with Joyce Morgan12–29 September 2019 (18 days)

WORLD ART TOURS 2019

TASHKENT, NUKUS, KHIVA, BUKHARA AND SAMARKAND

Journey Along the Silk Road:

Uzbekistan

IncludesFLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA

Journey Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan TASHKENT, NUKUS, KHIVA, BUKHARA AND SAMARKAND

At a glance:• Begin and end in the ancient – and modern – Silk Road trading city of Tashkent

• Visit the renowned Russian avant-garde art collection at the Savitsky Museum in Nukus and discover nearby Zoroastrian archaeological sites

• Explore the historic oasis citadels of Khiva and Bukhara, which retain much of their traditional architecture and atmosphere

• Follow the ‘Golden Road to Samarkand’ and discover the spectacular sites of the great capital of Timur’s vast empire

• Visit Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur and site of his ambitious summer palace

• Spend two days in Seoul, visiting the Gyeongbok Palace, National Museum of Korea and the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

“I could not speak highly enough of Joyce. Her calm and caring demeanour was so lovely to be around. Nothing was too much trouble for her and her passion for Bhutan was really conveyed and enhanced the trip no end.”

Barbara B. | BHUTAN 2017

“Joyce is an outstanding leader. So knowledgeable. Such a good companion. Always on duty looking after the needs of others.”

Cathy M. | BHUTAN 2017

Discover the ‘Jewel of Central Asia’, a land of ancient oasis citadels with their distinctive turquoise-tiled minarets, mosques and madrassahs and a rich tradition of arts and crafts.

Uzbekistan was the crossroads of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean. For over two millennia it has absorbed diverse influences, among them Greek, Persian, Turkic, Russian and Chinese cultures, as well as Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Nestorian Christianity and Islam.

In the capital Tashkent, discover the modern energy of Uzbekistan. Explore the archaeological legacy of the conquering general Timur (Tamerlane) in the romantic cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand which are still crowned with dazzling tiled mosques. Visit Nukus and Timur’s birthplace, Shakhrisabz, meeting village artisans along the way.

Discover a long tradition of arts and crafts, including the intricately embroidered suzani (tribal textiles), exquisite silk ikat weavings, hand-woven silk carpets, miniature paintings, tribal jewellery and distinctive ceramic ware.

Tashkent

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

Nukus

Khiva

BukharaSamarkand

Shakhrisabz

Map is a guide only

Land

Flight

Rail

Flight from Seoul

TOUR LEADER

Joyce Morgan is a journalist and author of Journeys on the Silk Road. She has written on arts and culture for 20 years.

Joyce is a former arts editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and currently its theatre critic. She is a Getty Art Journalism Fellow, and has worked as a journalist in London, Hong Kong and Sydney. Her biography of artist Martin Sharp was longlisted for the 2018 Stella Prize.

She has travelled widely in Asia, including in Indonesia, East Timor, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China and Bhutan and has led successful Members’ tours to Java, Bhutan and China.

The ancient city of Khiva

Thursday 12 September 2019 Sydney – SeoulIn the morning, depart from Sydney on Asiana Airlines to Seoul (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Seoul in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in the hotel at Seoul Airport.

L -in flight D

Fri 13 Sep Seoul – TashkentAfter a morning at leisure and lunch at the hotel, fly from Seoul to Tashkent in the afternoon on Asiana Airlines (flight included in tour price). After immigration and customs formalities on arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel.

B L D -in flight

Sat 14 Sep TashkentAfter a welcome briefing and talk by Joyce, enjoy a full-day tour of Tashkent. Visit the Chorsu Bazaar, the centre of daily life in the heart of old town, which comprises a unique complex of trade halls crowned with interrelated domes. The bazaar sells everything from exotic dried fruits to fresh herbs, handmade cheeses, freshly-slaughtered meat and colourful handicrafts.

Afterwards, explore the impressive Tashkent Metro, which opened in 1977 in honour of 60th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. Each station has its own unique architectural features made of semi-precious materials including marble, granite, glass, ceramics and carved alabaster.

