DAY 1, WEDNESDAY,  APRIL 30, 2008
JFK-ISTANBUL-TURKEY

Evening Departure from JFK New York via Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Turkey.
In-flight meals.

DAY 2, THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
ISTANBUL, TURKEY

  

Morning arrival in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel located in the center of old Istanbul.  Balance of day at leisure.  Lunch at own expense.  Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
ISTANBUL -  SOKULLU PASA HOTEL  (D)

DAY 3, FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2008  
ISTANBUL

We have the day to enjoy the sights of Istanbul:   the magnificent Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque.  After lunch we visit the covered Bazaar and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus. Late evening we fly to Tashkent via Turkish Airline. 
(B L D)

DAY 4, SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2008,
TASHKENT

Early morning arrival inTashkent.  After clearing immigration and customs, we transfer to our hotel.  After lunch we begin our introduction to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.  

We will visit the Square of Independence, the 16th century Kukeldash Madrassah, the Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, other examples of medieval Islamic architecture, and the busy Chorsu Bazaar.
TASHSKENT:    POYTAHT HOTEL (B L D)

DAY 5 & 6, SUN-MON- MAY 4-5, 2008
TASHKENT-FERGAMA VALLEY

Following breakfast, we drive to Fergama Valley,  Uzbekistan’s most densely populated and agriculturally productive region.  The 190 mile-long Fergama Valley is one of the world’s oldest cultivated regions.  Historically, the valley is a center of Uzbek silk manufacturing and hand-crafted ceramics.  We will have a chance to see the age old process of silk production in Margilan and learn more from the masters about the distinctive colors and patterns historically coveted by Chinese and Persian merchants. The town of Margilan, a major stop along the 9th Century Silk Route, is a maze of narrow streets adobe houses and stone mosques.

Also included is a road trip to Kokand.  We will visit the magnificent Khan’s palace museum and mosques.  We will also visit Rishtan, one of the most important ceramic centers in Central Asia. We’ll visit the private studio of a master ceramic artist and learn the traditional floral designs native to the region.  We return to Ferghana proper located near snow-covered mountains, with peaks rising to elevation of 16,000 feet.
FERGHANA:   CLUB 777 HOTEL    (B L D)

DAY 7, TUESDAY MAY 6,  2008
FERGHANA-TASHKENT-SAMARKAND

After breakfast we fly back to Tashkent and continue our journey to legendary  Samarkand, the grand capital of the emperor Tammerlane.  We will travel through Tashkent, Sirdarya, and the mountainous countryside of Jizzah where we will make spontaneous stops for photography.  After arriving and checking into our B&B hotel, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Samarkand was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. In 1220, Genghis Khan and his armies invaded Samarkand.  In the mid 1300’s the Mongol conqueror Tammerlane made Samarkand the capital of his vast empire and brought Samarkand to its greatest glory by building opulent palaces and mosques. Upon arrival in Tamerlane’s great city we transfer to  our bed and breakfast.  Tonight we enjoy a special dinner and folk program at Registan Square.
SAMARKAND:  B&B HOTEL  MALIKA GUEST HOUSE (B L D)

DAY 8, WEDNESDAY,  MAY 7, 2008
SAMARKAND

 

Today we explore glorious Samarkand, a magnificent city on the famous Silk Route.
Our sightseeing begins with the central  square of Samarkand, the Registan Square (Place of Sand).  This grand public square contains an incredible collection of Timurid architecture to admire the superb tile work which uses every motif permitted in Islamic art:  floral art, geometric patterns, spirals and bands of Kurfic calligraphy.  We will also stop by the Chorsu domed market. Admire the.

Continue to Gur-Emir to see Bibi-Khanum Mosque where Tamerlane is buried and also visit the nearby market. After lunch visit Shaki-Zinda ensemble of the Mousoleums.  Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Samarkand.
SAMARKAND:  B & B  HOTEL MALIKA GUEST HOUSE (B L D)

DAY 9, THURSDAY,  MAY 8, 2008
SAMARKAND-SHAKRISABZE-SAMARKAND

This morning we travel about 100 miles to Shakhrisabze, the birthplace of Tamerlane.  We visit the ruins of 14th Century Ak Saray (White Palace) and a local Market. We will have lunch before returning to Samarkand.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your own.
SAMARKAND: MALIKA GUEST HOUSE B & B (B L D)

