If you are looking for a memorable journey in the heart of Asia, World Expeditions launches this summer a fascinating new trip that follows in the footsteps of one of the greatest conquerors in the world: Alexander the Great.

Crossing two of the most underrated tourism destinations of the continent, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the new trip combines some of the iconic highlights of the famed Silk Road with visits to a number of sites that were either conquered by or associated with the famous Greek military leader, such as Nautaka (where Alexander the Great passed two winters planning his campaign to India) and Khujand (originally named 'Alexandria the Furthest', the Greek settlers' bastion against the region's nomadic tribes).

Commenting on the launch of the new trip, Gordon Steer, UK Manager for World Expeditions, said:

“This is a fantastic addition to our central Asia portfolio and an exciting alternative for anyone looking to venture off the beaten track beyond the traditional Silk Road route. Not only historically but also ethnically, culturally and geographically this is one of the most enticing parts of the world”.

“The destination has been for years one of our most consistently selling trips – it appeals particularly to the discerning traveller who yearns for a rewarding, culturally rich journey – who can now go even deeper under the skin by visiting some of the remote, lesser known parts of these fascinating countries”.

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great [NEW FOR 2015]
Launches on 5 July (15 days), from £1,690 per person
Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great as he swept across Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

• Explore the seldom visited by travellers heart of central Asia – discover in depth the beauty of this historical region and get acquainted with its Hellenistic period
• Visit the fabled Silk Road oases of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara and marvel at Registan Square, the 'jewel in Central Asia's crown'
• Spend time at some of the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques and citadels, colourful bazaars and highly-adorned mausoleums
• Visit sites, monuments and cities that were either conquered by or associated with Alexander the Great, whose phenomenal empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River
• Travel through the spectacular landscapes of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia's most picturesque countries
• Visit the stunning alpine lake of Iskander-Kul in the little visited Fann Mountains – according to tradition, the lake takes its name from Alexander the Great!

www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=2271924

In addition to the new In the footsteps of Alexander the Great journey, for 2015 World Expeditions has expanded its Central Asia offering with trips that give you the opportunity to go trekking in Kyrgyzstan, explore Uzbekistan on two wheels or camp in the shadow of the mighty Peak Lenin.
                                   
For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions' policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

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Notes for editors:
• One of the very first operators in what is now becoming a very popular area in travel, since its inception in 1975 World Expeditions has earned itself an outstanding reputation as a world leader in small group adventure holidays and cultural journeys.
• The two factors that distinguish World Expeditions from its competitors, the number of inclusions and the exceptional value of its trips, can be found today in more than 500 stand-alone itineraries, escorted by expert leaders and meticulously designed for those travellers who want to take the 'paths less travelled'.
• Always innovative, it was, among others, the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980) and Tibet (1981). In 2013 it launched a dedicated 'World Cycle Journeys' programme, while as of 2011 it is the only company to offer the newly mapped Great Himalaya Trail.
• World Expeditions is independently owned and a truly global company, with nine offices around the world, including London, Sydney and Montreal.
                                
For high-res images and PR/media enquiries:
World Expeditions | UTracks | Sherpa Expeditions
020 8875 5060
Tom Panagos pr@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Gordon Steer gordon@worldexpeditions.co.uk