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Lyuba Tours 2007 Privacy Policy
Lyuba Tours 2007 is a company registered with accordance of the Bulgarian Commercial Law, with UIC 175198488, and a licensed tour operator. This privacy policy will explain how our organization uses the personal data we collect from you when you use our website.
What data do we collect?
Lyuba Tours 2007 collects the following data:
You directly provide Lyuba Tours 2007 with most of the data we collect. We collect data and process data when you:
Lyuba Tours 2007 collects your data so that we can:
When Lyuba Tours 2007 processes your order, it may send your data to, and also use the resulting information from, credit reference agencies to prevent fraudulent purchases.
How do we store your data?
Lyuba Tours 2007 securely stores your data.
Lyuba Tours 2007 will keep your personal data for five years. Once this time period has expired, we will delete your data.
Marketing
Lyuab Tours 2007 would like to send you information about products and services of ours that we think you might like.
If you have agreed to receive marketing, you may always opt out at a later date.
You have the right at any time to stop Lyuba Tours 2007 from contacting you for marketing purposes.
If you no longer wish to be contacted for marketing purposes, please click here.
What are your data protection rights?
Lyuba Tours 2007 would like to make sure you are fully aware of all of your data protection rights. Every user is entitled to the following:
The right to access – You have the right to request Lyuba Tours 2007 for copies of your personal data. We may charge you a small fee for this service.
The right to rectification – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request Lyuba Tours 2007 to complete the information you believe is incomplete.
The right to erasure – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to restrict processing – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 restrict the processing
of your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to object to processing – You have the right to object to Lyuba Tours 2007's processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to data portability – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.
If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at our email:
Call us at: +35929633343
Or write to us: office@lyuba.tours
Cookies
Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.
For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org.
How do we use cookies?
Lyuba Tours 2007 uses cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website, including:
There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses:
You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.
Privacy policies of other websites
The Lyuba Tours 2007 website may contain links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website, so if you click on a link to another website, you should read their privacy policy.
Changes to our privacy policy
Lyuba Tours 2007 keeps its privacy policy under regular review and places any updates on this web page. This privacy policy was last updated on 26 March 2019.
How to contact us
If you have any questions about Lyuba Tours 2007's privacy policy, the data we hold on you, or you would like to exercise one of your data protection rights, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email us at: office@lyuba.tours
Or call us: +35929633343
What data do we collect?
Lyuba Tours 2007 collects the following data:
- Personal identification information (Name, email address, phone number, etc.)
You directly provide Lyuba Tours 2007 with most of the data we collect. We collect data and process data when you:
- Register online or place an order for any of our services.
- Voluntarily complete a customer survey or provide feedback on any of our message boards or via email.
- Use or view our website via your browser's cookies.
- Company's media social accounts (Instagram, facebook, etc.)
Lyuba Tours 2007 collects your data so that we can:
- Process your order and manage your account.
- Email you with special offers on other products and services we think you might like.
When Lyuba Tours 2007 processes your order, it may send your data to, and also use the resulting information from, credit reference agencies to prevent fraudulent purchases.
How do we store your data?
Lyuba Tours 2007 securely stores your data.
Lyuba Tours 2007 will keep your personal data for five years. Once this time period has expired, we will delete your data.
Marketing
Lyuab Tours 2007 would like to send you information about products and services of ours that we think you might like.
If you have agreed to receive marketing, you may always opt out at a later date.
You have the right at any time to stop Lyuba Tours 2007 from contacting you for marketing purposes.
If you no longer wish to be contacted for marketing purposes, please click here.
What are your data protection rights?
Lyuba Tours 2007 would like to make sure you are fully aware of all of your data protection rights. Every user is entitled to the following:
The right to access – You have the right to request Lyuba Tours 2007 for copies of your personal data. We may charge you a small fee for this service.
The right to rectification – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request Lyuba Tours 2007 to complete the information you believe is incomplete.
