journey from tashkent to baku october 10-24, 2017 · hilton hotel baku, (3b, 3l, 2d) oct 24 depart...
TRANSCRIPT
Plea
se m
ail t
he c
ompl
eted
reg
istr
atio
n fo
rm w
ith c
heck
(pa
yabl
e to
MIR
Cor
pora
tion-
CA
Tru
st)
or c
redi
t ca
rd in
form
atio
n to
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
, P.O
. Box
194
210,
San
Fra
ncis
co, C
A 9
4119
. Bal
ance
of p
aym
ent
for
all l
and
and
air
cost
s is
due
by
Aug
ust
11, 2
017,
60
days
pri
or t
o de
part
ure.
Paym
ent
of t
he b
alan
ce is
due
by
chec
k or
ban
k tr
ansf
er o
nly.
Spac
e is
lim
ited.
Res
erva
tions
will
be
proc
esse
d in
ord
er o
f rec
eipt
, sub
ject
to
avai
labi
lity.
The
enc
lose
d no
n-re
fund
able
dep
osit
of $
___
____
__ (
$500
per
per
son)
to
hold
___
___
plac
e(s)
.
Enc
lose
d ch
eck,
paya
ble
to M
IR C
orpo
ratio
n-C
A T
rust
Visa
Mas
terc
ard
Am
eric
an E
xpre
ss
D
iscov
er
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Cre
dit
card
num
ber
Exp
date
C
VC
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Billi
ng A
ddre
ss (
if di
ffere
nt fr
om m
ailin
g ad
dres
s)
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Sign
atur
e of
car
dhol
der
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Full
nam
e #1
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Full
nam
e #2
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Mai
ling
addr
ess
(no
PO b
oxes
ple
ase)
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
City
Stat
e/Pr
ovin
ce
Z
ip
C
ount
ry
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Phon
e (H
ome)
(Wor
k/C
ell)
Em
ail
Plea
se n
ote
pref
eren
ces:
I
am t
rave
ling
alon
e an
d pr
efer
a s
ingl
e ro
om w
here
ver
avai
labl
e at
the
sin
gle
supp
lem
ent
rate
($9
95).
I
will
sha
re a
ccom
mod
atio
ns w
ith _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
I w
ould
like
to
shar
e w
ith a
N
on-s
mok
er
S
mok
er (
shar
es a
re n
ot g
uara
ntee
d)
Inte
rnat
iona
l airf
are
is no
t inc
lude
d in
the
tour
pric
e. In
form
atio
n on
the
reco
mm
ende
d fli
ght i
tiner
ary
will
be
sent
by
our
tour
op
erat
or u
pon
confi
rmat
ion.
Plea
se s
end
me
a re
com
men
ded
air
itine
rary
and
fare
est
imat
e be
twee
n m
y ho
me
city
___
____
____
____
__ a
nd T
ashk
ent/
Baku
in:
Bus
ines
s cl
ass
Eco
nom
y cl
ass
For
mor
e in
form
atio
n, c
onta
ct T
he C
omm
onw
ealt
h C
lub
at (
415)
597
-672
0 or
tra
vel@
com
mon
wea
lthc
lub.
org
MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2017 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved. Photos: MIR Corporation
Included: All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) • Arrival/departure transfers for passengers arriving/departing on scheduled start/end days • Internal airfare from Merv to Ashgabat and Ashgabat to Baku • All overland transportation per itinerary by private vehicles • Special cultural events and extensive sightseeing, including entrance fees • English-speaking guides and Tour Manager throughout the itinerary • Baggage handling at the hotels and airports where available; gratuities to local guides, drivers, Tour Manager and restaurant staff during included meals • Visa support • Comprehensive pre-departure packet
Not Included: International airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Our tour operator MIR Corporation can assist with reservations • Travel insurance • Meals not specified as included in the itinerary • Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, excess baggage fees, visa fees
Air Arrangements: Program rates do not include international airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Because of the global nature of our members and patrons, there is no group flight for this program. Information on a recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.
