Sundowners Overland 2020-21 Brochure by Sundowners Overland

Trans Siberian Railway, Mongolia, the Silk Road and the Caucasus

2020-21

ICONIC GROUP TOURS AND CUSTOM JOURNEYS

Trans Siberian Railway, Mongolia, the Silk Road and the Caucasus

2020-21

ICONIC GROUP TOURS AND CUSTOM JOURNEYS

CONTENTS

About us Our story 6 Our difference 8 Our people 10

THREE EXTRAORDINARY REGIONS, ONE U N F O R G E T TA B L E J O U R N E Y.

About your journey What to expect 12 Choose your adventure 14 Travelstyles 16 The Silk Road and Central Asia 18-41 Five Golden Stans | 29 days Silk Road Adventure | 22 days Highlights of the Silk Road | 21 days

Trans Siberian Railway and beyond Roll along the world’s greatest railway and discover that the road less travelled isn’t a road at all. Uncover enthralling lands steeped in history and culture; from opulent Russia to wild Mongolia and deep into China’s exotic grasp.

The Caucasus They have names like Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan but you’ll come to know them as spellbinding. Sprinkled among rugged mountain peaks, encounter enchanting villages, cultures and customs that time forgot.

Silk Road and Central Asia The Silk Road is not a single trade route but a tangle of golden threads connecting East to West. Adventure into ancient lands, where enlightened merchants and bold rulers influenced the development of the modern world.

KEY

Festivals and special departures 80-89 Siberian Snowscapes | 16 days

Trans Siberian Railway

Festive Russia | 13 days

Trans Mongolian Railway

Trans Mongolian with Naadam Festival | 24 days Naadam Explorer | 18 days

Silk Road

Naadam Adventure | 8 days

Trans Manchurian Railway

Wild Mongolia and Golden Eagle Festival | 16 days

Baikal-Amur Mainline Railway

Christmas Trans Mongolian | 22/24 days Vodkatrain 90 Planning your journey 92 Booking conditions 93

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Other railway / road / ferry

Turkey

Russia

FINLAND FINLAND

Helsinki Helsinki

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Tallinn Tallinn

ESTONIA ESTONIA Riga LATVIA Riga LATVIA LITHUANIA Vilnius LITHUANIA Vilnius

RUSSIA RUSSIA

Moscow Moscow

Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg

Minsk Minsk

Warsaw Warsaw

Kyrgyzstan

Kazan Kazan

BELARUS BELARUS

POLAND POLAND

KAZAKHSTAN KAZAKHSTAN

Kiev Kiev

UKRAINE UKRAINE

Budapest Budapest Bucharest Bucharest

N Omsk Omsk Nur-Sultan Nur-Sultan Lake Lake Balkhash Balkhash

Aral Sea Aral Sea

Caspian Caspian Sea Sea

Almaty Almaty Black Sea Khiva La GEORGIA Black Sea Khiva Lake GEORGIA Iss Bishkek Safranbolu Tbilisi UZBEKISTAN Issyk Bishkek Batumi Safranbolu Tbilisi AZERBAIJAN UZBEKISTAN Batumi AZERBAIJAN Tashkent KYRGYZSTAN Tashkent KYRGYZSTAN Baku Sinop Trabzon Yerevan Baku Sinop Trabzon Yerevan Istanbul Osh TURKMENISTAN Istanbul Osh ARMENIA TURKMENISTAN Kashgar Samarkand ARMENIA Kashgar Ashgabat TURKEY Samarkand Ashgabat Murghab Tabriz TURKEY Murghab Tabriz Bukhara MervBukhara TAJIKISTAN Merv TAJIKISTAN Tehran Tehran Mashhad Dushanbe Khorog Dharam Mashhad Dushanbe Khorog Dharamsa Islamabad (McLeod IRAN Islamabad (McLeod Ga IRAN PAKISTAN PAKISTAN Isfahan Shimla Isfahan Shimla Amritsar Yazd Amritsar Yazd

THE CAUCASUS REGION RUSSIA

Mestia

Black Sea

Shiraz Shiraz Bandar Lengeh Bandar Lengeh

GEORGIA

Caspian Sea

Gudauri

Kutaisi

Kakheti

Borjomi

TURKEY

Tsaghkadzor

Bandar Abbas Bandar Abbas Muscat Muscat Ras Al-Jinz Ras Al-Jinz Wahiba Sands Wahiba Sands

OMAN OMAN

Sheki

Jodhpur Jodhpur Udaipur Udaipur

AZERBAIJAN ARMENIA Goris

Mumbai Mumbai Goa Goa Bangalore Bangalore

IRAN

Chennai Chennai

Kochi Kochi Georgia

Delhi Delhi Agra Agra

Baku

Lake Sevan

Yerevan

UAE UAE Nizwa Nizwa

Tbilisi Gyumri

Dubai Dubai

Jaipur Jaipur

Iran

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Mongolia

Japan

Yakutsk

Nizhny Bestyakh

Tommot Aldan Neryungri Krasnoyarsk

Novosibirsk

Bamovskaya

Tayshet

TUVA Abakan Kyzyl Olgii

Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

Chita

Komsomolsk

Ulan Ude Manzhouli

MONGOLIA

Khorgo

Khabarovsk

Terelj National Park Ulaanbaatar

Kharkhorin (Erdene Zuu)

ake syk Kul

Kuqa

Tynda

Severobaikalsk

Harbin Vladivostok

Dalanzadgad

Urumqi Turpan

Shenyang

Beijing

Dunhuang

Seoul

Hotan Lanzhou

msala Ganj)

SOUTH KOREA

Xian

CHINA

NEPAL

Kathmandu Darjeeling Varanasi

INDIA

Mandalay Kolkata

Yangon

Sakai Minato

Tokyo

Kyoto

Dali Guangzhou

Kunming

Guilin

Chiang Mai

China

Hong Kong

Hanoi

MYANMAR

JAPAN

Shanghai

Chengdu

Lhasa

Donghae

VIETNAM

THAILAND Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Uzbekistan

MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Singapore

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OUR STORY

Overland expertise It began with a pioneering expedition

We didn’t start out as tour operators but as fearless adventurers. It was 1964, a time when plane travel was still prohibitively pricey. A group of inquisitive travellers packed their lives into a couple of campervans and set off from Australia, across Asia and the Middle East, and beyond to Europe.

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Their careening caravan traversed lands untouched by tourism, witnessing the beauty of vast deserts, dramatic mountains and sparkling waterways. They travelled through alluring and exotic communities, leaving nourished and warmed by the kindness of cultures far from home. What started as a coming-of-age road trip transformed into an edifying act of discovery. The group felt compelled to share their discoveries and help others unlock the hidden wonders of the world. Disembarking in London, it was time to start the next adventure: to share Asia overland with the world and to do it differently. Fifty years on, that passion for authentic travel is still burning brightly. Fuelled by the metamorphosis of a continent, Sundowners Overland has transcended revolutions to craft captivating journeys for the modern traveller. We’re proud to offer the most extensive range of extraordinary expeditions and think you’ll agree there’s something to excite and enthral every kind of traveller.

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OUR DIFFERENCE

Immersive experiences

Unparalleled destinations Engage in exotic cultures and endless adventure as you travel overland. Choose from over 40 inspiring journeys in these pages, with more to discover on our website. Let your imagination run wild as you create your own adventure.

Journeys designed for you Whether you want action-packed adventure or in-depth discovery, something leisurely or world-class luxury, Sundowners Overland has a Travelstyle that’s right for you. Define the essence of your journey further by focusing on a certain festival, adding a culinary theme to your time away or choosing to travel in winter. 8

Authentic encounters The true value of travel comes from the people you meet along the way. Sundowners Overland journeys are crafted to maximise your opportunity to interact with local life, enriching your understanding of cultures and countries afar.

Peace of mind Travellers have been enjoying our enchanting experiences for over 50 years. Each journey is carefully planned and carried out by passionate travel specialists, where 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

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Small things in great packages Small group tours ensure an intimate experience and all our tours have a maximum group size of 15. With comprehensive sightseeing included, you’ll forge lasting friendships as you unlock the wonders of the world together. Our clients also enjoy the Sundowners’ Surprises that feature on our journeys as well.

Single supplements are optional There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travellers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer privatehotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.

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OUR PEOPLE

Making your journey unforgettable Ali

No matter which journey you choose, our extended network of people on-the-ground and in your time zone can support you every step of the way. Our passionate team includes Travel Advisors, Tour Leaders, City Ambassadors, Local Guides, and Local Partners – here, we meet some of their friendly faces.

Dilya

Travel Advisors Milena

Courtney

Our Travel Advisors possess a wealth of knowledge and personal experience across the regions we operate. They’ll be your first port of call and can help you plan and prepare for an incredible adventure. Speak to them for advice on destinations, journeys, visa support, and even what to pack. “Travelling is part of my DNA and working with Sundowners Overland has certainly closed a huge geographic knowledge gap! Connecting likeminded travellers to these incredibly diverse and unique destinations is a wonderfully rewarding job; not to mention how life changing it is to experience these cultures first have for myself! I really hope that I get to discover the perfect journey with you, for you!” – Courtney, Melbourne

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Tour Leaders Tour Leaders are organisers and master negotiators, chosen for their experience, personal qualities and passion for our style of travel. They will help you discover sights, navigate border crossings, and understand cultural nuances with ease. On Group Tours and Private Group Journeys they’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your exhilarating journey stays on track. “Being a tour leader is not just a job and it is not just travelling. It is a way to be, and a way to live. It is constant learning of the world, its people and ourselves. It is not just sharing, it is giving tools to see, recognize and live dreams as well as unique experiences. Because beauty is in everything. It is the sun setting on a Russian village of wooden houses and psychedelic onion-shaped domes, it is the gleaming smile of colourfully dressed Turkmen ladies. Beauty is an exquisitely decorated ceramic dish filled with delicious Plov in Uzbekistan, and a herd of wild Mongolian horses running free across the steppe in the land of the blue sky. But first of all, beauty is in our eyes and this is what we learn, what we show and what we lead to.” – Ali, Tour Leader

City Ambassadors City Ambassadors are available in most cities along the way on our Custom Journeys. They live in and love the city you’re exploring and know the destination better than anyone.

They will help you unlock hidden treasures beyond the iconic sights and give you an authentic taste of life along your route. “A pearl in the rim of rocks, deserts, steppes and rivers ... Аamazing country, Uzbekistan where thousands of tourists annually go to plunge into the charm of the East to taste Uzbek cuisine, enjoy the atmosphere of amazing eastern bazaars, and see majestic buildings of ancient times. Being a guide for more than 15 years, I never got tired of drawing knowledge and sharing with our guests. Our history is not completely unraveled and therefore priceless. Uzbekistan is a great country with the greatest history.” – Dilya, Uzbekistan

Local Guides Local Guides are certified travel professionals that enhance your sightseeing with historical and cultural knowledge. They are included on all Group Tours and can be arranged for Custom Journeys. Being native to each destination, they offer the kind of authentic insight only a local could.

its beauty, and to unveil secrets of one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, intriguing countries in the world. Looking forward to meeting you here in my Armenia.” – Haykuhi, Armenia

Local Partners Our Local Partners specialise in a range of travel and tourism services; from accommodation and transfers to sightseeing and unique experiences. They keep busy behind the scenes to ensure your journey is memorable for all the right reasons. “Tari Tour is a Russian Tour operator with 25 years’ experience, and for 22 of them we’ve had the honour to cooperate with Sundowners Overland. We are happy to have shown the beauty of Moscow to thousands of Sundowners Overland clients. And waiting many more! Welcome!”. – Milena, Tari Tour, Russia. Haykuhi

“I was born in 1992 here in Armenia. I’ve been a professional English speaking tour guide since 2014. I think that the Armenia is the most exciting place in the world not only for a tour guide but also for every tourist with just a little interest in history, archeology or arts. As a native and as a professional tour guide I am proud, and happy to show you

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W H AT T O E X P E C T

Authentic encounters

How you travel

Where you stay

Overland travel immerses you in cultures and countries afar by getting you up close and personal with local people. One way we achieve this is by utilising the public transport network of trains, metros and buses. Trains meander overland at the perfect pace to relax, while you soak up cinematic scenery and meet people from all walks of life. Most journeys travel in 4-berth compartments, with plenty of room to sit four comfortably. Inside, you’ll find a window, table, reading light and space for your luggage – although we recommend travelling light.

Most group tours are designed at a Classic service level, meaning accommodation is equivalent to western 3-star. Premium tours stay in the equivalent of western 4-star hotels. Hotel stays include ensuite bathrooms, however generally in homestays, and occasionally in guesthouses, facilities will be shared. Look out for the service level icons on each journey or talk to us about tailoring accommodation to suit your needs.

If you’re staying on board overnight, the compartment converts into sleeping quarters with two upper and two lower bunks. Clean linen is provided along each rail section. You may find yourself sharing with other Sundowners Overland travellers or with local people going about their daily lives. If you’re travelling as a pair, it may be possible to upgrade to a 2-berth compartment or have twin-use of a 4-berth on some journey sectors. The dining car is the heart of every train – meet people, share stories, and purchase meals, snacks and drinks customary to the region. Some travellers bring food on board, making soups and noodles with supplied boiling water. When the train pulls into minor stations, you’ll have ample time to stretch your legs and interact with locals selling food and crafts along the platform. Friendly attendants look after the carriage and toilet facilities on board. The washrooms on public trains are basic and without showers but most travellers find them clean and adequate. En-suite facilities and showers are available on some Luxury Train Tours.

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Many people across the continent live in traditional gers and yurts. Some of our journeys give you the chance to stay in these nomadic camps. They are multi-share and mixed-gender with basic facilities, most have western toilets. As you glean insight into the extraordinary lives of your friendly hosts, it is sure to become one of your fondest memories. Occasionally we use homestays where you will be guaranteed a warm welcome and tasty home cooked meals.

Border crossings Border crossings are often fascinating. Glimpse people draped in sumptuous fabrics and farmers from rural frontiers. Watch traders pull carts of produce and consider how far they’ve come on foot, and how far they’ve yet to go. When you reach the border, your transport will stop for officials to check visas and passports. Occasionally, the bureaucratic process can take a few hours, depending on how many people are waiting or if the officials have decided to take a long lunch. Sometimes you can stay on board, other times you will need to disembark and line up. Queuing etiquette varies in each country, if you have a Tour Leader, they’ll help you cross like a local.

Check in, Sapsan Train

Chinese train

Ger, Mongolia

Mongolian attendants

Inside a Mongolian Ger

Russian compartment

When to travel Trains operate on the Trans Mongolian Railway all year round - they are cosy in the colder months and air conditioned in the warmer months, with corridor windows for fresh air. Many journeys can also be timed to coincide with regional festivals such as the Naadam Festival in Mongolia, Victory Day in Russia or the World Nomad Games. See pages 80-89 for a selection of festival departures and winter journeys or discover more on our website.

Russian train interior

Russian train storage

Fall under Siberiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spell when it transforms into a winter wonderland. Smell the cherry blossoms that perfume the streets of Japan in spring. Taste old-vine wine in Georgia on balmy summer evenings. And watch the canyons of Kazakhstan glow red under the warmth of an autumn sun. Which season will you pick?

Sensational sights Our Group Journeys include a comprehensive sightseeing schedule, crafted to give you ample opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hit the highlights then have free time to explore on your own. If creating a Custom Journey our Travel Advisors will help you to add in the right level of sightseeing for you.

Mongolian train

If you choose a group tour, your Tour Leader can take you on extra excursions that tickle your fancy, like a visit to the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, cooking classes in Beijing, or watching a traditional throat-singing concert in Ulaanbaatar.

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OUR JOURNEYS

Choose your adventure Carefully crafted journeys have been designed with different types of traveller in mind. As you peruse the alluring selection of adventures, look out for icons that will help you identify the right one for you.

Find your perfect journey

PREMIUM TOURS

DISCOVERY TOURS

FREEDOM TOURS

Select from 50 journeys in these pages and online, across three fascinating regions or design your own adventure.

Choose your Travelstyle

LUXURY TRAIN TOURS

With seven great options, select from our range of iconic Group Tours and Custom Journeys.

INDEPENDENT JOURNEYS

Choose your journeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus There are many reasons to travel to our destinations however you may wish to add a focus to your travels. We have journeys designed as culinary adventures, active escapes or to be combined with the festivals and events of our regions. If you are ready to explore in winter, sample the fragrant delights of Persia or wish to plan your journey around the Melon Festival of Turkmenistan we are here to help. For more inspiration see our website.

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TA I L O R - M A D E JOURNEYS

P R I VAT E GROUP JOURNEYS

Check the activity level is right for you

Check the service level is right for you

Sundowners Overland is suitable for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure, regardless of age. Journeys are graded on a scale of 1–5, where 1 is leisurely, and 5 is more demanding.

Look for the service level associated with your journey. Most journeys are Classic as standard, others are more inclusive Premium journeys with superior levels of accommodation and inclusions. If you choose to create a Custom Journey, you can tailor the service level right for you.

We provide comprehensive health and fitness guidelines on our website to guide you in your decision making regarding the suitability of our journeys for you. Please also take the time to read through the Journey Itineraries to understand the nature of the journey and level of activity involved.

Traveller When planning a Custom Journey, a more economical range of accommodation and transfers are available. Classic

These journeys are designed to give you more time to explore each destination. They allow you to see the sights and travel at a comfortable pace and may be shorter in duration.

Our benchmark service level. Centrally located 3-star hotels with private facilities and transfers. Train travel in 4-berth compartments, optional 2-berth upgrades (or twin use of a 4-berth) may be available. Gers and yurts are multi-share with shared bathrooms, as may some guesthouses.

Level 3

Premium

Our most popular activity level is well suited to anyone in good health with a passion for travel. Journeys offer a full and exciting schedule of sightseeing and travel, so when you put your feet up at the end of the day, it is with a satisfied sense of accomplishment.

Centrally located 4-star hotels with superior facilities, 2-berth train travel (or twin use of 4-berth), twin share ger and yurt accommodation, transfers and porterage are included.

Level 1

Level 5 Action packed and rewarding, these journeys run at a faster pace and may have a longer duration. You’ll be on the move more often to fit in a busy schedule of sightseeing. You need to be comfortable on your feet for long hours and capable of carrying your own luggage.

Plan your journey Once you’ve found the perfect journey, there’s a few things you should know before you go. Here’s a snapshot below, with more in-depth details at the back of this brochure. Loyalty rewards Our enthralling experiences and intriguing regions often inspire travellers to come back for more. We welcome repeat travellers to our Overland Club and look forward to planning your next adventure with you. Group rewards If you book as a group of five or more on any journey, we’d like to show our appreciation through a 5% discount. Solo travellers A substantial number of our clients travel alone. When you’re travelling solo on a group tour, there are no single supplements when you book twin share. See our website for solo only departures where you can share the experience with other single travellers. Book your adventure Enquire online or call one of our Travel Advisors about creating your perfect journey. Visa support We take the pain out of visa applications by providing all the official documentation required and assisting you through the process. Travel insurance Compulsory for Group Tours and recommended for Custom Journeys – let us help you to organise cover to suit your needs. Flights If you require flights to and from your journey or wish to extend your travel, speak to us about what’s possible. SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

TR AVELST YLES

Designed for you Group Tours Forge lasting friendships as you unlock the hidden wonders of the world together. Each tour is accompanied by an experienced Tour Leader and also benefit from knowledgeable Local Guides to help you see each destination through native eyes. Group sizes are kept small, at a maximum of 15, to ensure an intimate experience you’ll never forget.

Premium Tours

Discovery Tours

Freedom Tours

Sophisticated tours with superior accommodation and days full of sightseeing and cultural immersion. Journeys are designed with a greater emphasis on comfort and inclusion. Experienced guides immerse you in the region through a comprehensive schedule of cultural sights and activities.

Our classic, exploratory tours with a generous balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Journeys are designed to help you hit the region’s highlights and uncover hidden gems along the way. When you have free time, you can choose to put your feet up, explore on your own, or ask your Tour Leader to organise additional activities outside of the schedule.

Highlights tours with a greater emphasis on free time. Journeys are designed to introduce you to the region while giving you the independence to enjoy activities of your choosing. Travel, stay and discover iconic sights with a small group, then head out and explore on your own. Ask your Tour Leader for recommendations or plan a personal schedule in advance. See each destination, your way.

Tours include all transfers, including airport transfers, 2-berth compartments (or twin use of 4-berth) on public trains, 4-star equivalent hotels, comfortable twin-share guest-houses, gers and yurts.

Tours include all transfers, including airport transfers, 4-berth compartments on public trains, well-located 3-star equivalent hotels, comfortable guest-houses, and multi-share gers and yurts. 2-berth upgrades (or twin use of 4-berth) are available on most journeys.

Tours include all transfers except airport transfers, 4-berth compartments on public trains, 3-star equivalent hotels, guesthouses, and multi-share gers and yurts. 2-berth upgrades (or twin use of 4-berth) are available on most journeys.

Luxury Train Tours Want the ultimate 5-star service? Cruise the Trans Siberian Railway, Silk Road and Caucasus on Luxury Private Trains. Luxury journeys are almost all-inclusive and offer a comprehensive collection of elegant private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, culinary delights from fine-dining chefs, and a sophisticated sightseeing program. Luxury tours are provided by a handpicked selection of outstanding suppliers and offer the discerning traveller a first-class voyage on some of the world’s greatest rail journeys. See our website for the range of Luxury Trains available.

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Custom Journeys If you’re feeling inspired by Sundowners Overland iconic routes and wish to craft your own, then custom journeys are your path to adventure. Custom journeys offer the opportunity to create your own adventure extending a journey or adding more time for off the beaten track excursions. You may choose to start from scratch, designing a journey as unique as you are. What will you do?

Independent Journeys

Tailor-Made Journeys

Private Group Journeys

Visiting some of our rugged and remote destinations can be difficult to plan on your own, so we have a selection of iconic routes created for the independent traveller. These journeys have been tried and tested to ensure you can explore with friends and family, or on your own with ease.

Journeys created just for you. Create your dream journey and then live the adventure. You can modify one of our Independent Journeys or create something completely new combining rail and road options perhaps not even listed in these pages. Talk to our Travel Advisors who will help you to choose where you go, how to get there and the ideal duration. Select the desired service level and decide if you want to meet Local Guides or City Ambassadors along the way.

Looking to travel with a group? Each year we create experiences for those wishing to travel with friends and family, colleagues, or on educational and social journeys. All you need to do is get a group of six or more together, and we can start planning your exclusive group adventure. With destinations this enticing, the possibilities are endless. We have a dedicated Private Groups Manager ready to help you plan your next adventure.

Previous clients have merged their passions with travel experiences, from hiking expeditions through remote Kazakhstan to rediscovering family connections in remote Russia. When it comes to Tailor-Made, the only limit is your imagination.

Previous Private Group Journeys have included religious groups, birthday celebrations, unique conferences and sporting enthusiasts. You don’t need to have a reason though, the desire to travel to these destinations is enough. Talk to us about your group’s interests and desire and we’ll work with you to develop a private experience to ignite and delight your spirit of adventure.

Travel and accommodation are scheduled and included. Once you arrive at each destination, you’re free to roam at your own pace. Organise sightseeing and activities locally or with us in advance. If you choose to travel at a Classic service level, City Ambassadors are included in most cities to enhance your experience with local knowledge. Typically, travellers don’t have a friend in Ulaanbaatar that can take them to the best steak restaurant, with our City Ambassadors, you do. Arrival transfers are included for all service levels in each stop on your journey and include airport transfers for Classic and Premium service levels. Possible adventures: • Learn archery under the watchful eye of a Mongolian nomad in Terelj National Park. • Taste wine from the world’s first producers in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia.

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REGION HIGHLIGHTS

The Silk Road and Central Asia Not a single track, but a tangle of ancient threads with which the world was woven. The Silk Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovation, education, science, art and people flowed in both directions from the Orient to the Mediterranean, traversing mysterious lands to form civilisation as we know it.

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SILK ROAD AND CENTRAL ASIA

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Uzbekistan

From cosmopolitan cities to remote and rugged lands, welcome to wild and wonderful Kazakhstan. Explore ancient culture and modern architecture in gleaming urban centres, then reconnect to nature in untouched areas of natural beauty.

Nowhere does Silk Road splendour quite like Uzbekistan. Encounter ancient cities that shimmer in gold and turquoise under a dusty desert sun. Explore heritage sights, each painstakingly restored to their former grandeur, and let the energy of bustling bazaars take you back in time.

Thanks to an abundance of natural resources, Almaty is a sophisticated patchwork of leafy avenues, European cafes, refined restaurants and glitzy shopping malls. Cable car up the mountain, visit the Central State Museum and Zenkov Cathedral. Beyond the city breathe in fresh alpine air and hike to the emerald Kolsay Lakes surrounded by the forested slopes of snow-capped mountains.

The capital, Tashkent is a curious jumble of Soviet, Russian and Islamic architecture with leafy boulevards and thrumming bazaars.

Watch the sun set Charyn Canyon ablaze with radiant colour. Plunge into the refreshing river after a day exploring dramatic landscapes and spend the evening under a blanket of stars. Effort is required to organise a visit to Altyn Emel National Park, but the reward is high. Explore singing dunes, volcanic mountains, canyons, petroglyphs and burial mounds.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Ancient traders carried silks, spices and precious metals through Samarkand to China, as far back as 206BC. Its enviable position made it hot property for conquerors. Witness azure-adorned monuments, etched like footsteps on the sands of time. Its proximity to waterways, roadways and agricultural bounty made Bukhara an important city. It became a cultural and religious centre, nourished by the constant flow of enlightened merchants. Wander in a warren of protected wonders before relaxing by the Lyabi-Hauz stone pool. The final stop before crossing the desert to Persia, Khiva was once an overcrowded city today, a fascinating UNESCO protected town tells the tale of this bygone and brutal oasis. Get an authentic taste of Uzbek life in the Fergana Valley. Browse bazaars for delightful crafts and fresh fruit, and meet friendly locals who work in cotton fields and produce the majority of Central Asia’s silk.

Tajikistan With the vast majority of the landscape of Tajikistan covered in mountainous terrain, you’ll surely find adventure in this seldom visited Stan. Border crossings are re-opening more and more, so now is the time to visit for a truly off the beaten track experience.

Turkmenistan

The northern and cultural capital of the country, Khujand was founded by Alexander the Great. Visit the crowed Panshanbe market, one of the oldest in Tajikistan which still captures the bustling atmosphere of important stop along the ancient Silk Road.

Bordered by three ‘Stans, Iran and the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan has been at the centre of civilisations for centuries. Explore ancient ruins from its Silk Road heyday, and encounter welcoming people and outstanding natural phenomenon outside of the immaculate white marble capital.

Emerging as revitalised city newly built around parks, monuments, and wide tree lined boulevards, Dushanbe gives easy-going respite for weary travellers. Having gained independence only at the end of the 20th century, you’ll find a proud capital celebrating the people of Tajikistan and a vibrant and varied cultural history.

Ashgabat is a shimmering metropolis, its marble and gold mimicking the opulence of Dubai. Visit grandiose monuments then head to the old quarter where the city comes to life. This secretive fantasyland has its quirks, but you’ll find warm hospitality among its multicultural people.

Outside the cities you’ll find stunning alpine scenery of the western Pamir-Alay mountain system. No journey to Tajikistan is complete without a visit to the jewel of the Fann Mountains, the enchanting turquoise waters of Iskanderkul lake.

