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Uzbekistan Highlights Tour

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Uzbekistan Highlights OVERVIEW

TOUR SUMMARY

8 days

Tashkent to Tashkent

ON REQUEST

Country(ies): Uzbekistan

Tour type: Small Group

Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 16

Accommodation: 3 to 4-star hotels

Meals:

Transport: A/C minibus, domestic flight & train

Highlights: Tashkent, Old Urgench, Ichan-Qala fortress in Khiva, Bukhara, the incredible Registan Square in Samarkand

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day odyssey through the timeless wonders of Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history and culture, where each city whispers tales of the ancient Silk Route. Your journey begins in Tashkent, the storied capital that seamlessly blends its rich past with modern vibrancy. Here, amidst bustling bazaars and ornate mosques, you'll immerse yourself in the beating heart of Central Asia.

A brief flight whisks you away to Urgench, gateway to the enchanting oasis of Khiva. Step into a bygone era as you wander through its labyrinthine streets, where every corner reveals a new story etched in the walls of the Ichan-Qala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site standing as a sentinel of centuries past.

Next, journey to Bukhara, a city where the very essence of Silk Road commerce still lingers in the air. Lose yourself in its maze of ancient alleyways, where vibrant bazaars beckon with treasures both old and new. A full day of exploration awaits, culminating in the mesmerizing National Show at Nodir Devan Begi Madrasah, where the cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan unfurls before your eyes.

But the crowning jewel of your adventure awaits in Samarkand, a city of legendary allure and timeless beauty. Behold the awe-inspiring Registan Square, its majestic arches and intricate mosaics a testament to the grandeur of ages past. Here, where the echoes of history reverberate through the very stones, you'll bear witness to the splendor that has captivated travelers for centuries.

As your journey draws to a close, board one of Uzbekistan's high-speed trains for a swift return to Tashkent, where the memories of your extraordinary week will linger long after your departure.

For those seeking further adventure, consider extending your travels with one of our Turkey group tours, seamlessly blending the allure of two ancient lands.

Unable to join our scheduled departures? Fear not, for we offer the flexibility of private tours, tailored to your preferences and schedule. Contact us to unlock a world of possibilities and begin planning your bespoke Uzbekistan experience today.

ITINERARY

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Day 1:   Arrive in Tashkent, transfer to hotel

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Tashkent for the start of your trip.

OVERNIGHT:

Tashkent hotel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

Single room supplement (UZSGUH)


Day 2:   Tashkent City Tour, fly to Urgench

Our trip begins this morning with a tour of the capital city of Tashkent. We'll visit the old part of the city to see the Hast-Imam Complex and ChorSu Bazaar. Later, we'll continue on to the centre of Tashkent to see Independence Square, Amir Temur Square and the Applied Arts Museum. Later in the afternoon, we'll transfer to the Tashkent Domestic Airport where we'll take a short flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, we'll transfer directly to Khiva where we'll spend this evening.

OVERNIGHT:

Khiva hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 3:   Khiva & Urgench sightseeing, fly to Bukhara

We'll check out of our hotel in Khiva this morning before beginning our sightseeing. Our first stop of the day will be to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site at the Ichan-Qala Fortress. Whilst at the fortress, we'll also visit the Kunya-Ark, Saveed Alauddin Mausoleum, Arab Mukhamadkhan Madrasah, Og-Masjid Mosque, Madrasah of Hodjan Berdi-biya, Shirgazikhan, Abdullakhan, Juma Mosque, Allakulikhan Madrasah, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and finally the Minaret of Islom-Khoja. In the afternoon we'll have a little free time for further exploration before we transfer to Urgench airport for another short flight to Bukhara, where we'll spend the night.

OVERNIGHT:

Bukhara hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 4:   Bukhara sightseeing

Today we'll take a walking tour of Bukhara City. Our first stop will be at the Mausoleum of the Samani Dynasty. Today we'll also visit the Ark Fortress, Chashma-Ayub, Kalon Ensemble, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, trade domes, Lyabi Khauz complex and the Chor-Minor Madrasah. This evening we'll head to the Nodir Devan Begi Madrasah for a dinner and show.