DAY 10, FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008 
SAMARKAND-NURATA

After breakfast we’ll drive to Nurata, once known as ancient Nur.  The ruins of a hilltop citadel in the town center is said to have stood before the arrival of Alexander the Great.  Below the citadel is the chief pilgrimage site, the Chashma Spring, which miraculously formed when Hazrat Ali, Mohammed’s son in law, struck the ground with his staff. Hundreds of holy (unfishable) fish swim in the mineral packed water.  The mosque dates back to the 10th century and subsequent reconstructions have preserved the roof of 25 cupolas. We’ll spend the evening with a local family, immersing ourselves in the culture and lifestyle.   (B L D)

DAY 11, SATURDAY, MAY 10,2008
NURATA YANGIQUAZGAN

After breakfast we’ll continue into the desert for a day of camel riding, a centuries old mode of Central Asia transport. We will meet the semi-nomadic people who live in the desert and learn their contemporary  lifestyle. We’ll spend a magical night in an authentic yurt camp, relaxing around a campfire under a crystal-clear dome of stars.
YANGIQUAZGAN:   YURT CAMP (B L D)

DAY 12, SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008
YANGIQUAZGAN-BUKHARA

After breakfast at our Yurt camp, we will begin our desert journey.   We depart Yangiquazgan to visit Aygarkul Lake and continue on to holy Bukhara making a stop in Gizhduvan to visit the most important ceramic center  of Bukhara region.  After lunch at a local potter’s home, we continue our afternoon drive to Bukhara.  Dinner and folk program in old Medrassah.

BUKHARA:  SALOM INN    (B L D)

DAY 13, MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008
BUKHARA

Today is a full-day tour of Bukhara:  we will visit the 2000 year old Fortres Ark where Emirs once lived; the Poi-Kalon (Pedestal of the Great), the heart and focal point of all Bukhara; ontoIsmail Samani Mausoleum, dating from the early 10th century; and to Chashma Ayub (The Spring of Job) where, according to the old Testament, Job caused water to gush from the desert.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the Magoki-Attori mosque, dating from the 12th century.  We will also visit the “Shore of the Pool,” an architectural complex consisting of 16th century medrassah, a mosque, and a nearby dome-covered market. In the evening we will combine dinner with a cooking class at a local cook’s house.
BUKHARA:  SALOM INN    (B L D)

DAY 15, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
AYAZ-KALA – KHIVA

DAY 16, THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008
KHIVA

Following breakfast, we begin a walking tour of this desert caravan silk route town. Highlights include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the Khan and his four legal wives,  an open courtyard for enthroning of the Khans. We also see the 9th century Dzhuma Mosque with an unusual ceiling and 115 wood columns, creating a forest-like effect.Lunch with a local family. In the evening dinner with folk music and dance.
KHIVA: MALIKA-KHOREZM HOTEL (B L D)

DAY 17, FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008
KHIVA – TASHKENT

We enjoy free time this morning before we drive to Urgench to depart for Tashkent by air.  Upon arrival in Tashkent we’ll visit the private studio of Akbar Rakhimov, a local potter and one of the finest ceramic artists in the country. To conclude the journey we will have a final feast of Uzbek national dishes and farewell toasts.
TASHKENT:  POYTAHT HOTEL    (B L D)

DAY 18, SATURDAY, MAY 17,  
TASHKENT-ISTANBUL

Following breakfast, our tour concludes with transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airline flight connecting in Istanbul and arriving JFK same day at 12:45 PM local time.

COST FOR THE ENCLOSED TOUR:

Please call (215) 969-1589
or Email: martysphototours@hotmail.com
for specific costs and details.

*** LAND AND AIR COST IS BASED ON
A MINIMUM OF 10 PAX

DEPOSIT OF $500.00 PER PERSON WITH COMPLETED RESERVATION FORM WILL SECURE YOUR SPACE, 
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE FEB. 28, 2008.

TOUR COST INCLUDES

International airfare:
JFK-ISTANBUL-TASHKENT & TASHKENT-ISTANBUL-JFK

Internal airfare Tashkent-Fergama-Tashkent ( One or both directions may be overland depending on air schedule)  &  Urgench-Tashkent.