The right to erasure – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to restrict processing – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 restrict the processing
of your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to object to processing – You have the right to object to Lyuba Tours 2007's processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
The right to data portability – You have the right to request that Lyuba Tours 2007 transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.
If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at our email:
Call us at: +35929633343
Or write to us: office@lyuba.tours
Cookies
Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.
For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org.
How do we use cookies?
Lyuba Tours 2007 uses cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website, including:
- Keeping you signed in
- Understanding how you use our website
There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses:
- Functionality – Lyuba Tours 2007 uses these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. These could include what language you prefer and location you are in. A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used.
- Advertising – Lyuba Tours 2007 uses these cookies to collect information about your visit to our website, the content you viewed, the links you followed and information about your browser, device, and your IP address. Lyuba Tours 2007 sometimes shares some limited aspects of this data with third parties for advertising purposes. We may also share online data collected through cookies with our advertising partners. This means that when you visit another website, you may be shown advertising based on your browsing patterns on our website.
You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.
Privacy policies of other websites
The Lyuba Tours 2007 website may contain links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website, so if you click on a link to another website, you should read their privacy policy.
Changes to our privacy policy
Lyuba Tours 2007 keeps its privacy policy under regular review and places any updates on this web page. This privacy policy was last updated on 26 March 2019.
How to contact us
If you have any questions about Lyuba Tours 2007's privacy policy, the data we hold on you, or you would like to exercise one of your data protection rights, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email us at: office@lyuba.tours
Or call us: +35929633343
BEST OF CENTRAL ASIA
AND THE SILK ROAD
Available tour dates:
15-28 September 2024 (available)
15-28 September 2024 (available)
On this tour we explore the best of four 'stans' - Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
These four countries share much, as they are diverse. They have unique landscapes, economies, political systems and cultures. We visit in the autumn, which is harvest time across Central Asia. The land is bathing in soft, warm light, and the trees are on fire!
In Kyrgyzstan, we explore diverse ethnic communities - Dungan, Balkar, Uyghur, to name a few; we visit craftsmen, witness dramatic landscapes, and survey stunning architecture.
In Kazakhstan, we enjoy dramatic landscapes of mountains and steppes, sip fine local wine and immerse ourselves in the culture of Almaty, the country's bustling southern capital.
In Uzbekistan we explore green and vibrant Tashkent; the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan and the Aral Sea delta, including the last fishermen and last yurt makers of Karakalpakstan; the Kyzyl Kum desert with its unique Soviet, Islamic and Zoroastrian heritage; Bukhara with its crumbling old neighbourhoods; and not least, glorious Samarkand's ancient monuments.
In Tajikistan we witness some of Central Asia's most dramatic scenery, ancient stair-stepped villages, the ruins of pre-Islamic Sarasm (a UNESCO Site), and meet immensely friendly communities. The tour ends in green Dushanbe.
These four countries share much, as they are diverse. They have unique landscapes, economies, political systems and cultures. We visit in the autumn, which is harvest time across Central Asia. The land is bathing in soft, warm light, and the trees are on fire!
In Kyrgyzstan, we explore diverse ethnic communities - Dungan, Balkar, Uyghur, to name a few; we visit craftsmen, witness dramatic landscapes, and survey stunning architecture.
In Kazakhstan, we enjoy dramatic landscapes of mountains and steppes, sip fine local wine and immerse ourselves in the culture of Almaty, the country's bustling southern capital.
In Uzbekistan we explore green and vibrant Tashkent; the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan and the Aral Sea delta, including the last fishermen and last yurt makers of Karakalpakstan; the Kyzyl Kum desert with its unique Soviet, Islamic and Zoroastrian heritage; Bukhara with its crumbling old neighbourhoods; and not least, glorious Samarkand's ancient monuments.
In Tajikistan we witness some of Central Asia's most dramatic scenery, ancient stair-stepped villages, the ruins of pre-Islamic Sarasm (a UNESCO Site), and meet immensely friendly communities. The tour ends in green Dushanbe.
