Antalya Departure Golden Route Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan Tour

Tour details

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
This tour is operated with a minimum participation of 25 people.  The final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the tour start date. A tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through our agency.

VISA

Regular Passport ❌No visa required
Green Passport   ❌  No visa required
Service Passport  ❌ No visa required   

You must have a passport valid for 6 months from the end date of the trip and not older than 10 years.
To avoid problems with customs police at the border gate of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet and/or similarly damaged passports; such passports should be renewed, especially passports extended with a stamp during the pandemic period must definitely be renewed. Otherwise, responsibility belongs to the passenger. Since for our guests under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent, the officer at the country entry/exit may request a document showing the mutual consent of the parents; we recommend that our guests under 18 and their parents be sensitive about this matter. 
*Having a valid passport does not mean you can enter the country. The passport police have the authority to prevent you from entering the country. Our agency is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the passenger. 

CURRENCY

The currency used in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistan Som (UZS). Cash usage is common in daily expenses; local currency is especially preferred in local markets and small businesses.
In Kazakhstan, the currency is the Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT). Although credit card use is common in big cities, it is recommended to have local currency for small expenses.
You may find it useful to carry US Dollars (USD) with you.

TIME ZONE

Uzbekistan is 2 hours ahead of Turkey (UTC+5). In Kazakhstan, although the time zone varies by region, it is 3 hours ahead of Turkey (UTC+6).

FOOD CULTURE

Uzbek cuisine; shaped by the influence of Silk Road culture, it stands out with its traditional flavors dominated by meat and pastries. While rice, lamb, vegetables and spices form the basis of the cuisine, the dishes are generally filling and sharing-oriented. Plov (Pilaf), Manti, Lagman and Samsa are among the best-known dishes of Uzbek cuisine.

Kazakh cuisine; notable for its structure based on meat and dairy products, carrying traces of nomadic Turkic culture. While horse and mutton have an important place in traditional cuisine, pastries and fermented dairy products are widely consumed. Beshbarmak, Kazy (horse sausage), Baursak and Kumis are among the main flavors representing Kazakh cuisine.

ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL

*In the intermediate journeys we will make by Afrosiyob high-speed train, Uzbekistan's famous train, departure time changes may occur, and this situation is entirely under the control and decision of the local authorities and the National Railways administration. The local administration has the authority to impose restrictions regarding operations, timetables, or the use of the train. 

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

The electrical outlets used in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are generally compatible with Turkey. However, since different socket types may be encountered in some older facilities, it is recommended to carry a socket converter (adapter) so you can use your electronic devices without problems.

SHOPPING

Shopping opportunities are available at shopping malls in city centers and small souvenir stalls, as well as at Tashkent City Mall.

TOURS and ACTIVITIES

*All City and Cultural Tours written in the program are included in the price.
*The agency reserves the right to change the tour route when deemed necessary, provided that the content remains the same. 
*Excursions or tours that are not permitted to be visited or entered for any reason by local authorities or due to other reasons are not carried out. The Agency cannot be held responsible for the non-performance of such excursions or tours.

ACCOMMODATION
*During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at a distance greater than the specified km. 

*Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed offered to the 3rd person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are folding beds or so-called coach beds, participants are deemed to have accepted the possible congestion in the room and the type of bed in reservations for the 3rd person and/or child. 

*Child discounts are valid for children staying with 2 adults and who fall within the age group specified in the pricing section.

*Breakfasts taken at the hotel among the services included in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country you are in.

*In case of possible disruptions or technical problems reported to us by the hotel management, our agency reserves the right to change the hotel names as long as the category of the hotels remains the same.

CLOTHING and REQUIRED ITEMS

For the Autumn and Winter Period:
We recommend that you choose clothing that will keep you warm while also allowing you to move comfortably during the autumn and winter months. In case weather conditions may vary, it would be useful to have layered clothing, a thin raincoat and an umbrella. We also recommend that you bring comfortable walking shoes, personal care products, a camera, a video camera, chargers for these devices, spare memory cards and portable chargers.

ABOUT AIR TICKETS and FLIGHTS
*Before the tour date, flight times and the air ticket reservation number information are shared by our agency. Due to group reservation, you can complete your baggage and customs procedures only with your passport at the specified time and counter, even without your ticket. Our check-in procedures are carried out by our agency.

