POST COVID TRAVEL TO CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS

So many of our clients can't wait to start their travels …to enjoy that wonder of a new destination, breathtaking scenery and intriguing cultural experiences. Everyone wants to know when they can visit Central Asia and the Caucasus - to wander ancient Silk Road cities, hike the spectacular mountains, experience a starry desert night, or a local celebration, complete with every dish on the menu!

With the onset of Covid 19 restrictions, last March we began deferring trips for 2021 and 2022. We are so grateful to each of you for your confidence in Silk Road Treasure Tours' ability to provide you with the trip you've looked forward to! We've loved having you with us for our online presentations for Silk Road destinations, cultures and cuisine. We'll keep providing these online events and welcoming your participation until you are ready to travel again.

We're optimistic about the return to international travel with the arrival of new vaccines around the world and the lifting of some travel restrictions. As we turn our attention outwards again, I am reminded of how much I miss the natural beauty, seasonal festivals and fascinating cultural treasures throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed having some time to spend at home this winter, I even liked the snow! But my mind returns to memories of tours to my homeland, our wonderful clients and of the colleagues and friends we've made along the way. We can't wait to take you with us on a spectacular journey through the countries of the Silk Road.

Many of our clients have already received their vaccinations - good news indeed! It will be a game-changer for international travel and reduced quarantine times, but we, and the world, remain vigilant. With our award winning team on the ground, we're preparing special travel safety kits (which include supplies of masks and personal hand sanitizers) for our clients on arrival. The safety and well being of our travelers and team are our first priority. Advance preparation and up-to-the minute monitoring of changing government travel restrictions will make for smooth global travel going forward.

We're pleased to work closely with governments and colleagues implementing enhanced sanitation procedures at airports, hotels, railways and restaurants in the new travel era. Tour guides, museums, historical sites and accommodations have adopted strict protocols. I was fortunate to visit my family in Uzbekistan in November and took the opportunity to review many of our itinerary destinations with the team. I was impressed with the measures taken to ensure visitor safety. Our colleagues and local guides keep up-to-date with information on local health care providers and testing procedures. Our clients will have their test results ahead of their return home.

We are ready when you are to start talking about future travel plans and possibilities! Sign up now for our 2021-2022 Silk Road tours with refundable and transferable deposit payments up to the final payment date before your travel. Let us work with you to address all your concerns and provide the best options.

What's open?

The good news is that Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, and Georgia and Armenia in the Caucasus are ready for you now! Documentation of negative Covid PCR test results conducted within 72 hours of departure is required. Travelers will also have a rapid antigen test administered upon arrival. Currently there is no quarantine for those who test negative. Visitors returning to the US or other home country will have tests and documentation provided. Mask-wearing is mandatory throughout these great value destinations.

Uzbekistan remains one of the most popular wish-list destinations. We can get you there. With plenty of open spaces and no tourist crowds even before Coronavirus, government protocols and restrictions have made it a safe, distanced destination. Our private vehicles and tour guides and carefully selected accommodations will help you travel with peace of mind. International name hotels like the Hilton and Hyatt are available for those who prefer a known brand right now, along with new luxury and spaand of course the boutique hotels the region is famous for. Last summer the family friendly Silk Road Beach Resort opened on the shores of Tudakul Lake near Bukhara, perfect for our multigenerational groups! Non-essential businesses like restaurants and hotels are operating with strict sanitization and social distancing protocols in place.

As of February this year, Georgia allows unconditional entry for all fully vaccinated travelers! Good news for Foodies who have this fabulous country on their "must-eat" list!The Marriott Tbilisi is back on our list of great hotels with their renovations complete, and air balloon rides over the city offer spectacular views. In Yerevan, Armenia, there is a new way to social distance dine - in a small restaurant hanging from a crane! Dine Sky seats only 22, but there are no better views of the city!

We are also delighted to share with you our 2021 Bucket List destinations to consider exploring whenever you are ready. See you soon! https://www.silkroadtreasuretours.com/bucket-list

Zulya