General
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour 12 Days – (2026-27)
The Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour allows visitors to visit Central Asia’s most famous Silk Road locations. First, explore Uzbekistan’s historical cities, which have Islamic architecture and colorful bazaars. Then head to Turkmenistan’s marble capital and spectacular desert scenery. Furthermore, this meticulously planned itinerary combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient history, and real cultural encounters to create a unique travel adventure.
In addition to this tour, you can also explore other exciting Combo tours listed in the table below.
Itinerary – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour
The itinerary for the Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour appears below.
Day 02: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
On this Day
Travel to the airport for your journey to Urgench. Upon arrival, meet the driver with a Apricot Tours sign and proceed to Khiva. After dumping your things at the hotel, meet your guide and begin exploring Ichan-Kala, Khiva's fortified inner town. Visit Ata-Darvaza, Kunya-Ark, Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrassah, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor, Tash Hauli Palace, Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan, Seyd Allaudin Mausoleum, Islam-Khoja Madrassah and Minaret, and Jami Mosque with minaret. Discover the rich architectural heritage of this open-air museum before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 03: Khiva – Dashoguz – Darwaza
On this Day
Transfer to the Shavat border crossing and complete all migration procedures on both sides. Meet your Turkmen guide and travel to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic capital of the Khorezm Empire. Explore Turabek Khanum's Mausoleum, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Il-Arslan Mausoleum, and Najamuddin Kubra Mausoleum. After lunch at a local eatery, drive through the Karakum Desert to the Darwaza gas crater. Known as the Gate to Hell, this flaming crater has captivated visitors for decades. Enjoy a barbecue dinner near the crater and spend the night in a traditional yurt or tent camp.
Day 04: Darwaza – Ashgabat
On this Day
After breakfast at the yurt camp, proceed toward Ashgabat, where the desert terrain gives way to paved highways. Visit Ancient Nissa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the first millennium BC. When you arrive in Ashgabat, start your tour with the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with the Independence Monument, Neutrality Arch, National Museum with artifacts from Ancient Merv and Nissa, and Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, one of Central Asia's largest. Admire the city's majestic architecture, white marble buildings, fountains, and planted gardens before heading to the hotel for the night.
Day 05: Full-Day Ashgabat Tour
On this Day
Meet your guide and continue to explore Ashgabat. Visit the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, which has outstanding minarets, Independence Park and the Independence Monument, as well as the rotating Neutrality Arch. Explore the National Museum, which has extensive archeological collections from Ancient Merv and Nissa. Discover Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, which is encircled by exquisite fountains and gardens. Continue to Ancient Nissa to investigate the ruins of this important Parthian site. Ashgabat's colossal style and well planned urban design reflect Turkmenistan's modern character, which has its roots in ancient history. Return to the hotel for rest and an overnight stay.
Day 06: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Bukhara
On this Day
Transfer to the airport for your trip to Mary. Upon arrival, visit Ancient Merv, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historical park, which includes the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum, and medieval "Kesk" castles from the sixth to seventh centuries. Visit the Merv History Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Continue to the Farab-Alat land border and fulfill the migration formalities before reentering Uzbekistan. Meet your driver and transfer to Bukhara. After you arrive, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay.
Day 07: Full-Day Bukhara Tour
On this Day
Meet your guide and have a walking tour of Bukhara's old center. Explore the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, which includes Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa, and the Khodja Nasreddin monument. Visit the Magoki Attari Mosque, Abdullakhan's Tim, and Caravanserai Sayfuddin. Explore the covered trading domes of Toki Sarrofon, Telpak Furushon, and Zargaron. Continue to the Kosh madrassas of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa, and the Ark Fortress, Bukhara's medieval stronghold. After a day of exploring architectural and cultural landmarks, return to your accommodation. Overnight stay.
Day 08: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
On this Day
Spend some leisure time in Bukhara before traveling to Samarkand. En way, stop by the famed Gijduvan pottery workshop to see master artisans show traditional ceramic production processes like clay shape, painting, and burning. Explore the museum hall, which features unique pottery collections from various regions of Uzbekistan. An optional ceramic painting master class can be scheduled upon request. Continue your travel to Samarkand, and upon arrival, proceed to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation. Overnight at a hotel in Samarkand.