In the 12th century, Merv was the biggest city in the world and a major stop on the Silk Road. Today, there’s plenty of mystery to unfurl as you explore the collection of ruins, from Bronze and Iron age settlements, city walls and moats, to mausoleums and mosques.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

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Kyrgyzstan

Ala Archa National Park, Kyrgyzstan

In a land of celestial mountains and rolling pastures, yurt-dwelling nomadic spirits roam free. Explore the awe-inspiring scenery and learn about Kyrgyz culture through immersive homestays. Well-preserved Tash Rabat Caravanserai was once a roadside inn where weary travellers rested along the Silk Road. Cross the heavenly Tien Shan Mountains to reach Sary Tash. Nestled among dreamy landscapes dotted with horses, stay with a rural family to get an authentic taste of Kyrgyz culture. Osh is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities, dating back 2,500 years, and home to the region’s largest outdoor market. Wander in the bazaar, pick up a traditional Kyrgyz hat, and sample sizzling shashliks (kebabs) and crumbly samsa (pastries). A favourite vacation spot for Russians, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz tourists, Lake Issyk Kul is a crystalline turquoise respite among the mountains. Despite an altitude of 1,600m, the lake never freezes. Wander down Bishkek’s wide boulevards with its Soviet statues and architecture. Catch a sports event at the Hippodrome; if you visit during Independence Day, don’t miss an eye-opening game of buzkashi (goat carcass polo) – a unique and sometimes violent game devised by Genghis Khan. Experience a Kyrgyz alpine adventure in Ala Archa National Park. Take a rewarding trek to rushing rivers, waterfalls and glaciers. The park is high altitude and much cooler than Bishkek – to enjoy it fully, bring proper footwear and clothing.

Iran Discover two distinct sides of a cultural coin in fascinating Iran. Ancient Persia, with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, relics from the world’s first civilisations and wealth of Islamic art and architecture. And modern Iran, its burgeoning petals blossoming under the light of a new dawn. A cosmopolitan jungle embraced by snow-capped mountains, meet liberal Tehran. Visit captivating palaces, museums, monuments and gardens. Relax in tea houses, picnic in Nowrooz Park, and interact with locals - maybe you’ll get invited behind closed doors to truly see modern Iran.

Pakistan Brimming with fascinating history of past empires, natural wonders, and friendly locals, Pakistan, though often overlooked by all but the most audacious travellers, will be sure to reward with unforgettably unique experiences. Find yourself astonished by the glittering modern cosmopolitan that is Lahore but be reminded of the old saying that in every Lahori there is a Moghul prince, so expect to be welcomed with time honoured hospitality. Go back in time with a visit to the UNESCO Heritage listed Lahore Fort, a 16th century Moghul citadel. Travelling north to Islamabad, be surprised by this refreshingly green and laid-back city, a gateway to the Himalayas. Then find yourself in “little Tibet”, a mecca of mountain climbers who come to conquer the tallest peaks in the world, including the infamous K2. In the Hunza Valley continue one of the most epic road trips the world has to offer along the Karakorum Highway, an ancient link between the Indian Continent, the Far East, as well as the Middle East and Europe. Perhaps uncover the secrets of why some believe the people of Hunza valley experience exceptionally long lifespans, though it’s not hard to fathom when fresh fruit grows in abundance and the mountain air is clear and crisp. Shangri-La, Pakistan

The sapphire in Iran’s crown, Isfahan is like a living museum. Witness jaw-dropping Islamic architecture, iconic bridges and picturesque Persian gardens. Wander the endless passageways of the bazaar, with an exotic aroma and clatter of artisans that hasn’t changed for centuries. Absorb the atmosphere of the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad. Called the ‘Vatican of Iran’ due to its holy significance, ornate architecture and intricate artworks, the main mosque and tomb are off-limits to non-Muslims, but there’s plenty to explore in this enormous sanctuary. Shiraz is a mesmerising kaleidoscope of shimmering mosques and alluring bazaars. Hear the whisper of Persia as you explore ancient Persepolis, with its eclectic patchwork of grand structures, monuments, staircases, portals and reliefs. Explore peaceful alleyways with delightful mud houses in Yazd’s old town. Visit the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, glowing amber under the deep blue of twilight. Marvel at the ingenious badgirs (wind catchers that combat desert heat), the exquisite tile work of the Masjed-e Jameh mosque and the Zoroastrian Temple of Fire. Biblical scholars believe Tabriz to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Even with such esteemed ties, it’s the Tabrizians that make it special. Shouts of “welcome to Iran” will greet you the moment you set foot in this sprawling city. Sip tea, sample food, and meet curious locals as you wander in the UNESCO World Heritage listed bazaar.

20 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Shiraz, Iran

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S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 21

Gil Amir, Samarkand

2 9 D AY S

Five Golden Stans Direction: Eastbound: Nur-Sultan to Tashkent

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Distance: 6,457 km

Activity level:

This incredible journey will take you through the five “Stans” of Central Asia across mountains and steppes, treading in the footsteps of those who travelled the ancient Silk Road with their caravans winding trails through the deserts, exchanging their wares, ideas and people which has led to the extraordinary melting pot of cultures that exists in the region today. Mighty Kazakhstan Our journey begins in Nur-Sultan, a living monument to modernity in Kazakhstan. We explore the sights before boarding our first train to Almaty, perhaps still the country’s most important city and full of architectural wonders set against a backdrop of the magnificent peaks.

Across the steppe to serene Kyrgyzstan Our departure takes us to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder said to rival the Grand Canyon. Across the border we arrive in Karakol where we spend time in nature exploring the Valley of the Flowers. The green meadows contrast with the permanent snowcapped ranges of Kungei and Zailiyskiy-Ala-Too towering above. We continue to Bishkek, visiting the 11th century Burana Tower en route. Our final highlights in Kyrgyzstan are Ala Archa National Park and Toktogul Lake reached via 3000m mountain passes. In Osh we visit the bazaar, still the largest in Central Asia. Sulaiman Mount above the city houses one of the main shrines of the Islamic world and we follow the pilgrims to see the mosque of Babur, The Great Mughals Dynasty founder.

Undiscovered wonders of Tajikistan Our third “stan” awaits, Tajikistan, and we drive to Khujand, situated on the Syr Darya at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and was a major city along the ancient Silk Road. The city will delight, not only with the intricate woodcarvings of the region but also with the vast array of ancient monuments; the fortress, palace and mosque as well as Panjshanbe bazaar. Leaving the northern capital of Tajikistan we travel to Dushanbe via Istaravshan. Located in the northern foothills of the Turkistan mountain range, Istaravshan offers an opportunity to interact with local Tajiks and see local craftsmen at work. Dazzling Dunshanbe awaits where we explore the

22 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

national history before continuing to Penjikent, an ancient city from the 5th century BC, via the beautiful Iskanderkul lake, purported to be named after Alexander the Great on his journey from India to Central Asia. The next day too we visit the magnificient Seven Lakes on our way to Uzbekistan.

Golden Uzbekistan Samarkand is often considered the jewel in the crown of Central Asia. Registan Square is truly unrivalled in its magnificence, a far cry from the “sandy place” from which its name derives. To Bukhara, and her incredible monuments, from the soaring Poi Kalon Minaret ensemble, to the Ark Fortress, the architectural wonder of the Samanid Mausoleum and Chor Minor located close by the tranquil resting spot of Lyabi-hauz. Take some time for tea and reflection under the mulberry trees. Don’t miss out on a visit to the bazaar to choose your silk carpet to provide a lasting memory of this journey.

Fiery depths of Turkmenistan Our final country awaits as we cross the border to Mary and the ancient ruins of Merv which played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2000 years. Ashgabat will amaze, marble lined streets, fountains and gold abound in both the monuments and mosques. A highlight awaits with a visit to the Darvaza flaming crater which by night transforms into the doors of hell, a fire temple or any other mysteriously spectacular place. We spend the night under canvas enjoying delicious nomadic food in the light of the flickering flames. Our journey ends back in Uzbekistan in the living museum of Khiva. We climb the city walls to look out across the town and the desert beyond. Our journey ends in Tashkent and we enjoy a farewell dinner reflecting on this monumental journey through countries, broken by borders but united in history and peoples. SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Nur-Sultan

Khiva

Darvaza crater

KAZAKHSTAN Almaty

UZBEKISTAN Bukhara

Bishkek

Tashkent Aydar Kol Penjikent

Ashgabat

Khujand

Chon Kemin Toktogul Lake

Karakol

KYRGYZSTAN

Osh

Samarkand Mary

Railway

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to upgrade your rail sectors to 2 berth on this journey. 2020 18 May - 15 Jun 25 May - 22 Jun 08 Aug - 05 Sep 05 Sep - 03 Oct 12 Sep - 10 Oct

2021 17 May - 14 Jun 24 May - 21 Jun 07 Aug - 04 Sep 04 Sep - 02 Oct 11 Sep - 09 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 25 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 camping, 2 train (4 berth).

(FROM)

PRICES

$1,310 $1,440 $970 $1,310 £775 €880

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

$10,760 $11,835 $7,960 $10,760 £6,350 €7,210

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$12,965 $14,265 $9,595 $12,965 £7,650 €8,690

$13,600 $14,960 $10,065 $13,600 £8,025 €9,110

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates daily between May and September except Tuesdays. Low Season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High Season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 25 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 camping, 2 train (4 berth). Meals 28 breakfasts. CODE: IFSNT

Meals 28 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: FSNT

Iskanderkul Lake, Tajikistan

Train / Ferry nights

Bazaar, Bukhara

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

TAJIKISTAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

CHINA

Dushanbe

TURKMENISTAN

Starting point

F I V E G O L D E N S TA N S

Aral Sea

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Nur-Sultan Nur-Sultan and to Almaty Almaty Almaty to Karakol Karakol To Chon Kemin via Cholpan Ata Bishkek Bishkek Bishkek to Toktogul Lake Toktogul Lake to Osh Osh to Khujand Khujand Khujand to Dunshanbe via Istaravshan Dushanbe Dushanbe to Penjikent Penjikent to Samarkand Samarkand To Bukhara via Shakhrisabz Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara to Mary Mary to Ashgabat via Merv Ashgabat Ashgabat to Darvaza Crater Khiva Khiva Silk Road Railway Tashkent Tashkent

Yurt, Kyrgyzstan

2 2 D AY S

Silk Road Adventure Direction: Eastbound: Tashkent to Tashkent

Countries: Uzbekistan, China and Kyrgyzstan

Distance: 3,780 km

Activity level:

Designed especially for travellers who seek high adventure among the peaks and mountain passes of the Tien Shan Mountains, this journey traverses some of the least travelled routes of the Silk Road. Your adventurous spirit will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery in unspoilt wilderness. Tashkent and the Fergana Valley We begin in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital by exploring the old city and the Chorsu Bazaar. Later, we travel by train to the Fergana Valley to visit the potters’ town of Rishton; and the silk producing town of Margilan where tourists are seldom seen, and locals dress in traditional wear. The local bazaar with its seductive sights, sounds and aromas is one of the most interesting in the valley. To the valley’s east we find Osh, strategically positioned along the old Silk Road, where it prospered as a major silk producing centre, and was generally regarded as a midway point between China and Europe.

High passes of the Tien Shan Mountains The terrain is alluringly barren and rugged as we steadily climb through the Tien Shan Mountains to the newly opened Irkeshtam Pass (3,005 m), bound for Kashgar, now the most westerly city in China. Located between the massive mountain ranges of the Tien Shan to the north, the Pamir to the west, the Karakoram to the south, and Asia’s largest desert, the Taklamakan, to the east; Kashgar remains a strategically important trading centre. Its old city once regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Islamic city anywhere in Central Asia, is now sadly reduced in size. Travelling north through barren mountains, we pass Muslim shrines and traditional homes of Central Asia’s nomads (known as yurts), en route to the Torugart Pass (3,752 m), and the Kyrgyzstan border. Set within a beautiful valley, near Tash Rabat we find and stay in one of the few remaining Silk Road caravanserais with its large impressive stone walls dating from the 10th century. Farther north, the road to Cholpon Alta cuts through the rugged Kyrgyz steppe and offers spectacular mountain views.

24 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY .

Later, we see Lake Issyk Kul, (Warm Lake), a pearl amid the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Despite an altitude of 1,600 m, this lake never freezes. Kyrgyzstan’s capital of Bishkek is justly famous for its parks and intriguing Soviet-style buildings. After an excursion to the breathtaking Ala Archa National Park, we return to Tashkent by air.

Golden Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva The next day, we arrive in Samarkand – the most evocative city of the Silk Road, often referred to as ‘Golden Samarkand’, after the romantic poem ‘ The Golden Road to Samarkand’ by English poet, James Elroy Flecker. The city’s Registan is the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia, with its inspiring square comprised of three madrassas (places of learning), and a mosque. A spectacular drive through the Zeravshan Mountains takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Beside the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace, the pretty market town offers a relaxed atmosphere with traditional homes, tea houses and mosques. Beyond, Bukhara brings history alive with some of the world’s oldest monuments, and a covered bazaar where trade in silks, rugs, and spices goes on in much the same manner as it did in the days of Marco Polo. Khiva is a highlight; being one of the best-preserved examples of a walled Khanate city with foundations dating from the 10th century. Everyone will have a favourite of these three cities but all will dazzle and impress. There is much to see elsewhere in the city as well, before returning by train to Tashkent.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

SILK ROAD ADVENTURE

Aral Sea

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN

Khiva

KYRGYZSTAN Cholpon Ata Bishkek

Tashkent Bukhara

Aydar Kol

Starting point

Fergana Samarkand

TURKMENISTAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

2020 11 May - 01 Jun 25 May - 15 Jun 15 Jun - 06 Jul 17 Aug - 07 Sep 07 Sep - 28 Sep

2021 10 May - 31 May 24 May - 14 Jun 14 Jun - 05 Jul 16 Aug - 06 Sep 06 Sep - 27 Sep

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 18 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay, 1 yurt, 1 train (2-berth).

(FROM)

$1,020 $1,120 $755 $1,020 £600 €685

PRICES

$6,475 $7,125 $4,790 $6,475 £3,820 €4,340

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$7,630 $8,390 $5,645 $7,630 £4,500 €5,110

$8,400 $9,240 $6,215 $8,400 £4,955 €5,630

C O D E : S AT T Registan Square, Samarkand

CHINA Kashgar

Train / Ferry nights

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Mondays. Low Season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High Season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 18 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay, 1 yurt, 1 train (2-berth) Meals 20 breakfasts. C O D E : I S AT T

Meals 20 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Torugart Pass

Yurt building, Kyrgyzstan

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp

Tash Rabat

Irkeshtam Pass

Sary Tash

Shakrisabz

Railway

Osh

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Tashkent Tashkent to Fergana Valley Fergana Valley to Osh Osh to Sary Tash Irkeshtam Pass to Kashgar Kashgar Kashgar Tash Rabat via Torugart Pass Tash Rabat to Cholpon Ata To Bishkek Bishkek and fly to Tashkent To Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand To Bukhara via Shakhrisabz Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara to Khiva Khiva Depart to Tashkent Tashkent Tashkent

Ferry

Bread, Kyrgyzstan

2 1 D AY S

Highlights of the Silk Road Direction: Eastbound: Almaty to Tashkent

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Distance: 4,343 km

Activity level:

Discover the highlights of the five “Stans” of Central Asia all in three weeks. This journey will take you through mountain passes set against breathtaking views, ancient bazaars and wonderous cities, all following the tracks of the explorers of old. Kazakhstan, the adventure begins

Unparralled Uzbekistan

Almaty, nestled in the foothills of the Tien Shan is the start of our journey. We explore the wide boulevards and Panilov Park and learn a little of the history of this vast country before we have to leave for Kyrgyzstan.

Our fourth “stan” is always a highlight and none can fail to marvel at the sights of Samarkand and the magnificent Registan Square. Take time to consider the intricate mosaic work that adorn the madrassahs and mosques of the city. Bukhara beguiles with a thriving bazaar where you are sure to be tempted by carpets or spices. The Ark Fortress dominates the city, but there is time to explore the backstreets and relax under the shady trees in one of the many tea houses in town.

Across the Mountains to scenic Kyrgyzstan Our journey continues to Bishkek and the picturesque beauty of the Chon Kemin National Park. The green meadows below and the snow capped peaks above make for dramatic scenery during our stay. Our final stop in Kyrgyzstan is at Lake Issyk Kul and we take time to explore around 2000 different petroglyphs dating from 800 BC to 1200 AD that line the shore at Cholpon Ata.

Tremendous Tajikistan We venture further along the Silk Road to Khujand, once a major trading centre. We visit the bazaar and marvel at the enduring wooden architecture of the region. Our opportunity to see local crafts continues on our arrival in Istaravshan a city with over 2500 years of history and a historical centre that is still well preserved today. We take the time on our journey from Dushanbe to Penjikent to visit the sparkling waters and natural beauty of the Fann Mountains at the Seven Lakes, perhaps taking in time for a picnic. We also visit Iskanderkul lake, whose glacial waters are claimed to be one of the most beautiful expanses in the former Soviet Union.

26 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Ancient Merv and Turkmenistan Ancient Alexandria awaits as we cross the border to Mary and the ruins of Merv, once one of the world’s largest cities. We also visit contrasting Ashgabat, renowned for its marbled avenues and gilded monuments. We venture out to the desert to visit the flaming crater of Darvaza and spend the night watching the firey pit from our tents, experiencing life as a nomad and one of the early explorers. Our journey ends in the living museum of Khiva in Uzbekistan. We take the opportunity to live once more in the history of Tamerlane and marvel at both the creativity and destruction that he brought in his wake. We return to Tashkent to reflect on our momentous journey; we will have seen outstanding natural beauty, discovered five unique regions and sampled the delights of these countries bound together by a shared history.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Sea

Almaty

Khiva Cholpan Ata

UZBEKISTAN

Bishkek

Bukhara

Darvaza crater

Penjikent

Samarkand Mary

Railway

2021 24 May - 13 Jun 21 Aug - 10 Sep 11 Sep - 01 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 19 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 camping. Meals 20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. C O D E : H S AT

Local Entertainment, Kyrgyzstan

(FROM)

PRICES ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

2020 22 May - 11 Jun 28 Aug - 17 Sep 22 Sep - 12 Oct

Train / Ferry nights

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$7,245 $7,970 $5,360 $7,245 £4,275 €4,855

$8,135 $8,945 $6,020 $8,135 £4,800 €5,450

Prices are per person twin share on Traveller service level. Operates daily. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 19 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 camping. Meals 20 breakfasts. C O D E : I H S AT Itchan Kala, Khiva

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp $1,070 $1,175 $790 $1,070 £630 €715

TAJIKISTAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Freedom Tour

$6,885 $7,575 $5,095 $6,885 £4,060 €4,615

CHINA

Dushanbe

TURKMENISTAN

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

KYRGYZSTAN

Khujand

Tashkent

Ashgabat

Starting point

Chon Kemin

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Almaty Almaty Bishkek Chon Kemin Cholpan Ata Bishkek To Tashkent Khujand Dushanbe Dushanbe Penjikent Samarkand Samarkand To Bukhara Bukhara Mary Ashgabat To Darvaza Crater Khiva Khiva Tashkent

Ferry

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SILK ROAD

KAZAKHSTAN

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan

3 0 D AY S

Silk Road Railway Direction: Eastbound: Shiraz to Beijing

Countries: Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China

Distance: 9,087 km

Activity level:

Can you imagine how those early Silk Road traders felt as they set off for their long journeys to the distant empire they knew as Cathay? Today, the journey is easier but just as incredible, and the sights you’ll experience will be equally amazing. Intriguing Iran We begin our journey in the ‘City of Poets’ – Shiraz before pausing en route to Yazd for a glimpse of ancient Persia at the ruins of Persepolis. Arriving at Yazd we wander the city’s winding lanes, ancient badgirs and mud-brick old town. Isfahan is next with its wondrous blue-tiled buildings and the stunning Masjed-e-Emam Mosque – one of Iran’s greatest. Here there’s plenty of time to take in the Grand Bazaar, and some of the city’s atmospheric tea-houses. The capital of Iran, Tehran is a busy, crowded metropolis and the country’s most cosmopolitan city. Feast your eyes on the stunning collection of extravagant treasures at Golestan Palace before boarding the train for Mashhad, famous for the shrine of Emam Reza – the eighth grandson of the prophet Mohammed – which is one of the Islamic world’s greatest architectural wonders.

Bukhara, Samarkand and the Taklamakan Desert Across the Kopet Dag Mountains we find Ashgabat – Turkmenistan’s capital, a city badly damaged by an earthquake in 1948, and rebuilt in Soviet style. We see the ruins of Merv once the second city in the Islamic world. We cross the Kara Kum Desert for Uzbekistan’s Bukhara, a city of grand mosques, the Ark Fortress, Samanid Mausoleum and the Kalyan minaret, the only building to survive Genghis Khan’s destruction in 1220. The old town is well worth exploring, and the chaikanas (tea-houses) inviting. Beyond the Kyzyl Kum Desert lies Samarkand - another gem of the Silk Road.

28 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Once, the ruler Tamerlane’s capital, with its centrepiece the famed Registan – a collection of ornately carved and turquoise-domed buildings, three madrassas and a mosque – guaranteed to leave even the most jaded traveller gazing in awe. Onwards to the Uzbek capital of Tashkent where we have a brief opportunity to enjoy the splendour of this old Soviet city.

Kazakh steppe and Uighur heartland From Tashkent we cross the border to Kazakhstan where our train journey takes us to Almaty, passing the occasional now-derelict Silk Road town. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Tien Shan Mountains, Almaty offers an enjoyable change from the desert landscapes of Central Asia. The long-delayed Sino-Soviet Peace Railway was finally completed a couple of years ago and we take full advantage of it to cross through the Dzungarian Gate bound for China’s Xinjiang Province home to China’s Muslim Uighur population. Snow-capped peaks may be seen for most of the year at the border post of Druzhba (meaning peace), prior to the downhill run into Urumqi. We pause to explore the oasis town of Turpan, which still reflects life as it was along this part of the Silk Road. Early travellers reported that it was once two towns – the smaller of Chinese inhabitants, the larger of Turks. These days, the faces in the bazaar recall the four corners of Asia. A train takes the tour across the vast Taklamakan Desert for Xian.

Xian to Beijing Once called Chang’an, this was the glittering capital of Cathay. Old pagodas, city walls and watchtowers remain, but the major attraction now is the famed Terracotta Warriors. Our final overnight train carries us from the most easterly gate of the Silk Road to Beijing. The Chinese capital brings different perspectives and aromas most evident in the hutongs (back street lanes) of the old town with their food stalls and street vendors. Our incredible journey is capped with sightseeing including the Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

KAZAKHSTAN

MONGOLIA

Urumqi

Almaty

UZBEKISTAN

GEOR ORGIA A TURKEY

Samarkand

Caspian Sea

ARM ME ME ENIA

Darvaza Crater

Ashagabat

Tehran

Bukhara

IRAN

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

2020 27 Apr - 26 May 01 Jun - 30 Jun 17 Aug - 15 Sep 31 Aug - 29 Sep

$705 $775 $520 $705 £415 €470

$1,280 $1,410 $945 $1,280 £755 €860

2021 26 Apr - 25 May 31 May - 29 Jun 16 Aug - 14 Sep 30 Aug - 28 Sep

Accommodation nights 24 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 5 train (4-berth). Meals 24 breakfasts, 3 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Chor-Minor, Bukhara

(FROM)

Opt Single Supp

PRICES

2 Berth Rail

Group size 15 maximum.

CODE: SRSB

Train / Ferry nights

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$10,335 $11,365 $7,645 $10,335 £6,095 €6,925

$10,935 $12,025 $8,090 $10,935 £6,450 €7,325

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Mondays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 24 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 5 train (4-berth). Meals 23 breakfasts. CODE: ISRSB

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

$9,780 $10,760 $7,235 $9,780 £5,770 €6,555

Xian

CHINA

TURKMENISTAN

Yazd

Shiraz

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Beijing

Turpan

Mary Mashhad

Isfahan

Starting point

KYRGYZSTAN TAN N Tashkent

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Shiraz To Yazd via Persepolis Yazd Yazd to Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan to Tehran Tehran Tehran to Mashhad Mashhad Mashhad to Ashgabat Ashgabat and Darvaza Crater Ashgabat to Mary Mary to Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara to Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand to Tashkent Tashkent to Almaty via Shymkent Almaty Almaty and to Urumqi Silk Road Railway Urumqi to Turpan Turpan Turpan to Xian Xian Xian to Beijing Beijing Beijing

Forbidden City, Beijing

S I L K R OA D R A I LWAY

Aral Sea

Yurt, Kazakhstan

3 4 D AY S

Great Rail Explorer Direction: Westbound: Beijing to St. Petersburg

Countries: China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Distance: 12,070 km

Activity level:

From Beijing, it’s just over 12,000 kilometres to St Petersburg. Along the way, walk on China’s Great Wall, enjoy Almaty in the shadow of the mighty Tien Shan Mountains and follow the great Silk Road to the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Beijing, Gobi Desert and Mongolia In Beijing, you can use your free time to walk through the hutongs to see a traditional lifestyle which is fast disappearing. There’s the Great Wall beyond the capital which we will visit on your first full day. Board the Trans Mongolian Express, after views of northern China, the train changes bogies at Erlian to cater for the wider rail gauge used in Mongolia and Russia. We travel through vast expanses of the Gobi Desert and visit Terelj National park and a towering monument to Genghis Khan. Observe nomadic herdsmen tend their animals in much the same way that their forefathers did in the days of Genghis Khan. In Ulaanbaatar, see its Buddhist Monastery, and admire the views from the Zaisan Memorial.

Siberia and the Kazakh steppe Our train continues to Irkutsk. This city has a colourful history dating from early times as a frontier outpost where Mongolian and Chinese traders bartered with local Buryats and Russians over tea and furs. Later Russians and Poles were exiled here and did much to refine the city. We take time to enjoy the lakeside at Listvyanka, the icy waters await those brave enough to take a dip. We join the Trans Siberian Railway and skirt massive Lake Baikal en route to Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia and junction for the Trans Siberian and Turkestan Siberia railway lines. After time in Novosibirsk, travel via the Turkestan Siberia Railway through the spectacular mountains and the Dzungarian Gate, into Kazakhstan for Almaty, situated on the plains at the crossroads of Central Asia. Today modern skyscrapers, glitzy shopping malls, mosques, Soviet-style official buildings and traditional Russian Orthodox churches vie for attention with the Islamic-inspired Kok Tobe communications tower, and the majestic snow-covered Tien Shan Mountains in the background. An overnight train brings us to Tashkent.

30 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Uzbekistan’s magical Samarkand and Bukhara While Tashkent may well be Uzbekistan’s thriving capital, its Samarkand and Bukhara that overland travellers want to see above almost anything else. The beautiful Turkic-style architecture in Samarkand’s Registan Square is unsurpassed, but other magnificent turquoise-domed mosques and holy places are serious contenders. Bukhara adds even more mosques, and a delightful old town so typical of both cities. And, the Kalyan minaret has a few interesting stories to tell as well. Later, we travel back to Tashkent to change trains for Moscow.

Across Russia – Moscow and St. Petersburg await It’s 3,800 kilometres across the Kazakh steppe past vast cotton crops, deserts and grasslands to Moscow’s Kazan station. Moscow is an exciting city, which has shed its dour, secretive and suspicious past. Today, stores with expensive designer-label goods and prestige cars are everywhere. Take time to see Red Square with St Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM department store and the Kremlin just steps away. An overnight train is a convenient way to reach St Petersburg, resplendent with wide boulevards and attractive canals. Be sure to see St Isaac’s Cathedral, lavishly decorated palaces from opulent tsarist times and wonderful museums – allow plenty of time for the Hermitage. It’s a perfect end to a journey of a lifetime.

