Antalya-Departing Pearls of the Silk Road Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan Tour (Tashkent-Tashkent)

Tour details

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

VISA

Ordinary Passport ❌Visa not required
Green Passport   ❌  Visa not required
Service Passport  ❌ Visa not required   

You must have a passport valid for 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.
In order to avoid problems with customs police at the border crossing of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet, and/or similarly damaged passports, the mentioned passports should be renewed, especially passports extended with a stamp during the pandemic period must absolutely be renewed. Otherwise, responsibility belongs to the passenger. Since our guests under 18 may be asked for a document showing the joint consent of the parents by the police officer on duty at entry and exit points of the country when traveling alone or with only one of their parents; we recommend that our guests under 18 and their parents be sensitive on this issue. 
*Having a valid passport does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. The passport police have the authority to refuse your entry into 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 is widely used for daily expenses; especially in local markets and small businesses, the local currency is preferred.
In Kazakhstan, the currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Although credit card use is common in large cities, it is recommended to carry local currency for small expenses.
It is useful to have 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, 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; reflects the traces of nomadic Turkic culture and is notable for its meat- and dairy-based structure. 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 delicacies representing Kazakh cuisine.

ABOUT THE TRAIN JOURNEY

*During the intercity trips we will take with Uzbekistan’s famous Afrosiyob High-Speed Train and  Jaloliddin Manguberdi High-Speed 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. 

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

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

SHOPPING

Shopping is available at shopping malls in city centers and small stalls selling souvenirs, as well as at local markets.

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 allowed to be visited or entered by local authorities or for different reasons are not carried out. The Agency cannot be held responsible for the inability to carry out 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 stated kilometers. 

*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 foldable and known as coach beds, participants are deemed to have declared that they accept the possible cramped conditions in the rooms and the bed type in 3rd person and/or child reservations. 

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

*Breakfasts taken at hotels from the services included in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country being visited.

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

CLOTHING and REQUIRED ITEMS

For Autumn and Winter:
We recommend choosing clothing that will allow you to move comfortably in autumn and winter while also keeping you warm. In case of possible weather changes, layered clothing, a light raincoat, and an umbrella will be useful. We also recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, personal care products, a camera, a video camera, chargers for these devices, spare memory cards, and portable chargers.

ABOUT AIRLINE TICKETS and FLIGHTS
*Flight times and airline ticket reservation number information are shared by our agency before the tour date. Due to group reservations, you can complete your baggage and customs procedures at the specified time and counter with only your passport, even without your ticket. Our agency performs the check-in procedures.

*During registration, the name on the passport, date of birth, passport and ID number must be entered into the system. Airline tickets are issued based on this information. Cancellations or changes to airline tickets arising from incorrect information will incur the no-show fee, which will be charged to guests.

*In cases where you cannot join the flight because you are late for the flight or due to your own reasons and you have missed the plane, our agency is not responsible for the losses arising from payments made to hotels and airlines.

*Our agency is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and charter flights, or times may change before the existing trip 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 have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.

*Children between 0-2 years old do not pay airport tax and airport service fee.

FLIGHT DURATIONS

Antalya        ✈︎ Izmir        ⏱︎    1 hr 5 min
Izmir            ✈︎  Tashkent   ⏱︎   4 hr 30 min
Tashkent       ✈︎   Izmir        ⏱︎   5 hr 25 min
Izmir         ✈︎ Antalya   ⏱︎    1 hr 5 min       

TRANSPORTATION and LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
*You are required to wear seat belts during the journey. For passengers aged 0-4, it is mandatory to bring a “vehicle baby seat.” If the rules are not followed, our agency cannot be held responsible for any traffic fines or penalties imposed.

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

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

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

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

*In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, since the Agency official/guide is obliged to continue with the Tour Program for the other traveling guests as promised by the agency; they should know that they will act on their own responsibility regarding all arrangements related to passport procedures, return, 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 there will be any problem threatening your health in meals taken at good restaurants and hotels in the region. However, when you are not with the group, we recommend being careful about food and drink, definitely consuming bottled water, avoiding ice, milk, and dairy products, eating meat and fish products that you are sure are well cooked, and for fruit, eating fruits with peel that can be removed, 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 for you in insurance-related procedures if needed.