What to Expect: This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two miles a day (with or without the assistance of a cane) over uneven terrain while keeping up with the group, and stand for extended periods of time during walking tours and museum visits. Border crossings may require walking up to a mile on foot while handling your own bags without assistance. Availability of western toilets on the trip is unreliable, and squat toilets are prevalent at museums and many of the restaurants. Certain pain relievers such as Tramadol and Hydrocodone (among others), which are somewhat common in the U.S., are prohibited in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, even for personal use with a foreign prescription. Travelers are advised to bring alternative medications, and carry only an amount suitable for personal use in original pharmacy-labeled packaging. Flexibility and the willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential to the enjoyment of this program.
Reservations and Payments: Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by August 11, 2017, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only.
Cancellations and Refunds: All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following cancellation charges will apply: Cancellations received 61 or more days before departure, forfeit the $500 per person non-refundable deposit; those received 31 days to 60 days before departure, forfeit 50% of land tour cost per person; those received 30 days or less before departure, no refund. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the full tour for any reason at all. Commonwealth Club Travel and our tour operator MIR Corporation reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced (i.e., cancel a tour). MIR Corporation reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant, and subject only to the requirement that the recoverable cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any.
Note: Neither Commonwealth Club Travel nor MIR Corporation accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour. It is recommended that you not purchase international flights until instructed by MIR Corporation.
Single Travelers: We make every effort to match single travelers who request a roommate. However, shared accommodations cannot be guaranteed and a single supplement rate will apply.
Insurance: A TravelGuard medical/evacuation and trip cancellation/interruption insurance policy for U.S. residents only is available for purchase. Inquire at MIR.
Responsibility: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of Commonwealth Club Travel and MIR Corporation for loss of property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. A signed release of liability/assumption of risk agreement is required for trip participation.
Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per person based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $995
Journey from Tashkent to Baku
October 10-24, 2017
Tashkent • Samarkand • Bukhara • Merv •
Ashgabat • Baku
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
P.O
. Bo
x 19
4210
San
Fran
cisc
o, C
A 9
4119
Day by Day Itinerary
The Commonwealth Club415-597-6720
• Enjoy a privately guided tour of Tashkent’s Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the former mansion of a wealthy czarist diplomat.
• In Tashkent, visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist whose family has been making pottery since the 1790s.
• Converse with your hostess at a convivial meal in the home of a local family in Samarkand.
• Participate in an exclusive meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.
• Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Merv, and learn about its turbulent history from an expert guide.
• Discover UNESCO-listed Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs on the Absheron Peninsula below Baku.
• Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at Baku’s Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ museum.
Program Highlights Oct 17-20 Merv, Turkmenistan • Ashgabat Crossing the border into Turkmenistan, explore the remains of the five ancient cities of Merv, and admire Ashgabat’s gleaming marble monuments. Venture outside the city to visit a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a professional local archaeologist. Stop at Kipchak Mosque, a huge $100-million-dollar mosque big enough to hold 10,000 people; its 164-foot golden dome had to be lowered in place by helicopter. Mary: Hotel Mary or similar; Ashgabat: Hotel Oguzkent or similar (4B, 4L, 4D)