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Urals

RUSSIA Novosibirsk

Moscow

Listvyanka

Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN GEORGIA GEORG GE

Almaty

UZBEKISTAN Bukhara

ARMEN NIA N

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

Samarkand

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

Tashkent

MONGOLIA CHINA

Beijing

TURKM MENISTA MENIST MENISTAN M IRAN Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

2020 14 Jun - 17 Jul 09 Aug - 15 Sep* 16 Aug - 18 Sep 20 Sep - 23 Oct

$2,500 $2,750 $1,850 $2,500 £1,475 €1,675

$1,290 $1,420 $955 $1,290 £760 €865

2021 20 Jun - 23 Jul 15 Aug - 21 Sep* 08 Aug - 10 Sep 12 Sep - 15 Oct

ESSENTIALS

* Extended itinerary. Visit our website for details

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 19 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse, 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 10 train (4-berth). Meals 23 breakfasts, 4 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: GRBS / GRBM

Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty

(FROM)

$10,450 $11,495 $7,735 $10,450 £6,165 €7,000

Opt Single Supp

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

2 Berth Rail

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$8,635 $9,500 $6,390 $8,635 £5,095 €5,785

$9,220 $10,145 $6,825 $9,220 £5,440 €6,180

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates fortnightly, Sundays on even dates. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 19 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse, 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 10 train (4-berth). Meals 23 breakfasts. Code: IGRBS / IGRBM

Poi Kalyan, Bukhara

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Beijing Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park Terelj National Park Return to Ulaanbaatar depart to Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Trans Siberian Railway Late evening arrival into Novosibirsk Novosibirsk Novosibirsk and to Almaty Turkestan-Siberian Railway Almaty Almaty and to Tashkent Tashkent Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand To Bukhara via Shakhrisabz Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara Tashkent Tashkent and to Moscow Silk Road Railway Silk Road Railway Moscow Moscow Moscow St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

DISCOVER MORE... For those wishing to explore further we will be operating an extended departure in August. This will take you further into Mongolia, visit the beautiful countryside and lakes of Kazakhstan. Visit our website for a detailed itinerary.

G R E AT R A I L E X P L O R E R

St. Petersburg

First President’s Park, Almaty

3 2 D AY S

Treasures of the Silk Road Direction: Eastbound: Shiraz to Almaty

Countries: Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

Distance: 5,555 km

Activity level:

Travel in comfort in the footsteps of the ancient traders on this Premium journey criss-crossing deserts and mountain ranges. Marvel at the intricate architecture of Iran, wander through the markets of Uzbekistan and relax in the natural alpine beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Your caravan awaits! Pearls of Persia Our journey begins in the heart of culture of Iran, Shiraz. This magical city is rightly celebrated for its lush gardens and stunning architecture. Take time to listen to the locals reciting poetry at Hafez’s mausoleum and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours inside of Nasir Al-Molk Mosque, known as the Pink Mosque. We also visit Persepolis, Darius’ capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded in 515BC yet the ruins are still well preserved today. From Shiraz to Isfahan and its grand boulevards, covered bridges and soaring minarets. Isfahan is still considered to be Iran’s crown jewel, and the scale of the architectural wonders will amaze. Our final few days in Iran are spent in the modern capital of Tehran, a captivating combination of old and new, and holy Mashhad, for our final glimpses of the intricate art and tileworks.

Marbled Turkmenistan Crossing the desert, we arrive in the confounding city of Ashgabat. Famed for its marble lined streets and gilded fountains we spend time exploring both the museums as well as journeying out to Nisa Fortress set at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains and once a royal residence in 250BC. We also take the time to visit the pure-blood Akhal-Tekke horses. Their speed and elegance are renowned as are their sleek coats which have earnt them the name of “golden horses”. No visit to Turkmenistan is complete without an excursion to the Darvaza gas crater whose fiery depths amaze in the twilight.

Golden Uzbekistan A morning flight takes us to Dashoguz and on arrival we travel to Khiva, a living museum captured inside its well preserved city walls. On our walking tour we visit the major sights of the Ichan Kala, the citadel, where we will

32 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY .

see the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya Ark, the Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Islam Khodja minaret. From here you will see the entire town beneath you and the desert beyond. Leaving behind Khiva we travel by train to Bukhara where tempting bazaars full of carpets and treasures await. Our time here will also include a visit to the Sitora-i-Mokhikhos, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara. We journey via Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Central Asia’s foremost conqueror - the Great Amir Timur. Whilst only the gateway remains to his palace it is easy to imagine how imposing this would have been in times gone by. Samarkand will delight, the Registan Square glistens in the sunlight and we spend time wandering the laneways of the Shahi Zinda necropolis. An express train takes us to Tashkent, a contrast to the ancient cities that have gone before.

Colourful Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan We fly to Bishkek, where we spend some days in the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Ala Archa National Park and the Chon Kemin Valley are pristine alpine wildernesses and allow us time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the towns we have visited. All this against the soaring backdrop of the Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiyskiy-Ala-Too mountain ranges. Lake Issyk Kul’s shores beckon and here we marvel at the prehistoric petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata before returning to Biskhek. Our final journey stop on this epic journey is Almaty, in Kazakhstan, a city of pleasant parks and avenues. Zenkov Cathedral is an architectural spectacle, built entirely of wood but without nails. We end our time here at Big Almaty Lake and reflect in its deep waters on all that we have seen on our journey.

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Aral Sea

KAZAKHSTAN

ARM ME ME ENIA

Bishkek Samarkand

Khiva Darvaza Crater

Cholpan Ata Chon Kemin

Tashkent

Caspian Sea

TREASURES OF THE SILK ROAD

UZBEKISTAN

GEOR ORGIA A

Almaty

CHINA

Bukhara Ashagabat

KYRGYZSTAN

Tehran Mashhad

Isfahan

TURKMENISTAN

IRAN

Shiraz

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Premium Tour

2020 03 May - 03 Jun 02 Aug - 02 Sep 13 Sep - 14 Oct

2021 02 May - 02 Jun 01 Aug - 01 Sep 22 Aug - 22 Sep

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 31 hotel /guesthouse (twin share). Meals 31 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TSSA

Bazaar, Ashgabat

(FROM)

PRICES

$2,470 $2,715 $1,830 $2,470 £1,455 €1,655

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

$14,575 $16,035 $10,785 $14,575 £8,600 €9,765

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$15,510 $17,060 $11,480 $15,510 £9,150 €10,390

$16,810 $18,490 $12,440 $16,810 £9,915 €11,260

Prices are per person twin share on Premium service level. Operates weekly on Sundays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 31 hotel/guesthouse (twin share). Meals 31 breakfasts. Code: ITSSA

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz to Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan to Tehran Tehran Tehran to Mashhad Mashhad Mashhad to Ashgabat Ashgabat and Darvaza Crater Ashgabat To Khiva Khiva Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand to Tashkent Tashkent Flight to Bishkek Bishkek Chon Kemin Cholpan Ata Cholpan Ata To Bishkek Bishkek and to Almaty Almaty Almaty Almaty

City Walls, Khiva

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

4 2 D AY S

Grand Asian Caravan Direction: Westbound: Xian to Istanbul

Countries: China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey

Distance: 11,195 km

Activity level:

Amazing and diverse sightseeing experiences in some the world’s remotest corners bring rich rewards on this unique, challenging journey. Come with us along the Silk Road, to the beautiful Caucasus and retrace ancient routes of trade and conquest. Ten amazing days in China

Samarkand, Bukhara and Iran region

We begin our journey in the city of Xian, the oldest of the four Ancient Capitals of China and where, for over 400 years, massive caravans left the safety of Xian through its West Gate and began epic trading journeys along the Silk Road to Central Asia and beyond. Our journey follows those camel routes. During our stay we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, old city walls, towers and pagodas.

In Samarkand, we marvel at the Registan - Central Asia’s most spectacular architectural ensemble with its azure topped domes and minarets - before crossing the Kyzyl Kum Desert to find the mud brick monuments of the ancient holy city of Bukhara, some of the oldest on the Silk Road. We cross the Kara Kum Desert in Kazakhstan to the oasis city of Mary and the ruins of Merv – one of the greatest of all Silk Road cities.

At Dunhuang, an oasis edging the Taklamakan Desert, formerly a resting stop for traders, and a point where Islam, Christianity and Buddhism entered China, we visit the incredible Magao Caves (‘Caves of the Thousand Buddhas’). Through the desert, Muslim influences are strong. At Turpan, we visit a fascinating bazaar, the ancient cliff top city of Jiaohe, and learn about ancient irrigation. Continuing our journey, we visit Kuqa and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, the largest site of cave art in Xinxiang.

Traditional red Turkmen carpets draw the eye in Ashgabat’s Tolkuchka Bazaar, and we venture to the fiery crater of Darvaza to spend the night under the stars. We traverse the Kopet Dag Mountains which lead to Iran, and its most holy city of Mashhad where the incredible shrine complex of Emam Reza, is one of the wonders of the Islamic world. Isfahan’s distinctive blue-tiled buildings, covered bazaar, and atmospheric teahouses are next. Northwards, we spend time in the bustling capital of Tehran; and at Tabriz -at the crossroads of Persia and the Caucasus - we enjoy the carpet bazaar, the 15th century Blue Mosque and the rock-hewn village of Kandovan.

Farther west, in Kashgar – one of the most important Silk Road cities we learn of ‘Great Game’ intrigue when disguised spies from British India were sent to closely monitor Muslim sentiments and Russian intentions; both perceived threats to their Indian empire. Today, Kashgar’s Sunday markets fascinate travellers with incredible characters, riotous colours and myriad stalls.

New dimensions in Armenia and Georgia

Across the Tien Shan Mountains

The Caucasus region was at the crossroads of trade and conquest. It is famed for its hospitality, fine wines, spas, and refreshing mountain scenery; and there is time to enjoy them all. Armenia has early Christian monuments and hidden monasteries to discover. Georgia’s lively but ancient capital of Tbilisi offers a charming old town centre.

We follow the Irkeshtam Pass through the Tien Shan Mountains, to Kyrgyzstan for Sary Tash, to stay in local homes. We visit Osh - one of Central Asia’s oldest cities dating back over 2,500 years - where the aroma of shashliks sizzling on street side grills fills the air. Entering Uzbekistan, we find Fergana Valley villages famed for silk weaving and pottery prior to arriving in Tashkent.

Leaving the mountains, we visit Gori – the birthplace of Stalin. Later, Vardzia becomes a journey highlight, where a monastery of 3,000 caves runs along a mountain cliff for some 500 metres and stretches over 19 tiers. Entering Turkey, we board a train to Ankara, and onwards to Istanbul, where our last morning is well spent exploring the charming Sultanahmet district.

34 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA GR AND ASIAN CAR AVAN

KAZAKHSTAN MONGOLIA

Aral Sea

GEORGIA

UZBEKISTAN

Caucasus Region, see inset.

Ankara Istanbul

Kars

GEORGIA

Black Sea

Samarkand

Tehran

Mary

Caspian Sea

Tbilisi

Kars

Sary Tash

Kashgar Dunhuang

Irkeshtan pass

KYRGYZSTAN

Xian

CHINA

TURKMENISTAN

Borjomi

TURKEY

Fergana

Bukhara

Mashhad

Gudauri

ARMENIA

Kuqa

Darvaza Gas Crater

Ashgabat

ARMENIA

RUSSIA

Caucasus region

Osh

Tashkent

Caspian Sea

TURKEY

Turpan

Isfahan

IRAN

Dilijan

Yerevan

Lake Sevan

AZERBAIJAN Goris

IRAN

Tabriz

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

DAT E S

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to upgrade your rail sectors to 2 berth on this journey. 2020 24 Apr - 04 Jun 15 May - 25 Jun 05 Jun - 16 Jul 10 Sep - 05 Nov* 18 Sep - 29 Oct

2021 23 Apr - 03 Jun 14 May - 24 Jun 04 Jun - 15 Jul 09 Sep - 04 Nov* 17 Sep - 28 Oct

* Extended itinerary. Visit our website for details

(FROM)

PRICES

$2,095 $2,305 $1,550 $2,095 £1,235 €1,405

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

$14,220 $15,640 $10,525 $14,220 £8,390 €9,525

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$15,415 $16,955 $11,405 $15,415 £9,095 €10,330

$16,290 $17,920 $12,055 $16,290 £9,610 €10,915

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Fridays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 34 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay (twin share), 1 camping, 5 train (4-berth). Meals 37 breakfasts.

ESSENTIALS

CODE: IACXI / IACXE Group size 15 maximum.

Darvaza Crater, Turkmenistan

Accommodation nights 34 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay (twin share), 1 camping, 5 train (4-berth). Meals 37 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: ACXI / ACXE

Dinner in Bukhara

DISCOVER MORE... For those wishing to explore further we will be operating an extended departure in September. This will take you further into western China, incorporate Tajikistan and the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Visit our website for a detailed itinerary.

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Xian Xian Xian to Dunhuang Dunhuang Dunhuang to Turpan Turpan Turpan to Kuqa Kuqa Kuqa to Kashgar Kashgar Sary Tash via Irkeshtam Pass Osh Fergana Valley Fergana Valley to Tashkent Tashkent to Samarkand Samarkand To Bukhara via Shakhrisabz Bukhara Bukhara to Mary Mary to Ashgabat Ashgabat to Darvaza Ashgabat Ashgabat to Mashhad Mashhad to Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan to Tehran Tehran to Tabriz Tabriz Tabriz to Goris Goris to Yerevan Yerevan Yerevan Yerevan to Dilijan Dilijan to Tbilisi Tbilisi Tbilisi to Gudauri Gudauri to Borjomi via Gori Borjomi to Kars via Vardzia Kars to Ankara Ankara to Istanbul Istanbul

Ferry

Taj Mahal, Agra

3 5 D AY S

Moghul Caravan Direction: Northbound: Delhi to Tashkent

Countries: India, Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Distance: 6,207 km

Activity level:

Follow in the footsteps of Babur, great grandson of Tamerlane, last of the Timurid Dynasty of Central Asia and founder of the Moghul Empire. Discover the highlights of Uzbekistan as well as the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and northern Pakistan. Travelling across five countries, mountain ranges, remote valleys and great deserts you will encounter lands of ancient wonder. The home of the Moghuls We begin our journey in Delhi and explore Old and New to discover its place in history and contemporary India. Old Delhi was built in the 17th century by the Moghul rulers and is home of the Red Fort and Jami Masjid Mosque. The bazaars of Chandi Chowk still offer up exotic treats before turning into tree lined avenues and the grand government buildings of New Delhi. No visit to India is complete without a visit to Rajasthan and we travel to Shekawati, known for its beautifully painted havelis which date back to the 18th century. We continue to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. The Amber Fort positioned imposingly above the city and offering up a myriad of intricately decorated rooms and a stunning view out over Moatha Lake. We also visit Jai Singh’s observatory purported to be based on the one designed by Ulug Bek in Samarkand 100 years before. Our journey through India continues to the centrepiece of the nation, and the capital in the time of the Moghuls, Agra. The Taj Mahal, a striking monument to love by Shah Jahan is not to be missed. Our journey north takes us through shimmering Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs and we are dazzled by the Golden Temple.

To Pakistan After a visit to the Golden Temple we cross the border and journey on to Lahore. Once the capital of the Moghul empire Lahore today boasts some remarkable architecture of this period, most notably the Lahore Fort, the Shalimar Gardens and Badshahi Mosque. We watch the infamous sunset flag lowering ceremony at Wagha, a display of cooperation or rivalry between the two nations. You can decide. We journey to Islamabad, visiting the ancient archaeological site of Taxila, situated on the Grand Trunk Road, now recognised by UNESCO. Travelling north we fly to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram mountains. Located

36 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

on the Indus River we explore the picturesque valleys before heading to bustling Gilgit, an important trading centre on the Silk Road with the tradition of exchange continuing today at the bazaar. To the spectacular Hunza Valley and the most dramatic views from the Karakoram Highway of snow-capped mountains including the imposing Rakaposhi at a massive 7788m. We pass huge glaciers before crossing the Khunjerab pass into China, the highest point of our journey.

Across the high passes to China and Central Asia To the legendary Silk Road town of Kashgar, nestled between the Tien Shan to the north, the Pamir to the west, the Karakorum to the south and the largest desert in Asia, the Taklamakan to the east. We visit ancient mosques and markets, stepping back into forgotten times. Beyond the city the road steadily climbs to the Irkeshtam Pass and we journey to the Kyrgyz town of Osh. Strategically located, Osh prospered during the time of the Silk Road until destroyed by Mongol armies in the 13th century. We continue to the potters’ towns of Rishton and Margilan in the Fergana before arriving in Tashkent.

Jewels of the Silk Road All the splendours gone before are outdone by the turquoise sparkling domes of Samarkand, the fabled city built by Tamerlane and his grandson Ulug Bek. The Registan ensemble is one of the most spectacular architectural delights of Central Asia and we explore the madrassahs and minarets at leisure. Bukhara is alive with history, the Ark Fortress, the astonishing Samanid Mausoleum and the towering Kalyan Minaret. Our journey ends with a memorable visit to Khiva, a living museum of beauty where we stay within the city walls and imagine the inhabitants of times gone by. A last chance to explore Tashkent brings this incredible adventure to an end tracing ancient tales of glory and defeat. SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Khiva

Osh

KYRGYZSTAN

Tashkent

MONGOLIA

Sary Tash

Tashkent

Bukhara

Kashgar Fergana

Samarkand

CHINA

IRAN

INDIA Shekawati (Mandawa)

Delhi

Jaipur

Starting point

DAT E S

2020 09 Jun - 13 Jul 01 Sep - 05 Oct

ESSENTIALS

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to upgrade your rail sectors to 2 berth on this journey.

Group size 15 maximum.

2021 08 Jun - 12 Jul 31 Aug - 04 Oct

Accommodation nights 32 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay, 1 train (2-berth).

(FROM)

PRICES ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

$1,935 $2,130 $1,430 $1,935 £1,140 €1,295

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$15,110 $16,620 $11,180 $15,110 £8,915 €10,125

$17,245 $18,970 $12,760 $17,245 £10,175 €11,555

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Tuesdays between May and November. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 32 hotel / guesthouse (twin share), 1 homestay, 1 train (2-berth). Meals 33 breakfasts. CODE: IMCDT

Meals 33 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: MCDT

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

Hunza Valley, Pakistan

Amritsar

Train / Ferry nights

Shekawati (Mandawa) Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp $12,980 $14,280 $9,605 $12,980 £7,660 €8,695

INDIA Lahore

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Skardu

Islamabad

Agra

Railway

CHINA

Gilgit

PAKISTAN

IRAN

Tashkurgan

Hunza Valley

Road

Ferry

Itinerary Delhi KYRGYZSTAN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Delhi Delhi Shekawati Shekawati to Jaipur Jaipur Agra Delhi Delhi to Amritsar Amritsar to Lahore Lahore Lahore to Islamabad Islamabad Flight to Skardu Skardu Skardu to Gilgit Hunza Valley Hunza Valley Khunjerub Pass to Tashkurgan Tashkurgan to Kashgar Kashgar To Sary Tash via Irkeshtam Pass Sary Tash to Osh Osh to Fergana Valley Fergana Valley Depart to Tashkent Tashkent Tashkent to Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand to Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara Bukhara to Khiva Khiva and depart to Tashkent Tashkent Tashkent

Jaipur

Karakul Lake, China

Agra

MOGHUL CAR AVAN

UZBEKISTAN

Pottery, Uzbekistan

14 D AY S

Tsar’s Gold Legendary Silk Road Direction: Westbound: Almaty to Ashgabat Eastbound: Ashgabat to Almaty

Countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Distance: 4,136 km

Activity level:

Weave your way along ancient trade routes and experience the melding of cultures along the Silk Road, from China to Europe, that created great civilizations and unique monuments. Explore the heart of Central Asia, accompanied by the rhythm of the railroad on your own private train. Almaty Like traders on the Silk Road one thousand years ago, you arrive in Almaty surrounded by the cool midnight air. We explore Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital city framed by the foothills of the Tian Shan mountain range.

Uzbekistan and the Jewels of Central Asia Under the cover of night, your private train crosses the border into Uzbekistan. By morning, you are in Tashkent, a city studded with monuments. As evening arrives, you depart to Shakhrisabz. Timur, 14th century Mongol conqueror, filled this city with grandiose testaments to his earthly power. Now his palaces stand in ruins, crumbling reminders of a lost empire. Wealth, conquest and faith intertwine among the splendours of Samarkand. Standing among the ornate marble pillars and vaults of Registan square or the exquisite glazed tiles of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, it’s impossible to suppress your sense of wonder. You see Uzbek craftsmen skilfully weave silk into carpets and press paper from mulberry bark, before casting your eyes to the magnificent past at the Ulug Beg Observatory, the ruins of Bibi Khanum Mosque and Gur Emir Mausoleum.

Central Asia. Then on to the gargantuan, 1,500-year-old Ark fortress. Standing on its vast rampart, you take a last view out over Bukhara, glistening turquoise and yellow in the bright afternoon light. A diamond in the dust.

Turkmenistan, the ancient pearl of the east At daybreak, your private train draws into the ancient oasis of Merv. In the twelfth century, this was one of the largest cities in the world. Now you stand surrounded by imposing ruins that rise from the desert sand and crumbling arches framing bright blue sky. We lunch in the courtyard of a family home. We follow the story of ancient Nisa from the archaeological site to Ashgabat and the National Museum. The gleaming white marble of the city testifies to the city’s new wealth. In the evening, you settle down to a farewell dinner and reflect on your unparalleled memories of the Silk Road.

Which type of cabin will suit you? Ali Baba This compartment has two lower berths (27.5 × 74.8 in/67 × 184 cm each), as well as a table and additional storage space. Each car has nine compartments, with washroom facilities at both ends.

On to Khiva, an ancient city fortress. Beneath the vivid blue glazed bands of the Kalta Minor Minaret, you set out through the sun and shadow of winding streets on a dreamlike tour of the town’s palaces, mosques, mausoleums and madrasah. All inhabited, thriving – a living museum. You lunch in the old Summer Palace of the Emir.

Aladdin This category features two lower beds (27.5 × 74.8 in/67 × 184 cm each), a small table and storage space. Each car has eight compartments and a shower, together with washroom facilities at both ends. Guests in this category also receive one bathrobe per compartment.

Old Bukhara holds a miraculous city-museum of a thousand monuments, each a testimony to the glory days of caravan trade. From the sumptuous stylings of the Mire-e-Arab Madrasah, you move to the textured geometry of the Samanid Mausoleum regarded by many as the most beautiful and precious building in

Kalif The Kalif category features two beds, upper and lower (31.6 × 68.5 in/80 × 174 cm and 44 × 72.4 in/112 × 184 cm). Each compartment includes a closet, safe and private bathroom with a separate shower cabin. Each car in this category is limited to four compartments and a maximum of just eight guests.

38 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

KAZAKHSTAN GEO EO ORGIA A

Almaty

UZBEKISTAN

ARMENIA IA AZER RB BA AIJAN A N KEY

TA A AN

Tashkent

Khiva

Bukhara

Merv Nisa

Caspian Sea

Ashagabat

Samarkand

CHINA

Shahrisabz

TURKMENISTAN

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Train / Ferry nights

Road

IRAN Itinerary

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$8,980 $9,880 $6,645 $8,980 £5,300 €6,015

$10,135 $11,150 $7,500 $10,135 £5,980 €6,790

Kalif Cabin $16,550 $18,205 $12,245 $16,550 £9,765 €11,090

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Ali Baba Aladdin Cabin Cabin

2020 02 Apr - 15 Apr 08 Oct - 21 Oct

ESSENTIALS

Luxury Train Tour

Accommodation nights 8 luxury train, 5 first-class hotel (twin share).

2021 01 Apr - 14 Apr 07 Oct - 20 Oct

Meals All meals, except no meals on first and last days. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TGSRKT / TGSRTK

Traditional hats, Uzbekistan

Kyz Kala Fortress, Merv

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Almaty Almaty Almaty Tashkent Shakhrisabz Samarkand Samarkand Samarkand to Khiva Khiva Bukhara Bukhara Merv Nisa and to Ashgabat Ashgabat

Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty

Hazrat Imam, Tashkent

Ferry

TSAR’S GOLD - LEGENDARY SILK ROAD

Aral Sea

Mt Ararat view from Armenia

1 6 D AY S

Golden Eagle The Caspian Odyssey Direction: Eastbound: Yerevan to Almaty

Countries: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Distance: 7,865 km

Activity level:

This luxury private train tour visits six diverse countries on the eastern and western shores of the Caspian Sea. You will be surprised by the hidden treasures in store in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Caucasus Nations In the Armenian capital of Yerevan, we stay overnight and visit the medieval Geghard Monastery cut into rock, and the pagan temple of Garni, before visiting the Cascade giant stairway and the Casfejian Museum of Modern Art. Boarding The Golden Eagle we take the scenic route around stunning Lake Sevan, before visiting the Haghpat Monastery, and sipping Armenian cognac while admiring glorious views of the Caucasus Mountains. In Georgia, we walk through old Tbilisi with its atmospheric winding streets. We visit the 13th century Metekhi church, the 5th century Sioni Cathedral and Trinity Cathedral, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. In the beautiful Kakheti region, at the heart of the Georgian wine industry, we tour the Tsinandali estate. At Gori, we find the birthplace and a museum dedicated to Joseph Stalin, before proceeding to Uplistsikhe for a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing, and a tour of the amazing cave city of Uplistsikhe from the 6th century BC. Travelling via Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital we enter Azerbaijan, and head for Baku with its picturesque old town on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.

Across the Caspian Sea Our empty train is loaded onto a ferry for the Caspian Sea crossing to Turkmenistan, as we fly to Ashgabat, a modern desert capital with extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings. Re-joining our train, we stop to see Darvaza’s famous gas crater which has been burning for over 40 years. In Uzbekistan, we find Khiva, an impressive 2,500-year-old walled city on the Silk Road which rises out of the desert and offers ancient mosques and bazaars. Bukhara is equally as impressive and in Samarkand, we visit the awe-inspiring Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulug Beg Observatory. We tour Tashkent in Uzbekistan, where we walk through the 40 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Old Town to view one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. Our train passes through the scenic Tien Shan Mountains to Almaty in Kazakhstan where we visit Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Orthodox church made entirely of wood.

Which type of cabin will suit you? The Golden Eagle, with three categories of cabins, each featuring en-suite facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, is the most luxurious private train operating in these regions. Silver Class Cabins More compact at 5.5 sq metres, these cabins feature a small double lower bed and a single upper bed (sleeps 2 persons), as well as DVD/ CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window as well as private. Gold Class Cabins At 7 sq metres, these cabins are extremely well-proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with separate power shower cubicle and underfloor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window as well as featuring a double lower bed and a single upper bed, (sleeps 2 persons). Gold Class guests receive complimentary drinks off the Standard Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car as well as a private En-suite. Imperial Suites The most spacious cabins onboard the Golden Eagle measure 11.1 sq metres. They have a large and luxurious double bed, (sleeps 2 persons), as well as a lounge area with dressing table. Facilities include a private en-suite bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating; individual air-conditioning; wardrobe; DVD/CD player with LCD screen; complimentary fully stocked mini bar; safe; small library and two large picture windows as well as a private En-suite. SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

KAZAKHSTAN Tbilisi

UZBEKISTAN

Yerevan

ARMENIA TURKEY

Almaty

AZERBAIJAN

Goris

TA A AN

Khiva

Baku

Darvaza Gas Crater

Caspian Sea

Tashkent

CHINA

Bukhara Ashagabat

Samarkand

TURKMENISTAN

Starting point

Railway

IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Train / Ferry nights

Single

DAT E S

USD $33,495

Imperial Suite Twin

$28,995

$48,995

Single

$42,295

On Request

2020 24 Sep - 09 Oct

2021 22 Sep - 07 Oct

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

USD $22,995

Gold Class Twin

Accommodation nights 10 Golden Eagle train, 5 hotel (twin share). Meals All meals and beverages (including wine, beer and soft drinks) are included. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. C O D E : G E C OYA

Bar Lounge Car, Golden Eagle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Yerevan Yerevan Lake Sevan and Dilijan Tbilisi Tbilisi and Telavi Gori, Uplistsikhe Cave City and Mtsheta Baku Baku and across the Caspian Sea Ashgabat Darvaza Gas Crater Khiva Bukhara Samarkand Tashkent Almaty Almaty

Bolo Hauz Mosque, Bukhara

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta

Restaurant Car, Golden Eagle

Ferry

Itinerary

Luxury Train Tour Silver Class Twin

Road

Gold Class, Golden Eagle

GOLDEN E AGLE - THE CASPIAN ODYSSEY

Aral Sea

GEORGIA

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

The Caucasus Three spellbinding countries sit on the crossroads of East and West, Islam and Christianity. Flanked by two seas, soaring mountains, and much larger, influential neighbours: Russia, Iran and Turkey. This strategic geography has rippled across the region in vacillating borders and empires for centuries.

