Day 1. Friday: Ashgabat
Hosh Geldinis – Welcome to Turkmenistan! Our English speaking representative will meet you at the airport. Transfer to a hotel.

Day 2. Saturday: Ashgabat
Ashgabat is one of the most bizarre capitals in the world, often called the Las Vegas of the Karakum desert – the City of Love will definitely keep you wondering long after your visit! The Turkmenistan capital was founded in 1881 as a military fort. After more than a century the small town has grown into a prosperous city with a population of 650,000. Ashgabat was almost wiped out after large earthquake in 1948 which measured nine on the Richter scale. It was rebuilt in the Soviet style. The city is a strange combination of its Muslim, Orthodox and Soviet heritage alongside contemporary Turkmenibashi culture. Soon after becoming the president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurad Niyazov (1940 - 2006) - officially called Turkmenbashi Leader of the Turkmens - has started transforming the capital into the perfect city. The 75 metre high Tower of Neutrality and the Arch of Neutrality with a golden statue of the president rotating to follow the sun throughout the day, the Palace of Turkmenbashi with a golden dome and the world’s largest fountain, these are a few of the masterpieces of the post soviet era. During the sightseeing tour we will also visit the biggest mosque in Turkemnistan – Ertogrulgazi with four symbolic minarets and a large dome restored with aid from Turkey. The mosque still has a haunted aura as a consequence of the few deaths which occurred during its reconstruction. The orthodox church of Alexander Nevsky is a fine example of the everchanging history of Central Asia. It was built in the 19th century, under the Bolshevik regime it was used as storage, now it has been restored to its original purpose.

Free time in the afternoon. Optional – visit to National Museum of History and Ethnography and/or a visit to the Nissa archaeological site. The National Museum boasts a rich collection of Turkmen history and culture - more than 500,000 exhibits are on the display. The most important is the ivory collection, discovered at Old Nissa, the former residence of Parthian kings from the Arshakid Dynasty. The archeological site has remains of both old and new Nissa, the ancient capital of Parthians. Nissa was an important centre of the Parthian State in 3rd century BC. Amongst the important findings are 2700 ancient texts in the Aramaic language.

Day 3. Sunday: Ashgabat
Today the pace will be more relaxed and you will do what locals usually do on Sundays – go to the Sunday market! The Sunday Bazaar is known as the Talkuchka (in Russian - tolkat means to push). In this bustling place you will have a wide choice of local goods at lower prices than anywhere else in Central Asia: livestock, jewellery, clothes, carpets. You will have plenty of opportunities to practise your negotiating skills, vital for your further journey. Rub shoulders with the locals, try bargaining for art or strike a deal to buy something you don’t really need!

Day 4. Monday: Ashgabat/Mevr
In the morning we drive to Mevr (approx. 330km.). Merv is situated at the crossroads of an ancient Silk Road route. It was a major oasis, one of the most important towns and a great centre of Islam. Merv was known as the "Queen of Cities" in the Islamic world, and was considered as second only to the city of Baghdad between the 8th and 13th centuries. Although Merv may lack the charm and colour of the other Silk Road towns, it without a doubt worth a visit as it represents one of the most interesting and dramatic historical sites. Legend has it that Alexander the Great visited Merv which afterwards bore his name for a while. Merv was once the capital of Seljuc Turks and like other settlements in the region it was completely destroyed by the hordes of Genghis Khan . The city never recovered from the destruction and started to decay. The site of ancient Merv is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

During our guided tour of the site we visit the most important remains of Mevr. Erk Kala is the oldest and smallest of the four original walled cities. Its remains form part of the north side of Giaur Kala a Seleucid city founded in the 3rd century BC and known then as Margiana. The name Giaur Kala came later and means "Castle of the Infidels".
Sultan Gala is the largest of Merv's cities, the best remaining testimony to the power of the Seljucs. The best-preserved of all the structures in Merv is the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, completed in 1140 AD, an impressive building of exquisite brickwork. Kyz Kala, an unusual windowless castle outside the city wall, was nicknamed "The House of Maidens' Tears" when Sultan Sanjar started using it for intimate gatherings.

Day 5. Tuesday: Mevr/Ashgabat
In the morning you will have another chance to explore the ancient site of Merv. In the afternoon return to Asgabat.

