EXPLORE THE ANCIENT SILK ROAD   

CANADIAN TRAVEL COMPANY LAUNCHES AN OVERLAND
SELF-DRIVING JOURNEY FROM BEIJING TO ISTANBUL 

Toronto based AAST Inc. announces the launch of their latest adventure: a jeep safari journey from Beijing, China to Istanbul, Turkey along the historic Silk Road.  This network of ancient passageways connected civilizations from the Orient across Asia to the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. This trip will travel across China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey.  It will traverse harsh deserts and scale high mountain passes, along the way visiting ancient centres that mark the history of Asia.  The total trip length is 60 days 

This adventure is to be offered to travellers twice a year, on a regular basis, and will be divided into three sections, thereby allowing participants the opportunity to travel on all or part of the route.  This overland trip is a self-driving program, however depending on local conditions some sections may require local drivers.  The inaugural trip is scheduled for August 17, 2006 from Beijing, China.

Cost for the 60-day Silk Road Jeep Safari “Beijing – Istanbul” is US$18,900 per person; cost for single supplement is US$ 2,200.

The first section of the trip is 19-day Northwestern China, per person cost US$ 5,470, single room supplement US$ 540.The second section is 19-day Central Asia, which includes Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Per person cost is US$ 6,080, single supplement, US$ 380.

The third section is 28-day Turkmenistan, Iran & Turkey. Per person cost US$ 8,650 and the single supplement is US$ 1,430.

Cost includes 4WD vehicle throughout the journey, gasoline charges, toll fees, maintenance and repair of the vehicle, services of experienced Group Leaders, services of local guides (English-speaking), back-up drivers and mechanical support, local sightseeing with entrance fees, accommodation at 4 & 5-star hotels in major cities, best available in remote areas and camping facilities, hotel taxes and service charges, all meals, arrival and departure transfers, all cross-border handling, banquets, parties and special events, Silk Road Jeep Safari Certificate, travel manual and educational materials, travel accessories (i.e., GPS, maps, GMRS Radio Walkie-Talkie, tools, general emergency kit)

For further information, please contact:

AAST Inc.

(Asia Adventures and Study Tours)

1515 Bayview Avenue, #200, Toronto, ON Canada M4G 3B5

Tel. (416) 322-6508 or 1-866-564-1226  Fax (416) 322-0541