Essential Central Asia
Explore the markets, mosques, minarets and teahouses of oasis towns on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum deserts. Here spiritual beliefs were the greatest commodities to flow along trade routes, and civilizations blossomed amidst austere natural beauty.
Days 1-7: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
In Uzbekistan’s capital, wander the Chorsu Bazaar and visit the studio of a master ceramics craftsman. Tamerlane transformed Samarkand into one of the most beautiful cities along the Silk Road, overseeing an unmatched flourishing of architecture and decorative art. In Bukhara, admire the peaceful Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, embodying the soul of pre-Soviet Central Asia.
Days 8-9: Khiva
Continue to Khiva, a living museum with its dun-colored city walls, merchants hawking their wares from each side, and distinctive minarets watching over the whole scene.
Days 10-13: Tashauz, Ashkabad
In Turkmenistan, marvel at the meeting
of
ancient 
traditions and modern mores
at Ashkabad’s
Tolkuchka Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s best. Barter for jewelry and carpets, sealing each bargain Turkmen fashion, with
a handshake. Explore UNESCO-listed Nisa, once a major center of the ancient Parthian Kingdom.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
13 Days |
| Departures: |
Your choice of dates - start on a Monday |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 2 traveler minimum |
From $3,995 |
Plus internal air
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$50 (economy class, subject to change)
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| Single Supplement |
From $525 |
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| Note: Pricing for the rest of 2012 may differ slightly. Call 800-424-7289 for more information about 2012 Essential trip pricing |
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| **Land tour cost includes internal flight costs which are subject to change; see the Descriptive Daily Itinerary for details. |
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| Essential trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates. Hotel upgrades, additional nights and solo traveler prices are available on request. Contact us for a descriptive itinerary and booking details. |
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Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Tashkent |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Samarkand |
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| Day 4: |
Samarkand |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Bukhara via Shakhrisabze |
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| Days 6-7: |
Bukhara |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Khiva |
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| Day 9: |
Khiva |
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| Day 10: |
drive to Tashauz, fly to Ashkabad |
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| Days 11-13: |
Ashkabad |
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| Tashkent |
Capital of Uzbekistan, Square of Independence, the Navoi Theatre, Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, Chorsu Bazaar, Palace of People’s Friendship, Museum of Applied Arts, Ceramic Master’s Studio |
| Samarkand |
"Crossroads of Culture" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Registan, Shah-i-Zinde, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Uleg Bek Observatory, Gur-Emir Mausoleum
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| Shakrisabze (Shakrisabz) |
"Historic Centre of Shakrisabze" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ak Saray (White Palace), birthplace of Tamerlane
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| Bukhara |
“Historic Centre of Bukhara” (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lyab-i-Khauz Plaza, Kukeldash Madrassah, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Ark Citadel, Zindan Prison, Ismael Samani Mausoleum, Emir’s Palace of Moon and Stars, Museum of National Crafts, performance and dinner at local madrassah
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| Khiva |
Ichon-Qala (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kyzyl Kum Desert, Amu Darya River, Tash-Hauli Palace, Dzhuma Mosque, Kunya Ark
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| Ashkabad |
Capital city, Tolkuchka Bazaar, Museum of Carpets and Textiles, National Museum of History and Ethnography
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| Nisa |
Parthian Kingdom of Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kopet-Dag Mountains |
About Essential Trips
Flexible Essential Private Trips are compact, well-designed private tour itineraries - researched and ready to book on the dates you choose. They work perfectly as brief overviews of a country or as effortless extensions to group tours - great for solo travelers, couples, or private parties who prefer to travel independently but appreciate a savvy predesigned program.
Some images on this page courtesy of Peter Guttman & Ana Filonov
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