Small Group Tour in Central Asia 2024-2025

Central Asia Destinations15 days | Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Private Tour from US$ 2,400
  • KhivaKhiva
  • Itinerary MapItinerary Map
  • TashkentTashkent
  • TashkentTashkent
  • KhivaKhiva
  • BukharaBukhara
  • BukharaBukhara
  • SamarkandSamarkand
  • SamarkandSamarkand
  • PenjikentPenjikent
  • Ancient PenjikentAncient Penjikent
  • DushanbeDushanbe
  • Hissar fortressHissar fortress
  • AlmatyAlmaty
  • AlmatyAlmaty
  • BishkekBishkek
  • Burana towerBurana tower
  • Khiva
  • Itinerary Map
  • Tashkent
  • Tashkent
  • Khiva
  • Bukhara
  • Bukhara
  • Samarkand
  • Samarkand
  • Penjikent
  • Ancient Penjikent
  • Dushanbe
  • Hissar fortress
  • Almaty
  • Almaty
  • Bishkek
  • Burana tower

Let Central Asia leave an impression in your memory with this trip to the most entrancing sights of the region. Start with the best sights in Uzbekistan, with a trip from Khiva through Bukhara to Samarkand. Each of these cities has a long and storied past, tying together civilizations that crossed along the Silk Road. The large architectural monuments and historic atmospheres have made these cities excellent inclusions into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Penjikent, in Tajikistan, is an excellent extension of the historical part of the tour, as the city has lots of historical and cultural significance, while Iskanderkul, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, is a must for Central Asia’s best tours. Continue on through Dushanbe, Almaty, and Bishkek, which are the three biggest cities in their respective countries (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). Don’t miss this opportunity to take the best tour of Central Asia and visit all the main sights of the region.

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Tashkent – arrival
 
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by Advantour driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia.
Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. Explore Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city center to visit Applied Arts Museum and walk through Navoi Theater to Amir Timur Square where you will end Tashkent city tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
 
Early breakfast. Transfer to the local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Day 3: Khiva – Bukhara
 
After breakfast depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*). Today we will have an overland transfer from Khiva to Bukhara through Kyzylkum desert**. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Day 4: Bukhara
 
Breakfast. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Bukhara – Samarkand
 
After breakfast continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Head to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel.  Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Day 6: Samarkand
 
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 7: Samarkand
 
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore a traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with the car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 8: Samarkand – Penjikent
 
After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Tajik guide and driver will meet you and drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Lunch at the guest house at the Lake #4. In the afternoon, drive back to Penjikent and visit Rudaki Museum and a local bazaar. Continue to ancient Penjikent archaeological site which takes you back to the times when Penjikent was a major Sogdian city before it was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Overnight at the hotel in Penjikent.
Day 9: Penjikent – Dushanbe
 
After breakfast depart Penjikent and drive to Dushanbe (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). Upon arrival in Dushanbe visiting Rudaki park and Ismoili Somoni Square. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Dushanbe
 
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit Hissar Fortress where you can see Madrasah Kuhna, Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum, Mehrgon Bazaar, Botanical Garden. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Dushanbe – Almaty
 
Breakfast. Free time till transfer to the International Airport for flight to Almaty. Arrival in Almaty. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Almaty
 
After breakfast your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum (closed on Tuesday) and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill, visit Medeo Gorge. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Day 13: Almaty – Bishkek
 
After breakfast depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway, enjoy nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h). Cross Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Arrive in Bishkek, check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 14: Bishkek
 
After breakfast transfer to see Burana Tower (85 km, 1 h 15 min), the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th century). Return to Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel
Day 15: Bishkek – departure
 
Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Bishkek International Airport. End of the tour service.
  • All transfers: 1-2 pax on sedan type car, 3-8 pax on minivan/van;
  • Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
  • Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides (in Uzbekistan, different guides in each city);
  • Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
  • Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visas;
  • Economy class tickets for flights Tashkent-Urgench and Dushanbe-Almaty.
  • Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
  • Full board (lunches and dinners);
  • Hotel charges for additional services;
  • All costs associated with visas;
  • Visa support for Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan tourist visas;
  • Personal travel insurance;
  • Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
  • International flight tickets before and after the tour.

