31 Day Five Stans & Turkey Unveiled

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Today is yours to discover at your leisure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city, where you can explore its bustling streets, indulge in local flavors, or simply enjoy the unique blend of history and modernity that makes it so captivating. Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel. Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of the unique city that bridges two continents. You'll explore the Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the Topkapi Palace, including its Hagia Irene and Harem sections, as well as the historic Hippodrome. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Blue Mosque St Sophia Museum Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) Hippodrome

After breakfast, we head to one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey. Today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels. You will have some time to relax at the hotel and enjoy your surroundings. Have a restful night's sleep for another exciting sightseeing day tomorrow. Inspiring Highlights Battlefields of Gallipoli Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, we leave Canakkale and make our way to Troy, where we'll explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the modern, award-winning Troy Museum. From there, we head to the charming village of Behramkale, known for its stone houses and narrow streets, offering a glimpse of traditional Turkish village life. You'll have free time to wander through the village, soak in the stunning views, and maybe enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café.After an insightful day on the road, you will reach your hotel in Kusadasi at approximately 7pm. We suggest dinner at your hotel or somewhere nearby to ensure a restful night ahead of another full day tomorrow. Inspiring Highlights Troy Museum Behramkale Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours depending on traffic.

After breakfast, we travel to Ephesus. Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of the town and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Temple of Artemis Ephesus Archaeology Museum Carpet Village Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Kusadasi as we travel to Pumakkale where we tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. We will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines. This afternoon, take a dip amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Inspiring Highlights Ancient City of Hierapolis Hot Springs Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

You will have an early start today and will be leaving the hotel at 7am to commence the day's sightseeing. You will travel the ancient Silk Road, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana Museum in Konya along the way. After an insightful day on the road, you will reach your hotel at approximately 7pm. We suggest dinner at your hotel or somewhere nearby to ensure a restful night ahead of another full day tomorrow. Inspiring Highlights Sultanhani Caravansary Mevlana museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Today, marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Inspiring Highlights Goreme Valley Open Air Museum

Enjoy your morning in Cappadocia. Early afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Ashgabat. Special information: Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will depart Cappadocia in the afternoon, via Istanbul. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. As you will be arriving during the night, your room will be ready for you. At 10.30am, a local guide will meet your group at the hotel and you will start off the tour taking in the city sights: National Museum of Turkmenistan, Independence Park, Ruhnama Monument, Neutrality Arch, Wedding Palace panoramic viewpoint, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex and memorial complex, the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO site and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. After an exciting first day of touring, you will be transferred to your hotel for a evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ashgabat City Tour Parthian Fortresses of Nisa Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque Special Information For more information on visa and entry requirements into Turkmenistan, please see the 'Pre Tour Essentials' on our webpage and your Trip Notes, Pre-tour accommodation:This itinerary accommodates the fact that most flights arrive in Ashgabat between 1am and 3am on Day 1 of your trip, so your accommodation is included from 2pm the day before your trip starts. You willonlyneed a pre-tour accommodation night if you check in to your hotel from 2pm two days before your tour starts to 1pm the day before your tour starts. In practical terms, if Day 1 of your trip is on the 15th of a month (for example), then you willonlyneed 1 night pre-tour accommodation night if you check in to your hotel between 2pm on the 13th and 1pm on the 14th. Due to local regulations in Turkmenistan, a maximum of one night pre-tour accommodation is available in Ashgabat. Contact us if you need further information in this regard.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel by private bus to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO site and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. In the afternoon, we will drive to the Darvaza gas crater, stopping off to visit mud and water craters along the way. The crater is nicknamed ‘Door to Hell' or ‘Gates of Hell' and has been burning since the 1980s. We will arrive in Darvaza before sunset and enjoy a BBQ dinner together. We will spend the night in shared 4-person yurts. Inspiring Highlights Parthian Fortresses of Nisa Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque ‘Gates of Hell' BBQ Dinner and overnight in Yurt camp Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Please note that the roads will be very bumpy today, and you will travel by 4WD for your trip into Darvaza. As yurt accommodation is on a shared basis (4 people per Yurt) private rooms are not provided. This applies to both twin share and solo travellers. Toilet and shower facilities are outside of the yurts. Yurt accommodationcomes with simpler amenities than hotels, featuring communal bathrooms located 100–150 metres from the yurts. Electricity that may not always be reliable; travellers requiring a constant power supply should contact us to discuss their needs.

