Arrival in Tashkent in the morning.

Meet and greet at the airport, followed by breakfast at a local café (included).

Discover the city’s highlights, including the Khast Imam Complex (Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrasah, and the mosque housing the famous Qur’an of Caliph Uthman) and the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar.

Free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Domestic flight to Urgench, followed by a transfer to Khiva.

Explore Itchan Kala, the ancient capital of Khorezm and one of the world’s finest preserved open-air museums.

Highlights include:

• Kunya Ark, the former fortress and royal residence of the Khivan Khans, dating from the 17th century.
• Kalta Minor, the iconic unfinished minaret covered in brilliant turquoise tiles.
• Juma Mosque, renowned for its remarkable forest of 212 carved wooden columns.
• Tash Khauli Palace, the richly decorated 19th-century palace of the Khivan Khans.
• Islam Khoja Complex, an elegant early 20th-century architectural masterpiece.

Overnight in Khiva.

Early morning departure for the Shavat border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan (120 km).

After border formalities, continue to Konye-Urgench, the former capital of the Khorezm Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its main monuments, including the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Tekesh Mausoleum, Najm al-Din Kubra Mausoleum, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, and Fakhr al-Din Razi Mausoleum.

Transfer to Dashoguz Airport for the evening flight to Ashgabat.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

In the morning, visit the impressive Altyn Asyr Bazaar in Jygyldyk, located about 20 km north of Ashgabat.

One of the largest open-air markets in the world, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkmen traditions, local handicrafts, and everyday life.

The afternoon is free at leisure, or you may join an optional excursion to Nisa, the ancient royal residence of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating from between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD, Nisa was one of the empire’s principal political and cultural centres.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Early morning flight to Mary.

Upon arrival, depart for Merv, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore this extraordinary archaeological site, dominated by the impressive Kyz Kala and Yigit Kala fortresses. Over the centuries, Merv flourished as one of Central Asia’s most important cities, leaving behind remarkable monuments, including the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of medieval Islamic architecture in the region.

Return to Mary, then continue by road to Türkmenabat (240 km).

Overnight in Türkmenabat.

Drive towards Bukhara, crossing the vast Karakum Desert (“Black Sands”) and Kyzylkum Desert (“Red Sands”).

Complete border and customs formalities at the Farap border crossing between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check in at the hotel.

Enjoy your first leisurely walk through the atmospheric streets of the Old City.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Explore the architectural treasures of Bukhara, including the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the Ark Fortress.

Continue with the Trading Domes, the magnificent Poi Kalon Complex (Kalon Mosque, Minaret, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah), the Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs, and the picturesque Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Continue exploring Bukhara with visits to:

• Bahauddin Naqshband Complex, dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order.
• Chor Minor Madrasah, famous for its distinctive four-towered architecture.
• Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the elegant summer residence of the Emirs of Bukhara.

Depart for Samarkand.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Samarkand.

“Samarkand is the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned towards the sun.” — Amin Maalouf

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day exploring Samarkand, including the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the lively Siab Bazaar, the magnificent Registan Square, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Konigil Village to discover the traditional craft of handmade silk paper, followed by the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the medieval world’s greatest scientific achievements.

Continue to the Khudjum Carpet Factory and the Afrasiab Museum, dedicated to the history of ancient Samarkand.

In the late afternoon, board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

End of our services.

Let Silk Way Tours guide you on an unforgettable journey through the timeless wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan!