Uzbekistan: An Important Link on the Silk Road

May 8 – 22, 2016
TRAVEL
Uzbekistan:
An Important Link
on the Silk Road
The Jewish Museum
1109 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10128
Under the auspices of The Jewish Theological Seminary
TheJewishMuseum.org
travels@thejm.org
212.423.3200
IN T RODUC T ION
The exotic sights and sounds of Eurasia have long drawn
adventurous souls, where ancient kingdoms arose along the
Silk Road — the lucrative caravan routes of silk and spice
trade between the empires of the East and the West. While
the vast majority of Uzbek Jews emigrated following the
collapse of the Soviet Union, approximately 4,200 remain in
Uzbekistan today.
On this fascinating two-week trip, discover the Jewish
and non-Jewish history and culture of Uzbekistan. Visit
outstanding UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites like
Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, and Bukhara, which holds the
oldest Jewish community in the country. Explore the
Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art, also known as the
Nukus Museum, which is located in the middle of a desert
and houses the Savitsky Collection of more than 40,000
forbidden works by Russian artists. Learn more about the
largest collection of Russian avant-garde art outside of St.
Petersburg by viewing the film The Desert of Forbidden Art
prior to our trip. Dine in the home of an Uzbek family, meet
a local preservationist in Bukhara, and observe traditional
artisans at work on handwoven silk carpets in Samarkand.
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 2 OF 12
D A ILY I T INE R A RY
Sunday, May 8
Depart the United States on individual flights bound
for Tashkent, traveling overnight and arriving in the
evening.
Wednesday, May 11
TASHKENT, NUKUS, KHIVA
Monday, May 9
ARRIVAL IN TASHKENT
Fly to Nukus to one of finest museums in Central Asia,
the Savitsky Collection in the Karakalpakstan State Museum
of Art, which consists of over 40,000 works, ranging
from Karakalpak folk art to the second-largest and one of
the best collections of Russian avant-garde art in the
world. In the afternoon, you will visit Khiva, an ancient
walled city that was once an important oasis on the Silk
Road.
Upon evening arrival in Tashkent, transfer to our
centrally located hotel, Tashkent Palace Hotel.
Overnight: Khiva, Orient Star Hotel
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
(meals included in flight)
Tuesday, May 10
TASHKENT
Thursday, May 12
KHIVA
In the morning, embark on a tour of Uzbekistan’s
capital and visit the Museum of Decorative and
Applied Arts. Here you will view the antique suzani (silk
embroidery) and its extensive textiles collection. Then
explore the Chorsu bazaar and the Kukeldash Madrasa
and the Barak-Khan Madrasa, a 16th-century Islamic
seminary that housed the Sunni Mufti of Central Asia.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the home of
the Rahimov’s, a renowned family of ceramicists.
Overnight: Tashkent
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Explore Khiva by foot, and visit historical monuments
like Tash-Hauli Palace, home of the late khan and his
four wives; the Dzhuma (Friday) Mosque; the Kunya Ark,
the original residence of the khans; and the ancient
well of Khievak.
Overnight: Khiva
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 3 OF 12
D A ILY I T INE R A RY
Friday, May 13
KHIVA, BUKHARA
Sunday, May 15
BUKHARA
Spend the day exploring Central Asia’s most ancient
living city, whose historic center has been a World
Heritage Site since 1993. Begin at Lyabi-Hauz Plaza,
in the heart of the old town, and continue by foot to
the Kalyan Mosque. Over lunch, meet with Elnatanov
Rafael, the head of the Jewish Center in Bukhara, and
Mr. Iskhakov, a journalist at the local newspaper.
Overnight: Bukhara
(breakfast and lunch included)
Today’s drive follows the old Silk Road across long
stretches of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, the same route
once traversed by caravans of merchants carrying
goods between Europe and the Far East. Arrive
in Bukhara early this evening before sundown.
Accommodations in Bukhara are in the home of a
former Jewish merchant, in the heart of the wealthy
merchant district. Shabbat dinner this evening is at a
nearby restaurant.
Monday, May 16
BUKHARA
Visit the Summer Palace of the last emir of Bukhara.
Returning to town, meet with Mr. Almeev Robert, an
expert on the history of the Bukharan Jews. Tonight,
enjoy a special meal in the home of one of Bukhara’s
most respected preservationists.
Overnight: Bukhara
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Overnight: Bukhara
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Saturday, May 14
BUKHARA
Tuesday, May 17
BUKHARA, SHAKHRISABZ, SAMARKAND
In the morning, travelers are welcome to attend
services at one of the synagogues. Later in the
afternoon, take a tour of a merchant family home to
further learn about the Uzbek culture and traditions.
For dinner this evening, enjoy a performance by
the Uzbek Folklore Ensemble under the stars in the
courtyard of the Divan Begi Madrasa.
