Central Asia

10 06 2024

Grant Charsley Asia, Central Asia, Travel Packages 7-day tour, asia, tours, turkmenistan

Price on request

Region: Turkmenistan
Activities: Tour
Dates: Year round
Duration: 7 Days

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

7-day TurkmenistanTour

Overview:

Turkmenistan is one of the most beautiful cities of the world, recently included into the Guinness Book of Records as the Most-White Marble City in the World. You will visit the capital parks and monuments, impressive mosques and other iconic buildings. Drive to the Nissa Fortress, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The State Museum of Turkmenistan stores ancient artifacts found at the excavations of the settlements Nisa, Merv and Gonurdepe, a collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, rare examples of national clothing, jewelry, and antique weapons. There is also a fossilized piece of wood of the Paleozoic period, dinosaurs’ footprints, an 820-kg meteorite that came down in Kunya-Urgench. A drive to Mary city will have us stop at Annau, the ruins of a 15^th century Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque and Abiward, an ancient Sassanid city. Archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Abiward have been made in the last century. Visit the glorious Ancient Merv (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2,000 years. We do a spectacular drive through the Karakum desert to Darwaza, visiting a small nomadic village. We drive to the Northern province of Turkmenistan, to the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, Capital of Khorezm in X-XII centuries. Visit the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyg Timur.

Bookings

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Nice, Côte-d'Azur - City at night by Pierre Blaché

Zebra, Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Tazmania, Safari

Day 1: Ashgabat – Nisa – Gypchak – Ashgabat

Your guide will pick you up at the airport and accompany you to the capital city of Turkmenistan – one of the most beautiful cities of the world which was recently included into the Book of Guinness as the Most-White Marble City in the World. Today you will visit main tourist attraction in the capital parks and monuments, impressive mosque and other iconic buildings. You will drive to Nisa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. Afterwards you will visit the biggest Mosque in Central Asia Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak), Mausoleum of the late President of Turkmenistan.

Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 2: Ashgabat – Mary

Today you will visit the State Museum of Turkmenistan. It stores ancient artifacts found at the excavations of the settlements Nisa, Merv and Gonurdepe, collection of vintage Turkmen carpets, rare examples of national clothing, jewelry and antique weapons. The 9 halls display figurines of Athens, Eros, silver gilded griffin, horn-shaped ivory vessels-rhytons of the Parthian era, gold jewelries, medallions-stamps from Margiana and Buddhist artifacts. There is also a fossilized piece of wood of the Paleozoic period, aged 270,000,000, dinosaur footprints, an 820-kg meteorite fallen in Kunya-Urgench in 1998 and a lot more. Afterwards is drive to Mary city. On the way you will stop at Annau, the ruins of 15^th century Seyit Jamal-ad-Din Mosque and Abiward, an ancient Sassanid city. Archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Abiward have been made in the last century to about 8 km west of the Kahka station in an area of 12,000 m². The central tell is 60 feet high and 700 feet round.

Overnight is in the hotel.

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Day 3: Mary – Merv – Ashgabat

After breakfast the tour starts with a visit to the glorious Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2,000 years. Within the limits of the archaeological park, which is 1200 ha, we will have a chance to observe all constituent parts of the “wandering city”. The splendid XII c. mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, demonstrate exquisite Seljuk period brickwork and architectural décor. Then we take a drive to visit a Museum with an extensive ethnography section, including a large collection of Turkmen jewelry, carpets, stuffed animals, a fully decorated yurt and pottery from the time of the Mongol occupation. But best of all is the archaeological section, bringing together artifacts found at both Merv and Margush, including pottery, weapons, household implements and jewelry. The fine quality and design of household items from Margiana is striking and rivals the collection of the National Museum in Ashgabat. A skeleton of a Margiana priestess was once also on display, though a series of deaths and misfortunes among museum staff persuaded them to have the original returned to where it was found. From here we will drive to Ashgabat.

Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 4: Ashgabat – Darwaza

Today we will drive through the Karakum desert to Darwaza. Today you will visit a small nomadic village on the way to the main attraction and immerse into the traditional life style of Turkmen people. Then is visit of the gas deposit. Stay in a camp with tasty catering; the perfect way to enjoy this highlight. Observe the fantastic view of the crater at daylight and at night, feel the heat and listen to the wind and the sound that this giant oven creates. Overnight is in a tent under the starry sky.

