Day 01: Islamabad

Meeting on arrival at Islamabad International Airport and later transfer to hotel and later excursion to Taxila.

A fallen world of glories now, Taxila was once the seat of oriental culture. Situated only 32 kms. from Rawalpindi, Taxila is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkup and various Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries. Taxila is first mentioned as a territory of the Great Achaemenian Empires of Persia in the 6th century B.C in inscriptions of Darius the Great at Behistun. It was invaded by Alexander the Great to assert his claim over the lost provinces of the Achaemenian Empire, and then ruled by Mauryas such as Asoka the Great, Bactrian Greeks, Scythians, Parthians and the Kushan Kings. It came to an inglorious end around 450 A.D when it was ransacked by hordes of White Huns. The museum here houses various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century B.C to the 5th century A.D The excavations are spread out over an area of 8 kms. At Taxila we will visit Museum, Sirkup city ruins, Muhra Muradu Monastery and Julian Monastery.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Islamabad/Swat

Breakfast at hotel.

Driving along the picturesque Malakand Pass we will visit Shahbaz Garhi and Jamal Garhi. The most important section of the Yousafzai plains encircles Mardan, the earth of which contains many Buddhist remains. At Shahbaz Garhi are rock inscriptions of Asoka the Great dating back to 200 B.C. Jamal Garhi lies a little off the main road near Shahbaz Garhi and is supposed to be one of the early “Viharas” existing in the “Little Vehicle” or Hinayana period of Buddhism (100 B.C to 5th century A.D). It is situated on a high hill, which gives a panoramic view of the Yousafzai plains. Our next stop will be the magnificent ancient Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi dating back to 1st to 7th century A.D. Takht-i-Bahi consists of numerous chapels and stupas sticking to the high, rocky spurs.

Next continue to the enchanting Swat Valley visiting the famous Shingerdara Stupa and Galegai Caves, enroute.

On arrival transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Swat/Peshawar

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning tour of Saidu Sharif, the capital city of the Swat Valley. It is named after the Muslim divinity, Saidu. Here you’ll visit the Swat Museum which has a rich collection of Gandhara Art obtained from sites in the region. From there we will continue to Butkara archaeological site. Just 3 kms. from Saidu Sharif is Mingora, the commercial center of Swat.

Later we will continue to Peshawar and on arrival we will proceed directly for the sightseeing of Peshawar. The Peshawar Museum that houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating from the Gandhara period (300 B.C to 300 A.D) to modern times.

Visit to the Yadgar Square and the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful towering structure with lofty minarets. The Qissa Khawani Bazaar (storyteller’s bazaar), the Peshawar Pottery Works, Bater Bazaar (street of partridge lovers) and Mochi Lara, famous for it’s exquisitely embroidered sandals. Peshawar is a colorful and cosmopolitan city and many different people gather here; Afghans, Iranis, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Afridis and Shinwaris all add to the excitement.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Peshawar/Islamabad

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning we will drive to Islamabad with many photo stops, enroute.

On arrival transfer to Islamabad Airport for return flight. Assistance at the airport.

Services Included:

• Foreign language speaking guide.
• Twin sharing accommodation for 03 nights (including immediate check-in).
• Meals: Full Board.
• Air-conditioned transport for transfers & sight seeing.
• Entrance fee to sites and museums.
• Poterages at airports and hotels.

Services not Included:

• Airfares, airport taxes, expenses of personal nature like beverages, laundry, telephone calls, tips, insurance, etc.
• Anything not mentioned above.
• Any expense of personal nature.
• Late check-out at hotel.

Terms & Conditions

1. The “PIA Tour” package any passenger travelling on Pakistan International Airlines via / to Pakistan as described in this brochure, may purchase as the Package.
2. Our prices are based on special airline fares and hotel rates, which are negotiated many months in advance and will be subject to the availability at the time of booking.
3. 15 days prior to departure, no cancellation charges. Between 5 & 15 days, 25% cancellation charges. Between 1 & 4 days, 50% cancellation charges. Within 24 Hours or ‘no show’ 100% cancellation charges.
4. Passengers changing their dates of travel must contact Local Sales Agent of Pakistan International Airlines prior to departure and have their Package / Tickets re-issued with new dates of travel. The Passenger should pay for any cancellation charges (as stipulated herein) and / or other charges applicable to the changes at the time of re-issuance.
5. The duration of each Package purchased by a Passenger will be valid only for the period stipulated in the tariff. Any extensions beyond the time stipulated in the tariff will be subject to the Passenger paying all applicable charges, costs, fines, etc. in respect of such extension.
6. Accommodation will be provided as specified in the tour plan. In case of non-availability of hotel, alternative hotel of same category may be provided.
7. Pakistan International Airlines reserves the right to: (a) change the published Package Price(s) without notice due to currency fluctuation or other reasons; (b) make ad hoc changes to the package; and / or (c) terminate this Package. A variation / termination made will not apply to a Package already purchased.
8. The Passenger will be responsible for obtaining a valid passport, visas and other travel documents.
9. Pakistan International Airlines, any of its subsidiaries, affiliate companies, agents directors or employees shall not be liable or responsible for;
   1. Any act, omission, damage or delay whatsoever during the time the Passenger is not on board its aircraft and during the time before boarding or after disembarking.
   2. Loss or damage suffered as a result of a variation to or termination of this Package; and / or
   3. The death of or injury to any person or loss, delay or damage to any property, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any service provider or by “Force Majeure”, or other events beyond the Airline’s control including, but not limited to war, civil disturbance, pilferage, delays, severe weather, Acts of God, Acts of Government, accidents to or failure to machinery, equipment, vehicles or industrial disputes.
10. Any complaints arising out of this Package must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of return. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaints, which are made after 14 days of return.
11. Payments: Initial payment of 25% will be made at the time of booking. Balance 75% of the payment will be paid at the time of confirmation of the booking and tour.
12. Above prices are not valid during any special event.
13. All the above prices are in US Dollar net and non-commissionable.
14. All prices valid till 31st December, 2008.
15. Package and Prices are subject to change without prior notice