The Great Silk Road (Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan)
In the heart of the Silk road with a visit to the enchanting Samarkand
This journey takes you to places where one still can feel the spirit of times passed long ago, to sense the smell of the camels, to hear the shouts of trading dealers, to experience the life in the desert. During this exciting roundtrip you will pass through the famous cities on the caravans way – Khiva, Buhara and Samarkand. “Everything I had heard about Samarkand is true – at a closer look it is even more beautiful then I have imagined”. These were the words of Alexander the Great when he conquered the city in 329 year B.C. In the dust of the numerous markets on the background of turquoise mosques you can almost see the loaded with silk and other jewels caravans heading West.
Tour Highlights:
♦ Ashgabat - relatively new city with modern and impressive architecture
♦ Khiva - its old part was the first place in Uzbekistan inscribed in UNESCOs World Heritage List
♦ Samarkand - one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world (about 2,500 years old), prospering from its location on the trade route between China and Europe (Silk Road).
Trip plan:
Day 1: Departure from your home country.
Day 2: Ashgabat
Arrival to Turkmenistan's capital - Ashgabat early in the morning. Accommodation in a hotel and time for rest after the flight. Sighseeing tour in the afternoon.
Day 3: Ashgabat - Nisa - Asghabat
Today we continue our tour in and around Ashgabat, and visit the ancient Nisa Fortress, dating from 3C BC.
Day 4: Ashgabat - Dashoguz - Khiva
We take an early morning flight to Dashoguz, where we will cross the border with Uzbekistan and will head towards to the historic city of Khiva.
Day 5: Khiva
The day is devoted to sightseeing tour in Khiva.
Day 6: Khiva - Bukhara
We follow the ancient route of the caravans through the desert Kazulkum to Bukhara. Accommodation in hotel in Bukhara.
Day 7: Bukhara
Sightseeing tour of Bukhara, which is still considered as the most sacred town in Central Asia.
Day 8: Bukhara - Nurota
Transfer to Nurota. Camel Riding in the afternoon. Acconmmodation in traditional yurts in a base camp.
Day 9: Nurota - Samarkand
Drive to Ayder Kul Lake in the morning. In the afternoon: transfer to Samarkand and accommodation at a hotel.
Day 10: Samarkand
Sightseeing in Samarkand. Samarkand is considered to be the oldest city in Central Asia (500 BC). In the city centre, the Registan, the most imposing complex of Central Asia and one of most beautiful of Islam with name meaning "sand square", is still preserved. We will make a sightseeing tour of the city today.
Day 11: Samarkand - Tashkent
Transfer to Tashkent - the biggest city in Central Asia and capital of Uzbekistan. After a devastating earthquake from 1966 the city is rebuild in a Soviet Union style, but here we can also see many ancient landmarks. Breakfast included.
Day 12: Tashkent
We continue our sightseeing tour in the morning. The afternoon is free for exploring Tashkent, shopping, etc.
Day 13: Transfer to the airport for departure from Tashkent.
Included in the price: ►Accommodation in 3-star hotels in Uzbekistan with breakfast and 4-star hotel in Turkmenistan with half board ►1 night in yurt camp with full board - up to 4 people will be accommodated in one yurt ►transport and entrance fees according to program ►English speaking tour leader throughout the tour and local English speaking guides.
Not included: ►Flight tickets ►visas to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - can be obtained at the borders ►tips ►alcohol drinks ►other personal expenses ►fees for taking photos, where required
Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 195 EUR
Visa: Citizens of most countries need a visa to both countires. Visa to Turkmenistan will be obtained upon arrival at the airport (about 97 USD). Visa to Uzbekistan will be obtained at the Consular Office in Ashgabat (about 65 USD). Bring 4 passport-size photos.
Recommended travel period of the year: spring, autumn
Good to know: A roundtrip in Uzbekistan can be organized for individual tourists (min. 2 persons) on any date convenient for you. The program can be according to your preferences.
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