Days 1-2 Ashgabad (Turkmenistan)
Fly from Istanbul to Ashgabad and arrive early morning. Welcome to Central Asia!
You will be met by our guide and driver and accommodated at the luxurious Sofitel (Yilduz) Hotel for two nights. French style meets Turkmen tradition at this fabulous hotel in the heart of Ashgabad.
Start off after breakfast with a drive to Nissa and explore the ancient ruined capital of the Parthians. Enjoy discovering the unique fortresses, citadel, temples and tombs (III Century BC).
Visit the National Museum with its impressive archaeological displays from sites excavated in the oasis and an informative and attractive display of fabulous Turkmen carpets and cultural artifacts.
Take a tour of the beautiful Kipchak and Blue mosques and to the bustling Talkuchka Sunday bazaar, one of the largest open bazaars in the world.
Trot over to the horse-breeding center at the hippodrome. Meet the director of the center and one of the trainers to learn about the important equestrian culture here in Turkmenistan.
Day 3 Ashgabad – Dashoguz – Kalas (Uzbekistan)
Fly to Dashoguz and drive to Kunya Urgench. Destroyed several times over thousands of years, the ruins and buildings of this ancient archaeological treasure still remain a pilgrimage site.
Travel to the border crossing point at Dashoguz between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and continue on to Ayaz Kala. Tonight we will stay in a authentic yurt! Take a sunset hike, enjoy a lecture on the Kala region and a private concert around the camp fire. Then find yourself warm and snug in this traditional, nomadic home under skies glittering with stars.
Day 4 Kala – Khiva
Visit the Karalkapak Museum, home of the Savitsky collection of Soviet era, banned, avant-garde art and then continue our drive to Khiva through romantic desert landscapes and via small rural villages. One of the most popular World Heritage Sites of the Silk Road, Khiva is filled with history and legend. Dinner will include entertainment by a local folklore group. Evening in Khiva is magical with the minarets silhouetted against the starlit sky. Accommodation at the lovely Asia hotel. In a peaceful location within the old city, this is a family-run business with warm, friendly service.
Day 5 Khiva-Tashkent
Tour the fairy-tale city of Khiva. Explore the antiquities of the Ichan Kala (Old City): the Ata –Darvaza gate, the majestic, blue-tiled Kalta Minaret, the ancient citadel of the Kunya Ark, the Tash Hauli Palace, medieval caravanserai and the Juma mosque with its two hundred pillars.
The afternoon flight will get you to Tashkent to see the evening lights of the capital. Accommodation will be at one of the premier hotels in Tashkent; the centrally located Tashkent Palace which is right near Independence Square and surrounded by parks and shopping.
Day 6 Tashkent
This morning we will discover Tashkent. Visit the landmarks of this ancient city; explore the Chor-Su Bazaar, watch craftsmen at work, and bargain for souvenirs. Compare the old with the new at Mustakillik Square (Independence Square) and Amur Temur Park.
Day 7 Tashkent-Samarkand
Board Business Class coaches on the high speed rail to legendary Samarkand, where Alexander the Great married his love Roxana and no trip is complete without seeing Registan Square.
Arrival and accommodation at the Grand Samarkand Superior Hotel, offering old world charm, warm hospitality and modern comforts.
On our discovery of ancient Samarkand we will be joined by an historian for a richer understanding of the importance of this fabled city. Registan Square is the main attraction here, an impressive venue for holiday celebrations and music festivals – the symbol of Samarkand. It’s a perfect place for a special anniversary or birthday. Within the city is the 15th century Observatory of Ulugbek, the tomb of the Hebrew Prophet Daniel, the old Jewish quarter, and the unique Shahi Zinda ensemble of ancient mausoleums which date back from the 9th century.
Relax with a wine tasting at the Khorenko winery, followed by dinner at the Registan Restaurant and folklore shows in the square.
Day 8 Samarkand-Bukhara
This morning we will complete our tour of Samarkand and drive off to Bukhara in the afternoon.
Our route will take us through the Malikchul desert and by the Zerafshan River.
We will stop by an 11th century caravanserai Gate and the Gijduvan Ceramic center, one of the principal schools of traditional ceramics in Uzbekistan.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy in this desert oasis and our guides will be happy to help you plan your adventure! We’ll be the guests for two nights at one of Bukhara’s most charming boutique hotels, either Sasha & Son or Minzifa .
Day 9 Bukhara
Explore the heart of Bukhara today; seeing the Labi Khaus and Poi Kalong Complexes, the mosques, minarets and the Fortress. Visit the extensive trade domes and markets of the bazaar and be treated to a traditional folk show in an old medresseh.
