Turkmenistan, UzbekistanJourneys: Stories of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, gather for a welcome meeting before a festive three-course meal paired with a lively folk show that brings Uzbekistan’s music and dance traditions to life.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Uzbek Traditional Dance & Music
Enjoy a delicious local meal paired with an incredible traditional Uzbek folk show. The performance boasts unique characteristics like expressive hand gestures, specific footwork, and distinct regional styles.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Mir Luxe Plaza Hotel
Set out on a guided tour of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan, where ancient artifacts and exhibits trace the region’s evolution–from early civilization to Silk Road empires, then Soviet rule. After, step into the spiritual heart of the city at the Religious Center of Tashkent, home to the beautifully restored Hasti Imam complex and the revered Museum of the Koran to see one of the world’s oldest Qurans. Then, wander through the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, where local life rushes around the mounds of spices, fresh produce and handwoven goods. At the bazaar, sample honim, a beloved Uzbek dish of steamed dough filled with spiced vegetables.
Chorsu Bazaar
Wander through the colourful stalls in Central Asia's biggest and most historic bazaar. Try some local fruits and nuts while enjoying the fragrant smells and bustling atmosphere. Indulge in the local Honim for lunch, a traditional Uzbek wrapped dumpling with potato.
Religious Centre of Tashkent
In the old town of Tashkent, visit the Religious Centre of Tashkent to see the Hasti Imam & Museum of Koran.
State History Museum of Uzbekistan
Step back in time with a visit to the State History Museum of Uzbekistan with artifacts that date all the way back to the Stone Age, including a collection of historic Buddhist motifs and a Muslim section.
Accommodation
Mir Luxe Plaza Hotel
Travel this morning through the Uzbek desert on a high-speed train to Samarkand–one of the Silk Road’s most legendary cities. Upon arrival, take a guided tour beginning at Ulugbek Observatory. We’ll hear the story of its namesake, the 15th-century astronomer and ruler who mapped the stars with astonishing precision, leaving behind one of the Islamic world’s most important scientific legacies. Continue to the Afrosiob Museum, positioned on ancient Samarkand. Here, we’ll meet with the head archeologist who will share insights into the city’s ongoing excavations. This evening, join a local family to try the nation’s signature rice pilaf dish, plov. As you learn how the meal is prepared, the family will also explain its symbolism.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Guided Tour of Samarkand
Take a guided tour of the historic city of Samarkand, visiting famous spots like the Ulugbek Observatory and Shakhi Zinda Complex.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Archeologist Guided Afrasiab Museum Visit
Visit the the Afrasiab Museum, located on the historic settlement of Afrasiab, one of the largest archeological sites in the world. Hear an introduction lecture from the head archeologist of the University of Samarkand, who participates in excavation works at Afrasiab and other ancient Sogd sites.
Your Local Living Moment: Plov Cooking Class and Dinner
Visit a local family and learn how to make Plov, a traditional dish found all throughout Central Asia that varies from country to country and household to household. In Uzbekistan, it's most often a combination of rice, carrots, onions and lamb cooked in a massive cast iron, wok-like pan. Enjoy the delicious results for dinner.
Accommodation
Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel
Continue exploring Samarkand with a guided visit to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Guri Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, the great conqueror, and the beautiful Registan Square, where madrasas showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. In Samarkand, your options for cultural exploration are endless. Maybe head to the peaceful Konigil Village to visit the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans use traditional, centuries-old silk paper making techniques. Or take a trip out to the Mausoleum of St Daniel. Wander the colorful stalls of Siyab Bazaar or this evening, experience a performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes, where centuries of Uzbek dress and dance come to life.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon in historic Samarkand.
Guri Amir Mausoleum Visit
Persian for “Tomb of the King”, the Guri Amir mausoleum was started in the 14th century. Explore the foundations, portal, and minaret that remain intact and walk amongst the tombs of Tamerlane, the Asian conqueror, and his descendants.
Registan Visit
Explore the mosaic-covered medressas and open spaces of the spectacular Registan, once the heart of Uzbek learning. The city blossomed under Amir Timur, a tyrannical 14th century ruler. A lover of art, Timur was responsible for the colourful domes and exquisite minarets that now form the city's evocative skyline. The spectacular Registan, one of the city's most impressive works of art, is an impressive collection of buildings and probably the most recognizable of all of Central Asia's monuments.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel
Climb aboard the high-speed train as we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage destination, Bukhara. This city is known as one of the most culturally rich and ancient places along the Silk Road and was a battle zone for conquerors like Genghis Khan, the British Empire and Russian Bolshevik troops. Head into the Old Town, where over 2,500 years of history thrive to this day. Start at Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, an Uzbek icon from the 10th century and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in all of Central Asia. The next stop is Ark Fortress, a towering symbol of Bukhara’s political and spiritual power. End the tour at the Kalyan Minaret, a nearly 900-year-old brickmade watchtower. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to learn to make the famous Uzbek dumplings, manti.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Bukhara Orientation Walk
Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara alongside your group to get a lay of the land.
Your Hands-On Moment: Manti Making
Visit a local restaurant and learn to make Uzbek manti, traditional dumplings. Use puréed vegetables to color the dough. Then enjoy your delicious creations for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel Shahriston Plaza
Today begins with a visit to the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a place dedicated to Central Asia’s most revered Sufi scholars and a historic pilgrimage site. Meet with a local expert in Sufism to learn about its spiritual philosophy and lasting influence on the region’s culture and identity. Continue to the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, now a striking display of Russian and Persian architecture. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit an 18th-century hammam or do some shopping along the ancient trading domes of the old Caravanserai. This evening, gather in the stunning Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi for a traditional dinner and a folklore show that puts Uzbek heritage on full display.
Free Time
The afternoon is free to explore Bukhara.
Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah Monument Dinner
Visit the famous Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah Monument in Bukhara Old Town. Enjoy a local dinner inside the monument paired with a folklore show.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Naqshbandi Mausoleum Sufism Experience
Visit the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, one of the most important shrines in Sufism. The birthplace and burial site of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari, the founder of the Naqshbandi order - one of the most influential ancient Sufi orders in Central Asia, and often considered Bukhara's 'patron saint.' Meet a local Sufi expert at this historic place for a lecture and discussion about religious pluralism and its influence on Central Asia.
Sitorai Mokhi Khosa
Sitorai Mokhi Khosa is beautiful inside and out. Once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara in the early 1900's, admire the architecture and learn of its unique history.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Hotel Shahriston Plaza
Drive through the Kyzylkum desert toward the ancient city of Khiva. See the everchanging sand dunes, once crossed by travellers on the Silk Road carrying goods from the far corners of the world. Gaze upon the distant mountain peaks before arriving at the ancient walled city of Khiva, a living museum, with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture in the world.
Khiva Orientation Walk
Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your group on an orientation walk.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Bankir Khiva
Explore Khiva, an ornate and beautiful ancient city that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Silk Road over 2,500 years ago. Within the Ichan-Qala, the inner walled town of Khiva, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colourful alleyways, tiled mosques, historic madrasas and towering minarets. Khiva is a town so steeped in preservation as Sophie Ibbotson explains in her “6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024” National Geographic article. Together we’ll wander its paths, hearing the stories of traders, scholars and historic explorers and adventurers. This evening, explore Khiva culture at a Khorezmian dinner celebrating the region's historic music and dance.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Khiva.
Khorezmian Music and Dance Show
Listen to and watch the traditions of Khiva come to life at a Khorezmian music and dance show. Unique instruments like the dutar and tanbur will accompany performers during the Khorezm classical and folk show.
Khiva Ancient City Exploration
Khiva feels like a museum city, with well-preserved city walls and ancient monuments. Wander the city on a guided tour, learn about life here and its important place in history.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Hotel Bankir Khiva
This morning, cross the border into Turkmenistan, a unique country rich with historic traditions still alive to this day. Our first stop is at the beautiful and haunting ruins of Kunya Urgench. Once a rich and lively center for Islamic scholars, it is now full of crumbling minarets, sacred tombs and mausoleums. After a visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Dashguz to board an evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan)
Cross the border on foot and enter Turkmenistan.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kunya-Urgench City Visit
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town was abandoned in the 1700s and has remained untouched ever since. Visit the series of monuments built between the 11th and 16th centuries including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums, and a 60 meter high minaret.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Head out to Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire from 200 BCE.. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important archaeological location full of ruins and well-preserved artifacts. Take in the remnants of mudbrick royal complexes and fortresses through remains of a civilization that once rivaled Rome. Fast forward from the past to the present as we head to the futuristic Alem Centre, a chance to admire its incredible architecture. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the city and reminisce about the incredible journey we’ve had through the Stans.
Ashgabat City Tour
Start the day exploring the Monument of Independence followed by the National Museum of History and Ethnography. Next, visit the Arch of Neutrality and end the tour at the Gulistan market.
Ancient Settlement of Nisa
Pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nisa. This ancient settlement was once the capital of the Parthian Empire from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Explore the ruins and learn about the history of this amazing place.
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
Depart at any time.
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