14 days, 13 nights
BISHKEK/1 night - LAKE ISSYK KUL/1 night - KARAKOL/2 nights - ALMATY/2 nights - TASHKENT/1 night - NUKUS/1 night - BUKHARA/2 nights - SAMARKAND/1 night - AYNI/1 night - DUSHANBE/1 night
BISHKEK/1 night - LAKE ISSYK KUL/1 night - KARAKOL/2 nights - ALMATY/2 nights - TASHKENT/1 night - NUKUS/1 night - BUKHARA/2 nights - SAMARKAND/1 night - AYNI/1 night - DUSHANBE/1 night
Day 1, Sunday
Arrive in Bishkek in the morning. Transfer from airport to Hyatt hotel in central Bishkek. Some time to rest. In the afternoon we will meet for a walk in central Bishkek, having a look at the Fine Arts museum, and further stopping at nearby Oak Park, Parliament, the Lenin statue, the White House (Presidential Palace), the central Ala Too square, and then have a welcome dinner in town, in a fine Kyrgyz restaurant. Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!
Overnight in Bishkek, Navat hotel, one night. Dinner.
Overnight in Bishkek, Navat hotel, one night. Dinner.
Day 2, Monday
After an early breakfast we are off east, driving through the fertile Chuy valley. Our first stop will be the Burana tower, the sole remain of a once large tenth century trading town along the Silk Road. Burana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also have a look at some of the road's curious bus shelter designs - these are among the Soviet Union's most interesting (abandoned) bus stops! We will stop to watch a game of kok boru, Central Asia's most popular sport. Lunch in a village inn. Then we continue to Issyk Kul, the world's second largest high altitude lake (after Titikaka in South America). We will stop at Balykchy, a desolate, windswept place, where it never (almost) rains. We will spend the night at the lake's scenic southern shore, in a comfortable new lodge.
Overnight in Tamga, Royal Apricot, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Tamga, Royal Apricot, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3, Tuesday
After breakfast we will have a look at some of the area's stunning canyons, and visit the workshop of a local yurt maker. At lunch we will arrive in Karakol, and grab a meal in a lovely local cafe. In the afternoon we will have a look at the wooden Dungan mosque and wooden Russian church, before going to our hotel, checking in, and taking some rest. We will have a home-cooked dinner, hosted by a Dungan (Chinese Muslim) family.
Overnight in Karakol, Green Yard, two nights. Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight in Karakol, Green Yard, two nights. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 4, Wednesday
We get up early, have breakfast, and we hop in a convoy of modern 4WDs that will take us close to the border with China. In fact we get so close that we need special border permits to visit. We drive across a 3800m-high pass, which will be covered in snow. For the pass we will switch in vintage 1960s and 70s heavy Soviet army trucks. Then we switch back to our 4WDs and head down to the abandoned town of Inylchek. Inylchek was once a community of 15,000, but the collapse of the USSR put an end to the ambitious plans to open mines and factories here. Inylchek is one of the most spectacular, eery places you can come across on this planet. It truly feels like the end of the world, or the end of the Soviet Union at least. A short drive beyond the town, where the road ends, brings us to a lovely open air hot mineral pool - you are welcome to take a dip if you feel like it. We will take our picnic lunch there. The entire valley may look barren, but there is actually a lot of history and heritage in those mountains. Let's explore them together. This is the place where the Soviet Union literally ended. A bit downstream and you end up in China. In the afternoon we will head back across the mountains to Karakol. Dinner at our hotel.
Overnight in Karakol, Green Yard, second night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Karakol, Green Yard, second night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5, Thursday
After breakfast we start towards the summer-only border checkpoing with Kazakhstan at the remote Karkara valley. We will cross and then drive through the foothills of the Alatau mountains, stopping at the big and impressive Charin canyon - where we will eat our picnic lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Almaty along the newly built highway (which leads to China), part of the new Silk Road. Arrival in Almaty, check in at our hotel, and dinner in a lovely Russian restaurant, inside one of the oldest buildings in Almaty.
