Along the Path of Great Cultures

Arrival in Ashgabat. Our friendly guide will meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. You will have an Ashgabat city tour. In 2013 the Guinness Book of Records named Ashgabat a “white marbled city” – here you can see the biggest number of structures in the world made out of white marble. You will see the Wedding Palace, the modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, the Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Sports and Housing facilities, the Earthquake and victims of WWII Monuments, after lunch departure to the Darvaza Gas Crater (274 km, approximately 4 hours). This fascinating crater is also known as the "Door to Hell" due to its fiery glow. In the evening, we will admire the breathtaking views of the gas crater.

Dinner will be a barbecue served in a yurt camp near the crater, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the desert night.

Meals included: lunch and dinner.

Please note: Though meals are included, based on the experience and tips of our guests, we advise to take some food in advance, as there are no shops around yurts.

Picnic-style breakfast. After departing from the Gas Crater, arrive to Dashoguz city. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then we proceed towards Urgench, crossing the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border at the Dashoguz-Shavat checkpoint. After completing customs and passport control, will proceed to the exit of the border control area. Our guide and driver will be waiting for us there. From there, we will continue the journey to Khiva (60 km, 1 hour). Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. We will begin our day by exploring the Ichan-Kala architectural complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our visit will include the towering Kalta Minor, the historic Kunya Ark Castle, and the elegant Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasa. We will also explore the Islom Khodja Madrasa, the stunning Tash Hovli Palace, and the sacred Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. To complete our tour, we will visit the Allikulikhan Madrasa and the Juma Mosque, all offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Khiva.

Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart by road to Bukhara (451 km, 7-8 h), traveling through the stunning Kizil Kum desert. Along the way, pause to take in the breathtaking views and natural beauty of the Amu Darya River.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel and settle in before exploring the city's rich history and charm. Accommodation for the night at the hotel, where you will enjoy a peaceful stay.

Breakfast. We will begin our exploration of Bukhara with a visit to the majestic Samanid Mausoleum, followed by the sacred Chashmai Ayub Spring and the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque.

After breakfast, we will set out on our journey to Samarkand, with a stop in the city of Gijduvan along the way. Our first visit will be to the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Sitora-i Mokhi Khosa, a beautiful blend of Eastern and Russian architectural styles. We will then explore the sacred Memorial Complex of Naqshbandi, a significant pilgrimage site.

After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of Samarkand with a visit to the magnificent Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane. From there, we will proceed to the heart of the city - Registan Square - where we will admire the architectural grandeur of the Ulugbek, Shir-Dor, and Tilla-Kori madrasas.

Continuing our journey, we will stroll down Karimov Street, taking in the impressive Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the vibrant Siab Bazaar, before reaching the Mausoleum of Islam Karimov. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Tajikistan border, heading to the "Jartepa" checkpoint (50 km). Upon arrival, our guide will meet us at the border crossing between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. From there, we will continue to the city of Penjikent, with a stop to explore the ancient ruins of Sarazm (dating back to 4000 BCE, a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Along the way, we will also visit the city center of Penjikent and its bustling central market. Our journey will then take us to the beautiful Seven Marguzor Lakes in the Fann Mountains, reaching the sixth lake. We will enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding landscapes and picturesque villages. In the evening, we will experience the warmth of local hospitality with dinner and an overnight stay in a private home.

Meals: lunch and dinner.

Please note: Though meals are included, based on the experience and tips of our guests, we advise to take some food in advance, as there are no shops around private home.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will set out for Iskanderkul Lake, located on the far side of the breathtaking Fann Mountains. Our scenic route will take us through the stunning Zeravshan River Valley. Upon arrival at Iskanderkul Lake, we will check in at the tourist base and have some free time to explore. You can enjoy leisurely walks to the picturesque Iskanderkul Waterfall and the peaceful Snake Lakes. Overnight at the guest house.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Please note: Though meals are included, based on the experience and tips of our guests, we advise to take some food in advance, as there are no shops around tourist base.

Following breakfast in the morning, we will head towards Dushanbe (135km, 3 h). Our journey will take us through the Anzob Pass (via tunnel) and along the stunning Varzob Gorge.

On the way to Dushanbe, we will have a short sightseeing tour of the city center. Highlights include visiting Dousti Square, the Ismail Samani Monument (8th-9th century), Central Park, the National Library, the Palace of Nations, and the Flagpole (165 meters high, the tallest in the world from 2013 to 2014). If desired, we can also visit the National Museum of Tajikistan (closed on Mondays).

In the evening, transfer to the airport for our flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet us and take to the hotel for check-in. Night at the hotel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on our Almaty city tour. Our first stop is Panfilov Park, where we will visit the Panfilov Monument and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral. We will also see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the heroes of World War II. Next, we will journey to the Medeo Gorge, home to the highest mountain skating rink in the world, before heading to the scenic Kok-Tobe Hill. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Almaty from Kok-Tobe Park. To conclude the tour, we will take a short, scenic ride on the famous Almaty cableway, descending from the hilltop back to the city center.

After some time for shopping, we will be dropped off at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for relax or explore at our own pace. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will depart for our journey from Almaty to Bishkek (238km, 3h30min).

Upon arrival in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, we will be welcomed by the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges. Overnight stay in Bishkek hotel.

Meals: Dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our city tour of Bishkek, visiting Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, Victory Square, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Imam Sarahsi Mosque. We will also explore the bustling Osh Bazaar and, if time permits, visit the National Museum.

In the afternoon, we will head to Ala-Archa National Park, 40 km from Bishkek, where we can enjoy a peaceful walk through the scenic gorge covered in juniper trees. Afterward, we will return to the hotel for the night.

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for your departure.