Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Silk Road Cultural Discovery Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Aleksandr Kalmykov

Alex was born in Kyrgyzstan, and successfully completed his studies in history and culturology at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University in 2012. He soon found his passion in guiding and has led groups in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Alex is now a regional expert, always searching for new discoveries. Every year Aleksandr takes part in the international travel fairs in London and Berlin, representing Central Asia and the Great Silk Road. His biggest desire is to open Central Asia to the world and there is nothing but smiles from those traveling with him.

Alyona Strauss

Alyona has led adventure travel tours through remote areas of Central Asia for over 10 years. Her local roots give her a deep insight into the culture and traditions, enabling travelers to experience Central Asian culture in a profound way. Alyona has made several presentations at UNWTO forums about tourism in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. As a result, she is aware of the main trends in tourism including sustainable travel, and successfully implements it with the groups she travels with. 

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Welcome to Tashkent! Meet your MT Sobek guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. This evening, the group convenes for a brief orientation and a welcome dinner.
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                    [Headline] => Scenic Drive to Samarkand
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After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Samarkand, a historic and central part of the old Silk Road. En route stop for a small picnic with beautiful mountain views near the legendary gate of the 14th-century nomadic ruler Tamerlane, for a brief photo op near the second-largest river in Central Asia, Sir Darya, and then at a famous local market where the region\'s best melons are sold. If melons are in season, you\'ll try some! On arrival in Samarkand, visit the Koni Ghil Silk Paper Center to learn the process of silk paper production and bread baking process. Visit Alexiy Cathedral, followed by a traditional dinner at a historic UNESCO-protected home. After dinner, view Registan Square from the outside and marvel at the glowing monuments.
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Begin today\'s tour of legendary Samarkand at Guri Emir, the mausoleum and burial place for Amir Temur and his family, and regal Registan Square, with its intricately designed and vibrantly colored blue-tiled mosques and madrassas (Muslim schools). Also visit the regal mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda, site of Central Asia\'s most sacred Islamic shrine, the massive mosque of Bibi Khanum, and the adjacent colorful market, where the original "spice girls" sell saffron at unbelievably low prices. This afternoon, visit the the home of Mr. Kalandarov, a wealthy Jewish man, which is now are museum of local lore. Before dinner enjoy wine tasting at Khovrenko Wine Factory.
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Transfer to the station and take Afrosiyob train to Bukhara. Explore Bukhara, with its bustling trading domes and active mosques, including Kalyan Minaret, one of Central Asia\'s tallest towers, and the ancient Silk Market. Taste splendid herbal teas at Retro-Saloon Timur. Tonight enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner of plov, a local lamb and rice pilaf dish.
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Tour Old Bukhara: stroll the old town center, where locals chat endlessly while drinking tea around a natural oasis spring. Bukhara\'s UNESCO recognition has resulted in restorations of some of its 11th- to 15th-century mosques, including Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chashmai Ayub and Magokki Attori Mosque. Visit Bukhara\'s massive fortress, the Ark, and Ismail Samani\'s beautiful 10th-century mausoleum. Tonight, enjoy a festive folklore and national dress show at the historic Nodir Devonbegi Madrassah.
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                    [Headline] => Cross into Turkmenistan & Discover Historical Mary
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After breakfast, drive to the Turkmenistan border and on to Mary - known as Merv in ancient times - a city on an oasis in the Karakum Desert. En route, stop for lunch in the ancient Silk Road crossroads of Turkmenabat, which once connected Bukhara with Khiva and Merv. For about 300 years, Merv was the largest city in Central Asia and the Khalifat capital for eight years. During the 12th century, it was said to be the world\'s biggest city. Take in Old Merv\'s historical sites before enjoying a hearty dinner.
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This morning we explore more of ancient Merv, the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We explore the history museum and other sites, before transferring to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Its gleaming domes, monuments, minarets, and lavish palaces make it feel like an enchanted city.
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Today browse the city\'s famous Sunday bazaar, a truly medieval experience! Everything from camels to auto parts to world-famous Bukhara rugs - both new and old - are sold. Later, we\'ll tour more of Ashgabat, including the majestic Turkmenbashy Ruhy Metjidi, one of the biggest mausoleum complexes in Central Asia, containing the tombs of Turkmenbashy (the former ruler of Turkmenistan) and his family. Visit the ruins of Nissa, the former seat of the Parthian kings and an important Silk Road trading town, then take a city tour. After dinner, drive Ashgabat\'s main avenues to take in its brightly lit buildings and monuments. This exquisite city is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble than any other in the world!
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This morning, transfer to Ashgabat Airport for a flight to Dashoguz. Upon arrival, take a 35-minute drive to one of the most impressive fortresses of the Middle Ages: the ruins of Yzmukshir Fortress, birthplace of famous scientist and philologist As Zamahshary. Return to Dashoguz for lunch and then drive into Uzbekistan and on to Khiva, a very ancient city said to be founded by Shem, the son of the biblical Noah. Visit a Khorezmian singer\'s house and enjoy traditional, ethnically Khorezmian music. There will be time to rest before dinner at the hotel, the largest in Khiva.
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After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a walking tour of old Khiva, visiting Kunya-Ark fortress, several mosques, madrassas, and minarets. The walled city of Khiva hosts more than 50 monuments, making it a true archaeological treasure. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own before convening for dinner tonight at a local family\'s restaurant for traditional regional fare.
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Enjoy an early breakfast, before transferring to the Urgench Airport for your flight back to Tashkent. On arrival, explore the bustling and cosmopolitan city of Tashkent, with its tree-lined boulevards, verdant parks, and elaborate monuments. Take in many of the city\'s highlights, including the Khast-Imam Complex and its architectural marvels; the world-renowned Uthman Qur\'an Friday Mosque, which houses an early copy of the Quran; the Chorsu Bazaar, a traditional market set beneath a vibrant, blue dome and the Applied Arts Museum. After lunch, visit the newer part of the city: Independence Square, Amir Temur Museum, Alisher Navoi Theater. In the late afternoon, visit ceramist Akbar Rahimov\'s workshop and take a tea break. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local Georgian restaurant.
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After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport, bid farewell to your travel companions, and depart on your homeward-bound flight.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => On this trip, you will be touring cities and villages, exploring ancient sites, and visiting beautiful mosques and vibrant bazaars - as well as enjoying the warmth of each country\'s people. While none of the walking is particularly difficult, some days you\'ll be on your feet for much of the day.
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Accommodations

