Central Asia Journey
14 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Mary, Merv, Ashgabat, Khiva
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CAJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Age range:
18-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable "Central Asia Journey" through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where history and culture come alive. Begin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital, before traveling to the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, rich with stunning architecture and historical significance. Discover the medieval walled city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the archaeological wonders of Merv. In Turkmenistan, explore the capital city of Ashgabat and the ancient ruins of Nissa. This 13-night tour includes stays in 3-4 star hotels, local English-speaking guides, and internal flights, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Gabrielle Hotel or similar
On arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. We will have an important tour briefing tomorrow morning - your transfer driver will provide you with a letter with details of the briefing time and contacts. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 14:00. Should your flight arrive earlier, please discuss arrangements for earlier room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant.Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar
Day 2 : In Tashkent, Train To Samarkand
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Hotel City Samarkand or similar
There will be a group briefing at the hotel before we head out for our city tour. Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. In the morning we’ll visit the Tashkent underground, where each station displays a specific architectural and artistic decoration. In the evening we take the train which follows the ancient Silk Road past old caravanserai to the ancient city of Samarkand. Over the centuries this road has been travelled by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane as they travelled the route to extend their knowledge and influence. Nowadays, this desert journey takes just over 2½ hours in the comfort of the air conditioned high speed train.Overnight: Ideal Hotel or similar
Day 3 - 4 : In Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Hotel City Samarkand or similar
Samarkand is a wondrous city showcasing the legacies of the great ruler Timur. Also referred to as Tamerlane, he was one of the most influential military leaders of the middle ages. He set about making Samarkand the richest city on earth by pillaging and destroying all other cities and removing their wealth and skills to Samarkand. Covering the tomb where he lies in the city today is a large single slab of green jade, said to be the largest such stone in the world and symbolic of the extravagance of the ruler and the city he built as his capital. A visit to the tomb reveals an impressive piece of work, but his legacy, the Registan, the market place of ancient Samarkand, is his greatest achievement. It is enclosed by spectacular medressas (Islamic centres of learning) on three sides. These huge buildings with domes and minarets covered in a mosaic of azure tiles were built from the 1400s. The Registan is deserving of its title as one of the wonders of the ancient world. We will also visit the huge mosque, bazaar and observatory during our exploration in and around Samarkand.Overnight: Ideal Hotel or similar
Day 5 : Drive To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar
Our Silk Road journey continues as we travel between Samarkand and Bukhara via bus vehicle, passing through the desert along the ancient trade route. Enroute we will stop at Gijduvan to visit the house of a famous dynasty of pottery masters and for lunch. This journey of almost 300km would have once taken days for silk road traders and conquering armies to navigate. Following hotel check-in in Bukhara, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax or venture out for your first exploration of this prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route.Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 6 - 7 : In Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar
Bukhara boasts 2500 years of vibrant history. Capital of the Samanid state in the 9th and 10th Century’s, Bukhara became the centre of an intellectual, religious and commercial renaissance of Central Asia until the city succumbed in 1220 to Genghis Khan and then to Tamerlane in 1370, after which Samarkand became the regions most important city. Bukhara had a second lease of life in the 16th century when it became the capital of what we now know as Bukhara Khanate during which time it had more than 300 mosques, 100 medrasses with over 10,000 students. In 1868 it became the protectorate of the Tsar and later became incorporated into the Russian and then Soviet Empires. Over two days we’ll immerse ourselves in the tapestry of this city with its rich history, taking in sights such as The Ark, the former royal city and fortress that was the focus of the city for 2000 years, the Summer Palace of the last emir, mausoleums and mosques and of course the exotic bazaars and markets that make Bukhara famous amongst shoppers. It is in these enclaves where bold and intricate carpets, gold and an assortment of jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments, carved boxes, hats from provinces all over Central Asia provide endless interest.
Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 8 : Travel To Mary, Turkmenistan
Location: Mary
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mary or similar
The road journey from Bukhara to Mary takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the border crossing times. We will have to cross the actual border on foot and is without vehicle support so please ensure you are able to carry or wheel your luggage along the way. Once border formalities are complete, we will pass through the industrial city of Turkmenabat and continue on to Mary by private vehicle.Overnight: Hotel Margush or similar
Day 9 : Visit Ancient Merv, Fly To Ashgabat
Location: Merv
Accommodation Name: Sport Hotel or similar
We commence the day with a short distance drive out of Mary to Merv, an ancient Silk Road staging post. Its origins date back more than 8000 years; the city was at its height during the 11th and 12th centuries when it was considered to be the second most important city in the Islamic world (after Baghdad), being the capital of the Seljuk Turks. Under their domination of the region stretching from Afghanistan to Egypt, the Seljuk’s created a city full of treasures and palaces, irrigation channels and fertile gardens. The Mongols all but destroyed the city under the rule of Genghis Khan in the 13th century and it lay dormant for a century. Whilst parts of the city were resettled over the next few centuries it was not until the 18th century that the dam and some of the former riches were restored. Again, this did not last long, as the Emir of Bukhara opened the dam and his army reduced the city to rubble in 1795. The remains of the city are spread over an area of 100 square kilometres, and the site contains five walled cities from different periods. We spend a few hours exploring the remains of these cities and the Mary History Museum before our evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital.Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar
Day 10 : In Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
Accommodation Name: Sport Hotel or similar
Today we visit the main city sights of Ashgabat including the National Museum which houses a rich collection of ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan, and the Archaeological site of Nissa including the remains of Old and New Nissa. The city was an important centre of the Parthian State, which existed from the 3rd century BC up to the 3rd century AD. As the archaeological research shows, the township of New Nissa was the centre of the Parthian City. It was inhabited up to the 16th - 17th centuries. Old Nissa was a royal residence of the Parthian kings with the palace and temple, the depositories and the treasury. During the archaeological excavations about 2700 texts inscribed with black paint on the clay vessels fragments were discovered. The written language used in Nissa was of the Aramaic origin, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. We also take in some of the city’s greatest monuments, buildings and fountains including Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, and Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, RussianBazaar, and also see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses.Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar
Day 11 : Flight To Dashoguz, Drive To Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar
Today we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Dashoguz (Tashauz). We'll be met at the airport and accompanied by an English speaking driver who will brief you and assist with border formalities. Once across the border you will be met by your Uzbek guide for the drive to Khiva. Enroute visit the ancient fortresses of Toprakkala and Ayazkala, and then onwards to Khiva. Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar
Day 12 : In Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar
The ancient walled city of Khiva is a stunning monument to the rich history of the region. Slave caravans, wild tribesmen and a harsh and unrelenting desert are all part of its tumultuous history. We spend the day exploring the mazes of mosques, tombs, alley ways, palaces and medressas. The following day will be at your leisure in this fascinating town.
Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar
Day 13 : Flight To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Gabrielle Hotel or similar
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Tashkent. You will be transferred to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the sites of Tashkent we were unable to see previously. There will also be some time for some souvenir shopping should you wish to pick up a few items.
Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar
Day 14 : Trip Concludes In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Today is departure day, there may be some free time before your provided transfer to the airport for your onward connection. If your onward travel is later in the day, remember that check out time is 12:00 noon. You can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights hotel -
13 breakfasts, 9 lunches
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Local English speaking tour leaders in each country and local city guides
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Comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis, except in remoter towns where the best available hotels are used
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Internal flights valued at approx. US$190
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All internal transport by bus, jeep, car or train as listed in itinerary
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Airport transfers in Tashkent
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Local sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
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Assistance in arranging visas
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Emergency medical kit
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International airfares
What's Not Included
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International airfares
International airfares are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included.
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Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Meals and beverages not indicated in the program are not included.
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Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc.
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, and alcohol are not included.
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Tips and gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
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Turkmenistan migration tax approximately US$14 per person, to be paid in USD Cash at Farab border (subject to change)
Turkmenistan migration tax of approximately US$14 per person, to be paid in USD cash at the Farab border, is not included.
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Tourist tax in Uzbekistan hotels of US$3 per person per night for additional pre/post tour nights (subject to change)
Tourist tax in Uzbekistan hotels of US$3 per person per night for additional pre/post tour nights is not included.
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Photo/video fees at historical parks and in museums
Photo/video fees at historical parks and in museums are not included.
Accommodation
13 nights hotel. The hotels generally used in Central Asia are 3-4 star properties, generally Russian in style. All rooms have private facilities, however please bear in mind that plumbing can at times be dubious in Central Asia, even in the best hotels. If you have a problem, advise your group leader, or the lady allocated to your floor. Breakfasts and some meals are taken in the hotel dining room.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry the things you will need for the day including a jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. Although our day walks are optional there is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Central Asia as possible. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Mode of Transport
All internal transport by bus, jeep, car or train as listed in itinerary. Includes internal flights valued at approx. US$190 and airport transfers in Tashkent.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Central Asia Journey?
You will stay in 3-4 star hotels, generally Russian in style, with private facilities. However, please note that plumbing can sometimes be unreliable in Central Asia, even in the best hotels. If you encounter any issues, you can inform your group leader or the lady allocated to your floor.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 13 breakfasts and 9 lunches. Some meals are taken in the hotel dining room.
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What kind of transport will be used during the tour?
All internal transport will be by bus, jeep, car, or train as listed in the itinerary. There are also internal flights valued at approximately US$190.
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Will there be local guides during the tour?
Yes, there will be local English-speaking tour leaders in each country and local city guides.
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Is assistance provided for visa arrangements?
Yes, assistance in arranging visas is included in the tour package.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
In your daypack, you should carry items you will need for the day, including a jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm.
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What is the level of physical activity required for this tour?
Although there is no commitment to extended walking, the tour keeps the 'accent on the active.' Any physical training you complete before the trip will be beneficial. The fitter you are, the more you will enhance your experience.
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What happens if my flight arrives in Tashkent earlier than the hotel check-in time?
Hotel check-in time in Tashkent is 14:00. If your flight arrives earlier, you should discuss arrangements for earlier room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant.
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What are some of the key historical sites we will visit in Samarkand?
In Samarkand, you will visit the Registan, the market place of ancient Samarkand, which is enclosed by spectacular medressas on three sides. You will also visit the huge mosque, bazaar, and observatory.
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What should I expect during the border crossing from Bukhara to Mary?
The road journey from Bukhara to Mary takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the border crossing times. You will have to cross the actual border on foot without vehicle support, so ensure you can carry or wheel your luggage along the way.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.