travel

with LESLEY ROBIN

UZBEKISTAN

_________________ Central Asia The Golden Road to Samarkand

18 DAYS 7-24 MAY, 2013 3795 LAND ONLY, per person twin sharing

Uzbekistan is a young nation situated between the Caspian Sea and Western China, a melting pot of different ethnic groups and by far the most diverse in the region. To travel with Raisa Gareeva is to touch, feel and experience the heart of Central Asia. An Uzbek of Tartar origin, she provides us with a rare opportunity to explore this rich culture from a very personal perspective and to meet many enterprising craftspeople. We will journey along the ancient Silk Road to the legendary oasis cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand associated with Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. Well discover an inspiring architectural inheritance, visit museums and important historical sites. We will wander through bustling Central Asian bazaars where women still wear traditional dress, and meet artisans in their homes and workshops who produce superb textiles and crafts. Our visits include suzani and gold thread embroiderers, natural dyers and weavers of silk ikat (tie & dye), papermakers and ceramicists, carpet weavers and woodcarvers. Experience a hands-on suzani embroidery workshop in Bukhara and superb photographic opportunities. The warmth and hospitality of the Uzbeks we will meet on our travels is unforgettable. Join us on this trip of a lifetime!

Day 1 Tue, May 7: If you would like to book your flight with our travel agency in the UK please see flight information on Booking Form. Lesley Robin accompanies the group from London to Tashkent (capital of Uzbekistan) on Uzbekistan Airways. You can also make independent air arrangements to meet up with the group locally. Day 2 Wed, May 8: Land Arrangements begin with a transfer from Tashkent Airport to our centrally located hotel and a welcome lunch. Meet our fellow travellers and our National Central Asian Tour Escort, Raisa Gareeva who accompanies us throughout our travels. Mid-afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts with exquisite embroideries, folk art and traditional crafts. TASHKENT HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE or RADISSON (L,D) Day 3 Thu, May 9: Morning visit to the Khast-Imam Square (the official religious centre) with mosques, the Islamic Institute and the Library Museum housing the 7th century Quran thought to be the worlds oldest. Continue to the citys large Chorsu market situated in the Old City with mountains of spices, grains, fruit, vegetables and local crafts. Afternoon flight to Khiva, the most remote and intact of Central Asias Silk Road cities. KHIVA HOTEL MALIKA (B,L,D) Day 4 Fri, May 10: Today we explore this museum city that houses the most homogenous collection of architecture in the Islamic world, and wander through the historic walled town. Visit a family of woodcarvers, a carpet weaving cooperative and the Unesco silk weaving workshop. Evening traditional folk music and dance. KHIVA HOTEL MALIKA (B,L,D) Day 5 Sat, May 11: A full days drive to Bukhara across the Kyzyl Kum Desert that shares its borders with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Our hotel is situated in the historic old city providing an opportunity to walk to small workshops for painting, musical instruments and embroidery. BUKHARA HOTEL SALOM INN (B,L,D daily)

Day 6 Sun, May 12 & Day 7 Mon, May 13: Bukhara is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. On Sunday Mukhsumma, our specialist guide in decorative arts and symbolism joins us. A mornings walking tour includes the old trading domes, the carpet museum, a metalsmith and gold embroiderer, the Kalon Minaret and mosque with turquoise blue dome as well as the old medressahs (a place of study) that date back to the 17th century. Later visit the Summer Palace with its fine collection of costumes, silver, Ming china and Bukharan textiles. Mondays sightseeing includes the infamous Fortress Ark and the home of Akhmad Arabov, a well-known suzani embroiderer. BUKHARA HOTEL SALOM INN (B,L,D daily) Day 8 Tue, May 14: Excursion into the countryside to Shakrikan and the village home of suzani embroiderers. Continue to Gizduvan, an important ceramic centre where we visit a family of potters who grind their own glazes using a mule-driven grinding wheel. Later visit Chashma Ayub (the Spring of Job) and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of 10th century Islamic architecture. BUKHARA HOTEL SALOM INN (B,L,D daily)