Overnight in Almaty, Novotel hotel, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Almaty, Novotel hotel, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6, Friday
We will spend the full day in Almaty: exploring the city's oldest neighbourhood and church in the morning, and taking the cable car to the top of the nearby mountains for a fantastic lunch with a view. An afternoon to wander Almaty on your own. Dinner in a local Georgian restaurant.
Overnight in Almaty, Novotel hotel, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Almaty, Novotel hotel, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7, Saturday
After breakfast we head to Almaty's small airport, and catch a short (1 hour) flight to Tashkent. Transfer to our comfortable central hotel in Tashkent, and at noon we will have a traditional plov lunch in the city's most popular restaurant - where they cook more than three tons of plov, or rice, every day! In the afternoon we will go for a ride on Tashkent's metro, stopping at the three most interesting metro stations in town, then go to see the oldest Russian building in Central Asia (the tiny St George chapel), and the legendary Chorsu Bazaar, with its amazing architecture, bread makers, open food court, and abundance of colours and faces. Dinner in the best restaurant in town.
Overnight in Tashkent, Ichan Kala, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Tashkent, Ichan Kala, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8, Sunday
An early breakfast at the hotel. We will take a domestic flight to Nukus, the capital of the Autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic. We will drive north, to the workshop of the last yurt maker in Karakalpakstan. We will have a look at the ruins of an old Silk Road town, and have a home-cooked Karakalpak lunch. In the afternoon we will head back to Nukus, check in at our comfortable hotel, and go to see the Savitsky museum of Avant-garde art (with the second largest collection of Soviet avant-garde art in the world). Free time in the later afternoon to rest or take a stroll along the town's dusty streets. Dinner at our hotel.
Overnight in Nukus, Tashkent hotel, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Nukus, Tashkent hotel, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9, Monday
After breakfast we head south. We will stop at the ruins of an ancient Zoroastrian citadel and fire temple, and then cross the Amu Darya (the Oxus) at an old pontoon bridge, which still holds a ship cemetery with boats that used to go along the Oxus - perhaps the last ship cemetery in Uzbekistan. We will stop for lunch and a walk in the old town of Khiva. In the afternoon, instead of driving on more bumpy roads, we we will take a train to Bukhara. We will have our own sleeper compartments, and although we are not taking the train for a night ride, you can still take a nap. It will be a long and slow ride, around 6 hours, but an interesting one - we will watch the sunset over the Kyzyl Kum desert. The train is the proper way of experiencing the vastness and emptiness of this land - rather than rushing on a potholed, busy, drab highway. We will enjoy a packed dinner onboard the train. At around 22 hours we will arrive in Bukhara, transfer to our hotel, inside an old Jewish merchant's home, with the town's best restaurant - which will be open to grab a drink and a dessert.
Overnight in Bukhara, Amelia, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Bukhara, Amelia, two nights. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 10, Tuesday
Breakfast in our exquisitely decorated dining hall, and then we head out to explore the narrow winding streets of the oldest surviving neighbourhood of Bukhara - the Jewish quarter. We will have a look at an abandoned Jewish home, the small but interesting Jewish market, and then the oldest synagogue in town. We will then make our way to the Muslim part of town, stopping to see a functioning medrasah. Lunch and afternoon on your own, exploring the winding streets of Bukhara.
Overnight in Bukhara, Amelia, second night. Breakfast.
Overnight in Bukhara, Amelia, second night. Breakfast.
Day 11, Wednesday
In the morning we will head to nearby Kagan, the railhead for Bukhara. We will have a look at the local Lyuli gypsy and Persian community, the very interesting old Russian, German and Japanese cemeteries in Kagan, and the crumbling old palace of the Emir. In the afternoon we will hop on a short train ride (1.30 hours) to Samarkand. In Samarkand we will go straight to the spectacular Registan, at the time of sunset, to take some photos when the Registan is at the most beautiful. Then check in at our comfortable L'Argamak hotel, and go out for dinner in the city's best restaurant.
