Discover the Heart of the Silk Road: Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan (SR-10)

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon your arrival in Tashkent, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to unwind and settle in as you get ready for the exciting adventures that await. Overnight in Tashkent. (Dinner)

Start your sightseeing tour of Tashkent by meeting your guide in the hotel lobby. Your day begins with a visit to the historic Old Town and the Khast-Imam architectural complex, where you’ll find the revered Osman Quran. Next, explore notable landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, the Courage Monument, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and Independence Square, each offering a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture. To end your tour, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, where you can admire the vibrant local market and the craftsmanship of Uzbek artisans. Overnight in Tashkent. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to the train station for your high-speed journey aboard the "Afrosiab" train, departing Tashkent at 08:30 and arriving in Samarkand at 10:40. Upon arrival, we'll take you to your hotel to check in and get ready for a day full of discovery.

Your exploration of Samarkand starts at the iconic Registan Square, famous for its three stunning madrassahs-Sherdor, Ulugbek, and Tillya Qory. Next, visit the impressive Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the historic Gur-Emir Mausoleum, and Ulugbek's Observatory, which highlights the region's rich scientific legacy. Continue your journey with a visit to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a remarkable collection of mausoleums, and conclude with a stop at the lively Siab Bazaar, where the vibrant culture of the local community is on full display. Overnight in Samarkand. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer you to the train station for your journey to Bukhara aboard the high-speed "Afrosiab" train, a quick and comfortable ride lasting just 90 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to check in and unwind before starting your exploration of this ancient city.

Your guided tour of Bukhara begins with a visit to the Lyabi-Khauz complex, which houses the oldest pool in Central Asia, surrounded by impressive medieval buildings such as the Nadira Divan-begi madrasah and Khanaka, both known for their intricate mosaic facades. Then, head to the Kukeldash madrasah, the largest in Bukhara. Later, explore the stunning Poi-Kalyan Complex, home to the iconic Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Friday Mosque, and the active Miri-Arab madrasah, which offer a fascinating look at the city’s architectural and spiritual history. End your day with an overnight stay in Bukhara. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby to continue our journey through Bukhara’s rich history. Our first stop is the Samanids Mausoleum, a revered and ancient site known for its beautiful brickwork and its role as the final resting place of the Samanid dynasty. From there, we’ll head to the Ark Citadel, the impressive former residence of Bukhara’s emirs, where we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and dive into its significance as a political and cultural center throughout the centuries. Next, we’ll explore the unique Chor-Minor, a structure with four distinctively decorated minarets, before concluding our day at the serene Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace. This palace, surrounded by peaceful gardens, was once the summer retreat for the emirs and showcases a fascinating blend of local and European architectural styles. After a day filled with exploration, we’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bukhara. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Begin your day with some free time to discover the wonders of Bukhara at your own leisure. You can take a leisurely walk through its charming streets, revisit your favorite landmarks, or simply relax in one of its serene courtyards. Later, we’ll depart for Mary, Turkmenistan. On arrival in Mary, we’ll start with an introductory tour that includes visits to the History Museum of the Mary Region, the stunning Russian Orthodox Church, and the vibrant local bazaar. We’ll also take time to explore the striking Gurbanguly Haji Mosque, a modern architectural gem. After the tour, we’ll head to your hotel to unwind and get settled in. Overnight in Mary. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 380 km / 238 ml.

