,D) After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the airport for our flighttoTashkent,arrivingintheUzbekistancapital justafter11am. Visit the Navoi Theatre, named for one of the nom de plume’s of Ali-Shir Nava’I, a 16th century writer and mystic. The multi-arched façade was partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Next, spend some time pondering the works within the modern Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a finalgroupdinnerandsayfarewelltothisspectacularSilkRoadcountry.

§ Accommodation: Your room at ‘City Palace Hotel,’ in Tashkent (4 star)

Day 11 - Sunday 4th October 2020 TASHKENT/ DEPARTURE DAY (B) Our journey comes to an end today after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport to board you onward flight. Therearenoactivitiesplannedforyourfinalday.Ifyouwishtoexplorea little further in to this fascinating region, why not join Two’s a Crowd on another small-group solos journey to experience the ‘Highlights of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.’ The tour starts in Baku (Azerbaijan) on the 5th October, and concludes in Yerevan (Armenia) on the 19th October, 2020.

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AMAZON AND INCA ADVENTURE 16 DAY SOLOS TOUR – MARCH/APRIL 2017

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NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: (Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two’s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else’s

private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as thecamaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850).

Ourcommitmentistomakesolotravelmoreenjoyableandaffordable.Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Pricing correct at July 2019 and is subject to change until paid in full.

• Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©️Travel Passion Pty Ltd ABN 32 140 754 856 - Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Member No: 13874. Approved participant in the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) No: A13850. Two’s a Crowd, Travel Solo but Never Alone and the disc logo are registered trademarks of Travel

Passion Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Issued: 15/07/19

Tour Inclusions: § Escorted by an experienced Two’s a Crowd Tour

Host from Australia

§ 10 nights accommodation in solo occupancy rooms at local and authentic hotels – no sharing!

§ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L=lunches, D=dinners)

§ Individual arrival and departure airport transfers

§ All sightseeing, guided tours and entrance fees, as detailed in the itinerary

§ Rail ticket from Tashkent to Samarkand

§ Flight from Khiva to Tashkent (economy class including taxes)

§ Professionalguidefromstarttofinish+additionallocal English speaking guides for specialised city and monument sightseeing

§ All tips and gratuities

§ Comprehensive Travel Insurance with CHI or NIB Travel Insurance (Underwritten by Allianz). Additional premium may be payable if over 69 years, have an existing medical condition or wish to extend your travel dates. Refer to the PDS for more information on policy terms and conditions.

Tour Exclusions: § International airfares and taxes (we can assist).

§ Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs and phone calls.

§ Mealsanddrinksnotspecifiedasincludedintheitinerary.

§ Porterage at hotels.

§ Pre and post tour accommodation (we can assist).

§ Visa costs (if applicable).

§ Any tours listed as ‘Optional Tours’ (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes).

TOUR DATES: 24TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2020 TOUR PRICING: $3,979 AUD

UZBEKISTAN


11 DAYS SOLOS TOUR: 24TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2020

UZBEKISTAN

Special information: The currency is the Uzbekistan som (UZS). UZS is not freely convertible. Exchanging some back into foreign currencycanbedifficultparticularlyifyoudonotretainreceipts from the initial exchange into som. ATMs are available in major cities. Your leader or hotel should be able to advise on the best place to change money nearby, with USD being the easiest to exchange. Some souvenir sellers and tourist restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in

Uzbekistan must be made in local currency. $1 AUD = USZ 6026 (approx) $1 NZD = UZS 5746 (approx) $1 USD = UZS 8583 (approx) Many nationalities no longer require a visa for stays of up to 30 days, including most European countries, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand & Canada. You can check if you are eligible here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/application

jewels of uzbekistan - twosacrowd.com.au uzbekistan), the khast imom complex including the barak...

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