Wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Tour's name: Wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 

The tour route: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Kune Urgench, Darwaza, Ashgabat 

Day 1: Tashkent
After arrival you are going to get acquainted with the group at airport. Today you will visit Independence square which is the main square of the country with incredible beautiful sights. After that you will meander along the local Broadway, an alley that connects 2 large squares, where a large number of art objects are located, with cafes and souvenir shops. Than you will have a ride in astonishing Tashkent metro and observe the real masterpiece of art of its walls. After that you will have a tour in the old part of the city: Chorsu Bazaar the most colorful attraction, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. At this place you are going to fascinate the history and observe the Othman Quran which is the world's oldest Quran copy dating back to 8^th c. Thr night is in the hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent - Samarkand (morning train)
This day you will drive to railway station of Tashkent where you will catch the train to Samarkand. One of the most ancient cities in the world, which appeared at the intersection of trade routes, Samarkand impresses with preserved forms of medieval architecture and the beauty of architecture. Many attractions in Samarkand have become UNESCO protected sites. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is closed on three sides by the majestic buildings of Ulugbek madrasah (1417 - 1420), Shir-Dor (1619-1636), Tillya-Kari (1647 - 1660). This is an incredibly beautiful attraction that no one can resist. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh it is a unique Museum of glazed decoration of the XIV-XV centuries and translates as "the living king".  Bibi Khanum Mosque a striking monument of Islamic architecture, a grand mosque admiring in its scale. You will rest the night in the hotel. 

Day 3: Samarkand - Bukhara (morning train)
In the morning you will have a train to Bukhara. Bukhara is more than 2500 years old. Various legends and legends are connected with the city's origin. You will have a daylong tour in this holy city Bukhara.  This day you are going to discover Citadel Ark This monument of fortification was first erected in the 6th century BC, which makes it the oldest structure on the territory of modern Uzbekistan. After you will reach the next point Samanids mausoleum, the unique architectural style of the building is located in a Park on the site of a former cemetery in the former historical center of Bukhara. You will also visit today the interesting attraction Chashma Ayub, According to legend, the cult building existed in this place already in the XIV century. The inscription above the entrance indicates that this building was built during the reign of Amir Temur.There appeared a well ("Chashma"), and scored a life-giving spring with crystal clear water. You will also stroll along the shopping domes and Nodir Divan Begi famous central sightseeing of Bukhara named after the vizier Nadir Divan Begi. You will end the tour with Poi Kalon complex, that includes three buildings in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 4: Bukhara - Khiva (440 km, 7 hours)
After the breakfast you will travel to Khiva. Khiva is located in the Khorezm region, where the great silk road passed for many centuries. This ancient city is called the Pearl of the East or the city-Museum. Here are preserved priceless exhibits that survived after the earthquakes and represent that distant and incomprehensible world for us. Like most Eastern cities, the appearance of Khiva was associated with a nearby river. The waters of the Amu Darya irrigated the lands of Khorezm. You will transfer today from Bukhara to Khiva via popular Kizilkum desert. Along the way you will have a chance to see amazing magnificent views Amu Darya river, the largest river in Central Asia. After arrival you will have free time. You will have a night in the hotel.

Day 5: Khiva city tour
This day you will have an exciting tour where you will get information about ancient city Khiva and discover the inner city in Khiva Ichan Qala  that is rounded with strong walls. Ichan Qala is an inner city of the ancient Khiva oasis protected by a 10 - meter brick wall. It served as the last stop for caravans before crossing the desert on their way to Iran. Despite the fact that the city has only a small number of very old monuments, it is recognized as a complete and well-preserved complex of Central Asian Islamic architecture, where you can see such outstanding structures as the Juma mosque, mausoleums, madrassas and two magnificent palaces. There are also located the magnificent sights such as the Kunya-Ark fortress dating back to 17^th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. The overnight is in the hotel.

Day 6: Khiva - Shavat border - Kune Urgench - Darwaza
Today you will have a morning departure to Shavat border.  You are going to meet the group in the morning at Shavat/Dashoguz border, and after you will explore the architectural monuments of Kone-Urgench, Khorezm capital 10th -12th centuries. In the tour you will explore the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek-Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, inspection highest minaret in Central Asia KutlykTimur, minaret of the XIV century.  You will transfer through the Karakum desert to Darwaza. This is a joint creation of nature and man. It all started back in 1971 in the Karakum desert. As a result of the sinkhole, a giant pit 20 meters deep and 70 meters in diameter was formed and for 40 years now, flames have been bursting out from under a huge hole. You will arrive to gas crater and have a chance to contemplate the fabulous views of the fantastic place. This is perfect way to admire the natural attraction.

Day 7: Darwaza - Ashgabat
This day you will transfer to the white marble capital of Turkmenistan Ashgabat. You will have a free time about 1 hour, you can have a rest. In the afternoon you are going to departure to village Bagir and observe there ancient fortress Nisa. The ruins of this ancient city consist of two settlements: the Parthian city in the valley - New Nisa, and the Royal fortress on the hill - Old Nisa. In 2007, they were included in the UNESCO list. Along the way you will have a break to explore Ruhy Mosque. After that you will experience to Russian bazaar, Lenin square, Ertugrul mosque. Then you will have a city tour in the city in the evening. You will explore new parks, a huge complex with fountains and statues of the great men of antiquity.

Day 8: Flight
In the morning is transfer to the airport.

 

Transport in UZ:
02 pax - Sedan
04-06 pax - Minivan
08-10 pax - Bus 

Transport in TM:
2 pax - Sedan
04-08 pax - Minibus 14 seats
10 pax - Bus

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 895 $
04 pax - 780 $
06 pax - 695 $
08 pax - 655 $
10 pax - 630 $
Single - 120 $ 

All dinners - 60 $*
All lunches and dinners - 105 $*

Entrance fees in UZ* (with escort guide only) - 45 $ per person

 

English speaking guides:
TM - included by law
UZ - local 160$ per group or escort 400$ per group 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Tashkent - "Tourist Inn" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
Khiva - "Old Khiva" Hotel 3*
Darwaza - Tents
Ashgabat - "Menzil" Hotel 3*
- Dinner at Darwaza
- Mineral water during the tour
- English speaking guide in TM
- Entrances to all museums in TM
- Train tickets Tashkent-Samarkand and Samarkand-Bukhara                                   

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Migration tax
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums 

Note: Each Traveler should have 2 photos (5x6) to be presented at the points of entry.