Istanbul to Beijing Overland

Day 1: Istanbul

If arriving at Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport (IST), you will be met and transferred to your starting hotel. If arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), please make your own way to the hotel (unless you have booked a transfer). As today is an arrival day, there is no formal sightseeing planned. Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. The city today is bustling and its streets are crowded with locals busily going about their daily lives. If you arrive early enough, you can wander and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city that links Europe and Asia. In the evening there will be a Welcome Meeting (please check noticeboard for exact time) held in the hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travel companions.

Day 2: Istanbul - overnight train

On a guided city tour we are introduced to some of the iconic attractions of Istanbul. We visit Aya Sofya (also known as Hagia Sophia or Sancta Sophia), a magnificent domed former church that was built by the Emperor Justinian at a time when the city was ruled by the Romans. The original structure was the main cathedral of Constantinople and dates from 360 AD, when the Emperor Constantine became a Christian and the Roman Empire embraced Christianity. It ceased to be a church in 1453 when the Muslim Ottomans became rulers and the city changed its name from Constantinople of Istanbul. With commanding views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans and one of the most impressive palace complexes in the world. The Harem can also be visited, but on a separate tour (optional). There is free time that enables us to further explore and enjoy optional sightseeing in this fascinating city. There is certainly a lot to see! Across from Aya Sofya is the iconic 17th century Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I and a unique piece of architecture because of its six minarets rather than the usual four found across the rest of the Muslim world. Another striking feature is its 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. The ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II can also be visited. The Grand Bazaar is an amazing labyrinth of 4500 stalls, but make sure to haggle if you intend to buy something. Afterwards you may wish to relax and experience a traditional Turkish bath (hamam). After dinner (optional) we are transferred to Haydarpasa Railway Station on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Just before midnight on Day 2, we board the overnight train for Tehran. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 3-5: Istanbul - Tehran Railway

We spend a total of three days and three nights on the Trans-Asia Express, travelling a distance of 2968 kilometres. Started in 1971 by the then Shah of Iran the original service was called the Vangölü (Lake Van) Express, which was eventually terminated but revived in 2001 as the Trans-Asia Express. Our journey is a great experience as we traverse almost the length of Turkey, travelling through Ankara and skirting around parts of what was formerly Armenia and also Kurdistan on our way to Tatyan, on the shores of Lake Van. The Turkish countryside provides a picturesque backdrop, but we also have a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers, who are mainly local Turks or Iranians. The buffet car is a great place to meet people. On the Turkish train, we can buy all sorts of drinks including beers and spirits. We arrive at Lake Van on the afternoon of Day 5, where we say goodbye to our Turkish train and board a ferry for a four-hour crossing across the lake (90 kilometres). The boat ride is a very scenic one, with mountains surrounding the lake. On the other side we board an Iranian train, which is somewhat different from the Turkish one. No alcohol is served here and the atmosphere is more formal. The travellers no longer play cards and the women have put on their veils. Crossing into Iran we pass by the city of Tabriz before reaching Tehran on the evening of Day 6.

Day 6: Tehran

The Iranian capital is a very large metropolis with a population of 14 million people, a big jump from the 250,000 in 1900. Our sightseeing today focuses on the Sa'd Abad Palace and Museum complex. This 104 hectare park houses over 10 buildings, most of them museums. The most notable are the former summer palace of the Pahlavi Royal Family - the White Palace - and the smaller, but no less impressive Green Palace. Aside from the artefacts contained within, the palaces offer a fascinating glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the shah and his guests - with their decoration the height of fashion for the day. Don't miss the bronze boots of Reza Shah outside the White Palace - all that remains of a massive statue that was 'cut down to size' at the revolution. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Kashan - Abyaneh

