After breakfast, we set out on a daylong tour of Almaty. Visit Park of 28 Panfilov, dedicated to a local infantry unit that attempted to defend Moscow against Nazi forces during World War II, and admire the eye-catching domes of Ascension Cathedral—one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Head to bustling Zelyony Bazaar to get a glimpse of daily life in the city, then continue to the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s long and layered history.

• Breakfast
• Rixos Almaty 5*

Travel 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Almaty and explore Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum which covers an expansive 422 hectares. The museum was founded on discovering the Issyk burial mounds, with the remains of a Scythian warrior, famously referred to as the Golden Man. It includes more than 80 burial mounds and the ancient Scythian settlements of Orikti and Rakhat.The museum is a significant site in Kazakhstan, offering a deep dive into the region's history, culture, and archaeology, especially highlighting the legacy of the ancient Saka (Scythian) people. 

After lunch, enjoy some time on your own before heading to the airport to catch a flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Hyatt Regency Bishkek 5*

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination.  Start your Bishkek sightseeing tour at the Ala-Too Square, featuring a statue of Manas, Kyrgyzstan's national hero, and the State Historical Museum. Watch the changing of the guards near the national flagpole. A short walk from Ala-Too Square, is one of the oldest in the city Oak Park. As you walk through the greenery, explore sculptures scattered throughout the park.

Visit the State Historical Museum and learn about Kyrgyzstan's history, from its nomadic roots to the Soviet era. In Victory Square, see a Soviet-era monument dedicated to World War II.

In the afternoon, we will visit Osh Bazaar, a vibrant local market where you can shop for traditional Kyrgyz hats, textiles, hats (kalpaks), spices, and dried fruits.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Hyatt Regency Bishkek 5*

After breakfast, we depart Bishlek to explore the Kyrgyz countryside. On our way, we will visit the famous Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. We will enjoy a national Kyrgyz horse game called “Ulak Tartysh” (goat pulling). Also known as Kok Boru, the game involves two teams of horse riders fighting for a goat carcass. We will have lunch with a local Kyrgyz family in the village of Don Aryk. At the end of the lunch, local Kyrgyz women will explain the meaning and use of each part of the yurt. 

We then transfer to Bishkek Airport and take a short flight (1h 20m) to Tashkent. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer to the hotel.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Lotte Tashkent Palace 5*

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a vibrant blend of modernity and ancient heritage. We begin the Tashkent city tour at Timur Amir Square in the center of the city, where the statue of Amir Timur, a great conqueror in Central Asian history, is located. The Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni), representing the country's independence, is a short walk away. Here, you will see the Independence Monument and Eternal Flame, dedicated to World War II heroes. Lush gardens and fountains decorate the Square.

In the afternoon, take a ride on the Tashkent metro, which is famous for its beautiful Soviet-era stations, and visit the famous Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Central Asia. Explore its colorful stalls with spices, dried fruits, handicrafts, and traditional Uzbek clothing. Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local restaurant. Near Chorsu Bazaar is the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, offering a glimpse into Tashkent's Islamic heritage. Admire the intricate tile work and architecture.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Lotte Tashkent Palace 5*

Early in the morning, get “a takeaway breakfast” from the hotel and transfer to the railway station. The high-speed train Afrosiyob will take you to Samarkand in a little over two hours.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, meet your driver and guide and proceed on a sightseeing tour. Samarkand is a jewel of the Silk Road, brimming with history, culture, and stunning architecture. Samarkand city tour will start with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane (Timur) and his descendants. You will be amazed by the azure dome and intricate tilework. From here, we continue to the spectacular Registan Square and explore the Bibi Khanum Mosque, known for its grand entrance and detailed mosaics. Later, visit Siyob Bazaar, a vibrant market near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

After the lunch break, continue to Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of beautifully decorated mausoleums renowned for its colorful turquoise tiles and spiritual significance.

• Breakfast
• DilliMah Luxury 5*

Start your day by leaving the hotel at 09:00 for a scenic drive to ancient Penjikent (80 km, ~1 hour 30 min). 

Panjakent (or Penjikent) is an ancient western Tajikistan city often called the "Pompeii of Central Asia" due to its well-preserved archaeological sites. We will learn about the Sogdian civilization predeceasing the conquest by Islam and explore the 5th-century ruins of the Sogdian city, ancient fortifications, the Zoroastrian temple, and colorful frescoes.

We will also visit the Rudaki Museum, named after Abu Abdallah Rudaki, the father of Persian poetry born in the region. The museum showcases artifacts from the ancient city, such as pottery, coins, tools, and other archaeological finds, as well as the region's history.

After sightseeing, we will have a traditional plov meal (rice pilaf) at the Tajik family home and return to Samarkand. In the evening, you can explore on your own or rest.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• DilliMah Luxury 5*

In the morning, explore the countryside surrounding Samarkand as we travel to Konigil Village, renowned for its cultural and historical heritage and ancient Samarkand mulberry papermaking craft. We will observe the entire process, from soaking and pulping the bark to drying and finishing the paper. This technique dates back to the 8th century. Mulberry paper was used for manuscripts, religious texts, and literature. 

Konigil is surrounded by lush greenery, the Siab River, and charming landscapes. It is a peaceful retreat where you can learn about the daily life of villagers and their craftsmanship skills in pottery, silk weaving, wood carving, and agricultural practices while enjoying traditional Uzbek tea, local cuisine, and hospitality.

• Breakfast
• DilliMah Luxury 5*

A morning train journey will take you from Samarkand to Bukhara in less than two hours. Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure of Islamic architecture, history, and culture. It is one of Central Asia's oldest cities on the Silk Road.

During a sightseeing tour, stroll in Bukhara's historic center, discover the ancient fortress and royal residence Ark of Bukhara, the 12th century Kalyan Minaret also known as the "Tower of Death," and famed for its intricate brickwork, Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble - a plaza centered around a historic pond,  Chor Minor - a small and unique madrasa with four distinct towers, a 10th-century brick Samanid Mausoleum - one of the oldest Islamic buildings in the world, famous for its intricate geometric brickwork, Bolo Haouz Mosque known for its elegant wooden columns and richly painted ceilings.

• Breakfast
• Asia Bukhara 4*

We bid farewell to Bukhara in the afternoon and continue our journey to Khiva. A 7-8 hour drive takes us through the heart of Uzbekistan, across the vast Kyzylkum Desert. The desert stretches between the Amu Darya River to the north and the Syr Darya River to the south, mainly consisting of dunes and occasional vegetation. We will pass a few small villages and towns, offering a glimpse into rural life in Uzbekistan. We will make a few stops to stretch, grab a drink, and buy local snacks or souvenirs. Dinner in Khiva on arrival.

• Breakfast
• Asia Khiva Hotel 4*

Following breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of magical Khiva, exploring its historic center and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itchan Kala. The capital of an independent khanate for almost a millennium, Khiva was a vital stop on the Silk Road and harbors one of the best-preserved old towns in Central Asia. A tightly knit maze of streets forms the city’s core, and its mud-colored buildings are accented with brilliant shades of blue. Highlights of the walking tour include the Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasa, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and Minaret of Islom Khodja.

Later, enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional music from a local folk group.

• Breakfast
• Asia Khiva Hotel 4*

In the morning, we drive to the Uzbekistan—Turkmenistan border. After border formalities on both sides, we stop in Daşoguz and explore the lively local bazaar. 
After lunch, we will transfer to the airport to fly to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s largest city. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized this stunning capital as having the most white marble buildings than any other city worldwide. 

• Breakfast
• Oguzkent Hotel 5*

Ashgabat is a unique blend of traditional and futuristic architecture created by Turkmenistan's eccentric leader, the late Saparmurat Niyazov. Striking modern buildings, wide boulevards, avant-garde monuments, gleaming golden domes, and soaring minarets contribute to the city's surreal appearance and ambitious national identity.

During a city tour of Ashgabat, you will visit the Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, Magtymguly Monument, Old Nissa (UNESCO), and Earthquake Monument, among other landmarks.

We will drive through the Karakum Desert in the afternoon to see the famous Darvaza Gas Crater. A delicious fire-cooked dinner will be served near the burning crater. Return to Ashgabat around midnight.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Oguzkent Hotel 5*

Visit the Russian bazaar, Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, Olympic stadium, Alem Ferris Wheel, the TV tower, and Wedding’s Palace. Free afternoon. Get some rest before a your departure flights.

• Breakfast
• Oguzkent Hotel 5*

Check-out and private transfer to the airport.

• Breakfast
• Transfer