The Architectural Gems of the Stans: Khiva, Merv, and Samarkand

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Mary, Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench, Khiva, Urgench,

$3,188.00

Adventure, Cultural & Nature, Family-friendly, Historical, Exclusive Experience, and Muslim-Friendly

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Tour Synopsis

This 10-day Central Asian journey spans Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, tracing the ancient Silk Road. Starting in Tashkent, you’ll travel by train to the architectural marvels of Samarkand and Bukhara. After crossing the desert to Turkmenistan, you’ll explore Merv, Ashgabat, and Kunya Urgench, before concluding in the museum-city of Khiva.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
• Smooth Arrival: Enjoy a private meet-and-greet at Tashkent international airport followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand (Train)
• Timeless Samarkand: Marvel at the architectural perfection of Registan Square and the turquoise-domed Shakhi-Zindeh necropolis.
• The Conqueror’s Tomb: Visit the Guri Emir Mausoleum and the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque.
Day 3: Samarkand – Bukhara (Train)
• Scientific History: Explore Ulughbek’s 15th-century observatory and visit a unique handmade carpet factory to see master weavers at work.
• Evening Transit: Depart Samarkand via train for the holy city of Bukhara.
Day 4: Fascinating Bukhara
• Medieval Citadel: Visit the 4th-century Citadel Ark and the Samanids Mausoleum, a masterpiece of 9th-century architecture.
• Old City Charm: Walk through the shopping domes, visit the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, and stand beneath the iconic Kalon Minaret.
Day 5: Bukhara – Mary
• Desert Odyssey: Cross into Turkmenistan via the Farab border and traverse the Kara Kum Desert, one of the world's largest black sand deserts.
• City Walk: Enjoy a guided evening walking tour in the central part of Mary City.
Day 6: Ancient Merv – Five Urban Centers
• Silk Road Hub: Explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO site once serving as a major Silk Road capital under the Seljuks.
• Fifth Center of Civilization: Visit Gonur Depe to see archaeological discoveries rivaling Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
Day 7: Mary – Ashgabat (Flight)
• White Marble Capital: Fly to Ashgabat and visit Old Nisa, the ancient sanctuary of Parthian Kings.
• Akhal-Teke Horses: Visit a horse farm to see the "Heavenly Horses" of Turkmenistan and enjoy a traditional tea party and folk show.
Day 8: Ashgabat – Kunya Urgench – Khiva
• Architectural Giants: Fly to Dashoguz and visit Kunya Urgench to see the highest minaret in Central Asia.
• Overland to Khiva: Cross back into Uzbekistan to reach the living museum city of Khiva.
Day 9: Khiva – Tashkent
• Ichan-Qala Heritage: Explore the walled inner city of Khiva, featuring the Kunya-Ark fortress and the stunning Kalta Minor minaret.
• Return to Capital: Take an evening flight from Urgench back to Tashkent.
Day 10: Tashkent Sightseeing & Departure
• Modern & Ancient Capital: Visit Independence Square and ride the famous Tashkent Metro.
• Sacred Relics: View the 8th-century Othman Quran at the Hast Imam complex before your final transfer to the airport.

Hotel:
• Tashkent – Han Palace
• Bukhara – Edem Plaza
• Samarkand – Samaria
• Khiva – Arkanchi
• Mary – Margush
• Ashgabat – Ak Altyn

Take Note

• Border Crossings: This tour involves land border crossings at Farab and Shavat; please ensure your passport is valid and visas are secured for both countries.
• Flight Exclusions: The domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent is not included in the base package and starts from approximately USD $85 per person.
• Train Seat Availability: High-speed bullet train tickets are subject to availability; if unavailable, the tour will utilize a normal train or comfortable road transport.
• Turkmenistan Flights: Domestic flights within Turkmenistan (Mary-Ashgabat-Dashoguz) are included in the price but are subject to local schedule changes.
• Hotel Standards: Accommodations are based on local regional standards, which may differ from international star rating systems.

What's Included

• Accommodation at mentioned hotels on a double share basis.
• Transportation in comfortable A/C vehicles with professional drivers.
• Daily breakfasts at all hotels.
• Economy class train tickets (Tashkent–Samarkand, Samarkand–Bukhara).
• Domestic flights in Turkmenistan (Mary–Ashgabat, Ashgabat–Dashoguz).
• Daily two bottles of 0.5l water per person.
• English/Bahasa speaking guide in Uzbekistan; English speaking guide in Turkmenistan.
• Entrance fees for all sights listed in the program.

What's Excluded

• Visa consular fees and processing expenses.
• Photo/Video charges at historical sites.
• Urgench – Tashkent flight (approx. USD $85 per person).
• All lunches and dinners per program.
• International air tickets to/out of Tashkent.
• Travel Insurance and personal extras.

The Architectural Gems of the Stans: Khiva, Merv, and Samarkand

1 Pax

$3,188.00

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