With nine cities in eight days, the Central Asia Express Tour is the way to make the most out of a short trip. From the most ancient to the modern day, this is the best tour of Central Asia for those with a little less time. Start with Tashkent, the biggest city in Central Asia, before heading to Samarkand, one of the most ancient. A day trip to Penjikent is a good introduction to the ancient history of Tajikistan, while Fergana is full of the rich handicrafts and masterworks that best show off the creativity found in Uzbekistan. Osh, in southern Kyrgyzstan, is a diverse city that once held an important place on the Silk Road, and Bishkek is a modern capital with a unique spirit. Finish up the Central Asia Express Tour in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s southern capital and a busy city next to stunning mountains. For those with busy schedules, the Central Asia Express Tour is the best tour for getting to know the region and all its best places.
Tour itinerary:
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-Imom Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. In Khast-Imom visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Explore Chor-Su Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center to explore Amir Temur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
At 07:00 transfer from your hotel to the railway station. High-speed train Afrosiyob departs Tashkent at 08:00 and arrives in Samarkand at 10:10 (300 km). Your guide and driver will meet you at the train station to begin the city tour in Samarkand. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, old oriental Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum – authentic shrine of Tamerlane. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Customs and passport control on both sides, cross the border, meet Tajik local guide and driver 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. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch drive to Penjikent, a major Sogdian city in the 5th century destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Visit ancient Penjikent located a 5-minute drive away from modern Penjikent. Late in the afternoon return to the Jartepa border crossing, customs and passport control. On Uzbekistan side meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Samarkand.
Check-out from the hotel before noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. At 16:00 transfer to the railway station. Take the high-speed Afrosiyob train departing to Tashkent at 17:00 (300 km). Scheduled arrival time is 19:10. Pick-up and transfer to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
At 07:00 transfer to the train station. Take train №60 departing to Kokand at 08:05. You will arrive at 12:00. Meet your guide and driver and start sightseeing tour in Ferghana Valley. Visit Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque and Norbut-biy Madrasah. Drive to Ok Yer village to the house of craftsman Bakhrom-aka to visit a traditional Kyrgyz family that makes wool carpets. Continue driving to Fergana city (80 km). Visit Akhmad Al-Fergani Park in Fergana. Check in to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
In the morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border point. After you cross both border checkpoints, a Kyrgyz guide and driver will meet you and transfer to Osh.
Have a short city tour in Osh, which according to legends was founded by King Solomon 3000 years ago.
Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar that has not changed its location from the times when Osh was an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. In the afternoon transfer to local airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.
Have a short city tour in Osh, which according to legends was founded by King Solomon 3000 years ago.
Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar that has not changed its location from the times when Osh was an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. In the afternoon transfer to local airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to National Park Ala-Archa (40 km, 50 min) which attracts visitors with its beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails. The fast-flowing Ala-Archa River runs through this alpine gorge, surrounded by snowy peaks with steep forested slopes. Enjoy free time or have a hike/trek in the park. Return to Bishkek in the afternoon for a short sightseeing tour: visit Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas. See Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. At 17:30, transfer to the airport for evening flight to Almaty (19:55 – 20:45, KC 110). Transfer to the hotel on arrival.
Check-out from the hotel before noon. Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start the sightseeing tour in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill, visit Medeo Gorge. Transfer to Almaty International Airport. End of the tour.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Accommodation:
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City
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Comfort Option
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Economy Option
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Nights
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Tashkent
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2
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Samarkand
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2
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Fergana
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1
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Bishkek
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1
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Almaty
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Iris
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1
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- 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 with English speaking guides in each country (NB: in Uzbekistan there will be different guides in each city);
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Economy/Business class tickets on trains Tashkent-Samarkand-Tashkent, Tashkent-Kokand;
- Economy class tickets for flights Osh-Bishkek, Bishkek-Almaty;
- Visa support letter for Uzbekistan visa.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Consular fees for tourist visas;
- Visa support for Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan tourist visas;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Personal travel insurance.
