|
A
JOURNEY FROM IRAN TO CENTRAL ASIA
A
World Heritage Sites Tour of Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan |
 |
Both
the Persian and the Moghul Empires crossed beyond the
political borders as we know them today and the result
is the varied historical, cultural and ethnic variety
of this fascinating region. Our program covers the historical
and cultural centers in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in
addition to the other "stans" and highlights some of the
many wonders of Iran. This is novel program and one that
will be remembered for a long time to come.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Tehran
(IRAN) |
|
02
|
Tehran |
| 03 |
Tehran
/ Shiraz |
|
04
|
Shiraz
|
|
05
|
Shiraz / Esfahan |
|
06
|
Esfahan
|
|
07
|
Esfahan
|
|
08
|
Esfahan
/ Tehran / Mashhad |
|
09
|
Mashhad
/ Ashgabat (TURKMENISTAN) |
|
10
|
Ashgabat
|
|
11
|
Ashgabat
/ Merv / Ashgabat |
|
12
|
Ashgabat
/ Tashauz / Khiva (UZBEKISTAN) |
|
13
|
Khiva
|
| 14 |
Khiva
/ Bukhara |
| 15 |
Bukhara
|
| 16 |
Bukhara/Gijduvan/Samarkand
|
| 17 |
Samarkand
|
| 18 |
Samarkand |
| 19 |
Samarkand/Penjikent/Samarkand |
| 20 |
Samarkand
/ Tashkent |
| 21 |
Tashkent
/ Bishkek (KYRYZSTAN) / Issyk-Kul |
| 22 |
Issyk-Kul |
| 23 |
Issikul
/ Bishkek |
| 24 |
Bishkek
/ Almaty (KAZAKHSTAN) |
| 25 |
Almaty |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Iran covered on this tour |
| Persepolis
(1979) |
Founded
by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of
the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-
artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings
created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian
models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins
make it a unique archaeological site. |
| Meidan
Emam, Esfahan (1979) |
Built
by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th
century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings
linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is
known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah,
the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century
Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the
level of social and cultural life in Persia during the
Safavid era. |
|
World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan covered on this
tour |
|
Itchan Kala (1990) |
Itchan
Kala is the inner town, protected by brick walls about
10 metres high, of the old Khiva oasis, which was the
last resting place of caravaneers before crossing the
desert to Iran. Although few very old monuments still
remain there, it is a coherent and well-preserved example
of Moslem architecture of Central Asia, with outstanding
structures such as the Djuma Mosque, the mausoleums and
the medersas and the two magnificent palaces built in
the beginning of the 19th century by Alla-Kulli-Khan. |
| Historic
Centre of Bukhara (1993) |
Situated
on The Silk Road, Bukhara is more than two thousand years
old. It is the most complete example of a medieval city
in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained
largely intact. The monuments of interest include the
Ismail Samani's famous tomb, a masterpiece of 10th-century
Moslem architecture, and a number of 17th-century medersas. |
|
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2000) |
The
historic centre of Shakhrisyabz contains a collection
of exceptional monuments and ancient quarters which bear
witness to the centuries of its history, and particularly
to the period of its apogee, under the empire of Timur,
in the 15th century. |
|
Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures (2001) |
The
historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting
pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century
BC as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant
development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the
15th centuries. The major monuments include the Registan
Mosque and madrasahs, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda
compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble, as well as Ulugh-Beg's
Observatory. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan covered on this tour |
| State
Historical and Cultural Park "Ancient Merv" (1999) |
Merv
is the oldest and most completely preserved of the oasis
cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia. The remains
in this wide oasis span four thousand years of human history
and a number of monuments are visible, particularly from
the last two millennia. |
| Kunya-Urgench (2005) |
Kunya-Urgench is situated in northwestern Turkmenistan, on
the south side of the Amu Daria River. Urgench was the capital
of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old
town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to
16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai,
fortresses, mausoleums and a minaret. The monuments testify
to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship
whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the
architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Friday: Arrive Tehran (IRAN)
On arrival, we are welcomed to Tehran, the pearl of Persia. After checking into
our hotel, we enjoy a leisurely evening and rest up, before our formal itinerary
of exploring this country rich in history and culture begins.
