Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan Tour

Arrival in Tashkent. Meet at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in and rest. After breakfast start of the guided sightseeing tour around Tashkent. Visit the following sites: Khast-Imam Square, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, Kukeldash Madrasah; after lunch: Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, Minor Mosque. Overnight at the hotel in Tashkent.

Early breakfast at the hotel. Ride to Samarkand by premium service high-speed train “Afrosiab” (07:28-09:36). Guided sightseeing tour of Samarkand on arrival: Gur-e Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s sepulcher), Registan Square (Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilla-Qori Madrasah), Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and Ulugbek Observatory. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the sightseeing tour in Samarkand: visit Afrosiab museum and settlement. Drive to Bukhara. En route stop in Gijduvan and visit local ceramist’s family. Gijduvan is one the centers of pottery in Uzbekistan, ceramic products in Gujduvan have its own painting style of green colors, which is not repeated in any other region of Uzbekistan.

Further transfer to Bukhara. Upon arrival accommodation at the hotel. Leisure time. Visiting the souvenir shops and workshops is recommended. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the sightseeing program in Bukhara upon arrival. Visit of the following sites: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, local bazaar, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel with Zindan prison, Po-i-Kalyan Complex (Kalyan Minaret and others), Miri Arab madrassa, Magoki Attori mosque and Mosque Ulugbek Madrasah. Return to the hotel. Rest and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Uzbek-Turkmen border “Farab” (2-hours drive from Bukhara). Border formalities. Continue driving to Mary via visits of Ancient Merv (UNESCO) en route. Upon arrival in Mary city tour with visits of Juma mosque and Russian orthodox church. Transfer to the hotel, overnight.

Ashgabat, day trip to Kov-Ata underground lake 

Morning transfer to the airport for further flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival day trip to Nohur village in the Kopetdag Mountains (visit tribal cemetery and pilgrim site; silk weaving homes), via visit of Turkmenbashi mosque-mausoleum and Kov-Ata underground lake on the way. Return to Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel and rest.

After breakfast city tour with visits of National Museum, Neutrality Arch, Independence Park and ancient settlement of Nisa (UNESCO heritage site). After lunch drive to Darwaza in the Karakum desert, via visits of Muddy crater and Water crater.  Arrival in Darwaza before sunset (at 18:00 approx.). Enjoy barbeque dinner on the open air; discover the burning gas crater by day and nighttime. Overnight in tents (field conditions).

After camp style breakfast drive to the ancient settlement of Kunya Urgench (UNESCO heritage site), sightseeing tour. Continue driving to the land border with Uzbekistan.

Cross the border before lunch break. Change driver and car on the border and further transfer to Khiva. On arrival transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour around Khiva: Ichan Kala (historical inner city), Pakhlavan Mahmud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajji Madrasah & Minaret.

After lunch: Tash Khauli Alakuli Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, Muhammad Aminkhan Minaret & Madrasah, and Avesta Museum. Transfer to Urgench to take evening flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00.
Transfer to the International airport for departure.