Upon arrival in Ashgabat (estimate 2:55am), transfer to hotel.

Capital of Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most inaccessible countries, the best ways to describe Ashgabat is bizarre or astonishing. Some of the grandest edifice of the 21st centuries set amidst gorgeous parks with endless wonderful fountains.

Panoramic city tour includes Park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality, Rukhnama statue, Palace Square, Earthquake monument, Ertogrylgazy mosque. We will also visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography. And make an excursion to the archaeological site of Nissa, capital of Parthian Empire dating back 2,000 years ago.

Start the morning with a visit to the Tolkucha Oriental Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Ashgabat. We then visit Geok Tepe horse stable to see unique Turkmen Akhal-teke horses, we will be hosted by Mr. Ashir, the owner of the horse stable and a well-known Turkmen horse breeder. Next, proceed to Gulistan bazaar, also known as Russian bazaar, for souvenirs.

Tonight, enjoy a night panoramic tour in Berzengi District.

This morning, fly to Tashauz near the border with Uzbekistan. From here, explore the archaeological site of Kunya-Urgench (about 100 km or 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive away). This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with history dating back 2,500 years during the Achaemenid Empire and with monument mainly from the Islamic period of 11 to 15th centuries.

After lunch, we return to Tashauz to cross the border into Uzbekistan and drive about 70 km or about 1 to 1.5 hour to Khiva.

The whole Khiva Old Town is an open-air museum and an UNESCO world heritage site. It is an architectural complex surrounded by the large fortress wall with four gates, with more than sixty architectural monuments: palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums.

Enjoy a panoramic view from Ak Sheikh Bobo observation platform. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner on the rooftop terrace (subject to weather condition). Tonight, be treated to a private Folklore performance of Lyazgi well known in the region for its energetic and temperamental movements, as well as colourful clothing.

It’s a long drive today (450km or 7 to 8 hours’ drive) as we cross the Kyzylkum Desert to arrive at Bukhara, one of the most important of Silk Road cities and capital of many of the most powerful Central Asian Empires. It is hence endowed with rich architectural heritage (UNESCO listed) – mausoleums, medieval city walls & gates, mosques, madrassah and public complexes.

Begin our exploration today from the Liabi-Khauz Complex with its several gorgeous medieval Madrassahs, Poi Kalyan Ensemble, Kalyan Minaret and Djuma Mosque. You will also discover the bazaar with puppet workshop, jewellery, and cap-makers. Also, we will make a stop at a local tea house with teas and coffee with various spices and flavours and enjoy the national folklore performance.

One of the highlights today is a master class on miniature painting with the famous miniaturist Mr. Davlat Toshev. The art is now in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

This morning, visit Naiman Village. Explore the village and observe local ways of life including bread baking in tandyr (traditional mud oven) and cooking preparation of some national Uzbek cuisine. Taste them all with a lunch with a local family.

Thereafter, return to Bukhara and continue our exploration of the city. Visit the Fortress Ark, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Chashma-Ayub shrine and the Samanids Mausoleum dating back to the 9th century, a treasure of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

After breakfast, visit Chor Minor, a colorful madrassah and Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa, a countryside residence of the last Bukhara Emir.

In the afternoon, hop onto the High-Speed Train (only 1 hour 40 min) to Samarkand. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly a highlight of the trip!

Spend a full day to explore medieval city of Samarkand. Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, graves of Tamerlane and his descendants; the world-famous Registan Square, an ensemble of majestic madrassahs and it is among the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works of the Islamic world. Take a stroll along Tashkentskaya pedestrian street; visit to the impressive remnants of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, wander into the Siab bazaar, and visit Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda with mausoleums from the 11th to 19th centuries.

We have another day in Samarkand. Visit the Afrosiab Museum; Mausoleum of Prophet Daniel, a unique place in the world where Muslims, Christians and Jews come to pray. Proceed to the 15th century Observatory of Ulugbek Timur’s grandson and be amazed by the advanced Astronomy at that time. Next, visit a Silk Paper Center “Meros”, where local artisans have revived ancient tradition of paper making.

Later, catch a High-Speed Train (2 hours) to Tashkent, the capital and the heart of the economy of Uzbekistan.

Explore old Tashkent this morning. Visit to Khast Imam Square, with the immense Osman Koran, said to be the world’s oldest; and the historical Chorsu Bazaar – one of the largest in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

We will also visit the modern part of the city with Theatre Square; Earthquake monument, Amir Temur Square; Earthquake Memorial and Independence Square. Enjoy a ride on Tashkent metro through a few of the most beautiful stations.

A highlight today is a visit to Rakhimov’s Ceramics Studio. His works are attracting scholars, artisans and foreign followers.

Transfer to airport for your flight out.