 
 
 
 
|
 Discover the Five Stans of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) on a journey through the heart of the Silk Road. From the vibrant bazaars of Samarkand and Bukhara to the sweeping Tien Shan mountains and the marble grandeur of Ashgabat, this small-group expedition reveals a region rich in history, culture, and tradition. Immerse yourself in nomadic heritage, iconic architecture, and timeless landscapes, all while enjoying refined accommodations and seamless travel.
This is a rare opportunity to explore Central Asia’s legendary cities and hidden corners—an unforgettable adventure for the discerning traveler.
Day 00 - Sunday, October 04, 2026
Depart the USA, Canada on regularly scheduled overnight flights to Almaty (ALA). We recommend Turkish Airlines with an Istanbul connection for smooth onward travel to Central Asia.
Day 0 - Monday, October 05, 2026
Day at leisure in transit. We recommend the evening connection TK 350 (depart Istanbul 20:15) for the overnight service to Almaty.
Day 1 - Tuesday, October 06, 2026
Arrive in Almaty set against the dramatic Tien Shan mountain range; early arrival allows time to rest and recover. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and a late morning comfort-break. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to modern Kazakh cuisine and your traveling companions.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner
Hotel: InterContinental Almaty Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 5*
Day 2 - Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Explore Almaty’s leafy boulevards and historic sights. Highlights include Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum’s sweeping cultural narrative of Kazakhstan, and a sensory visit to the Zeelyoni Bazaar where local producers display fruits, cheeses and spices. Afternoon at leisure; dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: InterContinental Almaty Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 5*
Day 3 - Thursday, October 08, 2026
This morning we travel south of the city to Sunkar Falconry Centre to witness the ancestral art of raptor training—an emblematic cultural encounter that connects modern Kazakhstan with its nomadic roots. After a private demonstration, transfer to the airport for the mid-afternoon flight to Bishkek. Flight: KC 109 ALA - BIS (sample schedule) On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Regency and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 5*
Day 4 - Friday, October 09, 2026
A curated city tour reveals Bishkek’s mix of Soviet planning and vibrant present-day life: Ala-Too Square, the State History Museum and the bustling Osh Bazaar. Lunch is with a local favorite; dinner this evening at Zerno Restaurant for an elevated Kyrgyz dining experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 5*
Day 5 - Saturday, October 10, 2026
Venture into the Kyrgyz countryside to the Burana Tower, a striking remnant of Silk Road watchtowers. Enjoy lunch with a local family, then an exclusive, private demonstration of Kyrgyz horse sports — Kok Boru, Er Enish and other traditional mounted skills — that showcase the athleticism of Central Asian equestrians. Return to Bishkek; evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 5*
Day 6 - Sunday, October 11, 2026
Transfer to the airport and fly to Dushanbe. Flight: SZ 218 (sample schedule) On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This afternoon is an introduction to Tajikistan’s capital, whose post-Soviet evolution and Silk Road heritage are evident in its public spaces and markets. Dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 5*
Day 7 - Monday, October 12, 2026
Begin at Rudaki Park and the statue of Tajikistan’s national poet, then visit the National Museum for a concise history of the region’s civilizations. A private visit to the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments reveals the country’s sonic traditions, and by special arrangement we enter Kokhi Navruz (Palace Navruz), an ornate interior crafted by artisans from across Tajikistan. Finish with the vibrant Mehrgon Bazaar.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 5*
Day 8 - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
A scenic drive brings you to Hissar Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold whose madrassahs and museum contain Bronze Age artifacts and traces of centuries-long regional history. Enjoy a relaxed day of exploration; evening on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 5*
Day 9 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Fly to Tashkent and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is yours for rest—ideal time for a spa treatment, brief poolside relaxation or a first stroll through the leafy avenues. Lunch and dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent Hotel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 5*
Day 10 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
A full-day investigation of Tashkent’s historic core begins at the Hast Imam complex - home to the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and the Uthman Koran (part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register). Visit a traditional pottery master-apprentice studio at Akbar House, the Museum of Applied Arts, and key civic squares. Lunch and dinner feature dishes that highlight Uzbek culinary craft.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent Hotel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 5*
Day 11 - Friday, October 16, 2026
Board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand - one of the most storied stops on the Silk Road. After hotel check-in, experience the Registan ensemble and the gilded Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane’s mausoleum and the jade slab attributed to his memory make a memorable impression. Dinner at your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Movenpick Samarkand Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 12 - Saturday, October 17, 2026
Discover the Uleg Nek Observatory, then wander the tiled passageways of Shah-i-Zinda - one of Central Asia’s most visually arresting necropolises. Time allocated for shopping with local artisans before a relaxed dinner at a distinguished local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Movenpick Samarkand Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 13 - Sunday, October 18, 2026
Travel by high-speed rail to Bukhara, a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage city. After check-in and lunch, begin your exploration of the city’s clustered madrassahs, mosques and trading domes—the Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque and Ismail Samani Mausoleum among them. Dinner at your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara Old Town Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 14 - Monday, October 19, 2026
A full day of guided walking and coach touring illuminates Bukhara’s extraordinary concentration of medieval architecture: Chashmai Ayub, Magokki Attori Mosque, the historic trading domes and the Ulugbek & Abdulazizkhan madrassahs. The itinerary is paced to let you linger at sites of interest and to discover quiet corners of the old town.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara Old Town Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 15 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Today is yours to wander, shop for textiles and ceramics, or simply enjoy a long, leisurely lunch. Optional experiences (available on request) include private masterclasses with local artisans or a carriage ride through the old city.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara Old Town Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 16 - Wednesday, October 21, 2026
A travel day of contrasts: either fly via Urgench and transfer to Khiva, or choose the scenic overland crossing through the Kizilkum Desert (approx. 7 hours) with expert stops en route. Both routes deliver you to Khiva’s remarkable walled Old Town -ban open-air museum of Silk Road life.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Asia Khiva Hotel, Khiva, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 17 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
Spend the day inside Ichon Qala (Old Town), an extraordinarily intact ensemble of mudbrick walls, madrassahs and caravanserais. Wander bazaars, climb a viewing platform and enjoy sunset from the city walls before dinner. Khiva offers one of the most atmospheric evenings in Central Asia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Asia Khiva Hotel, Khiva, Uzbekistan, 4*
Day 18 - Friday, October 23, 2026
Border formalities mark the morning as we drive to the ancient capital of Khorezm, Kunya-Urgench, to visit the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and the mausolea that survive from medieval times. After a market stop in Tashauz (Dashoguz), transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat. Dinner on arrival in Turkmenistan’s capital.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Divan Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 5*
Day 19 - Saturday, October 24, 2026
Ashgabat’s dramatic marble edifices and monumental boulevards present a modern, curated capital. We explore Independence Monument, the Golden Horse Monument and the impressive public architecture that give the city its unique character. Where scheduling permits, we visit the impressive Kipchak Mosque; in the afternoon, browse the Russian Bazaar. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner as we celebrate the journey across the five 'Stans'.
Note: Ashgabat was recorded by Guinness World Records in 2013 for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings, a distinction that explains the city’s singular, luminous aesthetic.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Divan Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 5*
Day 20 - Sunday, October 25, 2026
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for international departures. Suggested Turkish Airlines connections include TK 325 (09:05) to Istanbul, with onward connections to the United States; earlier flights may be arranged depending on routing needs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
|
|
• Signature small group size
• Signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
• Signature inclusive meal plan
• Signature deluxe accommodations
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Bukhara, Khiva Old Town, Kutlug-Timur Minaret
• City Tours of Almaty, Tashkent, Bishek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
• The astonishing sight of the white marble city of Ashgabat
• Hotel accommodation based on the hotels as listed below – double/twin occupancy
• Meals – as mentioned in the program: 19 Breakfasts; 13 Lunches; 13 Dinners
• Airport to hotel and hotel to airport transfers throughout the itinerary
• Air-conditioned transportation for all city tours and excursions
• Inter-city transportation throughout the tour by air-conditioned vehicles
• English-speaking guide for the complete tour (different guide in each country)
• Entrance fees at museums and sites during city tours & excursions
• Train tickets on fast train Tashkent/Samarkand
• Train tickets on fast train Samarkand/Bukhara
• National Horse Games at Burana Tower
• Sunkar bird performance in Kazakhstan (special time in the morning)
• Turkmenistan Invitation letter, entry pass, registration
• Flight tickets Dashoguz-Ashgabat (economy class only)
• Bottled water daily
• Airfares and airport taxes
• Visa support and visa fees
• Turkmenistan Immigration duty – $14 USD per person
• Beverages and meals not included in the menu
• Camera fees where applicable
• Items of personal nature including extra luggage charges, room service, and medical expenses
• Trip cancellation, medical, and accident insurance (highly recommended)
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and Tour Manager
International Airfare
You may arrive early or depart later. We will arrange your additional hotel nights and transfers, if needed. However, we prefer that all travelers arrive and depart together. Therefore, we recommend booking Turkish Airlines through (IST) to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan and return from Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan to Istanbul (IST).
Intra-Tour Air
Intra-tour flights are booked and issued by us and are included in the intra-tour rate. Flights are coach class only. Luggage weight restrictions apply.
Visas
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and have two blank pages available per country visited.
A tourist visa is required for Turkmenistan. If you are LESS than 55 years old, you will need a visa for Uzbekistan as well.
We will apply for a Letter of Invitation certified by the Government of Turkmenistan. This will allow you to apply for a visa at the Embassy in Washington D.C. There is a fee for the Letter of Invitation. The actual visa for Turkmenistan will be obtained at the border when we cross into the country. Costs and required documents will be reviewed with you closer to departure of the trip
Packing & Weather
Our trip is casual at all times. There is no need for a jacket or tie. Pack for a variety of weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Jeans, khakis and shorts are fine for daily wear. Comfortable shoes are a must. Hotels offer laundry service, but it can be expensive.
Minimums
Departure is guaranteed with a minimum number of participants. Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation, if the minimum is not met, rates may need to be revised.
Pre-Departure
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.
InterContinental Almaty Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Opposite the Presidential Palace in Almaty’s Republic Square, this grand, 11-storey hotel offers a wide selection of excellent international cuisine, a spa area and beautiful views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Featuring a glass exterior and spacious lobby with palm trees, the InterContinental Almaty has stylish rooms with silk fabrics and marble bathrooms. All include a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and seating area with high-quality sofas.
Guests can enjoy a delicious international buffet breakfast at the elegant Asian Café. The Sunset Efes Beer Garden serves refreshing summer cocktails and ice cream.
The Ankara Spa includes an indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath and massage treatments. Guests enjoy a fully equipped gym and tennis court.
Hyatt Regency Bishkek Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Located just 10 minutes' walk from Bishkek city centre with Ala-Too Square, Hyatt Regency Bishkek Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and a gym. You can also use free Wi-Fi in the rooms.
Each room at Hyatt Regency includes air conditioning and modern design, including a flat-screen TV and ironing facilities. Slippers are provided in the bathroom.
Mediterranean cuisine is served in the Crostini Restaurant, while grilled specialties are offered in the poolside Breeze Restaurant. You can also enjoy relaxing cocktails at Bar@191 and Opera Lounge.
Hyatt's Club Olympus provides diverse fitness and spa facilities including an outdoor swimming pool. A sauna can be found on site.
Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Located on the shore of Lake Komsomol in the centre of Dushanbe, this 5-star luxury hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the airport and is close to all embassies, government offices, and ministries. It features a gourmet restaurant and a spa area with an indoor pool.
All rooms at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe are very spacious and elegantly furnished. They offer lake and mountain views, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, an LCD TV with satellite channels, a tea/coffee maker, and a modern bathroom.
In the Foccacia Grill Restaurant, guests can enjoy Mediterranean and international cuisine. The Dushanbe Hyatt Regency also features a lounge, a bar, and a pastry shop.
The Sayohat Spa includes a steam bath, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge pool, relaxation area, and modern fitness centre. A wide range of spa and beauty treatments, as well as massages, is available.
Hyatt Regency Tashkent Hotel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Hyatt Regency Tashkent offers accommodation in the heart of Tashkent. This luxury hotel offers restaurants, indoor swimming pool and free WiFi.
In the luxurious guest rooms, elegant furnishings and scenic views are offered. A seating area is featured in some rooms where guests can relax with a drink from the minibar while watching satellite TV.
Hyatt Regency’s spa and fitness centre has a modern gym. Spa services with a wide range of relaxing massages are also provided.
Make yourself at home in your spacious guestroom, dine in one of our four restaurants and bars, hold a board meeting or an exclusive event and don’t forget to relax in our pool and spa area. Here, you’ll find that productivity and relaxation are constants during your time in Tashkent.
Movenpick Samarkand Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Mövenpick Samarkand Hotel is located in the heart of Samarkand, close to historical and ancient cultural sights, mosques, mausoleums & the city business center. This Silk Road oasis is ideal for business trips & leisure. Registan Square, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Bibi Khanum Mosque & El Merosi Theatre are all on the hotel doorstep. With a garden view and an outdoor veranda, our restaurant Atrium and Chatqal serves European, Uzbek & Turkish dishes.
Stylish rooms are equipped with split air conditioning, modern bathrooms, WIFI, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee making facilities. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, hammam, sauna and gym so you can continue your exercise. Five spacious meeting rooms are ideal for any event. We also offer multimedia equipment and free on-site parking. As hotel is located close to the city center, the guests do not have to travel far.
In case you are looking for new gastronomic experiences, try unique local Uzbek meals in the Chatqal restaurant. Enjoy a comfortable stay, relax in the spa, and use our premium services.
Mercure Bukhara Old Town Hotel, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Mercure Bukhara hotel in Bukhara's Old Town is surrounded by historical sites from the UNESCO Heritage List, which inspired the hotel's architects to use natural materials: wood and ceramics. It offers a hammam in the XVI century style with a pool, a gym with the latest equipment, a conference hall for 50 people, and a restaurant with an excellent cuisine and a bar is always ready to surprise guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath. At Mercure Bukhara Old Town each room includes bed linen and towels.
A buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
Asia Khiva Hotel, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Asia Khiva Hotel is located just outside Ichan-Qala, hotel provides comfortable accommodation in western style. In short words, this is just one of the best available hotels in Khiva. Staff is very helpful and eager to assist; they care for any of your requests. Asia Khiva hotel is just outside the old city - a five minutes’ walk from the centre. The position is excellent with a wonderful view on the walls around Ichan-Qala. The hotel specializes in group bookings though they do care for individual travelers as well.
The location is directly opposite the South Gate and although it appears a little dark and uninviting at night it is only a 3 minutes walk past a small residential area into the old town itself. There are few street lights so coming back in the dark can be a problem however house lights and a torch help. In general hotel is very clean, the rooms are of good size, security is constant and breakfast is fine. There are no particular services, only a small shop at the entrance, near the reception.
At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bath and free toiletries, the rooms at Hotel Asia Khiva have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms are equipped with a balcony. All rooms have bed linen.
At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Pizza, Sushi and Russian cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
|
|
