Treasures of the Ancient Silk Road: UZBEKISTAN and TURKMENISTAN

Breakfast is at the hotel. Today you will visit Independence Square, which is the main square in the country and was erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. Furthermore, you can take a ride on the famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. The first line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city, which includes Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah, and the Hast Imam complex, which consists of several madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleums. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran, which is the world’s oldest Quran copy, dating back to the 8th century. The Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Later afternoon transfer to the railway station and train to Samarkand. Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast is at the hotel. City tour. Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the cities of Babylon and Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights, such as Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum of Guri Emir and national bazaar. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand and no one can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. The architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a large collection of mausoleums dating back to the 11th–15th centuries, being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, you can walk along the local Broadway, surrounded by souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets, and workshops. Then you can visit the national bazaar, Siab, an oriental bazaar, where it is easy to find Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. Transfer to the railway station and train to Bukhara. Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast is at the hotel. Today you will have a full-day city tour of this fascinating city. At first, you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara, dating back to the 4th century, named Citadel Ark, which served as a palace for several dynasties of the Bukhara Empire. Then you will see the Samanids' mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of the 9th–10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job's well, and Bolo-Hauz mosque, also known as the mosque of forty columns, built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you have a chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs in Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi, which is also a part of the Lyabi House Ensemble, the famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. The tour will end with a visit to the Poi Kalon complex, a unique example of the architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of three structures built in the 12th–16th centuries: the Kalon minaret, the Kalon mosque, and the Mir Arab Madrasah. Later afternoon transfer to Farab. Proceed to customs and passport control on both sides. After passing Turkmenistan border post meet Turkmenistan guide. Drive ~290km & 5 hours direct driving to Mary via Turkmenabat. Lunch at the local restaurant. Then drive to Mary Region. En route stop at some typical dunes of Garagum Desert to enjoy with photos. Upon arrival accommodation & rest or (if have time) short walking tour within the central part of Mary City which has The Regional Mosque of Mary Province, The Central Theater of Mary, The Convention & Conference Center “Ruhiyet Koshgi”, Central Park & Monument of Mollanepes-the National Classic Poet who lived in Mary in XVIII-XIXcc. Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Gonurdepe. Gonurdepe located 90 km from Mary city. Gonurdepe is a capital temple city of the country Margush. Archaeologists managed to discover convincing facts of spiritual rituals and traditions proving that Gonurians believed in Zoroastriasm. Then visit to explore the archaeological and historical jewels of the ancient Silk Road City. Visit ancient Merv – “Queen of the world”, one of the most important capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Enjoy ancient Merv: Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs: Al Hakim Ibn Amr Al Jafari and Buraida Ibn Al Heseib Al Islami (VIII-XIV), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum, Buddist Complex (IV-VI), Beni Makhan Mosque-first Mosque built in Central Asia. Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast transfer to Mary airport, then flight to Ashgabat at 08:00/08:40 (flight time could be changed). We will begin our tour in Ashgabat. Ashgabat is a relatively young city in 25.05.2013 city was included Gunnies Book of records as a white marbled city on the world. Today you will see Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern Yildyz Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence. After lunch visit Nissa fortress -the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Drive to visit the biggest Mosque in Central Asia Ruhy Mosque. Return Ashgabat city. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast you will visit of Ertogrul Gazi Mosque it honors Ertogrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Then visiting “Altyn Asyr” trade market and “Gulustan” market (so called Russian bazaar). After lunch at 14:00 drive to Darvaza- Gas Crater, which is a huge flaming crater, located 280 km to the north of Ashgabat. En route visiting one of the village Erbent to observe the rural life of Turkmen people. Continue with moving to the Water, Clay and Gas Crater. In the evening enjoy the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Barbeque style dinner. Overnight in tent or yurta with sleeping bags.

After breakfast drive to Koneurgench-the capital of Khorezmshahs (3-16th cc.) inscribed into the World Heritage Book of UNESCO. Koneurgench (known as Gurganch in the past) is the largest historical and archaeological park in the north of Turkmenistan. It is large reserve with numerous ruins and monuments on the territory of modern Kunyaurgench. Such great Muslim scholars as al-Biruni, al-Khorezmi and Avicenna once worked here. Sightseeing of the old city: Portal of Caravansaray (11-14th cc.), II Arslan Mausoleum (12th c), Mausoleum of Khorezm shah Sultan Tekesh (13th c), Academy of Horezm (3-13th cc.), Mausoleum of TurabekHanum, Minaret of KutlugTimur (14th c)-one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Najmeddin Kubra (13th c) and Solatn Ali (15th c) Mausoleums. Then drive to Dashoguz city, check-in hotel. Overnight is at the hotel.

Transfer to Dashoguz airport for evening flight to Ashgabat at 07:50/08:40 (flight time could be changed). Upon arrival and trip to Nokhur village. We drive onwards and leaving the asphalt road at Archman we ascend into the mountains, and drive to Nohur village. Experience the old traditional way of life as we meet the villagers. Then drive to Kov-Ata underground lake. At first glance, this underground area appears like a magnificent auditorium and the water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C. (You should swim in a lake). Lunch time. After lunch visit Gokdepe fortress and mosque, Horse farm for exploring the pride of the Turkmen people – Akhal-Teke horses. Short show will be shown by riders. For supplement price you can ride horses. Farewell dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of “Silk Road Tour” Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan rich culture.