Day 6. Wednesday: Ashgabat/Dashoguz
Morning transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Dashoguz.
On arrival we will visit the archeological site of the Kunya Urgench. Situated across the Amu-Darya (Oxus River), Kunya Urgench was once the capital of Khorezm, known as Gurganj, one of the great cities on the Silk Road. Known as ‘the pearl of Khorezm’ it was burnt to ashes in the 13th century by the armies of Genghis Khan. Recovered and rebuilt (ironically by the descendents of Genghis Khan) Kunya Urgench again became the capital of Khorezm, growing into one of the major cities of Central Asia, big, colourful and crowded. However the sudden change of the course of the Amu – Darya River and the complete destruction of the town in 1388 by Tamerlane, who considered the city as a rival to Samarkand, was the final stroke. Well-known scientists such as Al-Khorezmi, Al-Beruni, Abu-Ali-ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Hammar lived and worked here. The site of ancient Kunya Urgench is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Most of Urgench's monuments have completely or partially collapsed. Today we can see a few mausoleums from the pre-Mongol period like that of Nadjim-ud-din Kubra. The most striking landmark of old Urgench is the early 11th-century Kutlug-Timur Minaret, which, at 60 metres, used to be the tallest brick minaret prior to the construction of the Minaret of Jam. The proportions of the Tomb of Tjurabeg Khanum from the later Mongol period amazes visitors.

Day 7. Thursday: Dashoguz/Khiva
Free time in the morning. In the afternoon drive to Khiva. Khush Kelibsizar – welcome to Uzbekistan! Transfer to your hotel.

Day 8. Friday: Khiva
Often called an “open air museum”, Khiva today is a well preserved and restored town thanks to a conservation programme in 1970 - 1980. This enchanting town with its towering minarets and domed roofs will capture your imagination as soon as you enter its gates. You will enjoy getting lost wandering through its maze of narrow streets passing mosques, madrashas (Islamic religious schools) and caravanserai (old overnight stops for caravans) and becoming engulfed in its mystical past.
Khiva consists of two parts. The outer and more modern town - Dichan Kala, was formerly surrounded by a fortified wall with 11 gates. The inner town, or Itchan Kala, is protected by 2.2 km long brick wall, whose foundations are believed to have been laid in the 10th century. The old town boasts more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, mostly dating from the 18th or the 19th centuries. The Kalta Minor or Short Minaret - was built in 1852: one of the most ambitious projects of the ruling Khan. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Islamic world so that the Khan could see all way to Bukhara. Its construction was abandoned at 26 metres because of the Khan’s death. The Islam Khodja Madrasah and Minaret both built in 1910 are the newest monuments in Khiva. The madrashah houses what is probably Khiva’s best museum - the museum of handicrafts. Here you will find fine wood carving, hand embroidery, carpets, household utensils, pottery and traditional Uzbek clothes. Tash Khauli (Harem) has the most striking architectural decoration in the city: ceramic tiles, carved marble, and painted wood. Khiva is in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Our guide will take us through Khiva’s inner city introducing us to its remarkable history and rich culture. Khiva is beautiful at dawn or at the twilight – don’t miss your chance of capturing the best pictures of your journey!

Day 9. Saturday: Khiva/Bukhara
Early morning departure for Bukhara via the Kyzylkum (translated as Red Sand) desert (450 km). Watching the hypnotising desert landscape it’s easy to immerse yourself in the region’s mysterious history and to imagine yourself a Silk Road trader, or an ancient warrior or maybe even a great explorer. This seemingly endless and uninhabitable land gives you a good insight into the ancient way of life when journeys between the Silk Road cities were measured in days and weeks rather than hours as nowadays.

Day 10. Sunday: Bukhara
Bukhara is one of holiest cities in Central Asia and was once the intellectual and spiritual centre of Islamic world. Bukhara entered history in 500BC as a vassal state of the Persian Empire. When Islamic armies arrived in 650 AD, they found a multiethnic and multireligious state; after their conquest in the next century, Islam became the dominant religion and remains so to the present day. Owing to its strategically important location Bukhara was one of the main trading centres of the Silk Road. During its heyday it had 365 mosques – one for each day of the year. Later it became a pawn in the "Great Game" between Russia and Britain. Bukhara is in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
We will have full day city tour to discover all the hidden treasures of this magnificent city. Our guide takes you to the Kalyan minaret – once the tallest minaret in the Islamic world, the Kalyan mosque – one of the ancient mosques, the famous Mir-i Arab Madrassah, and Samanid's Mausoleum - pearl of the East, and many other astonishing places.
You will be overwhelmed by Bukhara’s elaborate mosques, winding alleys, caravanserais and splendid madrashas. Improve your bargaining skills in the numerous bazaars and relax at famous chaikhana house with a cup of green tea while chatting with locals.