Day 5: Darwaza – Kone Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat

After the breakfast is drive to North province of Turkmenistan, to the architectural monuments of Old Urgench, Capital of Khorezm in X-XII centuries. Visit the Mausoleum of Najm al-Din al-Kubra, Tyurabek Khanum, Il-Arslan, Tekesh Ibn Hadzhibey, the highest minaret in Central Asia Kutlyg Timur. Upon arrival to Dashoguz you will have a city tour. Transfer to airport for a local flight.

Hotel accommodation and overnight.

Day 6: Ashgabat

Tour starts with visiting an Eastern bazaar of Turkmenistan “Tolkuchka”. You will feel the real beauty of Turkmen carpets, national silver jewelers and souvenirs. After that you will drive to the horse farm to visit the pride of the Turkmen people – Akhal-Teke horses. In addition, you will have a traditional Tea party, see a short Akhal-Teke horse show and can see the racks of horses. Return to Ashgabat. In the evening we do a city tour to see the illuminated monuments.

Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 7: Ashgabat – Airport

In the morning we return to the airport for your flight out.

Price: ON REQUEST

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07 12 2023

Grant Charsley Asia, Central Asia, Travel Packages 7-day tour, asia, Kyrgyzstan, tours

Price on request

Region: Kyrgyzstan
Activities: Tour
Dates: 10 June – 20 September. If other dates are required – we can make a program without Son Kul
Duration: 7 Days

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

7-day Kyrgyzstan Tour

Overview: Starting at Manas International Airport we visit Ala Archa gorge. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range, 45 km from Bishkek. Then we do a guided tour of Bishkek including Duboviy Park, Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic. Then on to Chon Kemin gorge. On route you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and the open air museum of Balbals. The following day we drive to the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world, finally arriving at Karakol town. We also visit the petroglyphs and Dungan mosque, followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. We also visit Jeti Oguz gorge, famous for the red rock formations called the Seven Bulls, Broken Heart Mountain, then Bokonbaeva village. Next morning we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake, the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. Overnight we spend in nomadic collapsible dwellings called yurts. We visit Kochkor village where you will spend some time seeing how our national felt carpets are produced.

Bookings Click here to book your luxury holiday

Day 1: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek

Your guide will pick you up at Manas International Airport and accompany you to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, just a 30-minute drive from the airport. In the morning we will visit Ala Archa gorge. It is a Natural Park. At the Soviet Time only V.I.P. people had permission to go for a walk here. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is just 45 km from Bishkek. You can have a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we return to Bishkek. The second half of the day is dedicated to a guided tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting \ Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. This overnight will be in a hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin

Today you will be transferred to Chon Kemin gorge. On route to the gorge you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). After an interesting excursion and climbing on the top of the tower is transfer to Chon Kemin gorge. In the afternoon we will have 3 hours of horse riding. Your route will go high in the mountains and you will even ride horses through a mountain forest. On the top you will see the panorama view of the gorge. The night will be in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Chon Kemin – Issyk Kul lake northern shore – Karakol

Today you will drive to the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m above sea level). The lake is called “the pearl of Central Asia”. For more than 1 500 years local people considered the lake to be a sacred one. You can come up to the lake and to see mountains all around it. Today you will drive along the whole northern shore and arrive to Karakol town. Also we will visit today a place with ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs. In Karakol we will visit the Dungan mosque. It was built in Chinese style without using a single nail. It will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in a hotel.

Day 4: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor

Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Also you will see there the Broken Heart Mountain. If you want it is possible to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. Then we continue our trip, breaking in Bokonbaeva village, where we will meet a local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles (a traditional way of nomadic hunting). Night is in a guesthouse.

Day 5: Kochkor – Son Kul

In the morning we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. Overnight is in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.

Day 6: Son Kul – 33 parrots Pass – Kochkor – Bishkek

After meeting with locals, we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. The road to the city goes through 33 parrots pass (3 133 m). In Kochkor village you will spend some time with a family that will show you the way our national felt carpets are produced. Also you will visit a small handicraft museum there. They have many examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. Afterwards you will be transferred to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Airport

In the morning we return to the airport for your flight out.

Price: ON REQUEST

Smarttraveller in Australia

Keep up to date on overseas travel information. We recommend you visit smartraveller.gov.au on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website or phone toll free on 1300 139 281.