Drive to Amir Timur Square, with its imposing statue of Uzbekistan’s post-Soviet hero, Timur (Tamerlane). Continue past Independence Square, the largest city square in any of the former-Soviet countries.

Enjoy lunch with the locals at a popular restaurant specialising in plov (slow-cooked rice with meat, onion and carrots), the Uzbek national dish.

After lunch, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, with its vast collection of Uzbek traditional crafts. The museum is housed in the

former residence of Russian diplomat A.A. Polovtsev, which was built at the end of 19th century in the Uzbek national style.

The evening is at leisure. B L

Sun 15 Sep Tashkent – Nukus Following an early breakfast, transfer to Tashkent Airport for a flight to Nukus (flight included in tour price). On arrival in Nukus, transfer to hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, drive to the Igor Savitsky Museum (Karalpak Museum). This remarkable museum, opened in 1966, is located in the most remote region of Uzbekistan and houses an enormous collection, including antiquities from Khorezm traditional Karakalpak folk art, Uzbek fine art and, uniquely, the largest collection of Russian avant-garde in the world after the Russian Museum in St Petersburg.

After lunch, there is free time to further explore the Savitsky Museum at your own pace. B L D

Mon 16 Sep Nukus – KhivaCheck out from the hotel in the morning and travel to Khiva. Along the way, see the remains of a Zoroastrian Tower of Silence (Chilpak Kala), and visit the archaeological sites of Toprak Kala, the 3rd century AD capital of ancient Khorezm, and Ayaz Kala, with its three mud-brick fortresses dating from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. Abandoned for 1,300 years, the Kalas (fortresses) were rediscovered in the 1940s by the Russian archaeologist S.P. Tolstov.

Arrive in Khiva in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant. B L D

Tue 17 Sep KhivaAfter a morning talk by Joyce, enjoy a full-day walking tour of Khiva, an ‘open air museum’ consisting of the Dichan Kala outer town and the Ichan Kala inner town, which are protected by a 2.2 km-long sloping brick wall, the foundations of which were laid in the 10th century. Visit Kunya Ark Citadel, residence of Khivan Khans founded in 1680s with further buildings added in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the 19th century Kalta Minar or Short Minaret.

Museum of Applied Arts, Tashkent © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/FlickrCC

Samanid Ismail Mausoleum, Bukhara © Chris Price/FlickrCC

Visit the Djuma Mosque, the main hall of which has over 200 wooden columns, the earlier ones decorated in Kufic and Naskh inscriptions, the later in the typical Khivan floral-vegetative pattern. Then explore the majestic Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, with its dazzling turquoise dome.

After lunch, visit the Islam Khodja Complex, consisting of the city’s smallest madrassah and tallest minaret, ringed with stripes of lustrous blue tiles. Visit the oldest architectural structure in Khiva, the 14th century Sheikh Said Allauddin Mausoleum.

Watch the sunset from the city wall before dinner at a local restaurant. B L D

Wed 18 Sep KhivaDeepen your acquaintance with Khiva on a morning visit to the bustling local bazaar and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace and Harem, the main palace of the Khivan Khans. With its ceramic tiles, carved marble and painted wood, the Palace is the most striking example of architectural decoration in the city.

Enjoy lunch and a tea ceremony at the National House Zaynab, renowned for its generous Central Asian hospitality.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to continue your exploration of Khiva at your own pace. B L

Thu 19 Sep Khiva – BukharaAfter breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel to the sacred city of Bukhara where its historic centre boasts more than 100 Islamic monuments and museums. Along the way, travel across the Kyzyl Kum red sand desert, stopping for a barbecue lunch at a chai khana (tea-house).

In the late afternoon, check in to the hotel in Bukhara, centrally located in the Old Town, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

B L D

Fri 20 Sep BukharaEnjoy a morning talk by Joyce, and then set out for a full-day tour of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city which has long

been a centre of trade, scholarship, culture and religion. Begin with the perfectly proportioned Samanid Ismail Mausoleum, with its exquisitely patterned brickwork, and then visit the nearby Chashma Ayub Shrine. Visit the magnificent archaeological complex, the Ark Citadel, rebuilt after its sacking by the Red Army in 1920, and the 18th century Bolokhauz Mosque. Continue to the Kaylan Minaret, the main symbol of city.