PAYMENT METHOD
*You can make your payments through the banks clearly specified on our website, or, when necessary, by credit card.

*Whatever currency and amount were used for payments made during the tour registration; refunds in case of cancellation/refund will also be made in the same currency and amounts.

TRAVEL HEALTH AND CANCELLATION GUARANTEE
*The insurance arranged by our Agency for your travel in question is within the scope of the Professional Liability Insurance mandated for agencies by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies and the travel health coverage that will protect you. Travel health coverage is valid for ages 0-65. Our guests over 65 must take out insurance by paying an additional premium. We recommend that you always take out Travel and Health Insurance for every trip to protect yourself.
*However, it should be known that this insurance does not cover unconditional and unconditional cancellations; in case of force majeure, non-chronic and sudden illnesses, accidents, and in the event of these adverse conditions affecting a first-degree relative, the reports to be obtained are submitted to the relevant insurance company and evaluated, and cancellations are included within the scope. These evaluations are made by the relevant Health and Insurance Company health institutions and are outside the scope of our agency's responsibility.

ABOUT THE CONTRACT AND CANCELLATIONS
*In tours with flights, there is an unconditional right to cancel up to 30 days before the tour departure date. For cancellations over 30 days (25 days before the tour departure date), the airline ticket and non-refundable operational expenses are deducted and the remaining amount is refunded. Cancellations made less than 25 days before the tour departure date do not qualify for a refund. It is paid as compensation by the consumer.

