Once Forbidden Lands of Central
Asia & lran
The countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran are woven
together like the burnished threads of a fine Persian carpet.
From earliest recorded history, these lands have exchanged rulers,
architecture, art and religion. Explore the dazzling bazaars and
extravagant desert architecture along the byways of the old Silk Road
between Tashkent and Tehran.
Days 1-3: Tashkent, Samarkand
In Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent,
visit the private studio of a sixth-generation ceramicist. Admire Samarkand's
UNESCO-listed Registan, radiating majesty through the ages. Converse with
your hostess at a convivial meal in her family's Samarkand home.
Days 4-7: Gijduvan, Bukhara, Khiva
En route to the Silk Road oasis of
Bukhara, enjoy lunch at the renowned Gijduvan ceramics workshop, admiring the
profusion of lustrous glazed earthenware. In Bukhara, wander the labyrinth of mudbrick
streets in the heart of the Old Town. Explore the World Heritage Site of
Khiva's atmospheric Old Town, including the 19th century Tash-Hauli Palace and the
Dzhuma Mosque, with its interior forest of carved wooden pillars.
Days 8-9: Tashauz, Ashkabad, Nisa
Fly to the capital, Ashkabad, and
tour a working farm that breeds the elegant Akhal-Tekke horse. Visit UNESCOlisted
Nisa, ancient capital of the Parthian kingdom.
Days 10-13: Mashad, Tehran, Yazd
Cross the border into enigmatic
Iran, visiting Mashad, where the Tomb of Imam Reza is one of the most sacred sites
of Shi'ite Islam. Tour Tehran's vivid Carpet Museum and spend time in Yazd, famed for
its Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, wind catchers and weaving centers.
Days 14-18: Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan
Stop in Shiraz, a
place of poetry and luxuriant gardens; explore the fascinating remnants
of Persepolis, one of the most important cities of the Ancient
World; and admire the luminous bridges of Isfahan and its graceful
UNESCO-listed Imam Square.
Days 19-20: Kashan, Qom, Tehran
In Kashan, visit the classical
Persian Bagh-e Fin Garden, with its centuries-old cypress trees, and the
sacred city of Qom.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
20 days |
| Departures: |
2 |
| Dates: |
April 30-May 19, 2012 |
| |
October 29-November 17, 2012 |
 |
| Land Tour Cost: |
|
| 5-16 travelers |
$6,795 |
Plus internal air
|
$200 (economy class, subject to change)
|
| Single Supplement |
$1,095 |
| |
| No Hidden Costs! |
|
Signature Experiences
- Converse with your hostess at a homecooked meal in Samarkand
- Haggle for a plush hand-loomed carpet at Ashkabad's famous Tolkuchka Bazaar
- Stand in the shadow of the colossal marble pillars of Persepolis, erected more than 2,000 years ago
Map
| |
| Day 1: |
Tashkent |
|
| Day 2: |
drive to Samarkand |
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| Day 3: |
Samarkand |
|
| Day 4: |
drive to Bukhara |
|
| Days 5-6: |
Bukhara |
|
| Day 7: |
drive to Khiva |
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| Day 8: |
Khiva |
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| Day 9: |
Tashauz, fly to Ashkbad |
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| Day 10: |
Ashkabad |
|
|
| Day 11: |
Ashkabad, Tolkuchka |
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| Day 12: |
drive to Mashad |
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| Day 13: |
fly to Tehran |
|
| Day 14: |
fly to Shiraz |
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| Day 15: |
Shiraz |
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| Day 16: |
drive to Isfahan via Persepolis |
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| Days 17-18: |
Isfahan |
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| Day 19: |
drive to Tehran via Kashan, Qom |
|
| Day 20: |
Depart Tehran |
|
|
| 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 |
| Shakrisabze |
"Historic Centre of Shakrisabze" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ak Saray (White Palace), birthplace of Tamerlane |
| Bukhara |
"Historic Centre of Bukhara" (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lyab-i-Hauz 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 |
| Khiva |
Ichon-Qala (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kyzyl Kum Desert, Amu Darya River, Tash-Hauli Palace, Dzhuma Mosque, Kunya Ark |
| Ashkabad |
Capital of Turkmenistan Tolkuchka Bazaar, Museum of Carpets and Textiles, National Museum of History and Ethnography |
| Nisa |
Parthian Kingdom of Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kopet-Dag Mountains |
| Mashad |
Shrine of Imam Reza (exterior) |
| Tehran |
Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics, National Museum, Sa'ad Abad Palace, Gulestan Palace, Crown Jewels at Central Bank, Carpet Museum |
| Shiraz |
"City of Roses and Nightingales," Tomb of Hafez, Tomb of Sa'di, Narenjestan Garden, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Local baazar |
| Perspolis |
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naghsh-e Rostam, burial sites of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and sanctuary, Sassanian rock-reliefs |
| Isfahan |
Imam Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, bridges of Shahrestan, Khajur and Sio-se-pol, Armenian Quarter, Cathedral of Vank, Bridges of the Zayande River, Friday Mosque, Ali Minaret, Jewish Quarter, Royal Qeisarieh, Bazaar, Zoorkhaneh (house of strength), Abbasi Hotel |
Suggested Extensions
Come early to explore neighboring Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. You may also add a private trip to Nukus, Uzbekistan to visit the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum which was featured in the documentary film "The Desert of Forbidden Art."
Contact us for details.
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