After lunch, stroll through the central square, Lyabi-Hauz, built around a large pool. Visit the 10th century Magoki-Attori Mosque, built over an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, and the Ulubek Madrassah and the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah, constructed on the Persian model with a large courtyard, divided by four iwans (open-sided arched halls).

In the late afternoon, enjoy tea and oriental sweets in a teahouse before returning to the hotel. B L D

Sat 21 Sep BukharaIn the morning, visit the old European-style Summer Palace, once the sumptuous residence of the Bukhara Emirs, built in the second half of the 19th century. Today the palace houses a museum of decorative arts. Continue to the Bahauddin Nakshbandi Memorial Complex, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Bukhara, centred on the mausoleum of the famous Sufi philosopher Bahauddin Naqshbandi.

Visit the grave of local Sufi sheikh, poet and theologian Saif ed-Din al-Boharsi (1190-1261), who famously converted Khan Berke of the Mongol Golden Horde to Islam. Nearby is the 14th century Mausoleum of Boharsi’s pupil, Bayan Qulï Khan.

Return to Bukhara for free time to explore the old bazaars. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a traditional Bukhara folk performance. B D

Sun 22 Sep Bukhara – SamarkandIn the morning, check out from the hotel and travel along the ancient Royal Road to Samarkand. Along the way, see an impressive portal, the only remnant of the Rabat-i-Malik, a royal caravanserai. Visits the Sarmish-Say Gorge in the Karatau Mountain Range and

Summer Palace of the Emir of Bukhara © Prashant Ram/FlickrCC

see remarkable petroglyphs depicting hunting scenes and rituals. Between 4,000 and 6,000 years old, there are more than 4,000 such petroglyphs and pictographs scattered along the gorge.

Enjoy lunch en route, and then continue to the ancient city of Samarkand. Conquered by three of history’s greatest generals – Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Amir Timur – under the last of these, Samarkand became the glittering capital of a vast empire. B L D

Mon 23 Sep SamarkandBegin the day with a talk by Joyce, and then visit the spectacular Registan Square, framed by three madrassahs whose soaring entrance portals display the distinctive Timurid style: the 15th century Ulugh Beg Madrasah, and the 17th century Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah. Visit the partial ruins of the gigantic early-15th century Amir Timur Mosque (Bibi-Khanyum Mosque).

After lunch, explore the expansive territory of the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, with rows of richly decorated mausoleums built during the 14th and 15th centuries for members of the Timurid Dynasty. The main mausoleum is said to be the grave of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Kusama ibn Abbas. According to legend, Kusam came to preach the new faith of Islam in Samarkand in 640, where he was beheaded by the Zoroastrian rulers; unperturbed by his own decapitation, Kusam picked up his head and retired to the Garden of Paradise, where he still lives. During Mediaeval times, a pilgrimage to the grave of ‘The Living King’ was equated to making the hajj to Mecca. B L D

Tue 24 Sep Samarkand (Shakhrisabz) In the morning, drive in small cars over the mountains to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace and the second capital of the Timurid Empire after Samarkand. Visit the remains of the grand 14th-15th century Ak Sarai Palace built by Timur, the Dor as-Siadat burial complex, which includes a mausoleum for Timur’s sons Jahangir and Umar Sheikh, and the Amir Timur crypt. Continue to the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, with its elegant turquoise domes it is an outstanding example of the Khorezm architectural style.

Enjoy lunch in Shakhrisabz. Late afternoon return to Samarkand.B L D

Wed 25 Sep SamarkandMorning visit to the 14th century Gur-Emir Mausoleum with its exquisite ribbed dome decorated in brilliant azure tiles. Originally built for Timur’s grandson, it inadvertently became Timur’s own resting place (instead of Shakhrisabz, as Timur had intended).