Oct 21-23 Baku, Azerbaijan Fly in to Baku, and take a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old City, or Icheri Shere, completely encircled by the old city walls with their medieval gates. Enjoy a curator-led tour of the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets and Applied Folk Art, which beautifully displays the vivid colors and bold designs of Azeri, Caucasian and Iranian carpets. Visit Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Quarry workers discovered the rock carvings here by accident in the 1930s. Discover the Absheron Peninsula where flaming natural gas vents may have inspired Zarathustra, a local resident around 1000 BC, to include fire rituals in his Zoroastrian religion. Tour the Zoroastrian Fire Temple here, originally built over a burning natural gas vent. Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at the Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ Museum, followed by a farewell dinner featuring authentic Azeri dishes and traditional mugham music. Hilton Hotel Baku, (3B, 3L, 2D)
Oct 24 Depart BakuThe tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. (B flight time permitting)
Oct 10 Depart USA Depart USA on flights bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (In flight)
Oct 11-12 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Start with an introductory lecture, followed by a tour of modern Tashkent, including the Shahid Memorial Complex, honoring the people killed during Stalin’s purges in 1938. In the old part of Tashkent, view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist, and enjoy a privately guided tour of the Museum of Applied Arts, admiring the embroidered Uzbek wall coverings called suzani. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace or similar (2B, 2L, 2D)
Oct 13-14 Samarkand Take the morning express train from Tashkent, and begin exploring the World Heritage Site of Samarkand in the majestic Registan, centerpiece of the city. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque, which he built to be the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Wander the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinda, and pay a visit to Ulug Bek’s medieval observatory. Drop in at a private kindergarten for an opportunity to meet with children, teachers and administrators, and discuss the system of education in Uzbekistan. Take a tour of a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made according to traditions handed down from the 8th century, when paper-making began in Samarkand. Enjoy dinner at a private home. Emir Han Hotel (2B, 2L,2 D)
Oct 15-16 BukharaMake the drive to Bukhara, stopping for lunch in the village of Vobkent to meet with villagers and learn about Uzbekistan’s rural life. Begin exploring at the Ark Citadel, the original fortress of Bukhara, likely dating back two thousand years or more. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark in charge of renovations and projects. See the infamous Zindan Prison, Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the center of the Old Town, and the lovely Ismael Samani Mausoleum, the 10th century resting place of the founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty. Visit a madrassah to enjoy a performance by local artists. Sasha & Son Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D)
Plea
se m
ail t
he c
ompl
eted
reg
istr
atio
n fo
rm w
ith c
heck
(pa
yabl
e to
MIR
Cor
pora
tion-
CA
Tru
st)
or c
redi
t ca
rd in
form
atio
n to
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
, P.O
. Box
194
210,
San
Fra
ncis
co, C
A 9
4119
. Bal
ance
of p
aym
ent
for
all l
and
and
air
cost
s is
due
by
Aug
ust
11, 2
017,
60
days
pri
or t
o de
part
ure.
Paym
ent
of t
he b
alan
ce is
due
by
chec
k or
ban
k tr
ansf
er o
nly.
Spac
e is
lim
ited.
Res
erva
tions
will
be
proc
esse
d in
ord
er o
f rec
eipt
, sub
ject
to
avai
labi
lity.
The
enc
lose
d no
n-re
fund
able
dep
osit
of $
___
____
__ (
$500
per
per
son)
to
hold
___
___
plac
e(s)
.
Enc
lose
d ch
eck,
paya
ble
to M
IR C
orpo
ratio
n-C
A T
rust
Visa
Mas
terc
ard
Am
eric
an E
xpre
ss
D
iscov
er
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Cre
dit
card
num
ber
Exp
date
C
VC
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Billi
ng A
ddre
ss (
if di
ffere
nt fr
om m
ailin
g ad
dres
s)
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Sign
atur
e of
car
dhol
der
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Full
nam
e #1
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Full
nam
e #2
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Mai
ling
addr
ess
(no
PO b
oxes
ple
ase)
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
City
Stat
e/Pr
ovin
ce
Z
ip
C
ount
ry
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
Phon
e (H
ome)
(Wor
k/C
ell)
Em
ail
Plea
se n
ote
pref
eren
ces:
I
am t
rave
ling
alon
e an
d pr
efer
a s
ingl
e ro
om w
here
ver
avai
labl
e at
the
sin
gle
supp
lem
ent
rate
($9
95).
I
will
sha
re a
ccom
mod
atio
ns w
ith _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
I w
ould
like
to
shar
e w
ith a
N
on-s
mok
er
S
mok
er (
shar
es a
re n
ot g
uara
ntee
d)
Inte
rnat
iona
l airf
are
is no
t inc
lude
d in
the
tour
pric
e. In
form
atio
n on
the
reco
mm
ende
d fli
ght i
tiner
ary
will
be
sent
by
our
tour
op
erat
or u
pon
confi
rmat
ion.
