Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Explorer - 15 Days

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, make your own way to the hotel. After some time to freshen up, we'll begin exploring Uzbekistan’s capital - the largest city in Central Asia.

We start in the Old City, visiting the revered Khast-Imam Complex, home to the world-renowned Quran of Caliph Uthman (Ottoman). Admire the intricate architecture of Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Next, we stop at the lively Chorsu Bazaar, a maze of colours, aromas, and textures where fragrant spices, fresh produce, and vibrant textiles fill the air. Later, we take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famed for its Soviet-era architecture.

Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, a showcase of traditional Uzbek craftsmanship, then enjoy a leisurely walk past the Navoi Theatre before arriving at Amir Timur Square, surrounded by stately buildings. After the city tour, we return to the hotel for check-in and some well-earned rest. This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a delicious introduction to authentic Uzbek cuisine.

Later in the evening, consider an optional Tashkent Speaks peformance. This engaging theatrical performance is created from authentic memoirs and interviews with local residents and lasts for approximately 2 hours.

Tashkent - Ugam-Chatkal National Park - Tashkent. After breakfast, we set out on a scenic drive of around 2 to 2.5 hours into the picturesque mountain region northeast of Tashkent. Our destination is the breathtaking Ugam-Chatkal National Park in the Chimgam Mountains.

While the peaks here may not reach the dramatic heights of those near Almaty or Bishkek, the landscapes provide equally rewarding experiences and are far more accessible. We visit the modern Amirsoy Resort, nestled in the foothills, renowned for its year-round alpine activities. We continue to the beautiful Charvak Reservoir, a turquoise lake framed by rolling green slopes - an ideal spot to breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the sweeping views.

Returning to Tashkent in the evening, we make a final stop at Magic City, an urban park filled with imaginative architecture, interactive museums, and fascinating aquariums. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant.

Tashkent - Samarkand. Early this morning, collect a breakfast box from the hotel and meet your driver at 07:00 for the transfer to Tashkent Train Station. Board the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, departing at 08:23 and arriving at 10:36 (you will travel unescorted).

On arrival, meet a local guide to explore Samarkand, one of the most storied cities along the Silk Road. We start at the magnificent Gur-Emir Mausoleum (14th–15th century), the final resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants. Continue to Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand, framed by three grand madrasahs whose dazzling mosaics and blue domes define the city’s skyline. From here, visit the majestic Bibi-Khanim Mosque, once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world and built by Timur in honour of his wife.

Next, experience the vibrant Siab Bazaar (closed on Mondays), where the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked Samarkand bread, dried fruits, and local sweets. we go on to explore the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, an avenue of mausoleums showcasing the evolution of Timurid architecture. As evening falls, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel for check-in.

After breakfast, meet your guide at reception and set out to explore the city further. We begin at the Ulugbek Observatory, built in the 1420s by the renowned astronomer and ruler Mirzo Ulugbek, grandson of Timur. Continue to the Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar, one of Samarkand’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Next, enjoy a fascinating visit to the Khujum Silk Carpet Factory, where you’ll observe the traditional process of handmade carpet weaving.

In the afternoon, you've got free time, or can choose to enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Samarkand Republican Rowing Channel within the Silk Road Samarkand complex. Another optional activity this evening is to visit Registan Square after dark, when the illuminated façades and a mesmerising music and light show bring the iconic site to life. Dinner at a local restaurant is included today.

Samarkand - Bukhara. Say goodbye to Samarkand as you check out and transfer to Samarkand train station. Board the high-speed train to Bukhara, enjoying a comfortable journey through Uzbekistan’s ever-changing landscapes (you will travel unescorted).

Upon arrival in Bukhara, you’ll be greeted by a driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and dinner is hosted by a local family this evening.

Before this, you may wish to take part in one of the available optional activities. Consider joining a traditional tea ceremony at the charming Spices of the Silk Road teahouse. Here, you can sample a variety of fragrant teas infused with herbs and spices, such as clove, ginger, green, and the renowned saffron tea - all accompanied by oriental sweets and dried fruits.

Alternatively, join a miniature painting masterclass with the family of renowned hereditary artist Davron Toshev. Under expert guidance, you’ll try your hand at painting delicate oriental miniatures on silk paper.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel reception and set off to explore Bukhara. We begin at the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble (16th–17th centuries). Admire the intricate façades of Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah, the grand Kukeldash Madrasah and the Khanako, once a resting place for Sufi dervishes. Nearby, admire the playful statue of Khoja Nasreddin, a beloved folk hero known for his wit and wisdom.

Continue to the Magoki-Attari Mosque (9th century), one of Central Asia’s oldest surviving mosques, and the historic trading domes of Toki Sarrafon (“Dome of the Money Changers”) and Toki Tilpak Furushon (“Cap Makers’ Dome”), where merchants once sold silks, spices, and handmade crafts along the Silk Road.

Next, we explore the Kosh Ensemble, featuring the Abdullaziz Khan Madrasah (17th century), admired for its magnificent decoration, and the nearby Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), one of Central Asia’s earliest Islamic educational institutions.

We then delve into the Poi-Kalon Complex, a majestic ensemble comprising the soaring Kalon Minaret, the grand Kalyan Mosque, and the stately Miri-Arab Madrasah. Afterwards, browse the Toki Zargaron (“Jewellers’ Dome”), once the centre of Bukhara’s jewellery trade, and visit Sayfiddin’s Caravanserai (19th century), now home to a crafts centre. Conclude our walking tour with a visit to Tim Abdullakhan, a beautifully preserved bazaar. After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure, and dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Today's sightseeing begins at the Mausoleum of the Samanids (9th–10th centuries), one of Central Asia’s earliest and most refined Islamic monuments, built entirely of baked brick with intricate geometric patterns. Continue to the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (12th–16th centuries), a site steeped in legend and home to a sacred spring said to have appeared when the biblical Prophet Job struck the ground.