Overnight in Samarkand, L'Argamak, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Samarkand, L'Argamak, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 12, Thursday
After breakfast, we will go to see the stunning Shah-i-Zinda cemetery with the most ornate tile decorations in Central Asia. Then we head to the recently re-opened border with Tajikistan at Panjikent (roughly 45 minute ride from downtown Samarkand). We expect crossing to be smooth. On the Tajik side we will visit the archaeological site of Sarazm, and then continue on the beautiful Zarafshan valley. We will spend the night in the quiet little village of Ayni.
Overnight in Ayni, comfortable guesthouse, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Ayni, comfortable guesthouse, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 13, Friday
After breakfast we will continue for around twenty miles down the Zarafshan valley. Villages will get smaller and older. We will see several old mosques and minarets. The highlight of Tajikistan will be the village of Veshab, with stunning terraced houses. In Veshab we will drink tea with a local family and have a walk along the steep streets of town. Then we head back west, and then south, towards Dushanbe. We will stop to have a look at the gargantuan Hodja Obigarm sanatorium. A late afternoon stroll in green, leafy Dushanbe, and farewell dinner in the city.
Overnight in Dushanbe, Serena hotel, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in Dushanbe, Serena hotel, one night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 13, Saturday
Breakfast, and transfer to Dushanbe airport for your flights back or where the heart takes you next.
€4360 per person, €670 single supplement.
Maximum number of travelers is 6.
Maximum number of travelers is 6.
- Accommodation in Central Asia best lodgings.
- Transport with a new, comfortable minibus and a number of trains: the fast Afrosiyob from Bukhara to Samarkand, and the slow train from Urgench to Bukhara.
- Drivers and guides lodging and food.
- Flights from Almaty to Tashkent and from Tashkent to Nukus.
- All meals according to programme. Tips for waiters included, drinks mostly not included.
- All taxes and fees.
- Bottled water, refreshments and sweet treats while on the bus and while exploring sights.
- A comprehensive information pack with maps, literature, useful knowledge and gifts.
- Tips for pretty much everyone but guide and driver.
- All activities according to the program.
- Entry tickets to all sights that are ticketed.
- And much, much more.
- International air fares.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, internet, drinks apart from those included.
Reservations and payment
Please fill in the Reservation Form with all details needed and send it to office@lyuba.tours or info@lyubatours.com. A deposit, upon booking, at the amount of €500 per person is required to assure your place. The final payment is to be made no later than three months prior to the start of the tour.
Extra nights and transfers
If you want to spend a night or two prior or after the tour, we can make a reservation for you or you can make a direct arrangement with the tour hotel or another hotel. We can also recommend a nearby hotel which is cheaper. Please note that we have included transfers in the price - advice us of your arrival and departure times. Which brings us to...
... flights
We love arranging flights, but in this case, we won't. You are responsible for booking your flight ticket. We can always help you with an advice.
Tour information
Once we get your deposit, us folks at Lyuba Tours will immediately send a confirmation of space by e-mail. We will also send reading materials, music and more information about the country: what to bring, what to expect, money, weather, food and other wise. We will send all this by snail mail or email.
About a month before the tour, we will send you hotel and rooming lists, emergency numbers and any last-minute notes. We will be happy if you meet payment and document submittal deadlines to insure we have time to post your materials. Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, you will find even more stuff awaiting you: maps, phrasebooks, postcards, and more.
Customs and entry requirements
For this trip you require a passport with validity six months beyond the last day of the tour. That passport should have a blank page for a stamp. Most western nationals no longer require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Tajikistan has an e-visa, which currently costs $30. Uzbekistan has an e-visa that currently costs $20. We can help with the application. Regulations are subject to change, and we will try to inform you of the latest changes.
Travel insurance
We strongly, strongly, strongly advise you to have a travel insurance for the trip. Situations may arise, voluntarily or involuntarily, in which the traveler cancels. We can recommend a comprehensive travel insurance plan, if you don't have one already. Insurance should cover trip cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, medical needs, and certain travel-related accidents. We highly recommend trip-cancellation insurance. Although please do read the insurance company's fine print, especially the section on 'pre-existing conditions'.