28 09 2023

Grant Charsley Asia, Central Asia, Travel Packages 8-day tour, asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, tours

Price on request

Region: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Activities: Tour
Dates: Year Round
Duration: 8 Days

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

8-day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Tour

Overview:

Starting at Almaty city you will visit the Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Medeo Gorge, Shymbulak resort. Next is Kok-Tobe Hill, Almaty cableway. We follow this is with a trip to Charyn Canyons, Castles Valley, Saty village. Next you will visit Karakol city, Dungan mosque, an old wooden Orthodox Church, the museum of M.V. Prejvalsky and visit local bazar. The following day we visit Jeti Oguz gorge, Broken Heart Mountain, Bokonbaeva village, meet a local eagle-hunter, then transfer to Kochkor village. Visit the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake via Kalmak Ashu and Moldo Ashu Pass. Take a look at Burana Tower, then on to Bishkek city. Ala Archa gorge is the next stop, on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. In Bishkek, you will visit Pobeda Square, Duboviy Park, Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and more. The last day you will visit our Asian Bazaar, later transferring to the border and back to Almaty.

Bookings

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Day 1: Almaty

Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany to Almaty city, where we do a city tour. You will visit the Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping.

The tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. After exploration of sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge, well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort.

Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will get by the picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.

Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Saty

Today you will have a day trip to Charyn Canyons, one of the natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old, with its vertical cliffs, and ancient castles. The canyon was created by wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon, during which you will hear a lot of interesting information about the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions.

As soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about the long drive – so much so you will be impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grand panorama and then have a walk through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls overhanging around you.

In the evening is transfer to Saty village.

Night is at the homestay.

Day 3: Saty – Kazakh-Kyrgyz border – Karakol

In the morning you are transferred to the border. The guide will meet you and accompany to Karakol city, a a small town of green avenues and wooden cottages located just to the east of the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and 10 km the west is the shoreline of Lake Issyk Kul.

Karakol was founded in 1869 as a Russian garrison, and grew rapidly as explorers passed through the town on their way deeper into the Tian Shan. The city grew as Dungans fled violence in China in the 1880s and resettled in Karakol. Then, in 1888, the Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky died in Karakol, and the town was renamed in his honor. In 1921, Karakol was given its original name back, only to have the decision reversed by Stalin in 1939. In 1991, Karakol once again became Karakol.

Day 3 sees us taking a sightseeing tour.

In the morning we will visit the Dungan mosque. It was built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. Also you will visit the museum of M.V. Prejvalsky, one of the world’s greatest explores. After this you can visit local bazar.

Night is at the hotel.

Day 4: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor

We continue our trip, breaking in Bokonbaeva village, where we will meet a local eagle-hunter who hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles (a traditional way of nomadic hunting).

Transfer to Kochkor village.

Night is at the guesthouse.

Day 5: Kochkor – Kalmak Ashu Pass – Moldo Ashu Pass – Son Kul Lake

After breakfast we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake via Kalmak Ashu and Moldo Ashu Pass. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings.

Night is at the yurts.

Day 6: Son Kul Lake – Kalmak Ashu Pass – Kochkor – Burana – Bishkek

In the morning you will be transferred to Kochkor village via Kalmak Ashu Pass. The road will go along amazing gorge and you will drive today over Kalmak Ashu pass that is 3,225 meters high. In Kochkor village you will spend some time with a family that will show you the way our national felt carpets are produced. Also you will visit a small handicraft museum there. On route to the gorge, you will visit Burana Tower. It is a minaret dating from the 11th century. Afterwards you will be transferred to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city.

Night is at the hotel.

Day 7: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek

In the morning we will visit Ala Archa gorge. It is a Natural Park. At the Soviet Time only V.I.P. people had permission to go for a walk here. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is just 45 km from Bishkek. You can have a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we return to Bishkek.

The second half of the day is dedicated to a guided tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest.

Night is at the hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek – Kyrgyz-Kazakh border – Almaty – Airport

In the morning we will visit our Asian Bazaar! We will show it to you today and you will be able to take a lot of dynamic photos of bustling local life. This bazaar is a noisy and colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods.

Afterwards we transfer to the Kordai border point where you will meet your guide.

Transfer to Almaty airport to catch back flight.

Price: ON REQUEST

Smarttraveller in Australia

Keep up to date on overseas travel information. We recommend you visit smartraveller.gov.au on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website or phone toll free on 1300 139 281.

31 07 2023

GWS Central Asia, Travel Packages japan, tour

Price on request

Region: Japan
Activities: Tour
Dates: Year Round
Duration: 12 Days

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

12-day Japan Tour

Overview:

Join us on a journey along the Tokaido Trail, the primary route of the Edo Period linking Tokyo and Kyoto. Our Golden Route of Japan tour will take you to Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and all the must-visit stops between Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour highlights the top destinations in Japan that are worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure!