Plea
se s
end
me
a re
com
men
ded
air
itine
rary
and
fare
est
imat
e be
twee
n m
y ho
me
city
___
____
____
____
__ a
nd T
ashk
ent/
Baku
in:
Bus
ines
s cl
ass
Eco
nom
y cl
ass
For
mor
e in
form
atio
n, c
onta
ct T
he C
omm
onw
ealt
h C
lub
at (
415)
597
-672
0 or
tra
vel@
com
mon
wea
lthc
lub.
org
MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2017 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved. Photos: MIR Corporation
Included: All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) • Arrival/departure transfers for passengers arriving/departing on scheduled start/end days • Internal airfare from Merv to Ashgabat and Ashgabat to Baku • All overland transportation per itinerary by private vehicles • Special cultural events and extensive sightseeing, including entrance fees • English-speaking guides and Tour Manager throughout the itinerary • Baggage handling at the hotels and airports where available; gratuities to local guides, drivers, Tour Manager and restaurant staff during included meals • Visa support • Comprehensive pre-departure packet
Not Included: International airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Our tour operator MIR Corporation can assist with reservations • Travel insurance • Meals not specified as included in the itinerary • Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, excess baggage fees, visa fees
Air Arrangements: Program rates do not include international airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Because of the global nature of our members and patrons, there is no group flight for this program. Information on a recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.
What to Expect: This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two miles a day (with or without the assistance of a cane) over uneven terrain while keeping up with the group, and stand for extended periods of time during walking tours and museum visits. Border crossings may require walking up to a mile on foot while handling your own bags without assistance. Availability of western toilets on the trip is unreliable, and squat toilets are prevalent at museums and many of the restaurants. Certain pain relievers such as Tramadol and Hydrocodone (among others), which are somewhat common in the U.S., are prohibited in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, even for personal use with a foreign prescription. Travelers are advised to bring alternative medications, and carry only an amount suitable for personal use in original pharmacy-labeled packaging. Flexibility and the willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential to the enjoyment of this program.
Reservations and Payments: Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by August 11, 2017, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only.
Cancellations and Refunds: All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following cancellation charges will apply: Cancellations received 61 or more days before departure, forfeit the $500 per person non-refundable deposit; those received 31 days to 60 days before departure, forfeit 50% of land tour cost per person; those received 30 days or less before departure, no refund. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the full tour for any reason at all. Commonwealth Club Travel and our tour operator MIR Corporation reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced (i.e., cancel a tour). MIR Corporation reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant, and subject only to the requirement that the recoverable cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any.
Note: Neither Commonwealth Club Travel nor MIR Corporation accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour. It is recommended that you not purchase international flights until instructed by MIR Corporation.
Single Travelers: We make every effort to match single travelers who request a roommate. However, shared accommodations cannot be guaranteed and a single supplement rate will apply.
Insurance: A TravelGuard medical/evacuation and trip cancellation/interruption insurance policy for U.S. residents only is available for purchase. Inquire at MIR.
Responsibility: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of Commonwealth Club Travel and MIR Corporation for loss of property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. A signed release of liability/assumption of risk agreement is required for trip participation.
Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per person based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $995
Journey from Tashkent to Baku
October 10-24, 2017
Tashkent • Samarkand • Bukhara • Merv •
Ashgabat • Baku
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
P.O
. Bo
x 19
4210
San
Fran
cisc
o, C
A 9
4119
Day by Day Itinerary
The Commonwealth Club415-597-6720
• Enjoy a privately guided tour of Tashkent’s Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the former mansion of a wealthy czarist diplomat.
• In Tashkent, visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist whose family has been making pottery since the 1790s.
• Converse with your hostess at a convivial meal in the home of a local family in Samarkand.
• Participate in an exclusive meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.
• Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Merv, and learn about its turbulent history from an expert guide.
• Discover UNESCO-listed Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs on the Absheron Peninsula below Baku.
• Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at Baku’s Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ museum.