Day 09: Full-Day Samarkand Tour
On this Day
Meet your guide and start sightseeing in Samarkand. Visit Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur and his family. Ulughbek Madrassa, Sherdor Madrassa, and Tilla Kori Madrassa all offer tours of Registan Square. Continue to Bibi Khanim Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world. Discover the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a unique tomb complex, and Ulugbek's Observatory, a magnificent medieval astronomical facility. Finish with a visit to Siyab Bazaar, which showcases bright local products. Return to the hotel after a thorough exploration of this historical Silk Road city. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Samarkand – Tashkent
On this Day
Continue your exploration of Samarkand by visiting Ulugbek's Observatory, the Khoji Doniyor Mausoleum, also known as Saint Daniel, and the Meros paper plant in Konigil village, which produces traditional handmade paper. Visit the Hudjum Carpet Factory to see trained workers weave exquisite carpets. Later, transfer to the railway station and take the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, meet the driver and be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the excursion. Overnight at a hotel in Tashkent.
Day 11: Full-Day Tashkent Tour
On this Day
Meet your guide and discover Tashkent's historic and new areas. Visit Amir Timur Square, which is surrounded by major landmarks, as well as the Tashkent striking clock and Theater Square, which houses the State Academic Theater dedicated after Alisher Navoi. Continue to Independence Square, which features fountains, government buildings, the Eternal Flame memorial, and the Earthquake Memorial. Explore Khast Imam Square, which includes the Barakkhan Madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the library that houses Othman's ancient Quran. Discover Chorsu Bazaar beneath its blue dome and explore Tashkent Metro's beautiful stops. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Departure to home country
On this Day
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departing flight. Before you take your trip home, complete the check-in and exit requirements. This closes your complete tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where ancient Silk Road cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, arid landscapes, and massive architecture provided remarkable experiences. Apricot Tours appreciates your visit to Central Asia and hopes that the cultural contacts, historical discoveries, and warm hospitality will leave a lasting impression. This marks the end of the tour.
Holiday Information
What’s included
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
What’s not included
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide’s working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa for the country (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Highlights – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour
The Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour have a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights.
- Discover the majestic Registan Square in Samarkand.
- Explore the ancient walled city of Ichan-Kala.
- Witness the fiery spectacle of the Darwaza Gas Crater.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Merv.
- Admire the monumental architecture of Ashgabat City.
- Experience spiritual heritage at Khast Imam Square.
- Walk through historic trading domes in Bukhara.
- See Timur’s resting place at Gur Emir Mausoleum.
- Explore the impressive ruins of Kunya Urgench.
- Discover traditional craftsmanship at Gijduvan Pottery Workshop.
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Overview – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour
The Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour takes you on a thrilling tour through Central Asia. First, see the ancient Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Then, cross into Turkmenistan to see Ashgabat, Darwaza Gas Crater, and the UNESCO-listed Merv and Kunya Urgench. Throughout the tour, guests will see spectacular Islamic buildings, colorful bazaars, and breathtaking desert vistas. Furthermore, each place showcases centuries of history shaped by traders, scholars, and conquerors. From the breathtaking Registan Square to the dramatic “Gate to Hell,” each stop leaves an indelible impression. As a result, this multi-country adventure smoothly integrates culture, history, and natural treasures.
In addition, this Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan trip combines guided sightseeing with genuine cultural experiences. Travelers go to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, old madrassas, historical fortifications, and sacred mausoleums. Furthermore, picturesque journeys across the Karakum Desert provide contrast to the magnificent marble cities. Comfortable accommodations and smooth border crossings make for a stress-free visit. Meanwhile, knowledgeable local guides provide valuable insights into regional traditions and architecture. As a result, travelers have a better grasp of Central Asia’s rich legacy. Every moment feels immersive, whether you’re walking through lively markets or standing in front of ageless landmarks. Finally, this tour is great for tourists who want to combine history, adventure, and cultural exploration in one trip.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