Arrival-departure transfers by private van with English speaking guide.
All hotel taxes and service charges
Shared accommodations in tourist to superior-tourist class hotels &  B&Bs
2 nights in traditional Yurts
(NOTE: these are camp-like facilities with toilet & bath in separate yurts)
Meals as listed in itinerary
The handling of one regular size suitcase
Transportation by private vehicle
English speaking accompanying guide services throughout the trip
Expenses of accompanying guide & driver (meals and accommodations)
Entrance fees as outlined in program

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

Meals not specified in the itinerary
Travel and Cancellation insurance
Single supplement charge, if requested or required. 
(Single supplement is very limited especially at Yurt camps)
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
Alcoholic beverages
Visa fees for Turkey & Uzbekistan
Gratuities to driver, guide & models
(This will be handled as per group basis)
Departure taxes

• Experience the splendors of  exciting ISTANBUL, TURKEY
• Celebrate your Silk Route Odyssey by visiting rarely visited destinations.
• Experience the warmth of a people who welcome us to their ancient world
• Learn about the life and work of local artisans during visits to their homes
• Experience the life of nomads by staying in a YURT camp in the desert,
  relaxing around a camp fire and under the stars.
  
• Enjoy the desert on camelback, a centuries-old-mode of Central Asia transport
• Admire the majestic architectural wonders of legendary Samarkand
• Wander the streets of the remote desert town of Khiva
• Enjoy your Silk Route Odyssey over a feast of traditional food in a private home
• Enjoy a cooking class while visiting a local family
  

VISAS & PASSPORT

At this time, a visa for Turkey can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul. For Uzbekistan visa, paperwork consisting of a voucher from the land tour operator, will be provided to accompany our passport for the visa.  NOTE:  Passport must be valid at least  6 months past ending  tour dates (or
11/17/08).  There need to be enough blank pages to obtain visas.

PLEASE NOTE

This tour is for the adventurous.  We will visit rarely seen caravan cities located on the ancient Silk Route.  The focus is also on cultural interaction.  We will have the opportunity to experience local cuisine by visiting and sharing meals in private homes in the area.  It is therefore important that tour members have a desire to involve themselves in local culture in order to enjoy this trip.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All accommodations are selected for your comfort as well as offering the most authentic experience in each destination.  They vary from three-star hotels to small family-run B&Bs to Yurt (tents) camps.  (NOTE:  like any other camp-like facility, bathing and toilet facilities are provided in separate Yurts—prepare accordingly).

DRESS

Dress is conservative, be prepared to remove your shoes when visiting temples, mosques, and private homes.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

WEATHER

NOTE

SMOKING

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

The preferred carrier for this program is Turkish Airlines flying from JFK-ISTANBUL-TASHKENT and returning from TASHKENT-ISTANBUL-JFK and is based on a minimum of 10 Participants.

CANCELLATION POLICY & FEES

AIRLINE TICKETS
Before issuing of tickets:....FULL REFUND
After tickets are issued:  A  $200.00 charge for cancellation. Spelling corrections to clients names after air tickets have been issued are subject  to airline revision fees.

LAND PORTION
60 days prior to commencement of services:  FULL REFUND
59-45 days prior 20%  of total cost
44-21 days prior 30%  of total cost
20-8 days prior 50%    of total cost
7-1 day(s) prior 100%  of total cost

REFUNDS FOR UNUSED SERVICES

CANCELLATION INSURANCE

RESPONSIBILITY:

MARTY’S PHOTO TOURS and all of his agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident, or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor-coach or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of this tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for the losses or additional expenses due to delay or change in air or other services, weather, strike, war, sickness, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We deserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation or liability on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as  a member of the tour, to substitute accommodations, carriers or another qualified leader, to alter the itinerary of the program at any time when deemed appropriate or advisable without penalty or liability. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time, in our sole judgment, to avoid penalties. The airline concerned is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are on board. The sole responsibility of any airline used for this tour is limited that is set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for the “SILK ROUTE ODYSSEY” tour for April 30th, to May 17th, 2008 and recognizes and accepts any risks thereof. The tour participant for this tour also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth under RESPONSIBILITY above, and to release and to hold harmless MARTY’S PHOTO TOURS from any and all liability for delays, injuries or death or for loss of damage to his property  however occurring any portion, or in relation to, the “SILK ROUTE ODYSSEY” tour.