What's included
  • ANTALYA-IZMIR-TASHKENT-IZMIR-ANTALYA plane tickets with SunExpress Airlines, port taxes and check-in fees
  • All transfers with air-conditioned private vehicles and all city and cultural tours
  • Museum, archaeological site, and national park entrance fees in the program
  • Magic City amusement park visit and admission
  • Evening Tashkent City Mall light show & shopping tour
  • Traditional Uzbek evening with music and dinner in Hive
  • On the last day, traditional Uzbekistan folk dances and entertainment evening with music and dinner in Tashkent
  • Traditional musical entertainment evening in Samarkand
  • Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed train tickets between Hive-Bukhara
  • Afrosiyob high-speed train tickets between Bukhara-Samarkand / Samarkand-Tashkent
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in distinguished hotels
  • All accommodation tourist taxes
  • All city entrance fees and customs duties
  • All highway and parking fees
  • Turkish-speaking guidance and local guiding services
  • Agency representative assistance services
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 - Tashkent
We meet at Antalya Airport in the morning. After check-in and baggage procedures, we depart for Izmir with our flight operated by SunExpress Airlines. After a journey of approximately one hour, we arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport and collect our luggage. In the evening, we meet at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport International Terminal, complete our check-in and baggage procedures, and take our direct flight with SunExpress Airlines to Tashkent International Airport. After collecting our luggage and completing passport and customs formalities, we board our waiting bus.
Full-day Tashkent
After our breakfast, we begin our city tour to discover Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. First, we head to the Hazrati Imam Complex, which includes important structures such as the Barak Khan Madrasa, the Kafal Shashi Mausoleum, the Tila Sheikh Mosque, and the Hast Imam Mosque. We visit this complex, known for its architectural structures, tiled domes, and spiritual atmosphere, accompanied by our guide’s explanations. Here, we have the opportunity to see the Mushaf of Hazrat Osman, one of the most precious manuscripts in the Islamic world, believed to have been written in kufic script in the 7th century and read by Hazrat Osman at the time of his martyrdom. We continue our tour by visiting the Kukeldash Madrasa, one of Tashkent’s most important historical educational buildings. After learning from our guide about this madrasa, which is a graceful example of traditional Central Asian architecture, we continue our journey through the Old City District, with its narrow streets, traditional buildings, and local life preserving the traces of the past. Next, we head to Chorsu Bazaar, where traditional foods, spices, dried fruits, fabrics, and handicrafts are all found together. In this large and colorful market, whose name means “four ways” and which reflects approximately 2,000 years of trading tradition, we get to know Uzbekistan’s daily life and shopping culture up close, and we provide free time for shopping and photography. After meeting our guide again, we continue our tour among the wide avenues and monumental buildings of modern Tashkent. We visit Independence Square, which symbolizes Uzbekistan’s independence and modern state identity, and then go to Amir Timur Square, one of the city’s important meeting points, where the equestrian statue of Amir Timur stands at its center. During the continuation of our city tour, we view the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the symbols of Tashkent’s cultural and artistic life, with its classical architecture and elegant façade, from our vehicle and listen to our guide’s explanations. After all of our visits are completed, we head to our restaurant and enjoy our dinner featuring local delicacies prepared for us. After a pleasant dinner, we return to our hotel. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely en route during the tour and is not included in the price.
Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
After having our breakfast at the hotel, prepared as breakfast boxes depending on our flight time, we check out of our rooms and transfer to Tashkent International Airport. After completing our ticketing, baggage, and flight procedures, we depart on flight HY055 to Urgench. Following an approximately 1-hour pleasant flight over the skies of Uzbekistan, we arrive in Urgench and take our seats in the vehicle waiting for us, then proceed toward Khiva. Khiva, regarded as the pearl of Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, has a completely different atmosphere from the country’s other cities with its reddish earth-colored buildings, tile-decorated madrasas, minarets, and centuries-old historic streets. This impressive oasis city, with a history of approximately 2,500 years, welcomes its visitors on a fairy-tale journey with its historic fabric and walled old city center. Upon our arrival in Khiva, we begin exploring Itchan Kala, the walled historic center of the city, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this special area, which resembles an open-air museum with its madrasas, mosques, minarets, palaces, and traditional houses, we carry out our walking tour accompanied by our guide’s explanations. One of our first stops inside Itchan Kala is Kunya Ark Fortress, which served as the administrative center and residence of the Khiva khans. We receive information from our guide about the fortress, which reflects the governing life of the Khiva Khanate with its reception halls, courtyards, observation sections, and historic structures. Next, we see Kalta Minor Minaret, which has become the symbol of Khiva and stands out with its turquoise and blue tiles. This impressive structure, which differs from other Central Asian minarets with its short and wide appearance due to being left unfinished, is among the city’s most photographed landmarks. Right next to Kalta Minor, we visit Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, considered one of the largest madrasas in Central Asia. We listen to our guide’s explanations about this two-story structure, which attracts attention with its large courtyard and tile decorations and is currently used as a hotel. As our