Day 9 Wed, May 15: This morning a Master Class in suzani embroidery has been organised at the UNESCO School of Carpet Weaving and Natural Dyes. Suzanis were traditionally made by Central Asian brides as part of their dowry and presented to their husband on the day of the wedding. The name is derived from Persian meaning needle. Chain, satin and buttonhole stitches are the primary stitches used as well as Bukhara couching. Zarina Kendjaeva, a skilled embroiderer will demonstrate and explain the traditional techniques and designs used. Fabric, threads and needles are provided so that you can make your own sample piece. An independent afternoon to wander the old trading domes which are now daily bazaars filled with textiles, carpets, suzani embroideries, silk ikats, hats and more. BUKHARA HOTEL SALOM INN (B,L,D daily) Day 10 Thu, May 16: Continue to legendary Samarkand along the Golden Road stopping at Shakrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane where we visit the Kok-Gumbaz mosque. Here we visit the village workshop of Gulnora, an enterprising, talented craftswoman who works with local women making items in embroidery, patchwork and flat weave carpets. Afternoon visit the Ak Saray White Palace, birthplace of Tamerlane and the Friday Mosque. SHAKRISABZ HOTEL SHAKRISABZ (B,L,D) Day 11 Fri, May 17 & Day 12 Sat, May 18: Drive to Samarkand, our base for the next 3 nights, resonant with romantic legend was conquered by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. Our visits include Registan Square and the 17th century medrassahs, Gur Emir where Tamerlane is buried and Ulag Begs Observatory. Visit a paper making workshop that uses techniques little changed over the centuries, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with its exquisite turquoise and blue tilework and the Bibi-Khanum mosque. Walk in the backstreets and explore the main market. One evening dinner is at the home and studio of Valentina Romanenko, a fashion designer who uniquely uses embroidery in her work. SAMARKAND HOTEL GRAND SAMARKAND (B,L,D) Day 13 Sun, May 19: Sunday drive to the huge weekly market in Urgut, situated at the foot of Zarafshan Mountains. People come from the surrounding countryside to buy and sell and enjoy food freshly made at little stalls. There are smithies and tin workers, old and new crafts including suzanis and carpets and textiles from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan as well as everyday household items and clothes. Visit the home and workshop of a local potter. Later we visit a silk carpet weaving workshop using traditional patterns that was set up by an Afghan doctor. SAMARKAND HOTEL GRAND SAMARKAND (B,L,D daily) Day 14 Mon, May 20: Drive to Tashkent through the mountainous countryside with photographic stops on route. This evening a special dinner has been arranged at the beautiful home and workshop of one of Uzbekistans finest ceramicists. TASHKENT- HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE or RADISSON (B,L,D) Day 15 Tue, May 21: Flight to Ferghana Valley where so many traditional craftspeople can still be found working in the small Uzbek villages. We drive to Rishtan, one of the most important ceramic centres for the past 1500 years. Visit the workshop of a Master ceramic artist and learn about the traditional floral designs of the region. FERGHANA HOTEL CLUB 777 (B,L,D) Day 16 Wed, May 22: Today is a journey into the history and production of silk from spinning and dyeing to the various processes used to create and weave glorious velvet ikat fabrics, traditionally in bold bright colours and dramatic designs. Drive through a landscape abundant with pomegranates, persimmon, mulberry and lines of tall poplars trees to Margilan, a major centre for silk production where we meet true Masters of their craft. Visit Jodgorlick silk weaving factory, a Craft Centre for innovative fabrics and a traditional village for felt carpets. FERGHANA HOTEL CLUB 777 (B,L,D)

Day 17 Thu, May 23: Visit the fabulous Kunteba Bazaar, a thoroughly Central Asian experience thronging with people, the men in traditional skullcaps and the women in colourful scarves, eating, drinking and chatting, buying and selling. Continue to Kokand and visit the Khans Palace and continue our drive over the mountain pass to Tashkent arriving early evening. TASHKENT HOTEL TASHKENT PALACE or RADISSON (B,L,D) Day 18 Fri, May 24: Morning at leisure for independent activities. Transfer to Tashkent airport for return flight to the UK arriving back the same day at Heathrow Airport. For those who have joined locally, rooms are reserved until 12noon today. (B)
B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