OVERNIGHT:

Bukhara hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


Day 5:   Bukhara to Samarkand

After breakfast today we'll continue our sightseeing with a drive out of the city to visit the Sitoraj Mokhi-Khosa, which was the summer residence of Bukhara's last Emir. We'll also visit the Mausoleum of Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi and the Chor Bakr necropolis. This afternoon we'll depart for Samarkand, which is around a 4 hour drive. Along the way we'll make a stop at the Rabat Malik Caravanserai, which dates back as far as the 11th century. Late in the afternoon we'll arrive in Samarkand where we'll spend the night.

OVERNIGHT:

Samarkand hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 6:   Samarkand Sightseeing

This morning we'll start our sightseeing of Samarkand. We'll include a visit to the spectacular Registan Square, the remains of Bibi Khahum Mosque, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Gur Emir Mausoleum, central Samarkand Bazaar and the Shrine of Tamerlane.

OVERNIGHT:

Samarkand hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 7:   Samarkand sightseeing, train to Tashkent

Today is our final day in Samarkand before heading back to Tashkent. In our remaining time here we'll visit the Tomb of Saint Daniel and the Afrosivob Museum, before driving to Koni Ghil village to experience the traditional way of making Samarkand paper from Mulberry. At around 16:00, we'll transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Tashkent.

OVERNIGHT:

Tashkent hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 8:   Tashkent, free time, transfer to airport

Your time is free in Tashkent today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping before we transfer you to the airport for departure.

OVERNIGHT:

N/A

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


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Included:
  • All accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels as stated in the itinerary
  • All transport and transfers
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Domestic flights from Tashkent to Urgench and Urgench and Bukhara
  • Train between Samarkand and Tashkent
  • Professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site
  • Dinner with folklore show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah in Bukhara
  • Entrance fees to various sites
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tipping kitty
  • Visa support letter for Uzbekistan visa

Excluded:
  • International Flights (available on request)
  • Uzbekistan tourist visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tips for guide & driver
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Dates and Prices

This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.

Start Date
End Date
Price (P/P)
Offer price
Note

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.

The Royal Mezbon Hotel

The Royal Mezbon Hotel

Tashkent

Local rating

Our rating

 The Royal Mezbon Hotel The Royal Mezbon Hotel

The Royal Mezbon Hotel is located in Uzbekistan’s capital of Tashkent. It is 10 to 15 minutes from the city centre and is also near to the airport and train station. It has a bar, restaurant, spa, and gym. It offers laundry and dry-cleaning, business services, and assistance with transport and tickets/excursions. The hotel also offers free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and modern, and have en-suite bathrooms, TVs, minibars, and hairdryers, amongst other amenities.

 

The Royal Mezbon Hotel is located in Uzbekistan’s capital of Tashkent. It is 10 to 15 minutes from the city centre and is also near to the airport and train station. It has a bar, restaurant, spa, and gym. It offers laundry and dry-cleaning, business services, and assistance with transport and tickets/excursions. The hotel also offers free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and modern, and have en-suite bathrooms, TVs, minibars, and hairdryers, amongst other amenities.

 

Hotel Bek

Hotel Bek

Khiva

Local rating

Our rating

 Hotel Bek Hotel Bek

Hotel Bek is located in Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent. The international airport is nearby, as well as the train station and several restaurants and cafes. It features 24 rooms, 17 of which are standard doubles and 7 of which are suites. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and are equipped with WiFi, minibars, and international phones.

Facilities include a garden, pool, conference room, restaurant, bar, and business centre. There is also a 24-hour laundry service available.

 

Hotel Bek is located in Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent. The international airport is nearby, as well as the train station and several restaurants and cafes. It features 24 rooms, 17 of which are standard doubles and 7 of which are suites. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and are equipped with WiFi, minibars, and international phones.

Facilities include a garden, pool, conference room, restaurant, bar, and business centre. There is also a 24-hour laundry service available.

 

Devon Begi Hotel

Devon Begi Hotel

Bukhara

Local rating

Our rating

 Devon Begi Hotel Devon Begi Hotel

Devon Begi hotel is located in the city of Bukhara, near to the city centre and several important historical sites. It is a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Navoi International Airport.

It has 28 rooms, each with city views. Each is equipped with safes, satellite TVs, and minibars. Some of the rooms have dishwashers and tea-and-coffee facilities. Breakfast is included, and children are welcome. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Other facilities and services include a spa, restaurant, airport shuttle, room service, laundry service, and housekeeping service.

 

Devon Begi hotel is located in the city of Bukhara, near to the city centre and several important historical sites. It is a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Navoi International Airport.

