The Great Silk Road
Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan combined tour

This tour is developed on a case-by-case basis. Our calculation of the program takes up to 5 days (max.)

Duration: 27/25 days, 26/24 nights
Type of route: drive by A/C car or minibus and air plane
Season: March - November
Accommodation: Singles/Doubles in hotels, yurts

Travel itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent. Pick up at the airport. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 2: Breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. City tour around Tashkent: "New Tashkent Television Tower" - the highest in Central Asia and the eighth in the world - 375 m, "Memorial to the Victims of Repression" - the memorial complex and museum, "Monument of Courage" - the epicenter of the Tashkent earthquake of 1966 (1976 y). Old part of the city: the architectural complex "Khazret-Imam" incl. the necropolis of imam Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Kaffal Shashi who was one of the first Muslim imams and a famous prophet and poet (16^th c), "Barak-khan Medressa" - built by Suyunidj-khan - the first ruler of the Uzbek dynasty of the Sheibanid's (16^th c), "Tellya Sheikh Medressa" also called "Khast Imom Mosque" where Osman Quran - the world's oldest is kept (19^th c), "Mui-Mubarak Medressa (19^th c)", "Juma Mosque" (15-19^th cc), Imam Ismail al Bukhari Islamic Institute - a two year post-medressa academy, "Hadra" square, "Kukeldash Medressa" ("Foster brother") - was built by Kukekdash - the vizier of the Tashkent khans (16^th c), "Jami Mosque"- the third biggest mosque in Uzbekistan, "Chorsu" - oriental bazaar, "Friendship of the People" square, "National park", "Abdulkasim Medressa" now is the centre for traditional arts with attractive souvenirs by local artisans (19^th c). Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 3: Early breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to airport at 10:30. Departure to Urgench on flight HY1053 at 12:30. At 15:00 arrival to Urgench - the administrative centre of Khorezm region. Transfer by car (35 km, 30 min) to Khiva - the only "Museum under the open sky" in Central Asia that has been completely preserved up to the present day. Accommodation at the hotel, located inside or nearby "Ichan-Qala" - the historical center of Khiva which has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. City tour around the architectural complex "Ichan-Qala" (12-19^th cc): "Kunya-Ark" khan's castle - the inner citadel of Ichan-Qala (16-17^th cc), "Kalta Minor Tower" ("Short minaret") that would have become the biggest and highest minaret in Central Asia (19^th c), "Muhammad Amin-Khan" - the biggest medieval medressa in Khiva (1845-1855 yy), "Djuma Mosque" with 220 wooden columns and minaret 32,5 m in height (10^th c). Overnight in Khiva.

Day 4: Breakfast at the Hotel. Continuation of excursion around the city: "Tash-Hauli" ("Stone courtyard") palace which looks like a fortress with high battlements, towers and fortified gates (19^th c), "Ak-Mosque" ("White Mosque") - a small quarter mosque by the gates of Palvan-Darvaza (1838-1842 yy), necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud - the cultic center of Ichan-Qala (1810-1913 cc), residence of Islam Khodja (1910 y) - the vizier of last khan. Ensemble consists of the smallest medressa in Khiva and a minaret, whose top platform has a height of 45 m and is the highest observation point in town. Free time. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 5: Breakfast at the Hotel. 09.00 - Cross Shavat (Uzbek-Turkmen) border. Drive to Kunyaurgench, visit sites. Lunch at a local restaurant, noon drive to Darvaza, dinner in camp, night visits to the burning Gas Crater. Dinner. Overnight in Darvaza.

Day 6: Breakfast at the Hotel. Drive to Ashgabat via Erbent (4 hrs), hotel check-in, p.m. visit to the Russian bazaar and Carpet museum, overnight in Ashhabad.

Day 7: Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning drive to Nokhur Village, en-route visit Nissa Fortress. Overnight in a private house.

Day 8: Breakfast. A.m. exploration of Nokhur and surroundings (Aydere and Owadere waterfalls). Lunch. Evening transfer to Ashgabat (4..5 h). Dinner. Overnight in Ashhabad.

Day 9: Breakfast. Morning city tour, including the National Museum. Overnight in Ashkhabad.

Day 10: Breakfast. Visit Tolkuchka Bazaar, p.m. continue to explore Ashgabat and flight to Mary, time-permitting visit Mary Museum Caravan. Overnight in Mary.

Day 11: Breakfast at hotel. Early morning off-road drive to Gonur Depe (bronze age archaeological site) with local guide. P.m. drive back to Mary. Overnight in Mary.