Overnight: Ferdowsi Hotel, Tehran (2 nights)
Day 02 Saturday: Tehran
Full day tour starts off with a visit to the Carpet Museum which has an excellent
collection of Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by the Museum of Reza Abbasi.
This museum named after the most famous miniaturist in the Safavid era, was opened
in 1977. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic
periods and is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. Next is visit to the
Crown Jewels Museum and lastly, we visit the Archaeological Museums with its
fine collection including a stone capital of a winged lion from Susa and a 6th
century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis.
The museum has items dating back from the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.) to contemporary
times. (B, D)
Day 03 Sunday: Tehran/Shiraz (Flight)
Morning visit the Glass and Ceramic Museum, Golestan Palace, the Ethonological
Museum and Sa'dabad Palace. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight
to Shiraz, traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales.
Overnight: Persepolis Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 04 Monday: Shiraz
Shiraz is the capital of the Province of Fars. Our visit today will include the
Eram Garden, the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz - two of the most well known Persian
poets, Nasirol-Molk Mosque, Afif-Abad Garden, Narenjistan Museum and the traditional
Vakil bazaar. (B, D)
Day
05 Tuesday: Shiraz/Esfahan (Flight)
Morning excursion to Persepolis, which in Greek literally means the capital of
Persia, lies 60 kms/37 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis is the last and final
ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Construction began by Darius
the Great (521 - 468 B.C.) as the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire nearly
2500 years ago. Our next stop is Naqsh-e-Rustam - tomb of the famous Rustam.
Late evening transfer to the airport for our flight to Esfahan, another highlight
city. Legend has it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th and 17th Century A.D.), Esfahan was a city of Gardens
and Palaces.
Overnight: Ali Qapu Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 06 Wednesday: Esfahan
Full day tour of this magnificent city includes Hasht Behesht Palace (built in
1680 A.D. during the rule of Suleiman II, the Armenian Vank Church, Friday Mosque
and the famous bridges. (B, D)
Day 07 Thursday: Esfahan
Today visit includes Imam Square (Naqsh-e- Jahan) with its Sheikh Lotfollah and
Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon Palace (40 pillars) built by Shah
Abbas as a hall of audience and visit what definitely a most famous bazaar in
Iran. (B, D)
Day 08 Friday:
Isfahan/Tehran/Mashhad
(Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to the holy city
of Mashhad via Tehran. All roads in Mashhad lead to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza
and thus this evening our tour starts with a visit to the courtyard of the shrine
(open only to Muslims), followed by the pilgrim’s bazaar.
Overnight: Ghasr Hotel, Mashhad (1 night) (B, D)
Day
09 Saturday:
Mashhad/Ashgabat
(TURKMENISTAN
- Drive)
Our fascinating tour of Iran comes to an end today as we cross another frontier,
this time to Turkmenistan after an interesting scenic drive to the city of Ashgabat.
Overnight: Nisa Hotel, Ashgabat (3 nights) (B, D)
Day
10 Sunday: Ashgabat
Full day sightseeing tour of the capital city of Turkmenistan – we shall
visit the Talkuchka Sunday Bazaar, also known as the Turkmen’s Carpet Bazaar
then the famous archaeological site of Nisa, which served as the winter capital
of the Parthian rulers. Next visit is the National Museum of History & Ethnography.
There is a rich collection from the Neolithic sites along the slopes of Kopet
Dag mountain ranges. The Bronze age period is highlighted by finds from Murghab
river and from the sites of Margiana. The highlight of the museum is the remarkable
collection of ivory rythons from Nisa. A vase collected from the main stupa structure
in Merve is believed have contained body relics of an important Buddhist monk.
