15-Nights Best of Central Asia: Across the Stans from $8,023

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent

Welcome to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Tashkent is one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Meet on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (4 Star Rating)

Built in 1958 and designated as a Uzbekistan cultural heritage, Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace is a charming hotel. The hotel is located in the center of Uzbekistan, a 10-minute drive from the airport, and next to major buildings such as the Alisher Navoy Opera Ballet Theatre, Trade Center and the Central Bank. Currently, Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace has been completely renovated in October 2013, combining classic exterior with refined interior. Among them, the beautiful courtyard and outdoor swimming pool will allow you to relax and enjoy your private service. The 6-floor outdoor restaurant on the top floor accommodates up to 300 guests, making Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace even more special.

Full day tour of Tashkent visiting the old town area, which was once a walled city. Visit the Hast Imama Complex housing Kafelsashi shrine, Barak Khana seminary, Tilla Shaikh mosque archives which houses the oldest copy of the Quran, Kukeldasj madrassah, Akbar's pottery house and the Fine Arts museum. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Urgench, the capital of the Khorezum region (90 mins). Meet, greet on arrival and drive to your hotel in Khiva (approx. 45 mins).

Hotel: Hotel Asia Khiva (3 Star Rating)

Hotel Asia Khiva is one of the largest in Khiva and one of the hotels of Asia Hotels chain. Design and structure of the Hotel as well as its interior meet the up-to-date standards of the international hotel industry. You and your guests are offered high-quality European services with underlying Oriental hospitality.

Today Khiva attracts not only tourists, businessmen has commercial interests here. Perhaps, the best choice for business meetings is the Hotel Khiva.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Khiva is a walled city with a varied history of powerful leaders including the khans, Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Take a full day walking tour to see some of the main buildings and monuments including Kalta minaret, Kunya Arg to climb to an upper storey for a viewpoint of the walled city, Rakhimkhon madrassah, Islam Kdodja minaret, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Tashauli palace. In addition, you can choose to visit some of the handicraft workshops.

Hotel: Hotel Asia Khiva (3 Star Rating)

Hotel Asia Khiva is one of the largest in Khiva and one of the hotels of Asia Hotels chain. Design and structure of the Hotel as well as its interior meet the up-to-date standards of the international hotel industry. You and your guests are offered high-quality European services with underlying Oriental hospitality.

Today Khiva attracts not only tourists, businessmen has commercial interests here. Perhaps, the best choice for business meetings is the Hotel Khiva.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Transfer to the train station in the morning to take the train to Kagan (approx. 6.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic train journey through the Kyzylkum desert. Arrive in Kagan in the afternoon and learn about the history of the Railway Station before transferring to your hotel in nearby Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Later in the afternoon, take a walking tour of Bukhara. Walk through the historical city to see Lyabi-khauz plaza, the Jewish quarter and madrassah Nadirkhon. Also visit a Bukharan puppet master to learn about the puppet making tradition.

Hotel: Asia Hotel Bukhara (3 Star Rating)

Exquisite Asia Bukhara is the eastern exotica with the European quality of service. The convenient location, comfortable rooms, good service will enjoy a stay in the ancient city. The hotel is located near the legendary landmarks of the city, as well as the airport and the railway station.

The hotel has 24-hour room service. In our lobby bar you can find excellent beverages and cold drinks, hot coffee with snacks. This is a quiet and cozy place where you can enjoy a quiet rest, as well as free wireless internet available. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, where you can swim at the hot summer day. There is also a summer bar "Under the moon", which is located on the roof of the hotel. In the evening, the panorama of the night city is perfectly observable there, and the sunset is clearly visible.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Continue to explore Bukhara today to see many more historical sites including Mogaki Attari mosque, Arg Fortress, the Balakhauz mosque, Ismail Samanid mausoleum, the madrassahs of Aziz Khan and Ulugbek, and the grand minaret of Poi Kalon. You will also learn about Bukhara's art traditions with a visit to the workshop and gallery of miniaturist painter Davlat, well known for this classic style of painting. You will also have time to visit the bazaar where you can see and shop for Uzbek caps and other handicraft items.