42 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

Zvartnots Temple and Mt Ararat, Armenia

A land of mountains and monasteries that is forever welcoming and alluring. History is etched upon lyrical landscapes in hand-chiselled stonework. A balmy breeze wafts the scent of fresh Puri (Georgian bread) down cobbled lanes. A spirited gentleman waves as he whistles a Georgian pop song. The clinking of glasses reverberates around 4th century walls. The city of Tbilisi has been sacked on several occasions. It feels modern yet medieval, European yet foreign. Latticed balconies peer over leafy avenues, the changing of the guard marked by a hodgepodge of architecture. Soak up life down by the river, feast at fantastic restaurants, and get a good scrub at a traditional bathhouse. Cradled in the Caucasus mountains, the Svaneti region is an off-thebeaten track adventure, where the weather is kind and the scenery unspoilt. Ancient watchtowers stand guard over picturesque villages, roads twist toward snowy peaks, and crisp pine-scented air laps against meadows of wildflowers. Pack your walking boots, the trails are calling. The isolated outline of the Gergeti Trinity Church glows against the intense backdrop of Mount Kazbegi. As seasons change so do the colours that sprout from mossy hills, dense forests and rugged slopes, the immortal stone walls teasing “so what, time passes”.

Armenia Full of archaeological surprises, Armenia’s rich cultural heritage is stencilled on mountains and valleys in medieval architecture and Christian cathedrals. The first Christian country in the world, empires have risen and fallen here. The shadow of a bloody past still haunts the nation’s identity, although you wouldn’t know it from the warm welcome you’ll receive.

Sleepy towns perch on hilltops laced with vineyards across the Kakheti region. The sound of laughter echoes around cellar doors, sidewalk cafes and rustic share-tables, as kindred spirits form friendships in a grape-powered haze.

In Yerevan, street art brightens cracked pastel walls, spaceship like buildings break the uniformity of Stalinist architecture. Old teahouses sit alongside new wine bars, hipster fashion blends with babushka scarfs, and sidewalk restaurants spread joy through traditional music, sizzling barbecues and potent oghi (fruit liqueur).

Wander in the old town of Akhaltsikhe and visit Rabati castle. Built in the 13th century and recently restored, the contradictory architectural flourishes depict a history of ideological change. Nearby Vardzia, is a mesmerising cave complex carved into a cliffside. An earthquake exposed the secret city, once completely hidden and accessed through tunnels.

When the light of creativity was dimmed during soviet times, Dilijan became an artists’ retreat. Discover untouched alpine scenery and verdant river valleys, remote towns nestled in emerald forests, ancient relics from the Bronze and Iron ages, stone monasteries, charming gingerbread homes, and open-air theatres that keep its creative heritage alive.

Narikala Castle, Tbilisi

Goris has been settled since the stone ages. In medieval times, villagers carved out homes in soft rock caves. Take in spectacular vistas as you explore archaeological and geological gems, like the stone pyramids of Old Kores, and spellbinding Tatev Monastery, perched upon its basalt plateau since the 9th century. Populated since the third millennium BC, Gyumri’s history is imprinted on the region in timeless splendour. The world’s oldest cathedral sits here, a divine masterpiece of Armenian architecture. Follow winding roads over rolling valleys to explore significant Silk Road sites and sacred ruins.

Azerbaijan Fragments from Azerbaijan’s past lives create a rich cultural mosaic. Countryside caves housed prehistoric humans. Empires rose and fell. History comes alive in art, architecture, cuisine, music and dance. Archaeological treasures and geological oddities can be found between lush orchards, forested mountains and Martian landscapes. The oil-rich Caspian laps wealth upon the shores of cosmopolitan Baku, where gleaming skyscrapers peer over Persian portals and Silk Road caravanserais. Printed textiles and intricate carpets line lemon walls. There’s an exoticism hanging in the air. Woman sashay down leafy avenues hijab free, while men gossip over backgammon in a cloud of tobacco.

Surrounded by alpine meadows and deep gorges, the name Tsaghkadzor literally translates to ‘flower canyon’. Meander on rural roads and ramble down stony trails to uncover forgotten monasteries amidst breathtaking scenery. Suck in fresh mountain air as you marvel at the Sevanavank monastic complex overlooking the azure Lake Sevan. Visit our website for a further selection of journeys through this fascinating region. Maiden Tower, Baku

Flames lick the mountainside at Yanardagh as natural gas seeps from the sand. This natural phenomenon has danced its way into literature, art and hearts. The mysterious fires were documented by Marco Polo in the 13th century and ignited Zoroastrianism – a mystical faith centred around fire ritual. Watch the 10-metre wall blaze from a nearby teahouse. The Petroglyphs of Gobustan are artistic chronicles of the past. Located in an other-worldly reserve of mud volcanoes, bizarre rock formations, burning gas vents and hypnotic musical stones. There are 6,000 rock engravings boasting 40,000 years of art history. Archaeological discoveries reveal intensive human use following the last ice age. S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 43

THE CAUCASUS

Georgia

Tbilisi Old Town, Georgia

12 D AY S

Highlights of the Caucasus Direction: Southbound: Tbilisi to Yerevan

Countries: Georgia and Armenia

Distance: 1,590 km

Activity level:

Prepare to be amazed, arriving in Georgia and Armenia is like stepping through the looking glass into a completely unexpected travel destination; beautiful, welcoming and with a wild and intriguing history – add great food and wine, incredible UNESCO heritage sites and stunning scenery and you have the perfect mix for an incredible journey of discovery. Tbilisi and the High Caucasus Explore Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, its historic and colourful Old Town clings precariously to the cliffs above the Mtkavari River. We will visit Narikala Fortress, Metekh Cathedral and Sioni Church in the old town, these historic sites and diverse architecture reflect Tbilisi’s location at the crossroads of east and west. Enjoy a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue and perhaps visit the excellent Georgian National Museum, which presents the fascinating history of this beguiling capital. Time too, of course, to enjoy the famous cuisine and hospitality for which Georgians are world renowned. Beyond the city are the UNESCO sites of the ancient capital, Mtskheta, and the architectural complex of Ananuri – gateway to the high Caucasus Mountains. Amongst the soaring, snow-capped peaks we enjoy the view from the beautiful hilltop church, Gergeti Trinity (2170m) and enjoy panoramic views of the Caucasus mountain range.

Vineyards and cave cities We descend from the mountains to the province of Kakheti, it was here that winemaking was invented around 8,000 years ago and the traditional Georgian wine production methods are recognized by UNESCO. We have the opportunity to visit a local wine maker to learn about the traditions of Georgian winemaking, sample some of the local varieties and enjoy the renowned Georgian hospitality amongst the local vineyards. Here too the rich history of the region is discovered in the old town of Gremi, Alaverdi Monastery and the beautiful hill-top town of Sighnaghi. A small but thriving carpet and wine centre, Sighnaghi captures the spirit of the Georgian nation.

44 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Ottomans, Persians and Mongols vied for control of this strategic region over many centuries, and the defenders were driven underground for protection. Uplistsikhe cave town was an important centre during the time of prosperous Silk Road trade, while Vardzia grew as an underground monastery-city over many centuries of Ottoman invasion to house over 40,000 people at is zenith. Today it is one of Georgia’s most significant historic sites.

Mountain monasteries and caravanserai As the first state to adopt Christianity in 303, Armenia has some of the most ancient and beautifully sited churches and monasteries in the Caucasus; many are fortified and in strategic locations serving as both religious and military installations. Many have UNESCO recognition for significant historical and cultural value and help tell the story of this unique land. The UNESCO heritage sites of Echmiadzin, seat of the Armenian Church, Geghard Monastery and the archaeological site of Zvartnots are not to be missed. From the tree-lined boulevards and cafes of Yerevan we travel south enjoying magnificent views of Mt Ararat at Khor Virap, and on through the Areni wine region to the gravity-defying monastery at Tatev. Ancient stone formations and petroglyphs, Silk Road caravanserai and the khachkar field of Noratus are but a few of the fascinating relics we discover of the long and rich history still present in modern Armenia.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Kazbegi

Black Sea

Caspian Sea

Gudauri

Gori Uplistsikhe

Akhaltsikhe

Kakheti

Tbilisi

ARMENIA

AZERBAIJAN

Lake Sevan

TURKEY

Yerevan

Hermon

Geghard

Tatev Goris

Starting point

Railway

IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

2020 Start Tbilisi 04 May 08 Jun 06 Jul 03 Aug

ESSENTIALS

2021 Start Tbilisi 03 May 07 Jun 05 Jul 02 Aug

Opt Single Supp

$3,550 $3,905 $2,625 $3,550 £2,095 €2,380

$6,545 $7,200 $4,845 $6,545 £3,860 €4,385

$505 $555 $375 $505 £300 €340

End Yerevan 15 May 19 Jun 17 Jul 14 Aug

End Shiraz 25 May 29 Jun 27 Jul 24 Aug

(FROM)

End Shiraz

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

End Yerevan

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$4,980 $5,475 $3,685 $4,980 £2,935 €3,335

$5,435 $5,975 $4,020 $5,435 £3,205 €3,640

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level for journey from Tbilisi to Yerevan.

End Shiraz 24 May 28 Jun 26 Jul 23 Aug

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 11 hotel / guesthouse (twin share). Meals 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: HCTY / HCTS

Tatev Monastery, Armenia

Ferry

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Tbilisi Tbilisi Kakheti Tbilisi To Gudauri via Kazbegi To Akhaltsikhe via Gori and Uplistsikhe Yerevan Yerevan Hermon Goris Yerevan Yerevan

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

EXTENSION ITINERARY Goris to Tabriz Tabriz and train to Tehran To Tehran Tehran To Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan To Yazd Yazd To Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz - Journey Concludes

Operates daily. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 11 hotel / guesthouse (twin share).

End Yerevan 14 May 18 Jun 16 Jul 13 Aug

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

Train / Ferry nights

Meals 11 breakfasts. CODE: IHCTY / IHCTS Leaning Clock, Tbilisi

DISCOVER MORE... Combine your stay in the Caucasus with an exploration of Iran. Cross the border from Armenia into the intriguing sights and sounds of Persia. We visit the bazaars of Tabriz, the inspiring architecture of Isfahan and ancient Persepolis. Visit our website for a detailed itinerary.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAUCASUS

GEORGIA

Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

2 7 D AY S

Persian Caravan Direction: Northbound: Muscat to Tbilisi

Countries: Oman, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Armenia and Georgia

Distance: 4,967 km

Activity level:

From the sands of the Arabian Peninsula, through glorious Persia, and on to the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains of Georgia we follow in the footsteps of ancient traders, calling at myriad settlements once domains of vanished civilisations to uncover priceless archaeological treasures. Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman

Unforgettable Caucasus nations

From the moment this journey unfolds in Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman, we know that we are in for a treat. The sultanate occupies a desert region on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of Arabic, Asian and African trade routes. In the capital, we find ancient watchtowers guarding the bustling port where dhows go about their business, and in the bazaar the distinctive aroma of frankincense conjures up images of slave markets and exotic spice trading from long ago.

Across the Armenian border we are treated to magnificent mountain views. At Goris, we inspect troglodyte dwellings in the surrounding peaks. Later we seek out ancient cliff top monasteries and quaint villages before discovering a stout stone caravanserai which once sheltered silk traders and their livestock as they traversed the high mountain passes.

Following the coast, past inviting wadi oases which offer a welcome break from the inhospitable terrain, we veer inland for Wahiba Sands, a seemingly impenetrable mountain range of sand dunes to locate a Bedouin camp. Farther on, there are mountain villages around Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar where life goes on much as it has for centuries. Afterwards, we travel through the desert to Dubai, with its futuristic towers of silver and glass glistening in the bright sunlight.

Across the gulf for Persia’s ancient cities From Dubai, we sail across the Persian Gulf for Iran, and travel to Yazd, one of the world’s oldest cities. Once important for the Zoroastrian faith, the old town retains much of its original character, and is noted for its fine confectionery and woven silks. Striking mountain scenery leads to the ruins of Persepolis – originally constructed by Darius the Great and destroyed by Alexander the Great. Its ruins still tell the story of the glory and power of the Achaemenid Empire.

Winding through the Ararat Valley to Yerevan, the national capital, there’s time to try ‘dolma’ – Armenia’s famous dish of stuffed vine leaves. A visit to remote Haghpat Monastic complex gives us a taste of when this was once a centre for study, and we enjoy the views from its hillside position. In Georgia, we reach vibrant Tbilisi and then on to Kakheti, Georgia’s premium and picturesque wine growing region. The fortified city of Sighnaghi has been restored to its original glory and offers panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains. By contrast we visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the revered or feared former head of the Soviet Union – depending on your outlook. Uplistsikhe offers a splendid rock-hewn settlement well known to travellers on the Silk Road. Back in the elegant, atmospheric capital of Tbilisi we choose one of its finest restaurants for dinner and a traditional folk show to bring together the unique cuisines, amazing culture, and fascinating history of this amazing country on our final night.

Our road leads on to Shiraz – the city of poets, before we feast our eyes on the glittering domes, astonishing mosaics and intricate bridges in the magical city of Isfahan. In Tehran, we discover a bustling modern metropolis and excellent museums. Near Tabriz, we see the remarkable bee-hive type dwellings and unique handicrafts of Kandovan village.

46 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

Black Sea

Caspian Sea

GEORGIA AZE ERBIJAN E N

UZBEKISTAN

TURKEY

ARMENIA

Caspian Tabriz Sea

TURKMENISTAN

Gudauri

GEORGIA

Black Sea

Kakheti

Tbilisi

Tehran

IRAN

Isfahan

ARMENIA

Yadz

Haghpat Lake Sevan

Shiraz

Bandar Lengeh

TURKEY

Bandar Abbas

AZERBAIJAN

Yerevan

Dubai

UAE

Goris

Muscat

Nizwa Wahiba Sands Camp

IRAN

OMAN

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

DAT E S

2020 20 Mar - 15 Apr 01 May - 27 May 29 May - 24 Jun 21 Aug - 16 Sep 25 Sep - 21 Oct

ESSENTIALS

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to upgrade your rail sectors to 2 berth on this journey.

Group size 15 maximum.

2021 19 Mar - 14 Apr 30 Apr - 26 May 28 May - 23 Jun 20 Aug - 15 Sep 24 Sep - 20 Oct

Accommodation nights 24 hotel (twin share), 1 desert camp, 1 train (4-berth). Meals 25 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: PCMT

Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia

(FROM)

PRICES

$1,775 $1,955 $1,315 $1,775 £1,045 €1,190 ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

$10,125 $11,140 $7,495 $10,125 £5,975 €6,785

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$12,055 $13,260 $8,920 $12,055 £7,115 €8,075

$12,990 $14,290 $9,610 $12,990 £7,665 €8,705

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates daily. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 24 hotel (twin share), 1 desert camp, 1 train (4-berth). Meals 25 breakfasts. CODE: IPCMT

Hospitality, Iran

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Opt Single Supp AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Muscat Muscat Muscat to Wahiba Sands Camp via Wadi Wahiba Sands to Nizwa Nizwa to Dubai via Jebel Shams Dubai Dubai to Bandar Abbas Bandar Abbas to Shiraz Shiraz To Yazd via Persepolis Yazd Yazd to Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan to Tehran Tehran and to Tabriz Tabriz To Goris Goris and to Yerevan Yerevan Yerevan To Haghpat Tbilisi Tbilisi to Kakheti To Gudauri (via Gori/Uplistsikhe) Gudauri to Tbilisi Tbilisi

Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muscat

PERSIAN CAR AVAN

RUSSIA

KAZAKHSTAN

Kakheti wine region, Georgia

2 1 D AY S

Mountains and Monasteries Direction: Baku to Tbilisi

Countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

Distance: 2,065 km

Activity level:

Retrace old caravan routes, discover ancient pagan temples lost in time, see monasteries carved into solid rock, and marvel at a collection of mysterious stones 3,000 years older than Stonehenge. You’ll find them all in the stunning high Caucasus Mountains. Exploring medieval Azerbaijan

lives. Beyond, we find the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe once an important centre along the old Silk Road.

Spared by the Mongols, Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku has a walled city where narrow streets lead to Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, while the Caravanserai is a reminder that Silk Road caravans once called here. In the countryside, we find a Zoroastrian fire temple formerly used by traders from Persia and India, while the Yanar Dag Fire Mountain is an interesting geological occurrence. The rock engravings and paintings at Gobustan date from the Stone Age, but also bear graffiti made by Greek and Roman soldiers centuries ago. We journey north to Sheki, famed for its wonderful character and the highly ornate Palace of the Khans. We also have time to visit what was once the largest caravanserai on the Silk Road.

Driving on to Kutaisi, we visit the UNESCO listed Gelati Monastery where Georgia’s most revered king, David the Builder is buried. Deeper in the Caucasus Mountains at Svaneti we see unique stone watchtowers which provided nearby stone villages with protection from would-be invaders. The tactic evidently worked as the Svan became isolated. Today Upper Svaneti is a UNESCO Heritage site, where the locals retain their old unwritten language and are known to practice blood-feuds from time to time.

Beautiful, historic and scenic Georgia

Svaneti offers some of the best views in Europe across the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the High Caucasus, and if the weather conditions are right, we’ll have the opportunity to see them.

Leaving Azerbaijan, we enter Georgia where we find delicious food, excellent wines and stunning mountain views in the Kakheti region. Arriving in the charming Georgian capital of Tbilisi with its 5th century origins we visit the Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral and the synagogue, before strolling into the new town for Freedom Square. At Mtskheta we learn that this is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities and the centre of the Georgian Orthodox church. We visit the Jvari church and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage sites, prior to travelling to Kazbegi where we have the option to set out on a challenging yet rewarding walk to Gergeti Trinity Church (at 2,170 m), high in the Caucasus Mountains. Alternatively, transport will be arranged locally.

High Caucasus and Svaneti At Gori, we visit Stalin’s birthplace and a museum dedicated to the father of Soviet Union, but there’s no mention of his purges which cost millions their

48 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Armenia – majestic monasteries and pagan temples In Armenia, we come to Echmiadzin, the site of the nation’s first church and the world’s oldest cathedral – a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. Later we realise that we are following the trails of the old caravans as we locate a stone caravanserai high in the hills. Arriving in the capital of Yerevan we explore a delightful city with beautiful tree-lined streets and vistas of snow-capped Mount Ararat where some believe that Noah’s Ark lies. Beyond, we find a pagan temple at Garni of indeterminate origin, and farther on a monastery carved into solid rock at Geghard. We observe the stone constructions at Karahunj and marvel at the fact that this site predates Stonehenge by 3,000 years. Naturally being Armenia, we’ll taste some of its fine brandy before the journey comes to an end back in Tbilisi.

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GEORGIA

Black Sea

Kutaisi

Caspian Sea

Gudauri Kakheti

Borjomi

Tbilisi

Gyumri

ARMENIA TURKEY

M O U N TA I N S A N D M O N A S T E R I E S

RUSSIA

Mestia

Tsaghkadzor Sheki

Baku

Lake Sevan

Yerevan

AZERBAIJAN Goris

Starting point

Railway

IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Opt Single Supp

$10,795 $11,875 $7,990 $10,795 £6,370 €7,235

$6,870 $7,555 $5,085 $6,870 £4,055 €4,605

$995 $1,095 $735 $995 £585 €665

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to upgrade your rail sectors to 2 berth on this journey. 2020 Start Shiraz 02 May 28 May 01 Aug 29 Aug 19 Sep

Start Baku 14 May 09 Jun 13 Aug 10 Sep 01 Oct

2020 Start Shiraz 01 May 05 Jun 31 Jul 28 Aug 18 Sep

Start Baku 13 May 17 Jun 12 Aug 09 Sep 30 Sep

End Tbilisi 03 Jun 29 Jun 02 Sep 30 Sep 21 Oct

End Tbilisi 02 Jun 12 Aug 01 Sep 29 Sep 20 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 20 hotel / guesthouse (twin share). Meals 20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: MOBT / MOST

Kakheti grapes, Georgia

(FROM)

Start Baku

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Start Shiraz

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$7,445 $8,190 $5,510 $7,445 £4,390 €4,990

$8,110 $8,920 $6,000 $8,110 £4,785 €5,435

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level for journey from Baku to Tbilisi. Operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 20 hotel/guesthouse (twin share). Meals 20 breakfasts. CODE: IMOBT / IMOST

DISCOVER MORE... Begin your journey in Iran before travelling on to the Caucasus. Delve into ancient cities, vibrant markets as well as sampling the enticing cuisine of the country. Visit our website for a detailed itinerary.

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

EXTENSION ITINERARY Join Shiraz Shiraz To Yazd Yazd To Isfahan Isfahan To Tehran Tehran To Anzali via Rasht To Masuleh To Astara To Lankaran To Baku

13/1 14/2 15/3 16/4 17/5 18/6 19/7 20/8 21/9 22/10 23/11 24/12 25/13 26/14 27/15 28/16 29/17 30/18 31/19 32/20 33/21

Baku Baku Baku to Sheki Sheki Sheki to Kakheti Kakheti to Tbilisi Tbilisi and to Gudauri (via Mtskheta) Gudauri Gudauri and to Kutaisi (via Gori) Kutaisi and to Mestia (Svaneti Region) Mestia (Svaneti Region) Mestia and to Kutaisi (via Tskaitubo) Kutaisi and to Borjomi Borjomi and to Gyumri Gyumri and to Yerevan Yerevan Yerevan Yerevan and to Goris Goris and to Tsaghkadzor Tsaghkadzor and to Tbilisi Tbilisi

Upper Svaneti, Georgia

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

Trans Siberian and beyond Writers, artists and adventurers alike have hailed it as the world’s greatest train journey; it’s certainly the longest. Covering 9,289 kilometres from Moscow to Vladivostok, the iron-way connects East and West over mountains, rivers and time zones. Unlock the mysteries of Imperial Russia, Siberian civilisations and Soviet influence, then swing southwards into the wild heart of Mongolia, and east into China’s exotic grasp. If you want a journey that immerses you in cultures, countries and customs afar, then you’re on the right tracks.

50 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

TR ANS SIBERIAN AND BE YOND

Cathedral of the Nativity, Suzdal

Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Russia

Mongolia

Uncover a mysterious world of adventure, where the people are as passionate as the landscapes are diverse.

Follow in the footsteps of a conqueror who started with nothing to end up with the largest land empire in history. A free and fair democratic country, its unique charm lies in the untouched countryside, where nomadic traditions combine with accustomed modernity.

Explore the European outpost of St. Petersburg and be rewarded with impressive classical art and architecture. A city split by the picturesque Neva River delta, there’s enough fine dining, palaces, cosy cafes and art collections to warrant a return trip. If St. Petersburg is perhaps the cultural capital of Russia then Moscow is the epicentre of its political, scientific, historical and architectural might. Ancient converges with modern in a city of 10 million. A lively display of contrasts will delight your senses at every turn. A town that once straddled the shifting borders of Russian and Tatarstan Empires, Kazan remains a spiritual melting pot. No matter your inclination, the Temple of All Religions is not to be missed. Borrowing architectural flourishes from 16 religions, the abstract symbol of unity dazzles like a whimsical Gaudí masterpiece. One of Russia’s oldest settlements, Suzdal functioned as the capital long before Moscow was conceived. It’s one of the smallest towns in the Golden Ring, but what it lacks in population, it makes up for in grand-domed churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Situated near the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is a vibrant modern city rich in minerals and history. Visit the enormous Byzantine-style church built on the site of the Romanovs’ execution, stand on the boundary line of Europe and Asia. The cultural centre of Siberia, Irkutsk has an interesting story to tell. Originally a fur trade frontier, the winter outpost became the saving grace of countless rebels, exiled here after the Decembrist Revolt against Tsar Nicholas I.

The contrasts are no more apparent than in the eclectic capital of Ulaanbaatar. A pulsating knot of commerce, traffic, and diverse people with a majestic backdrop of dramatic mountains. Wander in museums and elegant cashmere boutiques, then soak up a moment’s serenity in a monastery courtyard before sipping a classy cocktail in a New York style bar. About 80kms out of the capital will find you under the enchantment of Terelj National Park. Protected for its natural beauty, you’ll be enamoured by rolling meadows carpeted in wildflowers, interrupted only by fascinating rock formations, pine forests, mountainsides and sonorous streams. Stroll, hike, trek, ride, try archery, marvel at the local’s relationship with nature, settle into nomadic life and gape at the night sky from a charming ger camp. Genghis Khan’s trading centre, Kharkhorin, has been lost to time but not forgotten. The city became the capital of Mongolia before being moved to Beijing by Kublai Khan. Today, people visit the area to take in the verdant steppe and the enormous Erdene Zuu Khiid Monastery built from the remains of the original city. Shift your perceptions of the Gobi Desert from empty expanse to biodiverse ecosystem. Rich in flora and fauna, with a collection of flaming canyons, thunderous waterfalls, sharp mountains, abstract rock formations and singing sand dunes. It’s also the centre of the world’s spiritual energy according to Mongolian Buddhism. Local, Mongolia

Quite possibly Russia’s most breath-taking natural landmark, Lake Baikal holds four world records as the largest, deepest, clearest and oldest lake in the world. It’s no surprise this transformative triumph of nature is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a refreshing dip in summer – you may just discover it’s also the coldest lake in the world. The eastern terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway, Vladivostok is where Tsar Nicholas II laid the line’s founding stone in 1891. The bay is striking and the town hilly, bearing some resemblance to San Francisco. Tire yourself out wandering the streets and learning about naval history, then hop on a ferry to Japan. Catherine’s Palace, St. Petersburg

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China

Dumplings, China

A colossal country of contrasts and contradictions; there never seems to be enough time to explore China. Expect futuristic cities, rural villages, sandy deserts, verdant waterways and bustling markets filled with exotic smells and sounds. Follow smoky, spicy aromas off Beijing’s neon strips and get acquainted with the capital through its food and the people who gather to cook and eat it. After tasting contemporary culture, people watch in Tiananmen Square and slip back in time with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City. It’s a short hop, skip and jump to the Great Wall from here, where the lyrical landscapes will steal your heart. Cycle round the ancient city wall of Xian, a gateway to the west and the golden Silk Road. Soak up spectacular sights like the Terracotta Warriors in the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang or for something more off the beaten track, the fascinating tomb of Taoist Emperor Jingdi. Visit the exceptional display of Chinese art at the TangBo museum.

Terracotta Warriors, Xian

Awaken your senses in sleepless Hong Kong. The imposing steel skyline seems to sprout from the harbour waters, embraced by lush mountains and parklands. Take in the view from Victoria Peak to get a sense of the scale, then venture into the labyrinth of colour, cuisine and culture.

