Arrival in Khiva

Khiva - • Arrival at Urgench Airport followed by a transfer to Khiva (approximately 30 minutes)
• Accommodation at the delightful Anor Qal’a Hotel*
• Evening walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ichan Kala
• Enjoy a rooftop welcome dinner under the stars featuring traditional Khorezmian cuisine such as Shivit Oshi and Tukhum Barak

Khiva City Tour

Itchan Kala - 10:00 AM, Guided tour of Khiva:
• Kalta Minar Minaret
• Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah
• Kunya Ark Citadel
• Tash-Khauli Palace
• Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
• Juma Mosque
• Islam Khoja Minaret

Optional: Participate in a Khorezm flatbread-making workshop (additional $15 per person)

3:00 PM, Leisure time. Suggested visit:
• Nurillaboy Palace, a sophisticated 19th-century residence with interactive exhibits (entrance fee ~10 USD)

Khiva to Dashoguz (Turkmenistan)

Dashoguz - • Travel to the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border and cross at the Shavat–Dashoguz checkpoint
• Meet with the Turkmen guide and driver, then proceed to Kunya Urgench
• Explore Kunya Urgench:
– Portal of Caravansaray
– Mamun Minaret
– II Arslan Mausoleum
– Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum
– Academy of Khorezm
– Kutlug Timur Minaret
– Turabek Hanum Mausoleum
– Nejemeddin Kubra and Sultan Ali Mausoleums
• Lunch at a local café
• Afternoon drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously known as “The Door to Hell” (a 70-meter wide burning crater formed in 1971)
• Witness the captivating fire display at sunset
• BBQ dinner and overnight camping near the crater

Darvaza to Ashgabat

Parthian Fortresses of Nisa - UNESCO World Heritage Site - • Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast at the camp
• Travel to Gokdepe Horse Farm (310 km, 4–5 hours)
• Lunch at a cozy local café within a traditional yurt
• Visit the Gokdepe Fortress, site of the 1880 battle against Russian forces led by General Skobelev
• Explore the Gokdepe Mosque, renowned for its turquoise domes and white marble design
• Visit the Akhal-Teke Horse Farm, home to over 30 of Turkmenistan’s legendary Akhal-Teke horses – a unique 5,000-year-old breed admired by historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Darius I
• Travel to Ashgabat and check into the hotel
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat

Ashgabat City Tour

Ashgabat - • Breakfast at the hotel
Embark on a full-day city tour of the “Las Vegas of Central Asia”:
– Presidential Palace
– Ruhyyet Palace
– Wedding Palace (Palace of Happiness)
– Modern “Yyldyz” Hotel
– Constitution Monument
– Arch of Neutrality
– Monument & Park of Independence
– Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
– Ashgabat 2017 Sports Complex
– Square of Revival (Galkynysh) – the new business and cultural hub
• Enjoy a relaxing walk through Inspiration Park (Ylham Park)
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat

Ashgabat to Turkmenabat

Mary - • Breakfast at the hotel
• Journey to Mary (370 km, approximately 4 hours) with a brief stop at Abiverd to explore the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque
• Continue to Bayramali (30 km) and visit the State Historical Reserve “Ancient Merv” – once hailed as the “Queen of the World”, among the great Islamic capitals alongside Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus
• Discover the history of 11th–12th century Seljuk Merv, a flourishing metropolis spanning over 640 hectares and attracting scholars and merchants from across the Islamic world
• Learn about its tragic destruction in 1221 by Mongol forces
• Check into the hotel and relax
• Overnight stay in Mary

Mary to Bukhara

Nodir Devon Begi Madrasasi - • Breakfast and check-out from the hotel
• Travel to Turkmenabat, then proceed to the Farap–Alat border via the bridge over the Amu Darya River
• Complete customs and cross into Uzbekistan
• Continue to Bukhara and check into Emerald Hotel*
• Dinner accompanied by a folklore show at Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah (7:00 PM)
• Overnight stay in Bukhara

Bukhara City Tour

Bukhara - 10:00 AM, Guided tour of Bukhara:
• Poi-Kalon Architectural Ensemble
• Miri-Arab Madrasah
• Ark Citadel
• Ulugh Beg Madrasah
• Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah
• Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
• Trading Domes and Caravanserai
• Crafts Center

8:30 PM, Leisure time. Suggested visits:
• Samanid Mausoleum (9th century)
• Shukhov Tower

• Overnight stay in Bukhara

Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand

Gijduvan Ceramics of The Narzullaevs - 10:00 AM, Visit the Summer Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
12:00 PM, Transfer to Gijduvan to meet a family of hereditary ceramic artisans
1:00 PM, Workshop tour and introduction to traditional pottery-making
3:00 PM, Travel to Samarkand (approximately 3 hours)
6:00 PM, Arrival and check-in at Sharistan Art Hotel*
Evening leisure time, suggested visit:
• Registan Square illuminated at night

Samarkand

Samarkand - 10:00 AM, Guided tour by minivan:
• Gur-Emir Mausoleum
• Registan Square
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque
• Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis
• Authentic Paper Mill (utilizing 8th-century techniques)

4:00 PM, Leisure time. Suggested visit:
• Siab Bazaar, for local crafts and dried fruits

• Overnight stay in Samarkand

Departure

Samarkand - • Check-out from the hotel by 12:00
• Transfer to the airport, railway station, or another location in Samarkand

• Private transportation
• 1 bottle of water per person per day
• On-board WiFi
• Letter of invitation to Turkmenistan
• Admission fees
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Meals
• Any other personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Government fees

For those who have always wanted to explore the Silk Road, this journey offers the ideal opportunity! Travelers will explore historic cities such as Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, venture into the enchanting land of Turkmenistan, and witness the awe-inspiring Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.”

Throughout the trip, guests will enjoy stays in charming boutique hotels, savor genuine local cuisine, and connect with the locals who preserve these rich traditions. This is more than just a tour — it’s an adventure brimming with stories, vibrant colors, and unforgettable experiences that will be cherished for years to come.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.