This morning we drive on to Kashan and visit the Fin Garden (Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin). A historic and classical Persian garden, it contains Kashan's Fin Bath where Amir Kabir, the Qajarid chancellor and a nationalist hero, was murdered under the orders of King Nadir al-Din in 1852. The garden in its present form dates to the Safavid era, but a garden of sorts is thought to have been in existence for several thousand years. We also visit Borujerdi House (Khan-e Borujerdi), which was built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family. It consists of a four beautiful courtyards, delightful wall paintings and elegant stained glass windows and has all the other classic features of a traditional Persian residential home, such as a 'biruni' (where visitors and guests are entertained) and an 'andaruni' (the private part only open to family members). We then continue our journey to the lovely and quaint village of Abyaneh, which is located at the foot of Mount Karkas (3899m). We have free time for a stroll through the winding streets lined with mud brick buildings. This is a traditional village that with dwindling opportunities for young people has become home to an increasingly aging population. Please be mindful with your cameras – officially photography is not allowed here, however you may be able to get permission from some of the villagers if you are respectful and develop some rapport with your intended subject. We overnight in a small, family-run hotel tonight, enjoying this lovely countryside location. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: Abyaneh - Esfahan

In the morning we get to further explore Abyaneh before proceeding to Esfahan - the jewel in the crown of Persia and undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. This evening, we may stroll to the Zayandeh River and have a look at its historic bridges, which seem to have come straight from a fairytale! At several of the bridges local people gather to talk, drink tea and sing beautiful folk songs. This is truly a magical place to while away some time and is certainly one of the most atmospheric places in all Iran. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 9: Esfahan - overnight train

A full program of sightseeing enables us to take in the glories of Esfahan. The city reached its peak during the reign of Shah Abbas I (Shah Abbas the Great) in 1587, when it became the capital. After an Afghan invasion in 1722, the city declined and the capital was subsequently moved to Shiraz and then Tehran. We start our tour at the immense Iman Square (formerly Naqsh-e Jahan Square) which covers an area of 82,500 square metres and is surrounded by many grand buildings such as Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque. All are considered prominent historic and architectural masterpieces. In the Safavid era, this square was a place for parades, military reviews, polo games and festivals. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is renowned for its beautiful dome, which is decorated with exquisite tile work. Located in the west of Imam Square, the Ali Qapu Palace cover six floors and was originally built as the main palace of Shah Abbas, who used it to receive guests and foreign ambassadors. Its plaster works and paintings are considered as masterpieces of the Safavid era. Chehel Sotun Palace, located in a pleasant garden, is famous for its beautiful collection of frescoes. We also visit Vank Cathedral. This church is located in Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city, and is most striking with its gilded ceiling and painting. There is a museum in this church that contains some very historic manuscripts. Armenian Christians were originally brought there by Shah Abbas I, who valued their skills as artists and merchants. They have been allowed to practise their religion in peace, but are confined to this one area in town. Esfahan also has a wonderful bazaar where we can browse for fabrics, spices, jewellery and other treasures. Tucked away near the bazaar mosques is a lovely teahouse - the perfect place to rest tired feet and refresh your spirit with tea. In the early evening around 6:50 pm, we board our overnight sleeper train for Mashhad in the north-eastern corner of Iran. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 10: Mashhad

Our train is scheduled to arrive in Mashhad around 10:45 am. Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran and also its holiest, being the place where Imam Ali al-Reza, the Shi'ite imam at the time, was martyred. The name of the city literally means 'Place of Martyrdom' and it is indeed a very special place for the Iranian people with the Haram complex being the place of focus. The city attracts 20 million visitors per year with the majority of them on religious pilgrimages. We plan a visit to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, but will need to obtain special permission in order to do this. Please note that permission is not always granted.

Day 11-13: Ashgabat

We make our way to the border town of Bajgiran, where we cross into Turkmenistan. Located not far from the border is Ashgabat, the largest city and the capital of Turkmenistan. With a population of just under a million people, its name literally means 'City of Love' in Persian. It is quite a young city and only dates from the 19th century, when the Russians built a fortress near an old Silk Road village. It contains quite a few elaborate and somewhat garish Soviet-era buildings and monuments. The huge Arch of Neutrality is omnipresent and dominates the middle of town. We visit the National Museum that contains antiquities dating back to the times when the settlement was controlled by Persia and had strong Zoroastrian influences. Tolkuchka Bazaar is huge central Asian market where all sorts of things are sold. Amidst all the activity and bargaining, we see that the spirit of the old Silk Road trading days certainly continues to live on. We travel 18 kilometres out of town to visit the remnants of the ancient city of Nissa (Nisa), which dates from around 250 BC and was a capital for the Parthian people. We also visit a horse stud specialising in breeding the Akhal-Teke horse that is renowned for its speed, strength and beauty - qualities that makes this breed so highly-prized.