Man Ho Temple, Hong Kong

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Great Wall of China

Japan Scratch beneath the surface of Japan and let your senses be surprised by the splendidly bizarre. From vibrant cities to rural hamlets, discover tranquil gardens and old-world traditions that will seduce your soul. Tokyo is a pulsating city that marries the traditional with an insatiable passion for the avant-garde. Devour Michelin star delights or slurp delectable dishes crafted by meticulous street vendors. Wander down neon strips sprouting futuristic skyscrapers, and cobbled laneways where alluring aromas and sounds billow from century-old wooden shacks.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

While Tokyo has embraced modernity, Kyoto is adorned in tradition. Imagine a world of peaceful temples amidst perfumed gardens. Spot Geishas shuffling to secret liaisons, browse market stalls selling curious specialities, stroll down bamboo groves, and take part in the national spring pastime of Hanami (cherry blossom viewing). With 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites packed into Nara, it’s well worth exploring. Soak up the scenery at a leisurely pace alongside some rather friendly deer. Time your visit with dramatic Buddhist ceremonies involving fire and water. Head to the mountains for a taste of rural life in the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama, travel in spring or autumn to take in performances and parades during Takayama festival. Uncover historical Kanazawa and be rewarded with age-old samurai and geisha districts, charming temples and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the 17th-century Kenroku-en, in a country of tranquil gardens this is one of the best in every season. Visit our website for a further selection of journeys through this fascinating region.

52 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY .

DISCOVER MORE...

Visit sundownersoverland.com to uncover many more journeys, inspirational festivals, events and additional regions to visit.

S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 53

Ger, Mongolia

2 7 D AY S

Trans Mongolian Explorer Direction: Westbound: Beijing to St. Petersburg

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 9,062 km

Activity level:

Enjoy fascinating interludes in Mongolia, Siberia, and Russia’s Golden Ring on this exciting overland journey using iconic rail services between Beijing, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Beijing and Mongolia Join us in Beijing for visits to The Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China beyond the city; then it’s all aboard the Ulaanbaatar Express for an overnight journey across the Gobi Desert to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, where modern life seems to co-exist with traditional culture. Experience the wild desolate countryside on our visit the Khustai National Park to see the last remaining breed of wild horse and Kharkhorin, the site of the ancient Mongol Empire capital. Enjoy aspects of Mongolian nomadic life when we stay in traditional gers. Returning to the capital, there’s time to visit Gandan Khiid Monastery and the Zaisan Memorial prior to boarding the Trans Mongolian Railway for Siberia.

Siberia and Lake Baikal Ulan Ude is located on the vast Siberian steppe and is reminiscent of Old Siberia. Siberian, European and Buddhist cultures are evident. We see Buddhist monks going about their lives at the Ivolginsk Monastery and visit the local open-air Ethnographic Museum to learn more about native Siberians, before joining the Trans Siberian Railway for our journey deeper into Siberia and the city of Irkutsk, once a stop on the old trade route from China. The homes of the Decembrists, the St. Petersburg radicals who were dispatched here in 1825 are of interest on our walking tour. We travel to Lake Baikal, reputedly the world’s deepest lake, where you will be amazed by its vastness – being over 600 km long and almost 80 km wide. A stay at local holiday village of Listvyanka, is an ideal way to relax by the lakeshore and take in the local museums; before re-boarding the Trans Siberian Railway.

54 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

The Trans Siberian Railway and Yekaterinburg En route to Yekaterinburg, we find life on board is a great social occasion for our Russian hosts and we’ll have opportunity to share our experiences with them on the way to Yekaterinburg, the city founded by Peter the Great in 1723, which is situated outside Siberia, and some 40 km on the Asian side of the Ural Mountains. It is infamous as the brutal murder site of the Romanov family, which brought tsarist rule to an end, and ushered in the Communist era in 1918. We pay our respects at the church recently built on the site and see the obelisk which marks the spot where Europe and Asia meet.

Kazan, The Golden Ring, Moscow and St. Petersburg Beyond the Urals our train heads for the remarkably atmospheric city of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, sited near where the former Mongol empire met the expanding Russian empire. Here we will visit its UNESCO World Heritage listed Kremlin. Later, we take a train trip to the Golden Ring cities of Suzdal & Vladimir - two of the oldest settlements in Russia. Expect to be overawed by the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, Suzdal’s Kremlin and the Archbishop’s Chambers. In Moscow we visit Red Square, St. Basil’s and the Kremlin. Later, we board our final overnight train for St. Petersburg, a luxurious city of opulent palaces, museums and gardens, and a fitting end to your great overland journey.

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St. Petersburg

RUSSIA

Urals

Yekaterinburg

Kazan

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow

Murom Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

Starting point

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

Railway

IRAN

2020 Start Beijing 14 Mar 18 Apr 16 May 10 Jun 04 Jul 15 Jul 19 Aug 09 Sep 30 Sep 21 Oct

Start Ulaanbaatar 18 Mar 22 Apr 20 May 14 Jun 08 Jul 19 Jul 23 Aug 13 Sep 04 Oct 25 Oct

2021 Start Beijing 10 Mar 14 Apr 12 May 06 Jun 03 Jul 17 Jul 21 Aug 11 Sep 02 Sep 23 Oct

Start Ulaanbaatar 14 Mar 18 Apr 16 May 10 Jun 07 Jul 21 Jul 25 Aug 15 Sep 06 Oct 27 Oct

End St. Petersburg 09 Apr 14 May 11 Jun 06 Jul 30 Jul 10 Aug 14 Sep 05 Oct 26 Oct 16 Nov

End St. Petersburg 05 Apr 10 May 07 Jun 02 Jul 29 Jul 12 Aug 16 Sep 07 Oct 28 Oct 18 Nov

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 17 hotel (twin share), 2 guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors prices available upon request. Meals 21 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

(FROM)

$1,450 $1,595 $1,075 $1,450 £855 €970

PRICES

$1,960 $2,155 $1,450 $1,960 £1,155 €1,315

CODE: TMEB/TMEU

Ulaanbaatar

Kharkhorin

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

CHINA

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$8,945 $9,840 $6,620 $8,945 £5,275 €5,995

$9,565 $10,520 $7,075 $9,565 £5,645 €6,410

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Saturdays until late May 2020, then Wednesdays from early June 2020. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 17 hotel (twin share), 2 guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 21 breakfasts. CODE: ITMEB/ITMEU

Romanov Memorial, Yekaterinburg

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

2 Berth Opt Single Supp Rail

Ulan Ude

Khustai National Park

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S DAT E S ESSENTIALS

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Start UB $7,620 $8,380 $5,640 $7,620 £4,495 €5,105

MONGOLIA

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Discovery Tour

Start Beijing $8,920 $9,810 $6,600 $8,920 £5,265 €5,975

TRANS MONGOLIAN EXPLORER

Suzdal

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Beijing Beijing Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Kharkhorin and Ger Camp Khustai National Park and Ger Camp Ulaanbaatar to Ulan Ude Ulan Ude Trans Siberian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk and Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Evening arrival into Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg to Kazan Kazan Kazan to Murom Suzdal Suzdal To Moscow via Vladimir Moscow Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

3 0 D AY S

Grand Trans Siberian Railway Direction: Westbound: Tokyo to St. Petersburg

Countries: Japan, Russia and Mongolia

Distance: 11,263 km

Activity level:

This extraordinary rail journey spans a third of the globe. Experience traditional Japan and remote Mongolia. Ride the grand Trans Siberian Railway from Vladivostok to the old Tartar capital of Kazan en- route to Moscow. Graceful imperial St. Petersburg is the perfect climax to this historic journey. Japanese adventure Busy Tokyo with its bright neon lights and towering skyscrapers is the start of our adventure. We’ll visit the Meijii Shrine and Asakusa Kannon Temple before a bullet train takes us on a swift smooth ride to Nagoya. Our destination is Takayama – or Little Kyoto as it is known with its wooden houses. We stay overnight in a ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn. Later, we board a train for Kanazawa to visit Kenroku-en, one of the three great gardens of Japan, and once the outer garden of the city’s castle. In Nara, the country’s first permanent capital we visit Todaiji Temple – reputedly the world’s oldest wooden building, housing the Great Buddha Kyoto. In Kyoto, we visit the Golden Temple, the Geisha district of Gion and Kiyomizudera Temple set on a hillside overlooking the city, before boarding a ferry at Sakai Minato for the voyage to Vladivostok.

Russia’s far east Once a top-secret naval base, Vladivostok and its 19th century buildings are now revitalised. Visit the Fortress and the Local History museums for a wider perception, before entering the historic railway terminus to board the Trans Siberian Railway as travellers have done for over a century. There’s a feeling of excitement as our Trans Siberian journey begins. During our first three days on board, you’ll get to know fellow passengers before leaving the train in the Buryat city of Ulan Ude, located in the middle of the vast Siberian steppe. Culturally important for local Buddhists, we visit a richly ornate temple which, when it was built, was the only Buddhist spiritual centre in Russia. The Trans Mongolian Railway takes us south, across the border to Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar.

56 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Exploring the city’s monuments and museums we observe the strong Buddhist culture, years of Soviet alliance, and newer western influences. Across the grasslands and into Mongolia, we find the pristine wilderness of the Terelj National Park, in the shadow of surrounding mountains. We stay in gers – the traditional home of Mongolian nomads, before boarding our northbound train for Siberia, and heading west along the southern shore of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake. From Irkutsk, we enjoy a few restful days at the nearby lakeside village of Listvyanka with its traditional houses and beautiful wooden church. This will be our last stop before we travel west through the vast Russian interior to cross the Urals, Russia’s great dividing range.

Aboard the Trans Siberian for Kazan and Moscow Passing through the taiga, we pause briefly at Novosibirsk, Omsk and Yekaterinburg stations en route to Kazan - capital of the Tatarstan Republic within Russia. The fusion of Islamic and Russian architecture conveys an exotic feel. We visit the Kazan Kremlin, before boarding an overnight train for Moscow. In this amazing city we visit Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, and venture behind the Kremlin walls to see the Armoury Chamber with its lavish collection of tsarist treasures. Lastly, we take a morning train to St. Petersburg with its canals, graceful parks and statues, and an array of magnificent 18th century buildings. The highlight is a visit to the Heritage Museum, with one of the finest art collections in the world. It’s the perfect end to amazing journey spanning two continents and a distance a third of the way around the world.

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Kazan Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Ferry Terminal

Kyoto

Ulan Ude Terelj National Park

MONGOLIA Vladivostok

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

Tokyo

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Caspian Sea

Sakai Minato

CHINA

Ferry Terminal

JAPAN

IRAN

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

$12,850 $14,135 $9,510 $12,850 £7,580 €8,610

$9,760 $10,735 $7,220 $9,760 £5,760 €6,540

Start Vladivostok 11 May 15 Jun 29 Jun 17 Aug 21 Sep 05 Oct

2021 Start Tokyo 10 May 14 Jun 28 Jun 16 Aug 06 Sep 27 Sep

Start Vladivostok 17 May 21 Jun 05 Jul 23 Aug 13 Sep 04 Oct

$2,215 $2,435 $1,640 $2,215 £1,305 €1,485

$1,850 $2,035 $1,370 $1,850 £1,090 €1,240

End St. Petersburg 02 Jun 07 Jul 21 Jul 08 Sep 13 Oct 27 Oct

End St. Petersburg 08 Jun 13 Jul 27 Jul 14 Sep 05 Oct 26 Oct

(FROM)

2 Berth Single Start Supp Vladivostok Rail

PRICES

Start Tokyo

2020 Start Tokyo 04 May 08 Jun 22 Jun 10 Aug 14 Sep 28 Sep

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$10,690 $11,755 $7,910 $10,690 £6,305 €7,160

$11,590 $12,750 $8,575 $11,590 £6,835 €7,765

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Departs fortnightly on Mondays on even dates. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 14 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian ger, 1 Japanese inn, 2 ferry (8-berth), 9 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 20 breakfasts. CODE: ITSGT / ITSGV

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 14 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian ger, 1 Japanese inn, 2 ferry (8-berth), 9 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 20 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TSGT / TSGV

Train / Ferry nights

Church on the Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Takayama

Sakai Minato

Lake Baikal

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

Tokyo

Kanazawa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Tokyo Tokyo to Takayama Takayama to Kanazawa Kanazawa to Kyoto via Nara Kyoto Kyoto to Sakai Minato & board ferry Ferry Vladivostok Vladivostok to Ulan Ude Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Ulan Ude Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park and Ger Camp To UB and Trans Mongolian Railway Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Kazan Kazan Kazan and to Moscow Arrive Moscow Moscow Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

G R A N D T R A N S S I B E R I A N R A I LWAY

RUSSIA

Urals

St. Petersburg

St. Isaac’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg

2 9 D AY S

Imperial Trans Siberian Railway Direction: Eastbound St. Petersburg to Tokyo

Countries: Russia, Mongolia and Japan

Distance: 11,263 km

Activity level:

Starting in elegant St. Petersburg and traversing the mighty Trans Siberian Railway you will visit all that Russia has to offer as well as the wilderness of Mongolia and both the tradition and modernity of Japan. Spanning histories and time zones this is truly a majestic journey. Aboard the Trans Siberian for Moscow and beyond Our journey begins in Imperial St. Petersburg, amidst domes, pastel facades of 18th century architecture and a bewildering array of museums. We visit the Hermitage, rightly famous for its collection but perhaps there is also time to visit the Russia Museum, another treasure house of the city. Moscow will dazzle where St. Petersburg charmed; the swirling cupolas of St. Basils of Red Square, the underground brilliance of the metro and the unrivalled collection of the Armoury Chamber within the Kremlin will leave you amazed. On to Yekaterinburg where we learn of the downfall of the Romanovs and the end of the Tsarist regime.

Through Russia to Mongolia and the Far East Our Trans Siberian journey continues across wide rivers and spans bridges, time and distance slip away as we while away the hours in the dining car making new friends, gazing from the window or relaxing in our cabins. As the landscape changes we draw into Irkutsk, the Paris of Siberia, where we disembark to stretch our legs and enjoy a relaxing couple of nights on the shores of Lake Baikal. Once we have taken a dip in the deep waters it is time to return to the city and re-board our train south and across the frontier into Mongolia. The Land of the Blue Sky always delights, from the hospitality of the nomads to the expansive landscapes, your experience will be no different. Wake up in the tranquillity of Terelj National Park, cosy in your nomadic ger,

58 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

the traditional felt home of the locals. We explore the grasslands before enjoying time in Ulaanbaatar, exploring the city’s monuments and museums we observe the strong years of Soviet alliance, and newer western influences. We continue on the Trans Mongolian Railway to Buryatia and Ulan Ude the home of Buddhism in Siberia, an important stop, and we visit the Ivolginsky datsan to explore the beliefs and ways of life further. We board our final Russian train to rumble across the remaining miles of the Trans Siberian to Vladivostok. Once forbidden to foreigners the city is now welcoming and revitalised and waiting to share its historical secrets. As our train draws into the terminus, we reflect on completing one of the world’s longest and greatest train journeys.

Our journey ends in Japan The adventure isn’t over as we board our ferry on our voyage across the sea to Japan. Our time at sea leaves us ready to explore the wonders of Kyoto, known for Gion where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha. We see the dazzling Golden Temple and yet there are also simple wonders to enjoy in both the cuisine and some less-often visited temples which will restore an inner sense of serenity. We board our train to Kanazawa and the beautiful gardens of Kenroku-en before travelling on to Takayama, preserved in time with its wooden houses where we have the opportunity to stay in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn. Finally, we reach the bustling streets of Tokyo. A contrast awaits at the Asakusa Shrine dedicated to Shinto beliefs yet situated behind a Buddhist temple. One of the few structures to escape wartime destruction, this gives a final glimpse into old Japan. This embodies the theme of our journey, the contrast of cultures and rich histories. What stories you will have to tell on your return.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

Urals

Yekaterinburg Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

Ferry Terminal

Kyoto

Ulan Ude Terelj National Park

MONGOLIA Vladivostok

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

Tokyo

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Caspian Sea

Sakai Minato

CHINA

Ferry Terminal

JAPAN

IRAN

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

2020 Start St. Petersburg 14 May 18 Jun 20 Aug -

ESSENTIALS

2021 Start St. Petersburg 13 May 17 Jun 19 Aug -

$13,520 $14,870 $10,005 $13,520 £7,975 €9,060

$2,360 $2,595 $1,745 $2,360 £1,390 €1,580

End Vladivostok 03 Jun 08 Jul 09 Sep

End Vladivostok 02 Jun 07 Jul 08 Sep

$1,695 $1,865 $1,255 $1,695 £1,000 €1,135

End Tokyo 11 Jun 16 Jul 17 Sep

End Tokyo 10 Jun 15 Jul 16 Sep

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 13 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 1 Japanese inn, 2 ferry (8-berth), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 22 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: ITSS / ITSV

Autumn colours, Kyoto

(FROM)

$9,325 $10,260 $6,900 $9,325 £5,500 €6,250

2 Berth Single Rail Supp

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Train / Ferry nights

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$11,045 $12,150 $8,175 $11,045 £6,515 €7,400

$11,865 $13,055 $8,780 $11,865 £7,000 €7,950

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Departs weekly on Thursdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 13 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger, 1 Japanese inn, 2 ferry (8-berth), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 22 breakfasts. CODE: IITSS / IITSV

Mongolian train

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

End End Vladivostok Tokyo

Takayama

Sakai Minato

Lake Baikal

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

Tokyo

Kanazawa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

St Petersburg St Petersburg Moscow Moscow to Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Irkutsk and Trans Mongolian Railway Terelj National Park Terelj National Park Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar to Ulan Ude Ulan Ude and depart to Vladivostok Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Vladivostok Vladivostok and board ferry Ferry Sakai Minato and to Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto Kanazawa Takayama Tokyo Tokyo

Genghis Khan, Mongolia

I M P E R I A L T R A N S S I B E R I A N R A I LWAY

St. Petersburg

Welcome to Mongolia

2 1 D AY S

Trans Mongolian Discovery Direction: Westbound: Beijing to St. Petersburg

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 8,514 km

Activity level:

Now, here’s an incredible journey. Begin by walking the Great Wall of China. Then ride the rails through northern China, far across the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert and the Siberian steppe. Still farther on, we find an historic city where Islamic and Orthodox architecture stands side by side. And in the distance, we discover Russia’s two grandest cities. Beijing and the Gobi Desert

Lake Baikal and Siberia

The adventure begins in Beijing a city of unimaginable contrasts. Beyond the city we take an unforgettable walk on the Great Wall of China before boarding the Trans Mongolian Railway to observe the villages and fields of northern China slip away as we head north. As the sun sets we’ll cross the Gobi Desert bound for the Mongolian border, and its quirky yet friendly capital of Ulaanbaatar.

We find Irkutsk after our train trip north. It’s a charming city with a history dating from the fur and tea trading days when it began as an isolated Cossack outpost. Aristocratic exiles from the west brought a touch of elegance with their ornately decorated wooden houses, while Asian traders from Mongolia and China introduced a touch of the Orient. Nearby, the small traditional village of Listvyanka by the shores of Lake Baikal is typically rural Russia and a perfect spot to relax.

Magical Mongolia The scenery as we approach Ulaanbaatar is impressive. The train winds around tight bends to provide excellent photo opportunities. Finally the capital appears, set amid the endless grassy steppes. You’ll visit the main attractions including Gandan Khiid – the country’s largest Buddhist monastery, and the Zaisan Memorial commemorating the Soviet Union’s soldiers killed during World War II. The wide-open spaces beckon and we answer the call by driving into the spectacular Terelj National Park to spend a night in a traditional ger – faithful in design to those still used by the country’s nomadic herdsmen. The air is fresh and surrounding mountain scenery glorious.

60 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Joining the Trans Siberian Railway at Irkutsk, we head west, pausing briefly at stations - Novosibirsk, Omsk and Yekaterinburg among them - en route for Kazan, the capital city in the Tatarstan Republic within Russia, where Orthodox and Islamic cultures meet. We visit the Kazan Kremlin prior to boarding the overnight train to Moscow.

Moscow and St. Petersburg – cities of contrast It’s time to discover Red Square, visit quaint St. Basil’s Cathedral, and go behind the walls of the Kremlin to visit the Armoury Chamber with its vast array of treasures. We venture north to Velikiy Novogrod, the oldest city in Russia and with a beautifully preserved Kremlin. St. Petersburg is only short train trip away, and it’s well worth the wait. Marvel at St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the restored 18th century buildings which are protected by law on the city tour as you get your bearings. And to round off our journey, we include a visit to the Hermitage to view one of the world’s finest collections of European art.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

Urals

TRANS MONGOLIAN DISCOVERY

St. Petersburg Velikiy Novgorod

Listvyanka Moscow

Kazan

Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

Starting point

Opt Single Supp

$6,450 $7,095 $4,775 $6,450 £3,805 €4,320

$5,485 $6,035 $4,060 $5,485 £3,235 €3,675

$1,830 $2,015 $1,355 $1,830 £1,080 €1,225

$890 $980 $660 $890 £525 €595

2021 Start Beijing 15 Mar 05 Apr 03 May 07 Jun 27 Jun 11 Jul 01 Aug 15 Aug 05 Sep 19 Sep 17 Oct 07 Nov

Start Ulaanbaatar 18 Mar 08 Apr 06 May 10 Jun 30 Jun 14 Jul 04 Aug 18 Aug 08 Sep 22 Sep 20 Oct 10 Nov

End St. Petersburg 19 Apr 25 Apr 31 May 21 Jun 11 Jul 25 Jul 15 Aug 29 Aug 19 Sep 03 Oct 31 Oct 29 Nov

End St. Petersburg 04 Apr 25 Apr 23 May 27 Jun 17 Jul 31 Jul 21 Aug 04 Sep 25 Sep 09 Oct 06 Nov 27 Nov

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 9 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 7 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 15 breakfasts, 3 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TMDB/TMDU

PRICES

(FROM)

2 Berth Rail

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

Start UB

Start Ulaanbaatar 02 Apr 08 Apr 14 May 04 Jun 24 Jun 08 Jul 29 Jul 12 Aug 02 Sep 16 Sep 14 Oct 12 Nov

CHINA

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$5,990 $6,590 $4,435 $5,990 £3,535 €4,015

$6,565 $7,220 $4,855 $6,565 £3,875 €4,400

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates Mondays and Sundays on odd dates. Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 9 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 7 train (4-berth). Meals 14 breakfasts. CODE: ITMDB/ITMDU

Millenium of Russia Monument, Veliky Novgorod

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Start Beijing

2020 Start Beijing 30 Mar 05 Apr 11 May 01 Jun 21 Jun 05 Jul 26 Jul 09 Aug 30 Aug 13 Sep 11 Oct 09 Nov

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

MONGOLIA

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Railway IRAN

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Beijing Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Trans Siberian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk and Trans Siberian Rail-way Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Kazan Kazan to Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow to Velikiy Novgorod Velikiy Novgorod St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Kremlin, Moscow

2 1 D AY S

Trans Mongolian Express Direction: Eastbound: St. Petersburg to Beijing

Countries: Russia, Mongolia and China

Distance: 8,514 km

Activity level:

This is an amazing adventure for aspiring travellers seeking a great immersive experience in these fascinating destinations. Take in the highlights: Russia’s greatest cities, remote Siberia, Mongolia and the open steppe and Beijing. Travel the rails with the Trans Siberian and Trans Mongolian railways. St. Petersburg and Moscow – great contrasts

A two-night interlude at nearby Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake, is a great way to relax and take in the museums prior to joining the Trans Mongolian Railway south for Ulaanbaatar.

Our adventure begins in St. Petersburg where you’ll be amazed how well the city fathers have preserved the 18th century architecture. It’s a city of canals, standing resplendent on the Neva River. We’ll include a city tour and a visit to the Hermitage – one of the world’s greatest art galleries, along with some free time; before we continue our journey to Velikiy Novogrod, the well preserved birthplace of Russia as it was in this city, in 862, where Prince Rurik proclaimed the modern Russian state.

A taste of Mongolia

We continue on to the modern day capital, which is fairly buzzing with activity. Red Square is much more sedate, with the colourful onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin watching over it. We’ll ride the city’s Metro together and see its chandeliers and artworks. Perhaps you’ll use this vast underground rail network to see other parts of the city in your free time.

Trans Siberian Railway to Siberia Board the Trans Siberian Railway in Moscow and travel east via the Ural Mountains, which divide Europe from Asia, and cross the Irtysh and Ob Rivers en route to Irkutsk and Lake Baikal deep in Siberia. During your time on board there’s a great opportunity to pass the time getting to know some of the Russian passengers. In Irkutsk, you’ll enjoy our walking tour of this interesting city with a history dating from the old fur and tea trading days, and ornate houses which once belonged to exiled aristocracy from Russia’s west.

62 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY .

Bounded by Lake Baikal in the north, and stretching south to the Great Wall of China, lies the Mongolian Plateau and Gobi Desert. Arriving in the capital, Ulaanbaatar we see displays of ancient Buddhist origins, echoes of its days as a Soviet satellite nation, and modern development with shiny new apartment blocks where the more affluent citizens live. Recent arrivals from the countryside opt for the cheaper and traditional gers which abound in some areas. We have time to explore the city, including visits to the Zaisan Memorial where Soviet soldiers are honoured, and Gandan Khiid Monastery to see its monks and the massive 25 metre statue of Megid Janraisig – the lord who sees in every direction. We’ll travel out over the grasslands to the Terelj National Park to spend a night in a traditional ger and get a taste of the life of Mongolia’s nomads. Later, we rejoin the Trans Mongolian Railway southbound for Beijing.

Across the Gobi Desert to Beijing You’ll enjoy your three days in the Chinese capital where our included sightseeing features Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and more, before venturing out into the countryside to walk on the Great Wall, which stretches its way for around 5,000 kilometres across the distant hills – a perfect way to end your journey!

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

Urals

TRANS MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

St. Petersburg Velikiy Novgorod

Listvyanka Moscow

Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Starting point

Railway IRAN

Opt Single Supp

$6,640 $7,305 $4,915 $6,640 £3,920 €4,450

$5,430 $5,975 $4,020 $5,430 £3,205 €3,640

$1,605 $1,765 $1,190 $1,605 £945 €1,075

$1,220 $1,340 $905 $1,220 £720 €815

2020 Start St. Petersburg 03 Mar 28 Apr 02 Jun 07 Jul 04 Aug 15 Sep -

End Ulaanbaatar 19 Mar 14 May 18 Jun 23 Jul 20 Aug 01 Oct

End Beijing 23 Mar 18 May 22 Jun 27 Jul 24 Aug 05 Oct

2021 Start St. Petersburg 02 Mar 27 Apr 01 Jun 06 Jul 03 Aug 14 Sep -

End Ulaanbaatar 18 Mar 13 May 17 Jun 22 Jul 19 Aug 30 Sep

End Beijing 22 Mar 17 May 21 Jun 26 Jul 23 Aug 04 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 10 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian Guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian Ger (shared), 7 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

(FROM)

2 Berth Rail

PRICES

End Beijing

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

CHINA

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$5,830 $6,410 $4,315 $5,830 £3,440 €3,905

$6,350 $6,985 $4,700 $6,350 £3,745 €4,255

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates weekly on Tuesdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 10 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian Guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian Ger (shared), 7 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 13 breakfasts. CODE: ITMES/ITMEM

Dairy products, Mongolia

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

End UB

CODE: TMES/TMEM

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Discovery Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

MONGOLIA

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Caspian Sea

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Velikiy Novogrod Velikiy Novogrod to Moscow Moscow Moscow Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Mongolian Railway Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing

Moscow Skyline

14 D AY S

Classic Trans Siberian Direction: Eastbound: Moscow to Vladivostok

Countries: Russia

Distance: 9,288 km

Activity level:

Experience the complete Trans Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok. Travel across two continents, seven time zones and 9,288 kilometres of track. Discover remote Siberia first hand beside the shores of Lake Baikal – the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. Moscow - our journey begins As Moscow is the western terminus for the famous Trans Siberian Railway it’s a fitting place to begin our journey. But first, we walk across the cobblestones of Red Square to see St. Basil’s Cathedral and the stout red brick walls of the Kremlin. Finally, we head to the historic Neo Russian Revival Yaroslavsky station which has been the starting point for the Trans Siberian since 1862. Over four nights we travel east over the Urals, into Asia, and across the vast Siberian steppe to Irkutsk. En route there’s plenty of time to get to know your fellow travellers. The dining car is the perfect social hub where you can chat with locals and other adventurers as the silvers and greens of the birch forests slide by.