Ground transportation
We will travel across Central Asia with an air-conditioned, non-smoking modern minibus.
Health regulations
You are adviced to get a Hepatitis A and B vaccines. Please see the CDC's website for recommendations: www.cdc.gov. We suggest you check with your doctor for medical advice regarding the trip and your health. It is also suggested you discuss updating your tetanus and diphtheria booster.
Health considerations
To get the most out of a tour, a traveler should be in good physical and mental health, able and willing to walk, climb steps, and participate in group events. This trip requires moderate walking, sometimes over uneven streets or paths. If assistance is needed, a participant should travel with a companion. You must also be able to carry your own hand luggage, so please go light! Any physical or mental disability requiring special help or assistance must be noted in writing on the reservation form.
Opportunities for adventure
This tour is designed for those interested in learning everything about Central Asia. We will present you with all sorts of perspectives, and you will see many shades of Central Asia. Also, this is a moderately active program ('soft' adventure). Since some of the travel will be in remote areas, travel participants need to be flexible concerning time schedules, food and weather. Roads will be bumpy. Don't expect to find things exactly as they are at home! If that were the case, why travel? Occasionally, we may experience delays, alterations in the plans, some discomforts and inconveniences. But we will also experience a different culture and our minds and souls will be expanded! A spirit of adventure and tolerance is absolutely fundamental to participation in any of our tours.
Wandering Policy
We encourage everyone to partake in all the sightseeing and special activities. We've spent months researching and preparing a full and exciting program. However, if you would like to venture out on your own, or take personal time for rest or shopping, you may do so. This is your trip! We only ask that you alert our group leader and guide when you will be separating and rejoining the group. Please take extra security precautions with your belongings and yourself.
Changes in itinerary
Every effort will be made to operate this tour in accordance with the itinerary shown, including all activities as advertised. Museums and features are subject to scheduling. Occasionally, changes are made to improve an itinerary or enhance a certain feature. Unforeseen local conditions beyond our control may prevent the completion of an itinerary or require alterations in an itinerary. These local conditions can include inclement weather, seasonal variations in climate, changes in airline schedules and equipment, government appropriation of hotel space, and other events beyond our control that would jeopardize the traveler's comfort, safety, health, or enjoyment. In these cases, the right is reserved to substitute hotels, and to alter the itinerary for the comfort and safety of the travelers. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure.
Cancellations and refunds
Should Lyuba Tours cancel a departure for the reason of insufficient number of participants to operate the tour with no increase in cost, a full refund of all monies paid will be made.
On the participant's part, cancellation or change of date will result in a per person cancellation fee of €500, irrespective of reason up to 90 days before the tour. Cancellation made 89 days to 30 days before the tour will result in a cancellation fee of €750. From 29 days before the tour, the cancellation fee will be at the amount of the tour. Should your cancellation cause the number of participants to fall below the required number to operate the trip, and a replacement member cannot be found, the full portion of the trip will be forfeited. If a person requests a room share to avoid the single supplement and then cancels after final payment is made and a roommate has been assigned, then the person canceling forfeits the single supplement if a share cannot be found.
Should a person cancel a trip voluntarily, and if payment was made by a bank wire, the amount of bank wire expense charged to Lyuba Tours will be deducted from the refund amount.
Once the tour begins, no refund may be claimed for all or any part of the tour fee. Unused or changed hotel accommodations, transportation, or other services or features of the tour are neither refundable nor exchangeable.
Cancellations will only be accepted via e-mail, at office@lyuba.tours or info@lyubatours.com.
Please fill in the Reservation Form with all details needed and send it to office@lyuba.tours or info@lyubatours.com. A deposit, upon booking, at the amount of €500 per person is required to assure your place. The final payment is to be made no later than three months prior to the start of the tour.
Extra nights and transfers
If you want to spend a night or two prior or after the tour, we can make a reservation for you or you can make a direct arrangement with the tour hotel or another hotel. We can also recommend a nearby hotel which is cheaper. Please note that we have included transfers in the price - advice us of your arrival and departure times. Which brings us to...
