Across the "Five Stans" aboard the Golden Eagle

Republics of the Silk Road Rail Journey

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

14 Days

From $24,695

Level 1+

Easiest

Overview

    Contact Us Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    The intriguing countries of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan—the “Five Stans”—are located at a historic crossroads of trade, religion, language, and the arts. Aboard the private luxury train, the Golden Eagle, enjoy some of the world's most stunning monuments and fascinating modern cultures. Your journey begins in the historic Kazakhstan capital of Almaty, takes you along the great trading posts of the Silk Road including fabled Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, before arriving at your final destination of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Throughout your odyssey, savor the delights of the Golden Eagle—first-class service, sumptuous cuisine paired with fine wines, engaging lectures, and active days with informative guides. This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

    Arrive: Almaty, Kazakhstan

    Depart: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Highlights

    • Discover the 4,000-year-old art of Golden Eagle hunting at Lake Issyk-Kul
    • Discover the spectacular architecture of the Timurid dynasty
    • See the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater light up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert
    • Explore the historic, UNESCO-honored cities of Khiva, Merv, Bukhara, and Samarkand

    Overview

      Contact Us Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days

      Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

      Arrive at Almaty Airport, where you are met and transferred to the stylish five-star Intercontinental Hotel. On your first evening in Almaty, you will be invited to a champagne drinks' reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.
      Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and notable for its wide tree-lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautiful city derives its name from “alma” meaning “apple.” Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance. Your city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park where you visit the Zenkhov Cathedral, which was built entirely of wood.
      This morning, we learn about the traditional Kyrgryz nomadic lifestyle, how nomads used to live in the yurts, what crafts they mastered, and how they breed and train their horses. Following this, we are treated to breathtaking flight demonstration of Golden Eagle hunting, a 4,000-year-old art. You will learn the story of hunting with birds of prey, the particular characteristics of the Golden Eagle, and the fascinating details of this time-honored Kyrgyz nomadic tradition.

      Originally a caravan rest stop serving the travelers that came through the area along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, Bishkek, is the location of this afternoon's sightseeing. Visit the Ala-Too Square, built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic in Kyrgyzstan, and enjoy a city tour of the local parks, rich in Soviet history, including statutes of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial for the Red Guards.
      This afternoon, arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. You will spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. In a small library here you will be privileged to see one of Islam's most sacred relics—one of the world's oldest Koran's. Also included in your touring program is a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
      Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara—the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Your touring program will also transport you to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Stroll through the mosque's large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches, and you will be transported to a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as you explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms. You then travel out of the city to experience the Emir's enchantingly named "Palace of the Moon and Stars." This evening, weather permitting, enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before the train departs.
      From Mary, transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century. The demise of Merv took place in 1794, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam that the population depended on for its water.
      Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is known as the “Las Vegas of the Kara Kum.” Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala. The Soviet city was largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1948, and its extravagant fountains, golden domes, and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting. Highlights of your visit include a visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque. The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where you have the option to leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, a spectacular sight best seen at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 230-foot-wide crater is known by the locals as the “Door to Hell” and has been burning for over 40 years.
      Travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China, and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, you'll discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars, and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
      Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modeled himself on Genghis Khan and used similar violent methods to conquer and control his Empire, visit the UNESCO-honored statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahrisabz took over a quarter of a century to build, and was originally decorated with colorful, highly detailed mosaic but also included delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur'an. Amid the decorative facing, there is an inscription showing the date 798 (1395—1396 AD), which was when the building was completed.
      This morning, visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River, and its opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert guide, who will tell the fascinating story of the teahouse-turned-palace. You will explore each beautiful hall decorated with breathtaking chandeliers, while learning about each of the artists and designers that worked incredibly hard to build and decorate this majestic palace. After the tour, enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle to continue your journey.
      Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors. You will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428. Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, you will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your prime front-row seats, you'll be treated to a dazzling light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand's history and significance.
      Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit to the famous necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here you will travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum that houses ancient artifacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date back to the 7th century. Return to the train for lunch and continue your journey through Uzbekistan toward the Fergana Valley.
      This morning, visit the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here you will visit the Margilan Factory, which is considered the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing nearly 20,000 feet of silk per month, the factory has preserved a manual and traditional method of silk production. Explore the whole process of making silk from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to the hardworking staff hand weaving the colorful ikat fabric on traditional looms.

      From Margilan, continue onto Rishtan, which is home to Uzbekistan's world-famous ceramic industry. Here you will discover the secrets of the techniques of the ancient craft from prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov. Witness the magic of pottery in action during a close up demonstration by a master professional at work and get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into decorating these exquisite ceramics.

      Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of the tour include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand's most impressive Mosque.

      This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner on board the Golden Eagle as we return to Tashkent.