Siberia and the Buryat Republic At Irkutsk, we pause to take an excursion to the shores of Lake Baikal where we spend two nights at the typical Russian village of Listvyanka – a popular summer resort for locals. We soon find that the world’s largest freshwater lake is too cold for swimming for most, so we content ourselves with walking along the shoreline, visiting the local museums or tasting some of the local delicacies. We take a glimpse into the world of the local Buryats (who have much in common with the Mongolians farther south) and witness a Shaman experience with traditional music and dance.

64 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Before reboarding the Trans Siberian at Irkutsk, there is time to look around this interesting city which was once a Cossack-guarded outpost for fur and tea traders who made the long journey from Mongolia and China. Later, exiles known as Decembrists, who led a failed attempt to overthrow Tsar Nicholas I, were exiled here. See their former ornately decorated wooden homes on a walking tour. As our train pulls out, we settle back to gaze at Russia as it rushes past our windows.

Vladivostok – journey’s end Finally, we are bound for Vladivostok, once a bawdy frontier outpost, later a genteel city with graceful 19th century buildings, and more recently a top-secret naval base which was sealed off from the world for over 30 years; being the home to the Soviet Union’s Pacific fleet. As the train draws into the eastern terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway, at the imaginatively named Vladivostok Station, you’ll be pleased to know that the city now welcomes visitors who are impressed by its commanding views over Golden Horn Bay, and its bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere. Given its strategic eastern location, Vladivostok is a melting pot of Russian, Slavic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean and it is a fitting example of how this epic railway has connected cultures, countries and people for centuries. All good things come to an end, and so does our Trans Siberian journey some 9,288 kilometres from where it all began at Moscow’s Yaroslavsky station.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

CLASSIC TRANS SIBERIAN

RUSSIA

Urals

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

MONGOLIA

Vladivostok

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N CHINA

Starting point

Railway IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

2020 26 Apr - 09 May 14 Jun - 27 Jun 09 Aug - 22 Aug 27 Sep - 10 Oct

$1,680 $1,850 $1,245 $1,680 £990 €1,125

$650 $715 $480 $650 £385 €435

2021 26 Apr - 09 May 14 Jun - 27 Jun 09 Aug - 22 Aug 27 Sep - 10 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 3 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (shared), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.

(FROM)

$4,695 $5,165 $3,475 $4,695 £2,770 €3,145

Opt Single Supp

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

2 Berth Rail

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$3,310 $3,640 $2,450 $3,310 £1,955 €2,220

$3,580 $3,935 $2,650 $3,580 £2,110 €2,395

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates daily. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 3 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (shared), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request.

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Moscow Moscow Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk and to Vladivostok Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Vladivostok Vladivostok

Lake Baikal

Meals 6 breakfasts. CODE: ICTSM

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: CTSM Railway Station, Vladivostok

Group at Lake Baikal

Ferry

Imperial Palace, Beijing

1 6 D AY S

Trans Mongolian Flyer Direction: Eastbound: St. Petersburg to Beijing

Countries: Russia, Mongolia and China

Distance: 8,514 km

Activity level:

Now there is the opportunity to discover all of the highlights of the Trans Mongolian route without whiling away hours on a train. Discover the cities and immerse yourself in history on this journey that flies between the major city stops. There is plenty of time to explore and relax in the wilderness of Mongolia and by the shores of Lake Baikal. St. Petersburg and Moscow – Imperial beginnings

Ulaanbaatar and the Mongolian countryside

Elegant St. Petersburg is at the start of our journey. We have plenty of time to wander along the canals, explore the treasures hidden in the Hermitage and, on our city tour, to explore the beautiful and coloured architecture of the city. Mosaics abound inside the cathedrals, truly a testament to the architects of this Venice of the North. We take a late afternoon train to Moscow.

Our opportunity to live like a nomad awaits as we head out to the steppe in Terelj National Park on our arrival into Mongolia. Here we spend a couple of days learning the ways of the nomads, their skills in animal husbandry and in creating culinary delights from mare’s milk, sheep’s cheese and other tasty morsels. It’s all worth trying! Walking through the grasslands we see interesting rock formations as well as one of the last remaining Buddhist temples nestled in the hills. We return to the capital via the oversized statue of the great Genghis Khan who still dominates the psyche of this country. A night in town provides us time to visit Gandan Khiid, the city’s largest and most important Buddhist monastery, Zaisan Memorial, built by the Soviet Union in memory of its soldiers who died in World War II, or take in a cultural show and listen to the unique Mongolian throat singing.

Moscow, the city of contrasts welcomes us. The imposing Seven Sisters help us navigate this metropolis as we stand in the shadow of the Kremlin’s towers and St. Basil’s onion domes. After visiting the highlights, we board our first plane that will whisk us over the Urals and five time zones to Irkutsk in the heart of Siberia. Depending on the time of year you may catch glimpses of glittering lakes or the vast and verdant taiga forests from the plane window.

Irkutsk and Lake Baikal – Siberian stopover Lake Baikal, the glistening jewel of Siberia is our home for the next two days. We unwind by the shores in Listvyanka village and for those brave enough to test the waters a refreshing experience awaits. We visit the Baikal museum to learn of the many endemic flora and fauna of the region as well as the wooden architecture museum for a different perspective on how people lived and survived in the often harsh climate of this region. We return to Irkutsk and learn of its important place as a trading post in Russia’s past before boarding our overnight train to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.

66 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Chinese delights – Beijing Avoiding the train border crossing procedures our flight brings us to the heart of China and the capital of Beijing. We venture out to the Great Wall of China and look back at where we have come from in Mongolia, always a highlight on anyone’s journey. Back in the city we find time to sample either the infamous Peking Duck or perhaps some dumplings in the hutong districts. Our journey concludes but the memories remain of this incredible adventure.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

St. Petersburg

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

MONGOLIA GEORG GEO EORG GIA

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

Starting point

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

CHINA

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

Road

Ferry

IRAN

ESSENTIALS

2020 21 Mar - 05 Apr 30 May - 14 Jun 11 Jul - 26 Jul 29 Aug - 13 Sep 03 Oct - 18 Oct

Opt Single Supp

$465 $510 $340 $465 £275 €310

$1,065 $1,170 $790 $1,065 £630 €715

2021 20 Mar - 04 Apr 29 May - 13 Jun 10 Jul - 25 Jul 28 Aug - 12 Sep 02 Oct - 17 Oct

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 9 hotel and guesthouse (twin share), 3 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 1 train night (4-berth). Meals 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners.

(FROM)

$6,250 $6,875 $4,625 $6,250 £3,690 €4,190

2 Berth Rail

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Discovery Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$5,590 $6,150 $4,135 $5,590 £3,295 €3,745

$5,845 $6,430 $4,325 $5,845 £3,450 €3,915

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 9 hotel and guesthouse (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 2 train nights (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors prices available upon request.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow to Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Mongolian Railway Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Ulaanbaatar Beijing Beijing Beijing

Kremlin, Moscow

Meals 13 breakfasts. CODE: ITMFS

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TMFS Bank Bridge, St. Petersburg

Mongolia

T R A N S M O N G O L I A N F LY E R

RUSSIA

Urals

Mongolian Steppe

19 D AY S

Mongolia and Beyond Direction: Eastbound: Moscow to Beijing

Countries: Russia, Mongolia and China

Distance: 7,865 km

Activity level:

Experiences take on an exciting, different and sometimes quirky feel on this fascinating journey along the famous Trans Mongolian Railway. Hit the highlights along the way taking in the iconic cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Beijing and venturing into the wild rolling steppe of Mongolia, once the stomping ground of Genghis Khan and his marauding horde. Moscow – Russia’s great city

Mongolia and China

Your journey begins in the capital of Russia, Moscow. A city reborn with stores overflowing with imported consumer goods, a far cry from the dowdy days of the Soviet era. We have time to take in the sights, and Red Square, with the coloured onion-like domes of St. Basil’s, and the red brick façade of the Kremlin are top of the list. For a different perspective, perhaps zip over to Gorky Park for some people-watching. Officially named Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture and Leisure, it provides a glimpse into just that. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve underground, either in the majestic marbled halls of the metro or to the hidden bunkers of Stalin’s era.

We arrive in the Mongolian capital ready to explore this interesting city. Take in the views from Zaisan Memorial, built to honour Soviet soldiers killed in World War II or visit Gandan Khiid Monastery to mingle with monks as they go about their daily prayers. Although 40% of Mongolia’s population live in the capital, a great many Mongolians cling to their traditional nomadic ways, grazing cattle and living on the steppe.

Trans Siberian Railway to Siberia While away some time on the train playing cards with the locals, trying out some of your newly learnt language skills or watching the expansive landscape slip past the windows. Visit the dining car for some traditional fare and catch up on some reading and relaxing after your time in Moscow. Our next stop in Russia is the Siberian capital Irkutsk, an important tea-trading hub. Nearby we find the picturesque village of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal, the largest fresh water lake in the world. This is a lovely place to relax, wander the lakeshore (the water temperature is too cold for most to think of swimming), and take in its museums. Returning to Irkutsk we board the famous Trans Siberian Railway for our journey beyond the Siberian Taiga bound for the rolling grasslands of Mongolia, once the homeland of Genghis Khan and his golden horde.

68 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

We travel across the grasslands to understand more about their lifestyle and spend time in traditional gers set amongst rolling hills. We visit Khustai National Park, established to reintroduce Przewalski’s horse to the wilderness. These magnificent animals have a lineage dating back to the 15th century and would have carried the Khan’s men across the Mongolian empire. We re-join the Trans Mongolian Railway to travel across the vast Gobi Desert, into China. Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss the changing of the bogies at the Chinese border. We have an incredible couple of days prepared in Beijing – a city tour taking in the highlights of this futuristic city that still retains its links to its glorious past as well as an unforgettable trip to the Great Wall of China. A great way to end this life-changing journey!

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

MONGOLIA

KAZAKHSTAN

Khustai National Park

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

Starting point

Railway IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

2020 08 Apr - 26 Apr 20 May - 07 Jun 29 Jul - 16 Aug 12 Aug - 30 Aug

Opt Single Supp

$1,415 $1,555 $1,045 $1,415 £835 €950

$680 $750 $505 $680 £400 €455

2021 07 Apr - 25 Apr 19 May - 06 Jun 28 Jul - 15 Aug 11 Aug - 29 Aug

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 7 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 3 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

(FROM)

2 Berth Rail

PRICES

$5,485 $6,035 $4,060 $5,485 £3,235 €3,675

CHINA

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

€4,690 $5,160 $3,470 $4,690 £2,765 €3,140

€4,975 $5,470 $3,680 $4,975 £2,935 €3,335

Prices are per person twin share on Traveller service level. Operates weekly on Wednesdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 7 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 3 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 12 breakfasts.

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

Road

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Freedom Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Moscow Moscow Moscow Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Khustai National Park Terelj National Park & Ger camp Terelj National Park & Ger camp Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing Beijing Beijing

Felt making, Mongolia

CODE: IMBMB Lake Baikal

CODE: MBMB Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow

Ferry

MONGOLIA AND BE YOND

RUSSIA

Urals

400th Anniversary of the Romanovs, Yekaterinburg

1 6 D AY S

Tsars and Tsarinas Direction: Westbound: Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg

Countries: Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 7,098 km

Activity level:

Begin in the wilds of Mongolia, and explore the endless rolling steppe before continuing into Russia – first stop the shores of Lake Baikal and then on to Yekaterinburg, where Tsarist Russia came to tragic end. We conclude our journey in the royal, city of St. Petersburg, home of the Tsars and Tsarinas. Magnificent Mongolia Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar marks the start of our journey. A city of contrasts where high rise department stores now feature alongside traditional gers within the city limits. Everywhere you are aware of the reach of Genghis Khan, as he presides over the main square. Beyond the city lies the land of the nomads upon the endless grasslands. We make our way to the wide-open spaces of Terelj National Park. Spending the night under the star-spangled sky in a traditional ger, we gain an insight into the life of the nomadic people and their day to day lives exposed to the elements.

The Trans Siberian Railway – Welcome to Russia! We travel overnight to Irkutsk in Siberia and here we take time to relax by the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. The Trans-Siberian railway carries us further through the Siberian Taiga on our way to Yekaterinburg. We settle into life on board and share stories and picnics with the locals. Considered the dividing point between Asia and Europe, this historic city was founded by Peter the Great in 1723. Yekaterinburg was to become a significant cultural, industrial and financial hub of Russia, however it has a bloody history. It was here that Tsarist Russia was obliterated when the Bolsheviks executed the Romanov’s and ushered in the Russian Revolution. Today the city offers much more than its tragic history and is rich in architecture, museums and theatres.

70 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

Leaving Yekaterinburg, we rejoin the train to traverse the Ural Mountains towards Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, This is a city where orthodox and Islamic cultures intertwine. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kazan Kremlin houses the Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan Bogoroditsky Nunnery, Peter and Paul Cathedral, Raifsky Bogoroditsky Monastery, the Syuyumbike Tower and much more.

Moscow and St. Petersburg An early morning arrival into Moscow allows ample time to discover its world-famous sites – Red Square, the colourful iconic domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the beautiful white washed Novodevichy convent. We go behind the red-brick walls of the Kremlin where you can visit the Armoury Chamber to admire its astounding treasures including a magnificent collection of Faberge eggs. Our final train takes us to the former capital of Imperial Russia, home of the Tsars and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, St. Petersburg has a long list of attractions. We take in some of the highlights on our city tour including the infamous Hermitage Museum, housed in the spectacular Winter Palace. In your free time witness the spectacular interior of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where many of the Russian tsars were laid to rest - a fitting end to your Tsars and Tsarinas journey.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Kazan

Yekaterinburg Listvyanka

Moscow

Lake Baikal

Irkutsk

GEORG GEO EORG GIA ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

Starting point

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN

Railway IRAN

2020 29 Apr - 14 May 27 May - 11 Jun 24 Jun - 09 Jul 05 Aug - 20 Aug 23 Sep - 08 Oct

$1,685 $1,855 $1,245 $1,685 £995 €1,130

$365 $400 $270 $365 £215 €245

2021 28 Apr - 13 May 26 May - 10 Jun 23 Jun - 08 Jul 04 Aug - 19 Aug 22 Sep - 07 Oct

(FROM)

Opt Single Supp

PRICES

2 Berth Rail

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$3,900 $4,290 $2,885 $3,900 £2,300 €2,615

$4,390 $4,830 $3,250 $4,390 £2,590 €2,940

Prices are per person twin share on Traveller service level. Operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep

Group size 15 maximum.

Accommodation nights 5 hotel (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 2 Siberian guesthouse (shared), 6 train nights (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors prices available upon request.

Accommodation nights 5 hotel (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 2 Siberian guesthouse (shared), 6 train nights (4-berth).

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TTUS Ger, Mongolia

Train / Ferry nights

Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 9 breakfasts. CODE: ITTUS

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

Meals 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners.

CHINA

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES DAT E S ESSENTIALS

$4,885 $5,375 $3,615 $4,885 £2,880 €3,275

MONGOLIA

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Freedom Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Trans Mongolian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Yekaterinburg To Kazan Kazan Kazan and to Moscow Moscow Moscow St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Trans Siberian Railway, Lake Baikal

TSARS AND TSARINAS

RUSSIA

Urals

St. Petersburg

Peterhof, St. Petersburg

2 8 D AY S

Trans Mongolian Odyssey Direction: Westbound: Hong Kong to St. Petersburg

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 12,054 km

Activity level:

Imagine a 12,000 kilometre journey from Hong Kong to St Petersburg retracing the original and most comprehensive Sundowners Overland journey in comfort aboard the famous Trans Mongolian and Trans Siberian railways. Combine your journey with the White Nights Festival of Russia or Naadam in Mongolia for an unforgettable experience.

Across the Yangtze to Xian and Beijing

Yekaterinburg and across the Urals

There’s an air of excitement in the bustling city of Hong Kong as you join the tour and board our first train to Guangzhou. See more of China from the train en route to Xian, where the Terracotta Warriors await your inspection. In Beijing, our sightseeing includes the magnificent Forbidden City, the Summer Palace. The overnight express waits to take us north to Mongolia.

There’s plenty of time to enjoy the company of Russian travellers on board, as we head towards Europe, crossing the great Ob River at Novosibirsk, and passing through Omsk. We break our journey in Yekaterinburg, and visit Romanov’s Monastery, the initial burial site of the last Tsar, brutally murdered here in 1918. There’s time to visit the obelisk marking the spot where Asia and Europe meet. Re-boarding our train we leave Asia, cross the Ural Mountains and enter Europe.

Trans Mongolian Railway to Lake Baikal Arriving in the modern capital of Ulaanbaatar you’ll visit the Gandan Khiid Monastery, the focal point of the Buddhist faith and Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views. In the countryside, we see the remains of Genghis Khan’s seat of power and spend time in our rural retreat in the Terelj National Park. Enjoy the stunning mountain views, go horse or yak riding and learn of traditional Mongolian culture while staying in a ger camp. Then, it’s all aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway northwards across the vast Gobi Desert to the Russian frontier, and Irkutsk in the heart of Siberia. A visit to Irkutsk is always a highlight with its rich cultural heritage including the architectural influences of exiled aristocrats from the west, and the Asiatic influences introduced by ancient traders from Mongolia and China. The nearby resort town of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is the perfect place to visit for a day to break in our journey, before joining the Trans Siberian Railway at Irkutsk, bound for Yekaterinburg.

72 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

Moscow and St. Petersburg – Russia’s most impressive cities We’ll enjoy taking in the ‘must see’ sights in Moscow including Red Square with St Basil’s Cathedral and a visit inside the Kremlin walls to see the Armoury Chamber with its lavish collection of tsarist treasures. There will also be a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum to learn about Laika as well as the opportunity to take in a performance at one of Moscow’s stunning theatres. A day train takes us to St Petersburg where you’ll enjoy the 18th century architecture which abounds throughout the city and visits to The Peter and Paul Fortress, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square, and the Hermitage with its awe-inspiring art collection. On our final day together, we enjoy an excursion to Peterhof and a cultural performance.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Urals

St. Petersburg

RUSSIA

Yekaterinburg

TR ANS MONGOLIAN ODYSSEY

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

MONGOLIA

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

Beijing

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Caspian Sea

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

JAPAN APAN PA

Xian

CHINA

IRAN

Guangzhou

Hong Kong

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Opt Single Supp

$14,440 $15,885 $10,685 $14,440 £8,520 €9,675

$12,120 $13,330 $8,970 $12,120 £7,150 €8,120

$3,175 $3,495 $2,350 $3,175 £1,875 €2,125

2020 Start Hong Kong 05 May 15 Jun 29 Jun 17 Aug 07 Sep

Start Beijing 10 May 20 Jun 04 Jul 22 Aug 12 Sep

White Nights Festival

2021 Start Hong Kong 11 May 21 Jun 05 Jul 23 Aug 13 Sep

Start Beijing 16 May 26 Jun 10 Jul 28 Aug 18 Sep

ESSENTIALS

White Nights Festival

End St. Petersburg 01 Jun 12 Jul 26 Jul 13 Sep 04 Oct

Naadam Festival

End St. Petersburg 07 Jun 18 Jul 01 Aug 19 Sep 10 Oct

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Accommodation nights 20 hotel (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (2-berth). Meals 22 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TMOH / TMOB

Low Season

High Season

$12,855 $14,140 $9,515 $12,855 £7,585 €8,615

$14,285 $15,715 $10,570 $14,285 £8,430 €9,570

Prices are per person twin share on Premium service level. Operates fortnightly on Tuesdays on odd dates. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 20 hotel (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (2-berth). Meals 22 breakfasts. CODE: ITMOH / ITMOB

Naadam Festival

Group size 15 maximum.

Ger, Mongolia

(FROM)

Start Beijing

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Start Hong Kong

Forbidden City, Beijing

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Premium Tour

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Hong Kong To Guangzhou Guangzhou To Xian Xian Xian and to Beijing Beijing Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Irkutsk Irkutsk and day trip to Lake Baikal Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg to Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Terracotta Warriors, Xian

2 9 D AY S

Jewels of the Trans Mongolian Direction: Eastbound: St. Petersburg to Hong Kong

Countries: Russia, Mongolia and China

Distance: 12,054 km

Activity level:

Join us on Sundowners Overland’s original and most comprehensive tour. Ride the rails of the Trans Mongolian railway from St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea, to Hong Kong on the South China Sea. On the way visit grand imperial cities that shaped history as well as vast expanses of nature that have remained untouched by modernity. Time your journey with one of the region’s festivals. St. Petersburg and Moscow Begin your epic journey in St. Petersburg with its reminders of the halcyon days of the tsars. Visit The Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the unequalled collections of the Hermitage. Beyond the city, marvel at summer palaces of the tsars at Catherine Palace and Petrodvorets (Peterhof). We board our train that will whisk us off to Russia’s capital where we will visit the iconic Red Square, see the twirled cupolas of St Basil’s Cathedral, and go beyond the red brick walls of the Kremlin to inspect the Armoury Chamber and see its treasures including over 50 Faberge eggs. Later, we board our train to ride the famous Trans Siberian Railway.

Across the Ural Mountains for Yekaterinburg Sharing the journey with Russian travellers is half the fun. You’ll appreciate this remarkable century-old feat of engineering as the train clatters over countless steel bridges straddling vast rivers, and crosses the Ural Mountains dividing Europe from Asia. Our first stop is Yekaterinburg, some 40 kilometres inside Asia. Infamous as the site of the brutal murders of the Romanovs, there is a brighter side with fine monuments, museums and theatres.

Siberia, Lake Baikal and the Trans Mongolian Railway await Gaze at the endless silver and greens of Siberia’s Taiga forests as the train rolls across the Great Eurasian Plateau, and crosses the mighty Ob River at Novosibirsk en route for Irkutsk in the heart of Siberia. Irkutsk is interesting with its roots in the ancient tea trade, and its timeworn wooden mansions

74 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

bedecked with wooden lacework once the home of the Decembrists – revolutionists exiled for trying to overthrow Tsar Nicholas I. Nearby, we find Lake Baikal the world’s largest freshwater lake where we relax in the lakeshore holiday village of Listvyanka for the day. With another day in the city, we board the Trans Mongolian Railway.

The lands of Genghis Khan Imagine waking to the stunning visual of the south Gobi, where horses and gers mark the camps of nomadic herdsmen, on the steppe which seems to stretch forever. Ulaanbaatar is the modern capital of Mongolia, where we visit the Gandan Khiid Monastery to see Buddhist monks and Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views. Beyond, we explore the ancient centre of Genghis Khan’s power and stay in gers in the Terelj National Park while basking in the stunning mountainous views.

From the Gobi Desert to the South China Sea Refreshed, we reboard the Trans Mongolian Railway and head south for Beijing. Sightseeing in the Chinese capital includes the magnificent Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and a walk through the traditional Hutong neighbourhoods. Outside the city we walk on the incredible Great Wall of China. Farewell fellow travellers who have elected to finish their journey here, before boarding a train for Xian, gateway to the Silk Road and home to the entombed Terracotta Warriors. See more of southern China, as our train moves on to Guangzhou, and to Hong Kong where our journey ends. SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

RUSSIA

Urals

St. Petersburg

Yekaterinburg

JEWELS OF THE TRANS MONGOLIAN

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A

MONGOLIA

Khustai National Park

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

Beijing

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Caspian Sea

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

JAPAN APAN PA

Xian

CHINA

IRAN

Guangzhou

Hong Kong

Starting point

Railway

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Opt Single Supp

$12,755 $14,030 $9,440 $12,755 £7,525 €8,545

$14,750 $16,225 $10,915 $14,750 £8,705 €9,885

$3,375 $3,715 $2,500 $3,375 £1,990 €2,260

2020 Start St. Petersburg 09 May 27 Jun 08 Aug 05 Sep Victory Day

ESSENTIALS

End Hong Kong 06 Jun 25 Jul 05 Sep 03 Oct Dragon Boat Festival

Naadam Festival

2021 Start St. Petersburg 08 May 26 Jun 07 Aug 04 Sep Victory Day

End Beijing 01 Jun 20 Jul 31 Aug 28 Sep

End Beijing 31 May 19 Jul 30 Aug 27 Sep

Naadam Festival

End Hong Kong 05 Jun 24 Jul 04 Sep 02 Oct

(FROM)

End Hong Kong

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

End Beijing

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Low Season

High Season

$13,000 $14,300 $9,620 $13,000 £7,670 €8,710

$14,425 $15,870 $10,675 $14,425 £8,510 €9,665

Prices are per person twin share on Premium service level. Operates weekly on Saturdays. Low season: 15 Sep to 15 Apr High season: 16 Apr to 14 Sep Accommodation nights 20 hotel (twin share), 3 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (2-berth). Meals 23 breakfasts. CODE: IJTMS / IJTMB

Dragon Boat Festival

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 20 hotel (twin share), 3 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (2-berth). Meals 24 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: JTMS / JTMB

Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow

Dragon Festival, Hong Kong

Road

Ferry

Itinerary

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

DAT E S

PRICES

(FROM)

Premium Tour

Train / Ferry nights

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Moscow Moscow Moscow to Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Irkutsk and day trip to Lake Baikal Irkutsk Irkutsk and Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Khustai National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing to Xian Xian Xian to Guangzhou Guangzhou Guangzhou to Hong Kong Hong Kong

Tsar’s Gold along the shores of Lake Baikal

15 D AY S

Tsar’s Gold - Trans Siberian Direction: Westbound: Beijing to Moscow Eastbound: Moscow to Beijing

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 7,865 km

Activity level:

Travel aboard the well-known private train The Tsar’s Gold and journey across the Trans Siberian Railway in style. With a comprehensive choice of six cabin grades, complimentary transfers and a sophisticated on-board program. Beijing and the Great Wall

From Asian to European Russia

Our journey begins in Beijing. We enjoy a welcome dinner and spend two days exploring on tour visiting the sights. We enjoy a Peking Duck dinner, a local delicacy, before boarding our chartered train this evening for the northbound journey across the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian border to Ulaanbaatar. (Comfort & Bolshoi class cars are not available for this one night).

The following day we arrive in Yekaterinburg to visit the Church of the Ascension which is infamous for the brutal murders of the Romanovs in 1918. Back on board we enjoy views of the Ural Mountains as the train passes from Asia into Europe bound for Kazan; an interesting city on the Volga River where ornate Russian Orthodox churches share the skyline with the minarets of mosques. We visit the city’s Kremlin before our train departs. After our arrival in Moscow we explore this vibrant city before taking a ride on the city’s famous metro where many of the stations are decorated with chandeliers, and colourful mosaics glorifying Socialist workers.

See remote Mongolia and Siberia After crossing the border at Erlian, we board the Tsar’s Gold which we use for the remainder of the journey. In Ulaanbaatar, we visit the Choijin-Lama Temple and the Gandan Monastery – the city’s most important where some 500 Buddhist monks reside, before heading into the scenic steppe. At Lake Baikal in the heart of Siberia we visit a traditional village, enjoy a picnic and take a boat trip on the world’s largest freshwater lake. There’s time to visit the major cities of Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, to learn about life in Siberia and visit an outdoor museum en route to Novosibirsk where we are welcomed with traditional bread and salt and a tour of this Soviet-style city which developed as a direct result of the railway being built over a century ago.

Which type of cabin will suit you? Nostalgic Comfort These new 4 sq m cabins are furnished in the Soviet ruling class-style era and sleep two persons in bunk berths (185x 80cm). A simple shared bathroom comprising a hand shower and wash basin is situated between two cabins. Each car comprises eight cabins which share toilet and washing facilities at both ends of each car. Superior Newly refurbished with a nostalgic look, these cabins sleep two persons with lower beds (187 x 67cm). Each car comprises nine cabins which share toilet and washing facilities at both ends of the car. Depending on the train configuration a shower facility is shared by guests from two to four cars. Classic These cabins sleep with lower beds (190 x 70cm). Each car comprises nine cabins which share toilet and washing facilities at both ends of the car. There are shower facilities in every second car.