Continue to the Observatory built for Timur’s grandson, the astronomer-emir Ulugh Beg (Central Asia’s version of the ‘philosopher-king’). Built in the 1420s, it was considered one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world, but was only rediscovered in 1908.

Drive to Afrosiab, the most ancient part of Samarkand, to visit the Afrosiab Museum, which features the remarkable mid-7th century mural the ‘Ambassadors’ Painting’, a rare example of Sogdian art discovered only in 1965.

Dinner tonight is accompanied by a traditional music performance.

B D

Thu 26 Sep Samarkand – Tashkent Enjoy a morning at leisure, and then in the afternoon transfer to Samarkand Railway Station for the high-speed train, Afrosiab, to Tashkent (included in tour price).

Check in to the hotel in Tashkent, followed by dinner. B D

Fri 27 Sep Tashkent – SeoulSpend the morning exploring the charming sector of Old Tashkent. Visit the State Art Museum of Uzbekistan, which houses an excellent collection of Uzbek and Russian paintings, as well as textiles, jewellery, wood carvings and ceramics.

After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening, transfer to Tashkent Airport and for an Asiana Airlines flight to Seoul (flight included in tour price). Overnight in flight. B L

Gur-Emir Mausoleum, SamarkandNeedlework artist at the Registan, Samarkand © David Stanley/FlickrCC

Tour pricesPer person, twin-share Incl. economy class airfare AUD 11,250

Single supplement* AUD 1,000

Deposit per person (at time of booking) AUD 1,000

International airfare payment (120 days prior) AUD 1,800

Reduction without international airfare and Seoul stopover - AUD 2,000

*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.

Final payment due 12 July 2019

Tour code AG1908

Fitness level Challenging

Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Visa Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa to visit Uzbekistan. Renaissance Tours will co-ordinate and assist with your visa application prior to departure from Australia.

Tour price includes• Economy Class flights Sydney – Seoul – Tashkent – Seoul

– Sydney on Asiana Airlines (23KG luggage allowance) #

• Accommodation in centrally located hotels (best available) with breakfast daily ( B )

• Overnight at Seoul Airport on 12 September incl. dinnner and breakfast

• Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure in Tashkent

• Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure in Seoul if travelling on group flights

• Economy Class flight from Tashkent to Nukus incl. taxes (20 KG luggage allowance)

• Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, D =Dinner)

• Ticket on high-speed railway from Samarkand to Tashkent

• Transportation on comfortable air-conditioned coaches

• Comprehensive sightseeing including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary

• Lectures and talks with your tour leader, Joyce Morgan

• Gratuities for local guides and drivers

• Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

# Payment for flights required 120 days prior to departure

Sat 28 Sep Seoul Arrive in Seoul in the morning and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the city of Seoul. Pass the unique City Hall where a glass tsunami structure folds around a modernist building and visit the Gyeongbok Palace, home to Korean kings since 1395. Walk through Bukchon, a traditional residential area with a history spanning 600 years, to the main street of Insa-dong, where vendors sell antiques, ceramics and artworks.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the evening. B -in flight D

Sun 29 Sep Seoul Spend the morning visiting two of Korea’s major art destinations. Begin with the National Museum of Korea, the flagship museum of Korean history and art, and the country’s largest museum. Then visit the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, which exhibits both traditional and modern works of art by Korean and international artists.

Enjoy a special farewell lunch with Joyce and fellow travellers, and then transfer to the Seoul Airport for a flight to Sydney on Asiana Airlines (flight included in tour price).

Overnight in flight. B L D -in flight

Mon 30 Sep Arrive Sydney Arrive at Sydney Airport in the morning, where tour arrangements conclude.

Please note that a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure are required for this tour. The tour includes the exploration of remote areas of Uzbekistan with basic tourist infrastructure.

Tour price does not include• Visa for Uzbekistan

• Items of a personal nature, including telephone calls, laundry, taxis etc.