tour continues, we see Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa, one of the important educational centers of the Khiva Khanate period. With its large courtyard, classrooms, and student cells, the madrasa held an important place in the scientific, literary, and cultural life of its time. Afterward, we head to Islam Khodja Minaret, one of Khiva’s most elegant structures. We view the minaret, known for its slender and soaring architecture, turquoise-heavy tile decorations, and the striking appearance it adds to the city’s silhouette, while receiving information from our guide about its history. After our visits, we continue our walk through the historic streets of Khiva within the walls. Following our walk among traditional houses, carved wooden doors, small shops, and handicraft stalls, we are given free time to shop, take photos, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. At the appointed time, we meet our guide again and go to a local restaurant, where we have our dinner featuring regional delicacies of Khorezm cuisine, accompanied by music from a local saz ensemble welcoming us in traditional costumes. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Guests who wish may spend time at the illuminated and lively night market near our hotel and purchase local souvenirs for their loved ones. *Breakfast will be at our hotel, and the entertaining dinner with traditional music will be served 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.
Hive – Bukhara
After having our breakfast packed by the hotel early in the morning, we check out of our rooms and transfer to Hive Train Station. We begin our pleasant journey to Bukhara, one of the most important trade, science, and cultural centers of the Silk Road throughout history, on the Jaloliddin Manguberdi High-Speed Train departing at 07:15. After a comfortable train ride through different regions of Uzbekistan, we arrive in Bukhara at 10:37. We meet our private vehicle waiting at the station, take our seats, and head to the city center for transfer to our hotel. If our rooms are ready, we complete the check-in process and take a short rest. After our break, we begin exploring Bukhara, one of the best-preserved historical cities in Central Asia with a history of approximately 2,500 years. First, we visit Lyabi Hauz Square, which is shaped around a historic pool and stands out as one of the liveliest meeting points of the city with its madrasahs, traditional buildings, teahouses, and centuries-old trees. After seeing the Nasreddin Hodja Statue, which is widely known throughout the world and appears in many Eastern folk tales, famous for justice, intelligence, and clever tricks, and after exploring its impressive atmosphere with the guidance of our tour guide, we continue to the remarkable Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah, notable for its extraordinary tile decorations, including a grand portal and bird figures. We then visit the Kukeldash Madrasah, considered one of the largest historical educational structures in Central Asia, and see the Magoki Attori Mosque, one of Bukhara’s oldest religious buildings, which bears traces of different beliefs and cultures from various periods at the same site. After receiving information from our guide about the building’s historical background and architectural features, we continue our walk through the historic streets of Bukhara, which carry the traces of the past into the present with their traditional houses, carved doors, domed bazaars, and handicraft shops. Following our walk, we are given free time to take photos, shop, and enjoy Bukhara’s unique atmosphere. At the designated time, we gather again, go to our local restaurant, and have our dinner consisting of regional dishes from Uzbek cuisine. After our enjoyable dinner, we return to our hotel. *Breakfast will be at our hotel, and dinner will be served 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.
Bukhara–Samarkand
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we check out of our rooms and continue exploring Bukhara, one of the most important trade, science, and cultural centers of the Silk Road throughout history. Following our visits yesterday to Lyabi Hauz Square, Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa, Kukeldash Madrasa, Magoki Attori Mosque, and the historic streets of Bukhara, today we get to know the city’s monumental structures, administrative centers, madrasas, and historical commercial points more closely. Our first visit of the day is to the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, located around Samanid Park. Built at the site where, according to legend, water sprang forth when Prophet Job (Ayub) struck the ground with his staff, this structure, with additions made in different periods and its sacred water source preserved to this day, is among Bukhara’s important pilgrimage sites. We listen to our guide’s explanations about the architectural features of the building and the story attributed to Prophet Job. Near Chashma-Ayub is the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, built by the Samanid ruler Ismail Samani for his family. Dating back to approximately the 10th century and considered one of the oldest surviving monumental structures in Central Asia, the mausoleum is one of Bukhara’s most valuable monuments with its geometric decorations created by the use of bricks in different directions and its balanced architecture. As our tour continues, we see the Bolo Hauz Mosque, which attracts attention with its elegant wooden columns and the reflection of its image in the pool in front of it, and we learn from our guide about this structure, which is also known as the “Forty-Column Mosque” because of its finely carved wooden pillars and which is still open for worship today. We then head to the magnificent Ark Fortress, which the emirs of Bukhara used for centuries as their administrative center and residence. Built on an artificial hill raised on soil, this large complex, with its thick mudbrick and brick walls, monumental entrance gate, and high ramparts, once contained a palace, administrative buildings, treasury, harem, military sections, and official reception halls. We tour the fortress, which is believed by legend to have been founded by the hero Siyavush, and learn about the political and social life of the Bukhara Khanate. After our visit to Ark Fortress, we proceed to one of the city’s most impressive