Next, visit the elegant Bolo-Hauz Mosque (18th–20th centuries), distinguished by its carved wooden columns and ornate ceiling, once a favourite place of worship for Bukhara’s nobility. Just across the square rises the mighty Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel that served as the emir’s residence and seat of power, complete with courtrooms, treasury, harem, and prison. From above, its outline famously resembles the Big Dipper constellation.

We then head beyond the city to the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the lavish summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. And our sightseeing concludes at the charming Chor-Minor Madrasah (1807), home to four uniquely decorated towers.

Later, you may wish to unwind with an optional traditional medieval hammam experience in the heart of the old city, near the Toki Tilpak Furushon trading domes. Enjoy an authentic oriental bath ritual with peeling, a ginger-honey detox, and a soothing massage, followed by aromatic herbal tea in a peaceful, historic setting.

Bukhara - Khiva. Meet our driver at the hotel reception and begin the journey from Bukhara to Khiva (approximately 6-7 hours). We travel along a modern highway that follows the ancient route of the Great Silk Road, crossing the vast Kyzylkum Desert.

Along the way, we pause to take in sweeping views of the golden dunes and the mighty Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia’s great waterways that has sustained life in the region for millennia. Arriving in Khiva by late afternoon, we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After some time to rest, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant and a warm introduction to the city’s legendary hospitality.

Khiva - Dashoguz (Turkmenistan). Meet our guide at 09:00 to begin exploring Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved examples of a historic Central Asian town. Enclosed within its ancient clay ramparts lies a remarkable collection of mosques, madrasahs, and palaces. We begin at the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, the largest in Central Asia, built between 1851 and 1854. Just beside it stands the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, renowned for its vivid turquoise tiles and its curious unfinished form - construction ceased at 26 metres following the death of Muhammad Amin Khan.

Next, visit the Madrasah of Muhammad Rahim Khan, named after a ruler, poet, and patron of the arts known by his pen name Feruz. Continue to the Kunya Ark Fortress, the former royal residence and administrative centre of the Khivan khans. Within its fortified walls once stood the khan’s palace, mosque, court, harem, mint, and stables.

Dashoguz - Koneurgench - Dashoguz - Ashgabat. This morning, we had out with a guide to explore Koneurgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezm Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take in key landmarks including the Mausoleum of Fakhr al-Din Razi, dedicated to the esteemed scholar and theologian; the striking Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, distinguished by its tall conical dome; and the elegant Turebek Khanum Mausoleum, admired for its intricate tilework and refined design. Continue to the Mausoleums of Najm al-Din Kubra and Sultan Ali, both honouring influential Sufi figures who helped shape the region’s spiritual traditions.

Our tour concludes at the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret - one of the tallest in Central Asia. You will then be trarnsferred to the airport in Dashoguz for your included flight to Ashgabat (you will travel unescorted). On arrival, you'll be transferred to the hotel.

We begin our tour of Ashgabat with a visit to the Parthian Fortress of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire. Excavations have revealed remnants of royal halls, temples, and a treasury. From here, we continue to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. This gift from Turkey is known for its white marble façade, tall minarets, and peaceful park surroundings. The complex also includes a madrassah, library, and cultural centre.

Next, we visit the Independence Monument, symbolising Turkmenistan’s sovereignty, and the Neutrality Arch, crowned with a golden statue of the first president. Then explore the vast Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest, alongside the family mausoleum of Turkmenistan’s first president.

In the afternoon, we drive southeast to the Anau Ruins, where the remains of the medieval city and the once-grand Seitjemal-ad-din Mosque stand amid the desert landscape. We then return to Ashgabat for the evening.

Ashgabat - Merv - Mary. After breakfast, meet our guide at the hotel reception and depart for Merv, the legendary oasis city that once ranked among the greatest metropolises of the Silk Road.

On arrival in Mary (Old Merv), enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site - a vast open-air museum of ancient civilisations. We begin with the impressive Big Kizkala and Small Kizkala, monumental mudbrick fortresses thought to have served as noble residences or defensive posts in the 6th–7th centuries. Continue to Erk Kala, the oldest part of Merv dating back to the Achaemenid era, and Gayur Kala, the Sassanid-built fortress that once safeguarded the expanding city. Stand before the grand Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, a 12th-century masterpiece of Seljuk architecture whose massive dome once guided travellers across the desert. Visit the Complex of Askhabs, sacred tombs believed to belong to companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Finally, see the Sardoba, a domed subterranean reservoir that once stored precious water for caravans and residents alike.

As the sun sets over the ruins, take a moment to absorb Merv’s golden landscape before transferring to our hotel in Mary for check-in and a relaxing evening.

Mary - Ashgabat. Start today's sightseeing at the Central Bazaar of Mary, where you can wander through colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, fragrant spices, and handmade crafts.

Continue with a visit to the Orthodox Church of Mary, a peaceful reminder of the city’s cultural and religious diversity. After an early lunch at a local restaurant, begin the journey back to Ashgabat, travelling through the desert landscapes of Turkmenistan. On arrival, the evening is at leisure.

Begin today with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, an impressive collection that traces the nation’s history from its earliest civilisations to modern times. Exhibits include artefacts from Merv and Gonur Depe, exquisite jewellery, traditional costumes, and rare manuscripts.

Continue to the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, a moving tribute to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, World War II, and the Battle of Geokdepe. Then, visit the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, a symbol of Turkmenistan’s modern vision and home to the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel, encased within a gleaming glass structure. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional dishes such as plov and ichlekli. The rest of your last day in Turkmenistan is at leisure.

Your tour comes to an end today, after breakfast and hotel check out. You can make your own way to the airport.