*During registration, the name on the passport, date of birth, passport and ID number must be entered into the system. Air tickets are issued according to this information. In case of air ticket cancellations or changes due to incorrect information, the no-show fee is charged to the guests.

*In cases where you cannot participate because you are late for the flight or unable to catch the plane due to your own reasons, our agency is not responsible for the losses that will occur due to payments made to hotels and airline companies.

*Our agency is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. On scheduled and special flights, there may be a risk of delay or flight times may change before the current tour and flight. Routes may vary depending on the city where the plane lands. All times must be confirmed 48 hours before departure dates.  Our agency is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.

*Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport taxes and airport service fees.

FLIGHT TIMES

Antalya  ✈︎ Izmir        ⏱︎    1 hr 5 min
Izmir    ✈︎  Samarkand   ⏱︎   4 hr 30 min
Tashkent   ✈︎   Izmir       ⏱︎   5 hr 35 min
Izmir ✈︎ Antalya     ⏱︎    1 hr 5 min   

TRANSPORTATION and LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
*Seat belts must be fastened during the journey. For passengers aged 0-4, it is mandatory to bring a “vehicle baby seat.” In case of non-compliance with the rules, our agency cannot be held responsible for any traffic fines or penalties to be applied.

*All vehicles offered by local vehicle service providers for transportation and transfer services are inspected in accordance with the rules and conditions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Vehicles that pass inspection provide service if they are comfortable and flawless, regardless of their model and age.

*Including the tours specified in the program, in cases where local authorities do not allow visits or entry on the day and time of the tour, or where the tour becomes impossible due to closed roads because of any event or due to weather conditions, our agency is not responsible for the inability to carry out the aforementioned tours. Some tours may be carried out by public transportation or on foot where possible due to closed roads or points where vehicle entry is not permitted.

*During your trip, seat numbers are assigned and fixed according to the order of reservation. Even if the seat numbers given are the same in numbering, they may differ in direction, place or position. Placement is made in accordance with the vehicle conditions of the country.

LOSSES, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, PASSPORT AND ID LOSSES
*When leaving the hotels where you stay during your trip, please make sure you have collected all your belongings completely. In case forgotten items are found, the costs incurred in delivering them to the country and/or person belong to the owner of the items.

*In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, since the agency official/guide must continue the tour program with the other traveling guests as promised by the agency; you must know that they will act on their own responsibility regarding all organization related to passport procedures, return travel or joining the tour in the country where the loss/theft occurred. Our agency accepts no responsibility for any difficulties or problems that may arise in this regard.

*The Agency is not responsible for items forgotten, lost or stolen during the tour

HEALTH
*We do not think you will encounter any health-threatening issues with meals taken in the region's good restaurants and hotels. However, when you are not with the group, we recommend that you be careful about food and drink, definitely consume bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, eat meat and fish products that you are sure are well cooked, and for fruit, eat fruits that can be peeled, such as bananas and pineapples.

*We strongly recommend that you obtain a report and invoice from the health facilities where you receive treatment for health problems or injuries that may occur for reasons beyond your control. It will be beneficial in case you need it for insurance-related procedures.

PAYMENT METHOD
*You can make your payments through banks clearly stated on our website, and if necessary, you can also pay with your Credit Card.

*If the payments made during tour registration were made in any currency and amount, refunds in the same currency and amounts will be made in case of cancellation/refund.

TRAVEL HEALTH AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE
*The insurance arranged by our agency for the mentioned trip covers you under the Professional Liability Insurance required by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies for agencies and travel health protection. Travel Health coverage is valid for ages 0-65. Our guests over 65 are required to obtain insurance by paying a surcharge. We recommend that you definitely take out Travel and Health Insurance for every trip to ensure your protection.
*However, it should be known that this insurance does not cover unconditional cancellations, and in case of force majeure, non-chronic and sudden illnesses, accidents, and in the case of such adverse conditions of first-degree relatives, the reports to be obtained are submitted to the relevant insurance company and are considered within the cancellation coverage after evaluation. These evaluations are made by the relevant Health and Insurance Company healthcare institutions and are outside the scope of our agency's responsibility.

ABOUT THE CONTRACT AND CANCELLATIONS
*For tours with flights, there is an unconditional cancellation right up to 30 days before the tour departure date. For cancellations exceeding 30 days (25 days before the tour departure date), the remaining amount is refunded after deducting the air ticket and non-refundable operational expenses. There is no right to a refund for cancellations made less than 25 days before the tour departure date. It is paid as compensation by the consumer.