TOURS WITH THE EMBROIDERERS GUILD: This tour is part of a series of yearly international journeys that Lesley arranges for the Embroiderers Guild the UKs leading crafts association. They are an opportunity for a cross-cultural exchange where we go behind the scenes to discover a country through textiles and crafts, meeting people in their homes, workshops and villages. On the Uzbekistan tour many meals (frequently a culinary delight!) are at the homes of artisans, affording that rare chance to experience warm hospitality and glimpse another way of life. We visit places of special interest and stay, wherever possible, in locations and places that reflect the culture. Guides are highly knowledgeable and bring an intimate experience to our travels. UZBEKISTAN TOUR ESCORT, RAISA GAREEVA: Raisa was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan and graduated from Bukhara University with a Masters Degree in Russian & English. For many years she worked with Intourist, the state-run travel company of the former USSR. After the USSR collapsed she started her own travel company. Her close relationship and high reputation with the craftspeople we meet, her knowledge and life experiences, are phenomenal. She provides an exceptional opportunity to explore her country from such a very personal perspective. TOUR DIRECTOR, LESLEY ROBIN: Lesleys interest in textiles began in the 70s when she settled in Dharamsala (India), exiled home of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Over 20 years she helped set up projects with local weavers. Her knowledge of eastern culture and the textile heritage and crafts of the Indian sub-continent is a result of her extensive travels throughout the region and beyond. With an interest in Central Asian culture and most especially the people of this area, she is delighted to offer this tour once again.

Contact Annie Franz at the Embroiderers Guild for further information: Tel: 01932 260738 ext.26

IMPORTANT NOTES
PASSPORTS: Passports need to be valid for 6 months beyond trip dates. A visa is required for Uzbekistan. Visa fee not included in trip price. DEPARTURE INFORMATION: Well in advance of the tour you will be sent comprehensive predeparture details covering health, clothing, climate, and obtaining your Uzbek visa etc. Once you have obtained your visa, we will need a copy of it. FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due 12 weeks before departure (13 Feb, 2013) in order to guarantee hotels & flights within Uzbekistan. Should you require assistance with any arrangements additional to the itinerary please let us know.

LAND ARRANGEMENTS ONLY

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Airport/hotel transfers: Meeting on arrival at Tashkent international airport and an airport transfer on departure. Transport: Sightseeing as per itinerary & transport by private air conditioned coach, and local flights as per itinerary. Accommodation: Based on twin bedded rooms, double occupancy with shower/bath mainly in small privately-owned hotels & 4 star standard hotel in Tashkent. THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO SUBSTITUTE
HOTELS OF SIMILAR CATEGORY SHOULD IT BECOME NECESSARY.

TOUR PRICE 3795: (LAND ONLY) per person, twin sharing 430: SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT. Supplement for single rooms pays for privacy and not necessarily better accommodation.

Meals: All meals (as specified on the itinerary) with tea/coffee at breakfast only are included and are often at the homes of craftspeople we visit. For lunch and dinner, green tea and mineral water are included. Bottled water is freely available on the coach at all times. Whilst we do our best to accommodate vegetarians, please note that Uzbekistan is essentially a meat culture. There is an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Guides: The services of Tour Director Lesley Robin throughout, national tour escort Raisa Gareeva and where appropriate local guides who know their own area intimately. Baggage: Baggage handling for maximum 2 bags not to exceed 51 lbs. Gratuities, Taxes & Service Charges: Tipping and all necessary gratuities for local guides & bus drivers, hotels and restaurant personnel, baggage porters, housekeeping, craft visits etc in connection with the services provided is included (any additional
gratuities are at your discretion).

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: International airfare is NOT included in the price of Land Arrangements. This tour begins and ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. See Booking Form for flight details. You can also independently arrange your international flights to join the tour locally. It is still too early to price flights for May 2013. Very Important Note: Uzbekistan Airways is the only airline that flies twice weekly direct from London Heathrow to Tashkent (expected fare approx 500 to be confirmed). The only other airline operating between London & Tashkent is Turkish Airlines which flies most days of the week (changing planes in Istanbul) but it is a lot more expensive. Seats fill quickly due to limited international flight departures. The earlier you confirm your booking, the earlier Uzbekistan Airways tickets can be confirmed.

Entrance Fees & Camera Fees: To all monuments/museums are included and camera fees for 1 camera only where applicable. TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: passports, Uzbek visa fee, inoculations, excess baggage charges, meals not specified as included, medical expenses, personal items e.g. alcoholic beverages, room service, laundry charges, phone calls, travel insurance, etc.

In the meantime do not delay in reserving your place on this unique trip by calling Hilary Crundwell on 01892 673435.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 18 PERSONS RESERVE EARLY

BOOKING FORM UZBEKISTAN TOUR: with the EMBROIDERERS GUILD 7-24 May, 2013
Surname Nationality Full Name (as on passport) Date of Birth

..

...

Place of Birth (City & Country) Passport No. Date of Issue

.. Place of Issue Date of Expiry

Address for Correspondence:

.................. Telephone (day): Telephone (home): .....