Bookings

Click here to book your luxury holiday

Lioness, Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Safari

Day 1: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Spend the Day exploring vibrant Tokyo—one of the world’s most populous cities—by public transit. Experience the traditional side of the Japanese capital on a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then get a glimpse of the city’s quirky, modern side on a walk through Harajuku, a centre of Japanese pop culture and a great place to sit back and people watch. In Harajuka we catch a glimpse of the pop culture phenomenon of Kawaii. Directly translated as “cute,” this Japanese cultural movement is reflected through various avenues of entertainment, toys, personal style, attitude, and cuisine.

Day 3: Tokyo

This morning, set out to visit the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market. Learn about Japan’s massive fishing industry, and round off the experience with a sushi-making class. Learn how to identify the freshest fish, prepare, fillet, and present; then enjoy a taste of your tasty creations. After your sushi lunch, take a stroll in Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo.

Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.

Day 4: TOKYO TO HAKONE

Before we leg it out of Japan’s capital we have some very serious business to tend to – a guided tour of famous Tsukiji – the world’s largest and busiest fish market. Here, why not opt to learn the art of sushi making, or just kick back in one of the markets sushi bars and soak in the atmosphere.Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo’s fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & spend the night in a traditional guesthouse where we’ll be treated to some local Japanese hospitality.

Japan streets, by Negative Space on Pexels

Day 5: HAKONE TO TAKAYAMA

Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, well hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Romantic, right?Mountainside city escape. Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range, the Hida Mountains. Famous for its samurai history and thriving foodie scene, this one will have you taking snaps at every turn. Relaxation stations.

After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, its perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama. Don’t worry about missing anything we have all day tomorrow here to explore.

Day 6: TAKAYAMA

Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Grab a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese footbath. There’s not many places where relaxation feels quite like this. Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won’t want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner.

Day 7: TAKAYAMA TO HIROSHIMA

In usual circumstances, we’d be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whipping us to Hiroshima, it’s hard not to get excited. We did it! We travelled on land at a casual 320 kilometres per hour on the Shinkansen – the world’s fastest train. That’s a big old tick off the Japan bucket list. Hiroshima is yours this afternoon to explore your way.

Day 8: HIROSHIMA

A morning of reflection. The site of the world’s first nuclear bombing, Hiroshima, has now been declared a City of Peace. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum. A gateway island. Well, take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t). Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more … and dinner! Well, that’s the end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.

Day 9: HIROSHIMA TO KYOTO

With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind. Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty – it looks like we’re in Kyoto! We won’t waste a minute peeling back this city’s layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & the Gion Area with our guide. You’ll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas. If that means wearing a kimono and platforms, we’re right here to applaud you.

Day 10: KYOTO

Venture to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari shrine just outside of Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Walk under the temple’s iconic red gates, where a scene from Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. Spend the rest of the Day discovering ancient Nara, the site of Japan’s earliest capital. Visit the impressive Todaiji temple—home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world—and wander the walkways of Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines.

Day 11: KYOTO

This morning, we visit a local temple to learn about the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Meet with a local monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy, then head to the shimmering Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion,” one of Kyoto’s most magnificent sites. Later, we’ll learn the basics of samurai etiquette and the practice of kembu, or traditional Japanese swordplay. Try your hand at this delicate art form, and witness a memorable performance by kembu masters.

Day 12: OSAKA

Daparture from Osaka. Hope you’ve enjoyed Japan.

Price: ON REQUEST

Smarttraveller in Australia

Keep up to date on overseas travel information. We recommend you visit smartraveller.gov.au on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website or phone toll free on 1300 139 281.

03 01 2018

GWS Central Asia, Travel Packages cold war, cosmas, Moscow, Russia

Price on request

Region: Beyond Russia
Activities: Sight-seeing Tour
Dates: Year Round
Duration: 7 days

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

Itinerary

Overview:

We invite you to Uzbekistan, republic located in Central Asia. In different periods of its history territory of present Uzbekistan were part of Persia, empire of Alexander the Great, Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, Arab Caliphate, Seljuk Empire, the Khwarazmian state, Mongol Empire, Timurid Empire. In 1868-1876 Russia captured three small states (Emirate of Bukhara, Khanate of Khiva, Khanate of Kokand) that existed in the territories of Uzbekistan since disintegration of Timurid Empire. During national delimitation in the Soviet Union Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was created in 1924 including territories of Uzbekistan and Tadzhikistan. In 1929 separate Tadzhik Soviet Socialist Republic was created and present borders of Uzbekistan were fixed. After disintegration of the USSR (1991) Uzbekistan became an independent republic.