76 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

TSAR’S GOLD - TRANS SIBERIAN

RUSSIA

Urals

Yekaterinburg Listvyanka

Novosibirsk Moscow

Kazan Irkutsk

ARME ME ENIA A

TURKEY

Caspian Sea

Starting point

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

MONGOLIA

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Railway IRAN

Ulan Ude

Ulaanbaatar

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

CHINA

$12,845 $14,125 $9,505 $12,845 £7,580 €8,605

$14,390 $15,830 $10,650 $14,390 £8,490 €9,645

$18,255 $20,080 $13,510 $18,255 £10,770 €12,230

DAT E S

(FROM)

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Nostalgic Comfort

$13,100 $14,405 $9,695 $13,100 £7,730 €8,775

$14,665 $16,135 $10,855 $14,665 £8,655 €9,825

$18,510 $20,360 $13,700 $18,510 £10,920 €12,400

Tsar’s Gold carriage attendant

Westbound - Beijing to Moscow

2020 17 May - 13 May 14 Jun - 28 Jun 10 Jul - 24 Jul 02 Aug - 16 Aug 28 Aug - 11 Sep 20 Sep - 04 Oct

1-3 4 5-6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14-15

2020 09 May - 24 May 06 Jun - 21 Jun 02 Jul - 17 Jul 25 Jul - 09 Aug 20 Aug - 04 Sep 12 Sep - 27 Sep ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

Superior Plus

Beijing to Moscow (TGBM) 2021 16 May - 30 May 13 Jun - 27 Jun 09 Jul - 23 Jul 01 Aug - 15 Aug 27 Aug - 10 Sep 19 Sep - 03 Oct

Moscow to Beijing (TGMB)

Moscow to Beijing (TGMB) Classic Twin

Road

Itinerary

Beijing to Moscow (TGBM) Superior Plus

Beijing

Train / Ferry nights

Luxury Train Tour

Classic Twin

Lake Baikal

2021 08 May - 23 May 05 Jun - 20 Jun 01 Jul - 16 Jul 24 Jul - 08 Aug 19 Aug - 03 Sep 11 Sep - 26 Sep

Accommodation nights 8 Tsar’s Gold private train, 1 Chinese chartered train, 6 hotel (twin share). Meals More than 40 meals are provided, including water and juice. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TGBM / TGMB

Nostalgic Comfort compartment

Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Ulan Ude Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian Railway Novosibirsk Yekaterinburg Kazan Moscow

Eastbound - Moscow to Beijing 1-2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10-11 12 13-16

Moscow Kazan Yekaterinburg Novosibirsk Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Lake Baikal Ulan Ude Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing

Ferry

Golden Eagle

15 D AY S

Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express Direction: Westbound: Vladivostok to Moscow Eastbound: Moscow to Vladivostok

Countries: Russia and Mongolia

Distance: 11,024 km

Activity level:

Experience the greatest luxury private train available in Russia today, as you travel on one of the world’s most famous railway journeys from Moscow to Vladivostok. Operating on the Trans Siberian journey The Golden Eagle offers a range of luxury cabin options. Highlights of the train include:

Which type of cabin will suit you?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Golden Eagle, with three categories of cabins, each featuring en-suite facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, is the most luxurious private train operating in these regions.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - including in-cabin breakfast option to start the day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board Afternoon tea and cakes on board En-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in-cabin Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car On board Russian language lessons Live musical performances Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Fully guided off-train excursions program Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance including international wines

Silver Class Cabins More compact at 5.5 sq metres, these cabins feature a small double lower bed and a single upper bed (sleeps 2 persons), as well as DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window as well as private. Gold Class Cabins At 7 sq metres, these cabins are extremely well-proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with separate power shower cubicle and underfloor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window as well as featuring a double lower bed and a single upper bed, (sleeps 2 persons). Gold Class guests receive complimentary drinks off the Standard Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car. Imperial Suites The most spacious cabins onboard the Golden Eagle measure 11.1 sq metres. They have a large and luxurious double bed, (sleeps 2 persons), as well as a lounge area with dressing table. Facilities include a private en-suite bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating; individual air-conditioning; wardrobe; DVD/CD player with LCD screen; complimentary fully stocked mini bar; safe; small library and two large picture windows. Exemplary service starts with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne on boarding. Imperial Suite guests will also benefit from the option of a private guide and car service in most of the places we visit along the route, the inclusion of drinks from the standard and premium bar list in the Bar Lounge Car, a laundry service and room upgrades to the next available category at hotels featured in the itinerary.

78 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T L Y .

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Kazan

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Novosibirsk

Moscow

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

Ulan Ude Khabarovsk

Ulaanbaatar

MONGOLIA Vladivostok

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N CHINA

Starting point

Railway IRAN

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Train / Ferry nights

PRICES

(FROM)

Silver Class Twin USD $16,995 Single

DAT E S

USD $25,195

Gold Class Twin

Imperial Suite Twin

$20,995

$34,695

Single

$30,595

On Request

Vladivostok to Moscow (GETSVM) 2020 16 May - 30 May 13 Jun - 27 Jun 8 Aug - 22 Aug 5 Sep - 19 Sep

2021 15 May - 29 May 12 Jun - 26 Jun 6 Aug - 20 Aug 3 Sep - 17 Sep

Itinerary ESSENTIALS

Luxury Train Tour Accommodation nights 12 Golden Eagle train, 2 hotel (twin share). Meals All meals and beverages (including wine, beer and soft drinks) are included. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: GETSVM / GETSMV Champagne Reception

Moscow to Vladivostok (GETSMV) 2020 3 May - 17 May 31 May - 14 Jun 26 Jul - 9 Aug 23 Aug - 6 Sep

2021 2 May - 16 May 30 May - 13 Jun 24 Jul - 7 Aug 21 Aug - 4 Sep

Westbound - Vladivostok to Moscow 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Vladivostok Vladivostok Khabarovsk Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Ulaanbaatar Ulan Ude Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian Railway Novosibirsk Yekaterinburg Kazan Moscow Moscow

Eastbound - Moscow to Vladivostok 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Contact your Travel Advisor for Naadam Festival departures. Ulan Ude

Kazan Cathedral

Road

Imperial Suite , Golden Eagle

Moscow Moscow Kazan Yekaterinburg Novosibirsk Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Lake Baikal Ulan Ude Ulaanbaatar Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Trans Siberian Railway Vladivostok Vladivostok

Ferry

GOLDEN EAGLE - TRANS SIBERIAN EXPRESS

RUSSIA

Urals

Yekaterinburg

Winter and Festivals Want to make your journey that extra bit special? Time your trip to experience one of these special events and celebrate occasions of significance with the local people.

80 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Stars of the White Nights Festival

11 to 13 July – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

May to July – St. Petersburg, Russia

Immerse yourself in Nomadic culture and witness an artistic celebration as athletes tough it out in three national sports: wrestling, archery and horse racing. This festival is captivating and completely unique; once you see it for yourself, you’ll know why it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Days are long and nights are short in St. Petersburg at this time of year. Experience spectacular fireworks, concerts and dance festivals, and a mock battle between pirates on boats along the Neva River.

Naadam has become a celebration of the nation’s identity. Sundowners Overland offers a number of journeys that include the Naadam Festival: • Trans Mongolian with Naadam Festival - 24 days (page 84) • Naadam Explorer – 18 days (page 85) • Naadam Adventure - 8 days (page 86) • Trans Mongolian Odyssey - 28 days (pages 72 - 73)

• Jewels of the Trans Mongolian – 29 days (pages 74 – 75)

Harbin International Ice Festival 20 Dec 2019 to Feb 2020 – Harbin, China This is the world’s largest and most famous ice festival featuring spectacular sculptures of ice and snow, some large enough to walk through. The festival opens with a grand ceremony and fireworks display.

World Nomad Games September 2020 – Turkey Ancient sports, incredible strength and patriotic showmanship. Channel your inner nomad and head out to the wilderness. This biennial celebration is not to be missed.

Japanese Festivals

• World Nomad Games – 10 days (visit our website for details)

Gion Matsuri July 2020 – Kyoto

Golden Eagle Festival

Takayama Autumn Festival 9 Oct to 10 Oct 2020 – Takayama

3 to 4 October – Bayan Ulgii, Mongolia

Coincide your journey to Japan with one of the great sporting championships, held for the first time in Asia. Join the throngs of supporters and get swept up in their enthusiasm. See pages 26-27 for the Imperial Trans Mongolian.

This annual festival celebrates the golden eagle and the traditional Kazakh culture of hunting with them. See traditional games, dancing, and spectacular displays of hunting skills in one of Mongolia’s most beautiful wilderness areas. See page 87 for our Wild Mongolia and Golden Eagle Festival journey. • Wild Mongolia and Golden Eagle Festival - 16 days (page 87)

For an alternative look at Japanese culture time your visit with one of the traditional festivals of Japan. Watch the parades of floats lit by lanterns through the streets of the town that has been celebrated for over 350 years. • Grand Trans Siberian - 30 Days (pages 56 – 57) • Imperial Trans Siberian – 29 Days (pages 58 -59)

Christmas & winter departures China, Mongolia and Russia offer wonderful winter experiences when their landscapes are frozen and covered by thick blankets of snow. Experience unforgettable winter activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling, troika rides in Siberia (horse-drawn sleighs), ice skating in Moscow’s Red Square, or even ice diving or ice fishing on Lake Baikal. With fewer tourists about, there is more chance to truly experience the destination. And remember, this region is fully prepared for the weather conditions with the extensive use of central heating often creating almost sub-tropical indoor temperatures. Trains are very often the cosiest places of all, especially the passenger compartments.

Cuisine of the Caucasus and Iran Food is highly celebrated in the Caucasus and there is always an opportunity to join the locals in a feast of produce. Be it the festival of Bread in the Mountains in Armenia, wine and cheese in Georgia, mulberries, watermelons or pomegranates, all are a reason to come together. Visit our website for tours with a culinary focus through these regions.

Visit our website for tours with a culinary focus through these regions.

• Siberian Snowscapes – 16 days (page 82) • Festive Russia – 13 days (page 83) • Christmas Trans Mongolian – 22 / 24 days (pages 88 - 89)

S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 81

WINTER AND FESTIVALS

Naadam Festival

Siberian Snowscapes Frozen Lake Baikal, Russia

Glittering waters of Lake Baikal Venturing out from Irkutsk we stay at Listvyanka, the pretty village on the shores of Lake Baikal. You may see the waters frozen solid, or with a few floating icebergs, either way the waters will be sparkling in the winter sunlight. There are plenty of ways to keep warm, either with a hike to take in the natural vistas or in a traditional Russian banya or sauna. On some departures we celebrate Christmas at the Lake, on others a snowball fight will suffice.

Our rail journey continues to Kazan with its bewildering combination of Orthodox and Islamic architecture and beliefs before we reach our final destination of Moscow. Here, surrounded by the red walls of the Kremlin the festivities continue, either with memorable fireworks for New Years, Orthodox Christmas in January or, if travelling in March, the Shrovetide festival of Maslenitsa offers the opportunity to mingle with the locals and sample tasty pancakes. There’s always a reason to celebrate.

2019 18 Dec - 02 Jan 26 Dec - 10 Jan

Itinerary 1-2 3-4 5 6 7-8 9 10-11 12 13 14-16

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

$495 $545 $365 $495 £290 €330

2021 20 Jan - 04 Feb 20 Feb - 07 Mar 18 Dec - 02 Jan 25 Dec - 09 Jan

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 5 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request.

CODE: SSVM

Independent Journey

Lake Baikal

Ulan Ude

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$3,465 $3,815 $2,565 $3,465 £2,045 €2,325

Prices are per person twin share on Traveller service level. Operates on even dates over winter. Accommodation nights 5 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 8 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 7 breakfasts.

MONGOLIA

CODE: ISSVM

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

$1,620 $1,780 $1,200 $1,620 £955 €1,085

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Vladivostok Trans Siberian Railway Ulan Ude Ulan Ude and depart to Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian Railway Kazan Kazan and depart to Moscow Moscow

Kazan

Opt Single Supp

Meals 7 breakfasts 1 dinner.

RUSSIA

Urals

$4,120 $4,530 $3,050 $4,120 £2,430 €2,760

2 Berth Rail

2020 20 Jan - 04 Feb 20 Feb - 06 Mar 18 Dec - 02 Jan 25 Dec - 09 Jan

PRICES

Church of Christ the Saviour

Trans Siberian Railway to Moscow

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

(FROM)

Russia’s Far East is known as the land of ice and fire and we are sure to start with warm hearts as we acclimatise to the frosty temperatures of Vladivostok. The far terminus of the Trans Siberian heralds the start of our journey. The eastern section of the railway takes us through some spellbinding scenery, winding tunnels and taiga forest freshly covered in snow. Settle into your warm carriage as you are transported across Siberia to Ulan Ude, home of the Buddhist Buryats.

(FROM)

Nothing is quite as evocative of Russia as scenes of glittering snow and silent birch forests as the Trans Siberian slides across the country. Wrap up warm as your inner Lara or Dr Zhivago takes you on this winter adventure, celebrating this festive time of the year to the sound of sleigh bells. Vladivostok and to Siberia

Freedom Tour

Activity level:

PRICES

Distance: 9,288 km

DAT E S

Countries: Russia

ESSENTIALS

Direction: Westbound Vladivostok to Moscow

ESSENTIALS

SIBERIAN SNOWSCAPES

1 6 D AY S

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

Vladivostok

KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N CHINA

82 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY . IRAN

JAPAN

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

FESTIVE RUSSIA

13 D AY S

Festive Russia Christmas decorations, Russia

Distance: 2,323 km

Discovery Tour

Activity level:

PRICES

(FROM)

Experience the frosty and festive delights of Russia in winter and visit the home of Father Frost, Ded Moroz, in remote and picturesque Veliky Ustyug, a true winter wonderland experience. Coincide your visit with either Western or Orthodox Christmas and you may even receive a gift. St. Petersburg and to Vologda Few places are as evocative of a Christmas card as St. Petersburg’s pastel architecture covered in a layer of snow. The canals are frozen and the air crisp, but you will receive a warm welcome at the start of your journey. From there we travel to Vologda, a pretty 12th century town where the houses are dripping in crenelated wooden architecture reminiscent of the lace the region is famous for.

The Golden Ring - Yaroslavl Leaving behind Father Christmas we venture to Yaroslavl, a UNESCO World Heritage city situated on the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the best preserved in the region. Founded in 1010 the centre is dotted with the onion domes like no other place in Russia.

Group size 15 maximum.

Velikiy Ustyug

Urals

Kotlas

St. Petersburg

Yaroslavi Moscow

PRICES Lake Baikal

Father Frost home town

TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

Accommodation nights 9 hotel (twin share), 3 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request.

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$3,065 $3,375 $2,270 $3,065 £1,810 €2,055

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Operates daily over winter. Accommodation nights 9 hotel (twin share), 3 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request.

CODE: IFRSM KYRGYZ GYZS GYZSTAN

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N CHINA

IRAN

2021 01 Jan - 13 Jan 15 Jan - 27 Jan 20 Dec - 01 Jan

Meals 9 breakfasts.

KAZAKHSTAN

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

$255 $280 $190 $255 £150 €170

Independent Journey

ESSENTIALS

Vologda

$530 $585 $390 $530 £315 €355

CODE: FRSM

(FROM)

Itinerary

RUSSIA

Opt Single Supp

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Our final stop is in Moscow. Time your journey to be in the capital for New Year’s Eve for an outstanding display of fireworks or enjoy the holiday fun of ice skating and winter markets around the Kremlin complex. Whilst hard to outdo all that we have seen so far, St. Basil’s standing resplendent in the snow in Red Square will be a fitting lasting memory of your journey.

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Vologda Vologda Velikiy Ustyug Depart to Yaroslavl Yaroslavl Yaroslavl to Moscow Moscow

2020 01 Jan - 13 Jan 15 Jan - 27 Jan 20 Dec - 01 Jan

2 Berth Rail

Meals 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.

Moscow

1-2 3 4-5 6-7 8 9 10 11-13

$3,385 $3,725 $2,505 $3,385 £1,995 €2,270

2019 18 Dec - 02 Jan

Veliky Ustyug The fairy tale continues at the home of Father Frost. Wander the streets full of festive spirit and maybe purchase a memorable decoration to take back to your own Christmas tree. Visit the home of Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka, who helps deliver the presents.

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

DAT E S

Countries: Russia

ESSENTIALS

Direction: St. Petersburg to Moscow

S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 83

Trans Mongolian with Naadam Festival Naadam

Direction: Westbound: Beijing to St. Petersburg Eastbound: St. Petersburg to Beijing

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Discovery Tour

Activity level:

Distance: 8,514 km

Beijing and the Great Wall

Itinerary

The Chinese bustling capital city has much more to offer than just Imperial history. We visit the Great Wall and in your free time, you can sample Beijing’s famous Peking duck. The Trans Mongolian Railway is waiting to take us across the Gobi Desert to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital.

We join in the excitement and mix with the crowds at the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. We enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of horses ridden by riders in colourful national costumes, as well as serious archery and wrestling contests. The next day we head out of town to the grassy steppes to witness the horseracing. Once the festivities are over, we journey to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire. Staying in traditional gers – as used by nomadic herdsmen for centuries – we have time to observe curious rock formations before returning to the capital to meet our onward train to Siberia.

Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Terelj National Park Ulaanbaatar - Naadam Festival To Bayangobi Khustai National Park Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian Railway Moscow Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Eastbound - St. Petersburg to Beijing 1-2 3 4-5 6 7-8 9-10 11-13 14 15-16 17 18 19 20 21-24

Lake Baikal to Moscow and St. Petersburg After crossing the Russian border our train heads west skirting the southern shore of Lake Baikal – the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake – to find Irkutsk, in the heart of Siberia. We spend a night in the lakeside village of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. On to Moscow where a walk through Red Square is a highlight. There’s time to ride the Metro and check out the eclectic mix of buildings, including palaces and massive Soviet-style tower blocks that dot the city. Our final train journey brings us to St. Petersburg the next morning. This classic city is not to be missed with grand 18th century buildings and the greatest art collection of all, at the Hermitage.

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Moscow Moscow Moscow to Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar - Naadam Festival To Kharkhorin To Khustai National Park Return to Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR DAT E S

1-3 4 5 6-7 8 9 10 11 12-13 14 15-18 19-20 21 22-24

Caspian Sea

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

Khustai

MONGOLIA

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

CHINA

8 4 S H A R I N G A S IIRAN A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

Opt Single Supp

$1,835 $2,020 $1,360 $1,835 £1,085 €1,230

$1,590 $1,750 $1,175 $1,590 £940 €1,065

Beijing to St. Petersburg (TMNB) 2020 04 Jun - 27 Jul

2021 03 Jun - 26 Jul

2021 26 Jun - 19 Jul

Group size 15 maximum. Accommodation nights 13 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request.

CODE: TMNB / TMNS

Independent Journey

Accommodation nights 13 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 2 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 17 breakfasts.

Bayangobi

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

$8,660 $9,525 $6,410 $8,660 £5,110 €5,800

2 Berth Rail

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

ARME ME ENIA A

$1,485 $1,635 $1,100 $1,485 £875 €995

Meals 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.

Irkutsk

TURKEY

$1,895 $2,085 $1,400 $1,895 £1,120 €1,270

St. Petersburg to Beijing (TMNS)

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka

GEORG GEO EORG GIA

Opt Single Supp

Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for a price should you wish to travel independently on this journey.

Moscow

KAZAKHSTAN

$8,720 $9,590 $6,455 $8,720 £5,145 €5,840

2020 27 Jun - 20 Jul

RUSSIA

Urals

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

2 Berth Rail

St. Petersburg to Beijing (TMNS)

Westbound - Beijing to St. Petersburg

Mongolia’s Naadam Festival

St. Petersburg

PRICES

Celebrate Mongolia’s greatest and most colourful festival and traverse the mighty Siberian landscape on this adventure.

(FROM)

Beijing to St. Petersburg (TMNB)

ESSENTIALS

TR ANS MONGOLIAN WITH NA ADAM FESTIVAL

2 4 D AY S

Beijing

JAPAN APAN PA

CODE: ITMNB / ITMNS SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

NA ADAM EXPLORER

1 8 D AY S

Naadam Explorer Naadam

Discovery Tour

Wild Mongolia Our journey begins in western steppe at Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia. While there, we will visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the spiritual home of Mongolian Buddhism. We journey further to the sparkling waterfalls of the Orkhon Valley and the mysterious sand dunes of Bayangobi. We head back to the capital in time for the festivities to commence.

Naadam Festival After travelling over the vast Mongolian steppe, we arrive back in Ulaanbaatar. Now is the time to witness the wrestlers in the main stadium and watch the precision of the archers. There is even time to engage in the knuckle bone contests. The following day we watch the breathtaking horse racing as the jockeys gallop across the grassy steppe.

Siberia and to Moscow After the excitement of Naadam we are ready to unwind for a couple of days in Siberia by the glistening waters of Lake Baikal. Some may be tempted by a refreshing swim. There’s time to see Irkutsk’s fine 18th century churches and historic homes before rejoining the Trans Siberian Railway to Moscow. Across the Ural Mountains, to the far side of the Volga River we settle into life on board the train. Moscow will amaze, from the ornate metro to the imposing Kremlin and Red Square, sure to be a highlight on the magnificent journey.

PRICES

Spend time exploring Mongolia with the nomads before joining the Naadam festivities and travelling on to Moscow.

(FROM)

Activity level:

Distance: 6,580 km

RUSSIA

Listvyanka

$6,320 $6,950 $4,675 $6,320 £3,730 €4,235

2020 05 Jul - 22 Jul

Group size 15 maximum.

2 Berth Rail

Opt Single Supp

$1,260 $1,385 $930 $1,260 £745 €845

$770 $845 $615 $770 £460 €540

2021 05 Jul - 22 Jul

Accommodation nights 6 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 4 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

Urals

Moscow

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

DAT E S

Countries: Mongolia & Russia

ESSENTIALS

Direction: Westbound: Ulaanbaatar to Moscow

CODE: NEUM

Lake Baikal

Independent Journey

Irkutsk

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

IRAN

Ulaanbaatar To Kharkhorin To Orkhon Valley To Bayangobi Bayangobi Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar- Naadam Festival Trans Mongolian Railway Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Trans Siberian Railway Moscow

Archery, Naadam Festival

PRICES

Caspian Sea

ESSENTIALS

ARME ME ENIA A

Itinerary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-8 9 10-11 12-15 16-18

MONGOLIA Bayangobi

GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

Kharkhorin Orkhon Valley

(FROM)

Ulaanbaatar KAZAKHSTAN

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$5,935 $6,525 $4,390 $5,935 JAPAN APAN PA £3,500 €3,975

Prices are per person twin share on Classic service level. Accommodation nights 6 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 4 Mongolian ger (shared), 5 train (4-berth). Individual 2 berth rail sectors - prices available upon request. Meals 13 breakfasts. CODE: INEUM

S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 85

Naadam Adventure Wrestling, Naadam Festival

Direction: Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar

Countries: Mongolia

Itinerary

Activity level:

Distance: 870 km

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Celebrate the Naadam Festival with the locals as remote Mongolia relives its finest traditions dating from the days of Genghis Khan and his ferocious nomadic warriors. Witness skilful displays of archery and wrestling, and colourful horseracing events during the nation’s most important festival.

Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar - Naadam Festival Ulaanbaatar - Naadam Festival Naadam Festival and to Bayangobi Bayangobi and to Kharkhorin Kharkhorin and Khustai National Park Khustai National Park and to Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, where, in the lead-up to the Naadam Festival, you will get to see some of this with a wonderful display of traditional arts, music and unforgettable throat singing.

Discovery Tour

Naadam Festival

After all the excitement, we head for Bayangobi, Mongolia’s famous desert and then on to the 13th century capital at Kharkhorin. Little remains of the complex of over 100 temples, however Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist centre in the country built in 1586, still stands. Nights spent under the stars in gers are a highlight for all.

Khustai National Park Departing the desert, the glorious scenery takes on an alpine feel as we relocate to Khustai National Park where Przewalski horses, were reintroduced after previously becoming almost extinct. Here we witness a nomadic cultural demonstration to see their lifestyle first-hand. During our stay, there is ample opportunity for hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the magnificent scenery. Later, we return to Ulaanbaatar as life slowly returns to normal after the most important festivities of the year.

Lake Baikal

(FROM)

PRICES

Mongolia’s ancient capital

Single Supp Hotel Only AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$2,555 $2,810 $1,890 $2,555 £1,505 €1,710

DAT E S

The highlight of our visit is the official opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. Eriin gurvan naadam (the three games of men) is the pinnacle of nomadic Mongolian culture. The initial procession presents a magnificent sight of hundreds of horses with riders dressed in colourful national costumes. We are entertained by wrestling and archery. The horseracing is held the following day, out on the steppe.

2020 10 Jul - 17 Jul

ESSENTIALS

NA ADAM ADVENTURE

8 D AY S

Group size 15 maximum.

$335 $370 $250 $335 £200 €225 2021 10 Jul - 17 Jul

Accommodation nights 4 hotel (twin share), 3 Mongolian ger (shared). Meals 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners. Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures.

RUSSIA

CODE: NAUU

MONGOLIA

Naadam Opening Ceremony

Khustai National Park Ulaanbaatar

Kharkhorin Bayangobi

CHINA

JAPAN APAN PA 86 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

Wild Mongolia and Golden Eagle Festival Altai Mountains

Discovery Tour

Activity level:

Single Supp Hotel Only

(FROM)

Revel in Mongolia’s beautiful mountainous regions, traverse the steppe and desert to discover ancient archaeological sites, stay with a nomadic family and witness the vibrant Golden Eagle Festival.

PRICES

Distance: 2,360 km

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

DAT E S

Countries: Mongolia

2020 24 Sep - 09 Oct

ESSENTIALS

Direction: Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar

Group size 15 maximum.

Modern and ancient capitals Ulaanbaatar offers the Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 25-metre gold plated Buddha, the impressive National History Museum and an amazing performance by traditional throat singers. In Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire, we visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 with beautiful white walls and 108 stupas.

Stunning natural beauty Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park offers Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (or the Great White Lake). Surrounded by sand dunes and mountains Khar nuur is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia and a haven for bird lovers. There is plenty of time for hiking by the lakeshore and relaxing in the tranquillity. Moving west across sand dunes, Khyargas Lake and later Mongolia’s largest lake, Uvs is home to 220 species of birds. Mountains, lakes and rivers provide dramatic scenery en route to Olgii, capital of Mongolia’s most westerly province, famous for its untouched snow-capped mountains and the rich, unique culture of the Kazakh people. We visit the museum and learn about hunting with an eagle from an expert.

Tavan Bogd National Park & Altai Mountains

Khyargas Lake

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: WMUU

Tsenkher

Uureg Lake

Ulaanbaatar

Kharkhorin Khar Lake

MONGOLIA Golden Eagle Festival

Itinerary 1 2 3 4

Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

2021 23 Sep - 08 Oct

Meals 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 15 dinners.

Excitement mounts for the festival when Kazakh hunters come from near and far with their prized eagles to compete based on skill, speed and accuracy. Traditional costume, displays of horsemanship, dance performances and traditional games celebrate heritage. Afterwards, we drive to Tsambagarav Mountain for more hiking before flying back to Ulaanbaatar. The tour uses some hotels, while much of the accommodation in rural areas will be camping in shared tents or in gers; the traditional dwellings of nomadic herders.

Olgii

$465 $510 $345 $465 £275 €310

Accommodation nights 6 hotel (twin share), 9 Mongolian ger or camping (shared).

