SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD
IN 'THE FIVE STANS'
24 DAYS | 18 AUGUST - 10 SEPTEMBER 2023
UZBEKISTAN – TAJIKISTAN – TURKMENISTAN
KAZAKHSTAN – KYRGYZSTAN
UZBEKISTAN – TAJIKISTAN – TURKMENISTAN
KAZAKHSTAN – KYRGYZSTAN
Think Samarkand - with its Paleolithic origins, invaded by Alexander the Great, conquered by Genghis Khan, and ruled by Tamerlane. This is just one of the many secrets to be unveiled within these five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, collectively and colloquially known as 'The Five Stans'. Located in one of the most diverse regions of the world, they're comprised of spectacular mountains and valleys, scorched deserts and seemingly endless steppes. The ancient trade routes that connected these areas were responsible for cultural, economic, intellectual and religious exchanges from the Orient to the Mediterranean and became known as 'The Silk Road' due to the predominate trade in silk from ancient China to the west and to Europe.
Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, but do it in style with a modicum of luxury, when our tour seeks out the oases, modern cities and some of the oldest towns in the world containing ancient mosques, citadels, mosaic-rich mausoleums, madrassahs and alluring bazaars, all contributing to the tapestry of the Silk Road. Every day presents an opportunity to spend time with the local people and absorb their history, their age-old traditions and their different ways of life while enjoying their towering mountain ranges, their fertile valleys, their crystal clear alpine lakes and undoubtedly, their unique cuisine!
FULL DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Click Here
EXCLUSIVE TOUR FEATURES
- View the ruins of what was Central Asia’s largest Mosque, Bibi-Khanam, in SamarkandFull day excursion to Penjikent in TajikistanVisit the ruins of the ancient caravanserai Rabati Malik near BukharaEnjoy Folklore Shows in Bukhara and BishkekMeet a local Uzbek family and taste their traditional dishes in KhivaTake in all of the Central Asian UNESCO sites, e.g. ‘Ancient Merv’ and ‘Old Nissa’ in TurkmenistanView & visit fabulous Mosques, Madrassahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, & MuseumsDrive to Issyk Gorge and picnic on the shores of the turquoise Lake IssykVisit Almaty’s State Historic Museum with its ‘Golden Man’ and model of a Saka period burial moundFull day excursion to Issyk Kul Lake and the Open Air Petroglyphs below the Kungey Alatoo Mountains
FEATURES AND INCLUSIONS- A special hand-crafted itinerary with included sightseeing, scenic drives, excursions and leisure timeLocal English-speaking Tour Managers in each region visited throughout the tourEscorted from Tashkent to Bishkek by EuroVista's experienced Tour Leaders Ken Bowie and Paul Leigh23 nights in 4 & 5 star hotels especially selected for their style, comfort and locationDaily breakfasts (B)13 lunches including a special lunch with an Uzbek family in Khiva, picnics on the shore of Issyk Lake and in the Ala Archa National Park and one in each of our recommended local restaurants in Tashkent, Penjikent (Tajikistan), Bukhara, Turkmenabat, Mary, Dashoguz, Almaty, Bishkek, Tokmok and Issyk Kul Lake (L)14 dinners including a 'cooking class' dinner with a local family in Bukhara, a farewell dinner in Bishkek with a Kyrgyz folklore show and one in each of our recommended local and hotel restaurants in Tashkent, Samarkand (2), Bukhara, Mary, Ashgabat, Khiva, Almaty (3), Issyk Kul Lake, and Bishkek (D)5 Economy Class flights during the tour to alleviate unnecessary long driving daysRide the pride of Uzbekistan Railways, the 250kph Afrosiab Train, from Tashkent to SamarkandAir-conditioned motor vehicles for 'on ground' transportation and sightseeingAll sightseeing, entrance fees and excursions as described in the itinerary are included in the priceA 'No Tipping' policy which takes care of hotel portage (1 piece of luggage per person), hotel and restaurant service charges and taxes plus gratuities, including gratuities for local guides and the end-of tour gratuities traditionally given to the Tour Manager and Driver.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TOUR
(Please also read the TERMS & CONDITIONS following this information)FLIGHTSAirfares are not included in the tour price as there are many and varied options available in the market place. If you would like us to assist with obtaining the best prices for flights to suit your needs please advise Paul at EuroVista Holidays when booking your tour.
JOINING INSTRUCTIONSOn arrival at Tashkent Airport you’ll be met by our representative and a private transfer from Tashkent Airport to our tour hotel is included in your tour price. Please advise us of your arrival details into Tashkent at least 30 days before your departure from your home country.
Note: It's possible for this tour to be 'fully escorted' from New Zealand. If this should interest you please contact Paul at EuroVista.
MOBILE: 021 936855 EMAIL: paul@eurovista.co.nz
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED- International airfares (to and from Tashkent) and departure taxesVisa costsTravel Insurance (Compulsory)Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.All other expenses not expressly mentioned in the programme
TRIP AVAILABILITYThis tour is a unique tour organised by EuroVista and in accordance with the EuroVista 'small-group' philosophy space is limited and availability is on a 'first come – first served' basis. If you'd like to join us please ensure you book early to guarantee that you'll be coming with us!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS- For full terms and conditions for this tour please click here
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE IN PDF- Please click here to download brochure in PDF.
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