UZBEKISTAN + KYRGYZSTAN ITINERARY

UZBEKISTAN + KYRGYZSTAN ITINERARY Central Asia’s cultural highlights followed by breathtaking and energizing natural scenery 15 – 28 April 2014 HOW ...
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UZBEKISTAN + KYRGYZSTAN ITINERARY Central Asia’s cultural highlights followed by breathtaking and energizing natural scenery 15 – 28 April 2014

HOW IS YOUJUSTLIVEONCE DIFFERENT? Breathtaking adventures and super value for money are the hallmarks of every ‘YouJustLiveOnce’ trip. Our trips are aimed at travellers who prefer a fun, independent, convenient and responsible way to travel. The structure for a great travel experience is in place, but free time means you can go off and make your own discoveries. What makes us different from tour operators is that we do what we do because we love it and we enjoy doing it... we don’t do this for profit. We chose this destination and we planned this itinerary as our own adventure. This gives you the peace of mind that not only the trip was researched well but also that you’re not missing out on any of the must-see’s (because we wouldn’t want to miss them) and that you’re getting maximum value for your money (coz we want to save money too)! We will be travelling with or without you... if you think you’ll love our company and we’ll love yours, join us ☺

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WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP UNIQUE? - Very small group of like-minded travellers - Comfortable and central accommodation - Impossible-to-match value for money

VISITING:

- Tashkent

- Samarkand

- Aydarkul Lake

- Kyzyl Kum

- Bukhara

- Khiva

- Bishkek

- Ala Archa NP

- Issyk Kul Lake

- Karakol

- Chon Kemin

WHAT OTHER TRAVELLERS SAID ABOUT YOUJUSTLIVEONCE.COM “The itinerary was amazing viewing the best highlights of the amazing Brazil, fantastic. All the excursions were well organised and great, we made some great new friends and we had the time of our life… and all of this a whacking good price!! Brazil. What an amazing country! YouJustLiveOnce.com if you want a unique trip.” Duncan Borg “It was a huge leap of faith for me to entrust YJLO with my long dreamed-about trip to Peru. I had consulted foreign agencies before coming across YJLO, but something struck me as right about this agency, and the staff's enthusiasm for exciting travel is infectious. I went with my gut feeling and trusted them with all my holiday arrangements. They were extremely patient and helpful with all my questions, especially since I did this trip alone. All I can say is that my instinct was 100% correct: the trip was one of the most wonderful things I have done in my life, everything went smoothly, and never once did I feel lost or was forgotten by any local reps. The excursions and activities were one burst of excitement after the other and the standard of the hotels was just right for me (clean, not too many frills, but not cheap hostel stuff either). My experience with YJLO was perfect, and I can honestly recommend YJLO to anyone who loves seeing and exploring the world more closely and with enthusiasm. As soon as I can afford another trip like this, YJLO will be the one I call first!” Adrian Cardona “Real travelling with a difference. Value for money; active trips for those who like nature and culture, who like to meet new interesting people...You just live once....so grab your backpack and travel.” Claudio Bezzina “A very well organised fun-packed trip to a well chosen destination offering scenic sights, a great choice of activities and a world of adventure. Fun tour guide and company. A truly memorable experience. Well done and thanks!” Jackie Briffa

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“This is the second time I have travelled with YJLO, and it has once again been a pleasure. The itinerary fitted what I wanted to see most in South Morocco, and it followed a logical order. The company was brilliant and it was a very enjoyable trip. YJLO trips are not for people who want everything served on a plate, but for those travellers who are active and enjoy an absorbing, interesting and fun holiday, YJLO is definitely the way to go!” Adrian Cardona “Nothing in life is perfect but the trips Youjustliveonce.com organises, it’s fair to say, are pretty much as close as you can get!....And I'm a pretty critical person :)” Stephanie Cassar “YJLO is the best source for adventurous trips. I wouldn't call them tours because that surely wouldn't do them justice.” Robert Vella “It was a very memorable experience travelling with Youjustliveonce.com. The itineraries were excellent and the tour guide showed us his experience and preparation in travelling. The trekking and site seeing were impressive. If I went to Slovenia alone, I'm sure that I had missed some magnificent attractions that the tour guide planned for us. The hotels chosen were also comfortable, central and the all the amenities required. This was very value for money holiday and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an active and enjoyable holiday.” Antonella Massa “I really want to thank YouJustLiveOnce for their dedication to make this trip an unforgettable one. I met lots of interesting people that were so friendly and willing to help. “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” I think this quote fits just right for this trip we experienced together. If it was not for all the great people that were on this trip, this holiday would have not been so successful as it was.” Andrew Giordmaina

