About
Gallery
Itinerary
Location

$AUD 272 per day

Departure: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Arrival: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Adventure

Start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – yep, that’s a total of five Stans! See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that is intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issykul, explore Registan square in Samarkand and discover Darvaza Crater, a 70-metre wide hole in the Karakum Desert that is permanently aflame (yes, you read that right). And that’s just a few of the highlights of this trip! There’s so much to see, do and learn in this region, you’ll constantly find yourself surprised and delighted on this 24-day adventure through Central Asia.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is bookable if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (camping), Day 13 (home stay), Day 18 (home stay), and Day 20&21 (yurt camp), where you will be in shared accommodation. Single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight ticket booking no later than 45 days prior to departure. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 45 days of departure.
3. This is a multi-country trip. Please read the visa section of the Essential Trip Information carefully for the visa requirement. You'll need to travel with one passport throughout the trip as using different passport for exiting and then entering a different country may cause issue at the immigration. Visa for Turkmenistan requires a Letter of Invitation in advance which needs to be organized by our local operator. Evisa for Tajikistan for some nationalities will require a Letter of Invitation. Essential documents for the letter of invitation should be submitted no later than 60 days before the trip.
4. Independent travel is not allowed in Turkmenistan. If you have pre trip accommodation booked with us, you won't be allowed to leave your hotel without a guide in Ashgabat. Please consult with your booking agent if you need to book pre-trip accommodation in Ashgabat.
5. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel for us to arrange your complimentary arrival transfer. Once you have provided your flight details, a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Please note that this transfer could be a group one if customers arrive on the same flight.
6. If you are booked on a Friday departure in 2024, Air Astana has changed their flight schedule and there’s no flight from Dushanbe to Almaty on Day 16 of the trip as it was originally scheduled, therefore, your itinerary will change to below:
Day 14 Travel to Dushanbe, overnight in Dushanbe
Day 15 Midday flight to Almaty, overnight in Almaty
Day 16 Almaty city tour; overnight in Almaty
Day 17 Free day in Almaty, overnight in Almaty
Included visits and experiences not not changed in Dushanbe and Almaty, with adjustment of order of visits.

About

What's included

Meals: 23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners.
Transport: Private Vehicle, Flight, Metro, High Speed Train.
Accommodation: Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights).
Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
Ashgabat - Anau ruins.
Ashgabat - Independence Monument.
Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch.
Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater.
Konye-Urgench - City tour.
Khiva - Juma Mosque.
Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa.
Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace.
Khiva - Kunya Ark.
Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum.
Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza.
Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome.
Bukhara - Ark Fortress.
Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum.
Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace.
Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum.
Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda.
Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Samarkand - Registan Square.
Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit.
Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar.
Tashkent - City tour.
Tashkent - Metro tour.
Khujand - Jami Mosque.
Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake.
Dushanbe – Hissor Fort.
Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan.
Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Museum.
Dushanbe - Navruz palace.
Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral.
Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments.
Almaty - Panfilov Park.
Charyn Canyon - National Park.
Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking.
Karakol - Dungan Mosque.
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral.
Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch.
Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal.
Issyk-Kul Lake - Carpet workshop.
Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop.
Shamsy Valley - Burana tower.
Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch.
Bishkek - City walking tour.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Ashgabat

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Ashgabat. This fascinating city is currently being transformed into a lavish, marble-lined oasis. You’ll find perfect parklands and manicured streets – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country we’re about to explore. We kick things off at 6 pm this evening with a welcome meeting where you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and group leader before going over a few details of your epic trip. Then, you’ll head out for dinner as a group, tucking into your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine.

Day 2: Ashgabat

Wake with excitement for your first day exploring this intriguing desert city. Your locally based leader will take you to the main sites to see. You’ll spend hours touring the city – and trust us, you’ll need every minute to soak up everything this place has to offer. You’ll marvel at the four-pointed minarets atop the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen hers (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a (surprise!) massive minaret. From this lavish ode to Turkmen identity, continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name has a provocative history. Then travel outside of the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque, the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov, before heading further out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, the evening will be at leisure for you to explore (or simply relax) as you wish.

Day 3: Darvaza Crater

Wake up without an alarm today – you've got a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your will. In the afternoon, we’ll make tracks for Darvaza Gas Crater – an astounding 70 metre wide hole in the Karakum Desert that is permanently aflame (yes, you read that right). Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in this area in 1971, with the expectation of finding oil, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see today, they were wrong – the crater has been burning ever since. You’ll be treated to sunset over the crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell', from your nearby camp. Then, dig into a Turkmenistan-style barbecue dinner with your newfound travel companions before retiring to your tent for a night camping under the desert stars.