... flights
We love arranging flights, but in this case, we won't. You are responsible for booking your flight ticket. We can always help you with an advice.
Tour information
Once we get your deposit, us folks at Lyuba Tours will immediately send a confirmation of space by e-mail. We will also send reading materials, music and more information about the country: what to bring, what to expect, money, weather, food and other wise. We will send all this by snail mail or email.
About a month before the tour, we will send you hotel and rooming lists, emergency numbers and any last-minute notes. We will be happy if you meet payment and document submittal deadlines to insure we have time to post your materials. Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, you will find even more stuff awaiting you: maps, phrasebooks, postcards, and more.
Customs and entry requirements
For this trip you require a passport with validity six months beyond the last day of the tour. That passport should have a blank page for a stamp. Most western nationals no longer require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Tajikistan has an e-visa, which currently costs $30. Uzbekistan has an e-visa that currently costs $20. We can help with the application. Regulations are subject to change, and we will try to inform you of the latest changes.
Travel insurance
We strongly, strongly, strongly advise you to have a travel insurance for the trip. Situations may arise, voluntarily or involuntarily, in which the traveler cancels. We can recommend a comprehensive travel insurance plan, if you don't have one already. Insurance should cover trip cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, medical needs, and certain travel-related accidents. We highly recommend trip-cancellation insurance. Although please do read the insurance company's fine print, especially the section on 'pre-existing conditions'.
Ground transportation
We will travel across Central Asia with an air-conditioned, non-smoking modern minibus.
Health regulations
You are adviced to get a Hepatitis A and B vaccines. Please see the CDC's website for recommendations: www.cdc.gov. We suggest you check with your doctor for medical advice regarding the trip and your health. It is also suggested you discuss updating your tetanus and diphtheria booster.
Health considerations
To get the most out of a tour, a traveler should be in good physical and mental health, able and willing to walk, climb steps, and participate in group events. This trip requires moderate walking, sometimes over uneven streets or paths. If assistance is needed, a participant should travel with a companion. You must also be able to carry your own hand luggage, so please go light! Any physical or mental disability requiring special help or assistance must be noted in writing on the reservation form.
Opportunities for adventure
This tour is designed for those interested in learning everything about Central Asia. We will present you with all sorts of perspectives, and you will see many shades of Central Asia. Also, this is a moderately active program ('soft' adventure). Since some of the travel will be in remote areas, travel participants need to be flexible concerning time schedules, food and weather. Roads will be bumpy. Don't expect to find things exactly as they are at home! If that were the case, why travel? Occasionally, we may experience delays, alterations in the plans, some discomforts and inconveniences. But we will also experience a different culture and our minds and souls will be expanded! A spirit of adventure and tolerance is absolutely fundamental to participation in any of our tours.
Wandering Policy
We encourage everyone to partake in all the sightseeing and special activities. We've spent months researching and preparing a full and exciting program. However, if you would like to venture out on your own, or take personal time for rest or shopping, you may do so. This is your trip! We only ask that you alert our group leader and guide when you will be separating and rejoining the group. Please take extra security precautions with your belongings and yourself.
Changes in itinerary
Every effort will be made to operate this tour in accordance with the itinerary shown, including all activities as advertised. Museums and features are subject to scheduling. Occasionally, changes are made to improve an itinerary or enhance a certain feature. Unforeseen local conditions beyond our control may prevent the completion of an itinerary or require alterations in an itinerary. These local conditions can include inclement weather, seasonal variations in climate, changes in airline schedules and equipment, government appropriation of hotel space, and other events beyond our control that would jeopardize the traveler's comfort, safety, health, or enjoyment. In these cases, the right is reserved to substitute hotels, and to alter the itinerary for the comfort and safety of the travelers. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure.
Cancellations and refunds
Should Lyuba Tours cancel a departure for the reason of insufficient number of participants to operate the tour with no increase in cost, a full refund of all monies paid will be made.