ITINERARY - DAYS 1 & 2

(15-16 April 2014)

MALTA – ISTANBUL – TASHKENT Our flight departs from Malta at 15:15 and lands in Istanbul, Turkey at 18:35 giving us four hours to connect to our onward flight to Uzbekistan. We will land in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan at 5am local time. We have made arrangements for an early check-in into our hotel so that if we are tired we can recharge our batteries for a few hours. Late in the morning, we will set off to explore Tashkent, Central Asia’s hub and an eccentric kind of place. In one part of the city Russian-speaking cabbies scream down broad Soviet-built avenues while across town, old men wearing long, open-fronted chapan (quilted coats) cart nuts through a maze of mud-walled houses towards a crackling bazaar. Although most travellers use Tashkent mainly to jump off to somewhere else, the city comes with its fair share of interesting sights. We will start off our guided tour in the territory of the Old City where medieval architectural monuments such as the Barakh-khan and Kukeldash Madrasahs and the buildings of the impressive Khast-Imam Complex are situated. Other architectural gems in the Old City include the Juma mosque of Khoja Ahrar Vali, the Yunus-khan and Kafal-Shashi mausoleums, the Islamic University, the library in Tillya Sheykh mosque with the oldest Koran in the world. is the traditional bazaar located in the center of the old town of Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Needless to say we will also pay a visit to Chorsu bazaar – constructed in the central square of the old town. Under its blue-colored dome, all daily necessities are sold. It is the center of public life, the breadwinner of the whole city. Then there is the area around Independence Square which is more like a large park. With several monuments and fountains, surrounded by impressive public buildings and filled with trees and flower beds, the square in Tashkent is a showcase of modern Uzbekistan. Tashkent boasts a live live culture, a rapidly improving restaurant scene and the best nightlife in the Muslim world east of Beirut Tonight, accommodation will be in the 4 star Le Grande Plaza Hotel or similar. http://www.legrandeplaza.com

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ITINERARY - DAYS 3-4

(17-18 April 2014)

SAMARKAND After an early breakfast we leave Tashkent and drive for approximately 3 hours towards Samarkand. No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand. For most people it has the mythical resonance of Atlantis, fixed in the Western popular imagination by poets and playwrights of bygone eras, few of whom saw the city in the flesh. From the air your eye locks onto the domes and minarets, and on the ground the sublime, larger-than-life monuments of Timur, the technicolour bazaar and the city’s long, rich history, indeed work some kind of magic. Surrounding these islands of majesty, modern Samarkand sprawls across acres of Soviet-built buildings, parks and broad avenues used by buzzing Daewoo taxis. Over these two days we will visit all the major sights of the city. We will start our sightseeing in Registan Square - an ensemble of majestic, tilting medrassas - a nearoverload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces. Medieval Samarkand's commercial centre and probably a wall-to-wall bazaar, it is nowadays, the centrepiece of the city and one of the most awesome single sights in Central Asia. The three grand edifices (the Sherdor, the Ulughbek and the Tilla Sheikh madrassas) are among the world's oldest preserved ones, anything older having been destroyed by Jenghiz Khan. They have taken their knocks over the years courtesy of the frequent earthquakes that buffet the region and the fact that they are still standing is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of their builders. Other sights on our route include the enormous congregational Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the Islamic world's biggest mosques; the superbly decorated necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda and Siob Bazaar, the frenetic, colourful main farmers market, great for photographers as well as silk and souvenir hunters. Overnight will be at the Malika Classic Hotel or similar http://www.malika-samarkand.com/classic.htm

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ITINERARY - DAYS 4-5

(18-19 April 2014)

YURT CAMP – KYZYL KUM DESERT – AYDARKUL LAKE In the afternoon of day 4 we will leave Samarkand and drive towards the Kyzyl Kum Desert where we can learn a little bit about the nomadic customs and traditions and most importantly, experience the beauty of the dunes and enjoy the silence of the steppes. We will switch from our vehicle onto camels and ride to the yurt camp which will be our base for the night. Yurts are tent-like homes made of a circular lattice of poles covered with felt or animal skins, very typical of Central Asia. Nowadays yurt bases are equipped with all comforts such as showers, toilets and electricity. Inside, the yurts are decorated with handmade carpets and colourful fabrics. After sunset, dinner is served and then everyone gathers around the fire to spend the evening listening to the songs of the local bard or just spend time in silence, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, watching the stars and the Milky Way. After breakfast on day 5, we will once again ride our camels and head to Aydarkul Lake. Called the "turquoise sea in the sands", this 250 km-long lake has enchanted and charmed countless travellers. In spring when we will visit, the alpine grasslands are awash with bright-red tulips and snowy-white acacia. During this time, thousands of ducks, geese, pelicans and herons flock here since the water level is very high. The area around the lake is ideal for leisurely walks or rides on horseback or camelback. One can also relax on the beach or why not, take a dip in the slightly salty waters of the lake. Lunch will be served by the shores of the lake and after we will ride back to the yurt camp to then depart towards Bukhara. We’ll spend the night of day 5 in the Zargaron Plaza Hotel or similar.

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ITINERARY - DAY 6

(20 April 2014)

BUKHARA Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara has buildings spanning a thousand years of history and a thoroughly lived-in old centre that probably hasn’t changed much in two centuries. It is one of the best places in Central Asia for a glimpse of pre-Russian Turkestan. Most of the centre is an architectural preserve, full of medressas, a massive royal fortress and the remnants of a once-vast market complex. The government has pumped a lot of money into restoration, even redigging several hauz filled in by the Soviets. Although the centre has become a bit too clean and quiet, the 21st century has still been kept more or less at bay. Important monuments that survive from early times include the famous Ismail Samanai tomb, impressive in its sober elegance and the best surviving example of 10th century architecture in the whole Muslim world. From the 11th century Karakhanid period comes the outstanding Poi-Kalyan minaret, a masterpiece of decoration in brick, along with most of the Magoki Attori mosque and the Chashma Ayub shrine. The Ulugbek medresseh is a surviving contribution from Temurid. With the advent of the Sheibanids came some of the most celebrated buildings of Bukhara: the Poi-Kalyan group, the Lyabi-Khauz ensemble, the Kosh Medresseh and the Gaukushon medresseh in the Hodja-Kalon ensemble. Later buildings from this phase of Bukhara´s history include monumental medressehs at important crossroads: Taki Sarafon, TakiTilpak-Furushan, Tim-Bazzazan, and Tiro-Abdullah-Khan. In the early 17th century fine buildings were added, including a new great mosque, Magoki Kurns (1637), and the imposing Abdullaziz-Khan medresseh (1652). However, the real importance of Bukhara lies not in its individual buildings but rather in its overall townscape, demonstrating the high and consistent level of urban planning and architecture that began with the Sheibanid dynasty. We’ll spend the day visiting all these highlights and others like the Ark fortress. Overnight will be at the same hotel as yesterday.