It has 28 rooms, each with city views. Each is equipped with safes, satellite TVs, and minibars. Some of the rooms have dishwashers and tea-and-coffee facilities. Breakfast is included, and children are welcome. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Other facilities and services include a spa, restaurant, airport shuttle, room service, laundry service, and housekeeping service.

 

Emir Han Hotel

Emir Han Hotel

Samarkand

Local rating

Our rating

 Emir Han Hotel Emir Han Hotel

This hotel in Samarkand is located on a part of the ancient Silk Road which used to connect the city with Bukhara. The airport, as well as train and bus stations, are nearby. It offers 4-star services and accommodation. There are several room types, each offering WiFi, TVs, air-conditioning, hairdryers, safes, phones, and more. The Lux Suite has a Jacuzzi. The hotel itself features a pool, breakfast lounge, garden, and restaurant. Services on offer include a laundry service, taxi service, and staff available for 24 hours a day.

 

This hotel in Samarkand is located on a part of the ancient Silk Road which used to connect the city with Bukhara. The airport, as well as train and bus stations, are nearby. It offers 4-star services and accommodation. There are several room types, each offering WiFi, TVs, air-conditioning, hairdryers, safes, phones, and more. The Lux Suite has a Jacuzzi. The hotel itself features a pool, breakfast lounge, garden, and restaurant. Services on offer include a laundry service, taxi service, and staff available for 24 hours a day.

 

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you‘re visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.

Single room supplement (UZSGUH)

From R7960*

Single room supplement (UZSGUH)

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 1 person/s


This group tour is based on twin-share accommodation. If you are a single traveller and would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, please add this option onto your booking. If you are happy to share a room, please let us know and we will see if we can pair you up with another single traveller of the same sex. If a room share is not available when you pay your balance, then 50% of the single room supplement fee will be payable. If a room share becomes possible after you have paid your balance then your payment rowards the supplement will be refunded. Room shares are arranged in order of booking.

Note: Single supplement prices may vary seasonally.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

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  1. Accommodation

We use good quality hotels rated at the Uzbekistan 3 and 4-star level on this tour. Accommodation is based on twin, triple or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning.

Please check the Single Room Supplement option for details on room sharing options and charges for solo travellers on this tour.

  2. Transport

Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you’re really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. In Uzbekistan we do not use any public tourist buses or overnight coach journeys as we know that people don't sleep on board and end up very tired for the following few days.

In addition to road transportation, this tour also features 2 short internal flights between Tashkent/Urgench and Urgench/Bukhara and we make use of the high-speed Afrosiyob Train between Samarkand and Tashkent.


  3. Transfers

Our Uzbekistan tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Tashkent airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. Our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Tashkent airport.

Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.


  4. International Flights

We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, except on some Escorted Tours, we don’t include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to book your flights for you. Our ATOL (UK flight sales license - No. 10467) protects all holidays booked together with a flight from the UK.

Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we’ll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from. Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour whether you book your flights independently or through us. Our Uzbekistan tours start and finish in Tashkent airport (TAS).


  5. Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides

We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There’s no point in us providing great guides if you’ve got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won’t ever put you in a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and just one guide. Instead, we set our Uzbekistan group departures to have a maximum of 16 travellers.

In Uzbekistan we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking guide for all of the sightseeing tours. On departures where we have a minimum of 6 participants we'll also include a tour escort for the entire tour. Our local reps in some of the towns and cities en-route are also at your service. At Encounters Travel we try to use local guides and reps as much as possible. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.


  6. Entrance Fees

The tour price includes entrance fees to all the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. You will need to cover the cost of entrance to any other extra sites that you may wish to visit.

Camera Fees: Photography is restricted in various ways at different sites. Often flash photography is often forbidden to protect the exhibits and ancient pigments, and sometimes cameras are not allowed in at all. Please respect these rules as they are there partly for your benefit. Where camera fees are charged, these are not included in the tour price and must be paid locally.


  7. Tipping

Tipping isn't common practice in Uzbekistan, however a tip for good service is always very much appreciated.

Throughout your tour you will have various tour guides and drivers and if you feel you've had good service you may wish to give them a small tip at the end of the time they spend with you. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget and your satisfaction with the service provided. We are often asked to provide a guide however:

Restaurants and taxis: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. For more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour guide or tour leader. We suggest around GBP 1.50 / EUR 2.0 / USD 2 per person per day for local guides.

Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however GBP 1.50 / EUR 2 / USD 2 per person per day is generally appropriate.

Tour guide: As a guideline we suggest around GBP 20-35 / USD 35-50 / EUR 25-45 per person for the whole tour, but this is ultimately up to you.


  8. Health and Vaccinations

You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination.
You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for Uzbekistan are Hepatitis A and Tetanus.

More information is available here: Uzbekistan
Malaria map - there is low risk malaria in some south eastern regions.
Yellow fever certificates are not required.


  9. Passports and Visas

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Uzbekistan, however we will provide assistance with this. After confirming your reservation we'll ask you to complete a passenger manifest where you'll need to list various personal details. We'll then use this form to obtain a Visa Support Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent. This letter will then allow you to travel without first obtaining your visa and you'll be able to obtain a visa on arrival in Tashkent through payment of the appropriate fee (for most nationalities this is around $40, however this does vary dependning on your nationality - please contact us for more specific information).

The cost of the support letter is included in your tour price, however the cost of the actual visa on arrival is not.


  10. Time

Uzbekistan Time is GMT plus 5 hours. Daylight saving time is not observed in Uzbekistan.


  11. Money

The monetary unit in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). 1 Som= 100 Tiyin.
Current Exchange rate UZS 1,000 (GBP 0.19) as at 11 July 2017 at 9:05pm. Bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. Travellers' cheques are not normally accepted. There are very few cash dispensers. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations. You will need to complete a foreign currency declaration form when you arrive, and keep a copy yourself. You cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with.


  12. What to take

Luggage: Suitcases, rucksacks or fabric holdalls are all fine to bring with you to Uzbekistan. You should also bring a small daypack/bag to take out during the day. Your main luggage will normally be left in the hotel during your sightseeing trips – you will not need to carry it far, and there are nearly always hotel porters to assist.

Luggage limits: There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.

Clothing: Modesty rates highly in most of Uzbekistan, especially for women, so please ensure clothes are loose fitting and not too revealing. Loose shorts are OK in tourist sites, as are T-shirts, but these should not show too much bare flesh (your shoulders should remain covered). In local villages, and any mosques throughout the country, legs and arms should be covered.

Other items: We also recommend you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, money belt, small torch, camera & charger.


  13. Dates & Prices

We run regular small-group departures on this tour between March and November starting on a Friday. All departures are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 16. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and on a separate dates & prices sheet available on request.


  14. Booking & Payment

If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website (via the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page). You may make a deposit or full payment online, or just hold a reservation if you prefer (full payments are due 8 weeks before departure). We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by debit or credit card (subject to a card processing fee), or by making a bank transfer, or posting us a cheque/bank draft. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.


  15. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads Travel Insurance offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

If your tour includes car hire, or if you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.

If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.

IMPORTANT:  We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour.  If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.

Covid-19
Before purchasing any travel insurance, please check the coverage provided for situations related to Covid-19, and for the rules about government travel advice. Your normal policy may not be suitable.


  16. Financial Security

We are a UK registered company and are committed to providing our customers with financial protection to provide peace of mind and to allow you to book with confidence.
We have therefore partnered with Trust My Travel Ltd., which provides financial protection services to over 2000 partners around the world. Funds paid to us by our customers are protected via an Insurance policy held by Trust My Travel. Each traveller and the description of services sold is declared against Trust My Travel’s insurance policy directly against our financial failure. In the event of our insolvency, you will be refunded for any unfulfilled products and/or repatriation to the UK (where applicable). Please see our website or booking conditions for more information.


  17. Responsible Tourism

It is impossible not to have an impact on the local environment, cultures and eco-systems when you travel. However, it is very possible to try and ensure that these impacts are as limited, or positive as possible. We are committed to ensuring that we try to leave our host countries in a better state than we found them and encourage and assist our travellers to help us with this.
The following are a few simple tips that require very little effort on your part but which will help ensure that any effect you have on the locations you visit is positive rather than negative.

