• 7 September 10 to 29 September 10

In conjunction with the University of Sydney
22 Nights in Central Asia

The fascination of Uzbekistan lies in the ancient oasis towns along the Great Silk Roads. The blue tiled medressehs, minarets and mausolea of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are among the most spectacular medieval monuments in the world, and stand testimony to the culture and civilisation of these remote and ancient lands. Today their bazaars still bustle with merchants in traditional costume selling fruits, silks and household items, following a way of life that has changed little in centuries. Yet beyond the tourist trail lie the remains of even older cities, citadels whose walls were standing in the time of Alexander the Great, as his armies passed by on their way to India.

These cities, long lost under the desert sands, were rediscovered by Russian archaeologists in the 1930's. As they trekked through the arid landscape or flew over in their single engine planes, they were amazed to find hundred of ancient sites, many with massive fortifications still standing preserved almost intact in the dry desert air. The best of these sites lie in Chorasmia at the western end of Uzbekistan, where the Amu-Dariya river spreads out into a delta before draining into the Aral Sea. Today, the land here is a patchwork of cotton fields and agricultural land surrounded by the ever encroaching desert. The canals that sustain the oasis today were constructed during the Soviet era but the first irrigation channels were cut in about the 7^th century B.C. to support newly established kingdoms in the region.

In collaboration with the Karakalpak Academy of Sciences, the University of Sydney has established a long-term archaeological program in Chorasmia to study the earliest city-states. To help with the costs of the expedition, we offer the opportunity for volunteers to join us in-field, to work alongside our professional archaeologists and learn at first hand about the history of this remote and fascinating region. Volunteers will live with the excavation team at our headquarters in scenic countryside next to one of the archaeological sites. After two weeks on-site, the trip continues with a tour of the Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.

Two major sites are currently under excavation, the walled city of Kazakl'i-yatkan and the religious complex of Tashk-k'irman Tepe. Share in the thrill of uncovering a newly identified collection of Central Asian wall paintings at the Kazakl'i-yatkan temple.

You will be joining a working archaeological excavation. We live in purpose built excavation head quarters in scenic countryside next to the ancient walled city of Kazakl'i-yatkan. The research station is Spartan and accommodation is dormitory style with shared facilities, mains water and electricity. Toilets are outside and of the "hole in the floor" variety. You will live and work with professional archaeologists, although you do not need to do any activity or follow any schedule if you do not wish to. While heavy work is not necessary, a degree of fitness is important as you will be walking, bending and moving around a lot in the course of your day. We recommend an age limit of 65-70 years, although if you are older but feel fit and active, we will be happy for you to join us.

Itinerary at a Glance & Site / # NightsEx Bangkok to Tashkent - 2, USCAP - 11, Khiva - 1, Bukhara - 3, Samarkand - 3, Tashkent - 2, Program ends in Tashkent, where participants will board their return flight to Bangkok. Make own arrangments for flights Bangkok to Australia . (Day use many be required at own expense).

As group numbers are small on this program we are unable to include the Australia to Bangkok group fares. Please check your flight connections with your Educational Travel Adviser who will assist you to purchase the best available fare to suit your individual arrangements. Some departure points may require a day use room in Bangkok to meet connecting flights, at an additional cost.

Program Includes

• Return international economy class flights with Uzbekistan airlines from Bangkok to Tashkent.
• Internal flights with Uzbekistan Airways from Tashkent to Urgench.
• Uzbekistan departure taxes, that can be prepaid.
• 11 nights accommodation at USCAP site, in dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities (single rooms not available).
• 11 nights accommodation in 3-3.5 star hotels with private facilities in Urgench, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent (single supplement available).
• All meals in Uzbekistan.
• Transport in best-available, comfortable coaches.
• Comprehensive guided sightseeing by national and local guides in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. At USCAP site, visits, lectures and discussions by senior member of USCAP.
• Gratuities to local guides, drivers.

Program Excludes

• International flights from Australia to Bangkok.
• Pre and/or post overnight accommodation in Bangkok (due to flight connections).
• Uzbekistan visa USD85 - If you are travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport, Odyssey Travel will obtain your group visa for you, unless you are leaving home earlier than the group. Participants residing outside Australia or New Zealand will need to obtain their own visa for Uzbekistan. Odyssey Travel will obtain the necessary letter of invitation for you. Please ensure you advise us of your anticipated departure date from home and your arrival and departure dates for Uzbekistan.
• Alcoholic drinks
• Items of a personal nature, eg laundry, telephone etc.
• Travel Insurance - Ask one of our Educational Travel Advisers to organise for you.

Program Notes

• Single rooms not available at all sites
• Prices quoted are ex Bangkok
• Program Leader will be Dr Alison Betts who will be with you at the USCAP digsite.
  
  International costings;
  Ex Tashkent USD to be advised
  Ex Tashkent GBP to be advised

Program Summary: Archaeology in Central Asia

Booking Key

Date	Price	Book
07 September 2010	AUD Twin $6150.00 NZD Twin $7620.00 AUD Single $6420.00 NZD Single $7950.00