After a camp-style breakfast, we will drive to Dashoguz through the Karakum Desert, upon arrival to Dashoguz there will be time for lunch & check out Dashoguz History Museum. The Museum is known for its collection of archaeological finds, antique carpets, and jewelry related to the ancient Khorezm civilization, as well as its modern, white marble building which serves as a landmark in the city. After, we will cross the border before our lunch stop. Here we will also change vehicles and drivers before continuing onto Khiva. On arrival, we will check in to the hotel where your night is spent at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Dashoguz History Museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours including border crossing formalities which can take up to 2 hours. When crossing the border, once you exit Turkmenistan customs you will need to hop on a short bus ride across no-man's land to the Uzbekistan customs office. This can be quite busy and chaotic, as you will be crossing the border with other travellers and locals. You will be crossing the border unescorted, however your Uzbekistan tour leader will be waiting for you on the other side. You will need some Turkmenistan Manat to pay for the bus ride across the border - this will only be 5-10 Manat, however prices can change on the border so please discuss this with your Tour Leader prior to crossing.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for an enjoyable day taking in the sites of Khiva. The historical Ichan Kala, Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, built in 1664, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajj Madrasah and Minaret. After a leisurely lunch together, we'll continue onto the Tash-Khauli Palace which was built in 1830 and is a perfect example of the Khorezm architectural grandeur of those times. A visit to Juma Mosque, Muhammad Amin Khan Minaret & Madrasah and Avesta Museum, a museum dedicated to the sacred book, will follow in the afternoon. We will then return to the hotel and freshen up before heading out to enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with a folklore show - plenty of music and dancing! Inspiring Highlights Khiva Sightseeing tour Tash-Khauli Palace Traditional dinner and folklore show

After breakfast we will travel to Bukhara, across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, one of Central Asia's largest deserts, and along the Amu Darya River. The Amu Darya is one of the longest rivers in Central Asia, around 2,540 kilometres long and was a vital part of the Silk Road. Once we check in, enjoy the evening at leisure Inspiring Highlights Kyzyl-Kum Desert Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off on a sightseeing tour of Bukhara. Ismail Samani Mausoleum, recognised as an architectural masterpiece due to its geometric forms. Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, located in an ancient cemetery and currently under UNESCO review, Bolo Khauz Mosque built in 1712 and is a tranquil site, Ark Citadel, the oldest structure in Bukhara, Po-i-Kalyan Complex, often considered the symbol of Bukhara, Ulugbek Madrasah, and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah. After a leisurely lunch, visit Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and the domed shopping arcades. After an eventful day sightseeing, you will join a cooking masterclass with Chef Oshpaz at a beautiful national house. Oshpaz specialises in plov, a traditional Uzbekistan rice dish, like pilaf. He will reveal culinary secrets and show you how to cook an authentic Bukhara plov at home! Inspiring Highlights Bukhara city tour Plov cooking class

After breakfast, we will continue with our Bukhara sightseeing. The first stop will be Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the last emir, Alim Khan's summer palace from 1912 to 1918, and the Bahoutdin Architectural Complex, which also homes the tomb of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari, the founder of the Naqshbandi order. Later, we will bid farewell to Bukhara and board the train to Samarkand, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. We will arrive late afternoon and after checking in, that night we'll head to Registan Square, one of the most beautiful sites on the Silk Road. You'll see intricate tile work and vibrant colours displayed - all different perspectives depending on the time of day visited. Inspiring Highlights Sitorai Mohi Hosa Registan Square Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, our sightseeing will begin where it ended last night–back at one of the most impressive public squares in Central Asia, Registan Square. We will then continue onto the mausoleum of the 14th-century Mongol conqueror Timur, the Gūr-i Amīr or Guri Amir Complex. After lunch, we will visit some more Samarkand icons, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the largest mosque in Samarkand, with its three domed rooms, covered galleries and open courtyard. The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble which includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings of the 11th-15th and 19th centuries. Dinner tonight will be at a national house, and includes a culinary demonstration and tasting of manti, an authentic Uzbek dish of large dumplings filled with meat and steamed in a special pot. Inspiring Highlights Registan Square Gur Emir Mausoleum Bibi Khanum Mosque. Manti cooking demonstration and tasting

This morning we will cross the land border to Tajikistan where you will be met by our Tajik team. We will drive to our hotel for the night to check in and drop our bags. Your new leader will debrief you on the day ahead before we drive to visit a local museum and Marguzor, or ‘Seven Lakes' – each lake has its own colour, name and story. Lunch will be at a guesthouse situated at the fourth lake with beautiful mountain views. After lunch we will take our time to explore the village and learn about mountain village life and their customs. After, we will return to Panjakent where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Marghzar Lakes (Seven Lakes) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours including border crossing formalities.

