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Iran, Gem of the MIddle East

Departs April 25, 2017

IRAN, GEM OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Iranian culture is very old and considered one of the richest in the world. Religion, arts, pottery and weaving have been developed to a high degree. Ancient cultures and settlements have existed on the Iranian Plateau since the fourth millennium BCE. Many great empires came and went. In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded and killed most of the inhabitants and destroyed most of the cities. The following centuries were marked by constant wars with neighbouring states. It wasn’t until 1906 that the nation’s first parliament was established, however a coup led by Reza Khan (Shah) in 1921, toppled the government. In 1925 he replaced the ruling Qajar Dynasty founding his own Pahlavi Dynasty. In 1941 the Shah was exiled and replaced with his son Mohammad Reza Shah. The Pahlavi’s are credited with the development of Iran’s modern industry, transport and education system. They did however, with their autocratic rule, manage to alienate many of their countrymen including the religious leaders. Eventually, the Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolution toppled the Pahlavi Dynasty in 1979.

Industry in Iran is largely based on mining, manufacturing and construction with these three contributing about 40% of GDP and employing around 1/3rd of the workforce. It has vast deposits of oil and natural gas.

Formerly Persia until 1939, the country is now officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a mountainous and generally arid country with the interior containing a vast salt wasteland. Much of the terrain is unpassable and as such, is yet to be explored. Its population is diverse and consists of many ethnic and religious backgrounds. Today, Persians make up the bulk of the people with Kurds and Azerbaijanis making up the biggest ethnic groups. The country’s population is around 66 million (three times that of ours). It is a large country at 1,636,000 square kilometres - about the size of Queensland. Iran can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Best times to travel are spring and autumn.

Come visit Iran with us in April/May 2017. This country is not just for history buffs, but for those who appreciate different and varied cultures. Our 24 day itinerary covers the ‘must-sees” along with many less popular gems. By the time you depart, you will have a thorough understanding of this fascinating country.

Day 1, Tuesday 25th AprilTRANSIT Depart Australia for Tehran. ALL flight schedule to be confirmed.

DAY 2, Wednesday 26th AprilTEHRAN Arrival at Tehran’s IKA Airport; meet and transfer to Laleh Hotel and after check in and rest, a walk to the nearby carpet museum to see its extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs from the major carpetweaving centres of Iran. Overnight stay at Laleh Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 3, Thursday 27th AprilTEHRAN Full day visits to include the Sa’ad Abad Palace, the former residence of the ex-Royal Family of Iran, where many of the old palaces have been converted into museums, such asthe White and Green Palaces; from here go to the Niavaran Palace Complex which is a historical complex situated in the northern part of Tehran. It consists of several buildings and a museum. The main Niavaran Palace, completed in 1968, was the primary residence of the last Shah and his family until the Islamic Revolution; continue to the Glass &Ceramics (Abguineh) Museum, a valuable collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and ceramics,

beautifully displayed and located in an elegant early 20th-century mansion. Overnight stay at Laleh Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 4, Friday 28th AprilTEHRAN - ALAMUT- ZANJAN Drive to Qazvin for an excursion to the Valley of Alamut (the so-called Valley of the Assassins), with - only for the fit - a steep 25 minutes climb via a stairway to visit the remains of Qaleh (Fort) of Hassan-e-Sabah, referred to as “The Old Man of the Mountains”, and the Leader of the Isma’ilis, at Gazor-Khan. The fortress was destroyed on December 15, 1256 by Hulagu Khan as part of the Mongol offensive on Islamic south west Asia. Continue to Zanjan for overnight accommodation at Grand Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 5, Saturday 29th AprilZANJAN - SARAIN In the morning visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Uljaitu, set like a gem in the formerly vast plain of Sultanieh, constructed during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Khoda Bandeh (1304-1330). The monument is remarkable in many ways; its huge dome is about 51 metres high and ranks amongst the largest domes in the world. The stucco-work, the tile work, and the designs decorating this monument are unique. Continue to Sarain for overnight stay at Laleh Sarain Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 6, Sunday 30th AprilSARAIN - TABRIZ Ardabil is a historical, beautiful and unforgettable city which is located in the skirts of Sabalan Mountain (the bride of Iran’s mountains). In this city the Safavid dynasty took up

