KAZAKHSTAN • KYRGYZSTAN • UZBEKISTAN • TAJIKISTAN • TURKMENISTAN

Silk Road Odyssey: The Five ’Stans September 6–23, 2016

2016

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16

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

Silk Road Odyssey: The Five ’Stans September 6–23, 2016 • 17 NIGHTS / 18 DAYS • GROUP SIZE: 12–30

TRACE THE PATH OF THE GREAT CAMEL CARAVANS along the Old Silk Road, admiring the vaulted portals of the mosques, their domes cloaked in sky-blue ceramic tiles, and the madrassahs. Explore five different UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic Old Towns of the fabled Uzbek oases, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Wander the fabulous bazaars and step into the past on the

streets of Silk Road trade centers crowned with com-plex Persian architecture. Along the way, learn about ongoing renovations with a local Bukharan architect, converse with students at the Samarkand State Insti-tute of Foreign Languages, discuss current affairs with guests from the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and meet with representatives of a Tajik nongovernmental organization.

“The rich history of the Silk Road

cities we visited combined with

the geopolitical situation of the

area made for a fascinating trip.

The people were some of the most

friendly I’ve met anywhere.”

– Margaret Weglinski,

Rochester, MN

Past traveler

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

HARVARD

STUDY LEADER

As this brochure goes to print, we have not yet confirmed the faculty study leader for this program. We intend, however, that you will be joined by a Harvard lecturer who will enhance your travel experience. You will discover that our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars and teachers but also friendly traveling companions, eager to share their insights through conversation as well as in scheduled presentations.

WHY TRAVEL WITH HAA?

• Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders

• Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents

• Choice of land & rail, cruises rivers & lakes, and family adventures

• Travel with fellow HAA alums

• Local culture, history, and cuisine at each stop

• Friendships that outlast your trip

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

U S A /A L M AT Y, K A Z A K H STA N

Tuesday–Wednesday, September 6–7

Depart the USA bound for Almaty, Kazakhstan. Most flights arrive late at night or or very early the next morning. Intercontinental Almaty Hotel

A L M AT Y

Thursday, September 8

Following an introductory lecture, begin exploring Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Visit Panfilov Park with its candy–colored Zenkov Ortho-dox Cathedral, the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Cen-tral Museum. Intercontinental Almaty Hotel (B, L, D)

B I S H K E K , K Y R G Y ZSTA N

Friday–Saturday, September 9–10

On the drive to Kyrgyzstan, observe traditional Kazakh falconry at a falcon farm. In the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, explore some of the city’s fine muse-ums, and meet with a resident Kyrgyz

of the 10th-century Timurmalik For-tress, the poet Muslihiddin’s memo-rial complex, the Historical Museum of Sogdiana, with its reconstructed medieval gate/entrance, and the cov-ered Panshanbe Bazaar. Meet with representatives of a local NGO and hear about their experiences of life in Tajikistan. Sugd Hotel Hotel (B, L, D)

S A M A R K A N D

Wednesday–Thursday, September 14–15

Drive back into Uzbekistan to the fabled Silk Road oasis of UNESCO-listed Samarkand. Visit Tamerlane’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinda, and Ulug Bek’s medieval observatory. Tour a workshop where paper is crafted by hand, and attend a presentation at the studio of the internationally recognized fashion designer Valentina Romanenko. Hotel Registan Plaza (2B, 2L, 2D)

who participated in the April 7, 2010, revolution. Enjoy a traditional perfor-mance of selections from the Epic of Manas. Hyatt Regency Bishkek (2B, 2L, 2D)

TA S H K E N T, U Z B E K I STA N

Sunday–Monday, September 11–12

Before a flight to to Uzbekistan, visit UNESCO-listed Burana Tower, attend a lively demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games, and enjoy lunch with a village family. In the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, explore the Old Town, and meet with invited guests from the U.S. Embassy. By special arrangement, view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest koran in the world. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (2B, 2L, 2D)