Day 12: Breakfast. 5-6 hrs visit Merv with local guide, evening drive to Turkmenabad. Overnight in Turkmenabad.

Day 13: Breakfast. Full-day drive to Kugitang (Koytendag) (7-8 h) via Atamyrat (Kerki), time-permitting, en route stops at the "Texas Mountains", Kaynar Baba sulphur springs and Astana Baba Mausoleum. Lunch. Late arrival to Koyten village. Dinner. Overnight in Koyten - camp.

Day 14: Breakfast. Drive to the Dinosaur Plateau, visit to the Kyrk Gyz gorge and Umbar Dere canyon & waterfall. Lunch. Excursion around Kyrk Gyz. The road runs deep in the canyon. You will visit a huge cave where you can test your luck. Transfer back to the camp. Dinner. Overnight in Koyten - camp.

Day 15: Breakfast. Continue exploring Kugitang (walking). Dinner. Overnight in Kugitang.

Day 16: Breakfast. Early morning drive to the Farab border via Turkmenabad, border crossing before 18:00 p.m. Pick up at the border and transfer to Bukhara. Arrival in Sacred Bukhara - one of the most esteemed cities of Islamic civilization. Hotel accommodation. Free time for rest and walking through the old streets of Bukhara. Dinner in a traditional Uzbek house. One of "1000 & 1 nights" in Bukhara.

Day 17:Breakfast. City tour: mausoleum of the Samanids - the most ancient brick building in Central Asia, a masterpiece of world architecture (9-10^th c.), the mausoleum Chashma Ayub that belongs to the esteemed "places of trace" left by saints (14^th c.). The legend says that once the bible prophet Job (Ayub) visited this place. Visit to the museums of Imam Al Bukhari and "The Museum of Water". "Bolo-Houz Mosque" - the only monument of medieval Bukhara (beg. of 20^th c.), Ark - the center of Bukhara statehood (4^th c. B.C.), silk carpet shops, complex "Poi Kalon" ("Beneath the Great"): "Kalyan Minaret" - the main symbol of sacred Bukhara that symbolized the authority and power of spiritual governors. (12^th c.), "Kalyan Mosque"- its area of 130x80 m surpasses Bibi-Khanym mosque in Samarkand, "Miri Arab Madrassah" - active madrassah is one of the most esteemed spiritual Islamic universities (16^th c.), "Taki Zargaron" - the dome of jewelers (15-16^th cc.), "Ulugbeg Madrassah" - one of the 3 madrassahs constructed by the grandson of Tamerlane - Ulugbeg (15^th c.), "Abdulaziz-khan Madrassah" - traditional madrassah with 2 floors of hudjras and a mosque on the central axis ( mid. of 17^th c.), Tim of Abdullah-Khan madrassah (1588-1590 yy.), atlas shops, "Magoki-Attari Mosque" - the most ancient mosque of Bukhara (12^th c.) is considered a masterpiece of Bukhara architecture, "Khanaka and madrassah of Nadir Divan-Beghi" - a massive rectangular structure that was a place for the refuge and meditation of Sufis (17^th c.), "Kukeldash Madrassah" (16^th c.) - one of the biggest Bukhara madrassah, "Lyabi-Hauz" ensemble - the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara - is very popular among tourists (14-17^th cc.), "Chor Minor" ("Four minarets") is an unusual madrassah built by Caliph Niyazkul (18^th c.). Overnight in a quiet and cozy Bukhara hotel.

Day 18: Breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Tour outside the city: Emir's Summer Residence Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19^th c.), visit to the Bahouddin Nakshbandi mausoleum (16-19^th c.), to the sepulchres of his mother and his preceptor (14^th c.), memorial necropolis Chor Bakr (10^th c.). Return to Bukhara. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 19: Breakfast. Coach trip to Shakhrisabz via Karshi (200 km, 4 hrs). Short excursion in Karshi, post-excursion transfer to Shakhrisabz. Excursion in Shahrisabz: Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz - a unique monument of town-planning and architecture (295 km, 5 hrs). Shakhrisabz tour: ruins of "Ak-Saray Palace"- Tamerlane's summer residence that shocked the imagination of his contemporaries (14-15^th c.), "Jahongir Mausoleum"- the mausoleum of Tamerlane's eldest and favorite son (14^th c.), "Dor-ut Saodat complex": "Khazratiy Imam Mosque" - a multi-stage mosque with domical hall with decorated ayvans (14^th c.), "Gumbazi-Seiidan"- mausoleum of possible offspring of Temur, "Kok Gumbaz Mosque" - ("blue dome") built by Ulugbek on behalf of his farther Shahruh (15^th c.). Overnight in Shakhrisabz.