Itinerary correct as at Jan 7, 2017 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

residence. We will visit the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabil. It is an impressive ancient monument comprising the following components: the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma’il, a mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise), Chini Khaneh (meaning the house of the chinaware), Khaneqh (the house of Dervishes), Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps), Shahid Khaneh (the house of the martyrs) and Chelleh Khaneh (the place where devotees shut themselves up for the 40 days of Lent). The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of which is called ”Allah-Allah” has an octagonal interior. Drive to Tabriz for our overnight stay at Pars Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 7, Monday 1st May TABRIZ After breakfast we will take a half day sightseeing in Tabriz to visit the Blue Mosque, known in the world as the Turquoise of Islam, and the Azerbaijan Museum, displaying a fine collection of pre-historic and historic artifacts found in the area; drive by the 13th century Arg-e Alishah, which was originally a magnificent Friday Mosque, but turned into a fortress in the 19th century. In the afternoon short excursion to the intriguing troglodyte village of Kandovan, up in the heights of Mt. Sahand, a volcanic mountain. In Kandovan people have carved their houses in the rocks and still live in them as in ancient times. On return, visit the Bazaar of Tabriz and then overnight at Pars Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 08, Tuesday 2nd May TABRIZ - TAKAB Today we will drive around 300kms km to Takab, on the way visiting Orumeih Lake (unless it is dry). It is the largest lake in the Middle East. In this beautiful route you’ll drive through East Azerbaijan province and reach the Kurdish/Azeri town of Takab and visit some villages of these two ethnics on the way and observe lifestyle of the Turks and Azeries. The highlight for today is our visit to the archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain region. The site includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Il-Khanid (Mongol) period (13th century) as well as a temple of the Sassanian period (6th and 7th centuries) dedicated to Anahita. The site has important symbolic significance. The designs of the fire temple, the palace and the general layout have strongly influenced the development of Islamic architecture. What remains are the massive stone walls and remnants of the 38 watchtowers, palaces, fire temple, Anahita Temple, all built around the lake mainly by the Sassanians in the 3rd century AD. The crater of Zendan-e-Soleiman (Prison of Solomon) can be seen in the distance and, time- permitting, you can climb it. Overnight accommodation at (the very basic) Ranji Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 09, Wednesday 3rd MayTAKAB - HAMADAN Today after breakfast we will drive to Hamadan, and con- tinue to the south of the city to near Malayer to visit Tepe Nushe-i-Jan, believed to have been a Median Fort/Temple, excavated in the 1960’s and 70’s by the British Institute of Persian Studies under the direction of Professor David

Stronach. Return to Hamadan for overnight at either Azadi or Bu-Ali hotel. B/L/D

DAY 10, Thursday 4th AprilHAMADAN We’ll have a full day in Hamadan today. We’ll start with a visit the ancient town, the capital of the Median Empire in the 7th-century B.C., and the summer capital of the Achaemenid kings in the 5th-century B.C. The archaeological site of Ecbatana, or Hegmataneh, both ancient names for Hamadan, extensively excavated in recent years, is a testimony to the ancient glory of this town. Hamadan is still an important city, the centre of the Province of Hamadan, and there are many sites to be visited in this town including the Ganjnameh, the inscriptions by Darius I, and his son, Xerxes, carved on the mountain face, the Tomb of Esther & Mordecai, a major Jewish pilgrimage center, the 12th century Alavyan Tomb Tower, plus the tomb of Avicenna (died in 1034), Iran’s celebrated philosopher/ scientist/ physician, whose prescriptions were used by Western and Iranian medical universities. We’ll also see the Stone Lion, an intriguing sole statute, believed to date from the Hellenistic Period when Alexander invaded Iran, and was, supposedly, made to honour one of his slain generals. Overnight at Azadi or Bu-Ali hotels. B/L/D