architectural ensembles, the Poi Kalon Complex. In the center of the complex stands the Kalon Minaret, completed in 1127 and dominating the city’s skyline for centuries with its height of approximately 46 meters. We listen to our guide’s fascinating stories about the minaret, one of Bukhara’s most important symbols, with its exquisite brickwork and unique architecture, including its striking history dating back to the era of Genghis Khan. We continue our tour with the Miri Arab Madrasa, one of the complex’s grand structures facing the minaret. We receive information about the architectural features of this madrasa, which holds an important place in Bukhara’s religious and cultural life and where educational activities are still carried out today. Next, we see the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, one of the most striking examples of Bukhara architecture with its magnificent portal, delicate ornamentation, and colorful tile decorations, and then cross to the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, located just opposite, built in 1417 by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Timur and a great ruler, astronomer, and scholar. One of the oldest educational structures in Bukhara, the madrasa is among the city’s most valuable monuments with its elegant architecture, historic portal, and the understanding that reflects Ulugh Beg’s commitment to science and education. We continue our walking tour through Bukhara’s historic covered bazaars that have survived from the Silk Road era to the present day. We visit Taki Zargaron, known as the “Jewellers’ Dome,” which was formerly used as the trading center for jewelers, and Taki Telpakfurushon Bazaar, where traditional hats and headwear are sold. Free time is given to shop in the domed bazaars, where gold and silver jewelry, silk fabrics, embroidered products, shawls, ceramics, and local souvenirs are sold today, and to experience Bukhara’s historic commercial atmosphere. After our free time, we meet again at the point determined by our guide and transfer to Bukhara Train Station. After completing our ticketing and seating procedures, we depart for Samarkand, one of the most important cities of the Silk Road and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard Uzbekistan’s modern transportation icon, the Afrosiyob High-Speed Train. After our comfortable and pleasant train journey, we arrive in Samarkand, take our seats in our private vehicle waiting at the train station, and transfer to our hotel. After dinner, we settle into our rooms to rest. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely en route during the tour and is not included in the price.
Semerkand – Tashkent
After breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and begin exploring Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road, where scholars, armies, religions, and cultures have come together for centuries. Our first stop is Registan Square, which reflects the historical and cultural memory not only of Samarkand but of all Central Asia. In Persian, “Registan” means “sandy place”; surrounded by the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari Madrasahs, it is regarded as the city’s most important symbol thanks to its magnificent architecture. In the square, which for centuries served as a center of education, trade, and state ceremonies, we listen to our guide’s explanations about the medressahs’ turquoise domes, mosaic decorations, and monumental entrance portals. We then allow some free time for taking photos and experiencing the grandeur of the square in this unique historical atmosphere. After our photo break, we proceed to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the eternal resting place of Emir Timur, founder of the Timurid Empire. Meaning “The Tomb of the Ruler,” this magnificent structure is among the most important works of Timurid art, with its fluted blue dome, gold-embellished interior decorations, tile work, and elegant architecture. We tour the mausoleum, where the tombs of Emir Timur as well as Ulugh Beg and other members of the dynasty are located, while receiving information from our guide about the political and cultural legacy of the Timurid Empire. Continuing our tour, we head to the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Emir Timur to symbolize his power and victory after the Indian Campaign. Considered one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world in its time, this impressive structure is among the most striking examples of Samarkand architecture, with its monumental entrance gate, high domes, stone carvings, calligraphy, and blue-turquoise tiles. Although it suffered earthquakes and various damages over the centuries, it has been restored and brought back to life; we tour the mosque with our guide’s explanations. Next, we visit Siyab Bazaar, located right near the Bibi Khanum Mosque, where we can closely experience the daily life of Samarkand. In this colorful market, filled with fresh fruits, dried nuts, spices, traditional breads, local sweets, and handicrafts, we are given free time. Guests who wish may taste local delicacies, shop, and spend their lunch break as they please. After our free time, we meet our guide again and head to the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, meaning “The Living King.” This special site, where the graves of important figures and religious scholars of Samarkand are located, resembles an alley of tombs with its mausoleums adorned in blue, navy, and turquoise tiles, narrow passages, and impressive architecture. We tour this magnificent complex, built in different periods, while seeing some of the finest examples of Islamic art and Central Asian tile craftsmanship up close. Our final visit in Samarkand is to the Ulugh Beg Observatory, built between 1424 and 1429 by Ulugh Beg, an important scientist, astronomer, and ruler of the Timurid period. At this observatory, regarded as one of the most advanced scientific centers of its time, we see the surviving section of the enormous sextant used to measure celestial bodies. After receiving information from our guide about the importance of Ulugh Beg’s astronomical studies and those of the scientists who worked with him in world scientific history, we visit the observatory museum. At the end of our city tour, we are transferred to Samarkand Train Station, and after ticketing and seating arrangements, we board the Afrosiyob High-Speed Train, one of Uzbekistan’s symbols of modern transportation, and depart for Tashkent. After our comfortable and pleasant train journey, we arrive in Tashkent, take our seats in the private vehicle waiting for us at the train station, and proceed to our local restaurant. After enjoying dinner featuring local delicacies prepared for us, we are transferred to our hotel and settle into our rooms to rest. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken en route during the tour, at the guests’ discretion, and is not included in the price.
