Day 1: Almaty – Arrival (KAZ)
Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and a cultural hub. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After some time to refresh, set off for an evening city tour. Stroll through the vibrant streets, admiring the blend of Soviet-era and modern architecture. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Kazakh cuisine, including beshbarmak (boiled meat served with pasta) and kazy (horse meat sausage).
Day 2: Almaty (KAZ)
After a hearty breakfast, begin your exploration with a visit to the Medeo Ice Rink, nestled in the picturesque mountains, followed by a trip to Shymbulak Ski Resort for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore Panfilov Park, home to the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, the world's second tallest wooden building. Visit the bustling Green Bazaar to taste local delicacies and shop for traditional handicrafts. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant, sampling more regional dishes.
Day 3: Almaty – Bishkek (KAZ-KYR)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route, visit the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret from the Silk Road era. Upon arrival in Bishkek, enjoy a guided city tour, stopping at Ala-Too Square and the State Historical Museum. Experience the local culture over dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can savor Kyrgyz specialties.
Day 4: Bishkek – Burana – Don Aryk – Bishkek – Tashkent (KYR-UZB)
Today, venture into the stunning Kyrgyz countryside to visit Don Aryk, where you can enjoy the spectacular views and local hospitality. Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz lunch before returning to Bishkek for a bit of last-minute sightseeing or shopping at Osh Bazaar. In the evening, board a flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Day 5: Tashkent – Samarkand (UZB)
Kick off your exploration of Tashkent with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famous Uthman Quran. Stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar, experiencing the vibrant local market atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional lunch of plov before boarding the high-speed train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the local ambiance.
Day 6: Samarkand (UZB)
Today is dedicated to exploring Samarkand’s historical treasures. Begin with the majestic Registan Square, surrounded by intricately decorated madrasahs. Continue to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and Siab Bazaar for a taste of local flavors and a glimpse into everyday life. Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, where ancient astronomical discoveries were made. Conclude your day at the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur (Tamerlane).
Day 7: Samarkand – Penjikent (UZB-TAJ)
Depart for Penjikent, Tajikistan, a city steeped in history. Upon arrival, visit the Penjikent Museum to learn about the region's ancient Sogdian civilization. Explore the ruins of Ancient Penjikent, a city that thrived along the Silk Road. Enjoy a local lunch, then take in the stunning mountain scenery before checking into your accommodation for the night.
Day 8: Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Samarkand – Bukhara (TAJ-UZB)
Today, embark on a scenic journey to the breathtaking Seven Lakes, renowned for their vibrant colors. Enjoy leisurely hikes and relax in the serene surroundings. Afterward, return to Samarkand for some last-minute exploration before heading to Bukhara. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening in this historic city.
Day 9: Bukhara (UZB)
Discover the rich history of Bukhara with a guided tour. Start at the Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque, both architectural marvels. Visit the Miri-Arab Madrasah, a prominent center of Islamic education. Stroll around the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, a beautiful area with a serene pond. Explore the charming trade domes, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional dinner in the evening featuring Bukhara’s famous cuisine.
Day 10: Bukhara – Mary – Merv – Ashgabat (UZB-TKM)
Travel to Mary, stopping along the way to visit the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. Explore the impressive ruins and learn about its historical significance. After a fascinating day, continue your journey to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind with a dinner featuring local specialties.
Day 11: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater (TKM)
Explore Ashgabat’s unique architecture, including the Neutrality Monument and Independence Park. After lunch, embark on an unforgettable trip to the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Gateway to Hell." Experience the mesmerizing sight of flames illuminating the desert night sky, creating an unforgettable memory.
Day 12: Darvaza Gas Crater – Khiva (TKM-UZB)
Depart the gas crater for a scenic journey through the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva. Upon arrival, explore Itchan-Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit its impressive madrasahs, minarets, and ancient fortifications. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing the warmth of Khivan hospitality.
Day 13: Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent (UZB)
Spend the morning visiting highlights of Khiva, including the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah and the Islam-Khoja Minaret. Enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or wandering the charming streets. In the afternoon, transfer to Urgench for your flight back to Tashkent. Check into your hotel upon arrival and relax.