Bookings

Click here to book your luxury holiday

Day 1:

Arrive to Tashkent.

Transfer to the City Palace (4-star hotel). Accommodation from 14:00

Day 2:

Breakfast. Transfer to railway station.

08:00 Departure for Bukhara on train No 010F.

15:00 Arrival in Bukhara. Transfer to the Lyabi House (3-star hotel). In the afternoon visit picturesque central Lyab-i-Hauz square formed with XVI-XVII cc. buildings grouped round one of the few remaining hauz (ponds) kept in the city. Until the Soviet period there were many such ponds which were the city’s principal source of water but they were notorious for spreading disease and were mostly filled in during the 1920s and 1930s. The Lyab-i Hauz was kept because it is the centrepiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble. Dinner at the Lyabi Hauz restaurant. (BD)

Day 3:

Breakfast.

Full day Bukhara sightseeing tour.

Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia. It was the most important checkpoint in the Great Silk Road. You will see remaining of city wall and gate of Bukhara, Samonid’s Mausoleum (one of the oldest buildings of the city, IX-X cc.), Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Kosh Madrasah Ensemble (Abdullakhan Madrasah & Modarikhan Madrasah), Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel (residence of Emirs of Bukhara) & Zindan (ancient prison), Khodja Zaynuddin Complex, Poi Kalyan Complex (Kalyan Minaret of XII c., Kalyan Mosque & Miri Arab Madrasah), Trading Dome (Toki Zargaron, Тoki Telpak Furushon & Toki Sarrafon), Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdullazizkhan Madrasah, Khodja Gaukushan Ensemble, Magoki Attoron Mosque and Synagogue. In the evening enjoy folklore show. After the show visit a local family to experience Uzbek lifestyle and hospitality and to participate in a master class making pilaf, the Uzbek national dish made from rice. (BD)

Day 4:

Breakfast.

In the morning continuation of Bukhara city sightseeing: Mausoleum of Bahouddin Naqshband, Summer Palace of the last Emirs of Bukhara Sitorai Mokhi Khosa and Chor Bakr necropolis. In the afternoon transfer to Samarkand (271 km). Accommodation at the Malika Prime (3-star hotel).

Dinner at local restaurant. (BD)

Day 5:

Breakfast.

Full day Samarkand sightseeing tour. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world founded in the V c. B.C. The Great Silk Road passed through the city. In 1369 Timur made Samarkand a capital of his vast empire. Samarkand is an actual town-museum with world famous splendors of medieval Muslim architecture. You will see ensemble of the Registan Square (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tillya Kari Madrasah’s), Gur-Emir Mausoleum (graves of Timur and his descendants, XV c.), Rukhobod Mausoleum, Aksaray Mausoleum, huge Timur’s Bibi-Khanym Mosque (XIV c.) close to the ancient Siab bazaar, Shakh-i-Zindeh ensemble of small mausoleums dating from different centuries, Khazrat-Khizr Mosque, ancient settlement Afrosiab with Museum, Mausoleum of Khodja Doniyor (the Prophet Daniel) and observatory (XV c.) and memorial museum of Emir of Bukhara Ulugbek, the great medieval astronomer and scholar.

Dinner at local restaurant. (BD)

Day 6:

Breakfast.

Transfer to Tashkent (330 km) with stop at Imam Al-Bukhari memorial complex arranged at the place not far from Samarkand where famous Persian Islamic scholar Imam Muhammad Al-Bukhari (810-870) was buried. His tomb is one of the most revered Islamic shrines in Central Asia. Arrival to Tashkent and accommodation at the City Palace (4-star hotel). After refreshing guided Tashkent (new part) tour. Tashkent today is the city with wide streets, numerous squares, parks, gardens, fountains and multistory apartment houses. You will visit Mustaqillik (the Independence) Square, Museum of Fine and Applied Arts, Theatre Square, Emir Timur Square, Monument to Courage, Bunyodkor Square with Abul Kasim Madrassah and Tashkent metro station.

Farewell dinner in local restaurant. (BD)

Day 7:

Breakfast. Free time. 12:00 Check out. Transfer to the airport. (B)

LEGEND:

B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner

For dates and prices, please email info@gatewaytravel.com.au or call 0414955109 (local) or +61 414955109 (international)

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