Day 4: Border crossing/Khiva

After breakfast at your desert camp oasis, we’ll hit the road enroute to Khiva – with a few sightseeing stops along the way, of course. Our first stop will be in Kunya Urgench, once a main hub of the Islamic world, it suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. Sporting plenty of monuments and interesting sites from the 11th to 16th centuries, you’ll explore a mosque, mausoleum and 60 metre Gutlug Timur Minaret in this interesting city. After a little time to explore, we’ll continue to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) and on to Khiva. On arrival in Khiva, you’ll have free time to get acquainted with the city before exploring in depth with your leader tomorrow.

Day 5: Khiva

Today is for sightseeing – and trust us, you’re going to see a lot. So, strap on your best pair of walking shs, have the camera fully charged and hit the streets with your local leader to guide the way. You can expect to see the magical blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Then, explore the Kuhna Ark, the 'citadel within a citadel' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. You’ll visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, a complex constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century pt, craftsman and fighter – the mint-coloured dome that tops the main mausoleum is stunning. You’ll marvel at the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, take a peek at Uzbek luxury – explore Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors. We told you there’s plenty to see here and this is a big morning of sightseeing, so the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 6: Bukhara

Today’s requirements – a good book, fully charged phone or pair of trusty headphones, ideally all three! We have a big travel day ahead of us. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the beautiful mosaics and incredible ancient monuments of this destination. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties which are reflected in the colourful culture here. Wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome tonight and see the ancient sites lit up in the evening.

Day 7: Bukhara

Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First up, visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress - the symbol of Bukhara and then one of Central Asia's
oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history and the geometric architecture is recognised the world over. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.

Day 8: Samarkand

Enjoy a free morning in Bukhara and then you’ll jump aboard train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. On arrival, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. Enjoy a free evening and maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night.

Day 9: Samarkand

It’s time to explore Samarkand with your group leader. First up is Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming, blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th-19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. You’ll be drawn to capture photos at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims still visit this complex. Then, you’ll visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it and maybe sample Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass, or two, of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). Last but not least, the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan - standing as true pinnacles of Islamic architecture.The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure - maybe inspect the remains of the remarkable medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg, an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Today, only half of the below-ground semicircle track can be seen, but there is a small museum close by that gives some context. Or perhaps visit the Afrosiab Museum of Samarkand, the main attraction of which is a tenth-century mural. In the evening, you are in for a treat! You’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration and enjoy this delicious Uzbek feast!

Day 10: Tashkent

Today, enjoy a free morning before you say goodbye to the magnificent Samarkand and jump back on the train around middday and head straight to Tashkent. Enjoy a free evening in this capital city, an interesting mixture of the reminiscence of Soviet time and its Uzbek traditions.

Day 11: Tashkent

Follow your leader on a city walking tour - explore Amir Timur square at the city center, then hop on the metro for a tour in the station to see its extravagant decoration and then lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and maybe go and visit the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century, or simply relax and enjoy some well deserved downtime.

Day 22: Bishkek

This morning, you’ll kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, your final destination for this epic journey. Stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take it easy and familarise your surroundings with your tour leader. You'll enjoy some free time afterwards.

Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake

With relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then, tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a skyfull of stars with a vodka.

Day 20: Issyk-Kul Lake

Today is for scenic hikes, waterfalls and panoramic views! After breakfast, we’ll drive along the south shore of Lake Issykul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178km long and 60km wide – it's a fantastic sight to see! On route, we’ll stop to see the picturesque Jety Oguz, also known as Seven Bull Valley, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon where you’ll marvel at the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area – it's dry and arid but there’s something incredibly beautiful about this place. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – you'll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area – used for generations by nomadic tribes as the structures are easy to transport and assemble. Enjoy your night under the stars!

Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol

We’ll explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for their azure water framed by lush, green mountains. Trust us, the hike through the forest will be well and truly worth it once you arrive at these lakes. You may also get a chance to visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake, a stunning turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide causing a dam in the forest. As time went on, the dam filled with water and the trees were covered, leaving just their trunks standing dramatically in the centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. Cross border and carry on to Karakol. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a little sightseeing in Karakol, once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history just waiting to be explored. You’ll visit the Dungan Mosque, built in 1910 this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail – instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. You’ll also get a chance to explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.

Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park

This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.

Day 12: Border crossing/Khujand

After breakfast this morning, we’ll hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khojand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in 6th century BC. You’ll get a chance to explore Khojand in the afternoon, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque. If you have any free time, you might like to visit Arbor palace – an example of soviet architecture of the 1950’s.

Day 16: Border crossing/Almaty

After breakfast today, we’ll catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan. It’s known as a skier's paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, ritzy restaurants, excellent museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it, where locals live much more simply. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city at your will this afternoon, otherwise grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 15: Dushanbe

Today is made for a day of sightseeing in Dushanbe with your locally based guide by your side. Take a public bus to see Navruz Palace, initially planned as a new tea house but now it has grown to conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco style. Walk back a bit and pass by president office known as friendship house to Rudaki square, with Ismail Somoni monument overlooking city hall and friendship palace. And, anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. You can check out exhibits here from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations (Greek/ Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centerpiece is the 14m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia.

Day 14: Dushanbe

This morning, we’ll hit the exciting mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to Hissor Fort, the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located atop a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe however you please, you might choose to explore one of the many parks or museums in the city.

Day 13: Iskanderkul lake/Sary Tag Village

This morning, you’ll take the epic drive across Shahriston pass (with an elevation of 3378m) to Iskanderkul Lake. Strap in, this is sure to be an exciting ride but don’t worry, your experienced driver is a pro when it comes to the twists and turns of this high-altitude highway. You’ll be delighted to arrive at Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great, this place is a weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. You’ll get a chance to marvel at the local “Niagara” and Zmeinn Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and truly discover the local way of life.

Day 23: Bishkek

You’ll step back in time with a city tour showcasing the country's fascinating history. You’ll visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, which was known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, we’ll explore Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find lush, century-old oaks. Later in the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your travel mates and enjoy an optional final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through The Five Stans.

Day 17: Almaty

Strap on your walking shs – we have a full day of sightseeing in Almaty ahead of us today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll sure notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the glittering streets today. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. Enjoy the rest of the day as your free time.

Day 24: Bishkek

With no further activities planned, your Five Stans adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon.

Location

Read all Terms and Conditions

Your rights

These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions are designed to protect your rights under Australian Consumer law by ensuring that you are fully aware of all Travel Providers' terms and conditions, including payment schedules, before you commit to purchasing travel. These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions (below) are owned by our "Travel Affiliate" Darebin Travel. If there is any doubt as to your rights or obligations, our Travel Affiliate will answer your questions.

When you accept these terms and conditions, you agree that DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115) and its associates and suppliers (except our Travel Affiliate, as prescribed in the Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions, below) shall not be liable for any loss and/or damage (including without limitation incidental or consequential damages and/or lost profits) resulting from your access to and/or inability to use the travel services provided by our Travel Affiliate Darebin Travel.

Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions

Summary

1. References to "us", "we" and/or "our" in these Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions means Darebin Travel Pty Ltd (ABN: 70 005 763 208) trading as Darebin Travel.
2. We are a travel agent. We arrange travel services and sell a Travel Product on behalf of Third Party Travel Providers (Providers) including airlines, tour and cruise operators, car hirers and accommodation providers. We may charge a service fee for providing this service (outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees).
3. Once we have booked a Travel Product on your behalf, your contract is then with the Provider of those services.
4. Your rights to amend or cancel your Travel Booking and the cost of doing so will be governed by the Provider's terms and conditions. The Provider’s terms and conditions may be non-refundable or may have amendment and cancellation fees. It is important that you understand this when entering into a contract with us. These fees are in addition to amendment and cancellation fees charged by us, outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.

Agency

5. We provide you with Booking & Advisory Services that allow you to acquire Travel Products from a Provider. We act as an agent for the Provider.
6. By acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us, you agree that you have read and understood our terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the Providers.

