Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Tour

After breakfast, travel east toward Mary, passing historical sites connected with the old Silk Road. Continue to Ancient Merv, one of the region’s great archaeological landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore key monuments such as Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and religious complexes linked to the city’s long history. Later, transfer to Mary Airport for the return flight to Ashgabat and overnight at the hotel.

Begin with a guided introduction to Ashgabat, a capital known for its wide avenues, monumental architecture and white-marble buildings. Visit Old Nisa, the ancient Parthian fortress area listed by UNESCO, and continue to selected city landmarks such as major mosques, museums, monuments, parks or local market areas depending on schedule. If possible, stop at an Akhalteke horse stable to see Turkmenistan’s famous horse breed. In the afternoon, drive into the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza Gas Crater. Enjoy dinner near the glowing crater and overnight in a simple yurt camp.

Wake up in the desert and have a simple camp-style breakfast. Drive north across the Karakum Desert toward the Dashoguz area and continue to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border crossing. After completing exit and entry procedures, meet the Uzbek team on the other side and continue to Khiva. Check in at the hotel and enjoy free time near the old city walls.

Spend the day exploring Khiva’s Ichan-Kala, a compact UNESCO-listed walled city filled with madrasahs, minarets, palaces and narrow lanes. Highlights may include Juma Mosque, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret and other monuments inside the old town. Later, transfer to Urgench for the onward journey to Bukhara by domestic flight or alternative transport depending on availability. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Begin a full walking tour through Bukhara’s old city, one of the most atmospheric urban centers of the Silk Road. Visit Lyabi-Hauz, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor, the trading domes, Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma-Ayub. In the evening, a cultural dinner or folklore show may be included depending on the final program.

Continue sightseeing around Bukhara with visits outside the old city, such as Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi memorial complex and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. In the afternoon, depart for Samarkand by road. Arrive in Samarkand, check in at the hotel and rest after the transfer.

Discover Samarkand, one of the most celebrated cities of the Silk Road. Visit Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum, the remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar and Ulugbek Observatory. The sightseeing introduces the city’s Timurid architecture, blue-tiled monuments and important role in regional trade and scholarship. Free time may be available later in the day.

Continue the Samarkand program with Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel, then visit Konigil village to learn about traditional paper-making from mulberry bark. After lunch or free time, transfer to the railway station for the train to Tashkent. Arrive in the capital and transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Explore Tashkent, Central Asia’s largest city and a mix of old neighborhoods, Soviet-era avenues and modern public spaces. Visit the Old City area, Khast-Imam surroundings, Chorsu Bazaar, selected metro stations, the Museum of Applied Arts, the exterior of Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and Amir Timur Square. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

Check out from the hotel by noon unless late check-out has been arranged. Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight. This concludes the Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Tour.