Day 14 & 15: Mary - Merv

We continue our journey east to Mary (pronounced 'Mar-ree') - a drive that takes about five hours. Mary is an oasis city in the Karakum Desert that dates back to the 1820s. Here we wander through the local Central Bazaar and pay a visit to the Pokrovskaya Church - an impressive Russian Orthodox church that was built in 1900. There is a Russian MiG fighter plane on display nearby. Mary is the base to visit the remains of Merv - once one of the great cities of the Islamic world and reputedly in the 12th century the biggest city in the world. Its other name was Marv-i-shah-jahan', meaning 'Merv - Ruler of the World'. Like many great ancient cities along the Silk Road, it was destroyed by the marauding Mongols, this time by armies led by the sons of Genghis Khan. We explore these interesting and important ruins before returning to Mary, 35 kilometres away.

Day 16 & 17: Bukhara

We leave Merv and travel to the border at Farab, when we cross into Uzbekistan before making our way to Bukhara. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia's holiest city. With many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, there is a vast span of history and architecture to uncover and the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations gives a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here spread over a few days to make the most of our time here. We start by enjoying free time to make our own discoveries and absorb its special ambience on our own. Those keen on shopping may wish to wander to the trading domes, which sell an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is certainly the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants. We start our official sightseeing on Day 17 by visiting the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, resting place of the founder of the Saminid Dynasty, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. The ruins of the Ark Fortress date back to the 5th century AD - it is the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events. Opposite the fortress is the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, which dates back to 1718 and was the emirs' official place of worship. We continue to the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Medressa) and Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz Khan Medressa. We end our day by visiting the Tim Abdulla Khan. Built in 1577, this is one of the most elegant medressas. The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering the areas around the Lyabi-Hauz Pool, a central gathering place you can enjoy a traditional 'chaikhana' (tea-house) style dinner (optional). Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 18: Bukhara

We start our next day of sightseeing in Bukhara by discovering that all manner of things can be found on sale in the covered bazaars. There are three of these trading domes left and we wander through Taqi-Sarrafon, Taqi-Telpak Furushon and Taqi-Zargaron in search of bargains and experiencing the spirit of trade which has driven this region since the halcyon days of the Silk Road era. In the midst of these bazaars is the Maghoki-Attar, reputed to be the oldest mosque in central Asia. Sitorai Mohi Hosa means Star and Garnet Garden and was the summer palace of the last emir. Its opulence is also reflected by its combination of local and European influences in its designs and furnishings. The halls are richly decorated with carpets and paintings. Char Minar is a unique structure with four minarets – one on each corner. It was built in 1807 by Turkmen merchant, Khalif Niyazkul. Bukhara is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us! Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 19 & 20: Nurata - Sentab Village - Samarkand

With regret, we leave captivating Bukhara and continue east towards Samarkand. Our next destination is Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander's hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We visit the Chashma, a complex of religious constructions that serves as the central point for such pilgrimages. After lunching in a local teahouse we continue on to the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve just south of Aiderkul Lake. We must change to smaller vehicles to navigate the narrow local roads as we climb into the mountains to reach the tiny village of Sentab. Here, as part of a UN Development Program project, local families have established small private guesthouses and welcome visitors to their homes. As our hosts are ethnic Tajiks, this is a unique opportunity to hear another regional language, eat delicious home-cooked local specialities, and see the day-to-day life of the village. Accommodation is in the traditional style - the group will sleep on mattresses in communal rooms (usually divided by gender), a similar experience to staying in a yurt. The bathroom facilities are also basic, but manageable - with very simple shower and toilet arrangements. Such things are minor inconveniences however as we lounge on 'tapchan' (day beds) under the walnut trees, with the sound of the stream running nearby, and a once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange unfolds. This is the perfect place to relax, or for those wanting to stretch their legs there are numerous local walking trails nearby which our hosts will be happy to show us. We have more time to relax the following morning. After lunch we depart on our drive to Samarkand. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Day 21: Samarkand

