Overview

For over 3000 years Central Asia region’s Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been cultural, educational and trade centers welcoming travelers, traders, scholars and conquerors.

The award-winning tour operators and travel experts of Uzbekistan Boutique tours have created this 13 -day tour itinerary for the to experience two beautiful nations’ ancient history, cultures, architectural and archaeological jewels of Bukhara, Samarkand, Konya Urgench, Nissa, Khiva and Tashkent.

During this tour the travelers will have two experienced escort guides in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan who will take you to the outstanding national history and  carpet museums of Ashgabad and Tashkent, Nissa and Samarkand archaeological sites, Talkuchka animal,  Samarkand’s  Siyob and Bukhara’s  trade bazaars

The tour starts in Ashgabad, the capital of Turkmenistan, which is also known for its white marble and spectacular monuments, Ark of Neutrality, National Mosque, Earthquake memorial and Turkmen handmade carpets. If the travelers enjoy Nissa fortress remains and Hippodrome near Ashgabad, In ancient Konya Urgench they will visit the ancient minaret and mosque and mausoleums before traveling to the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. After border crossing the travelers explore 2500 years of magic city of Uzbekistan, Khiva and explore the UNESCO heritage Ichan Kala and its Friday Mosque and adobe walls, 50- meter Islam Khodja minaret. Evenings are so amazing to be in Khiva. Do not miss the opportunity to have a panorama travel when the lights of moon and stars lightens the top of the mosques and mausoleums giving the city such a magical view.

We continue our tour to Tashkent. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan which has modern and ancient part. Many museums, modern architectural monuments including independence square, Amir Timur Square and Palaces located in the modern part and you can enjoy metro ride to the old city of Tashkent where we will visit 3000 years old Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash madrasah and Abul Kasim craft center.  In Chorsu bazaar you watch craftsmen at work, and even can bargain for souvenirs.  Applied Arts Museum you can enjoy seeing unique Uzbek fabrics, the displays of handmade Bukhara and Khiva carpets, “Suzani” embroidery, metal and wooden items adorned with ornate Arabic lettering, oriental jewelry, and ceramics.

From Tashkent we take high-speed rail to legendary Samarkand. Samarkand is more than 2,750 years old where we will visit world famous Registan square, Amir Timur Mausoleum, Shakhi Zinda Ensemble and Bibi Khanum Mosque. WE will even stay at charming Bibi Khanum hotel which has a spectacular view to the historical sites. In Samarkand in addition to enjoying El Merosi Show you will taste famous Uzbekistan Samarkand wine at Khovrenko winery. From Samarkand we will travel to Bukhara through the ancient Silk Road stopping by Gijduvan ceramic center, Zerafshan River and Malik Chul Rabotamalik caravan seray.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, we will enjoy ur lunch at authentic Labi Khaus restaurant located in the heart of Bukhara. This is one of the breathtaking places of Bukhara where people come not only to eat but rest, mingle, shop and also dance. Bukhara hosts many international festivals including melon, spice, and craft festivals throughout the year.  You will be very lucky to experience one of the most fascinating festivals with our Conde Nast award-winning travel experts of Uzbekistan Boutique Tours. They may also take you to the family events and pilgrimage sites to explore more local events to experience authentic weddings, cradle baby celebrations. We will have a premium seat for you at the concert performances and festivals and you will also have the best hotel rooms with spectacular view of the monuments.

This13 days tour to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will cover the visa support and most meals, entrance fees to the sites and national parks, hotel accommodation and experienced escort guides.

We recommend our travelers to sign up for the tours in advance for the best chance of securing the charming boutique hotels with great views, and incredibly knowledgeable guides with deep knowledge in history and art of these fascinating countries. We look forward to seeing you in Central Asia. Follow us in Facebook and Instagram and learn about our updates.

Day by Day Details

Day 1 Ashgabad (Turkmenistan)

Arrival in Turkmenistan. Welcome to Central Asia!

 You will be met by our guide and driver and accommodated at the Yildiz Hotel

Days 2-3 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.

Day 4 Ashgabad - Dashoguz – Khiva (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 Khiva. 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 Shakhrezade 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.

Evening flight to Tashkent. Accommodation will be at one of the premier hotels in Tashkent; the centrally located Lotte with its lush courtyard or similar hotels surrounded by parks and shopping centers.

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. We will also explore old Tashkent at Hazt Imam Street.

Day 7 Tashkent -Samarkand

This morning we Board First 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 for two nights 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.

Day 8 Samarkand

This morning we shall visit 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. We will also visit Amir Timur Complex and Bibi Khanum Mosque near Samarkand’s Siyoh Bazaar.

Relax with a wine tasting at the Khorenko winery, followed by dinner at the Registan Restaurant.

Day 9 Samarkand-Bukhara

This morning we will complete our tour of Samarkand and drive off to Bukhara in late morning.

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 hotels Bukhara’s most charming boutique, either Sasha & Son or Minzifa

Day 10-11     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 madrassah.

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 Dinner at Caravan restaurant.

Day 12          Bukhara-Tashkent

After breakfast we shall take a flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival you will be accommodated at Tashkent Palace Hotel. Afternoon we shall visit the museum of Applied and decorative Art and the craft center Abulkasim. Farewell dinner at the local Restaurant.

We’ll be entertained by local musicians and have the opportunity to dance with popular dancers

Day 13   Tashkent

Departure

Costs

Land Tour Costs: $4, 568

Single Supplement: $436

Scheduled Departures

March 18-30, 2022

April 8-20, 2022

April 25-May 3, 2022

May 10- 22, 2022

May 20-June1, 2022

Trip Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites that have inspired imagination through the ages with outstanding archaeologists and historians.
  • Invitations to dine with local families in cities and villages, to attend a tea ceremony, relax in a chaikhana,
  • Guided visits through Central Asia’s finest museums, visits to local artisans and galleries.
  • Create your own 1001 nights in the lively bazaars of Samarkand, Bukhara and Ashgabad!

Visited Countries

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Visited Cities & Places

Ashgabad, Dashoguz, Konya Urgench, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand

What is included:

  • Breakfast, Dinners and 2 complimentary lunches
  • Visa support for all countries visited.
  • All ground transportation in private climate-controlled vehicles, including international arrival and departure transfers.
  • Experienced, local, Private English-speaking guides in each country
  • All entrance fees, service charges, and applicable taxes.
  • All domestic flights in economy class 

Not included:

  • Travel Insurance
  • For additional services at the hotels
  • Consulate visa fees and services