The other galleries are dedicated to the ethnic collection from famous Turkmen
jewelry to costumes of various Turkmen tribes. There is also a big collection
of the bridal decorations for the horses. Our next stop is the city mosque and
the Presidential Square. (B, D)
Day
11 Monday: Ashgabat/Merve/Asghabat
Travel to one of the ancient archaeological sites of Merve by taking flights
in/out of Mary town. We shall have a detailed visit of Merve by visiting Gaiyur
Kala, Erk Kala and Sultan Kala. We shall also see the impressive mausoleum of
Sultan Sanjar one of the powerful Khorezmian ruler. The archaeological site of
Merve often mentioned as Margiana by classical writers is a rich city, which
was part of the Achaemenian empire in 6th century BC, the city was invaded by
the Macedonians under Alexander the Great and passed through successive rulers
till it was invaded by the Arabs in 8th century AD serving as part of a springboard
for their invasion of Central Asia. In the Islamic era it was known as the ‘Mother
of the cities’, which flourished as an important town on the Great Silk
Road running to Parthia. It was invaded by the Mongols in 13th century who depopulated
the city by mercilessly killing more than a million souls. The archaeological
museum of Mary is situated in the town and was selected to house the finds from
the archaeological sites. There is a fairly large collection of Bronze age sites
of Gonur Tepe and the artifacts found are comparable with the Sialk and Baluch
sites of the same age. There is also ethnic section dedicated to the local tribes. (B,
Snack, D)
Day
12 Tuesday: Ashgabat/Tashauz/Khiva
(UZBEKISTAN – Flight
and drive)
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Tashauz. Meet & drive to
Khiva via Kunya Urgench, this was the capital of once powerful Khorezmia, which
was flourished under the Achaemenid rule in 6th century BC. Then was wrested
away from the last of the Persian rulers the Sasanids by the invading armies
of the Arabs. Later powerful Turkic tribes who were converted to Islam took reins
of the Kingdom and under whose rule the city flourished when great scholars of
the Muslim attended the court of Khorezmshahs. A powerful and merciless invasion
of the Mongolid hordes put an end to the ruling dynasty.
Overnight: Hotel Malika, Khiva (2 nights) (B, Snack, D)
Day
13 Wednesday:
Khiva
Today we explore the World Heritage Site at Khiva, a city where time has stood
still. Our visit starts with the main site of Ichan Kala followed by Kalta Minor,
the Kunya Ark, the Rakhimkhon Madrassah, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud,
the Friday Mosque and the Tashauli Palace and Harem. To complete the feeling,
we climb the Khodja Minaret to take in the amazing fairy tale panorama. (B,
D)
Day
14 Thursday:
Khiva/Bukhara
(Drive)
Our drive to Bukhara is through the arid setting of the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Along
the way we stop for some refreshments and see how humans have survived over the
centuries in this barren landscape. Prior to arrival in Bukhara, a visit will
be made to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the Summer Residence of the former Emirs of Bukhara.
Overnight:
Hotel
Zargaron
Hotel,
Bukhara
(2
nights)
(B,
D)
Day
15
Friday:
Bukhara
One of the grandest of Uzbek centers, Bukhara is an open museum with many mosques,
madrassahs and a grand minaret. We spend the day visiting some of the finest
examples of Islamic Architecture in the world, where exquisite tile and mosaic
work complements the beautiful brick-work; no wonder the city is a World Heritage
Site. Our visit includes the Lab-e-Khauz Complex with the Nadirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah,
the Mogak Attari Mosque and the Poi Kalon Minaret. We also visit the Madrassahs
of Aziz Khan and the Ulugbek Ark Fortress, the residence cum army headquarters
of the Bukharan Emirs that houses an interesting collection of objects from those
days and the Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, which features some of the best 10th
century brickwork, with a marked Persian influence. (B, D)
Day
16
Saturday:
Bukhara/Gijduvan/Samarkand
(Drive)
This morning we start off with our visit to a local family ceramic factory in
Gijduvan then continue onto visit the World Heritage Site of Shakhrisabz, home
town of Tamerlane. This historic centre contains a collection of exceptional
monuments and ancient quarters, which bear witness to centuries worth of history,
and particularly to the period of its climax in the 15th century under the empire
of Tamerlane.