Hotel: Asia Hotel Bukhara (3 Star Rating)

Exquisite Asia Bukhara is the eastern exotica with the European quality of service. The convenient location, comfortable rooms, good service will enjoy a stay in the ancient city. The hotel is located near the legendary landmarks of the city, as well as the airport and the railway station.

The hotel has 24-hour room service. In our lobby bar you can find excellent beverages and cold drinks, hot coffee with snacks. This is a quiet and cozy place where you can enjoy a quiet rest, as well as free wireless internet available. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, where you can swim at the hot summer day. There is also a summer bar "Under the moon", which is located on the roof of the hotel. In the evening, the panorama of the night city is perfectly observable there, and the sunset is clearly visible.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, depart for Samarkand (approx. 4 hr drive). En-route visit the shrine of Bakhauddin Nakshbandi, the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara - Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, a rural village and Gijduvan. At the village learn about Uzbekistan agriculture and visit a farmer's house. Also, learn about Uzbek cuisine and have the opportunity to partake in making samsa buns. Continue to Gijduvan to visit the ceramic center, a family run shop where you will see the whole pottery making process. Then continue to your hotel in Samarkand.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand (4 Star Rating)

Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive.

Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar.

Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Take a full day city tour of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road cities. Samarkand was greatly admired for its gardens and vegetation and was a flourishing city during the Silk Road period. The city has a very interesting history having been invaded by Macedonians under Alexander the Great and by the Mongols and was also visited by Marco Polo. Visit the Shakh-i-Zinda mausoleum including monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries and architecture from the Timurid dynasty. Also visit Registan Square, the great central square of Samarkand, the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek's Observatory and the Silk Road bazaar. Drive to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. Later in the day visit Samarkand Winery for a wine tasting. Learn about Samarkand's wine making traditions, which date back to Sogdian times. In the evening, attend the El Mirosi show, a performance depicting cultural dances, dress and Uzbek heritage.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand (4 Star Rating)

Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive.

Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar.

Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today take a full day excursion to Langar Ota village and Shakhrisabz, a UNESCO designated historic city. At the village visit Shaikh Muhammad Sadiq shrine and take a walk uphill to visit a 16th century mosque that has remained in good original condition. In Shakhrisabz visit the remains of Ak-Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz mosque and other archaeological sites.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Samarkand (4 Star Rating)

Set in the heart of Samarkand, our hotels offers Uzbek and European cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Old Town district and Registan Square are within a 10-minute drive.

Grand Samarkand Restaurants is decorated with traditional Uzbek rugs and serves Uzbek and European cuisine. A wide range of wines and fine drinks is offered at the bar.

Both Samarkand Airport and Samarkand Train Station are an 8-minute drive from Hotels Grand Samarkand Superior. A shuttle service is available for an extra fee, and free on-site parking is also offered.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Depart for Tashkent in the morning (approx. 5 hr drive). Arrive in Tashkent and visit the grand market - the Chorus Bazaar for your last bit of Uzbek shopping. In the late afternoon transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Meet, greet on arrival in Bishkek and then transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: The Plaza Hotel Bishkek (4 Star Rating)

Plaza Hotel is the embodiment of aristocratic sophistication and modern multifunctionality. Nine floors of luxury and impeccable style will make you feel like part of a secular society.

On the territory of the hotel for guests to relax, there is a magnificent SPA zone, which includes an indoor pool of 60 square meters, a relaxation area where relaxing music sounds, for lovers of outdoor activities our hotel can offer a well-equipped gym and a Finnish sauna.

The comfort of the rooms will make you relax after a long business day and set you up for a wonderful mood, the view from the panoramic windows will make you feel all the conservatism and beauty of Bishkek.

