Echoes of Ancient Empires
Travel through the heart of Turkmenistan and uncover the legacy of some of Central Asia's greatest civilizations. Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ancient Merv, Nisa, and Kone Urgench, discover the mysterious Bronze Age city of Gonur Depe, admire the elegance of the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, and experience the striking white-marble capital of Ashgabat. This journey offers the perfect combination of history, archaeology, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival on Farap/Alat border (Uzbekistan) – Turkmenabat – Mary
Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at the Farap/Alat border crossing, your local guide meets you and assists with the visa and immigration procedures. After entering the country, drive to Turkmenabat for a short city tour and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Mary, one of Turkmenistan's oldest cities, where you enjoy dinner before checking into your hotel for the night.
Mary – Gonur Depe (Margush) – Mary
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the remarkable archaeological site of Gonur Depe, capital of the ancient Margiana civilization. Discovered in 1972 by the archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi, Gonur Depe is one of the most important Bronze Age discoveries in Central Asia, revealing royal tombs, grand temples, remarkable gold artifacts, and some of the world's earliest known mosaic panels. Enjoy a packed lunch as you explore, then return to Mary in the afternoon for a short city tour before dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Mary – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat
After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the magnificent archaeological complex of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest oasis cities of the historic Silk Road. Following lunch in Mary, continue to Ashgabat, the spectacular white-marble capital of Turkmenistan — recognised by the Guinness World Records for the world's highest concentration of white-marble buildings. Enjoy an evening city tour before checking into your hotel.
Ashgabat – Dashoguz (evening flight)
Begin the day at the Ancient Fortress of Nisa, one of the earliest capitals of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, stop at the imposing Türkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, then continue to an Akhal-Teke horse farm to meet Turkmenistan's world-famous national horses. After lunch, visit the National Museum of History and the Turkmen Carpet Museum, home to an exceptional collection of handmade carpets. Following dinner, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the evening domestic flight to Dashoguz (21:50–22:40), then transfer to your hotel for the night.
Dashoguz – Kone Urgench – Departure Dashoguz/Shavat border (Uzbekistan)
After breakfast, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kone Urgench, one of the most important medieval cities of Central Asia. After exploring the site, return to Dashoguz for a late lunch, then transfer to the Shavat border crossing for your departure to Uzbekistan. Your unforgettable journey through Turkmenistan comes to an end.
What's Included
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass)
- Accommodations
- All in-country transportation (cars, train tickets, plane tickets)
- Local guide for the full duration of the program
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
- Bottled drinking water, 1.5 L per person per day
Not Included
- Turkmenistan visa fee
- Turkmenistan migration tax
- PCR test
- Photo / video fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and other personal items
- All other charges and services not mentioned under "Included"
Earliest start is 21 days from today, to allow time for bookings and visa processing.
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