  • Don't prejudge: Things in different countries will almost certainly be different. That doesn't make them worse or inferior, just different.
  • Communicate: Don't expect locals to speak your language. Take the trouble to learn a few words or phrases of the local language. Don't worry about sounding silly. Most locals are patient and accommodating and appreciate you making the effort to communicate in their language.
  • Conserve energy: Be careful not to waste valuable resources. Use local resources sparingly. Switch off lights, air-conditioning and fans when you leave the hotel room and don't waste water. Remove superfluous packaging. Many countries have far less efficient waste disposal systems than ours. Remove packaging from newly acquired items before leaving home.
  • Don't litter: No matter how untidy or dirty the country you're travelling in may look to you, avoid littering, as there is no need to add to the environment's stress. Many of the countries we visit have a tough challenge dealing with rubbish and waste. Please consider taking home as much plastic waste as you can (e.g. water bottles).
  • Choose environmentally friendly products: By using environmentally friendly (bio degradable) sun creams, shampoos and detergents you can help reduce pollution.
  • Respect local customs and traditions: As you are a guest in these countries, you should also comply with the local customs. If you are friendly and well mannered, the locals will reciprocate and it will only enhance your experience. It's important to follow dress and behaviour guidelines especially when visiting religious or sacred sites (your tour leader will advise you how best to do this).
  • If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and Encounters Travel shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. No refund will be given for any unused services.

All porters are employed and equipped following guidelines set by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).


  18. Follow Us Online

You can stay in touch with us online by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We post updates on relevant travel news in our destination countries, special offers and discounts and other interesting travel related news and information.
www.facebook.com/encounterstravel
www.twitter.com/encounterstravl (yes, without the 'e')


  19. Before you travel

It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.

General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.

You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.

Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.

'Travel Aware' campaign


  20. Reduce Plastic Waste with Water-to-Go Filter bottles

Traveling responsibly means minimizing plastic waste, but staying hydrated on the go is essential. At Encounters Travel we are committed to reducing single-use plastics, which is why we've partnered with Water-to-Go. Their portable filtration system removes over 99.9% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source, turning even questionable water sources into safe drinking water.

Given that tap water is un-safe to drink in many of the countries in which we operate, we recommend purchasing a Water-to-Go bottle prior to departure. This will help you avoid the use of single use plastic bottles and keep you hydrated on the go.

Save big! Get a huge 25% off your Water-to-Go bottle and other Water-to-Go products (such as filters, lids, and carriers). Use code ENCOUNTERS25 at checkout (valid in the UK, USA and Canada).

How Water-to-Go Technology works:

  • Their reusable, BPA free water bottles contain their own unique 3-in-1 filtration technology effectively providing clean safe drinking water from any non-salt water source around the world.
  • Three different (1 traditional and 2 nano) technologies are combined in one filter cartridge to remove up to 99.9999% of microbiological contaminants in water.

The three technologies used in a Water-to-Go filter are:

  • Mechanical filtration – A tiny pore size, so small contaminants can’t fit through.
  • Electrical – A positive charge reduces the pore size even further and attracts contaminants like a magnet, trapping them inside the filter.
  • Activated Carbon – Unlike most carbon based filters, instead of using adhesives to glue the carbon particles together, (which vastly reduces the carbon’s efficiency) it is contained within the membrane, helping to reduce contaminants whilst eliminating bad tastes and odours. Try filtering water from your tap at home and taste the difference!

Water-to-Go filter bottles deliver safe, healthy water worldwide

  • Water-to-Go filters remove bacteria, viruses, waterborne disease, protozoa, heavy metals such as lead as well as harmful chemicals.
  • Their filters remove Chlorine and Fluoride from tap water.
  • The filter will eliminate harmful contaminants from the water but allow beneficial minerals such as sodium and magnesium to pass through leaving you with the healthiest water possible.
  • Water-to-Go filters have been independently tested against internationally recognised standards by industry specialists including The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK), BCS Laboratories (USA), Bangalore Test House (India) and IMI (China).

Use Water-to-Go products and you’ll be healthier, wealthier and helping to make the world a better place!

  • Depending on filter size, each Water-to-Go filter is able to replace 260 or 400 single-use plastic water bottles!
  • They ensure you have access to safe water anywhere in the world without ever having to buy environmentally damaging bottled water.
  • Their water bottles deliver safe, clean drinking water at just 5p per litre.
  • The filter membrane is biodegradable and the shrouds are recyclable.
  • The water bottles are used and approved by everyone from backpackers to commuters, gym users to expecting mums. Perfect for everyday, outdoor and travel.

  21. Voltage

Sockets are two round pronged and 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don't have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are normally available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already.
If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.

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