DAY 11, Friday 5th May HAMADAN - KERMANSHAH Drive to Kermanshah and on the way visit Kangavar, a small town of great antiquity dating back to 2000BC; visit the majestic and historic Parthian Temple of Anahita, the Goddess of Water and Fertility. At Bisotun there is the relief inscription of Darius the Great, which is 4000ft high on the mountain face. The Bistoun trilingual inscriptions & relief depicts Darius facing the 9 rebel kings, whom the Achaemid ruler suppressed when he came to power. (Unfortunately we will not get a clear view as the relief has scaffolding in front of it for repairs). In Kermanshah visit several important Sassanian rock carvings at Tagh-e-Bostan (some inside a grotto) depicting royal hunting scenes and the investiture of Sassaian kings, including a gigantic equestrian statue of Khosrow the 2nd, (591 to 628AD), mounted on his famous horse Shabdiz. Over- night at the Parsian Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 12, Saturday 6th May KERMANSHAH - AHWAZ After breakfast, we have an early morning drive to Ahwaz, through the provinces of Ilam and Lorestan, and via Pol-e-Dokhtar, and visit the remains of the Sassanian Bridge over Kashkan River; continue to Ahwaz for overnight at Fajr Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 13, Sunday 7th May AHWAZ - SUSA Another early start for a full day excursion to Chogha- Zanbil, to visit the ziggurat built about 1250 B.C. by the Elamite king Untash-Gal. Also visit Haft- Tappeh (Elamite Necropolis), and Susa, the site of one of the oldest civilizations in Western Asia, dat- ing back to 5,000 B.C., and the remains of the s plus the site museum. In the new town of Susa you can also visit the tomb of the Biblical Prophet Daniel; continue to visit Shushtar, a small town perched on limestone cliffs above a tributary of the Karun River, whose past can be traced through a remarkable

Itinerary correct as at Jan 7, 2017 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

series of inter-connecting channels, dams/ bridges and irrigation works, overnight stay at Fajr Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 14, Monday 8th May AHWAZ - SHIRAZ Drive to Shiraz, en-route visit Bishapur, remains of the Sassanian round city built by Shapur 1st (241-273 A.D.), the second Sassanian king. The building complex includes a central chamber, a large courtyard which had been covered with impressive mo- saics, plus the remains of a temple dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility; on either side of a narrow gorge, there are also six Sassanian rock-reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan, commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries; continue to Shiraz for overnight at Homa Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 15, Tuesday 9th May SHIRAZ - FIRUZABAD Full day excursion to Firuzabad, built by Sassanian King Ardashir in 220 A.D., as his royal residence. The place known today as Firuzabad was originally called Ardashir-Khurra meaning the “Glory of Ardashir”, and it was a walled city, circular in shape, with four gates located at eachcardinal point. A square minaret of rubble stone rose to almost one hundred feet in the centre of the city, remains of which is all that survives. Nearby stands the enormous palace of Ardashir, built on the plain with a view over a small natural lake. There are also some bas-reliefs in theopening of the valley where Ardashir built his city, depicting Ardashir defeating the Parthian king Artabanus. Firuzabad is also a main center of the Qashqai nomads, so you may have a chance to see the people of this tribe in their village. Return to Shiraz for overnight at the Homa Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 16, Wednesday 10th MaySHIRAZ Full day city tour of Shiraz to visit some of the famous gardens of this city of “roses and nightingales”, including the Eram Garden, the pink tiled 19th-century Nasir-ol- Molk Mosque, the Arg-e-Karim Khan (18th-century citadel), the Zand-period Vakil Mosque, the Qajar- period Narenjestan Garden/House, the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz, ending in Saray-e-Moshir with splendid architecture and shops, and the outside of the Holy Shrine of Shah-e-Cheragh (not open to non- Moslems). Overnight at Homa Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 17, Thursday 11th May SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS - NAGHSH-E-ROSTAM Full day excursion to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World. It is the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, and its famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings and courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of tributary nations of the Persian Empire. We also visit Naghsh-e-Rostam to see Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary) and Royal Tombs (also Achaemenid) plus seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs (including Shapur the First’s famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian) and Naghsh-e-Rajab, a nearby grotto with several Sassanian reliefs. Return to Shiraz and visit the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez and Sa'adi, both located in beautiful gardens. Overnight stay at Homa Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 18, Friday 12th May SHIRAZ - YAZD Drive to Yazd, enroute visit Pasargadae, the site of the simple, but impressive, tomb and remains of the palaces of Cyrus the Great (the Founder of the Persian Empire); also stop over at the small desert town of Abarkuh, and have tea under the shade of a 4000-year old cypress tree. Continue to near Yazd and visit Mehriz and Sar-e-Yazd, on to Yazd for overnight at Safaieh or Moshir Garden Hotels. B/L/D