Day 14: Tashkent – Baku (UZB-AZE)
Fly from Tashkent to Baku, Azerbaijan's vibrant capital. After checking into your hotel, explore Baku's unique blend of modern and ancient architecture. Visit the Flame Towers, a symbol of modern Baku, and take a leisurely stroll along Baku Boulevard, soaking in views of the Caspian Sea.
Day 15: Baku City Tour – Gobustan – Baku (AZE)
Start your day with a guided city tour of Baku, exploring the Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower for panoramic views. After lunch, head to Gobustan National Park, famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Return to Baku for an evening at leisure.
Day 16: Baku – Ateshgah – Baku (AZE)
Today, visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient Zoroastrian site built around natural gas flames. Afterward, explore Yanardag (Burning Mountain), where natural gas flames flicker at the surface. Spend the evening enjoying Baku’s vibrant nightlife or relaxing at your hotel.
Day 17 - Nakhchivan (Full Day)
Take a morning flight to Nakhchivan, a unique autonomous exclave of Azerbaijan. Upon arrival, visit the Momina Khatun Mausoleum, a stunning example of medieval architecture. Explore Noah’s Tomb, believed to be the burial place of Noah, and the beautifully designed Yusif Kuseyir Oglu Mausoleum. Discover the Khan’s House, a historic residence showcasing the region's architectural heritage, and pay your respects at the Garabaghlar Mausoleum. In the afternoon, visit the Duzdagh Salt Mines, known for their therapeutic properties. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before overnighting in Nakhchivan.
Day 18 - Nakhchivan: Alinjagala & Ordubad
In the morning, explore Alinjagala, an ancient fortress offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Then, travel to Ordubad, one of the oldest towns in the region. Here, visit the Gulustan Mausoleum and the historic center, where you can wander through charming streets and local markets. Afterward, relax at the Daridagh Thermal Springs, known for their healing waters. Return to Nakhchivan for your flight back to Baku in the evening.
Day 19: Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki (AZE)
Travel to Sheki, with a stop in Shamakhi to visit the historic Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Azerbaijan. After arriving in Sheki, check into your hotel and visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork.
Day 20: Sheki – Georgian Border – Kvareli – Kakheti (AZE-GEO)
After breakfast, journey to the Georgian border, crossing into Kakheti, Georgia's famous wine region. Visit Kvareli, known for its unique wine-making traditions, and enjoy a wine tasting experience. Explore the picturesque countryside and check into your hotel in the Kakheti region.
Day 21: Free Day in Resort (GEO)
Enjoy a day of relaxation at your resort. Take advantage of spa services, unwind by the pool, or explore the beautiful surroundings at your leisure. Consider participating in optional activities such as vineyard tours or hiking in the stunning Caucasus Mountains.
Day 22: Kakheti – Tsinandali – Lunch at Local Family – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi (GEO)
Begin your day with a visit to Tsinandali, the historic estate of the Chavchavadze family. After exploring the gardens and winery, enjoy lunch with a local family, experiencing Georgian hospitality firsthand. Continue to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," known for its charming streets and stunning views. Visit Bodbe Monastery before heading to Tbilisi for your overnight stay.
Day 23: Tbilisi (GEO)
Explore the vibrant capital of Georgia. Visit the Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city, and stroll through the charming streets of Old Tbilisi, where history meets modernity. Discover the unique architecture, including traditional wooden balconies and ornate churches. Enjoy lunch at a local café before visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
Day 24: Tbilisi – Jvari – Ananuri – Kazbegi – Gudauri (GEO)
Today, venture to the stunning landscapes of Kazbegi. Stop at the Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with breathtaking views of the confluence of rivers. Visit the Ananuri Fortress overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir before continuing to Kazbegi. After lunch, enjoy the majestic views of Mount Kazbek and, if weather permits, take a jeep ride to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Arrive in Gudauri for your overnight stay.
Day 25: Gudauri – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Mtskheta – Tbilisi (GEO)
Depart Gudauri and head to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum before continuing to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town. Explore the caves and tunnels that date back to the early Iron Age. Later, visit Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, and see the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. Return to Tbilisi for your final night in Georgia.
Day 26: Tbilisi – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in Tbilisi before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the remarkable experiences and connections made throughout this unforgettable Silk Road journey.