EDUCATIONAL and CULTURAL TOURS

223 Angas Street, Adelaide SA 5000 T (08) 8223 1272 ● F (08) 8232 3690 ● E tours@wea-sa.com.au

TTA 183

E&OE

Day 19 Friday 28 September

Day 13 Saturday 22 September

Day 15 Monday 24 September

Day 14 Sunday 23 September

Day 17 Wednesday 26 September

Please remember that on WEA Tours you may be travelling to remote and less visited

places so please have an open mind and embrace the differences.

Photographs: East-Site Travel; Wikimedia Commons:-Alastair Rae; Stanslav Kozoluskiy; Shuharaxmedov; Giorgio Montersino; Faqscl; Doran; Gilad Rom; Hergit

Flikr Commons: David Stanley; peretxp; Arian Zweger

Day 16 Tuesday 25 September

Day 18 Thursday 27 September

Day 20 Saturday 29 September

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A VERY FULL ITINERARY WHICH WILL REQUIRE A GOOD LEVEL OF STAMINA

Day 21 Sunday 30 September

the museum and take a short walking tour. Continue on to Bukhara. Overnight in Bukhara. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

BUKHARA This city is renowned for the exquisite blue tiling and golden brickwork and it is here in Bukhara where Turkistan cul-ture comes alive. Your day’s sightseeing tour in Bukhara includes: Arc Fortress, which protected the city in one form or another from as long ago as the 4 century BC, Lyabi Khauz Square and Kalyan Square and the surrounding buildings including the Magoki-Attori Mosque, the Trading Domes, Abdullaziz Khan Madrassah and Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Visit the summer palace of Bukhara emirs Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa and the memorial complex of Naqshbandi. Overnight in Bukhara. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

BUKHARA Today you travel to the Sarmysh Gorge, one of the greatest ‘rock galleries’ in the world. Here you can explore the 3,500 petroglyphs dating back from the stone

and bronze ages. Scene artistically depicting animals, human beings and

scenes of hunting still can be quite clearly seen. From here there are stunning views across the mountains and gorges making it an excellent photo opportunity. You have lunch in the town of Navoi before returning to Bukhara in the late afternoon. Upon your return to Bukhara you have the rest of the day free. Overnight in Bukhara.

BUKHARA – SAMARKAND This morning you have some free time before lunch and your afternoon drive to Samarkand via Gijduvan. This is a famous ceramic pottery with an interesting collection of traditional goods, perhaps you may wish to make a

SAMARKAND The oasis of Samarkand was, according to legend, founded more than 5,000 years ago by King Afrosiyab. Its documented history dates from 329BC when Alexander the Great found the city to be “more beautiful and majestic than I could have imagined”. Ancient Arab manuscripts refer to Samarkand as the “Gem of the East”. Today you have a half day sightseeing tour of Samarkand covering: Registan Square (Ulugbek, Cher Dor and Tillya Kory Madrasa), Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Central bazaar in Samarkand, Ulugbek’s Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Nekropolis, Gur Emir Mausoleum. A unique and intricate history waits to be unfolded for you by our expert guides. You have free time to explore or relax before dinner. Overnight Samarkand. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

SAMARKAND Another half day tour of this fascinating city, today you will see: the Afrosiyob Museum, the Saint Daniel Museum, the Samarkand Paper Mills, situated on the banks of the Siab River. Soldiers who escaped Chinese captivity, many of them having previously worked in paper "factories", started papermaking in Samarkand in 7thC This beautiful paper is still made in the traditional way with the assistance of UNESCO, at a specially built mill with a fully working water-wheel. In the afternoon you have free time to relax, revisit old and new sites or just enjoy browsing in the bazaars. Colourful shawls, veils, turbans are all excellent purchases and the costumes of the vendors and the customers transport you back to medieval times, as they are little changed from then – all wonderful photograph opportunities. Overnight Samarkand Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

SAMARKAND – TASHKENT Leaving the beautiful city of Samarkand you make your way to Tashkent, taking a last look at the entrancing scenery along the way. You make a stop for lunch and a short excursion in Shakhrizabz. After check into your hotel you have some free time to explore Tashkent or just relax and enjoy the ambience of this lovely city. Perhaps visit the Museum of Applied Arts and His-torical Museum or the Opera and Ballet Theatre of A Navoi for a performance. Overnight Tashkent. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

TASHKENT - SEOUL Tashkent, meaning Stone Fortress, has always been an important junction on the trade routes. It became a Muslim city in the 8th century and although much of the city was destroyed by wars and earthquakes, traces of its ancient history can still be clearly seen. Today you begin your exploration of the old part of the city visiting: Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldash madrasah (XVI c.), Khast Imam, Barak-Khan Madrassah and Hasti Immam complex, which includes the world’s most ancient Koran, Abdulkasim Madrassah and Navruz Square. After lunch you continue sightseeing in the new quarter of Tashkent. Over one hundred nationalities live in this ancient city in a cosmopolitan blend cultures and traditions. Tashkent boasts the only Metro system in Central Asia, its lavish decoration is well worth a look. You end the day with visits to Independence Square, Amir Temur Square and Alisher Navoi Theatre Square. After dinner transfer to the airport for your flight to Seoul and connecting flights to Kuala Lumpur and Adelaide. Late check out from hotel arranged. Overnight in flight Breakfast ● Lunch ● Farewell Dinner

purchase? Next you visit the UNESCO listed caravanserai of Rabat-i-Malik, an important stop for travellers on the on the Silk Route. Arriving at Samarkand, the second largest city in Uzbekistan, you have a little free time to rest and relax before meeting your group for dinner. Overnight in Samarkand. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

SEOUL – KUALA LUMPUR After a short lay-over in Seoul you take a connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur and Adelaide. Overnight in flight Meals in flight

ADELAIDE Arrive into Adelaide International Airport early morning.