Overnight: Hotel Samarkand Plaza, Samarkand (4 nights) (B, D)
Day
17
Sunday:
Samarkand
The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's
cultures and has been declared a World Heritage Site recently. Founded in the
7th century BC as ancient Afrosiab, Samarkand had its most significant development
in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. We start our day with
visit to the Urgut Market, which is known in this region. Next stop is the Afrosiab
Museum, located on the site of ancient Afrosiab and the Historical Museum of
Uzbek Culture & Art, with the wooden coffin of Tamerlane and a large copy
of the Koran. We culminate the day with a visit to the Ulugbek’s Obervatory & Gur
Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. (B, D)
Day
18
Monday:
Samarkand
We save the best for last. Our tour today takes us to the major monuments and
includes the Registan Mosque and the adjoining madrassas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque,
the Shakhi-Zinda compound. (B, D)
Day
19
Tuesday:
Samarkand/Penjikent/Samarkand
Today we make an attempt at crossing into TAJIKISTAN. The border crossing is
subject to rules that keep on changing, one of the notorious features of daily
life in Central Asia. Our objective is to the see the site of the ancient city
of Sogdiana at Penjikent. Should the border crossing not be possible then we
return to Samarkand for a free day. (B, D)
Day
20
Wednesday:
Samarkand/Tashkent
(Drive)
Early morning depart for Tashkent. Upon arrival check in at the hotel then head
out immediately to visit the old part of the city, the Kafelsashi Mausoleum,
the Barak Khana, the Tila Shaikh Mosque and Archives, Kukeldesh Madrassah, the
History Museum of Uzbekistan and the Navoi Theatre. The evening is free, with
an opportunity to see a local opera or ballet (optional).
Overnight: Hotel Dedeman, Tashkent (1 night) (B, D)
Day
21
Thursday:
Tashkent/Bishkek,
KYRGYZSTAN/Issyk-Kul
(Flight
and
Drive)
We arrive at Bishkek after a short flight from Tashkent. Once clearing through
Customs & Immigration, you will be met at the exit gate for a transfer to
Issyk-Kul with en-route visit at Burana Tower Archaeological Museum, which is situated
on the site of a caravan town dating to the 10th Century AD. We arrive Issyk-Kul
in the evening. The enchanting Issyk-Kul Lake is surrounded by high mountains,
with 134 rivers flowing into the lake, with traditional yurts dotting the landscape,
this truly is a picturesque landscape.
Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Issyk-Kul (2 nights) (B, Snack, D)
Day
22
Friday:
Issyk-Kul
This morning we head out first to visit the petroglyphs. The petroglyphs represent
a most important source of studies on history, tangible and intangible heritage
of the ancient and medieval Kyrgyzstan and dated back to the period between II
millennium B.C. and VIII century A.D. Continue on to Karakol city to visit the
Preshevalsky Museum, dedicated to the memory of Nikolai Michailovich Preshevalsky,
an enthusiastic explorer accredited for his excellent works on flora and fauna
of the Issyk-Kul region. He was also known for breeding a tiny horse in the steppes
of Tibet, which later came to be known as the Preshevalsky Horse. Before returning
back to the hotel, stops will also be made at a Russian Orthodox Church & Dungan
Mosque. (B, D)
Day
23
Saturday:
Issikul/Bishkek
(Drive)
Drive back to Bishkek. Check in at the hotel then head out to visit the History
Museum famous for its collection of Bolshevik Revolution artifacts. Next stop
is Frunze’s Jouse, named after the Soviet General Michael Fruze, who won
Central Asia for the Blosheviks in the Civil War. Last stop will be made at the
Osh Bazaar.
Overnight: Silk Road Lodge, Bishkek (1 night) (B, D)
Day
24
Sunday:
Bishkek/Almaty,
KAZAKHSTAN
(Drive)
Head out early this morning, driving through the heart of the Zailiysky Steppes,
with beautiful sceneries we head off to another stan. This time it is Kazakhstan,
one of the largest countries in the world. Check in at the hotel then immediately
set out to visit the Zhenkov’s Cathedral, an extraordinary Russian Orthodox
Church built of wood. We then take a walk through beautiful Panfilov Park. Later we
visit the History Museum.
Overnight: Hotel Otrar, Almaty (1 night) (B, Snack, D)
Day 25 Monday: Depart Almaty
Our tour comes to an end today as we bid farewell to the last of the Central
Asian Republics. After following many branches of the silk trader’s routes,
it is our time to bid farewell with “Sau Bolinizder”, as you are
transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Check out time is by 1100
hrs. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
Sep 11 & Oct 8 & 22
2011
Apr
8,
May 13, Jun 24, Jul 8,
Sep 9 & Oct 7
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010/2011 |
9560 |
1080 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
• Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, Snack,
D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Services of local English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the
itinerary
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
•
Domestic
& regional airfares (from $ 760.00)
• Airport / Border Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare NOT INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Tehran
/ Shiraz, Shiraz / Esfahan, Esfahan / Mashhad, Ashgabat /
Tashauz and Tashkent / Bishkek |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
|
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