Day 11. Monday: Bukhara/Shakhrisiabz/Samarkand
We continue our journey to golden Samarkand (268 km) stopping on the way at Shakhrisabz - the birthplace of Tamerlane, or Timur, and his residence during his reign. This “Green town“ is probably one of the most unassuming of the tourist attractions, where locals still wander amongst the historic landmarks. Most of the landmarks are in ruins, it is not like Khiva, but it feels more authentically historical. We will visit Ak-Sarai ,literally the "White Palace", which was the greatest of Tamerlane’s palaces. It was built by artisans of Khorezm after Tamerlane had destroyed Kunya Urgench and deposed its rulers in 1379.

Day 12. Tuesday: Samarkand
Samarkand - often called the Gem of the East – is the city which evokes romance just with its name! The city is as old as Rome and reached the height of its fame under the rule of Timur. He made Samarkand the capital of his grand Empire which stretched from southeastern Turkey through the Middle East and Central Asia including North-Western India, to the approach to Kashgar in China. During his reign Timur built a new city and populated it with artisans and craftsmen from the places he had conquered . They created striking harmonies of perfection between the mausoleums, madrassahs, mosques and city squares. Conquered and destroyed many times Samarkand has risen from the ashes each time like a Phoenix.
You can feel the grandeur of the old city, when you catch a sudden view of the Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), the largest of its time in the world, standing beside a noisy and crowded oriental market. Registan Square -”Sandy Place” - was the heart of ancient Samarkand, the centre of trade and cultural life, a breathtaking oriental masterpiece with three blue madrashas. Shah-i-Zinda – “tomb of the living king” - is a burial complex, often referred to as “the street of the dead”. It is considered one of the holiest places for Muslims, an important place of pilgrimage. The Gur-Emir Mausoleum is the resting place of the military genius Amir Temur who is buried here along with several of his sons and one of his grandsons. It is a fine example of Timurid architecture; simplicity and harmony of shapes together with a sumptuously decorated interior. We will have full day tour to explore the wonders of Samarkand, its splendour and glory. Once you discover Samarkand its magic will enchant you forever!

Day 13. Wednesday: Samarkand/Tashkent
We will leave enchanting Samarkand and drive to Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Unremarkable at first, Tashkent requires closer examination to reveal its charm. The evergrowing hub of Central Asia will surprise you with its cosmopolitan way of life, the contrasts between old and new.
In the afternoon a city tour of Tashkent will visit the main sites of the city: the History Museum; the main city square Mustakillik - Independence Square - the largest city square in the former Soviet Union, which once held the tallest statue of Lenin (30m.);
the ancient Khazret Imam Square with the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum; the Barak Khan Madrasah the Namazgokh Mosque and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque.
We also visit Chorsu square the centre of ancient Tashkent with the Kukeldash Madrasah, the Jammi (Friday) Mosque and the Chorsu bazaar – the oldest city market rebuilt in the ancient style, and a delightful place to spend a few hours.

Day 14. Thursday: Tashkent/ Almaty
Today we say farewell to Uzbekistan. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kazakhstan. “Khosh Kedirniz!” – Start your journey with the Kazakh welcome! Transfer to a hotel. Kazakstan is ranked the ninth largest country in the world, yet despite its vast size it has one of lowest population densities – just 6 people per square kilometre! Kazakhstan’s economic wealth is most apparent in its former capital – Almaty, bursting with sleek Western style shops, glittering Mercedes, BMW’s , fine restaurants, and chic bars. Our city tour of Almaty – oddly translated as “father of apples” - will take us to the Museum of Kazach Musical Instruments, Panfilov Park and one of the most unique wooden buildings in the world – the Zenkov Cathedral which was built without a single nail! Our introduction wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the busy and lively city bazaar.