Golden Eagle Festival

Ulaangom & UVS Lake

$8,850 $9,735 $6,550 $8,850 £5,220 €5,930

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Ulaanbaatar To Kharkhorin Tsenkher Hot Spring Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park Khar Lake Khyargas Lake Ulaangom & Uvs Lake Uureg Lake To Olgii Eagle Festival Eagle Festival To Tavan Bogd National Park & Altai Mountains Tavan Bogd National Park & Altai Mountains Return to Olgii Fly to Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar

JAPAN APAN PA

S U N D O W N E R S O V E R L A N D . C O M 87

WILD MONGOLIA AND GOLDEN E AGLE FESTIVAL

TAN AN

1 6 D AY S

Red Square, Christmas

2 2 / 2 4 D AY S

Christmas Trans Mongolian Direction: Westbound: Beijing to St. Petersburg Eastbound: St. Petersburg to Beijing

Countries: China, Mongolia and Russia

Distance: 8,514 km

Activity level:

Experience a Russian Christmas in a Siberian village and New Year’s Eve in Moscow’s Red Square. Along the way, you can enjoy a traditional troika ride led by three horses and stay in a Mongolian ger camp surrounded by snow. What more could you wish for this Christmas? Beijing and the Great Wall

Trans Siberian Railway to Moscow

Our journey starts in Beijing by visiting Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple, and the hutongs all without the maddening crowds. Head out to see the Ming Tombs, and see the Great Wall in a whole new light as you climb its snow-capped turrets. Our cosy train waits to take us north across the Gobi Desert to Ulaanbaatar – Mongolia’s capital.

We board the Trans Siberian Railway where our train compartments are as warm as toast, and windows offer magical views of a frozen terrain for as far as the eye can see. Through the Ural Mountains and on to Europe the train travels, until it reaches the end of the line in Moscow. At this time of year, Moscow is like a page from a fairy-tale, as we’ll see on tour with the famous Red Square ablaze with bright festive lights and the splendid twirled cupolas of St Basil’s Cathedral dusted in snow, while the imposing face of the Kremlin looks on. Inside the Kremlin walls we will see the Armoury Chamber and two beautiful cathedrals. We’ll be in Red Square as the Kremlin clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. This is sure to be a New Year celebration to remember for a long time to come.

Mongolian winter We head for the countryside to spend time in warm traditional gers, set among spectacular rock formations and wild rolling snow-covered hills in Terelj. In 13th Century National Park, we will warm ourselves by the pot belly stoves as we learn about the fascinating nomadic culture, before returning to the capital to re-join the Trans Mongolian Railway bound for Siberia.

Christmas in Siberia The picturesque village of Listvyanka, right in the heart of a Siberian winter wonderland, is waiting to welcome us. Here, beside the shores of the vast Lake Baikal, which is probably frozen thick to almost two metres by this time, we prepare to celebrate Christmas with traditional Russian dishes, a shot or two of vodka to warm the cockles of the heart, and a traditional troika ride (horse sleigh). On Boxing Day, we bid farewell and travel to Irkutsk to see its historic buildings and time-worn mansions from the days when Russian and Polish exiles were banished here, far from Moscow.

88 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY.

After more sightseeing, we’ll board an overnight train for St. Petersburg, where clear winter days reveal pastel palaces, and frozen canals convey a special charm with their white frosting. We visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress and the magnificent Hermitage Museum and Catherine’s Palace on our Pushkin tour. Our journey concludes with a gala dinner and show. What a way to celebrate Christmas and New Year!

SUNDOWNERSOVERLAND.COM

CHRISTMAS TRANS MONGOLIAN

RUSSIA

Urals

St. Petersburg

Lake Baikal

Listvyanka Moscow Irkutsk

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

MONGOLIA GEORG GEO EORG GIA TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN KISTAN KI AN

ARME ME ENIA A Caspian Sea

Starting point

Railway IRAN

St. Petersburg to Beijing (TMXS)

PRICES

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

DAT E S

Opt Single Supp

Beijing to St. Petersburg (TMXB)

$10,550 $11,605 $7,805 $10,550 £6,225 €7,070

2020 16 Dec - 08 Jan

$1,360 $1,495 $1,005 $1,360 £800 €910

2021 12 Dec - 04 Jan

(FROM)

PRICES

$2,020 $2,220 $1,495 $2,020 £1,190 €1,355

ESSENTIALS

(FROM)

PRICES

$11,650 $12,815 $8,620 $11,650 £6,875 €7,805

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

$10,855 $11,940 $8,035 $10,855 £6,405 €7,275

$10,180 $11,195 $7,530 $10,180 £6,005 €6,820

1-3 4 5 6 7 8 9-10 11 12-14 15-18 19 20-24

Prices are per person twin share on Premium service level. Accommodation nights 14 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (2-berth). Meals 17 breakfasts. CODE: ITMXB / ITMXS

Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Visit sundownersoverland.com for the full Journey Itinerary and guaranteed departures. CODE: TMXB / TMXS

ESSENTIALS

Ger camp, Mongolia

Ferry

Itinerary Westbound - Beijing to St. Petersburg

Group size 15 maximum.

Meals 17 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 10 dinners.

Road

ITMXS

2021 27 Dec - 17 Jan

Accommodation nights 14 hotel (twin share), 2 Siberian guesthouse (twin share), 1 Mongolian ger (shared), 6 train (2-berth).

Train / Ferry nights

ITMXB

St. Petersburg to Beijing (TMXS) 2020 28 Dec - 18 Jan

JAP AP P

Beijing

Independent Journey

Beijing to St. Petersburg (TMXB) Opt Single Supp

CHINA

Hotel nights (inc. hotel, ger, guesthouse)

Premium Tour

AUD NZD USD CAD GBP EUR

KYRGYZ GYZSTAN GYZS

TURKMEN ENISTAN EN N

Beijing Trans Mongolian Railway Ulaanbaatar Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Trans Mongolian Railway Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian Railway Moscow Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Eastbound - St. Petersburg to Beijing 1-2 3 4-5 6 7-8

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Moscow Moscow Moscow to Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg

9-10 11 12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19-22

Trans Siberian Railway Irkutsk Listvyanka - Lake Baikal Irkutsk Trans Mongolian Railway Terelj National Park and Ger Camp Ulaanbaatar Trans Mongolian Railway Beijing

Bolshoi Theatre, Christmas

L A E R A T N A W

E R U T N E ADV

? S R E R O L E XP G N U O Y R E H T O H T WI

n a i r e b i Trans S ongolia M & y a Rail w

OVERLAND ADVENTURES FOR 18-35s

All aboard for the adventure of a lifetime with Vodkatrain. NEW for 2020! Helpful honchos every step of the way

NEW for 2020! Freedom to roam, with some inclusions

With you for the whole journey, your Honcho is a local legend who will help you hit the highlights and discover the hidden gems.

With no regimented schedule, travel as a group with the flexibility to explore independently. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve included some of the key highlights though.

Intriguing destinations

NEW for 2020! Small means (extra) small

Take the road less travelled and discover incredible places off the tourist trail. Russia, Mongolia and China anyone?

Authentic experiences Eat, drink, sleep and travel as the locals do for a genuine taste of life in each region.

Adventurers unite Forge friendships on small group experiences designed for 18-35s.

Our group experiences cater to 12 people max. Big enough to form a posse, small enough to give you space.

Your support network Our Travel Advisors are walking encyclopedias â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping you plan, book, and find your way if you get lost while you wander.

www.vodkatrain.com

Your adventuitr es awa

HELPFUL TIPS

Planning your journey Congratulations, you’ve found your perfect journey and are about to embark on an extraordinary adventure! Use these handy tips to keep your planning on track. Fitness You have a responsibility to yourself and your fellow travellers to ensure you are fit enough to tour. Our activity gradings give you an indication of the fitness required. These are based on the cumulative effect of various factors, including travel duration, sightseeing pace, terrain, ability to carry your own luggage, changing time zones, and climate. We urge you to tell us if you have restricted mobility, medical conditions or are currently being treated by a doctor. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all group members but reserve the right to refuse bookings or cancel your journey if you do not meet tour participation requirements. We recommend you consult your medical practitioner for an honest assessment.

Booking Enquire online or call our Travel Advisors. We look forward to welcoming back members of The Overland Club. If you are travelling as a group of six or more, speak with our Private Groups Manager about tailoring your arrangements.

Before you board Download our travellers’ app. We’ll provide you with your login information. Get acquainted with your fellow travellers, meet your Tour Leader, explore each destination, all before you get on the road!

Passports and visas Most countries require passports to have at least 6-months validity from the planned date of return. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visas for the countries you will be travelling through. We recommend applying 3-months before departure and can supply the official documentation and assist you through the process.

Travel insurance It’s compulsory for small group tours and highly recommended for custom journeys. We recommend insurance that will cover you in the instance of: medical treatment, personal cancellation and early flights home, and the loss of personal items. Tour Leaders on small group journeys will require evidence of coverage at the start of your journey.

Health and vaccinations Carry a well-stocked personal medical kit for your peace of mind. We recommend antibacterial cream, DEET based insect repellent and bite cream, Band-Aids, paracetamol or similar, and any medication for existing medical conditions. Speak with your local travelmedicine clinic on which vaccines you require for the countries you are visiting.

Pre-Departure kits Read yours before you embark – they’re filled with handy tips to help you get the most from your journey. 92 S H A R I N G A S I A O V E R L A N D . D I F F E R E N T LY .

What’s not included (all journeys) Flights and taxes, unless specified as part of the itinerary, travel insurance, visa fees, vaccinations are not included on our journeys. Advice on budgeting for tipping, meals not included in the itinerary and items of a personal nature (laundry, shopping etc) can be found in your pre-departure documentation or from speaking with one of our Travel Advisors.

On the road Should anything unexpected happen, such as, you miss your transfer due to a flight delay, or you feel unwell while on tour, then contact your Tour Leader or any of our Ground Operations team on the numbers included in your Predeparture kit.

Share your story We love to hear your stories from the road and are always looking for fresh imagery to represent our destinations and journeys. If you would like to contribute your own please email travel@sundownersoverland.com Once you’re back on home soil, our Travel Advisors will send you a feedback form. We greatly appreciate your feedback as it allows us to constantly improve our product offering and services. You have the power to inspire others to push beyond their comfort zone and discover the wonders of the world by leaving an online review. You can do this on the Sundowners Overland Facebook page or on third party site, tourradar.com Thank you for choosing Sundowners Overland. Bon Voyage!

BOOKING CONDITIONSThese Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with Sundowners Overland Pty Ltd. By placing a booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions. These Booking Conditions only apply to travel arrangements which you book with us and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you as the principal operator of the travel arrangements. We reserve the right to change these Booking Conditions at any time prior to you making a booking. We act as agent for the principal operators of some of the travel arrangements we sell. Where we act as agent, your contract will be with the principal operator. The principal operator’s booking conditions will apply to the travel arrangements and these Booking Conditions will have no effect other than this paragraph and clause 12 which deals with our responsibility to you where we are acting as agent. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking if we are acting as agent and we will confirm the details of the principal operator. “You” and “Your” means all persons named on a booking form (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us”, “our” and “Sundowners Overland” means Sundowners Overland Pty Ltd (ACN 005 066 348). 1. Making a Booking A booking is accepted when Sundowners Overland has issued a written booking confirmation and issued an invoice. It is at this point that a contract between Sundowners Overland and you comes into existence. Sundowners Overland reserves the right to decline any booking at its discretion. No employee of Sundowners Overland other than a director has the authority to vary or omit any of these terms or promise any discount or refund. 2. Pricing (a) Brochure validity The information contained within the Sundowners Overland brochure is correct at the time of publication. Published prices are correct and based on exchange rates at the time of publication (1 September 2019). Sundowners Overland reserves the right to adjust published prices due to currency fluctuations, government action (including new or increased taxes), or amendments to itineraries and train timetables beyond the control of Sundowners Overland. For the most up-to-date information on pricing please see our website. (b) Price Surcharges All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Sundowners Overland (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. Prices are also subject to surcharge due to negative currency fluctuations prior to you making payment in full. If there are any increases in such taxes, charges, or any currency fluctuation (prior to you making payment in full), which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price you must pay by including the additional charges or amount at any time prior to the commencement of the travel arrangements. (c) Not included in the price Unless otherwise stated, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, airport transfers, items of a personal nature, and food and beverages are not included in the price of your travel arrangements. 3. Payment (a) Deposit You are required to pay a minimum deposit of 10% of your tour cost or the following amount in your chosen currency: AUD $200, NZD $200, USD $200, CAD $200, GBP £100 or EUR €150 - whichever is greater. Deposits are payable per person within seven (7) days of issuance of your booking confirmation and invoice. If you pay a provisional deposit at the time of making a booking request and we do not accept booking, then we will refund your provisional deposit within seven (7) days. For Tailor-Made Journeys a deposit may be required before your final itinerary is completed. This amount will be charged at the discretion of our Travel Advisor and will be removed from the total price of your journey when booked. Deposit amounts for Luxury Train Journeys vary depending on the cabin type selected. Deposits start from USD$1500. Please contact Sundowners Overland for the correct deposit required for the train journey of your choice. (b) Final Payment Final payment of the balance is due 75 days before the departure date of your journey with us. Your booking may be cancelled if full payment is not received by the due date, in which case your deposit will be forfeited. If we receive your booking less than 75 days prior to the tour departure date, it must be paid in full at time you make the booking request. If we don’t accept your booking request, we will refund your payment. 4. Amendments by you Sundowners Overland will endeavour to accommodate changes and additional requests. You acknowledge that changes and requests may not be possible to fulfill. If we are able to fulfill any changes or requests, you agree that the following fees will be payable at the time we confirm the amendment: (a) If you wish to transfer your booking from one tour to another (and we are able to accommodate the transfer, which may not always be possible) and there are at least seventy-five (75) days until your departure, the following transfer fees are payable as per the currency of your booking: AUD $100, NZD $100, USD $100, CAD $100, GBP £50 or EUR €75 per person. Any tour price differential will also be payable if the alternative tour is of higher value. (b) If you wish to transfer your booking in any way less than seventy-five (75) days from the departure date, the cancellation fee detailed in Clause 6 will apply. (c) For any other changes made to your arrangements the following amendment fees are payable as per the currency of your booking: AUD $50, NZD $50, USD $50, CAD $50, GBP £25 or EUR €30 per person. The only exception to this is accommodation and other services pre or post the tour which may be added up to one calendar month before departure without charge. Within one calendar month, these can be added with payment of the amendment fee as shown in subparagraph (c) above. 5. Amendments by Sundowners Overland (a) Prior to travel Sundowners Overland reserves the right to amend any tour itinerary due to force majeure, changes in local conditions, or any other reason that Sundowners Overland in its absolute discretion may determine. Where such amendments are major (25%

EFFECTIVE FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2019

or more of the tour itinerary is changed, or a price surcharge greater than 15% of the confirmed tour cost is required) and this amendment is known before the tour commences, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative tour if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative tour is of lower value), alter your departure date, or cancel with a full refund of any monies paid to Sundowners Overland for the tour. If you accept any major amendments to the tour itinerary, then you agree that you will not be entitled to any price reduction or compensation unless specifically offered by Sundowners Overland or if you are entitled to any price reduction compensation at law. If you are entitled to any price reduction or compensation, then you agree that any compensation will be reduced by the value of any alternative services which we provide and which you accept. You acknowledge that you are not entitled to any price reduction or other compensation for minor amendments to the tour itinerary. Minor amendments are any amendments that are not considered major amendments under these Booking Conditions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sundowners Overland disclaims any liability to you for the costs of airfares, visas or any other expenses incurred by you as a result of any amendment or change to the tour itinerary. (b) During travel If, during the operation of the tour and for reasons beyond the control of Sundowners Overland, it becomes reasonably necessary to change an itinerary, including the start or finish city of the tour, Sundowners Overland may do so in its absolute discretion. Any additional costs incurred by Sundowners Overland in effecting these changes will be passed on to you which you agree to pay. You also agree that Sundowners Overland will not be responsible for any costs of airfares, visas or other expenses incurred by you as a result of a change to the itinerary in these circumstances. 6. Cancellations (a) Cancellation by you Once your booking has been confirmed, Sundowners Overland will only accept cancellations in writing. In the event of cancellation, the following charges will apply: i. Cancellations received 75 days or more prior to departure – Loss of deposit. ii. Cancellations received between 35 days and 74 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour price. iii. Cancellations received less than 35 days prior to departure – 100% of total tour price. iv. For Luxury Train journeys, cancellations received 60 days or less prior to departure or “No Show” – 100% of total tour price. These cancellation fees apply to tour services only. Different cancellation charges will apply to airline tickets. Depending on the reason for your cancellation, some of these cancellation charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy. You agree that these cancellation charges are reasonable and required to protect the legitimate business interests of Sundowners Overland. (b) Cancellation by Sundowners Overland Sundowners Overland reserves the right to cancel any tour (before tour commencement), including guaranteed departures, due to force majeure, health concerns, war, or threat of war, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, strikes, industrial disputes or any other reason outside the control of Sundowners Overland that Sundowners Overland in its absolute discretion may determine. In such circumstances, we will refund you any payments made by you that we have not expended (or legally committed to spend) minus an administrative fee of $200 per person. This is the full extent of Sundowners Overland’s liability to you for cancellation in these circumstances. If a guaranteed departure is cancelled for reasons other than force majeure or any other reason outside of the control of Sundowners Overland, a full refund of monies paid will be made. In addition, Sundowners Overland will offer to you a 25% reduction in the price of an alternative tour. This is the full extent of Sundowners Overland’s liability to you for cancellation in these circumstances. If we provide you with any alternative services or assistance where a tour is cancelled, then you agree that the amount to be refunded to you will be reduced by the value of these services and assistance. Sundowners Overland otherwise disclaims any liability to you for the costs of airfares, visas or any other expenses incurred by you as a result of any tour cancellation. 7. Your responsibility (a) Reasonable Behaviour Travelling in a group may require some compromise to accommodate the different desires and abilities of group members. When joining a Group Tour you undertake to conduct yourself in a manner conducive to good group dynamics. If you act in a manner that threatens or disrupts the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, the Tour Leader may in his or her absolute discretion require that you leave the tour. (b) Health and Fitness It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable level of health and fitness to undertake the journey of your choice and that you have received required vaccinations. You should also seek the advice of your doctor or travel health specialist regarding the specific health recommendations for travel to the countries and regions visited on your tour. Sundowners Overland rely on the health information you provide in your Client Information Form when deciding whether to accept your booking request. You warrant that the information you provide is accurate and there are no other medical issues that may impact your ability to participate in the tour without the need for special assistance. If your circumstances change following completion of your Client Information Form, then you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible, and in any circumstance prior to travel. We reserve the right to cancel your booking if your changed circumstances mean you will require special assistance from our personnel during the tour. We suggest that your travel insurance (which you are obliged to have in place under these Booking Conditions) includes comprehensive cancellation coverage. Should Sundowners Overland or your Tour Leader acting reasonably consider you medically unfit to join a tour or should your medical condition deteriorate during the tour, to an extent where you are no longer able to fully participate in the tour without special assistance, you will be required to leave the tour. Any decision to exclude a passenger for any reason will be made by Sundowners Overland without any further recourse. When joining a Group Tour you accept the authority of the Tour Leader. We will not be liable for any damage, injury, death or loss of any kind arising from your failure to fully disclose relevant medical information. (c) Passports, visas and vaccinations It is a requirement that you hold a valid passport and visas for your journey. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the

necessary documentation to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to be visited. It is your sole responsibility to obtain vaccinations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Any information provided by us is given in good faith and may not be relied upon as being accurate and does not constitute formal advice Sundowners Overland do not take responsibility if you rely upon this information and fail to obtain your own independent advice. (d) Travel Insurance Travel insurance is not included in the tour cost. Comprehensive travel insurance (including medical and repatriation cover) is compulsory for Group Tours and Sundowners Overland reserves the right to require you to leave the tour in the event that you have not secured the appropriate cover (see your pre-departure kit for further details of appropriate cover). Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for Independent Journeys and Tailor-Made Journeys. 8. Refunds No refunds will be made for any tours, meals, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers, or any other services included in the tour cost, which you do not utilise, if you choose voluntarily not to use the service, if you decide to leave the tour early, or if you are excluded from the tour due to your behavior or health. Any refund due for any service booked and paid for, but not provided, will be made by Sundowners Overland after the completion of your Sundowners Overland travel services. No overseas supplier or Tour Leader is authorized to promise a refund on our behalf. 9. Complaints If you have a complaint about any aspect of the travel arrangements, you must immediately bring it to the attention of the Tour Leader or our local representative at the time to give us the opportunity to put things right. If you fail to do this, you agree that you waive the right to make a future claim against us in connection with the problem . If you notify the Tour Leader or our local representative of the problem and the problem is not solved to your satisfaction you must forward your complaint in writing to Sundowners Overland no later than 28 days after completion of the tour at (otherwise you waive the right to make a claim against us in connection with the problem): Address: Level 1, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Email: travel@sundownersoverland.com (Attention: Liz Anderson) 10. Health & Government Travel Advisories It is your sole responsibility to inform yourself of the prevailing travel advisories issued by the government of your country regarding the risks and associated precautions (including health) related to travel to the countries and regions visited on your tour. Health advice is available from travel health specialists and international bodies such as the World Health Organisation. Sundowners Overland will not be responsible for advising you of such travel advisories or of any changes that occur to such travel advisories prior to departure of the tour. 11. Optional activities When on tour, you may be offered the opportunity to engage in optional or non-itinerary activities. You acknowledge and agree that such activities are operated by third parties and do not form part of the travel arrangements operated by Sundowners Overland. Sundowners Overland makes no warranty as to the quality of the operators of optional activities. Optional activities may be inherently risky and Sundowners Overland will not be responsible to you for any loss, damage, injury or accident that may occur as a result of your participation therein. Any claim you may have in connection with the optional activity must be brought against the activity operator and you indemnify Sundowners Overland for any loss or expense incurred by Sundowners Overland due to any claim being brought against us as a result of your participation in an optional activity. 12. Responsibility Where we sell another operator’s tour We will tell you if we are selling a tour as agent for the principal operator. Where we sell a tour as agent for the principal operator, you agree that our responsibility to you is limited to arranging for you to contract with the principal operator for the supply of the tour. You agree that you will be subject to the principal operator’s booking conditions, and that any claim in connection with the supply (or failure to supply) the travel arrangements that form part of your tour must be made directly against the principal operator. Sundowners Overland will in no way be responsible for the actions or failures of the principal operator or any person engaged by the principal operator. You warrant that you will not bring a claim against Sundowners Overland in this regard. You agree to indemnify Sundowners Overland against any loss or expense incurred by Sundowners Overland due to any claim being brought against Sundowners Overland in breach of this warranty. Where we sell our own tour Services supplied by independent suppliers Where a third party over whom we have no direct control (Independent Suppliers) is the supplier of travel arrangements that form part of your tour, you acknowledge that our obligations to you are limited to arranging for the Independent Supplier to provide those travel arrangements to you. Independent Suppliers over whom we have no direct control include airlines, railway and cruise operators, hoteliers and common carriers. We act as an intermediary only and you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Independent Supplier (copies available upon request). To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sundowners Overland will not be responsible to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or delay attributable to the actions or omissions of an Independent Supplier. You warrant that you will not bring a claim against Sundowners Overland in this regard. You agree to indemnify Sundowners Overland against any loss or expense incurred by Sundowners Overland due to any claim being brought against Sundowners Overland in breach of this warranty. Services we supply as principal To the extent only that we are the principal supplier of travel arrangements or other services to you which we control, then we will provide those travel arrangements and services with reasonable skill and care. We will only

be responsible for our employees in the course of their employment, and for our agents and suppliers (where we are not the supplier’s agent or an intermediary for an Independent Supplier) if they were carrying out the work we had asked them to do. We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, claim or expense caused by the acts or omissions of yourself, of any other third party not connected with the provision of the travel arrangements or services, or due to an event of force majeure. Please note that if the travel arrangements or services which gave rise to the claim complied with local laws and regulations, the travel arrangements and services will be deemed to have been properly performed, even if this would not be considered the case in Australia. General liability limitation Australian Consumer Law and corresponding legislation in other jurisdictions in certain circumstances imply mandatory conditions and warranties into consumer contracts (“Consumer Warranties”). These Booking Conditions do not exclude or limit the application of the Consumer Warranties. Other than the Consumer Warranties, Sundowners Overland disclaims all warranties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the maximum liability of Sundowners Overland to you under these Booking Conditions, in tort (including negligence) or at law is limited to arranging for the travel arrangements to be resupplied or payment of the cost of having the travel arrangements resupplied. 13. Deemed acceptance of Booking Conditions By making a booking request, you are deemed to have agreed and consented to all terms in these Booking Conditions and in any other documents provided to you by Sundowners Overland or any other person who may have booked the tour on your behalf. If you book on behalf of another party, you represent and warrant to Sundowners Overland that you are duly authorised to provide the agreement and consent the other party and you agree to indemnify Sundowners Overland for any breach of warranty in this regard. 14. Full participation (Group Tours) For Group Tours, you are expected to be able to fully participate in the tour without the need for special assistance and to behave in an acceptable manner. Please note the following requirements with reference to your responsibilities and associated implications for failing to meet your responsibilities set out at clauses 7(a) and 7(b) of these Booking Conditions: (a) Luggage: On all journeys (except Premium Tours and Luxury Train Journeys) you will be required to carry your own luggage on or off the trains, through stations and between vehicles and hotels. Please only bring what you can carry. Do not bring oversized suitcases or bags. (b) Walking: To fully participate in our journeys it is expected that you should be able to complete the day’s activities as outlined in this brochure and the relevant Journey Itinerary. This will include walking for much of the sightseeing and includes steps, stairs and uneven surfaces. (c) Meals: Due to the destinations and available facilities, specific personal dietary preferences will need to be managed by the individual traveller, and any extra expense paid locally by the traveller. Individual dietary preferences have not been taken into consideration in the planning and operation of these journeys. (d) Tolerance and consideration: When joining our journeys, you will be expected to accept the diverse personalities, physical abilities and travel expectations of other group members, and will be required to accommodate these differences, as well as any cultural sensitivities of the places visited, and conduct yourself in a manner conducive to good group dynamics. 15. Photos & Recordings When on tour, employees, agents and/or other travellers of Sundowners Overland may from time to time take photographs or make recordings of you and tour activities that may identify you. You and any other travellers in your group may take and share photos on an app that we give you access to (subject to the app’s terms of use). You understand that you may feature in these photos and that other travellers in your group will have access to them. Sundowners Overland reserves the right to use any and all photographs and/or recordings made on tour (including any shared in an app we give you access to) for promotional reasons in printed materials, on the Internet or other media. In using such images, Sundowners Overland undertakes not to reveal your name, contact details or other personal information. You consent to the use of such images or recordings by Sundowners Overland and you acknowledge that you will not be entitled to payment or other compensation for the giving of consent or for the use of such images or recordings. Sundowners Overland may keep such images or recordings of you on record. If you do not wish for images or recordings of you to be collected, stored or used you must advise Sundowners Overland to that effect at the time of booking. 16. Privacy Any personal information you provide to us will be collected, stored, used, protected and shared in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles, and our Privacy Policy, which is published here www.sundownersoverland.com/privacy-policy 17. General By making your booking request you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood and agree to these Booking Conditions. These conditions cannot be varied, altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of Sundowners Overland or any other person providing services on the tour. The contract between you and Sundowners Overland is deemed to have been made in the State of Victoria, Australia, and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes shall be dealt with by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction in the State of Victoria, Australia. If any provision of these Booking Conditions is found to be unenforceable, then to the extent possible it will be severed from these conditions without affecting the remaining provisions. These Booking Conditions do not affect any rights you have as a consumer under Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Sundowners Overland Proprietary Limited (ACN 005 066 348) is a limited liability company registered in Australia. Place of business: Level 1, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

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