• Airport porterage

• Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

Your hotelsSeoul – Best Western Premier Incheon

Tashkent – Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace

Nukus – Jipek Joli hotel

Khiva – Asia Khiva

Bukhara – Devon Begi

Samarkand – Registan Plaza

Seoul – Courtyard by Marriott Namdaemun

NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted

1. BOOKINGSBookings can be made in person at our office, by telephone, or in writing by mail, email or fax.

A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking and in order to confirm your place on the tour. Please refer to the specific tour for the deposit amount required. You will also be required to complete, sign and return a Booking Form available from Renaissance Tours together with a photocopy of the information page (photo page) of your valid passport.

2. TOUR PRICESPrices quoted in our tour information brochures and/or on our website are based on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of publication.

Prices may be subject to change in the event of significant currency fluctuations and/or the introduction of new taxes, up until final payment is received. We will advise you at the earliest opportunity in the event of a price increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes and/or a correction in advertised prices. You will then have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Once final payment is received, all prices will be guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.

3. PAYMENTA deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. This deposit is used to pay for hotels, performance tickets and other land arrangements to be made on your behalf.

Your final payment is due 60 days before the tour’s departure. Failure to make your final payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking and loss of any payments made to date. We reserve the right to charge a late payment fee in the event of late booking and/or payment to cover additional communication and other expenses.

For tours that include international flights in the tour price, payment of the international airfare component is due 120 days before departure.

Payment by cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. A 1.5% service charge applies to payments made by MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies to payment made by American Express. Payments for some international airfares can be made by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.

4. FLIGHT BOOKINGS & FARESRenaissance Tours will use its best endeavours to ensure that all flight prices are correct at the time that they are quoted. However, once a deposit is paid on an airfare, it guarantees that a booking is being held for you, however it does not guarantee the fare and applicable taxes. The fare and taxes can only be guaranteed when the flight booking has been paid in full and a ticket has been issued. Flight bookings cannot be transferred.

5. CHANGESa) Changes by You – Because of additional communication and other expenses, we reserve the right to charge an appropriate administration fee per amendment to your original booking. While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed.

b) Changes by Us – While we will use our best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised, by entering into this contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour or its contents due to prevailing local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the brochure (including flights, transport, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation.

If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will substitute the best alternative available and will refund the Client for any cost saving or charge the Client for any additional costs incurred. ‘Force majeure’ includes any event which Renaissance Tours or its suppliers could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics, health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of airline or aircraft type). Renaissance Tours is not liable for any penalty charges associated

with ‘supersaver’-type connecting rail or air fares in the event of a change to a holiday departure time, date or airport.

6. SUBSTITUTION OF CLIENTIf any member of the party is prevented from travelling because of the death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person (acceptable to Renaissance Tours) provided that written notice is given at least one calendar month prior to departure. An administration fee of $100 + GST per person will be levied plus any costs imposed by our suppliers. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

7. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDSa) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to the charges shown below, airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

60 days or more Forfeit of deposit*59 – 30 days 50% of tour price*Less than 30 days 100% of tour price*

*Includes any flight deposit/payment

The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.

In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance premium together with any existing administration fees is also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for force majeure (as outlined in clause 4b) or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will endeavour not to cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure for international tours and 45 days before departure for domestic tours. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and administration fees. No compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

8. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONSIt is your responsibility to be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months after the date of your return home. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Renaissance Tours.

9. TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is highly recommended that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for domestic tours. However, it is a condition of travel that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for international tours. It is strongly recommended that you secure this insurance cover as soon as you have made a booking and have made a non-refundable payment. You can make your own arrangements or your travel insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours. In either case all participants must provide the following information no later than 60 days prior to commencement of travel:• a copy of your travel insurance policy (or details of

master policy)• the emergency telephone number of your insurance

company• next of kin emergency contact

10. FITNESS TO PARTICIPATEMost of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate. If we remain unsure of your suitability to travel, we reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour. Furthermore, if, after the tour has begun, it becomes apparent that you are unfit to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to invite you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.