Day 15. Friday: Almaty/Ala Archa
Our short visit to Kazahstan is over, and we drive to the National Park of Kyrgyzstan Ala Archa. After crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan we arrive in the late afternoon at our resort hotel.

Day 16. Saturday: Ala Archa
The park situated 45 km from the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek. It covers about 200 square kilometers and its altitude ranges from about 1,500 m. to 4,895 m. There are more than 20 glaciers, large and small and some 50 mountains in the park. In Kyrgyz Ala-Archa means “many-coloured juniper” denoting the abundance of this tree here. This rugged but very accessible gorge offers excellent walking and trekking possibilities, including hikes to the glaciers and, for the serious climbers, treks to the region's highest peak. We will take this day at ease walking around and enjoying the wonderful scenery. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17. Sunday: Ala Archa/Bishkek
In the morning drive to Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is arguably one of the most stunning countries in world. Landlocked, it is often referred as the Switzerland of Central Asia since 90% of the land is higher than 1500m.with the highest peak, Pobeda, at 7437m. Due to its mountainous landscape a third of the country is permanently under a blanket of snow. Lush valleys, sky blue mountain lakes and snowy peaks will take your breath way!
Upon arrival at Bishkek transfer to hotel. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 18. Monday: Bishkek
Bishkek was originally just a caravan rest on one of the many Silk Road routes through the Tian Shan range. The location was fortified in 1825 by the Uzbek Khan of Kokhand - the official founding date of the city. In 1862 the fort was occupied by Tsarist Russia and remained under its Empire till Soviet times when city was known as Frunze. Mikhail Frunze was a close associate of Lenin and was born in Bishkek. Nowadays it’s a vibrant lovely city retaining the charm of the Soviet era with its well maintained squares and buildings, surrounded by snow capped mountains.
Our city tour will introduce you to the main sites of Bishkek: the State Historical Museum with two yurts, a small archaeology exhibition and a beguiling display of Kyrgyz carpets, embroidery and other traditional handicrafts. The Osh Bazaar is the biggest market in Kyrgyzstan - a typically noisy and colourful oriental Bazaar.
Overnight at a hotel.

Day 19. Tuesday: Bishkek/Issyk Kul Lake
Today we set off to Issyk-Kul Lake. En route we stop to visit the Burana archeological and architectural site. The name Burana is believed to be derived from a Turkic dialect word munara - "minaret". For centuries, all that remained of Burana was the unfinished,
25metre high minaret and the overgrown mound of the old citadel. Originally the minaret was higher but it was badly damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century. Near the minaret there are also ruins of three mausoleums. It is thought that Burana is the historical city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanids State in the 10th -12th centuries. Apparently Balasagun was so important that Genghis Khan's Mongol Horde spared the city from destruction when they began to conquer the world in the early 13th century.
We continue our journey to Cholpan Atta which is located on the shores of Issykul Lake.

Day 20. Wednesday: Issyk Kul Lake
Today is devoted for discovering Issyk Kul Lake.
With its high location at 1609m above the sea level and a huge surface area of 6 206 sq. km (179 km long and 60 km. wide) Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. Despite its location at such a high altitude the lake never freezes, hence the name - Issyk-Kul which means “hot lake” in Kyrgyz. The waters of 134 rivers flow into this unique lake. With no rivers flowing out of Lake Issyk-Kul the mineral substances carried here by the rivers and rains are all accumulated in it. Since ancient times, Issyk-Kul has been renowned for its healing mineralised water, its hot springs and the medicinal mud used for treating many diseases.
Lake Issyk-Kul still keeps a lot of secrets. Recently some reports were released about an astonishing discovery of ruins at the bottom of the lake. The ruins are of the ancient city of Chigu, the capital of the Usuni State and the trade centre of the Tian Shan on the Great Silk Road and date back to the 2nd century BC.

Day 21. Thursday: Issykul Lake/Bishkek and departure.
Our amazing Central Asia adventure of a lifetime is completed. Transfer to the Bishkek airport for your departure flight.

 Major Highlights of this Tour: 

Magnificent Old Silk Road cities – Khiva, Merv, Samarkand, Bukhara, included on the UNESCO World Heritage list Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in SouthAmerica. The Karakum dessert – fascinating shifting sand dunes Oriental bazaars, full of life, color, noise Mouthwatering Central Asian food – the ubiquitous shashlik, plov, nan bread, exotic fruits

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