We enjoy a day of sightseeing and exploration in Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, this crossroads of cultures, religions, peoples and languages has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. Alexander the Great stormed its walls in 329 BC and many other rulers chose to make it their capital in the centuries that followed. Even the Soviet occupiers declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, although it only kept that honour for four years! We visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the mighty Timur and his sons and grandsons. For a man of his stature, it is quite a simple tomb. One highlight of our trip will certainly be standing on the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over us. We visit a handicraft centre before continuing the exploration of this vibrant city Close to the Registan is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built by Timur and often compared to the Taj Mahal, as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. This mosque overlooks the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders. Our next stop is the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex. Also known as the 'Town of the Dead' this is a row of more than 20 mausoleums, some of them with stunningly colourful tilework. Ulugbek was an emir in the early 15th century, but he was also a renowned astronomer. The discovery of the ruins of his observatory tells of an amazing story from a bygone era. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 22: Tashkent

We spend a full day exploring charming Tashkent on a city tour. Next to the Old Town and under the green dome of Chorsu Bazaar lies a farmers market that is one of the largest and oldest in central Asia. It is also a great place to buy Uzbek souvenirs including the ubiquitous skull caps. On a hill behind the bazaar is the 16th century Kulkedash Medressa – an Islamic school that sits beside the 15th century Juma (Friday) Mosque. The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan gives us a great introduction to the country and the region in general, from the Silk Road era to Soviet times. Amir Timur Square is the main square in town and used to contain a statue of Karl Marx, but he has been replaced by a statue of Uzbekistan's 14th century national hero, Timur, on horse-back. A tour of Tashkent's metro system reveals to us some strikingly beautiful stations, but please note that you are not permitted to take photos in the subway. The Bara-Khon Medressa is the headquarters of the Sunni Muslim religion in the region and has interesting mosaics and Arabic calligraphy that dates back to the late 16th century. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 23 & 24: Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve

We leave Uzbekistan and enter Kazakhstan. After crossing the border at Yallama, we are met by our Kazakh tour leader and transferred on our private vehicle to the village of Zhabaghly – gateway to the beautiful Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve. This reserve lies at the end of the Talassky Alatau range, which is a continuation of the mighty Tian Shan range. It is a nature-lovers' paradise with glacial mountain peaks, grand canyons and waterfall-fed valleys. Meadows are ablaze with colourful wildflowers and crystalline lakes are home to migrating birds. It is home to many species of wildlife including brown bear, lynx and the elusive snow leopard, as well as several species of mountain goat or sheep such as ibex. About 238 species of birds have been recorded here with vultures and eagles often seen soaring high above. We enjoy a whole day to explore this nature wonderland. Options include an eight-kilometre hike or a horse ride to Kishi Kaindy – a mountain rest hut located near a beautiful waterfall. A picnic lunch is provided on our excursion. The overall impression one gets when exploring Central Asia's oldest reserve is of splendid, serene isolation a place where you're more likely to see wildlife than other people. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Day 25: Taraz City

After breakfast we are transferred to Taraz city. Along the way we stop at the Aysha-Bibi Mausoleum – a 12th century burial place of a noble woman. Built of delicate terracotta bricks in over 50 different motifs, this Muslim shrine is located on the Silk Road in the small village of Aysha-Bibi, 11 kilometres west of the town of Taraz. During Soviet time, the original bricks were removed and the whole structure has had to be restored. As legend has it, the mausoleum was built by a local ruler for his beautiful fiancée Aisha-Bibi, who died of a snake bite. We also stop at the Babazhi Katun Mausoleum – the burial place of a companion of Aysha. En route we enjoy lunch and a walk through a gorge along a river. The area is very scenic and there is usually an abundance of wildflower, when in season. We spend the night in Taraz. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 25: Taraz City