What's included
  • ANTALYA-IZMIR-SAMARKAND/TASHKENT-IZMIR-ANTALYA flight tickets and airport taxes, check-in fees with Sun Express Airlines
  • All transfers with air-conditioned private vehicles and all city and cultural tours
  • Museum-archaeological site and national park entrance fees to be visited in the program
  • Magic City amusement park visit
  • Tashkent City Mall shopping center visit
  • Kazakhstan-Turkistan Caravanserai pond night musical show evening
  • Traditional Uzbek welcome evening with food and music on the first day
  • Traditional local dances with music and dinner in historic Khiva
  • Local entertainment night and dinner in Tashkent on the last night
  • Afrosiyob high-speed train tickets between Samarkand-Bukhara
  • 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners
  • 6 nights accommodation in selected hotels
  • All accommodation tourist taxes
  • All city entrance fees and customs taxes
  • All highway and parking fees
  • Turkish-speaking guide and local guiding services + accompaniment of agency representative
  • Mandatory TÜRSAB Professional Liability, Travel and Health Cancellation Guarantee Insurance (A surcharge applies for our guests over 65 years old)
Not included
  • International departure tax fee (Can be obtained by guests via the Mobile APP, relevant banks, and GİB.)
  • Lunches and beverages taken with meals, and all kinds of hotel extras
  • Museum, archaeological site, and national park entrance fees that guests may wish to visit on their own initiative
  • Tips for the guide and driver (2 Euro per person per day)
Tour Program
Antalya - Izmir - Samarkand
We meet at Antalya Airport in the morning. After check-in and baggage procedures, we depart for Izmir on our SunExpress Airlines flight. After approximately one hour of travel, we arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport and collect our luggage. In the evening, we meet at the International Terminal of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, complete our check-in and baggage procedures, and board our non-stop (direct) SunExpress Airlines flight to Semerkand International Airport. After collecting our luggage and completing passport and customs procedures, we board the bus waiting for us and transfer to our hotel where we will be staying.
Full Day Semerkand
After having breakfast at our hotel, we begin our tour of Samarkand, the Pearl of the Silk Road, where scholars, armies, religions, and cultures meet. Our first stop is the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Timur the Great, known throughout history as both a military genius and a ruthless conqueror, rests in peace. Meaning “Tomb of the Emir,” this mausoleum was built by Timur during his lifetime for his grandson Muhammad Sultan and later continued to be used as the family mausoleum. Designed in the Timurid style and Islamic architecture, the interior of the mausoleum is decorated with blue and gold mosaics, while the ceilings feature intricate painted and tile ornaments. After listening to our guide’s explanations, we head to Registan Square, known as an educational center of trade, history, and culture, and meaning “sandy place” in Persian. We listen to information about the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori Madrasas located in the square. Following some free time in the historical atmosphere of the square, which draws the attention and culture not only of Samarkand but of all Central Asia, our next stop is Siyob Bazaar, where we take a break to shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch at leisure. After our break, we visit the largest mosque in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Built by Timur in honor of Bibi Khanum after his Indian campaign, this mosque stands out as one of the most impressive examples of grandeur. Bibi Khanum Mosque is decorated with rich tilework, calligraphy, and stone carving. Blue and turquoise tiles are widely used on both the interior and exterior facades of the mosque, while Arabic inscriptions, especially verses from the Quran, are placed in various parts of the structure. This historic building, which is a must-see for both tourists and researchers, has suffered earthquakes and severe damage, but has been restored and continues to welcome visitors. After our guide’s explanations here, we proceed to visit the Shah-i-Zinda (Living King) Mausoleum Complex. We also see the complex where the graves of important figures and scholars are located, and then continue to visit and learn about the Observatory built by Ulugh Beg, who served as a scholar, astronomer, and ruler during the Timurid period, between 1424 and 1429. Listening to the explanations at the structure, which contains a giant sextant (an angular measuring instrument), we then head to our local restaurant for dinner. Our guests are welcomed with a ceremony accompanied by music and dance, and we enjoy shashlik kebab served on 6-meter-long skewers along with many varieties of local delicacies. After a pleasant evening, we return to our hotel. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant or at the hotel where we are staying. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely during the excursion en route and is not included in the price.
Samarqand – Bukhara