...enriching lives through cultural exchange

10 - 30 September 2012

21 days $6960

Twin share + airline taxes ($630 Nov. 2011) and visa costs Single supplement $700 ● Balance due 25th June 2012

U zbekistan and Turkmenistan boast some of the world’s oldest civilisations. Join us on an exciting tour of these ancient lands most stunning cities along the ‘Great Silk Road’; Tashkent , Uzbekistan’s capital city and a city of

contrasts, Samarkand with its 2,500 years of history, Bukhara one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan and the fairy tale city of Khiva. Cross the border into Turkmenistan and discover the cities of Dashoguz, Mary and Ashgabat. Take in a desert horse race and gaze in wonder at the amazing Gonur Depe and the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this unique tour. The Silk Route was not only used by silk traders it was am important link between east and west. Thousands of caravans plied their wares along its 13,600 km of land and sea routes trading in spices, gems, carpets, leather and other exotic goods. The Great Silk Road gave rise to a huge melting pot of customs, cultures and religions, all leaving their mark along the way. This is your chance to explore these intriguing destinations, meet its hospitable people, and hare in its remarkable culture and customs, be enthralled by the spectacular architecture and enjoy dramatic scenery on this fully escorted WEA tour. Tour Leader: Dr Suzanne Brugger is a graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London where she taught in the 1960s. Her studies included Islamic Law and the art, archaeology and history of the Islamic world. She has lectured at Flinders University and has led a numerous WEA study tours including Uzbekistan, China, Iran and Myanmar. Tour includes: Adelaide to Adelaide return flights ● Internal flights ● Fully escorted sightseeing ● Hotel accommodation ● Entrance fees ● Local Guides ● Pre & Post Tour Get-togethers ● Comprehensive tour pack

Tashkent ● Khiva ● Bukhara ● Samarkand

Dashoguz ● Koneurgench ● Ashgabat ● Merv

Day 1 Monday 10 September

Day 2 Tuesday 11 September

Day 5 Friday 14 September Day 4 Thursday 13 September

Day 3 Wednesday 12 September

ADELAIDE – KUALA LUMPUR You have an afternoon flight to Kuala Lumpur connecting with your flight to Seoul. Overnight in flight Meals in flight

SEOUL - TASHKENT Arrive in Seoul. Here you have access to the convenience of the ’Hub Lounge’. A shopping tour is also included for those who wish. In the afternoon you fly to Tashkent and check in to your hotel for the night. Overnight Tashkent Refreshments

TASHKENT – KHIVA Today you transfer to the airport for your flight to Khiva. This is a city famous for its masters of handicraft - skilled wood and stone carvers, metal chasers and jewellers. Khiva’s hand woven carpets and hand embroidery - "suzzanies" are world renowned. Original produce and myriad souvenirs can be

purchased straight from master workshops the narrow streets of the old city. Your discovery of Khiva begins by visiting:

Ichan Kala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by madrasah Muhammad Amin Khan, Kelta Minar, Kunya Ark, madrasah Muhammad, Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret & madrasah, Minor Minaret and Djuma Mosque and Minaret. The Said Allauddin Mausoleum - beautifully decorated with vibrant coloured turquoise tiles and Tash Hovli Palace and Harem are also visited. The palace has been preserved intact with its ornate gates, majolica, wood and marble carving and painted ceilings. Overnight Khiva Breakfast● Lunch ● Welcome Dinner

KHIVA Breakfast is followed by a drive to Ellik Kala meaning ‘Fifty Fortresses’. Your coach drops you at the bridge crossing the river at Amu-Darya where you alight another coach on the other side! From here you will have the chance to explore

some of the many fortresses in this area, ancient ruins Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala. You may also have the opportunity to visit an archaeological dig where staff and students from the University of Sydney are excavating. En route you have lunch in a traditional nomad’s yurt, a wonderful experience to add to your list. Free time before dinner. Overnight Khiva. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

KHIVA – DASHOGUZ

Today you leave Uzbekistan for the Turkmenistan border crossing - Note: Passports with 2 coloured photos will be required be for registration at the CTB in Dashoguz. After lunch you make your

Day 7 Sunday 16 September

Day 6 Saturday 15 September

Day 10 Wednesday 19 September

Day 11 Thursday 20 September

Day 12 Friday 21 September

Day 9 Tuesday 18 September

Day 8 Monday 17 September

way to the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography before driving to the ruins of Yzmukshir Fortress and the Mausoleum of As Zamakhshari, one of the greatest philosophers and philologists of the world importance who had a title “Fakhri Horezmi”- Proud of Horezm. Overnight Dashoguz. Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner

DASHOGUZ – KONEURGENCH – DASHOGUZ A full day’s sightseeing today, taking a morning drive to Koneurgench, the capital of Khorezmshahs and protected by UNESCO. Your visit of the old city includes; Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret - one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum and the Mausoleums of Najm Ed Din & Soltan Ali. You also have the opportunity to visit the local Museum of History in Dash Metjit/Medrese. A further drive takes you to pilgrimage site “Ashyk Aydyng Pir”: patron of musicians and lovers. Next you go to the ruins of Diyarbekir Gala Fortress, an incredible “untouched” medieval site which has not as yet been properly excavated by the archeologists. Sit back and relax as you drive back to Dashoguz. Overnight Dashoguz.

DASHOGUZ – ASHGABAT This morning you transfer to Dashoguz Airport for your flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival you begin a full day’s sightseeing of Ashgabat which includes: “Altyn Asyr” - Oriental Sunday Bazaar. This is a splendid sight and sure to capture the hearts of the bargain hunters. Your next stop is the Hippodrome of Ashgabat where you watch the Sunday Horse Race. This is free to enter for all and will allow you to see the fine horses so famous in this region. Please note that races can be changed without notice by the State Association of “Turkmen Atlary”. After your lunch you continue your sightseeing: ‘Park dedicated to Turkmen Horses’, Presidential Square, Gulistan Bazar, known as the “Russian Bazaar” because of the many Russians who used to shop there, Monument of Lenin which was erected in 1927 and

was one those few monuments which survived the earthquake of 1948, Ertogrul Gazy. After dinner you may wish to take an evening walk in the popular and recently opened Park of Inspiration “Ylham Seyilgahi”. Here you will find statues of many famous Turkmen from early ages to modern times. The statues and fountains in the park are lit by colorful night lights, making an enchanting end for your evening stroll. Overnight Ashgabat. Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner

ASHGABAT A full day of discovery awaits you as you continue to explore Ashgabat. Today

you explore: “Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi” the largest mausoleum complex in Central Asia followed by Nissa, the sanctuary and capital of the Parhian Kings Empire. This site is still being excavated and has seen some remarkable discoveries to date. A complete change is the Health Path of Turkmenbashy. This facility is a very popular place with locals who come with

their families to picnic and play. You continue on to the Museum of History and Ethnography before visiting the Museum of Turkmen Carpets – one of only 3

carpet museums in the world. Here is also kept the biggest hand made carpet in the world complete with the Guinness Book of Records Certificate! From here you take a walking tour in the Park of Independency, a beautiful park filled with fountains and monuments. Tonight you

ASHGABAT – MARY Today you depart Ashgabat and make your way to Mary visiting historic sites along the way: the Museum of Agricul-ture “Ak Bugday”, the ruins of medieval Bagabat and the Seyit Jemal Ed Din Mosque. You will also see the site of Abiverd and the well preserved ruins of the Fortress of Nedir Shah. Sit back, relax and enjoy your journey to Mary. Overnight Mary. Breakfast● Picnic Lunch ● Dinner

MARY – MARGUSH – MARY Following breakfast you have a wonderful day of discovery as you begin your journey by coach, transferring to

MARY – MERV – MARY A short drive brings you to Bayramaly for sightseeing of Old Merv, one of the most important cities along the Silk Road. Founded around the 6th century BC, it flourished as an administrative, trading, military& religious centre – becoming perhaps the third largest city in the world in the 10th century CE. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch you make your way to the Museum of History and Ethnography followed by a walking tour of Mary which includes: the Regional Mosque of Mary Provience, the Central Theater of Mary, the Convention and Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park and Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet and the Regional Orthodox Church built by Russians at the end of XIX century. Overnight Mary. Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner

MARY– BUKHARA Today you say farewell to Turkmenistan as you make the 300km drive to the Farab/Alat border pass to cross back into Uzbekistan and on to Bukhara. Travelling via Turkmenabat you cross the ‘Floating Bridge’ spanning over 900 meters across the Amu Darya River. From here you can see the oldest railway bridge in this part of Central Asia built at the end of the 19C which also crosses the “mad river“ which until 2009 was the only connection north to south of the country. En route you stop to visit the Repetek Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Turkmenistan and established to protect the flora & fauna of the Garagum Desert. Here you can explore

4WD for the last 30kms to visit one of the most famous historical sites I Turkmenistan, the Bronze Age Civilization Site of

Gonur Depe. Said to be the birthplace of Zoroastrianism, Gonur Depe dates back from the 3rd millennium BC. The site was only discovered in the 1970’s and excavations are still continuing today. Amazing discoveries are being made of precious artefacts and items of daily life which demonstrate a wide ranging trade with other central Asiatic regions. This Bronze Age 'country' was also known as Margush and Margiana. The Margush are considered the "lost fifth civilization. Overnight Mary Breakfast● Lunch ● Dinner