After breakfast we are transferred to Taraz city. Along the way we stop at the Aysha-Bibi Mausoleum – a 12th century burial place of a noble woman. Built of delicate terracotta bricks in over 50 different motifs, this Muslim shrine is located on the Silk Road in the small village of Aysha-Bibi, 11 kilometres west of the town of Taraz. During Soviet time, the original bricks were removed and the whole structure has had to be restored. As legend has it, the mausoleum was built by a local ruler for his beautiful fiancée Aisha-Bibi, who died of a snake bite. We also stop at the Babazhi Katun Mausoleum – the burial place of a companion of Aysha. En route we enjoy lunch and a walk through a gorge along a river. The area is very scenic and there is usually an abundance of wildflower, when in season. We spend the night in Taraz. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 26: Merke Gorge - Almaty

In the morning we take a scenic half-day walk down the mountainous Merke Gorge, in the Kirghiz Alatau mountain range. Look out for the bright red Zanaida's tulip – a species endemic to this area. After lunch we drive to Almaty (known as 'Alma-Ata' in Soviet times), Kazakhstan's largest city and capital until 1998 (when the capital was moved to Astana). It remains the country's urban heart, a place where life moves a little faster and is also a repository for the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. It is also a city with a modern cosmopolitan face, with a great range of restaurants and dining choices. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 27 & 28: Almaty - overnight train

We spend the day exploring the sights of Almaty. The Central State Museum gives us a comprehensive overview of the history of the country. Modern and historic come together most markedly in Panfilov Park - the city's green lung that was laid out in the 1870s. Here war memorials can be found alongside nightclubs, but in the midst of it all stands the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral. Built in 1904, it is one of the few Tsarist buildings in Almaty, although the wooden nail-less structure seems an unlikely survivor of an earthquake that flattened most of the city. During Soviet times it was used as a history museum, but in 1990 it reverted to being a Russian Orthodox cathedral. We also take a walk through the Zelyony Bazaar (Green Market), where all sorts of things can be found on sale. A free afternoon is set aside for us to conduct our own discoveries in Almaty. You can wander around Gorky Park, admire the Monument to Independence at Respublika Alangby or catch a cable car up Green Hill for a panoramic view. Just before midnight on Day 29 and accompanied by our Kazakh tour leader, we depart on the sleeper train to Urumqi, in the Xinjiang province of China. Our rail journey takes two nights and one day and offers us another great opportunity to engage with the local people on our travels. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 29 & 30: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake - overnight train

We arrive early in the morning in Urumqi and are met by our Chinese tour leader. Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a multi-national province with many languages, customs and colourful ethnic traditions. The city is China's gateway to central Asia with air links to all of the former Soviet 'stans' and is also widely regarded as 'the city farthest from the ocean'. We visit the large and fascinating Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, which houses an amazing collection of Silk Road artefacts and treasures including some incredibly well-preserved mummified bodies. On Day 32 we make a day trip out of Urumqi to a totally different world. Lake of Heaven (Tianchi) resembles a little piece of Swiss alpine scenery with hills covered by fir trees and the area dotted with tiny Kazak settlements. The local people live in tent-like structures made from animal skin, known as yurts. In winter the road becomes impassable due to snow. In the evening we return to Urumqi and catch the overnight sleeper train to Xian. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 31-33: Xian - overnight train

We travel on the train for a full day and arrive in Xian just before midnight. Xian is a wonderful place to explore. Food options are excellent here, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese cafes. Widely regarded as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is rich in history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors introduces us to these entombed statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Over 6000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, the great Qin Shihuang. Peasants digging a well only discovered the underground vault, which was home to this army for two millennia, in 1974. Xian also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter. A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes, and the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China. On the late afternoon of Day 35, we catch the overnight sleeper-class train to Beijing. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 34 & 35: Beijing

Beijing offers endless opportunities for exploration. The enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. Its size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries. Our hotel is located in the south of the city and a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. There are good shopping opportunities at the various markets around the city, such as the centrally located Dashilan Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera (optional). Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 36: Beijing

Our tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available. Meals included: 1 breakfast