MODERATETour members must be able to:• negotiate airports and railway stations without

wheelchair assistance• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to

guarantee walk-in shower facilities)• undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration,

including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces

• stand for long periods in museums and other sites• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods

of transportation without assistance• handle your own luggage

ABOVE MODERATEIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours• climb staircases of 100 or more steps

CHALLENGING*In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above

35 degrees)• handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and

above)*Please also read specific details in the relevant tour itinerary

11. ILLNESS OR DISABILITYAnyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of that condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication or other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited.

12. LOCAL LAWSAll participants of the tours we operate are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve Renaissance Tours of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.

13. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINTIf you have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, you must bring it to the attention of the tour leader or other representative of Renaissance Tours at the time so that they may use their best endeavours to rectify the situation. It is only if we are made aware of any problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Any complaints must be made in writing to Renaissance Tours within 28 days of the completion of the tour.

14. OUR RESPONSIBILITIESAll bookings are accepted on the understanding that the Client appreciates that travel does involve some risk and that they undertake all tours of their own volition.

i) Renaissance Tours accepts liability should any part of the tour arrangements booked with us not be supplied as described in the brochure(s) and not be of reasonable standard. In such a case, we will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s enjoyment of the tour has been adversely affected but will pay no compensation if there has been no fault on the part of Renaissance Tours or our suppliers and the reason for the failure in the tour arrangements was the Client’s fault, the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements or could not have been foreseen or avoided by Renaissance Tours or its suppliers even if all due care had been exercised.

ii) Our acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant to clause 11(i) is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, to the amount set out in the provisions of, respectively, the Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955, the 1961 Berne Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention.

iii) Our acceptance of liability in clauses 11(i) and 11(ii) above is subject to assignment by the Client to Renaissance Tours of the Client’s rights against any agent, supplier or sub-contractor of Renaissance Tours which is in any way responsible for the unsatisfactory tour arrangements.

Renaissance Tours reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions from time to time, without notice.

Terms & Conditions

Brochure effective 09 May 2018

WORLD ART TOURS 2019

(Above) Islam Khodja Mosque Decor, Khiva © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/FlickrCC(Front Cover) Registan complex, Samarkand

Travel agent 1300 727 095 (AU) 0800 403 621 (NZ) call (+61 2) 9299 5801 fax (+61 2) 9299 5805 email info@renaissancetours.com.au visit renaissancetours.com.au

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Please return pages 1 and 2 to: GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia or info@renaissancetours.com.au Toll free AU 1300 727 095 or NZ 0800 403 621 Tel: +61 2 9299 5801 Fax: +61 2 9299 5805

www.renaissancetours.com.au

• Please complete, sign and return this Booking Form, along with a copy of page one of your passport (international tours only and deposit. NOTE: Flight bookings cannot proceed without passport copy. This is an airline security requirement.

• Complete credit card authority (if paying by credit card) OR forward a (deposit) cheque (made payable to Renaissance Tours).

• Upon receipt of your Booking Form and deposit, you will receive confirmation of your place on the tour(s) from Renaissance Tours.

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FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE DECLARATION (Please tick)

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MODERATE ABOVE MODERATE CHALLENGING fitness level to participate on this tour.

Booking Terms & Conditions

I have read, understood and accept the Terms & Conditions on page 3. I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure (45 days prior for domestic tours) or my reservation may be cancelled.

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Country

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS / ALLERGIES Yes No

MEDICAL DECLARATION What medical conditions do you currently have and/or have you received treatment for in the past three years? (e.g. stroke, heart, respiratory and psychiatric conditions). Attach extra pages, if necessary. The purpose of seeking this information is to assist Renaissance Tours in determining the suitability of a tour participant for a particular tour. The information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE DECLARATION (Please tick)

I have read, understood and confirm that I meet the:

MODERATE ABOVE MODERATE CHALLENGING fitness level to participate on this tour.

Booking Terms & Conditions

I have read, understood and accept the Terms & Conditions on page 3. I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure (45 days prior for domestic tours) or my reservation may be cancelled.