K H UJ A N D, TA J I K I STA N

Tuesday, September 13

Cross the Uzbek/Tajik border and continue to Khujand, Tajikistan’s second-largest city. Visit the remains

SCHEDULE BY DAY

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

S H A K H R I S A B Z E , B U K H A R A

Friday–Sunday, September 16–18

Depart for Bukhara, stopping to explore the UNESCO of Shakhrisabze, Tamerlane’s hometown. Admire the 10th-century Ismael Samani Mauso-leum, buried under the desert sands for centuries, visit the Summer Pal-ace of the last emir, and its Museum of National Crafts. Enjoy dinner and a performance by local artists at a madrassah. Sasha & Son Hotel (3B, 3L, 2L)

K H I VA

Monday–Tuesday, September 19–20

Drive across long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sands desert, to UNESCO-listed Khiva. Highlights include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four legal wives, and the ninth century century Dzhuma Mosque with its 115 carved wood columns. The khans had several residences, but the Kunya Ark

(Old Fortress) dates back to the fifth century century as the original resi-dence. Enjoy a colorful Khalfi perfor-mance of Khorezmian music and dance during dinner. Asia Hotel Khiva (2B, 2L, 2D)

A S H K A B A D

Wednesday–Friday, September 21–23

Begin touring in Turkmenistan’s capi-tal, Ashkabad, enjoying the view of the magnificent white marble President Palace Square. Visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and a horse-breeding farm devoted to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient Parthian kingdom of Nisa, led by a professional local archaeologist. Toast your journey through the five ‘stans of Central Asia at a farewell dinner. Sofitel Oguzkent Hotel (3B, 2L, 2D)

DETAILS

GROUP SIZE: 12–30 GUESTS

PRICING: per person double occupancy

$8,995 / $10,370 (SINGLE)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Witness a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon-breeding farm.

• Enjoy a dinner of Kyrgyz delicacies with a special folk performance of selections from the Epic of Manas.

• View the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest koran in the world.

• Discuss current political and economic affairs with guests from the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

• Discuss ongoing humanitarian projects with representatives of a local Tajik NGO in Khujand.

• Participate in an exclusive meeting with a senior advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.

• Visit a ranch outside Ashkabad where the elegant Akhal-Teke horse, arguably the oldest cultured breed of horse in the world, is bred.

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

WHAT TO EXPECT:

This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and the extensive walking and stair climbing required. To fully enjoy this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day; flexibility and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are highly recommended as well. In true expedition style, some delays or changes in the itinerary are likely.

Lake Issyk-KulKYZYL KUM DESERT

KARA KUMDESERT

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN

TAJ IK ISTANTURKMENISTAN

Khiva

Nukus

BukharaSamarkand Kokand

KhujandFergana

MargilanOsh

Kunya UrgenchTashauz

Shakhrisabze

Aktyubinsk

AralskAtyrau

Kzyl Orda

SemipalatinskKaraganda

Almaty

Tashkent

Bishkek

DushanbeAshkabad Merv

Astana

Aral Sea

LakeBalkhash

CaspianSea

M A P A R E A

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:TOUR COST INCLUSIONS Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; Round trip charter flights between Moscow and Baikonur; private coach for all touring and transportation per the itinerary; group arrival and departure transfers if arriving / departing on the start / end dates; all sightseeing and excursions including entrance fees per itinerary; local English speaking guides; special cultural features as stated in itinerary; services of a tour manager throughout the program; special Welcome & Farewell receptions; bottled /purified water with meals; beverages, local beer and wine with lunches/dinners; all gratuities including to tour manager, local guides, drivers; baggage handling at the hotels and train station where available; $200,000 medevac emergency evacuation insurance.

TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS International airfare between the U.S. and the start and ending cities; air taxes or fuel surcharges; pre- or post-tour services; independent travel arrangements, visa or passport fees; medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance; evacuation costs; food or

beverages not included in group meals; items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expenses inside museums (where allowed); other items not expressly listed as included.

RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT To reserve a space on any HAA program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806 or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Payment terms will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation from our partner company.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. If cancellation is received 91 or more days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is the non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person. If cancellation is received 90-61 days before tour start, the cost of cancellation is 50% of land tour cost paid or due. If cancellation is received 60 days or less before tour start, there is no refund.

ITINERARY CHANGES Itineraries contained in this brochure are available at the time of printing and HAA and the Tour Operator

reserve the right to change a program or accommodations as conditions warrant.

RESPONSIBILITY Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/silk-road-2016. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

DISCLAIMER Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Harvard Alumni Association is not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this catalog is subject to change without notice.

QUESTIONS Please call the Travel Program at the Harvard Association at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806, email: haatravels@harvard.edu.

TOUR OPERATOR: MIR CORPORATION

CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

©2015 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved

Photos © MIR Corporation

REGISTRATION FORM2016 HAA TRIPS

Lake Issyk-KulKYZYL KUM DESERT

KARA KUMDESERT

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN

TAJ IK ISTANTURKMENISTAN

Khiva

Nukus

BukharaSamarkand Kokand

KhujandFergana

MargilanOsh

Kunya UrgenchTashauz

Shakhrisabze

Aktyubinsk

AralskAtyrau

Kzyl Orda

SemipalatinskKaraganda

Almaty

Tashkent

Bishkek

DushanbeAshkabad Merv

Astana

Aral Sea

LakeBalkhash

CaspianSea

To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book.

Please return this form by mail to:

HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138

Or by fax: 617-496-4011

Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806

I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST

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FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

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SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

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I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

ACCOMMODATIONS

CATEGORY PREFERENCE

DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH:

ROOMMATE

LAND & RAIL:

NEW ZEALAND FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIJAN 8–17, 2016BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE SAFARIJAN 10–22, 2016SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE & COLONIAL MEXICOFEB 10–15, 2016GATEWAY TO ICELANDFEB 12–15, 2016STEPHEN MITCHELLAUTHENTIC HAWAIIMAR 1–6, 2016KENYA & TANZANIA: PRIDE OF EAST AFRICA MAR 2–18, 2016 TREASURES OF JORDANMAR 9–19, 2016CARLOS DIAZ ROSILLO MUST-SEE GUATEMALA MAR 10–17, 2016 FIRST NIGHTS: DUBLIN, PARIS & VIENNA MAR 11-20, 2016 THOMAS KELLY EXPLORING HAVANA, CUBAAPR 5–9 2016EXPERIENCE THE MASTERSAPR 9–12, 2016CUBA IN-DEPTHAPR 22–MAY 2, 2016 JORGE DOMINGUEZVILLAGE LIFE IN DORDOGNEMAY 12–20, 2016 PATRICE HIGONNETMOROCCAN DISCOVERYMAY 13–26, 2016SUE WEAVER SCHOPFINSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAMMAY 24–JUN 1, 2016CATHLEEN LEWISTHE DESERT KINGDOMS OF PERUMAY 25–JUN 5, 2016JEFFREY QUILTERHIMALAYAN KINGDOMS: TIBET, NEPAL & BHUTANMAY 29–JUN 12, 2016MARK VAN BAALENMONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKYMAY 29–JUN 10, 2016ANDREW BERRYMOAB, UTAHJUN 13–17, 2016CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA JUNE 22–JULY 2, 2016FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S AMERICAJUN 24–30, 2016 TANZANIA: EXPLORING THE CRADLE OF HUMANKINDJUL 16–30, 2016SANTA FE: ART & LANDSCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENTJUL 27–31, 2016 JOHN STEWARTSILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE ’STANSSEP 6–23, 2016FIVE NIGHTS IN VIENNASEP 10–16, 2016JOHN STEWART