Fees and Commissions

7. We charge a fee for providing the Booking & Advisory Services to you. The fee is non-refundable, even if the Travel Product is not used.
8. All fees are outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
9. We may receive a commission, fee, rebate, gift or financial incentives from Providers, in respect of your booking. Any commission, gift, fee, rebate and/or financial incentive received by us from Providers in relation to your booking is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

Liability of Agency and Limitations of Liability

10. We are liable to you for providing Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions.
11. Our travel Booking & Advisory Services come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law which cannot be excluded. These guarantees include that the services:
a. will be provided with due care and skill;
b. will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose;
c. can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result; and
d. will be provided within a reasonable time.
12. If we do not meet any of the expectations set out in paragraph 11, you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
13. Subject to the Australian Consumer Law, we are not liable for any technical errors, corruption of any data, unauthorised access to your personal data, inaccuracies in information supplied by you or third parties, or failure to complete bookings when that failure is due to circumstances beyond our control.
14. Subject to the application of consumer guarantees which may be implied into the supply of Booking & Advisory Services to you, we are not otherwise liable to you or anyone else for any loss or damage which is suffered directly or indirectly in connection with the:
a. the delivery or non-delivery of the Travel Product; or
b. any act or omission of Providers or other third parties.
15. Apart from the rights you have under the Trade Practices Act that cannot be lawfully excluded, we shall not be liable for any inconvenience, delay, loss, death, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party suppliers, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control.
16. Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to exclude or restrict the application of consumer guarantees under consumer protection law.

Liability of the Provider

17. Once you have acquired Booking & Advisory Services from us, the Provider will provide you with the Travel Product on the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. You should obtain and read the Provider's terms and conditions before acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us.
18. The Provider is liable to you for a breach of obligations in providing you with the Travel Product.
19. As an agent of the Provider, we have no control over or liability for, the services provided by Providers. We cannot guarantee the performance of the Provider and we have no liability in respect of the supply of any Travel Products including any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any provider of travel services or products by Providers. All bookings with us are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by the Provider.

Booking Terms

20. The Travel Products offered are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice by the Provider. Travel Products may also change at any time in accordance with any Provider's terms and conditions.
21. When making a booking, you must provide details of each traveller correctly. We have no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the incorrect entry of a traveller's details.
22. Travel Products obtained through the Booking & Advisory Services are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed.
23. It is your responsibility to contact the Provider prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time.
24. Most airlines offer only electronic confirmation of your reservation, or 'e-ticketing'. We cannot be held responsible if your e-ticket does not arrive due to an incorrect email address or your junk email settings. You must notify us immediately if you change your email address or contact telephone number after making a booking. It is your responsibility to advise us if you have not received your e-ticket confirmation.
25. When making a booking you must advise your consultant of any medical, dietary or mobility conditions you may have.
26. When making a booking you must advise us if you are pregnant.

Payment Terms

27. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified.
28. All pricing is inclusive of goods and services tax (GST), or other such value added taxes where applicable.
29. Payments processed in foreign currency (currency other than the original card holders country of issue), may incur a currency conversion fee. Please refer to your financial institution for applicable fees.
30. We sell Travel Products in two different ways:
a. as merchant, where we take payment directly from you at the time of booking confirmation; or
b. as retail, where your Travel Product will either be paid to the Provider directly at the time of booking or payable to the Provider on the date of travel.
31. Travel Products purchased in accordance with the 'retail' method, will not be bound by these terms and conditions and you are responsible for pursuing any claims of cancellation, re-scheduling, refunds or chargebacks directly with the merchant.
32. As the merchant we are governed by the terms and conditions of the Provider of the merchant facility.
33. A credit card or debit card fee may also be charged by certain Providers and low cost carriers. You will be notified of such charges prior to your purchase.
34. All charges, including the credit card fees, may be in another currency (e.g. EUR), which we will provide an estimate for in Australian dollars.

Refunds and Credits

35. If you cancel your Travel Product, your right to a refund or credit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Provider.
36. If the Provider is required to provide you with a refund or credit for the Travel Product, we will liaise with the Provider to arrange that refund. Where you are entitled to a refund, we are unable to provide you with this refund until we receive it from the Provider. Please note that most Providers take 60 – 90 days to process any refund.
37. Any refund or credit will be subject to these terms and conditions and will not include the Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received. You may also be charged a cancellation fee by the Provider.
38. Where refunds for unused services are allowed, a service fee may be charged by the Provider against the value of the refund.

No Show

39. If you have a booking for a Travel Product (including flights and accommodation) but you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not avail yourself of such Travel Product, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.