On the participant's part, cancellation or change of date will result in a per person cancellation fee of €500, irrespective of reason up to 90 days before the tour. Cancellation made 89 days to 30 days before the tour will result in a cancellation fee of €750. From 29 days before the tour, the cancellation fee will be at the amount of the tour. Should your cancellation cause the number of participants to fall below the required number to operate the trip, and a replacement member cannot be found, the full portion of the trip will be forfeited. If a person requests a room share to avoid the single supplement and then cancels after final payment is made and a roommate has been assigned, then the person canceling forfeits the single supplement if a share cannot be found.
Should a person cancel a trip voluntarily, and if payment was made by a bank wire, the amount of bank wire expense charged to Lyuba Tours will be deducted from the refund amount.
Once the tour begins, no refund may be claimed for all or any part of the tour fee. Unused or changed hotel accommodations, transportation, or other services or features of the tour are neither refundable nor exchangeable.
Cancellations will only be accepted via e-mail, at office@lyuba.tours or info@lyubatours.com.
Why don't you include Pamir?
We used to include Pamir mountains on our tours, from 2018 to 2019. Unfortunately, the Pamir Highway has deteriorated to the point that the ride is very bumpy, long and uncomfortable. The highway is extremely prone to landslides and closures. We have been lucky so far, but for how long? Tourist facilities in and around Murghab, in the heart of the Eastern Pamir remain poor: good food and toilets are a must, and an airport will be appreciated, for both local residents and visitors. And not least, there are now limited flights between Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek - making the final leg of the trip challenging. We have decided to focus on the Zerafshan valley in Tajikistan. It is every bit as stunning as the Pamir mountains. The ride is shorter, and the villages are culturally fascinating.
What clothes should we pack? What will the weather be like?
The lowlands, Bishkek, Almaty, all of Uzbekistan and Dushanbe will be warm. Lake Issyk Kul and the Zerafshan valley in Kyrgyzstan will have cool nights, and temperatures may drop during the day, too. We recommend a good, wind and water proof outer layer, and a good woollen sweater underneath. Layers are key to feeling comfortable. Good, waterproof, sturdy footwear is also a must. There may be a dusting of snow on two high passes - one in Tajikistan, and one in Kyrgyzstan.
We used to include Pamir mountains on our tours, from 2018 to 2019. Unfortunately, the Pamir Highway has deteriorated to the point that the ride is very bumpy, long and uncomfortable. The highway is extremely prone to landslides and closures. We have been lucky so far, but for how long? Tourist facilities in and around Murghab, in the heart of the Eastern Pamir remain poor: good food and toilets are a must, and an airport will be appreciated, for both local residents and visitors. And not least, there are now limited flights between Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek - making the final leg of the trip challenging. We have decided to focus on the Zerafshan valley in Tajikistan. It is every bit as stunning as the Pamir mountains. The ride is shorter, and the villages are culturally fascinating.
What clothes should we pack? What will the weather be like?
The lowlands, Bishkek, Almaty, all of Uzbekistan and Dushanbe will be warm. Lake Issyk Kul and the Zerafshan valley in Kyrgyzstan will have cool nights, and temperatures may drop during the day, too. We recommend a good, wind and water proof outer layer, and a good woollen sweater underneath. Layers are key to feeling comfortable. Good, waterproof, sturdy footwear is also a must. There may be a dusting of snow on two high passes - one in Tajikistan, and one in Kyrgyzstan.
Meet your guide
YURI BOYANIN
Yuri is Lyuba's son. Travel is in his blood. He's been on the road since 28 days old. Ever since, he's visited 130 countries on all continents. He is enormously passionate about the world, about art, architecture and history.
He is eager to show you some of the Caucasus' and Central Asia's most splendid and least known corners, which he has explored for years. Yuri has a PhD in History.
He is eager to show you some of the Caucasus' and Central Asia's most splendid and least known corners, which he has explored for years. Yuri has a PhD in History.
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