Silk Road Duo – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

Arrival at airport and transfer to the hotel

Tashkent is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that blends ancient heritage with Soviet-era architecture and modern development. You will be received and transferred to your accommodation with the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Tashkent

Begin your morning with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, where Uzbekistan’s rich tradition of craftsmanship is beautifully displayed through intricate textiles, ceramics, and woodwork. Continue to Independence Square, a proud symbol of the country's sovereignty, then make your way to Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, home to the city's impressive opera and ballet theatre. Explore the historic Romanov Palace, a vestige of the Russian imperial era, and admire the elegant architecture of the city’s renowned madrasahs and mausoleums—testaments to its deep Islamic heritage. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed walk through Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent’s most vibrant and authentic markets. A feast for the senses, the bazaar bursts with color, lively sounds, and the rich aroma of spices. Engage with local vendors, discover handcrafted goods, and taste traditional Uzbek cuisine in this energetic hub that perfectly captures the spirit of Tashkent.

Train to Samarkand

Today, transfer to railway station for your train to Samarkand.

Check-in followed by Half Day Sightseeing

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet your local guide to begin exploring the historic city of Samarkand. Start with a visit to the Afrosiyob Museum, home to the renowned ancient wall frescoes, followed by the Ulughbek Observatory—one of the most advanced astronomical centers of its time. Continue to the majestic Bibihanum Mosque and the bustling Oriental Siyab Bazaar. Discover the sacred Shakhi Zinda necropolis, a stunning complex of mausoleums, then marvel at the iconic Registan Square, featuring the Sherdor, Tilla-Kari, and Ulughbek Madrassahs. Conclude the day at the Guri-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the great conqueror Tamerlane.

Full day city tour of Samarkand

Today, continue your guided tour of Samarkand, uncovering more of the city's cultural treasures. Visit notable landmarks such as the Rukhobod Mausoleum, one of the city's oldest religious sites, the Khazrat Khizr Mosque, and the sacred Saint Daniel’s Mausoleum, revered by multiple faiths. Discover traditional craftsmanship at the "Khudjum" carpet weaving factory, followed by a visit to the silk paper-making center in the picturesque village of Koni Ghil. Conclude the day with a stop at the Kalantarov House Museum—an elegant early 20th-century mansion built by wealthy merchant Abram Kalantarov and designed in an eclectic style by architect E.O. Nelle. Today, it serves as a local history museum showcasing Samarkand’s diverse heritage.

Travel to Bukhara via Shakhrisabz

After breakfast, depart for Bukhara with a stop along the way in Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the legendary Tamerlane. Meet a local guide upon arrival for the sightseeing and explore the historic remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, the Dorus Tilavat Cemetery, and the Kok Gumbaz Mosque. Following the visit, continue your journey to Bukhara

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Bukhara

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Bukhara, often referred to as the jewel of medieval Islamic architecture. Visit the tranquil Lab-i-Khauz ensemble, admire the city's renowned madrassahs, and explore the historic Ark Fortress, once the royal residence of Bukhara's emirs. Continue to the beautifully preserved Bolo Hauz Mosque and the sacred Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. Conclude your day with visits to traditional handicraft workshops, where you can observe artisans practicing age-old techniques such as block printing, metal chasing, and suzani embroidery. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant local folk show.

Half day city tour of Bukhara

Meet your local guide and continue your exploration of Bukhara with a visit to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the former emirs, showcasing a unique blend of Russian and Oriental architecture. Then, visit the serene Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to the prominent 14th-century Sufi spiritual leader. The afternoon is free for you to relax.

Travel to Khiva via Kizilkum Desert

Check out and embark on a memorable journey to Khiva through the historic Kyzilkum Desert. This desert has been traversed by invaders, nomadic hordes, and armies of Persians, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan, making it a route rich in history and legend.

Check-in at hotel

On arrival, check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Full day city tour of Khiva

Post breakfast, meet a local guide and visit the Kalta Minor Minaret, the Kurkna Ark Fortress, and the madrassas and mausoleums within the Citadel, which has largely remained untouched, preserving its historical charm despite modern development. In the afternoon, explore the Friday Mosque and the 19th-century Tash Hauli Palace, including the harem.

Travel to Darwaza enroute visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya-Urgench

Today involves extensive travel from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, crossing the border at Shavat. Upon arrival, continue your overland travel to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former glorious capital of the medieval Khorezmshah Empire. Visit several significant mausoleums, each offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. Among the highlights are the towering minaret of Kutlug Timur, the tallest in Central Asia, and the remnants of al-Mamun’s Academy of Sciences, a testament to the city's historical importance in the fields of science and education. Later, continue your journey to Darwaza, famously known for its mesmerizing natural gas crater that has been burning brightly for decades.

Check-in followed by visit to Gas Crater

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, visit the gas crater and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner.

Travel to Ashgabat

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the fascinating water and clay craters. Then, continue your journey to Ashgabat.

Half Day City Tour and Check-in

On arrival, explore key landmarks including the Neutrality Arch, Independence Park, and the Earthquake Memorial Complex. Visit the stunning Ertogryl Gazi Mosque and the impressive Presidential Palace to complete your tour of the city. Later, check-in at the hotel and relax.

Flight to Mary

Early morning, transfer to airport for your flight to Mary.

Arrive Mary and Half Day Sightseeing

Upon arrival in Mary, embark on a journey to the ancient and glorious city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved ruins of this once-thriving city, which was a major center of trade and culture along the Silk Road. Marvel at the impressive structures, including the remains of fortresses, palaces, mosques, and mausoleums, which attest to Merv's rich history and importance in the region. Later visit local History Museum. Check-in at your accommodation and relax.

Flight to Ashgabat

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Ashgabat.

Half Day City Tour and Check-in

On arrival, proceed to visit the National Museum of History (closed on Tuesdays). After lunch, continue your journey to a farm in Geok Depe, located about 50 km from Ashgabat, to visit the Akhal-Teke stable, home to the renowned Akhal-Teke horses. Upon arrival at the farm, enjoy a captivating horse show, with snacks and drinks offered to guests. On your return to Ashgabat, stop to admire the Turkmenbashi Mosque of Spirituality, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Overnight at the hotel.

Full-day city tour of Ashgabat

Today start by visiting the ancient Old Nisa Fortress, once the seat of the Parthian Empire. After lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Russian Bazaar. In the afternoon, continue to the National Carpet Museum, home to a fascinating collection of handcrafted Turkmen carpets and related textile artifacts.

Departure Transfer

After breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to the international airport.