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 on the bridge between East and West, spiritual beliefs were the greatest commodities to flow along trade routes, and civilizations blossomed amidst austere natural beauty.
Days 1-2: Tashkent
The journey begins in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent. Wander its Chorsu Bazaar, a huge open market near a 16th century madrassah. Take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, and visit the studio of one of Uzbekistan's master craftsmen, an expert in ancient Central Asian ceramics.
Days 3-4: Samarkand
Set off overland to Samarkand. Tamerlane conquered Samarkand in the 14th century, and transformed it into one of the most beautiful cities along the Silk Road. He and his grandson, Ulug Bek, oversaw a flourishing of architecture and decorative art unmatched in the ancient world. Tamerlane built the world's largest mosque, while Ulug Bek created one of the most accurate observatories in the ancient world.
Days 5-7: Bukhara
Follow the road to Bukhara, where the city center is a UNESCO-listed historical preserve. From the peaceful Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, with its reflecting pool surrounded by ancient mulberry trees, to domed bazaars and stately mosques, Bukhara embodies the soul of pre-Soviet Central Asia.
Days 8-9: Khiva
Continue on to Khiva, today a living museum. Approaching the Old Town, modern day travelers face the same sight as Silk Road caravans did - the dun-colored city walls, the main gate opening on a dusty stone thoroughfare, merchants hawking their wares from each side, and the 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. Toast the journey's end at a festive farewell dinner.
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** |
| Single Supplement |
From $495 |
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| Note: Pricing for the rest of 2009 may differ slightly. Call 800-424-7289 for more information about 2009 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 City, Square of Independence, the Navoi Theatre, Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, Chorsu Bazaar, Palace of People's Friendship, Museum of Applied Arts, Ceramic Master 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 in 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
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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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