Program Highlights Oct 17-20 Merv, Turkmenistan • Ashgabat Crossing the border into Turkmenistan, explore the remains of the five ancient cities of Merv, and admire Ashgabat’s gleaming marble monuments. Venture outside the city to visit a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a professional local archaeologist. Stop at Kipchak Mosque, a huge $100-million-dollar mosque big enough to hold 10,000 people; its 164-foot golden dome had to be lowered in place by helicopter. Mary: Hotel Mary or similar; Ashgabat: Hotel Oguzkent or similar (4B, 4L, 4D)
Oct 21-23 Baku, Azerbaijan Fly in to Baku, and take a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old City, or Icheri Shere, completely encircled by the old city walls with their medieval gates. Enjoy a curator-led tour of the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets and Applied Folk Art, which beautifully displays the vivid colors and bold designs of Azeri, Caucasian and Iranian carpets. Visit Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Quarry workers discovered the rock carvings here by accident in the 1930s. Discover the Absheron Peninsula where flaming natural gas vents may have inspired Zarathustra, a local resident around 1000 BC, to include fire rituals in his Zoroastrian religion. Tour the Zoroastrian Fire Temple here, originally built over a burning natural gas vent. Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at the Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ Museum, followed by a farewell dinner featuring authentic Azeri dishes and traditional mugham music. Hilton Hotel Baku, (3B, 3L, 2D)
Oct 24 Depart BakuThe tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. (B flight time permitting)
Oct 10 Depart USA Depart USA on flights bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (In flight)
Oct 11-12 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Start with an introductory lecture, followed by a tour of modern Tashkent, including the Shahid Memorial Complex, honoring the people killed during Stalin’s purges in 1938. In the old part of Tashkent, view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist, and enjoy a privately guided tour of the Museum of Applied Arts, admiring the embroidered Uzbek wall coverings called suzani. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace or similar (2B, 2L, 2D)
Oct 13-14 Samarkand Take the morning express train from Tashkent, and begin exploring the World Heritage Site of Samarkand in the majestic Registan, centerpiece of the city. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque, which he built to be the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Wander the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinda, and pay a visit to Ulug Bek’s medieval observatory. Drop in at a private kindergarten for an opportunity to meet with children, teachers and administrators, and discuss the system of education in Uzbekistan. Take a tour of a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made according to traditions handed down from the 8th century, when paper-making began in Samarkand. Enjoy dinner at a private home. Emir Han Hotel (2B, 2L,2 D)
Oct 15-16 BukharaMake the drive to Bukhara, stopping for lunch in the village of Vobkent to meet with villagers and learn about Uzbekistan’s rural life. Begin exploring at the Ark Citadel, the original fortress of Bukhara, likely dating back two thousand years or more. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark in charge of renovations and projects. See the infamous Zindan Prison, Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the center of the Old Town, and the lovely Ismael Samani Mausoleum, the 10th century resting place of the founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty. Visit a madrassah to enjoy a performance by local artists. Sasha & Son Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D)
Day by Day Itinerary
The Commonwealth Club415-597-6720
• Enjoy a privately guided tour of Tashkent’s Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the former mansion of a wealthy czarist diplomat.
• In Tashkent, visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist whose family has been making pottery since the 1790s.
• Converse with your hostess at a convivial meal in the home of a local family in Samarkand.
• Participate in an exclusive meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.
• Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Merv, and learn about its turbulent history from an expert guide.
• Discover UNESCO-listed Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs on the Absheron Peninsula below Baku.
• Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at Baku’s Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ museum.