 

Prices per person

 
 
Economy
Comfort
1 person
US$ 5,470
US$ 5,980
2 persons
US$ 3,200
US$ 3,520
3 persons
US$ 2,740
US$ 3,040
4 persons
US$ 2,400
US$ 2,700
Single supplement
US$ 440
US$ 580
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.

Accommodation

Tashkent - 1 night
Economy:
Ateca / Milan / Ramada Encore / Aster / Europe / Praga / Navruz / Moderno
Comfort:
Hampton by Hilton / Wyndham Tashkent / Courtyard by Marriot / Mercure Tashkent / Panarams
Khiva - 1 night
Economy:
Zarafshan Boutique / Asia Khiva / Erkin Palace / Minor Boutique / Bankir / Muso Tura / Orient Star
Comfort:
Zarafshan Boutique / Asia Khiva / Erkin Palace / Minor Boutique / Bankir / Muso Tura / Orient Star
Bukhara - 2 nights
Samarkand - 3 nights
Economy:
Wellfort / Gur Emir Palace / Jakhongir Premium / Bibikhanum / Shohjahon Palace / Silk Road Empire
Comfort:
Platan / Royal / Dilimah / Grand Samarkand Superior / Arka Boutique / Emirhan
Penjikent - 1 night
Economy:
Panjakent Plaza / Rudaki / Sugd / Umariyon
Comfort:
Panjakent Plaza
Dushanbe - 2 nights
Economy:
Atlas B&B or similar
Comfort:
Rumi / Serena Dushanbe 5*
Almaty - 2 nights
Economy:
Holiday Inn Express / Grand Sapphire / Plaza / Kazzhol
Comfort:
Kazzhol Park / Garden Park / Resident City
Bishkek - 2 nights
Economy:
My hotel / Bridges / Navat / Art hotel
Comfort:
Damas / Ambassador / Sofia / Novotel

Tour Request

Contact Details
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Travel Info

Central Asia Destinations Reviews

Author: Nandita Haksar   |   Rating: 503 May 2023
My husband and I are senior citizens and I have mobility issues and am in a wheelchair. We have travelled all over Uzbekistan from April 3 to 28 and all through we had excellent guides and drivers. Olga was always there to respond to any queries on whatsapp. Our driver Suhrab was not only an excellent driver very professional but also took very good care of us. Our guide Sergei in Termez was like a brilliant teacher who can arouse interest in students and make them want to learn. Thank you to all our drivers and guides and Olga our guardian angel. It has been a memorable, meaningful journey.
Author: Nandita Haksar   |   Rating: 503 May 2023
My husband and I are senior citizens and I have mobility issues and am in a wheelchair. We have travelled all over Uzbekistan from April 3 to 28 and all through we had excellent guides and drivers. Olga was always there to respond to any queries on whatsapp. Our driver Suhrab was not only an excellent driver very professional but also took very good care of us. Our guide Sergei in Termez was like a brilliant teacher who can arouse interest in students and make them want to learn. Thank you to all our drivers and guides and Olga our guardian angel. It has been a memorable, meaningful journey.
Author: Monica   |   Rating: 521 September 2022
Dear Anvar, first of all I want to thank you for all your attention, it was magnificent. On the other hand our driver in Uzbekistan was lovely and was looking after us all the time, as was our guide in Bukhara, a very close and knowledgeable lady. The hotels were perfect, except the one in Samarkand which was a bit far from the centre, but even so we had a very good attention. The excursion we did in Kyrgyzstan to the Issuk-Kul Lake did not meet our expectations, it was all very improvised. The rest was fine. The important thing is that if I have to recommend a travel agency for Central Asia, it will be you. Once again thank you very much.

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