Tashkent – Turkistan (Kazakhstan)
After breakfast at our hotel early in the morning, we check out of our rooms and depart from Tashkent, which is located quite close to the Kazakhstan border, and head toward the border crossing point. After completing our passport, customs, and border crossing procedures, we enter Kazakhstan and continue our journey via Shymkent toward Turkistan, one of Central Asia’s most important centers of history, faith, and culture. Following our journey across the unique landscapes of the Kazakh steppes, we arrive in Turkistan and begin our city tour. Our first visit is to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Complex, which houses the eternal resting place of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most important mystics of the Turkic world. Built by Emir Timur and considered one of the most impressive works of Turkic-Islamic art with its monumental architecture, the complex fascinates visitors with its turquoise dome, magnificent portal, tile decorations, and spacious interior sections. We tour the site, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, accompanied by our guide’s explanations, and learn about Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s life, teachings, and influence on the Turkic world. At the end of our visit, we head to the Rabia Sultan Begum Mausoleum, located near the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Complex. Built in honor of Rabia Sultan Begum, the daughter of Ulugh Beg and granddaughter of Emir Timur, this elegant structure holds an important place among Turkistan’s historical monuments with its domed architecture, simple yet striking appearance, and features reflecting the Timurid era. We listen to our guide’s explanations about the mausoleum and the surrounding historical area. Then we turn our route toward the Underground Mosque of Hilvet, believed to be the place where Khoja Ahmed Yasawi withdrew into seclusion to continue his worship and spiritual practices. We visit this special site, which carries deep traces of the Sufi tradition with its below-ground prayer areas and simple architecture, and receive information from our guide about the Yesevi tradition, the practice of retreat, and seclusion. After our visits, we begin walking through Turkistan’s historic city center. As we proceed through streets where traditional architecture blends with modern urban planning, we get to know the cultural atmosphere of this Kazakh city that extends from past to present. We are given a short free time to take photos, visit nearby shops, and meet our personal needs. At the designated time, we meet our guide again and head to the Turkistan Caravanserai Complex, inspired by the historical caravanserai tradition of the Great Silk Road. With its hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment areas, canals, and architecture adorned with motifs from the traditional Turkic world, this large complex offers free time to enjoy ourselves. Guests who wish may shop, spend time in cafés, and explore the complex’s impressive evening atmosphere. After our free time, we gather again, go to a local restaurant, and have our dinner featuring regional specialties of Kazakh cuisine. Following our pleasant dinner, we transfer to our hotel in Turkistan, check into our rooms, and rest. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served 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.
Turkistan (Kazakhstan) – Tashkent
After our breakfast, we head to the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border gate and complete our crossing procedures, then return to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After our journey, we continue exploring the city we previously visited. We visit Independence Square, the largest square in the capital, which features motifs related to Uzbekistan’s modern history and national identity; the Tashkent Metro, one of the first and largest metros in Central Asia, decorated almost like an art gallery, with stations named after important and famous figures, adorned with marble and large chandeliers; and the Handicrafts Art Museum. We go to experience the famous historic Tashkent Metro, where each station has a different theme and decoration. At the end of our thematic metro experience, which has 50 stations, we take our seats in our vehicles and head to Magic City Park, considered the largest amusement and attraction park in Asia. We visit this park, where there are fun park areas, musical fountains and pools, cinemas, and one of the largest aquariums in Asia, bringing the ocean right before your eyes. After spending pleasant time in this park, which is one of the modern faces of the city where we can encounter more than 100 species of animals, we go to Tashkent City Mall to see the stores of world-famous brands and watch the illuminated water shows taking place in the artificial pond in its garden, and to enjoy free shopping. (Included in the price!) We give free time for shopping and personal needs. At the appointed time, we meet again and go to our restaurant, where reservations have been made in advance for us, to have our dinner on this final night before bidding farewell to Uzbekistan, enjoying it accompanied by traditional costumes and dances. After dinner, in the later hours of a pleasant evening, we transfer to the airport to complete our customs procedures and take our flight back to Izmir. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken freely on the road during the excursion 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 aircraft that will take us to Adnan Menderes Airport, and depart. Upon arrival, we collect our luggage and prepare for our flight to Antalya. After completing our check-in and baggage drop-off procedures again, we board our SunExpress Airlines flight and travel to Antalya. We bid farewell, looking forward to meeting again on our next tour program.