DAY 19, Saturday 13th May YAZD Full day sightseeing in Yazd, the center for Iran’s small Zoroastrian community. On this day you will visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century, where until some 50-60 years ago the dead were carried and left to decompose and be devoured by birds; and the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd’s Islamic sites are the Friday Mosque (1324 A.D.) with the highest portal and minarets in Iran and the Mirchachmagh Maidan and Mosque. Other notable Islamic monuments in the old Fahadan area of Yazd are the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams; and Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e-Eskander or Alexandar’s Prison. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18th century feudal hexagonal house. Overnight at Safaieh or Moshir Garden Hotels. B/L/D

DAY 20, Sunday 14rd May YAZD - ISFAHAN Drive to Isfahan, en-route stop over first at Meybod, a small desert town with several very interesting monuments of mud architecture and a caravanserai. Continue to village of Mohamadiye, to see the traditional workshops, weaving the camel cloaks worn by the Moslem clergy in Iran, on to Na’in another charming desert town, half way between Yazd and Isfahan, to visit the 10th century Friday Mosque, and the 17th century Pirnia House/ Ethnographic Museum (closed on Mondays), with a walk through the old part of town. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 21, Monday 15th May ISFAHAN Full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World) in Safavid sources, to visit the famous bridges of Shahrestan/Khajou/Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank. In the afternoon visit one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, with several sites (the Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games, and two of Islamic world’s greatest mosques – the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Imam – with magnificent architecture and tilework, finishing with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel. B/L/D

Itinerary correct as at Jan 7, 2017 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

DAY 22, Tuesday 16th May ISFAHAN Another full day sightseeing of Isfahan to visit the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of the

Il-Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a museum of a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of the world’s greatest mosques. Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century; its twenty wooden columns reflected in the surface of the pool give rise to its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’; short excursion to visit the Atashgah (Fire Temple), entailing a steep walk up the hill, and the Menar Jonban (Shaking Minarets); return to the Maidan for further visit to handicraft shops. Overnight at Ab- basi Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 23, Wednesday 17th MayISFAHAN - TEHRAN Morning drive to Tehran, en-route stop over at the charming town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex (Friday Mosque/Monastery/Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani), on to Kashan and visit to one of the most important and ancient archaeological sites in Iran known as Teppe Sialk. The site was excavated in the 1930’s and dates back to 4000B.C. The artifacts found at this site adorn many major museums in the world. Also visit the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar mon- archs, with many open pavilions added. Also visit a fine example of a 19th century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai House with its beautiful stucco dome and inlaid mirror work, with some of the best examples of existing “badgirs” (wind-catchers), continue to Tehran for overnight we stay at Ferdowsi Hotel. B/L/D

DAY 24, Thursday 18th May TEHRAN Full day visits to include the Archaeological Museum, displaying an authentic collection of pottery, bronze and other valuable prices from 6-7 millenniums B.C. into the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanian eras. In the afternoon visit the Golestan Palace/Museum Complex , built by Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty, dating from the 18th to the early 20th century, to visit the Marble Throne Hall and several other galleries. Walk around the garden to enjoy the beautiful tile covered walls and buildings. Return to the Ferdowsi Hotel for overnight stay. B/L/D

DAY 25, Friday 19th May TEHRAN - DEPARTURE Transfer to IKA Airport for departure flight back to Australia. !!!!!!!