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ITINERARY - DAYS 7-8

(21-22 April 2014)

KHIVA After breakfast on day 7 we’ll drive through the Kyzyl Kum desert in the direction of Khiva. We’ll stop for a walk on the scenic banks of the Amudarya (Oxus) river and arrive in Khiva at around 4pm. The rest of the afternoon will be free. Khiva is spectacular by night when the moonlight silhouettes the tilting columns and medressas and the dim lighting and shadows in the twisting alleyways make it seem like a scene out of an Arabian Nights movie. Therefore, it would be a good idea to take a stroll around the old town today. Khiva struck fear into all but the boldest 19th-century hearts as stories of slave caravans, barbaric cruelty and terrible journeys across deserts and steppes infested with wild tribesmen spread across Central Asia. Today, as a result of a Soviet conservation programme in the 1970s and ’80s, it’s now a squeaky-clean official ‘city-museum’ and even among its densely packed mosques, tombs, palaces, alleys and at least 16 medressas, one needs a fertile imagination to get a sense of its mystique, bustle and squalor. It is however considered by many as the absolute architectural and cultural highlight of Uzbekistan. This because the historic heart of Khiva, unlike that of other Central Asian cities, is preserved in its entirety. In fact, it is considered as the most homogeneous example of Islamic architecture in the world. During our tour of Khiva we’ll visit the Kunya Ark, Kalta minor, Muhammad Aminkhan and Muhammad Rahimkhan medrassas, Juma mosque and Minaret, Islam Khodja minaret, Tash Hauli palace and others. The list of sights worth visiting in Khiva is endless but since they’re all encapsulated in the compact old town, it’s easily doable in a day especially since we’ll be accompanied by a local guide.

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ITINERARY - DAYS 8-9

(22-23 April 2014)

KHIVA – TASHKENT – BISHKEK In the evening of day 8 we will transfer to Urgench to take a short flight to Tashkent where we will connect onto a flight to Bishkek. We will arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan at 4am so we will immediately transfer to our hotel for some hours of rest. After a late breakfast we’ll drive around half an hour out of the city towards the spectacular glacial canyons and rugged peaks of Ala Archa nature park. Towering over the park are the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatau Range including Peak Korona (4860m) and Semenov Tianshanskii (4895m). The park consists of 200 km² of forested valleys, waterfalls and rivers and has a rich fauna varying from marmots to the rare snow leopard. From the park entrance and car park there are numerous hiking options, from gentle strolls along the Ala Archa valley floor to serious mountaineering. The most popular options for day trippers are the Ala Archa valley walk (easy, approx 4hrs) or the hike up the Ak-Say valley to the waterfall (a little more strenuous with around 700m of ascent taking approx 5 hrs). Everyone will have ample time to partake in the activity s/he wants to do before a barbecue lunch is served. After lunch we’ll drive back to Bishkek and the rest of the day will be free.

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ITINERARY - DAY 10

(24 April 2014)

BURANA TOWER – ISSYK KUL LAKE After breakfast we’ll head out to Issyk Kul Lake, one of less than 20 ancient lakes in the world. However, first we will stop at Burana Tower located near the town of Tokmok. The tower, along with grave markers, some earthworks and the remnants of a castle and three mausoleums is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was established by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. An external staircase and steep, winding stairway inside the tower enables visitors to climb to the top. From here we will proceed to Issyk Kul. The Issyk-Kul region is Kyrgyzstan’s most popular tourist destination and its biggest attraction is the lake that bears its name, the world's second largest alpine lake, after Lake Titicaca. It stands 1600 m above sea level and is 170 km long, 70 km wide and 695 m deep. "Issyk-Kul" means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz, as it never freezes. Called "The Pearl of Central Asia" the lake changes colour depending on day time and sun position, from pale green to saturated turquoise blue. The mountains and the marine microclimate produce a wild, unique environment. The mountains surrounding the lake are a shelter for very rare animal species (snow leopard, cutter-loader, wild boar) and plants, such as the Tyan-Shan fir. Violent rivers, starting from snow-white glaciers, carry their waters to the lake. In 2001 Issyk-Kul was designated by UNESCO as a Man and Biosphere reserve. The area around the lake is well known for its beautiful sandy shores among locals and people from Kazakhstan and Russia. Also there are many great valleys with number of trekking, climbing or horseriding possibilities on the southeast part of Issyk-Kul area. Today we’ll also visit the Bronze Age Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs or as the place is more commonly known, the Stone Garden. Dinner and overnight today will be at a hotel on the shores of the lake.

