AFGHANISTAN…THE LAND OF THE TURQUOISE & LAPIS
November 05 - November 16, 2023
Led by STS Managing Director, Ihab Zaki and Professor Miklos Sarkozy, Historian, and Associate Professor
Afghanistan is a country that is rich in culture and history. Its geographic position puts it at the crossroads of China, the Mediterranean world, and Europe. It is a melting pot of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. Despite recent events, Afghanistan preserves a rich array of architecture, paintings, music, poetry, art, and relics of bygone civilizations. From ancient cities to spectacular natural wonders, with incredible cultural treasures and some of the highest mountains in the world, Afghanistan continues to amaze and delight the intrepid traveler.
This journey takes us from bustling Kabul to the foothills of the Hindu-Kush. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great as we travel through the country’s safest areas in the northern regions. Visit the fabulous city of Herat, once a great medieval center of Islamic learning and culture. Marvel at the legendary mountain caves of Bamyan and the spectacular lakes of Band-e-Amir. Tour the historical town of Mazar-i- Sharif, famous for its blue-tiled mosque, and the ancient caravan town of Balkh. Sample delicious Afghan cuisine, and shop for jewelry, carpets, and antiques.
Can be combined with Pakistan tour (October 11 - November 05, 2023)
Tour Cost (Land Only):
6 - 7 travelers $8,550.00
8 - 10 travelers $7,750.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $750.00
Price based on group size of minimum 6 participants and maximum 10 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/airport transfers.
Accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary (based on 3-4-star categories or best available in all cities out of Kabul).
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Tour Manager (provided the minimum number of travelers is reached).
Sightseeing in each city as per the itinerary.
Services of English-speaking guides.
Armed security (when and if needed).
All domestic flights within country.
Visa support letter.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and museums.
Bottled water on the bus during touring days.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International Airfare USA-DUBAI-USA
Flights DUBAI-KABUL / MAZAR-I-SHARIF-DUBAI (approx. $750.00).
Afghanistan visa (currently $400.00+$50.00 service fee - subject to change).
Passports should not have any Israeli stamps or visas.3-night hotel in Dubai (approx. 525.00).
Beverages with or without meals.
Any required pre arrival & pre departure PCR tests.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees at Afghan sites, laundry, emails, excess luggage, etc.)
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or early arrival.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions will be cold in the north and warm in the south. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road, and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
LODGING Level:
** Delightful: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but always with private facilities. Some breakfasts are simple and basic, but all hotels should have “working” A/C though not very reliable. (Average classification if you dare to compare to western style hotels is about 2 or 3 stars.