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Itinerary correct as at Jan 7, 2017 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

Iran - Gem of the Middle East 2017 Tour cost – inclusions and exclusions."!The cost for this wonderful experience of culture and sightseeing ex Sydney is $12,490 per person on a twin share basis with economy airfare. This is extremely good value as it includes international airfares, transfers between the airports and hotels, accommodation and all meals. In some locations, our hotels are basic but are the best available at that location. Tariff is on a twin-share basis. A single supplement is available for $1,190. Hotel portage, room taxes and entry fees to historical places are also included. Not included are drinks, tourist visa and travel insurance. Business Class fares and add-ons are available. Please enquire at time of booking. The above price applies to a Group of 10 or more travellers (max 18). The group will be escorted from Australia by a host provided minimum numbers of 10 are reached. Should minimum numbers not be reached, the tour may still proceed but without the Australian host. Should the preferred tour host not be available for whatever reason, an alternate host will be provided. !$250 secures your place on this wonderful trip. Please refer to the booking form. The full tariff less the deposit is due 60 days prior to departure.

Services included:"• All accommodation on a twin share basis • All breakfasts and one other meal each day (some

lunches and some dinners as listed) • All transfers while overseas • Air conditioned mini bus and drive including insurance

and petrol when touring in-country • English speaking guides for most of the sight seeing • Australian tour host subject to minimum numbers being

met (10) • All entrance fees for museums and places of interest • International economy flights plus ferry transfers

Services not included:"• Meals not listed on the itinerary • All drinks not listed in the itinerary • Any entry visas if required • Any government taxes if required • Personal expenses • Tips • Domestic Australian transfers

If you have any questions please call us on 02 9906 5770

Itinerary correct as at Jan 7, 2017 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS January 2017 By making a booking and paying your deposit you accept the following booking terms and conditions.

A. BOOKING CONDITIONS 1. How to Book To secure your place on a tour, a deposit and completed booking form should be sent to Blue Dot Travel. Balance of payment becomes due 60 days prior to departure. If the balance is not paid by the due date, we may regard the booking as cancelled. If flights are not booked on a group fare basis, then full payment for flights will be due within 7 days of booking. On occasions, you may be asked to pay for certain aspects of the tour within 7 days of booking. An example may be a river cruise within our overall program. A booking may be accepted on a share room basis on the condition that the person requesting the share reservation agrees that we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between the persons sharing and no guarantee is given that a share room will be available. If not available, at the time of final payment you agree to pay the single supplement. If you choose to pay a single supplement for a tour and on an occasion due to non availability, a single room cannot be provided, a refund will be made for any night that a single room was not available. 2. Tour Cancellations Cancellation must be notified in writing to our office. If cancellation is received more than 60 days prior to departure, the deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation takes place between 60 days and 31 days before departure a fee of 50% of the total booking cost will be charged. If 30 days or less remain before departure 100% of the tour cost will be charged. [Depending on the reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy]. If less than 10 people are booked on any tour, the trip may proceed without a host accompanying the group. This will be at the discretion of Blue Dot Travel. An in-country guide will still be provided in these circumstances. Should there be too few people booked for any tour, we reserve the right to cancel that tour no later than 60 days before scheduled departure. In this event, a full refund will be made, and Blue Dot Travel will not be liable for any claims made or any additional costs incurred by you. Upon commencement of the trip, no refunds will be made for any reason, for unused section(s). If Blue Dot Travel deems it to be appropriate to cancel any tour due to factors beyond its control, such as civil unrest, natural disaster or other emergencies in the areas to be visited, in the period just prior to departure when Client Trust funds have, or could reasonably be expected to have been expended on purchasing elements of the tour, i.e. domestic and international flights, hotel accommodation among other things, then Blue Dot Travel will refund all monies that can be recovered from the recipients of those expenses, without entering into any legal dispute, this being the limit of its obligations. Blue Dot Travel is obliged to cancel a tour if the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issue a travel warning stating Do Not Travel. 3. Compulsory Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, however, we insist that you take out a personal travel Insurance policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. Each traveller is responsible for ensuring they have the correct level of cover for their individual circumstances. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check that your insurance policy (especially those offered by your credit card company) covers you comprehensively for the entirety of the tour you have booked on.