      After breakfast onboard the Golden Eagle, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

      Dates & Pricing

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $1,750 (Silver Cabin); $3,000 (Gold Cabin): $6,000 (Imperial Suite)
      70 days prior to departure: Balance

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 61 days prior to departure: Deposit is nonrefundable
      60 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • 12 nights aboard the Golden Eagle, with private en suite accommodation
      • 1 night pre-trip hotel
      • Full guided off-train excursions program, including personal headsets to hear the professional guide's commentary and bottled water during excursions
      • All meals
      • Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines
      • Baggage porterage
      • Arrival and departure transfers
      • High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack
      • All gratuities, including gratuities on excursions
      • 24-hour personal cabin attendant service, evening turndown service, complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water in-cabin, robes, slippers, and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin
      Not Included
      • Airfare
      • Individual arrival or departure transfers
      • Hotels en route to and home from the trip
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Passport and visa fees
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Golden Eagle

      Days 1-13 (13 nights)

      A rail journey on the Golden Eagle combines first-class customer service with a romantic exploration of the world's most remarkable sites—and a room with a view that constantly changes! You'll unpack just once and experience a fantastic adventure. The Golden Eagle offers three categories of cabins, featuring state-of-the-art...

      What the Trip is Like

      The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Light walking and hiking are required to scenic nature areas, local towns, villages, and sites of historical and cultural interest.

      Review Trip Level Details

      A particular charm of the Golden Eagle is the beautifully appointed restaurant cars, a delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his on-board restaurant team using the very best ingredients locally sourced whenever possible. Depending on the number of guests on board, one or two restaurant cars will be on every departure.

      Enjoy the pleasures of an on-train breakfast each morning — the wonderful aroma of freshly-baked bread permeates the dining car, a wide selection of pastries, cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice and cold plates are available from the buffet. Alternatively, enjoy a cooked breakfast brought to your table by the wait staff, all complemented by hot tea and coffee. If you are in need of a more relaxed start to the day, then opt for a continental breakfast basket with tea or coffee to enjoy at leisure in your cabin.

      For lunch and dinner you will be welcomed by the on-board team and enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. The Golden Eagle offers a culinary experience that reflects the essence of the places you visit, as well as highly accomplished international cuisine. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.

      During your tour, you will be personally invited to a special dining occasion, our celebrated Caviar Dinner, savoring gastronomic specialties including black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar.
      Meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an excellent choice of wines from around the world.

      Meals are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code, and with the open-seating policy you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.

      On a typical day, the Golden Eagle will travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin. Disembarking after breakfast the following morning, you will set out by coach or minibus to explore, for example, the sights and sounds of Samarkand, Mashhad, Persepolis and Tashkent, and at the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants with complimentary refreshments.

      Some days will be spent partly or entirely on board the train providing an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold. The Golden Eagle offers different on-board activities and facilities so you might spend the time attending talks on the local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, improving your photographic skills, or simply soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car. Perhaps read a novel from the library, challenge your friends to a game of bridge or backgammon, or attend an engaging talk given by on-board lecturers on local history and culture.

      During morning or afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car with delicious, freshly baked pastries, your Tour Manager will organize a program of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings, latest weather forecasts for the next destination, and information on the following day's excursions and activities. In the evening, enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the Bar Lounge Car. From time to time, there are special concerts. Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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Alternatively, enjoy a cooked breakfast brought to your table by the wait staff, all complemented by hot tea and coffee. If you are in need of a more relaxed start to the day, then opt for a continental breakfast basket with tea or coffee to enjoy at leisure in your cabin.<\/p><p>For lunch and dinner you will be welcomed by the on-board team and enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. The Golden Eagle offers a culinary experience that reflects the essence of the places you visit, as well as highly accomplished international cuisine. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.<\/p><p>During your tour, you will be personally invited to a special dining occasion, our celebrated Caviar Dinner, savoring gastronomic specialties including black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar.<br \/>Meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an excellent choice of wines from around the world.<\/p><p>Meals are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code, and with the open-seating policy you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.<\/p>","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-12T22:21:32 --><p>Life on the Golden Eagle<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<p>On a typical day, the Golden Eagle will travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin. Disembarking after breakfast the following morning, you will set out by coach or minibus to explore, for example, the sights and sounds of Samarkand, Mashhad, Persepolis and Tashkent, and at the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants with complimentary refreshments.<\/p><p>Some days will be spent partly or entirely on board the train providing an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold. The Golden Eagle offers different on-board activities and facilities so you might spend the time attending talks on the local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, improving your photographic skills, or simply soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car. 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Every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>$1,750 (Silver Cabin); $3,000 (Gold Cabin): $6,000 (Imperial Suite)<br>70 days prior to departure: Balance <br><br><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 61 days prior to departure: Deposit is nonrefundable<br>60 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}