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Comfortable and conveniently located Silk Road hotels with modern and traditional flair.

Grand Samarkand Superior-Samarkand

Comfortable Hotel

The Grand Samarkand Superior is situated in the heart of the business and shopping district of Samarkand. The hotel and its comfortable rooms combine modern and traditional designs. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. Enjoy an excellent breakfast before heading into Samarkand to experience the treasures of this legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand Turkmen Hotel-Ashgabat

Luxury Hotel

The Grand Turkmen Hotel is a solid choice for a restful stay in Ashgabat, the City of White Marble. Centrally located and across from the Russian Market, there are 120 guest rooms of varying types decorated in a slightly old-school style; all have Internet access. There is also a fitness room, swimming pool, and sauna.

Mary Hotel-Mary

Rustic Lodging

Established in 2014, the Mary Hotel is located in a green park area just five minutes from the city center opposite the central bazaar. Its 175 rooms have the expected amenities and en suite bathrooms, plus there's an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, bar, restaurant, and craft shop.

Yyldyz Hotel-Ashgabat

Luxury Hotel

Ashbagat's Yyldyz Hotel offers elevated views of the city in an accessible location. Stylishly designed, it offers regional flair with classic design and modern comfort. The spa comprises various amenities including a Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, snow shower, swimming pool, and massage lounge. Yyldyz Hotel continually receives positive testimonials for its relaxing dining ambiance, modern luxury, professional staff, and comfortable accommodations.

Lyabi House

Comfortable Hotel

Tucked away in the heart of old town Bukhara - a city packed with history, the Lyabi House embodies Uzbek traditions, hospitality and generosity. The hotel offers just 40 traditionally decorated rooms, a traditional ayyan (terrace) and charming inner courtyards - all just steps away from the 16th century streets of old Bukhara, monuments, the Lyabi Khauz Complex and shops selling rugs and other handmade curios.

Orient Star Hotel

Rustic Lodging

Orient Star Hotel is a most unusual hotel, due to its location in Muhammad Aminkhan madrasah (19th c), the largest madrasah in all of Central Asia. The rooms, each well-designed and including air-conditioning, previously served as rooms for students of the madrasah. The hotel courtyard has wifi and the neighboring madrasah boasts a restaurant, decorated in oriental style, which features dishes of Oriental and European cuisine.

Hyatt Regency Hotel Tashkent

Luxury Hotel

Hyatt Regency Tashkent boasts an excellent location near the prestigious National Library, as well as shopping, dining, and local attractions. The hotel offers spacious guestrooms and a plethora of amenities, including complimentary wi-fi, several restaurants, bar, 24-hour fitness center, pool and spa. A perfect base to explore the fascinating city of Tashkent.

Omar Khayyam Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Omar Khayyam is conveniently located in picturesque old Bukhara, within walking distance of all ancient monuments, including Ulugbek's mosque, Poi Kalyan complex and the Ark Citadel. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with attractive designs and balconies overlooking the hotel's courtyard. There's a fine restaurant with local and international offerings, wifi in the common areas and a beautiful courtyard typical of traditional Uzbek architecture.

Movenpick Samarkand

Comfortable Hotel

The Movenpick Samarkand Hotel has spacious rooms that are stylishly decorated and feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea & coffee stations. Guests can indulge in the hotel's many on-site amenities including a refreshing swim in their pool, a workout in their gym, and a meal at Le Boulevard, where guests can enjoy European, Uzbek & Turkish cuisine.

Farovon Khiva

Comfortable Hotel

Experience luxury and comfort at Khiva's Farovon Hotel. The hotel features 106 rooms and suites with Wi-Fi, a 55" flat-screen TV, a minibar, a work place, complimentary slippers, and a bathrobe. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, a bar and three on-site restaurants that serve Mediterranean, National and Central Asian cuisine.

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