THE HOLY LAND: ISRAEL & PALESTINESEP 18–28, 2016PETER MACHINISTCELEBRATING CERN & ITER: GENEVA & AIX-EN-PROVENCESEP 19–28, 2016LEGENDARY TURKEY SEP 20–OCT 4, 2016WERNER SOLLORS COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ & CARTAGENASEP 23–30, 2016DISCOVERING EASTERN EUROPEOCT–17, 2016 HUNTINGTON LAMBERTDISCOVER ETHIOPIAOCT 5–22, 2016THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIAOCT 7–21, 2016PETER BOL INSIDER’S PATAGONIAOCT 8–23, 2016MYSTICAL INDIAOCT 13–29, 2016INSIDER’S ROMEOCT 19–27, 2016HARVEY COXSOUTHERN AFRICA ODYSSEYOCT 20–NOV 6, 2016INSIDER’S CHINA: ANCIENT VILLAGES TO DYNAMIC BOOMOCT 22–NOV 4, 2016

CRUISES:

PASSAGE THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL & COSTA RICA ON TERE MOANA JAN 1–9, 2016 BRIAN D. FARRELLEXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA ON LE BOREALJAN 26–FEB 8, 2016DAVID AGUILARCRUISING TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUINFEB 4–14, 2016ROBERT DARNTONJOURNEY THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES ON CALEDONIAN SKYMAR 12–28, 2016 DUTCH AND FLEMISH LANDSCAPES ON AMAPRIMA APR 10–18, 2016THOMAS FORREST KELLY JAPAN BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKYAPR 20–MAY 3, 2016HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKINRIVIERAS AND ISLANDS OF FRANCE, ITALY, AND SPAIN ON TERE MOANAMAY 6–14, 2016LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKE JEWELS OF THE WESTERN MEDITTERANEAN: ROME TO MALAGA ON SEA CLOUD IIMAY 11–20, 2016JAMES SIMPSON

SPAIN & PORTUGAL ON SEA CLOUDMAY 17–29, 2016MICHAEL MCELROYIN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS ON LE BORÉALJUN 8–16, 2016 DANIEL DONOGHUEADRIATIC SEA VOYAGE ON ISLAND SKYJUN 10–18, 2016 MICHAEL MCCORMICKTHE BALTIC’S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD IIJUL 1–12, 2016 TIMOTHY J. COLTONCASTLES & PRIVATE COLLECTIONS OF THE CELTIC ISLES ON SEA CLOUD IIJUL 22–AUG 2, 2016 CATHERINE MCKENNABLACK SEA ON ISLAND SKYSEP 25–OCT 6, 2016DAVID AGUILARTREASURES AND ANCIENT WONDERS OF SICILY ON SEA CLOUD IIOCT 14–23, 2016WILLIAM GRANARA

RIVERS & LAKES:

INDIA’S GANGES RIVER ON BENGAL GANGADEC 30–JAN 15, 2016 DIANA ECKAMAZON RIVER ADVENTURE ON ZAFIRO FEB 19–28, 2016PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, & ZIMBABWE ON ZAMBEZI QUEENMAR 3–17, 2016PETER DEL TREDICI ELBE RIVER CRUISE: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBYAPR 26–MAY 6, 2016ROBERT KIELYWATERWAYS OF FRANCE ON THE AMADEUS FLEETMAY 29–JUN 9, 2016SUSAN SULEIMANTHE LOWER DANUBE: MEDIEVAL TO MODERN (VIENNA TO BUCHAREST) ON ROYAL CROWNJUN 10–21, 2016MICHAEL SHINAGEL

FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK:

CAMBODIA SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 12-20, 2016GREECE SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIMAR 12-20, 2016 GREGORY NAGYFAMILY GALÁPAGOS ON SANTA CRUZ IIJUL 19-26, 2016WARREN ZAPOLROME & TUSCANY: A FAMILY ADVENTUREAUG 8-16, 2016

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FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL