The Silk Road: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Note: we have been asked to add an Armenia trip in September. If you are interested please let us know. Travel to Armenia and Georgia exceeds $6,000 per passenger.
Markets and Minarets The next best thing to having tea with Genghis Khan!This group will include two additional special events for The Club.
Day 1 Arrive Tashkent- transfer to our hotel arriving 1AM from Turkish Airlines flights. After some rest, we depart on a full day tour of the capital of Uzbekistan. Located near the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, Tashkent dates from the first century BC. Unfortunately, most of the city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1966. Today, it is an odd mix of wide tree-lined boulevards, 20th century Soviet buildings and mud-walled houses, winding lanes, mosques and madrassahs. We visit the Square of Independence, Navoi Theatre, Palace of People's Friendship, Kukeldash Madrassah (16th c.), Kaffal-Shashi mausoleum (16th c.) etc. Following lunch at a restaurant we visit the Tashkent Museum of Applied Arts and the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. We also visit a ceramics master. Meals: B, L D Tashkent Palace Hotel or similar- a new four star hotel. Day 2 Tashkent · Samarkand Perhaps the most well-known of Silk Road towns, Samarkand has been called the Mirror of the World, the Pearl of the East and the Center of the Universe. Samarkand was conquered by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. After check-in at the hotel and lunch, our sight-seeing begins with an introductory tour. We visit the glorious monuments and marvel at architectural splendors such as The Registan. The Registan was originally, and is still even in its ruin, the noblest public square in the world. Dinner and overnight Meals: B, L.D. Hotel President or similar. Day 3 Today we continue our exploration of glorious Samarkand, the city where Tamerlane amassed the greatest pool of artistic tradition. Admire the superb tile work which uses floral images, geometric patterns, spirals and bands of Kufic calligraphy. Today we visit Ulug Bek's Observatory. The grandson of Tamerlane, Ulug Bek was enthralled with the stars and constructed the best-equipped observatory in the medieval world. We see the sandy hills where excavation continues on the remains of the 7th c. Sogdian civilization, and stroll the colorful bazaar, dwarfed by the massive mosque. In addition, we visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum where Tamerlane and his sons are buried. The lane of mosques and tombs known as Shah-i-Zinda is a highlight. This evening a cultural performance in a private home. Meals: B, L, D Day 4 This morning we depart for Shakrisabze, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Here we see the ruins of Ak Saray (White Palace), built in the 14th century. While much of the city is in ruins (with restoration work in progress), we get a taste of the local flavor and perhaps visit the traditional market. After lunch we continue on to Bukhara. Meals: B, L,D Amelia Boutique Hotel or similar Day 5 We spend today exploring Central Asia's most ancient living city. Much of its center is an architectural preserve hardly touched by the 20th century. "Samarkand is the beauty of the earth, but Bukhara is the beauty of the spirit..."This morning our sightseeing begins at Lyab-i-Khauz Plaza in the old town. We visit the nearby Kukeldash Madrassah. Built in 1417, this madrassah is the largest of Central Asia's Koran schools. We stroll through the cap maker and spice bazaars before moving on to the Kalon Mosque and Minaret. We visit the Samanid Mausoleum, built by the founder of the Samanid Dynasty in striking brick, and the Ark Citadel. The 2000-year-old Ark was the residence of the Bukharan Emirs. The nearby Zindan Prison housed two of Britain's Great Game players who were brutally imprisoned. Meals: B, L, D Day 6 Bukhara Today we visit the palace of the last emir and stop at the Museum of National Crafts. Located outside the city, the palace complex was built by the Russians to keep the emir comfortable but politically isolated. The colorfully decorated interiors were created by native artisans, making the palace an intriguing architectural mix. The afternoon is yours for independent discovery. This evening we are treated to a special event, a costume show in the teahouse of a local madrassah. We enjoy dinner following the show. Meals: B, D Day 7 Bukhara · Khiva This morning we depart early for the last great city on our Uzbek itinerary - Khiva. The full day journey will be well worth it when you see this town museum. It is one of the most ancient of Khorezm towns - a desert citadel. Khiva is an enchanting ensemble of fabulous architecture. Meals: B, L, D Asia Khiva Hotel or similar Day 8 Khiva Today we explore the desert caravan town of Khiva on foot. We'll see its compact, walled old city full of minarets, the khan's fort, stone-paved alleys, mosques, and tombs grand and small - all within the old fortified walls. Highlights include the Tash Hauli Palace, one of many residences the khans had through time. We'll also see The Kunya Ark (Old Fortress), which dates back to the 5th century. We'll have lunch at a local restaurant. If possible, we may see the ancient well of Kveivak said to have been discovered by Shem, son of Noah. Meals: B, L, D Day 9 Khiva · Tashauz · Ashkabad Early morning departure. Today we cross the border into Turkmenistan. Our drive to the border takes a little over an hour. Following customs formalities, we continue on to the city of Tashauz where we catch a mid-day flight to Ashkabad. We will be transferred to our hotel for a late lunch before a tour Enjoy an independent evening. Meals: B, L Grand Turkmen Hotel or similar. Day 10 Ashkabad This morning depart on a tour of Ashkabad which includes visits to the Lenin Monument, the new mosque and Turkmen-Turkish Cultural and Spiritual Center, a local bazaar and the Berzenghee Settlement, from which we can enjoy views of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Next we visit the excellent Museum of Carpets and Textiles. We also visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography with its superb collection of carved ivory drinking horns from Nisa. This evening a Farewell Dinner. Meals: B, L, D Day 11 Ashkabad We get an early start for the Tolkuchka Oriental Bazaar, one of the most vibrant open markets in Central Asia. The bustling market is brimming with traditionally patterned carpets, Turkmen jewelry, silk scarves, fabrics and animals. Following lunch at a local restaurant we visit the site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, located 15 miles from Ashkabad amidst views of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. One ruling dynasty replaced another until the 13th century when the Mongols arrived and laid siege. The remainder of the evening is yours to pack and prepare for departure. Meals: B, L Day Thirteen Depart Ashkabad Following breakfast, our tour concludes with transfers to the airport. Meals: B Why this trip?
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*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy. To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form. The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
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Travel through the cultural and architectural delights of the Silk Road. We begin in Tashkent, the capital of exotic Uzbekistan. Then off through TransOxiania to legendary Samarkand. Once a great Sogdian stronghold, Samarkand was transformed by Tamerlane into one of the most beautiful centers along the Silk Route. Then on to Bukhara, Central Asia's oldest living city. We explore its ancient center a tangle of mud-walled homes, stately madrassahs and courtyards. Next Khiva, a museum-city best preserved of the old Khanate cities. Finally we venture across the Amu Darya River into Turkmenistan a country where 20th c. innovations meet the desert nomad. Here we marvel at the Tolkuchka Bazaar featured in "1000 Places to See Before You Die".