Program Highlights Oct 17-20 Merv, Turkmenistan • Ashgabat Crossing the border into Turkmenistan, explore the remains of the five ancient cities of Merv, and admire Ashgabat’s gleaming marble monuments. Venture outside the city to visit a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a professional local archaeologist. Stop at Kipchak Mosque, a huge $100-million-dollar mosque big enough to hold 10,000 people; its 164-foot golden dome had to be lowered in place by helicopter. Mary: Hotel Mary or similar; Ashgabat: Hotel Oguzkent or similar (4B, 4L, 4D)
Oct 21-23 Baku, Azerbaijan Fly in to Baku, and take a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old City, or Icheri Shere, completely encircled by the old city walls with their medieval gates. Enjoy a curator-led tour of the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets and Applied Folk Art, which beautifully displays the vivid colors and bold designs of Azeri, Caucasian and Iranian carpets. Visit Gobustan, an important site of ancient petroglyphs that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. Quarry workers discovered the rock carvings here by accident in the 1930s. Discover the Absheron Peninsula where flaming natural gas vents may have inspired Zarathustra, a local resident around 1000 BC, to include fire rituals in his Zoroastrian religion. Tour the Zoroastrian Fire Temple here, originally built over a burning natural gas vent. Enjoy a private tour and champagne reception at the Nobel Oil Club, the Nobel Brothers’ Museum, followed by a farewell dinner featuring authentic Azeri dishes and traditional mugham music. Hilton Hotel Baku, (3B, 3L, 2D)
Oct 24 Depart BakuThe tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. (B flight time permitting)
Oct 10 Depart USA Depart USA on flights bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (In flight)
Oct 11-12 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Start with an introductory lecture, followed by a tour of modern Tashkent, including the Shahid Memorial Complex, honoring the people killed during Stalin’s purges in 1938. In the old part of Tashkent, view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Visit the private art studio of a sixth-generation Uzbek ceramicist, and enjoy a privately guided tour of the Museum of Applied Arts, admiring the embroidered Uzbek wall coverings called suzani. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace or similar (2B, 2L, 2D)
Oct 13-14 Samarkand Take the morning express train from Tashkent, and begin exploring the World Heritage Site of Samarkand in the majestic Registan, centerpiece of the city. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque, which he built to be the largest mosque in the Islamic world. Wander the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinda, and pay a visit to Ulug Bek’s medieval observatory. Drop in at a private kindergarten for an opportunity to meet with children, teachers and administrators, and discuss the system of education in Uzbekistan. Take a tour of a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made according to traditions handed down from the 8th century, when paper-making began in Samarkand. Enjoy dinner at a private home. Emir Han Hotel (2B, 2L,2 D)
Oct 15-16 BukharaMake the drive to Bukhara, stopping for lunch in the village of Vobkent to meet with villagers and learn about Uzbekistan’s rural life. Begin exploring at the Ark Citadel, the original fortress of Bukhara, likely dating back two thousand years or more. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark in charge of renovations and projects. See the infamous Zindan Prison, Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the center of the Old Town, and the lovely Ismael Samani Mausoleum, the 10th century resting place of the founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty. Visit a madrassah to enjoy a performance by local artists. Sasha & Son Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D)
Plea
se m
ail t
he c
ompl
eted
reg
istr
atio
n fo
rm w
ith c
heck
(pa
yabl
e to
MIR
Cor
pora
tion-
CA
Tru
st)
or c
redi
t ca
rd in
form
atio
n to
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
, P.O
. Box
194
210,
San
Fra
ncis
co, C
A 9
4119
. Bal
ance
of p
aym
ent
for
all l
and
and
air
cost
s is
due
by
Aug
ust
11, 2
017,
60
days
pri
or t
o de
part
ure.
Paym
ent
of t
he b
alan
ce is
due
by
chec
k or
ban
k tr
ansf
er o
nly.
Spac
e is
lim
ited.
Res
erva
tions
will
be
proc
esse
d in
ord
er o
f rec
eipt
, sub
ject
to
avai
labi
lity.
The
enc
lose
d no
n-re
fund
able
dep
osit
of $
___
____
__ (
$500
per
per
son)
to
hold
___
___
plac
e(s)
.
Enc
lose
d ch
eck,
paya
ble
to M
IR C
orpo
ratio
n-C
A T
rust
Visa
Mas
terc
ard
Am
eric
an E
xpre
ss
D
iscov
er
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___
Cre
dit
card
num
ber
Exp
date
C
VC
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___
Billi
ng A
ddre
ss (
if di
ffere
nt fr
om m
ailin
g ad
dres
s)
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___
Sign
atur
e of
car
dhol
der
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Full
nam
e #1
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
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Full
nam
e #2
(as
list
ed in
pas
spor
t)
D
ate
of b
irth
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Mai
ling
addr
ess
(no
PO b
oxes
ple
ase)
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City
Stat
e/Pr
ovin
ce
Z
ip
C
ount
ry
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Phon
e (H
ome)
(Wor
k/C
ell)
Em
ail
Plea
se n
ote
pref
eren
ces:
I
am t
rave
ling
alon
e an
d pr
efer
a s
ingl
e ro
om w
here
ver
avai
labl
e at
the
sin
gle
supp
lem
ent
rate
($9
95).
