Road to SamarkandFrom $8,899 per person Twin Share - 25 Days - Fully Inclusive From AucklandThe most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilisations was the Silk Road, crossing rugged, mountainous and desert areas where tales were told of mystical cities, lively open-air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. Historically, the Silk Road was a remote and arduous path and one can only imagine the kind of difficulties those who travelled this renowned road had to overcome. It spanned from China’s former imperial capital, Xian, westward through to Europe. With so much to see and experience, this journey will take you along the Silk Road from Kashgar in China to some of the most amazing ancient cities such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. Along the way you will discover breathtaking sites, view beautiful Islamic architecture and see some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter. TOUR ITINERARYDAYS 1-2: AUCKLAND TO SAIGONFly overnight with Malaysia Airlines to Beijing for an overnight stay. Enjoy a rickshaw tour through the traditional Hutong area before visiting the 2008 Olympic Games site and the copy markets. DAY 3: BEIJING TO KASHGARThis morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Kashgar (via Urumqi). DAY 4: KASHGARYour touring today includes a visit to the Id Kah Mosque and the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, which was built in 1640 to reflect the artistic style of Samarkand. DAY 5: KASHGAR TO NARYNTravel from China into Kyrgyzstan today, across the magnificent Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain range) that forms a natural divide between the two old rivals. Drive to Torugart Pass where you will cross the border into Kyrgyzstan. After crossing the border, travel to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, before continuing onwards to Naryn where you will stay overnight. DAY 6: NARYN TO KOCHKOR VILLAGELeave Naryn today and travel to Kochkor Village. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a ger before partaking in a ‘shyrdak’ demonstration (making of Kyrgyz wool carpets). DAY 7: KOCHKOR VILLAGE TO KARAKOLTravel to Karakol today and visit Bokonbayevo Village en route. Have lunch with a local family and enjoy a demonstration of the ancient practice of eagle hunting. DAY 8: KARAKOLRise early this morning to visit the Sunday animal market. You will also visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a Chinese mosque before enjoying an easy hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers. DAY 9: KARAKOL TO CHOLPON-ATAThis morning you will visit the Przhevalskii Museum before continuing to Cholpon-Ata. DAY 10: CHOLPON-ATAExplore the Petroglyphs of Ibex before visiting the Ethnographical Museum in Cholpon-Ata and Grigoriev Gorge. Later, enjoy an afternoon cruise on Issy Kul. DAY 11: CHOLPON-ATA TO BISHKEKDrive to Bishkek today, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route you will visit the Burana Tower, a monument from the 11th Century. DAY 12: BISHKEKThis morning you will visit Ala Archa National Park before exploring Bishkek, including Ala Too Square and the Historical Museum. DAY 13: BISHKEK TO TASHKENTFly to Tashkent today, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival visit the 1966 Earthquake Memorial and Khast Imom Complex, including the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum and the Mausoleum of Aba Bakr Kaffal Shoshi. DAY 14: TASHKENT TO KHIVAYou will fly to Urgench this morning and drive to the ancient city of Khiva, originally a Silk Road trading post that has retained its historical mosques, palaces and tombs within its ancient city walls. Upon arrival you will visit the Kuhna Ark Fortress and wander around the many madrassahs, mosques and minarets within the ancient city walls. DAY 15: KHIVAToday you will visit Elliq-Qala, an impressive fort and temple complex, which dates back to the 4th Century BC. DAY 16: KHIVA TO BUKHARATravel to Bukhara today, Central Asia’s most sacred city with a history spanning more than 2,500 years. DAY 17: BUKHARAToday you will explore the many ancient sites of this charming city, including the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor and Kalon Minaret. DAY 18: BUKHARAContinue your explorations of the city of Bukhara, visiting the Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of Emir. DAY 19: BUKHARA TO SAMARKANDLeave Bukhara and travel to the mystical city of Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements and now a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. DAYS 20-21: SAMARKANDOver the next two days you will explore the many significant sites of Samarkand, including the Timur’s Guri Amir Mausoleum, the Registan, Sher Dor Medressa, the Bibi- Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda and the Ulug Beg Observatory. DAY 22: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENTLeave Samarkand this morning as you continue your journey to Tashkent, passing through the Tamerlane Gates en route. DAY 23: DEPART TASHKENTThis morning you will enjoy a city tour visiting the famous sites around Tashkent. Wander through Independence Square and visit the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar, the Amir Timur Maydoni and Broadway Entertainment Street. Later this afternoon you will be transferred to Tashkent airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur. DAY 24: KUALA LUMPURDue to flight schedules you will have an overnight stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Please note that no meals are included in Kuala Lumpur. DAY 25: ARRIVE AUCKLANDThis morning you will depart Kuala Lumpur and arrive home in the evening. |
Price Guide
Important note: Above prices do not include Tipping. Please note the tipping amount of US$111 per person is payable on arrival in China.
This tour departs from Auckland only, due to flight schedules. Passengers from other cities must make their own way from/to Auckland to join this tour, at their own expense. Travel Info
Country InfoCENTRAL ASIACHINAInclusions
Exclusions
Images from Road to Samarkand
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