Sign here

Travel details – Passenger 1 Travel details – Passenger 2 (only fill if different from Pax 1)

Payment

Booking form Page 2 of 3

AIRFARE – WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE A QUOTE FROM US?

Yes No

Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class

CITY OF DEPARTURE

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Other

FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER AIRLINE SEAT PREFERENCE

ACCOMMODATION

Double Twin Single If single, would you like us to arrange twin-share?

TRAVEL INSURANCE – WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A BROCHURE?

Yes No

PRE/POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS Please advise if you would like Renaissance Tours to organise any pre/post tour arrangements (e.g. earlier departure, later return, additional accommodation/flights, etc)

NEXT OF KIN (Emergency contact only)

Name

Relationship

Daytime contact ( )

After hours contact

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR?

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE OUR E-NEWSLETTER? Yes No

AIRFARE – WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE A QUOTE FROM US?

Yes No

Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class

CITY OF DEPARTURE

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Other

FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER AIRLINE SEAT PREFERENCE

ACCOMMODATION

Double Twin Single If single, would you like us to arrange twin-share?

TRAVEL INSURANCE – WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A BROCHURE?

Yes No

PRE/POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS Please advise if you would like Renaissance Tours to organise any pre/post tour arrangements (e.g. earlier departure, later return, additional accommodation/flights, etc)

NEXT OF KIN (Emergency contact only)

Name

Relationship

Daytime contact ( )

After hours contact

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR?

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE OUR E-NEWSLETTER? Yes No

Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. 1.5% service charge applies to payment made by MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to payment made by American Express. Payments for some international airfares can be made by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.

Travel agent

AMOUNT CREDIT CARD CHEQUE CASH EFT

CREDIT CARD AUTHORITY

Cardholder’s name

American Express MasterCard Visa

Cardholder’s number Expiry (month/year)

/

SIGN DATE

/ /

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account name: Renaissance Tours BSB: 062-032 / Account: 2800 4163

Swift code: CTBAAU2S (use for transfers from overseas)

1. BOOKINGSBookings can be made in person at our office, by telephone, or in writing by mail, email or fax. A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking and in order to confirm your place on the tour. Please refer to the specific tour for the deposit amount required. You will also be required to complete, sign and return a Booking Form available from Renaissance Tours together with a photocopy of the information page (photo page) of your valid passport. 2. TOUR PRICESPrices quoted in our tour information brochures and/or on our website are based on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of publication.Prices may be subject to change in the event of significant currency fluctuations and/or the introduction of new taxes, up until final payment is received. We will advise you at the earliest opportunity in the event of a price increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes and/or a correction in advertised prices. You will then have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Once final payment is received, all prices will be guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.3. PAYMENTA deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. This deposit is used to pay for hotels, performance tickets and other land arrangements to be made on your behalf.Your final payment is due 60 days before the tour’s departure. Failure to make your final payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking and loss of any payments made to date. We reserve the right to charge a late payment fee in the event of late booking and/or payment to cover additional communication and other expenses.For tours that include international flights in the tour price, payment of the international airfare component is due 120 days before departure.Payment by cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. A 1.5% service charge applies to payments made by MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies to payment made by American Express. Payments for some international airfares can be made by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.4. FLIGHT BOOKINGS & FARESRenaissance Tours will use its best endeavours to ensure that all flight prices are correct at the time that they are quoted. However, once a deposit is paid on an airfare, it guarantees that a booking is being held for you, however it does not guarantee the fare and applicable taxes. The fare and taxes can only be guaranteed when the flight booking has been paid in full and a ticket has been issued. Flight bookings cannot be transferred.5. CHANGESa) Changes by You – Because of additional communication and other expenses, we reserve the right to charge an appropriate administration fee per amendment to your original booking. While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed.b) Changes by Us – While we will use our best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised, by entering into this contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour or its contents due to prevailing local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the brochure (including flights, transport, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation.