Meal(s): Breakfast

In the morning, take a tour of Bishkek. Start with a drive past the Presidential Palace and see the changing of the guards at the national monument. Proceed to Frunze's museum, Oak park to see the young painters at work and the monument of Manas -- the Kyrgyz epic Hero. In the afternoon, drive out of the city to visit the town of Tokmok, once a bustling Silk Road town. See the remains of a Kara Khanid minaret and Turkic tombstones. Also, visit a Shardyk, a traditional felt making workshop to learn about the felt making process.

Hotel: The Plaza Hotel Bishkek (4 Star Rating)

Plaza Hotel is the embodiment of aristocratic sophistication and modern multifunctionality. Nine floors of luxury and impeccable style will make you feel like part of a secular society.

On the territory of the hotel for guests to relax, there is a magnificent SPA zone, which includes an indoor pool of 60 square meters, a relaxation area where relaxing music sounds, for lovers of outdoor activities our hotel can offer a well-equipped gym and a Finnish sauna.

The comfort of the rooms will make you relax after a long business day and set you up for a wonderful mood, the view from the panoramic windows will make you feel all the conservatism and beauty of Bishkek.

In the morning take a scenic drive to Songkul Lake, situated at 3016 meters above sea level (approx. 3 hr drive) where you will have a unique yurt camp experience. Arrive and take a short walk to visit a Kyrgyz family. Learn about their nomadic lifestyles and traditions.

Overnight in your authentic yurt camp.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Take a morning walk near the lake before departing for Karakol city (approx. 4 hr drive). Drive along the southern beach of Issykul Lake, stopping at different viewpoints along the way to take photos. Transfer to your hotel in Karakol on arrival. Later in the afternoon, take a short tour of Karakol.

Hotel: Green Yard (3 Star Rating)

Welcome to Green Yard Hotel! Whether you come with business purpose or you want an activity holiday with a relaxing getaway with a bit of walking and some great food we look forward to welcoming you and making it a memorable stay.

So, be our guest. Be our story. We'll be honoured to take care of you.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Full day excursion to Djeti Oghuz village, set amid beautiful hills and alpine forests. Visit an animal market where cows, sheep, horses and sometimes camel are sold. Then continue to the village, which is home to Kyrgyz nomads. Return to Karakol later in the day and visit Dungan mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Hotel: Green Yard (3 Star Rating)

Welcome to Green Yard Hotel! Whether you come with business purpose or you want an activity holiday with a relaxing getaway with a bit of walking and some great food we look forward to welcoming you and making it a memorable stay.

So, be our guest. Be our story. We'll be honoured to take care of you.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Drive through the Karakol valley and Tien Shan mountain range to the Kazakh border. After border formalities, proceed to the Kegen Pass and Charyn Canyon, where you will see some stunning canyon views of the red rock formations. Stop along the way at different viewpoints.

Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel (approx. 6 hr drive).

Hotel: Hotel Novotel Almaty City Center (4 Star Rating)

Novotel Almaty City Center is ideal for business and leisure. This 190 rooms hotel is situated in the downtown of Almaty on Dostyk and Abai main avenues cross, which are famous for their business centers, offices, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Kok-Tobe Cable Road, The Palace of Republic, Arman Cinema are next to the hotel. Guests have access to WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a fitness center with pool, restaurant with terrace, bar, children corner and 7 meeting rooms.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Enjoy a full day tour of Almaty, a city with some interesting Russian architectural buildings surrounded by the Tienshan Mountains. Visit Panfilov Park, Zhenkov's Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Central Mosque of Almaty and either Zeelyoni Bazaar or the Green Bazaar. Also, drive to Kok Tyube to take a gondola ride to a panoramic viewpoint of the city.

Hotel: Hotel Novotel Almaty City Center (4 Star Rating)

Novotel Almaty City Center is ideal for business and leisure. This 190 rooms hotel is situated in the downtown of Almaty on Dostyk and Abai main avenues cross, which are famous for their business centers, offices, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Kok-Tobe Cable Road, The Palace of Republic, Arman Cinema are next to the hotel. Guests have access to WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a fitness center with pool, restaurant with terrace, bar, children corner and 7 meeting rooms.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast