Overview and Itinerary

 

Unlocking the secrets of the Silk Road from Azerbaijan to the depths of Uzbekistan, this epic tour features great destinations that include some of the most amazing countries of the former Soviet Union; Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Uzbekistan each of which showcases stunning relics, enchanting edifices, beautifully decorated minarets and true masterpieces with superb tiles and the legendary past.

 

Strolling through the streets of the Unesco towns and mingling with the warm people of Central Asia you are guaranteed to be dazzled !

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Welcome...

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April 27 Depart USA

 

April 28 Arrival in TASHKENT ( 2 NIGHTS IN TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN )

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Today, we're meeting up at the capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. Though it's one of the oldest cities of Central Asia only a few of the ancient buildings remain as the Soviets came to modernize the city. After having left our bags at the hotel, we'll be out to see some of the landmarks of the city that include the world famous Chorsu Bazaar with seven domes decorated by colourful glazed tiles. It is here that in ancient times local farmers, nomads and merchants exchanged their goods. The venue was not only a trading ground but also a kind of club in which people listened to the news and the locals shouting the khan's decrees. Today, as in the old days, Chorsu Bazaar is surrounded by craftsmen's shops where they make products such as traditional jewellery, caftans, tapestries and musical instruments.

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April 29 TASHKENT / SAMARKAND 

 

In the middle ages, Samarkand was just in the heart of the Great Silk Road and  the heart of Samarkand today is the famed Registan Square. Here, we'll visit the grandest structure of Amir Temur's times ; Bibi Khanym Mosque for which the best architects, craftsmen, stonemasons and artists worked. Next, we see the Syob Bazaar, the most ancient and the largest market in Uzbekistan. It welcomes customers with abundance of fruit and vegetables growing in the fertile valley of Zarafshan. The strong smell of spices such as caraway seeds, pepper and saffron dominate the air in the bazaar. We'll be quenching our thirst here in the tea house with fresh-made tea and proceed to the palace-like mausoleum of Gur Emir in which Temur is buried. Inscribed in Unesco World Heritage List, the 15th century masterpiece is one of the most important monuments from Temurides' period. The interior of the mausoleum is truly spectacular covered with semi-transparent onyx with ophite inlays and marble carvings with lapis lazuli.

 

April 30 SAMARKAND / BUKHARA

 

Today we're heading to the middle of Kyzyl Kum Desert where another amazing Unesco town is located ; Bukhara. Here we make sure we see the spectacular 16th century Miri Arab Madrasah. Still one of the world's most famous and largest Islamic colleges, the Miri Arab has 100 students and many popular and respected religious figures are among its graduates. Next, see the Samanid Mausoleum, a true masterpiece and the first building to be made of baked bricks in Central Asia. Today's architects can hardly believe that each brick of the mausoleum was separately shaped using the best clay at the time.

 

May 01  BUKHARA / TASHKENT

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Today, we are heading back to Tashkent and enjoy free time in the afternoon.

 

May  02 TASHKENT / BAKU ( 2 NIGHTS IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN )

 

Today we depart for the airport for our flight to the beautiful city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The city is a total mix of old and new. So, it's not surprising to come across modern buildings leaning against ancient city walls. Here, we head to see the city's highlights such as the 15th century Maiden Tower that shelters the palace of Shirvanshah. Facing the city boulevard and the Caspian Sea, The Maiden Tower, the Eiffel Tower version of Baku, is one of the oldest buildings in town. Its mysterious look makes it outstanding and visited by many every year. 

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May  03 BAKU 

 

Today, we wander around the promenade and the lively Baku Boulevard exploring the the city's attractions such as the Nizami Street lined with some beautiful 19th century buildings, flame towers and the Caspian Sea. Next, we see the medieval fortress of Icheri Sheher, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Baku's old quarter and stroll through the Fountains Square dotted with lovely cafes and restaurants.

 

May 04 BAKU / TBILISI ( 2 NIGHTS IN TBILISI, GEORGIA )

 

Today, we're flying to discover Tbilisi, Georgia's ancient and vibrant capital city that spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari River, and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. The most widely accepted variant of the legend of Tbilisi's founding says that in the mid-5th century AD, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali was hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon. The King's falcon allegedly caught or injured a pheasant during the hunt, after which both birds fell into a nearby hot spring and died from burns. King Vakhtang became so impressed with the hot springs that he decided to cut down the forest and build a city. The name Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word "tbili", meaning warm. Archaeological studies of the region indicate human settlement in the area early as the 4th millennium BC.

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May  05 TBILISI

 

This morning, we stroll through the famed Rustaveli Avenue, the central street of the city with lots of restaurants, bars and nice shops. Then, see Liberty Square enjoying decades old Opera House, Theater and Parliament Building. Next, continue to the Old Town to walk on its cobbled streets lined by amazing houses with carved wooden balconies.

 

May 06 TBILISI / YEREVAN ( 2 NIGHTS IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA )

 

Today, we drive to the Armenian capital ; Yerevan. Upon arrival, we leave our bags at our hotel and walk out to see the colorful streets of the city center, enjoying the views of the most popular sights such as The Cascade Complex, the Opera House, Northern Avenue, the Republic Square and the Vernissage Market.

 

May 07 YEREVAN

 

This morning we’re departing our hotel to see some other highlights in town. We’ll also get close to the Agri Mountain where Noah’s ark is believed to have landed. Free time in the afternoon...

 

May 08 YEREVAN / ISTANBUL / GAZIANTEP

 

This morning, depart for Gaziantep with a short stopover in Istanbul. Being on the UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list, Gaziantep has a wonderful ZEUGMA museum, which is is among the largest mosaic museums in the world. Covering an area of 2,500 square meters, the museum also displays Roman-era statues, columns and fountains. 

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May 09 GAZIANTEP / ADIYAMAN

 

Today, we’re driving to Adıyaman, one of the most striking and historical cities, where the Mt Nemrut rests at an elevation of about 7000 ft with all the colossal marble heads of the ancient deities. When you’re at the peak, you’ll know why it’s in the UNESCO World Heritage List and visited by the history lovers from all corners of the world…

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May 10 ADIYAMAN / URFA

 

This morning, we will drive to Urfa and visit Gobeklitepe, the mesmerizing hilltop sanctuary. Distinctive T-shaped pillars carved with images of wild animals provide insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in this part of the world some 12,000 years ago.

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May 11 ISTANBUL

 

Today, we're flying back to Istanbul and relax in our hotel.

 

May 12

Depart Turkey
 

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Cost : Usd 8465. Land only and based on double occupancy.

 

The rate includes private transportation, top class hotels where available, guiding, museum fees, best restaurants, 7 regional flights;

1. Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Baku, Azerbaijan

2. Baku, Azerbaijan to Tbilisi, Georgia 

3. Yerevan, Armenia to Istanbul, Turkey 

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The rate doesn't include overseas flights.

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HOTELS 

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https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/tashkent/tasat/hoteldetail

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https://www.silkroad-samarkand.com/hotels/samarkand-regency/

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https://www.fourseasons.com/baku/

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https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tbslc-paragraph-freedom-square-a-luxury-collection-hotel-tbilisi/overview/?nck=191485052&ck=2083388&lk=1000679988

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https://7visionshotels.com/

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https://www.divan.com.tr/otel/divan-gaziantep-otel

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https://www.dedeman.com/oteller/park-dedeman-adiyaman

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https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gnydtdi-doubletree-sanliurfa/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-DI-GNYDTDI

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    IRFAN  BIYIK STYLE OF TRAVEL

 

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers

• Accommodation in the very best luxury hotels

• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations 

• Tailor made itineraries that perfectly fit your preferences, interests and schedule

• Upgrades

• VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations, performance tickets, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, top restaurant reservations, private airport transfers, internal transportation

• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip

• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to Irfan Biyik network of experts around the world