If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will substitute the best alternative available and will refund the Client for any cost saving or charge the Client for any additional costs incurred. ‘Force majeure’ includes any event which Renaissance Tours or its suppliers could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics, health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of airline or aircraft type). Renaissance Tours is not liable for any penalty charges associated with ‘supersaver’-type connecting rail or air fares in the event of a change to a holiday departure time, date or airport.6. SUBSTITUTION OF CLIENTIf any member of the party is prevented from travelling because of the death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person (acceptable to Renaissance Tours) provided that written notice is given at least one calendar month prior to departure. An administration fee of $100 + GST per person will be levied plus any costs imposed by our suppliers. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

7. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDSa) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to the charges shown below, airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.60 days or more Forfeit of deposit*59 – 30 days 50% of tour price*Less than 30 days 100% of tour price**Includes any flight deposit/paymentThe above cancellation charges include applicable GST.

In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance premium together with any existing administration fees is also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for force majeure (as outlined in clause 4b) or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will endeavour not to cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure for international tours and 45 days before departure for domestic tours. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and administration fees. No compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.8. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONSIt is your responsibility to be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months after the date of your return home. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Renaissance Tours.9. TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is highly recommended that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for domestic tours. However, it is a condition of travel that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for international tours. It is strongly recommended that you secure this insurance cover as soon as you have made a booking and have made a non-refundable payment. You can make your own arrangements or your travel insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours. In either case all participants must provide the following information no later than 60 days prior to commencement of travel:• a copy of your travel insurance policy (or details of master

policy)• the emergency telephone number of your insurance

company• next of kin emergency contact10. FITNESS TO PARTICIPATEMost of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate. If we remain unsure of your suitability to travel, we reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour. Furthermore, if, after the tour has begun, it becomes apparent that you are unfit to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to invite you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.MODERATETour members must be able to:• negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair

assistance• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to

guarantee walk-in shower facilities)• undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including

using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces

• stand for long periods in museums and other sites• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of

transportation without assistance• handle your own luggage

ABOVE MODERATEIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours• climb staircases of 100 or more steps

CHALLENGING*In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above

35 degrees)• handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

*Please also read specific details in the relevant tour itinerary

11. ILLNESS OR DISABILITYAnyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of that condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication or other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited.12. LOCAL LAWSAll participants of the tours we operate are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve Renaissance Tours of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.13. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINTIf you have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, you must bring it to the attention of the tour leader or other representative of Renaissance Tours at the time so that they may use their best endeavours to rectify the situation. It is only if we are made aware of any problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Any complaints must be made in writing to Renaissance Tours within 28 days of the completion of the tour.14. OUR RESPONSIBILITIESAll bookings are accepted on the understanding that the Client appreciates that travel does involve some risk and that they undertake all tours of their own volition.i) Renaissance Tours accepts liability should any part of the tour arrangements booked with us not be supplied as described in the brochure(s) and not be of reasonable standard. In such a case, we will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s enjoyment of the tour has been adversely affected but will pay no compensation if there has been no fault on the part of Renaissance Tours or our suppliers and the reason for the failure in the tour arrangements was the Client’s fault, the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements or could not have been foreseen or avoided by Renaissance Tours or its suppliers even if all due care had been exercised.ii) Our acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant to clause 11(i) is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, to the amount set out in the provisions of, respectively, the Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955, the 1961 Berne Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention.iii) Our acceptance of liability in clauses 11(i) and 11(ii) above is subject to assignment by the Client to Renaissance Tours of the Client’s rights against any agent, supplier or sub-contractor of Renaissance Tours which is in any way responsible for the unsatisfactory tour arrangements.

Renaissance Tours reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions from time to time, without notice.

toll free 1300 727 095 (AU) toll free 0800 403 621 (NZ) call (02) 9299 5801 fax (02) 9299 5805 email info@renaissancetours.com.au visit www.renaissancetours.com.au

Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001 ABN 14 069 591 448

Booking form – Terms & Conditions Page 3 of 3

Effective 05 February 2018