CHINA • KYRGYZSTAN • UZBEKISTAN TURKMENISTAN • TURKEY

The Ultimate Silk Road Journey: From Xian to Istanbul

May 19 –June 8, 2014

2014

20

14

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

The Ultimate Silk Road Journey: From Xian to Istanbul May 19–June 8, 2014 • 20 NIGHTS / 21 DAYS • GROUP SIZE: 12-30

SET OUT ON A MODERN-DAY

CARAVAN OVER THE OLD

SILK ROAD from its origins in

the middle of China through

the mountains and deserts of

Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and

Turkmenistan, and on through

vibrant Turkey. Follow the path

of merchants who brought

with them exotic goods,

sweeping belief systems, and

new forms of architecture,

music and art. Begin in Xian,

inspecting the armies of the

Terra Cotta Warriors and

continue along the fabled

route to Western China,

mountainous Kyrgyzstan, the

blue-tiled Silk Road oases of

Uzbekistan, the five ancient

cities of Merv in Turkmenistan

and the atmospheric bazaars

of Istanbul. Along the way,

meet with artists, experts and

local families, and experience

eight different UNESCO World

Heritage Sites.

“The tour was thoroughly

interesting. Not a trip to be

missed if you have the slightest

interest in the Silk Road or this

pivotal area of the world.”

- P. Racouillat,

San Luis Obispo, CA

Past traveler

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

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

M O N DAY-T U E S DAY, M AY 1 9 - 2 0

Depart USA/Arrive Xian (China)

W E D N E S DAY, M AY 2 1

Xi’an

Visit Xi’an’s most important site, the

magnificent Terra Cotta army of 7,000

life-sized figures. Admire the tombs of

Emperor Liu Qi and the Empress

Wang at Hanyangling, even older than

the Terra Cotta Warriors. Hotel Sofitel Xi’an (B, L, D)

T H U R S DAY- S AT U R DAY, M AY 2 2 - 2 4

Dunhuang, Urumqi

Take a camel ride at the foot of

Echoing Sands Mountain and explore

the UNESCO-listed Magao Buddhist

Caves. In Urumqi, enjoy a curator-led

visit to the fascinating Xinjiang

Minority Peoples’ Museum, with its

collection of mummies. Dunhuang - Hotel Soluxe Shazhou, Urumqi – Sheraton Hotel (3B, 2L, 3D)

2D)

T H U R S DAY- F R I DAY, M AY 2 9 - 3 0

Tashkent, Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Take a short tour of the capital of

Uzbekistan before setting off for

UNESCO-listed Samarkand. Admire

Samarkand’s outstanding Silk Route

treasures, the Registan, Bibi Khanum

Mosque and Shah-i-Zinde and enjoy a

homemade meal of traditional Uzbek

specialties. Attend a specially

arranged meeting with the Vice

Rector and some of the students at

the Samarkand State Institute of

Foreign Languages. Hotel Registan Plaza (2B, 2L, 2D)

S AT U R DAY- S U N DAY, M AY 3 1-J U N E 1

Bukhara

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town

of Bukhara, beginning with Lyabi-

Hauz Plaza, the 12th century Kalon

Mosque and Minaret and the Mir-i-

Arab Madrassah. Discover the Ark

Citadel and the infamous Zindan

S U N DAY- M O N DAY, M AY 2 5 - 2 6

Kashgar, Torugar Pass, Naryn

Browse the unrivaled Sunday Animal

Market, where you can find anything

from a herd of fat-tailed sheep to a

single camel ready for a test drive.

Cross into Kyrgyzstan via the

dramatic 12,000-foot Torugart Pass,

considered the most spectacular

route into or out of Central Asia.

Kashgar – Shenzhen Air International Hotel, Naryn – Celestial Mountains Guesthouse (2B, 2L, 2D)

T U E S DAY-W E D N E S DAY M AY 2 7- 2 8

Kochkor, Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

Make a stop in Kochkor Village and

learn how felt is made in the

traditional Kyrgyz fashion. Take part

in a yurt set-up demonstration with a

nomadic family and witness

traditional Kyrgyz horse games. “In

Bishkek, meet with a current political

leader of Kyrgyzstan to discuss future

plans. Hyatt Regency Hotel (2B, 2L,

SCHEDULE BY DAY

Prison. Participate in an exclusive

meeting with the Senior Advisor for

Bukhara’s Ark Museum before a

walking tour of Bukhara’s old Jewish

Quarter. Hotel Sasha & Son (2B, 2L, 2D)

M O N DAY-T U E S DAY, J U N E 2 - 3

Merv (Turkmenistan)

Visit the ruins of Merv, listed as a

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The earliest of the five ancient cities

at Merv is attributed to Cyrus the

Great in the 6th century BC.

Hotel Margush (2B, 2L, 2D)

W E D N E S DAY-T H U R S DAY, J U N E 4 - 5

Ashkabad

In Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashkabad,

admire the Lenin Monument, the New

Mosque and Turkmen-Turkish Cultural

Center. Take an owner-led tour of a

horse-breeding farm devoted to the

renowned Akhal-Teke horse, arguably

the oldest cultured breed of horse in

the world. Wander the Altyn Asyr

Market, brimming with all types of

goods, from household items to

traditionally patterned carpets. Hotel Sofitel Ashkhabad (2B, 2L, 1D)

F R I DAY- S AT U R DAY, J U N E 6 -7

Istanbul (Turkey)

Discover Istanbul’s highlights,

including the Blue Mosque and Hagia

Sophia. Descend into the incredible

sunken forest of columns in the

Basilica Cistern, built by Byzantine

Emperor Justinian. Wander Istanbul’s

Grand Bazaar, begun under Mehmet

the Conqueror. Enjoy a guided tour of

Topkapi Palace, the Great Palace of

the Ottoman Sultans from the

15th-19th centuries before a festive

farewell dinner. Hotel Pera Palace (2B, 1L, 2D)

S U N DAY J U N E 8

Depart Istanbul

Transfer to airport for individual

flights back to the US. (B)

DETAILS

GROUP SIZE: 12-30 GUESTS

PRICING: per person double occupancy

$11,995 / $14,390 (SINGLE)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Educational program featuring a

Harvard study leader.

• Meet the curator to learn about

the 3,000-year-old mummies

preserved in the wonderful

Xinjiang Museum in Western

China.

• Experience the cacophony of

Kashgar’s legendary Sunday

Animal Market, with its brilliant

conjunction of traders, clients and

living merchandise.

• Crest the 12,000-foot Sino-Kyrgyz

frontier at Torugart Pass.

• Participate in an exclusive meeting

with the Senior Advisor for

Bukhara’s Ark Museum.

• Enjoy an expert-led walking tour

of the Turkmen UNESCO site, Nisa,

once a major center of the ancient

Parthian Kingdom.

• Explore Istanbul, former capital of

two great empires sprawled across

two continents connected by two

slender bridges.

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

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

GENERAL INFORMATION

TOUR COST INCLUSIONS Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; private coach for all touring and transportation per the itinerary; six internal flights (all economy class): one-way from Xian to Dunhuang, from Dunhuang to Urumqi, Urumqi to Kashgar, Bishkek to Tashkent, Mary to Ashkabad and Ashkhabad to Istanbul; 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; $50,000 emergency medical 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 http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/silk-road-2014. 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. ©2013 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved

Photos © Lindsay Fincher, Martin Klimenta, Douglas Grimes, MIR Corporation

ARALSEA

K A Z A K H S T A N

C H I N AUZBEKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

Astana

Tashkent

Bishkek

Ashkabad

Lake Balkhash

Khiva

BukharaTo IstanbulSamarkand

Kashgar

Naryn

Merv

Almaty From XianDunhuang

Urumqi

Fergana

Lake Issyk-Kul

WHAT TO EXPECT:

This trip is moderate to strenuous 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 up to three miles a day unassisted, be flexible

with schedules, and have a willingness to accept local standards of amenities

and services. In true expedition style, some delays or changes in the itinerary

are likely.

M A P A R E A

REGISTRATION FORM

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

PROGRAM NAME START DATE

FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL ADDRESS

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE

HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

METHOD OF DEPOSIT

CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA

CARD NUMBER

EXPIRATION DATE 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD

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

2014 HAA TRIPS

LAND & RAIL:

HAWAIIAN STARS: WORLD-CLASS OBSER-VATORIES & NATURAL WONDERSJAN 15-23, 2014CHRISTINE PULLIAMWORLD OF THE MAYA: GUATEMALA, MEXICO, BELIZEJAN 26-FEB 5, 2014MARK VAN BAALENCARNEVALE TRADI-TIONS IN VENICEFEB 18-24, 2014LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKESOUTH INDIA: TAMIL NADU, KAMATAKA, KERALAMAR 6-22, 2014SUGATA BOSEEXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODAMAR 10-23, 2014QATAR, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATIONMAR 13-24, 2014WILLIAM GRANARAGRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAILMAR 24-APR 5, 2014MAYA JASANOFFART & ARCHITECTURE OF BERLIN: AN INSIDER’S VIEWAPR 4-10, 2014TURKISH TREASURESAPR 25-MAY 9, 2014JOHN “JAY” ELLISONHIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & TIBETMAY 17-28, 2014MARTIN K. WHYTEMOROCCAN DISCOVERYMAY 17-30, 2014 SUSAN MILLERTHE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBULMAY 19-JUN 8, 2014INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAMMAY 22-30, 2014DAVID AGUILARMOZAMBIQUE: REBIRTH OF A COUNTRYJUN 3-16, 2014TALES OF WALES: ADVENTURES IN CELTIC LITERATUREJUN 4-14, 2014CATHERINE MCKENNAREMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR: BELGIUM, FRANCE, & GERMANYJUN 6-15, 2014SUE WEAVER SCHOPFENGLISH LANDSCAPES AND LITERATURE: THE TOWNS, VILLAGES AND GARDENS OF AUSTEN AND HARDYJUN 7-14, 2014MICHAEL WEISHANHIDDEN SECRETS OF MADAGASCARJUN 15-27, 2014

ULTIMATE TANZANIA SAFARI: EXPLORING THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND JUN 21-JUL 5, 2014DANIEL LIEBERMANSANTA FE: ART & LAND-SCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENTJUL 23-27, 2014JOHN STEWARTHIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIASEP 10-18, 2014LADAKH TO BHUTANSEP 13-27, 2014IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. JAMES: CAMINO DE SANTIAGOSEP 26-OCT 8, 2014MARY GAYLORDJOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, & ARMENIASEP 27-OCT 11, 2014PETER GALBRAITHSPAIN & PORTUGAL: PARADORES & POUSADASSEP 27-OCT 11, 2014

CRUISES:

EXPEDITION TO ANT-ARCTICA ON L’AUSTRALJAN 31-FEB 13, 2014DAVID AGUILARTAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUINFEB 20-MAR 2, 2014JAMES SIMPSONCRUISING THE RIO DE LA PLATA & SOUTH-EASTERN BRAZIL: BUENOS AIRES TO RIO DE JANEIRO ON SEA EXPLORERMAR 11 – 24, 2014DIANA SORENSENJAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN ON CALEDONIAN SKYMAY 7-20, 2014HELEN HARDACREIN THE WAKE OF VIKINGS: COPENHAGEN TO REYKJAVIK ON SEA EXPLORERMAY 23-JUN 4, 2014STEPHEN MITCHELLCIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE BLACK SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGERMAY 27-JUN 9, 2014R. NICHOLAS BURNSMACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ON CORAL IIMAY 27-JUN 10, 2014JEFFREY QUILTERTHE BALTIC’S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD IIJUN 28-JUL 9, 2014TIMOTHY COLTONHIDDEN GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGERJUL 23-AUG 1, 2014HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKINICELAND TO GREEN-LAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L’AUSTRALAUG 2-14, 2014JAMES MCCARTHY

BELL ‘ITALIA ON VARIETY VOYAGERSEP 16-26, 2014RICHARD THOMASISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN, & ITALY ON TERE MOANASEP 19-27, 2014SUSAN SULEIMANBEYOND RAPA NUI: EASTER ISLAND ON CLIPPER ODYSSEYSEP 29-OCT 17, 2014VOYAGE TO MADAGAS-CAR ON ISLAND SKYNOV 28-DEC 16, 2014

RIVERS & LAKES:

INDIA’S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGAJAN 1- 17, 2014DIANA ECKAMAZON RIVER EXPEDITIONJAN 17-26, 2014ZARIN MACHANDATHE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBYAPR 29-MAY 10, 2014PORTUGAL & SPAIN: THE ENCHANTING DOURO RIVER ON AMA VIDAMAY 5-14, 2014MARY GAYLORDWATERWAYS OF RUSSIA: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAMJUL 16-26, 2014JULIE BUCKLERTOWN & COUNTRY LIFE: PARIS TO PROVENCE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONYSEP 8-16, 2014 ROBERT DARNTONSYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE: A CLASSICAL MUSIC CRUISE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONYSEP 12-26, 2014

FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK:

SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIMAR 14-22, 2014GREGORY NAGYSPRING BREAK GHANA FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNIMAR 14-23, 2014CARLA D. MARTINSCOTLAND: A FAMILY EXPLORATIONJUN 25-JUL 6, 2014 WILLIAM GILLIESVOYAGE TO THE LANDS OF GODS & HEROES ON CORINTHIANJUL 3-14, 2014JONATHAN WALTONGALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZJUL 7-15, 2014SCOTT EDWARDSBAJA FAMILY ADVENTUREDEC 26, 2014-JAN 1, 2015

HA

RV

AR

D A

LUM

NI A

SS

OC

IAT

ION

124

MO

UN

T A

UB

UR

N S

TR

EE

T, 6

TH

FLO

OR

CA

MB

RID

GE

, MA

02

138

BO

OK

YO

UR

NE

XT

JO

UR

NE

Y

WIT

H T

HE

HA

A T

OD

AY

!

CA

LL

80

0.4

22

.16

36

OR

VIS

IT U

S A

T

ALU

MNI.H

ARVARD.EDU/H

AA/T

RAVEL

CA

MB

RID

GE

, MA

02

138