Email: ..@.......................................................................
I shall be accompanied by: (optional)

YES/NO (delete as appropriate)

Please reserve me a place in a SINGLE room

PLEASE NOTE: For hotels and to facilitate your visa, we require a copy of your passport details (photograph page) please include with your Booking Form. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: Indicate if you would like CT TRAVEL to book your flights From the UK. See IMPORTANT NOTES. Indicate if you are joining locally and arranging your international flights independently

YES/NO (delete as appropriate) YES/NO (delete as appropriate)

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS DURING THE TOUR Please supply minimum of 1 persons contact details: NAME & ADDRESS: TELEPHONE NUMBER HOME: TELEPHONE NUMBER MOBILE: NAME & ADDRESS: TELEPHONE NUMBER HOME: TELEPHONE NUMBER MOBILE: INSURANCE DETAILS: Name of Insurance Provider .. Policy Number .. Insurance Providers 24hr Medical Emergency Telephone Number I confirm I have read and now accept the Booking Conditions of CTT Group Ltd on behalf of all persons listed above by whom I am authorised to make this agreement.

Signed: .
Deposit(s) @ 500 per person

Date:

Cheque (payable to CTT Group Ltd) enclosed for total:

We accept payment by Debit Cards such as Maestro and Visa Debit. We also accept payment, subject to a handling charge, by American Express (3.5% handling charge), and by Visa or Mastercard (2.5% handling charge). To make a payment by card please call Hilary Crundwell on 01892 673435.

CTT Group Ltd, Units 8-9 Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3XF TELEPHONE: Hilary Crundwell on 01892 673435 EMAIL: hilary@ctgrouptravel.co.uk

Booking Terms & Conditions of CTT Group Ltd.

Your contract is with CTT Group Ltd (Company number GB3464732), fully licensed and bonded within the guidelines of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents), our membership number is 99162, we are licensed by The CAA (The Civil Aviation Authority) who provide us with the following ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) number 5158, we are also an agent for IATA (The International Air Transport Association) for which our membership number is 91231976. YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT: Contract means the contract for the provision of the specified service. When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue you with your booking reference number. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions which are governed by English Law and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. Making your booking Please complete the provided booking form and send it to us together with the deposit, or full payment if your booking is within 14 weeks of departure. Provided the holiday is available we will make all arrangements and send you a confirmation of your booking and all relevant details including your booking reference number. If the holiday is not available, we will return your deposit or full payment. Once we have confirmed your booking, your deposit is non-returnable except in the special circumstances mentioned below. We will send you a final invoice approximately 16 weeks prior to departure and this will show any surcharges due. You must pay the full balance of your holiday 14 weeks before departure. We may otherwise treat the booking as cancelled and apply our cancellation charges. We will send you your tickets approximately 10 days before travel. What your money buys The holiday price includes: Twin or double-bedded room with private bath or shower at the named hotels or substitutes of the same standard. Meals are as specified on your confirmation. Meetings, transfers, surface transportation by car, bus or train. Holiday prices cover only the services and duration shown on each itinerary. Check-out time from rooms is generally 12 noon. Economy class air travel inclusive of all ticketable airport taxes, fuel surcharges which will be secured at the lowest available fare at the time of booking (with any supplements payable due to lack of flight availability advised to you for your approval before confirmation). Once booked your airline ticket(s) will be 100 % non-refundable. Where, for reasons of force majeure, altered services are taken or the duration of the holiday is extended, we reserve the right to pass on additional costs in full. Excluded are all expenses of a personal nature such as drinks or laundry. Group tours are based on a minimum number of persons travelling. We must regretfully reserve the right not to operate any tour on which there are insufficient bookings 8 weeks before departure. Full payment, including your deposit, will be refunded. Your luggage and belongings Our ground arrangements allow for you to take one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. If you have booked your flights through us we will advise you of your weight restrictions. Please check with your airline if you have arranged your own flights. Airlines and Seating We are able to quote for upgrades to World Traveler Plus and to Business Class on some British Airways flights. Reserving your actual seat can only be done by you personally once you have received your ticket (or e-ticket). Delays at Point of Departure The scheduled airlines we use will generally provide meals and accommodation to passengers already checked-in in the event of extended delays. The CTT Group t/a CT Groups and Incentives and or The Embroiderers Guild cannot be held responsible for any alterations that are necessary as a result of any delays caused directly or indirectly to the international flights for reasons within or outside of theirs or the carriers control. Passports, Visas and Health You must have a full British passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your return date and at least one blank page available in your passport. All names on the booking must be exactly as per your passport. If you do not hold a British passport, do not meet these requirements or have any doubt as to your eligibility to enter Uzbekistan then please contact us for further advice before confirming your booking. Age and Health We do not operate any age limit on our holidays. However if you are aged over 80, we strongly recommend that you should be travelling with a companion and you are fit and healthy to travel. In many of the countries in which we operate, medical facilities are poor and if you do fall ill appropriate treatment may be difficult to access. There are no formal health requirements except for those who have recently visited a Yellow Fever area. Recommended precautions will be advised with the confirmation of booking. All clients are themselves responsible for ensuring that they conform to the health regulations regarding vaccinations. Surcharges Our Policy Our prices are based on tariffs, exchange rates and other costs as at 21st May 2012 and specifically on a rate of 1=2,950.17 Uzbek Som. The price of your holiday is subject to surcharges on the following items for increases in transportation costs, e.g. scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharge which is part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator, government action such as increases in VAT or any other government imposed increases, currency in relation to adverse exchange rate variations, fuel for road vehicles. Even in these cases we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be surcharged. If this means paying more than 10% on the holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all monies paid except for any deposits paid to the airline which in some circumstances may be non refundable, and any premium paid to us for holiday insurance and amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel because of this, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the invoice.