After having breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to the famous Afrosiyob High-Speed Train station and travel by high-speed train to Bukhara, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the important stops on the Silk Road. After approximately a 1.5-hour high-speed train journey, we check into our hotel and, after a short rest, begin exploring Bukhara, a city whose history dates back to the 6th century BC and which became an important commercial center during Alexander the Great’s campaign in Asia, making significant contributions to Islamic civilization and famous for its handmade carpets, silk fabrics, and embroidery. We start our program by seeing the Nasreddin Hodja Statue, known for justice, intelligence, and logic games, and famous for his teaching anecdotes and stories, widely featured in Turkish and Middle Eastern folklore and almost renowned worldwide, with a statue also located in Bukhara. We then continue with Lyabi Hauz Square, one of Bukhara’s liveliest spots, formed around a historic pool and characterized by its madrasas, teahouses, and traditional architecture. Afterwards, we visit the majestic Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa, notable for its impressive portal and elegant decorations; the Kukeldash Madrasa, considered one of the largest madrasas in Central Asia; and the historic Magoki Attori Mosque, which bears traces of different religious periods. We continue our city exploration to the magnificent Ark Fortress, which served for centuries as the center of government and residence of the Bukhara emirs. Then we proceed to the Poi Kalyan Complex, where Bukhara’s landmark structures stand together. Here we see the imposing Kalyan Minaret dominating the city skyline, the Miri Arab Madrasa, one of the important educational centers of the Islamic world, the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa distinguished by its colorful tile decorations, and the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, built in 1417 by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Timur and a scholar whose work helped shape the history of astronomy. One of Bukhara’s oldest educational buildings, this madrasa is among the city’s most valuable monuments with its elegant architecture, historic portal, and reverence for knowledge. In the continuation of our tour, we visit Bukhara’s historic covered bazaars, famous for their domed passages, traditional shops, and handicraft products, where trade has continued since the Silk Road era. Here we allow free time for shopping and photography. After completing our city tour, we go to a local restaurant and enjoy dinner featuring regional dishes of Uzbek cuisine accompanied by local dances. After dinner, we return to our hotel. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant or at our hotel. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely along the way during the tour and is not included in the price.
Buhara – Hive
After having breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and take our seats in our waiting vehicle, and set off for Khiva, considered a pearl of the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan, which, with its deep historical heritage, has a completely different atmosphere from the country’s other cities and will make you feel as if you are on a fairytale journey. Known as the city of reddish earth-colored buildings and unique clay structures, and accepted to be around 2,500 years old, it is the most beautiful oasis city. After a long journey with breaks along the way, accompanied by detailed information about Khiva, which is famous for its distance from other provinces, we arrive in the city and, together with the local saz ensemble welcoming us in traditional costumes, enjoy our dinner at our local restaurant, where we can taste regional delicacies in an atmosphere as if we were in the middle of a desert, straight out of a fairy tale. After dinner, guests who wish may spend time at the illuminated and ornate night market very close to the hotel and buy souvenirs for their loved ones. Guests who prefer to rest may come to our hotel and settle into their rooms. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at our traditional local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely on the road during the tour and is not included in the price.
Hive – Urganch – Tashkent
After resting and having breakfast at our hotel in Hive, we set off to explore the city. We visit the historic museum accepted as the Inner Fort Castle, and the complex that also includes the Pehlivan Mahmud Mausoleum, and listen to the guide’s explanations and information. Then we arrive at the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, which is often considered together with Kalta Minar (the Short Minaret), but is actually the largest madrasa in Central Asia in its own right. We begin touring this two-story madrasa, whose walls are entirely surrounded by glazed tiles and which is used as a hotel today. After our visit here, we head to the Allah Kuli Khan Madrasa, one of the magnificent examples of architecture that captivates visitors and is considered one of the most famous educational institutions of its time. After listening to our guide’s explanations about the building, which dazzles with its white, blue, and green tiles, we see the Pehlivan Gate and listen to the relevant explanations. We then have free time for lunch and to shop for local souvenirs in the bazaar. After meeting again, we travel to Urgench, located on the banks of the Amu Darya River and the Shavat Canal. Following our panoramic tour there, we proceed to Urgench Airport and take our seats on our flight to Tashkent, operating as HY054. After approximately a 1-hour journey, we arrive in Tashkent and head to our pre-booked restaurant to taste local delicacies. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel. *Breakfast will be taken at our hotel, and dinner will be taken at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely along the way during the tour and is not included in the price.