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ITINERARY - DAY 11

(25 April 2014)

ISSYK KUL LAKE - KARAKOL After breakfast we can enjoy an hour long cruise on the dazzlingly clear waters of the lake before driving to the town of Karakol situated on the eastern side of the lake, at the foot of the picturesque mountains of Tien Shan. On our way we will make a brief visit to the museum of Nikolay Przhevalsky, the Russian geographer who was a pioneer explorer of Central and Eastern Asia. The boat trip is extra and the price depends on how many will go. We’ll be able to discuss and organise this later or once the group’s closed. Karakol is a peaceful, low-rise town with backstreets full of Russian gingerbread cottages, shaded by rows of huge white poplars. Many tourists use it as a starting point for the excellent hiking, trekking, skiing and mountaineering in the high central Tian Shan to the south and east. The town itself however boasts a number of interesting places such as a very original wooden mosque built by Chinese artisans entirely without metal nails and a similarly appealing wooden Russian Orthodox church which was used as an officer's club during Soviet times and today is the Holy Trinity Cathedral. In the afternoon we’ll head off for an enjoyable trek in Karakol Gorge – a picturesque region full of forests, numerous lakes and magnificent waterfalls. In April the meadows should also be covered with beautiful carpets of tulips, snowdrops, edelweiss and asters. Tonight we’ll be hosted for dinner by a local Dungan (Muslim people originally from China living in Central Asia) family. Overnight will be in a small hotel in town.

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ITINERARY - DAY 12

(26 April 2014)

KARAKOL – DJETY OGUZ – CHON KEMIN After breakfast we will leave Karakol and drive just 25km away to Djety Oguz. We will hike past the red rocky sand formations which give the area its name (Djety Oguz in Kyrgyz means ‘Seven Bulls’ and the rock formations supposedly look like bulls) and up the main gorge along the winding Djety Oguz mountain river. The route will take us through cool juniper groves and passes from where we can enjoy colourful panoramas and breathtaking landscapes. In the gorge we might have the possibility to witness ‘berkutchy’ – a traditional Eurasian art which involves the training of Golden eagles for hunting purposes. In the afternoon we’ll go for a nice walk in Skazka Canyon. This canyon is also known as due to the sandstone cliffs which have been shaped by centuries of wind and melting snow into an ensemble of columns and formations ranging in colour from deep red to bright orange. From Skazka we’ll proceed to Chon Kemin where we will spend the night.

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ITINERARY - DAYS 13-14

(27-28 April 2014)

CHON KEMIN – BISHKEK – MALTA After breakfast we will leave Chon Kemin and drive to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is a relatively new city and therefore has limited historical sites. It is however, an interesting example of a czarist planned city laid on a grid with wide boulevards flanked by irrigation canals and large trees and buildings with marble façades. Many young travellers find Bishkek's nightlife a delight. In the afternoon we’ll visit the State History Museum and take a walking tour around the main Ala Too Square to see the changing of the Guard ceremony and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House and the only monument to Lenin which is still standing in Central Asia. One can use the remaining free time to do some last minute shopping at either one of the modern shopping malls or pop by Osh bazaar – Bishkek’s largest market and an authentic oriental bazaar which has changed little or nothing over time. An early sleep is recommended since early on day 14 we will transfer to Bishkek International Airport to catch our plane home via Istanbul.