If you cancel your holiday You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead person who made the booking must be received at our offices before we action your cancellation request. Since we incur costs in cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below. If you cancel, we must impose cancellation charges up to a maximum as follows. Percentages are of the total holiday cost Between time of booking and 98 Days before departure - Loss of Deposit Between 97 - 56 days before departure - 30% Between 55 - 36 days before departure - 50% Between 35 - 22 days before departure - 70% Between 21 - 17 days before departure - 90% Between 16 - Departure - 100% In addition to this, and over and above the cancellation charges as outlined in this clause, some aspects of your travel arrangements maybe completely non refundable and therefore result in cancellation charges being higher than outlined above. (For example all flight only tickets are generally 100% non refundable from the point of booking onwards). Travel Insurance Travel insurance is required to travel on one of our tours. We require, before travel, the name of your insurance provider, your policy number and the 24hr medical emergency telephone number for your provider. Please note you must make sure your insurance includes cancellation & repatriation. Your travel insurance must cover the destinations you will be visiting along with any activities you are taking part in. (Please ask if you need any assistance with an insurance quote). Alterations by ourselves We will do our utmost to provide the holiday arrangements that have been confirmed. We reserve the right to modify or cancel any holiday, flight schedule, accommodation or arrangement if unforeseen circumstances arise or if our minimum number of 10 travelers per tour is not met. In such rare circumstances, we will inform you as soon as possible and, should the change be such that it alters the nature of your holiday, we shall offer you the choice of an alternative holiday or a full refund of all monies paid to ourselves. Our liabilities to you We do not exclude or limit any liability to our clients which may arise from proven negligence by any person employed directly by us or by our suppliers and subcontractors, servants or agents of the same whilst acting in the course of their employment in respect of death, bodily injury or illness. If our suppliers are able to exclude or limit liability by virtue of any international convention we will claim the benefit of that exclusion or limitation. Such liabilities shall be subject to English law and all proceedings shall be within the exclusive domain of the English courts. We accept responsibility for ensuring that all parts of the holiday are supplied as described and that all services shall reach a reasonable standard. These obligations and responsibilities shall be limited where international conventions in respect of air or sea carriers apply. Naturally we cannot assume responsibility for loss or expense due to war, riots, strikes, terrorist activities or natural disasters. Complaints If you have cause for complaint, please inform our tour guide immediately who will endeavor to put things right so you can continue to enjoy your holiday. If the matter cannot be rectified whilst you are on holiday, please write and tell us as soon as possible after you get back and we will do our best to sort it out promptly. If your complaint is not resolved whilst on holiday, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to our Customer Services Department at CTT Group Ltd, Units 8-9 Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3XF giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. Debit, Credit and Charge Cards We do accept payment by debit cards such as Maestro. We also accept payment by credit cards, subject to a handling charge Visa, MasterCard (2.5%) & American Express (3.5%). Consumer Protection This package is protected by ATOL since we hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 5158. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at http://www.atol.org.uk

CTT Group Ltd Units 8-9 Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3X