After a early breakfast we will head to the capital, Dushanbe. The drive is a picturesque one so make sure you haveyour camera handy! We will travel via Anzob mountain pass and the Anzob Tunnel (or Istiqlol Tunnel), a 5,040 metrelong tunnel which took several years to construct. En route we will stop at beautiful Iskanderkul, a glacial lake andspend some time walking along the shore and taking in the scenery. On arrival in Dushanbe, you will check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish.Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the beautiful Hissar Fortress more than 2,500 years old, and opposite, the Madrasah Kukhna (Old madrasah). Built in the 17th century, the madrasah had up to 150 pupils learning the Koran, the khadises (Prophet's sayings), the history of Islam and more. In the afternoon we will stop at the Botanical Garden, which showcases a wide variety of plants from Tajikistan and other parts of the world. Followed by a visit to the Oriental Bazaar, also known as the Green Bazaar. It really is an exciting cultural experience to have and get a glimpse into everyday life in Tajikistan. Purchase nuts and spices, dried fruit and traditional Tajik bread, known as non. If still up for exploring there is the chance to visit the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments We will then return to Dushanbe where the rest of the evening will be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Botanical garden Oriental Bazaar Hissar town, the Hissar Fortress and Madrasah Kukhna

After breakfast, we will travel to Khujand, a city in the Fergana Valley. Located on the Great Silk Road and the only city built on the bank of the Syr-Darya River, in 1986, the city celebrated its 2,500th anniversary. Travelling to Khujand, we will take in some picturesque sights - two mountain passes, Anzob pass and Shakhristan pass (have your camera handy!). On arrival, we will stop by the Payshanba Bazaar, which is situated in front of Khujand Mosque. The bustling marketplace building itself is an architectural marvel; its central building a striking example of Soviet-era architecture blended with traditional Central Asian design elements. Continue to Timur-Malik Fortress, also known as Khujand Fortress; Timur Malik was a statesman, and the emperor of Khujand. Archaeological Museum, the Mosque and Madrasah of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a complex consisting of the cathedral mosque, a 19th-century minaret and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin. We will then head to the hotel and the evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights The Anzob and Shakhristan pass Timur-Malik Fortress Payshanba Bazaar Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After a early breakfast we will head to the border of Uzbekistan where you'll meet your new guide and driver and continue the journey to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It is a vibrant and historically rich city, with a history spanning over two millennia. We will arrive around lunch time where we will proceed to the hotel to check in and rest and freshen up. Later, we will head out on our first tour of the capital, a visit to Independence Square and Amir Temur Square and Statue. After this visit we will drive back to the hotel where the rest of the night can be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Independence Square and Amir Temur Square Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, our city tour continues with a visit to the old part of the city and the religious complex of Khasti Imam. Here, you'll see Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Muay-Mubarak Mosque, which is also home to the Koran of Khalif Osman and gold hair of prophet Muhammad. The Dzhuma-mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali and Kukeldash Madrassah will also be visited this morning. A last stop to Chorsu Oriental Bazaar will bring an end to our memorable time in Tashkent. Don't forget to look up - the most stunning feature of the bazaar is its huge blue dome. We will then travel to the airport to catch a flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. It's also known as the greenest city in Central Asia due to its leafy streets and green spaces. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to get some rest before your exciting day of sightseeing tomorrow. Inspiring Highlights Tashkent Old City tour Chorsu Oriental Bazaar Special Information Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Check in luggage allowance is 23 kg (not larger than 158 cm) and carry on is 8 kg (55 см x 35 см x 25). Devices with lithium batteries like cell phones and tablets must be packed in your carry on baggage. If you have spare lithium batteries and power banks also must be carried in hand luggage.These are group flights and cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel 45-km to see our first amazing attraction, Ala-Archa Gorge. The gorge lies within the national park on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is a magical place for hiking, enjoying fresh air, and the scenery is just breathtaking. Afterward, we will return to Bishkek and visit the main sights. Our first stop is the heart of the city, Ala-Too Square, the main city space used for political demonstrations, festivals and events. Formally known as Lenin Square until 1991, there is also a military monument with an hourly changing of guards. You will see the large statue of Lenin here. We will also see the Monument to Manas the Great, which stands in front of the National History Museum on the square. We will then return to the hotel where the evening can be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Ala-Archa Gorge Hike Ala-Too Square