We will be the guests of a local Uzbek family and experience the hospitality of the region.
The summer palace of the Bukhara Emirs and the Chor Minor complex will round out our day and after dinner we will take a flight back to Tashkent and return to the Tashkent Palace hotel for two night before continuing our journey to Tajikistan.
Day 10 Tashkent – Khodjand, Tajikistan-Tashkent
An early morning drive to the Tajik border will get us to Khodjand in good time. One of the oldest cities of Tajikistan, it is situated along the Sir-Darya River, enjoying a mild climate and ideal location in the Ferghana Valley. Its green hills and snowcapped mountains characterize the city and the region is known for its fruit crops. We will enjoy the spectacular lakes and parks of the area and tour the Temurmalik fortress and Panjshanbe bazaar before returning to Tashkent this evening.
Day 11 Tashkent – Bishkek , Kyrgyzstan.
Our flight takes us to Bishkek, the “Hidden Switzerland” in the heart of Central Asia. Set against a backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains, this city is an intriguing mix of Soviet style and European influences. Watch the changing of the guards at Ala-too Square, relax in the shade of Oak Park, and even see one of the last (if not the biggest) statues of Lenin left in the region. Learn more about the fascinating modern history of Kyrgystan with a lecture from an American university professor.
Accommodation will be at the Hyatt Regency, right in the center of town, with breathtaking views of the Tien Shan Mountains.
Day 12 Bishkek- Burana Tower –Chon Kemin
The region has long been of cultural and historic significance, the route along the Silk Road to China. We will visit the Burana Tower complex along the way, see equestrian events nearby and stop at the town of Balykchy.
In Tamchy we will be welcomed at a local handicraft workshop and at a sheep shearing demonstration. The Kyrgyz are some of the oldest nomadic people and are well known for their riding skills and their fine quality Merino wool. A welcoming home stay with a friendly Kyrgyz family will round out our tour to this traditional part of the world.
Day 13-14 Chon Kemin – Issyk Kul Lake – Karakol-Tamga
Kyrgystan is a tapestry of unspoiled nature and breathtaking vistas. Beautiful beaches on a salt water lake surrounded by the Ala-Tau mountains; Lake Issyk Kul is a popular destination. Relax at the water’s edge and tour around the lake at this delightful spot. We will spend overnight on the shores of Lake Issyk kul’s Karven resort enjoying the scenery and unsurpassed Kyrgyz hospitality. Then we will visit the picturesque gorges of Cholpon-Ata. The Ethnographic Museum details the ancient petroglyphs (II millennium BC) found in there. The Przhevalsky Memorial Complex is nearby. A Russian traveler and geographer, Przhevalsky is the namesake of the famous wild horses of Mongolia. Near Karakol we will stop at the Altyn-Arashan springs. The lush alpine meadows in this area are the domain of the Golden Eagle. Tamga Village
Day 15 Tamga – Bishkek
Today we will visit one of the most fascinating families in Kyrgyzstan – a family of Berkutchi, or eagle hunters. For thousands of years across the steppes of Eurasia, eagles and hawks have been trained from fledglings as hunting partners. Secrets are passed through generations and training is lengthy and difficult, even dangerous. A soaring eagle is an incredible sight anywhere. In this beautiful and untamed part of the world, it’s awe-inspiring. Keep your cameras handy.
On your visit to Kochkor village later, you might look out for one of the jaunty caps they wear! We will visit the local museum, enjoy a locally organized handicraft show and make our way back to Bishkek. Orion Hotel
Day 16 Bishkek – Almaty
Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan derives its name from the Kazakh word for apple, and legend has it that this ubiquitous fruit originated right here. We will drive from Bishkek to Almaty and settle in to the luxurious new The Rixos for our final two evenings.
Alatu Park in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains is located just 15 km from the city and provides spectacular panoramas over this lovely area. We will enjoy the view from there after visiting the Green Bazaar, the very original Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the wooden, Tsarist-era Cathedral of the Holy Ascension and the golden warrior atop Independence Monument.
Day 17 Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Our last day of sightseeing will take us to the Charyn Canyon. Nature has carved the walls of this “Valley of Castles” with deep fissures forming caves, grottoes, shady niches and curious sculptures out of the many different geologic layers. The Charyn River with its Class IV cataracts rushes below. We will hike a ways into this fantastic area to a hatchery where golden eagles are raised for hunting, then return for our final night and farewell dinner. We’ll be entertained by local musicians and have the opportunity to try our hand at some of the popular music!
Day 18 Almaty
Early morning departure home. Transfer to the airport where we will send you off with warm memories of your adventures in Central Asia.
