Morning arrival in Tashkent, meet & greet, followed by breakfast at a café (included).

Start exploring the Uzbek capital with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, featuring:

• Kaffal Shashiy Mausoleum – dedicated to a renowned scholar and Sufi poet.
• Barak Khan Madrasa – a 16th-century architectural gem.
• Two mosques, one of which houses the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman, considered the oldest in the Muslim world.

Continue to the Chorsu Bazaar, the largest and oldest market in Tashkent, where vibrant colors, rich aromas, and lively trade showcase the city’s authentic spirit.

Lunch, followed by transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Tashkent

Flight to Urgench, followed by a transfer to Khiva.

Explore Itchan-Kala, the last capital of Khorezm and a well-preserved open-air museum. Strolling through its narrow streets, discover architectural gems such as:

• Kunya Ark – the “old fortress” of Khiva’s Khans, built in the 17th century.
• Kalta Minor – an unfinished 19th-century minaret, famous for its striking turquoise tiles.
• Juma Mosque – a unique Friday mosque with 212 carved wooden columns (18th century).
• Tash Khauli Palace – the second residence of Khiva’s Khans, built in the 19th century.
• Islam Khodja Ensemble – an early 20th-century architectural masterpiece.

Overnight in Khiva.

Early morning departure for the Uzbek-Turkmen border at Dashoguz (120 km).

Customs and border formalities before continuing to Kunya Urgench (110 km), an ancient Khorezm capital and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit of Kunya Urgench:

• Mausoleum of Fakhr al-Din Razi (12th century) – dedicated to a famous Persian theologian.
• Mausoleum of Najm al-Din Kubra (14th century) – honoring the Sufi leader and founder of the Kubrawiya order.
• Minaret of Kutlug Timur (14th century, 62m high) – the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
• Mausoleums of Matkerim Ishan Sultan and Turebek Khanym (14th century).
• Mausoleum of Tekesh (13th century) – final resting place of the Khorezm conqueror.

Transfer to Dashoguz for the evening flight to Ashgabat (T5-114, 17:30–18:30).

Arrival in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, followed by hotel check-in.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Morning excursion to Altyn Asyr Bazaar in Jygyldyk, about 20 km north of Ashgabat. It is one of the largest open-air markets in the world, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with local culture, crafts, and Turkmen traditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time or take an optional excursion to Nisa, an ancient Parthian royal sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of Nisa were once a major center of the Parthian Empire, which flourished between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.

Overnight in Ashgabat.

Morning flight to Mary. Transfer to Merv for sightseeing. An ancient Silk Road stopover, the city is dominated by the impressive fortresses of Kyz Kala and Yigit Kala. Over the centuries, Merv has been adorned with magnificent buildings, including the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, one of the most beautiful monuments in Central Asia.

Return to Mary and departure towards Turkmenabad (240 km).

Overnight in Turkmenabat

Road to Bukhara through the Karakum Desert (Black Sands) and the Kyzylkum Desert (Red Sands) (90 km). Border crossing at Farab between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with customs formalities.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check-in at the hotel.

First stroll through the ancient city of Bukhara.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the oldest monument in Bukhara, dating back to the 10th century
• Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, linked to the Prophet Job
• Bolo-Khauz Mosque
• Ark Fortress, former residence of Bukhara’s rulers

Continuation of the excursion:

• Medieval trading domes from the 16th century
• Kalon Mosque and Minaret, the tallest in Bukhara
• Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, a 16th-century Islamic school still in operation
• Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs
• Liabi Hauz complex

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel, then continuation of the excursion:

• Bakhouddin Naqshband Complex, dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order
• Chor Minor Madrasah, a unique madrasah for its distinctive architecture.
• Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara

Departure for Samarkand.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Samarkand.

To quote Amin Maalouf: “Samarkand, the most beautiful face that Earth has ever turned towards the sun.”

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by the start of the city tour:

• Shakhi-Zinda Complex, home to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin
• Bibi-Khanym Madrasah, built by Tamerlane in honor of his favorite wife
• Local bazaar

Continuation of the excursion:

• Registan Square, the historic heart of the city
• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the 15th-century tomb of the Timurid dynasty

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning visits:

• Konigil Silk Paper Workshop, where traditional silk paper is still handcrafted
• Ulugh Beg Observatory, the first observatory in Central Asia

Continuation of the excursion:

• Khudjum Carpet Factory, showcasing the art of traditional carpet weaving
• Afrasiab museum

Departure for Tashkent on the Afrosiyob high-speed train at 17:30 (280 km in 2 hours).
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

End of our services.