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TOUR COSTS & PRICES The “Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan” trip costs €2900 per person in twin sharing and includes international and internal flights as per itinerary. A non-refundable deposit of €1500 is required to secure booking. The balance will be required not later than 35 days prior to departure. BOOKINGS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MONDAY 3RD MARCH 2014 BUT WE MAY CLOSE THE GROUP EARLIER SINCE PLACES ARE LIMITED. A supplement of €290 applies for accommodation in a single room. If you are single but would like to share a twin room with another traveller, please let us know at the time of booking and we will try to ‘pair’ you with someone else. This is obviously not guaranteed.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • International flights to/from Malta (details below) • International flight between Tashkent and Bishkek • Experienced group leader • English speaking local guide & driver • Airport transfers in air conditioned vehicle • Transport in air conditioned tourist vehicle • Accommodation in hotels as per itinerary • 1 night Accommodation in Yurt base • Daily buffet breakfast + 2 Lunches + 2 Dinners • All excursions as per itinerary • All entrance fees as per itinerary • Drinking water on board the vehicle • Comprehensive pre-departure information • Handling of entry visa acquisition process

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED • Travel Insurance • Meals not specified in itinerary (cheap) • Uzbekistan Entry visa (€40) • No Visa required for Kyrgyzstan

FLIGHTS (All Flights are included in the price) Date 15 April 2014 15 April 2014 22 April 2014 23 April 2014 28 April 2014 28 April 2014

From Malta Istanbul Urgench Tashkent Bishkek Istanbul

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To Istanbul Tashkent Tashkent Bishkek Istanbul Malta

Dep 15:15 23:55 21:30 01:55 06:20 12:35

Arr 18:35 06:30 +1 23:35 04:10 09:10 14:20

Airline and Flight No Turkish Airlines TK1370 Turkish Airlines TK368 Uzbekistan Airlines 1058 Uzbekistan Airlines 777 Turkish Airlines TK349 Turkish Airlines TK1369

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I, …………………………………………………………………… hereby confirm that the information contained above is correct to my knowledge. I fully understand the nature of this tour and acknowledge that I have read, understood and accept the Terms and Conditions of the booking as contained below. I understand that the €1500 per person which I am paying as deposit to confirm this booking will not be refunded if I decide to cancel for whatever reason. I also agree to pay any balance as well as present proof of Travel Insurance (if this is not being arranged by You Just Live Once’ no later than 35 days before departure date.

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PAYMENT DETAILS FOR DEPOSIT PAYMENT OPTION 1 - BY CHEQUE PAYMENT OPTION 2 - BY BANK TRANSFER PAYABLE TO ‘YOUJUSTLIVEONCE’ TO HSBC A/C 074-014994-003 OR BANK CHEQUE NO AMOUNT BANK REF CODE AMOUNT

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TERMS & CONDITIONS ‘You Just Live Once’ trips are not run as a commercial activity. A ‘You Just Live Once’ trip is no different than when you travel with a group of friends except from the fact that in this case you have the luxury of all the logistics and organisation being taken care of. These Terms and Conditions have been laid out to clarify what you (the Traveller) should expect and what would be expected from you on a ‘You Just Live Once’ trip. These conditions cover every aspect of your holiday, from the moment you book up until the moment you return home. ‘You Just Live Once’ accepts participating in their trips subject to the following terms and conditions: 1) Your Contract with ‘You Just Live Once’ To secure a booking ‘You Just Live Once’ requires a completed and signed booking form together with a non- refundable deposit as specified in the booking form or full payment for travel not later than 56 days before departure. Travellers booking by e-mail will be deemed to have read the booking conditions and accepted them even in the case that these Term and Conditions are not included in the booking form file submitted. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when ‘You Just Live Once’ has confirmed acceptance in writing. It is at this point that a contract between ‘You Just Live Once’ and the Traveller comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into force, ‘You Just Live Once’ reserves the right to increase or decrease published prices. Since ‘You Just Live Once’ trips are essentially private trips, ‘You Just Live Once’ reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion. The contract is between ‘You Just Live Once’ and the Travellers, being all persons named on the booking form travelling or intending to travel with ‘You Just Live Once’. The person signing the booking form (which incorporates these terms) warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions. The contract, including all matters rising from it, is subject to Maltese Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Maltese Courts. 2) Payment for your Trip The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at that time, must be paid to ‘You Just Live Once’ not later than 56 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, ‘You Just Live Once’ will treat the booking as cancelled by the Traveller and the deposit forfeited. 3) The Local Payment If the Trip being booked requires a local payment, this must be paid in cash at the start of the trip to the group leader / courier on the day of departure in the currency stated beforehand in the Trip dossier, brochure or pre-departure briefing. The Local Payment does not cover all meals but is an intrinsic part of the tour cost and contributes towards the overall costs. It is accepted that the Local Payment amount is subject to change due to exchange fluctuations and price shifts as its is based on estimates at the time of publishing. 4) Changes by You Any changes to the original booking must be confirmed in writing by the person signing the booking form. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to 3rd party restrictions and/or applicable charges or fees. 5 a) Changes by Us While ‘You Just Live Once’ will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised, by entering into this contract the Traveller accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour itinerary or its contents. ‘You Just Live Once’ reserves the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the brochure (including flights, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of the closest monetary value available without compensation and accepts no liability for loss of enjoyment as a result of these changes. If a major change becomes necessary ‘You Just Live Once’ will inform the Traveller as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. 5 b) In rare cases, an operational minimum number of participants might be required for a trip. In the event of a tour not reaching this number, then ‘You Just Live Once’ is within its right to consolidate the tour, increase the price per person or offer an alternative. In this event ‘You Just Live Once’ will refund in full any deposits/monies paid for services being offered by ‘You Just Live Once’. ‘You Just Live Once’ will not however be liable for any penalty charges or additional charges incurred by the Traveller in buying services from 3rd parties in relation to the trip such as flights. In normal circumstances, ‘You Just Live Once’ advises for the purchase of flight tickets only once the operational minimum has been achieved. 6) Substitution of Traveller If any number of the party is prevented from travelling because of death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given at least 30 days prior to departure. Any costs imposed by 3rd party suppliers such as but not limited to airlines and hotels will be levied accordingly. 7) Cancellation by You The Traveller may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to ‘You Just Live Once’ in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day when written notice is received by ‘You Just Live Once’; 56 and more days before departure - forfeit of deposit Less than 55 days before departure - 100% of total amount 8) Cancellation by Us ‘You Just Live Once’ reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but, except for force majeure and consolidation we will not cancel a tour less than 28 days before departure. ‘You Just Live Once’ will, upon cancellation, return all monies paid or offer an alternative tour of comparable standard and value. 9) Surcharges ‘You Just Live Once’ reserves the right to increase the tour cost to take account of the following items: government action, currency exchange rates, transportation costs, including the cost of fuel and over-flying charges which might vary after the time of booking. 10 a) Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is mandatory for all Travellers whilst on a tour by ‘You Just Live Once’. Travellers together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Travellers are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday and loss of holiday monies through cancellation and curtailment of the holiday for insurable reasons. It is Travellers’ responsibility to make sure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any type of activity which might be included in their tour.

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10 b) Traveller acknowledges that in certain countries the vehicle/s used for transport might not have the benefit of passenger liability insurance. The Traveller agrees to indemnify ‘You Just Live Once’ against any claim or demand made in respect of any accident, personal injury or loss of life caused to, contracted or suffered by the Traveller during the course of the expedition. 11) Passports, Visas and Vaccinations It is the responsibility of the Traveller to be in possession of a valid passport, visa permits, inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of ‘You Just Live Once’. 12 a) Age, Fitness and Participation All Travellers are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary of their chosen tour as described. Persons over 60 years of age may be asked to provide medical evidence of fitness to travel on certain itineraries. No unaccompanied minors (those under 18 years of age) can be accepted on tours operated by ‘You Just Live Once’, however may be considered providing they are accompanied by a parent or a guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. 12 b) Code of Conduct: If the actions or conduct of any Traveller is likely to prejudice the safety or wellbeing of all or any other Travellers or hinder the satisfactory progress of the trip, ‘You Just Live Once’ shall be entitled to order the Traveller to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price or Local Payment and all liability and responsibility that the company may bear to the Traveller will immediately cease, including any provision for alternative transport. In the event of any person leaving the trip of their own accord or in extenuating circumstances being asked to leave by the tour leader, that person will be liable for their own maintenance and expenses and have no claim against ‘You Just Live Once’ whatsoever. The decision of the tour leader will be final on all matters relating to the satisfactory progress, organization and wellbeing of the trip. Travellers must comply with all reasonable requests of the tour leader. If a Traveller commits an illegal act the Traveller may be excluded from the trip and ‘You Just Live Once’ shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. No refund will be given for any unused services. 13) Illness or Disability Anyone suffering from illness, disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication or other treatment required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited. If the chosen holiday includes a cruise or excursion or transfer by boat of any sort the Traveller must make it known at the time of booking if he/she is unable to swim. This will not prevent the Traveller from participating in the tour but will enable ‘You Just Live Once’ to take additional precautions for the Client’s safety at such times as may be appropriate. 14) Local Laws All participants in ‘You Just Live Once’ tours are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve ‘You Just Live Once’ of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions. 15) Our Responsibilities ‘You Just Live Once’ tours have been designed to provide participants with an exposure to the true nature of the environment visited and therefore involve an element of potential risk and exposure to potential hazards over and above those associated with normal ‘package’ holidays. All bookings are accepted on the understanding that such risk and hazards are appreciated by the Traveller and that all tours, treks and other activities are undertaken at Client’s own will. The Traveller accepts that this contract and the terms and conditions may not be in accordance with any other tour regulations that might exist. 16) The information given in the trip dossier and other literature supplied is given in good faith but no warranty is given that it is correct due to the fact that the trip dossier is prepared months before the actual trip dates. This makes the contents susceptible for changes. 17) ‘You Just Live Once’ is not a commercial entity hence no one has authority to commit ‘You Just Live Once’ to any liability whatsoever and ‘You Just Live Once’ will not be bound by any statement or representation. 18) Travellers accept that the prices quoted for optional activities are approximate as local prices can and do change. Any of the optional activities listed are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by ‘You Just Live Once’. Travellers also accept that they undertake any activity at their own risk & their participation is their own decision and does not form any part of their contract with ‘You Just Live Once’. ‘You Just Live Once’ does not take responsibility for cancellations, unreliability of services or safety of operators, agents or contractors. 19) All ‘You Just Live Once’ travellers are required to fill in a “Booking Form” prior to their tour commencing. Please note that signing the form is a pre requisite of travelling with ‘You Just Live Once’. Disclaimer ‘You Just Live Once’ is not a business or tour operator. Tours are organised as personal travels but we openly welcome other travellers who want to join us and we take pains in organising the trips in as professional a way as possible. Booking with ‘You Just Live Once’ means that you are accepting the fact that you are joining a private and independent tour and that ‘You Just Live Once’ or its representatives cannot be held liable for anything for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from the tour or information provided. In accordance with ‘You Just Live Once’s Responsible Travel policy, local companies are whenever possible sub-contracted to provide transport, accommodations, excursions and /or optional activities to the travelling group. At the same time it is of note that locally arranged public transport including off readers, taxis, trains, ferries, river craft, buses or coaches might also used at time on tours. Where this is the case the Traveller agrees that the intention is to select normally competent, independent subcontractors to provide such transport and any other services related to the trip and in doing so to exercise reasonable care in their selection. The Traveller agrees to also abide by the terms & conditions of all such carriers related to the trip and agrees that ‘You Just Live Once’ has no responsibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for damage to or loss of property, or injury to, or death of persons due to any act, omission, or negligence of any carrier, hotel, restaurant, bus carrier, tender service, sight-seeing company, or any other persons rendering any of the services or portions of the itinerary. Any likeness or image of you secured or taken on any of our tours may be used by ‘You Just Live Once’ without charge on social media networks or other platforms