Cancellation and Amendments

40. If you amend or cancel your Travel Product, we reserve the right to charge the cancellation and amendment fees as per the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
41. The Provider may charge cancellation and amendment fees in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. These will be in addition to the fees charged by us. We are not liable for any cancellation fees or refusals to refund made by the Provider.
42. Many Providers treat name changes and route and/or itinerary alterations as a full cancellation and these can incur full cancellation charges.
43. We will not charge a cancellation or amendment fee if you cancel or amend your booking due to a breach by us of our obligations to you or due to our fault.

Cancellations and Amendments for Online Low Cost Carrier Bookings Only

44. If your flight booking is with a low cost carrier, you can only cancel or change your booking by contacting the Provider directly.
Cancellations and amendments for hotel bookings only

Cancellations and Amendments for Hotel Bookings Only

45. Please review the cancellation policy for your hotel booking for any penalties that may apply.

Force Majeure

46. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations in booking the Travel Product that is due to events beyond our control.
47. If a force majeure event occurs that affects your booking, your entitlement to a refund, a credit or re-scheduled travel booking will depend on the Provider's terms and conditions.
48. If your booking is impacted by a force majeure event and you are entitled to a refund or credit from the Provider, we will facilitate this refund or credit.
49. The Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received are non-refundable in the circumstance that a force majeure event occurs.

Low Cost Flights

50. If you book a low cost flight with us, we will make the booking on your behalf and your contract for your low cost flight will also be subject to the airline's booking terms and conditions.
51. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details of the booking are correct before proceeding. For any changes or cancellations, please contact the airline directly, quoting your reference.

Additional Airline Charges

52. Some Providers may also charge additional fees. Please check with the Provider for their full terms and conditions.

Hotel/Accommodation Bookings

53. Some Providers will require an additional charge to be paid locally (e.g. a resort fee) at the time of check in or check out. This amount is in addition to the amount shown during the booking process under the 'total booking cost' amount.
54. There may be taxes levied abroad but not paid at the point of purchase that are payable in relation to your hotel booking (e.g. local taxes, sales tax etc.). Any local taxes will be payable by you directly to the Provider at the time of check in/check out.

Changes in Price and Itineraries

55. We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the event we have reasonable grounds to believe it is fraudulent.
56. If a Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product. Any refund would be subject to the Travel Provider terms and conditions.
57. These terms and conditions are subject to variation at any time. Any variation will be displayed here, and you will be deemed to have accepted a variation if you have made a booking after it has been displayed.

Your Obligations and Warranties

58. You warrant to us that:
a. you are at least 18 years old and have the power, capacity and authority to enter into a binding contract with us and with the Providers of the Travel Products that you acquire;
b. you have read and understood these terms and conditions and if booking on behalf of third parties, you have conveyed these terms and conditions to them;
c. the information you provide us about yourself is true, accurate, current and complete (apart from any optional items) as required by any registration process;
d. you have considered acquiring comprehensive travel insurance and we are not responsible for any failure by you to acquire adequate insurance cover; and
e. you will use the Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions and you will not use the Booking & Advisory Services in any way to breach any laws or defame anyone.

Jurisdiction and Law

59. All matters arising out of or in connection with the Booking & Advisory Services and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. By acquiring the Booking & Advisory Services, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Victoria, Australia.

Definitions

" We" and "us" means Darebin Travel.

" You" or "your" means any user of our Website or any person who acquires the Booking & Advisory Services, including any person who acquires a Travel Product (whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person).

" Booking & Advisory Services" means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Provider and includes advisory and consulting services.

"Force Majeure” means, but not limited to: acts of God, accident, riot, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, adverse weather conditions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion and generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy.

“ Travel Provider” or "Provider" or "Providers" means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you.

" Travel Product" means the service or product provided by a Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.

" Website" means our website https://deluxelife.com.au/

Schedule of Professional Service Fees

Planning Fee	$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
Service Fees	$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
	$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
	$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
	$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted
	NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
	NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking
	$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you
	$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked)
Deposit & Balance	For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable. After you pay the balance of payment this will become fully non-refundable 60 days before travel, or earlier, if specified by the supplier.
Amendment Fees	Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Amendment Fees	Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Cancellation Fees	Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Cancellation Fees	Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
Credit Card Fees	Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
	Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
	American Express - an additional 2.0% applies

(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).

Privacy Notice

Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).

We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.

ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS

These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.

Passports, Visas and Health Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.

For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .

For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.

Travel Advice

We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.

Ticketing

For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.

Baggage Allowance

Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.

Frequent Flyers & Special Requests

For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.

Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.

Where do you want to travel next?

Central Asia: Five Stans Express