After breakfast in Bishkek we will head to Naryn. On the way, we will stop to visit the mediaeval Balasagyn city and famous Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. The 24-metre-high tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of a castle and three mausoleums was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the 9th-century. The next stop will be Kochkor Village, the centre of felt production in Kyrgyzstan. We will also take part in a masterclass in making traditional felt rugs. Local artisans produce beautiful felt carpets, called shirdak, and felt-covered yurts. Once we arrive in Naryn (located more than 2000 metres above sea level) we will travel to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Naryn is situated in a valley so the surroundings you will find yourself in are quite spectacular: the Tien Shan mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and scenic rivers. Blissful! Inspiring Highlights Balasagyn city and the Burana Tower Kochkor Village felt masterclass Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast we will depart for our day trip to Tash-Rabat, a 15th century stone caravanserai, or roadside inn, located on the Great Silk Road (around 220-km drive). We will then return to Naryn where the rest of the evening can be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Tash-Rabat inn Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours., including driving on bumpy unpaved roads.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our drive to the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the pearl of Central Asia. The lake in the western Tian Shan Mountains, is the second largest alpine lake in the world. Due to the great depth of the lake and the large volume of salt it contains, the lake doesn't have time to cool completely in winter, so the lake doesn't freeze over. We will make several stops along the way. The first one will be at Bokonbayevo Village, which is famous for breeding wild predator birds. We will view a demonstration of a hunting falcon. Today's lunch stop will be held in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, before our exciting guided tour of the Fairytale canyon (or Canyon Skazka) this afternoon. This gorge is formed of colourful hardened clay and resembles fairytale castles. Later, we will arrive in Tamga Village and have dinner together. Our accommodation tonight will be a yurt camp. Inspiring Highlights Issyk Kul Lake Bokonbayevo Village Falconry Fairytale Canyon Special Information Yurt accommodation is on a shared basis (4 people per Yurt) and private rooms are not provided. This applies to both twin share and solo travellers. Toilet and shower facilities are outside of the yurts. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After a early breakfast, we will explore the surroundings with a guide and travel to Djety Oguz Gorge, which is translated from Kyrgyz as ‘Seven Bulls' because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan spruces. We will enjoy some easy hiking in the gorge along the winding Djety Oguz mountain river, before heading to Karakol, a charming town that sits on the eastern tip of Issyk Kul Lake. Upon arrival we will visit famous sights such as the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan Mosque. Built in 1907-1910, it features wooden detailing and Chinese decoration but built without a single nail. Later, we will visit the Memorial Museum of N. M. Przhevalsky, a small and fascinating museum documenting the travels of Russian geologist and explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. We will then return to the hotel where the rest of the evening can be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Djety Oguz Gorge Karakol's Russian Orthodox Cathedral Dungan Mosque Memorial Museum of N. M. Przhevalsky Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning we'll enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel as we will be leaving for Karakol. At the border we will continue our journey to Almaty, set in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and Kazakhstan's capital city until 1997. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and we'll also stop to visit Charyn Canyon National Park. The Canyon is said to resemble the Grand Canyon in the US and nicknamed ‘Little Brother', however it is smaller. It is 50km from end to end, with the erosion made by the Charyn River creating dramatic and impressive landscapes. We will then continue the drive and arrive in the evening where you'll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Charyn Canyon National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. 800KZT will be needed for a short truck ride within Charyn Gorge - please ensure that you have the required amount of cash on hand today.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head off on a 10-hour tour of Almaty. We'll begin with a visit to the bustling Green Bazaar, followed by a stroll through Panfilov Park, where we'll see Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory with its Eternal Flame. Next, we will head to Kok-Tobe hill to see the world's tallest TV tower and enjoy a scenic cableway ride back to the city centre. After lunch, explore Medeo, the highest ice rink in the world, and visit the Shymbulak mountain resort, where you'll take a cable car to 3,200 metres for breathtaking views. We will then head back to the hotel where you can spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Green Bazaar Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park Kok-Tobe hill cableway ride Medeo Special Information The cable car at the Shymbulak Mountain Resort closed for 10 days in Spring and Autumn for maintenance - these dates change every year and are not provided with advanced warning. If you are in Almaty over these dates, alternative sightseeing will be included.

This morning after breakfast you will check out and bid farewell to Kazakhstan. You will be transferred to Almaty International Airport International and depart. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. Some flights may depart as early as 3 AM. Please note that the final day of the itinerary does not account for these early departures, which may require leaving for the airport around midnight and may result in missing breakfast