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the Ancient City of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key city on the ancient Silk Road. As we stroll through the vast historical park, we’ll visit highlights such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the imposing Large and Small Gyz Gala, the Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortresses, and the Muhammed ibn Zaid Mausoleum. These extraordinary landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural significance. Following our exploration of Merv, we’ll return to Mary for a short flight (approximately 40 minutes) to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's contemporary capital. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to your hotel where you can relax and unwind for the evening. Overnight in Ashgabat. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 65 km / 41 ml.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a full-day tour of Ashgabat, exploring the city's most iconic landmarks that showcase its unique blend of modernity and tradition. We’ll begin at the National Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Turkmenistan’s history and cultural heritage. From there, we’ll visit Independence Park, home to monumental structures representing the nation’s sovereignty, before continuing to the Rukhnama Monument and the striking Neutrality Arch. Next, we’ll take a panoramic ride on the Ferris Wheel for sweeping views of the city, followed by a visit to the Magtymguly Monument, honoring Turkmenistan’s beloved poet. A major highlight of the day will be our visit to Nissa, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll explore remnants of Parthian architecture. To round off the day, we’ll visit the grand Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, a beautiful fusion of spiritual and architectural splendor. After this enriching experience, we’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Ashgabat. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we’ll continue our exploration of Ashgabat, a city that harmoniously fuses contemporary architecture with traditional culture. Our day begins with a visit to the Ahalteke horse stables, where you’ll learn about Turkmenistan’s prized breed of horses, followed by a stop at the stunning Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque. We’ll then take in the historic Lenin Monument and the lively atmosphere of the Russian Bazaar. Next, we’ll visit the poignant Earthquake Monument and the Soviet War Memorial Complex, both commemorating key moments in Turkmenistan’s history. The day will conclude with a visit to the Carpet Museum, where you can admire the intricate craftsmanship of Turkmen carpets, before heading to the Wedding Palace viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In the evening, we’ll transfer to the airport for a short flight (approximately 50 minutes) to Dashoguz. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Dashoguz. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Optional - Darvaza Gas Crater. For those seeking an extra adventure, an optional excursion to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Door to Hell," is available. You can choose to visit on a day trip or extend your experience with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp near the crater. The crater is located 275 km (172 miles) from Dashoguz, with an additional 300 km (188 miles) to reach. If you opt for the overnight stay, you’ll spend the night in a yurt camp, allowing you to fully experience the desert’s unique ambiance. Witness the extraordinary sight of the crater glowing under the night sky, offering a truly unforgettable experience. This excursion provides an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast, surreal landscape of Turkmenistan.

In the morning, we’ll depart for Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkmenistan’s most significant historical treasures. We’ll explore the ancient ruins and remarkable structures within the historical park, including the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret, the graceful Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, the Mausoleum of Tekesh, the Mausoleum of Il Arslan, and the impressive Caravansaray Gateway, among other key landmarks. Afterward, we’ll travel to Dashoguz for lunch, followed by a visit to the History Museum of Dashoguz Region, the Central Mosque, and the bustling local bazaar, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the afternoon, we’ll cross into Uzbekistan and head to Khiva, a beautifully preserved city along the ancient Silk Road, rich in history and culture. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Khiva. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 260 km / 163 ml.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a fascinating sightseeing tour of Khiva, starting with a visit to Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop is the Kalta-Minor Minaret, a striking yet unfinished structure that reaches 26 meters in height with a base diameter of 16 meters. Originally meant to be the tallest minaret in Central Asia, it’s a key symbol of the city. Next, we’ll explore Kunya-Ark, the first palace of Khiva’s khans, followed by the Pahlovan Mahmud Mausoleum, a stunning example of Islamic architecture. We’ll continue our tour with the Islam Khodja Madrassah and its accompanying minaret, completed in 1908, before visiting the Juma Mosque, famous for its unique flat roof supported by 218 intricately carved wooden columns that create exceptional acoustics. These historical and architectural treasures will provide you with an in-depth look at Khiva’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Khiva. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing cities and landscapes of Central Asia. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you on your next adventure soon! (Breakfast)

Accommodation Options

Here is a selection of example hotels used during the tour. Comparable accommodations can be provided based on hotel availability.

City	Comfort Package - Hotels 3*	Premium Package - Hotels 4*	Nights
Tashkent	Gabrielle International 3* / Milan 3*	City Palace 4* / Hampton by Hilton 4*	2
Samarkand	City Samarkand 3* / Malika Prime 3*	Dilimah 4* / Emir Han 4* / Alexandr 4*	1
Bukhara	Fatima 3* / Volida 3* / Kavsar 3*	Sahid Zarafshon 4*	2
Mary	Margush 4*	Margush 4*	1
Ashgabat	Ak Altyn 3*	Sport 4*	2
Dashoguz	Dashoguz 4*	Dashoguz 4*	1
Khiva	Malika Khiva 3* / Khorezm 3* / Kheivak 3* / Arkanchi 3*	Asia Khiva 4* / Bek Khiva 4*	2