I
will
sha
re a
ccom
mod
atio
ns w
ith _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
I w
ould
like
to
shar
e w
ith a
N
on-s
mok
er
S
mok
er (
shar
es a
re n
ot g
uara
ntee
d)
Inte
rnat
iona
l airf
are
is no
t inc
lude
d in
the
tour
pric
e. In
form
atio
n on
the
reco
mm
ende
d fli
ght i
tiner
ary
will
be
sent
by
our
tour
op
erat
or u
pon
confi
rmat
ion.
Plea
se s
end
me
a re
com
men
ded
air
itine
rary
and
fare
est
imat
e be
twee
n m
y ho
me
city
___
____
____
____
__ a
nd T
ashk
ent/
Baku
in:
Bus
ines
s cl
ass
Eco
nom
y cl
ass
For
mor
e in
form
atio
n, c
onta
ct T
he C
omm
onw
ealt
h C
lub
at (
415)
597
-672
0 or
tra
vel@
com
mon
wea
lthc
lub.
org
MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2017 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved. Photos: MIR Corporation
Included: All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) • Arrival/departure transfers for passengers arriving/departing on scheduled start/end days • Internal airfare from Merv to Ashgabat and Ashgabat to Baku • All overland transportation per itinerary by private vehicles • Special cultural events and extensive sightseeing, including entrance fees • English-speaking guides and Tour Manager throughout the itinerary • Baggage handling at the hotels and airports where available; gratuities to local guides, drivers, Tour Manager and restaurant staff during included meals • Visa support • Comprehensive pre-departure packet
Not Included: International airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Our tour operator MIR Corporation can assist with reservations • Travel insurance • Meals not specified as included in the itinerary • Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, excess baggage fees, visa fees
Air Arrangements: Program rates do not include international airfare to Tashkent/from Baku. Because of the global nature of our members and patrons, there is no group flight for this program. Information on a recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.
What to Expect: This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two miles a day (with or without the assistance of a cane) over uneven terrain while keeping up with the group, and stand for extended periods of time during walking tours and museum visits. Border crossings may require walking up to a mile on foot while handling your own bags without assistance. Availability of western toilets on the trip is unreliable, and squat toilets are prevalent at museums and many of the restaurants. Certain pain relievers such as Tramadol and Hydrocodone (among others), which are somewhat common in the U.S., are prohibited in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, even for personal use with a foreign prescription. Travelers are advised to bring alternative medications, and carry only an amount suitable for personal use in original pharmacy-labeled packaging. Flexibility and the willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential to the enjoyment of this program.
Reservations and Payments: Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by August 11, 2017, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only.
Cancellations and Refunds: All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following cancellation charges will apply: Cancellations received 61 or more days before departure, forfeit the $500 per person non-refundable deposit; those received 31 days to 60 days before departure, forfeit 50% of land tour cost per person; those received 30 days or less before departure, no refund. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the full tour for any reason at all. Commonwealth Club Travel and our tour operator MIR Corporation reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced (i.e., cancel a tour). MIR Corporation reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant, and subject only to the requirement that the recoverable cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any.
Note: Neither Commonwealth Club Travel nor MIR Corporation accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour. It is recommended that you not purchase international flights until instructed by MIR Corporation.
Single Travelers: We make every effort to match single travelers who request a roommate. However, shared accommodations cannot be guaranteed and a single supplement rate will apply.
Insurance: A TravelGuard medical/evacuation and trip cancellation/interruption insurance policy for U.S. residents only is available for purchase. Inquire at MIR.
Responsibility: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of Commonwealth Club Travel and MIR Corporation for loss of property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. A signed release of liability/assumption of risk agreement is required for trip participation.
Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per person based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $995
Journey from Tashkent to Baku
October 10-24, 2017
Tashkent • Samarkand • Bukhara • Merv •
Ashgabat • Baku
The
Com
mon
wea
lth C
lub
of C
alifo
rnia
P.O
. Bo
x 19
4210
San
Fran
cisc
o, C
A 9
4119