Your travel insurance must be in place before airline bookings are made. In the event of cancellation after flights have been booked, any airfares paid by Blue Dot Travel may be forfeited. You may be entitled to a refund of some or all the airfare depending on the airline’s cancellation policy, or you may be able to claim this on your travel insurance.

Items not included in our costs • Visa and passport charges unless advised otherwise. • Country arrival and departure fees • Transfers of any nature not included on the group itinerary • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses,

personal travel insurance and all items of a personal nature • Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency

evacuation charges. • Expenses incurred as a result of illness and any other un-

foreseen situations and events. • Expenses incurred in cases of personal liability, injury or

death if you have been participating in optional activities. • Excess baggage charges. • Loss incurred by rerouting, cancellation, inclement weather,

floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances.

• Meals not stipulated in the itinerary • Tips to guides, drivers or service personnel on tour B. DISCLAIMER BY BOOKING AGENT (Blue Dot Travel, ACN 065 953 335, Licence No 2TA004048) 1. These booking conditions cannot exclude the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or of any relevant State Act or Australian Consumer law. 2. Under these Acts Blue Dot Travel is required to provide services to you with due care and skill and to provide services which are reasonable for a particular purpose if you have made that purpose known. The Acts provide a right to compensation in appropriate cases. 3. Blue Dot Travel gives notice that it acts as agent only for our tours, and of all other persons and companies who provide the services outlined in this itinerary and in connection with any tour for which you book and that this contract is between the applicant and the in country operator. 4. Blue Dot Travel warrants that its services as a tour retailer and booking agent will be rendered with due care and skill. 5. Blue Dot Travel does not state that the route suggested or recommended in the itinerary for any tour is the best or more suitable from any particular point of view. 6. Any maps in the itinerary and other documents are for information only, and may not necessarily show the exact routings. 7. In promoting the tours outlined in our itineraries Blue Dot Travel acts as agent for each travel supplier and their associated companies and contractors and therefore:

• all tours outlined in this itinerary, and all tickets, vouchers and documents issued by Blue Dot Travel are subject to the terms and conditions of the persons and companies for whom Blue Dot Travel are agents • all tickets and coupons or vouchers issued by Blue Dot Travel and all arrangements for transport or conveyance or accommodation, are made by Blue Dot Travel as agents for such others persons and companies and are made at your request on the express conditions that Blue Dot Travel shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in carrying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection with the tour or of any provider of any accommodation to provide any facility normally available. • Blue Dot Travel is not responsible for any default, omission, negligence or other act our suppliers and the contractors associated with them. • Blue Dot Travel is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in transportation services, other services, sickness, accident, injury, weather, strikes, war, civil unrest or disturbance, riots, quarantine or other causes. 8. These terms and conditions cannot be altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of Blue Dot Travel or of any person providing services on the tour.

4. Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to vary the itinerary, accommodation and forms of transport should any conditions make it preferable, appropriate or necessary to do so, we will provide alternative services as close as possible to those listed. Wherever possible we shall advise you of such changes prior to departure, however we accept no responsibility for any alterations made for any reason, or for any associated loss or damage. If any additional expenses are incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries because of force majeure or if it considered advisable by our principals, such expenses are to be borne by you. It is possible that a route change could be necessary due to inclement weather, political restrictions or any other cause. Route changes will always be at the discretion of the group leader and the responsible agency. We will not be responsible for postponement or delay caused by delayed flights or schedule changes at any point in tour. No refund will be available in the event of any route or itinerary changes. 5. Costs We reserve the right to amend our prices of any tour, without notice, at any time up until final payment has been made by you, in the event of exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs, airport charges, airfares or increase in other service provider’s fees. On occasions we may be booking special cruises, ferries, expedition ships or internal flights which require larger advance payments, in which case you will be advised. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. 6. Client responsibilities The client acknowledges and agrees that the tours offered by Blue Dot Travel may be adventurous in nature and that he or she travels at his/her own risk. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a Blue Dot Tour. You must be able to walk at least 500 metres without requiring a stop and be able to walk up three flights of stairs unassisted. It is the client’s own responsibility to obtain and maintain any appropriate travel documents, eg, a valid passport, any valid visas, permits, vaccination certificate or the like. The client has the obligation to disclose any pre existing medical condition or allergies to Blue Dot Travel when booking the tour and the company reserves its right to refuse a booking with a client suffering from any such condition. 7. Blue Dot’s rights Blue Dot Travel reserve the right to exclude a client from any tour if they fail to comply with our fair and sensible instructions while on tour, if they prevent other clients’ enjoyment of a tour, if they jeopardise the safety of other clients, if they engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if they become a danger to themselves or other clients. If this happens, the client will not be entitled to a refund and we Blue Dot Travel will not be responsible for any expenses that the traveller may incur if they are excluded from a tour for any of these or other unforeseen reasons. 8. Discounts. Early bird discounts, if offered, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount already applied. 9. Consumer Claims If a problem occurs while you are away, it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the provider of the service. If you are unhappy with your hotel room please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you fail to take these steps any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this must be put to us in writing advising details of the efforts, if any, that were made with the local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of the date of the issue. No claim made after this period will be considered.

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Postal Address: ........................................................................ Postal Address: ........................................................................

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........................................................P/Code: ........................... ....................................................P/Code: ...............................

Home Ph: ( ) .................................................................... Home Ph: ( ) .....................................................................

Work Ph: ( ) ...................................................................... Work Ph: ( ) ......................................................................

Mobile: ...................................................................................... Mobile: ......................................................................................

Email: ........................................................................................ Email: ........................................................................................

Passport Number: .................................................................... Passport Number: ....................................................................

Nationality: ................................................................................ Nationality: ................................................................................

Date of Issue: ......................... Date of Expiry: .......................... Date of Issue: ...........................Date of Expiry: .........................

Important: please photocopy and post or scan & email your passport details to us.

Accommodation Needs: Double Room Twin Share Single Room (at additional cost)

Emergency Contact: Name: ......................................................................................................................................

Phone 1: ( ) ......................................... Phone 2: ( ) ...........................................

Travel Insurance: Provider Name: ..................................................... Policy Number:.......................................

� Yes, I confirm I can walk at least 500 metres without requiring a stop and can walk up three flights of stairs unassisted.

Signature 1: ........................................................................ Signature 2: ........................................................................

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to keep up with the group while travelling? Yes No

How did you hear about us? ................................................................................................................................................

PAYMENT A $250 deposit (per person) is required to secure your position. A receipt will be provided with an invoice for balance of payment. Balance is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. There are three payment options;

1 Credit Card: Please call (02) 9906 5770 or complete and fax/post to Blue Dot Travel. If paying balance by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. (Note: merchant fee is not applied to your $250 deposit.)

Mastercard Visa Name on Card: ..................................................................................................................

Card Number: Expiry Date: / Amount to Pay: $250 (p/p) ................................................... Signature of Card Holder: ................................................

2 EFT Payment $250 (p/p) Please use your surname as a reference when making payment. Account Name: Blue Dot Travel Trust Account BSB: 062 140 Account Number: 10916147

3 Cheque $250 (p/p) Please make cheque payable to Blue Dot Travel Trust Account and post to address opposite, with this completed form.

THANK YOU. We look forward to welcoming you. Please ensure you have read the Terms & Conditions issued with the itinerary and provided at www.bluedottravel.com.au TA004048

BOOKING FORM Please complete this form and return to Blue Dot Travel (see details below).

Blue Dot Travel Phone 02 99065770 Fax 02 9906 5771

www.bluedottravel.com.au

Suite 109, Ground Floor, 48 Atchison Street, St.Leonards NSW 2065

Who will be in Australia while you are travelling.