Tashkent – Turkistan (Kazakhstan)
After our early breakfast, we depart from Tashkent, which is located very close to the Kazakhstan border, and arrive at the border gate. After completing the crossing procedures, we continue via Shymkent to Turkistan, which is of great importance in Central Asia and is home to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dating back to the 12th century. The city has also recently implemented an important Caravanserai project, creating a significant shopping and cultural center area for the use of visitors. First, after visiting the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, we go to an open area very nearby where we can see horses, camels, and eagles. Those who wish may experience riding and take photos with the eagle. After these enjoyable experiences, we turn our route to the Underground Hilvet Mosque, one of the most unusual mosques in the world. After this interesting visit, we proceed to the Arystan Bab Mausoleum, associated as one with Sufi mysticism, and listen to our guide’s explanations before heading to the newly completed Caravanserai, which has also become a point of interest for tourists along the Great Silk Road. Set on an area of 20 hectares and featuring motifs from fairy-tale characters ranging from Zümrüdüanka to Tulparan, this complex includes hotels, shopping, and entertainment venues, and we are given free time to enjoy it at leisure. Afterwards, we head to a local restaurant for dinner and then watch the historical musical show performed on the pond in the Caravanserai in the evening. Following the show, we spend some free time with our loved ones in the complex, enjoying the evening before transferring to our hotel in Turkistan. *Breakfast will be at our hotel, and dinner will be at a local restaurant or at the hotel where we are staying. Included in the price! *Lunch is not included and will be taken freely along the way during the excursion.
Turkistan (Kazakhstan) – Tashkent
After our breakfast, we go to the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border crossing and complete our passage procedures, then depart for Tashkent. Following our pleasant journey, we arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and begin exploring the city. First, we visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, one of Tashkent’s most important religious and historical centers, which includes the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the Hazrati Imam Mosque. Inside the complex, we see one of the most precious manuscripts in the Islamic world: the Qur’an written in Kufic script in the 7th century, believed to be the very copy recited by Hz. Uthman at the time of his martyrdom. As we tour these structures, we listen to our guide’s explanations about their architecture and tiled domes. After visiting the Emir Timur Museum, which has become a symbol of the capital with its white structure and houses more than 5,000 artifacts, and resembles the blue dome of Gur-e Amir in Samarkand, we continue to the Kukeldash Madrasah, an important example of traditional Central Asian architecture, and then continue our tour through the historically preserved Old City area. Next, we head to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the most colorful and lively places in Tashkent. In this special bazaar, which stands out with its spices, dried fruits, local products, and traditional market atmosphere, we closely experience the daily life of the region. We continue our sightseeing by seeing Independence Square, one of the symbols of modern Tashkent, and Amir Timur Square, one of the city’s important meeting points. After seeing the Tashkent Metro, one of the first and largest metros in Central Asia, decorated almost like an art gallery and featuring marble and large chandeliers, with stations named after important and famous figures, and the Applied Arts Museum, we go to Magic City Park, considered one of Asia’s largest entertainment and attraction parks. We visit the park, which offers amusement areas, musical fountains and pools, cinemas, and one of Asia’s largest aquariums, bringing the ocean right before your eyes. After spending enjoyable time in this park, one of the modern faces of the city where we can encounter more than 100 animal species, we view the elegant Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre from the outside. After our city tour, we go to Tashkent City Mall to browse stores of world-famous brands and enjoy shopping while watching the illuminated water shows taking place in the artificial pond in its garden. (Included in the price!) We provide free time for shopping and personal needs. At the designated time, we meet again, go to a local restaurant, and enjoy our dinner with traditional Uzbek night entertainment, bidding farewell to Uzbekistan. After dinner, we transfer to Tashkent International Airport late at night. *Breakfast will be taken at our hotel, and dinner will be taken at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely on the way during the tour and is not included in the price.
Tashkent – Izmir - Antalya
After arriving at the airport, we complete our passport and customs procedures and take our seats on the SunExpress Airlines flight that will take us to Adnan Menderes Airport, returning home. Upon arrival in Izmir, we collect our luggage and prepare for our flight to Antalya. After completing our check-in and baggage drop procedures once again, we board our SunExpress Airlines flight and travel to Antalya. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next tour program.