Day 20: Breakfast. Drive to Samarkand (170 km, 2.5 hrs). City tour program: "Gur Emir Mausoleum" - Tamerlane's tomb (14-15^th c.) which was built for Temur's grandson Muhammad-Sultan and the tombs of three other Temurids - sons of Temur - Miranshah and Shahruh and his grandson Ulugbek, "Ruhabad Mausoleum" ("House of Spirit") - the legend says that under the dome there is a box with seven hairs of the Prophet Muhammad (14^th c.), "Registan Square" ("A sandy place") - the major square of Samarkand: "Ulugbeg Medressa" - Sheikh Khodja Akhrar and poet Djami were among outstanding graduates of the medressa (15^th c.), "Sher-Dor Medressa" ("Having tigers") (17^th c.), "Tillya-Kari Medressa" ("Coated by gold") - the richest gilding on the dome, walls and mihrab surpassed all other famous buildings in Central Asia (17^th c.). A mosque named after Hazret-Hyzr - an Islamic saint and eternal wanderer. He was esteemed as giving richness and good luck in far voyages and trade (19^th c.), cathedral mosque "Bibi-Khanym" that was named after the oldest wife of Tamerlane (14^th c.), an architectural complex "Shahi-Zinda" ("Alive king") - necropolis on the slope of the Afrosiab hill is connected with Kusam ibn Abbas - the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (11-15^th c.), Siab market place. Free time to spend at your leisure. Overnight in the capital of Tamerlane's Empire.

Day 21: Breakfast. Continuation of the city tour: excavations and museum of the ancient city of Afrosiab, Observatory of Ulugbek, "Khodja Daniyar" mazar (15^th c.). Post-excursion visit to a small silk processing factory "Aiesha". Dinner. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 22: Breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Walk through Samarkand. Free time for leisure and shopping. 16.00 - transfer to railway station for train to Tashkent at 17.00. Arrival in Tashkent at 21.00. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

Option 1

Day 23: Breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Transfer to Margilan by car via Kamchik Pass (375 km, 5 hrs). Visit Kokand city on the road to Margilan. Arrival in Margilan and accommodation in a guest house. Visits to the silk production workshop of Turgunbay Mirzakhmedov and the Yodgorlik silk factory. Overnight in Margilan.

Day 24: Breakfast. Transfer to Rishtan town (50 km). Visit the Rishtan pottery workshops of Rustam Usmanov and the Japanese School. Transfer to Ferghana (50 km). Afternoon city tour. Overnight in Ferghana.

Day 25: Transfer to Fergana airport for morning flight HY 05:20 to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent at 06:20. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in the hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. Visit to the National Historical Museum. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 26: City tour around modern Tashkent: A. Navoi theatre, theatrical square, Amir Temur square, the residence of the Great Russian Prince Nikolay Romanov (19^th c.), Art gallery of NBU, the area of Independence - monument of Independence and Humanism, square of "Memory and Honors" (grieving mother, eternal fire), Roman-Catholic church. Farewell dinner in a restaurant with traditional dancing. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 27: Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for flight to the next destination.

Day 28: Breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Transfer to Margilan by car via Kamchik Pass (375 km, 5 hrs). Visit to Kokand city on the road to Margilan. Arrival in Margilan and accommodation in a guest house. Visits to the silk production workshop of Turgunbay Mirzakhmedov and the Yodgorlik silk factory. Overnight in Margilan.

Option 2

Day 23: Breakfast. Transfer to Chimgan. Arrival and accommodation in the guest house of Rosa Miralieva. Lunch. Horse riding. Free time. Dinner. Overnight in Chimgan.

Day 24: Breakfast. Transfer back to Tashkent (100 km, 1 hrs). Arrival and accommodation in the hotel. City tour around modern Tashkent: A. Navoi theatre, theatrical square, Amir Temur square, the residence of the Great Russian Prince Nikolay Romanov (19^th c.), Art gallery of NBU, the area of Independence - monument of Independence and Humanism, square of "Memory and Honors" (grieving mother, eternal fire), Roman-Catholic church, visit to the National Historical Museum. Farewell dinner in a restaurant with traditional dancing. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 25: Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for flight to the next destination.

Prices for the tour program:

Price for tour package
Group	Option 1 Price for 1 person US$	Option 2 Price for 1 person US$
1	1748	1445
2	1086	899
3	1094	937
4	950	809
5+1	971	815
6+1	903	750
7+1	848	703
8+1	807	669
9+1	772	647
10+1	757	638
12+1	735	599
Single supplement	104	94

Khiva:	- Evening visit to the Eshon Rabat Yurt Camp near Khiva to visit national yurts, camel back riding, fishing, folklore concert, enjoying of the sunset in Yurt Camp, located near the village of Chinabad 11 km from Khiva (US$ 17 p/person).
Bukhara:	- Wine tasting in the charming Caravansarai Nughai (US$ 8 p/person); - Beer tasting in the beer production factory "AZIA" (US$ 10 p/person); - We offer a few options for dinner: 1. Dinner in Madarihon Medressa with violin concert (US$ 10 p/person). 2. Nodir Divan Begim Medressa with folklore show (US$ 17 p/person). 3. Traditional Uzbek dinner in Doston House (US$ 8 p/person) - Splendid herbal teas in the "Silk Road Spices" tea house (US$ 3 p/person).
Samarkand:	- An unforgettable performance in The Theatre of Historical Costume El Merosi (we need to check in advance if this performance is available on the date of your visit) (US$ 10 p/person); - Interesting options to see the processing of, and to purchase, souvenirs: 1. Famous Silk carpet factory (visit free); 2. Small Silk Processing factory Aiesha (visit free).
Tashkent:	- Visit to the famous Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre (US$ 5 p/person); - 1 hour tour to the "Tashkent Metro" - one of the most beautiful in the world (US$ 3 p/person); - Dinner in an Uzbek national house (US$ 8 p/person).

Price includes in Uzbekistan:

Price does not include:

Double accommodation according the program (incl. breakfast); All transfers by private air-conditioned Daewoo "Nexia", 4 seats up to 2 pax, Ssang Young "Istana", 14 seats, up to 10 pax (up to 12 pax for days 3 & 5 in Khiva and days 23-25 in Fergana), minibus Toyota "Coaster", 23 seats, up to 12 pax (excluding days 3 & 5 in Khiva and days 23-25 in Fergana); Local English/German-speaking guide in Khiva days 4-6, in Fergana days 25-27; Escort tour guide en-route from day 16 to day 27; Free of charge tour-leader for the group 5-12 pax. Entrance fees for the museums, monuments and mausoleums indicated in the program; Dinner in a traditional Uzbek house on day 16th; Mineral water during the transfers; Horse - riding in Chimgan; Air ticket for domestic flight Tashkent - Urgench and Fergana - Tashkent; Train tickets Samarkand-Tashkent; Uzbek visa support.

International Airfare; Lunches/Dinners; Alcohol and soft drinks; Additional services in the hotels; Camera/Video fees; Any additional trips; Consular visa fee at Uzbek Embassy.

Price includes in Turkmenistan:

Price does not include:

Accommodation DBL/TWIN per program; Transport for transfers. 4WD where it is required; Air fares: Ashgabat-Mary; Visa support; Registration in the CTB; All Breakfasts; Lunches on days 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Dinners on days 1, 9, 10, 11; English Speaking Escort-Guide; 1 ltr. Mineral water per day; Local sweets or seasonal fruit, tea or coffee as a refreshments; Excursions according to program; Tasting of local wines; All Transfers; Entrance fees: (Koytendag Nature Reserve, Arch of Neutrality, Horse Show at Geokdepe, Old Nissa, Kuneurgench, Old Merw & Margush Historical Reserves, National Museum of History and Museum of Turkmen Carpets in Ashgabat, Local Museum in Mary).

Visa fee; Immigration fee paid upon arrival at the border 10 USD; Video and photo camera charges at historical reserves; Tips for the guides and drivers; Sleeping bags (subject to change); Extra meals; All extra costs not mentioned in included part of the program.

Accommodation in Hotels
Uzbekistan
Tashkent	Grand Orzu
Samarkand	Antiqa
Shakhrisabz	Orient Star
Bukhara	Hovli - Poyon
Khiva	Arqanchi
Fergana	Club 777
Margilan	Guest House of Abdullaev
Turkmenistan
Darvaza	Tents
Ashhabad	Kopetdag
Nohur	Private House
Shamenli	Farm hotel / Yurts
Mary	Rakhat / Yrsgal
Koyten	Guest House
Turkmenabad	Amuderya

We hope you like the program and assure you that we are absolutely open to any suggestions to increase the range of our services for the complete satisfaction of our clients and are happy to meet your special requirements.

You can alter the duration of the tour and places of visit by adding one of our extensions. Our tour operator will work closely with you or your travel agent to carefully prepare an itinerary based on your stated interests.

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