Overnight: Bukhara
(breakfast and dinner included)
Depart early this morning for Samarkand. Stop at
Shakhrisabz en route. The birthplace of Timur the
Great (known in the West as Tamerlane), Shakhrisabz
reached its zenith in the 14th and 15th centuries and
is now a World Heritage site. Visit the Ak-Sarai Palace
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 4 OF 12
D A ILY I T INE R A RY
and the Jehongir Mausoleum, the burial place of
Timur’s son. Continue on to Samarkand, the fabled
Silk Road oasis that Timur made his capital city in the
14th century. Upon arrival in the city, visit the Registan,
a huge public square that is bordered by three
magnificent madrasas.
Thursday, May 19
SAMARKAND, TASHKENT
Overnight: Samarkand
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Wednesday, May 18
SAMARKAND
Outside the city, visit the Observatory of Ulug Bek,
the grandson of Timur, who was one of the most
sophisticated astronomers of his time. Explore
Shakh-i-Zinda, a complex of mausoleums from the
14th century that displays exquisite majesty and
craftsmanship of the time. Later, visit the Jewish
quarter Yagudion and its synagogue, which dates to
the 19th century. Afterward, stop by the Samarkand
Regional Museum. Once a former mansion to the
Kalandarov family, the museum presents exhibitions on
the life and history of the Jews of Samarkand. In the
afternoon, return to Tashkent by train.
Overnight: Tashkent
(breakfast and lunch)
Begin your exploration of Samarkand with a visit to
Gur-Amir, the tomb of Timur the Great. Then walk
through town to Bibi Khanum Mosque (1399), which
was built by Timur in honor of his wife after his military
campaign in India. Its sheer size pushed the limits of
technology at the time.
Overnight: Samarkand
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Friday, May 20
TASHKENT
In the morning, visit the Taro Synagogue for Bukharian
Jews. Then take a ride on Tashkent’s subway, which was
built by the Soviet to rival Moscow’s legendary subway.
Shabbat dinner will be held in the hotel with leaders
from the Jewish community.
Overnight: Tashkent
(breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 5 OF 12
D A ILY I T INE R A RY
Saturday, May 21
TASHKENT
Explore the city at your own leisure. For dinner, enjoy
a festive farewell at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight: Tashkent
(Breakfast, and dinner included)
Sunday, May 22
TASHKENT, United States
Return to the United States.
(breakfast included, other meals in flight)
Note that the daily itinerary is subject to change.
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 6 OF 12
A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
Tashkent Palace Hotel
Orient Star
The Tashkent Palace Hotel is one of the oldest hotels
in the city. Built in 1958, it was completely renovated
in 2003. Located in the heart of the city, it is a short
walk to Independence Square and Tashkent’s Metro. The
hotel features several restaurants, including a rooftop
terrace, an outdoor pool, and a gym. Wi-Fi Internet
access is available in public spaces in the hotel.
2 nights
Located inside the old city walls of Khiva, the Orient
Star is housed in a former madrassa. Guest rooms,
renovated teachers’ and students’ quarters, are small
but comfortable and decorated in a traditional Uzbek
style. There is a restaurant and bar on premises, and
Wi-Fi is available in the public areas.
2 nights
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 7 OF 12
A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
Hotel Emir
Registan Plaza
Hotel Emir is a privately run guesthouse in a renovated
Jewish merchant’s home in the heart of Old Bukhara.
Each room is lovingly decorated in traditional Uzbek
style. Comfortable beds amid the hand-carved wooden
beams and detailed alabaster designs on the walls offer
the atmosphere of Old Bukhara while, at the same time,
each room has a modern private bath with a shower.
Wi-Fi is available at an Internet café around the corner
but not in the hotel itself.
The Registan Plaza in Samarkand is located within
walking distance of the famous Registan Square.
Spacious and comfortable guest rooms provide satellite
TV, telephone, and well-equipped bathrooms. The
hotel has two restaurants, a fitness center, and free
Wi-Fi in the public areas.
2 nights
4 nights
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 8 OF 12
A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
Grand Mir Hotel
For our return to Tashkent, we stay at the Grand
Mir Hotel, located within walking distance of two
synagogues for Shabbat. The hotel features spacious
rooms with satellite TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, and direct-dial
telephone. There are two restaurants, a bar, and
a fitness center and spa.
3 nights
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 9 OF 12
P RO GR AM DE TAILS
Participation
A Note about the Itinerary
Limited to 24 participants, this program is open to
members of the Jewish Museum. Nonmembers are
welcome to join the Museum in order to participate.
Designed for people of all ages, this travel program
entails a good deal of walking over uneven or slightly
hilly terrain and/or stairs. Many of the old city centers
we visit do not allow vehicular traffic, so walking is the
only option. In addition, there are some long bus rides
for 4 – 8 hours between Khiva and Bukhara with suitable
rest breaks. Participants need to be in good health, and
able to keep up with the group, ready to travel as part
of a group, and experience cultural differences with
grace.
While every effort will be made to carry out
the program as planned, the nature of travel is
unpredictable and we must be prepared for changes.
The itinerary as described is subject to modification by
ATA. Rest assured that, should any changes be needed,
we commit to deliver an experience as outstanding as
the one originally planned.
Land Program Cost
$7,295 per person, for double occupancy; single
supplement $500 (plus $75 Jewish Museum
membership fee for nonmembers).
Based on minimum enrollment of 15 participants.
Registration and payment after December 1, 2015,
land program cost is $7,595.
Program Cost Includes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
13 nights at four-star, three-star, and bestavailable hotels
All meals as listed in the itinerary
All ground transportation
All museum entrance fees and tours
All gratuities related to group activities
$50,000 Medevac insurance
All hotel porterage, taxes, and service charges
Program Cost Does Not Include
•
•
•
•
Passport and visa costs
Travel insurance — strongly recommended
Items of a personal nature (laundry, alcohol, phone
calls, airport transfers into and exiting country, etc.)
Anything not specifically listed as included
Health Recommendations
To enjoy your travels to the fullest, you should be
in good physical and mental health. Any physical
condition that requires special attention, diet, or
treatment must be reported in writing when the
reservation is made. We reserve the right to decline
to accept or retain any person as a participant, should
such a person’s health, mental condition, physical
infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the
travel program or the enjoyment of other participants.
All health information is protected and treated as
confidential.
To Register
To reserve your place, complete the reservation form
and return with a $1,000 deposit. Final payment will be
due 90 days prior to departure.
The Jewish Museum Travel Program
at Academic Travel Abroad
1920 North Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036-1601
T: 202.785.9000 or 800.556.7896
F: 202.349.0678
Or via email at travel@academic-travel.com
Changes
All rights are reserved by the program directors to
make faculty substitutions and/or to modify the
itinerary (including hotels) as needed.
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 10 OF 12
P RO GR AM DE TAILS
Insurance
We strongly urge all participants to take out trip
insurance to cover losses necessitated by having
to cancel. For your convenience, trip cancellation
insurance information will be sent upon registration or
you may elect to consult your own insurance agent.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email
or fax) to Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. (ATA). Per
person cancellation fees are based on the date of
the cancellation notice reaching ATA. More than 120
days prior to departure; refund of deposit less an
administration fee of 50% of deposit. Cancellation
between 119-91 days before departure: 100% of
deposit is forfeited. Cancellation between 90-61 days,
50% of the tour price is forfeited. Cancellation within
60 days of departure: no refund. Cancellation on the
day of departure or after the tour departs: no refund.
No refund for unused portions of tour, including,
but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and
sightseeing. Cancellation of program by Jewish
Museum Trips and ATA: full refund. Reservations are
not transferable without the explicit approval of Jewish
Museum Trips and ATA.
Disclaimer of Responsibility
The Jewish Museum’s travel programs are managed
by ATA, a professional travel company, hired as an
independent contractor. ATA and the Jewish Museum
act only as agents for the passenger with respect to all
transportation, hotels, and all matters of reservations
and trip operation. We and our agents accept no
responsibility for loss, damage, injury, accident, delay
or irregularity, expense, or liability caused by the
defect of any vehicle or negligence or default of any
independent contractors, their employees, agents,
or representatives. Nor do we accept responsibility
for losses or delays arising from sickness, pilferage,
acts of terrorism, weather conditions, or acts of God.
All such losses or expenses shall be borne by the
program participant. We reserve the right to cancel
any trip prior to departure in which case the entire
payment will be refunded without further obligation
on our part. We likewise reserve the right to decline
to accept or retain any trip participant at any time
without being under any obligation to assign any reason
therefore. In the event of the exercise of this right, we
shall be under no liability to such person(s) except to
refund such amount as our absolute discretion deems
reasonable to attribute to the uncompleted portion of
the trip. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely.
It is understood that air, ship, or train tickets when
issued shall constitute the sole contract between the
passenger and carrier concerned. The airlines and all
other transportation companies involved in this trip
are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or
event during the time the passengers are not on board
their plane or conveyances. All services are subject to
the laws of the country in which they are rendered. The
participant agrees on behalf of herself/himself, her/
his dependents, heirs, executors, or administrators and
assigns to abide by the above conditions and to release
and hold harmless, the Jewish Museum and ATA, and
any of their representatives from any and all liability for
any delays, damage, loss, injury, or death occurring in
relation to this tour.
CALIFORNIA SELLER OF TRAVEL PROGRAM CST
#2059002-40
ATA is a participant in the California Seller of Travel
program. California law requires that certain sellers
of travel have a trust account or bond. ATA has a trust
account. ATA is not a participant in the California Travel
Consumer Restitution Corporation.
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 11 OF 12
R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M
Uzbekistan:
History, Heritage
and Art
May 8-22, 2016
Please complete this form and
include the deposit. Registrations
are accepted by telephone, email,
or fax
Are you a Jewish Museum Member:
Yes
No, ($75 per person is added to deposit)
Mail to:
The Jewish Museum
Travel Program at Academic
Travel Abroad
1920 North Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036 – 1601
T 202.785.9000 or 800.556.7896
F 202.349.0678
Name
Date of Birth
Name 2
Date of Birth
Mailing Address
Email
Phone Number
Billing information: if different from Mailing address above.
Check Enclosed
Card #
MasterCard
Signature
Visa
Security
Code
Expiration
American Express
Authorize charge for the amount of $
Accommodation preference:
Double Room
Single Room
Share my
room with:
UZ BEKIS TAN, PAGE 12 OF 12