Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Curious about Central Asia’s hidden gems? The "Central Asia: Five Stans Express" is a 24-day cultural journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Starting in Ashgabat and ending in Bishkek, this small group trip reveals the best of the Silk Road, from Samarkand’s Registan Square to Lake Issyk-Kul’s yurt camps.
Uncover the mysteries of the Darvaza Crater, known as the ‘Gates of Hell,’ ride through wild horse country, and share homestay dinners with locals. The tour’s unique selling point is its comprehensive exploration of all five Stans, guided by local experts—an immersive deep-dive into a region where history, landscapes, and cultures interweave in fascinating ways.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with mysticism on this 19-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings in Samarkand, tap into the local way of living with home stays and yurt stays, watch the sun set over technicolour minarets in Khiva, toast to the eternal fire at Darvaza Crater and revel in the eastern-futurism of Ashgabat. Step off the beaten track and onto the ancient Silk Road in this revelatory tour through ancient lands.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Step into a living museum as you explore the wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on this relaxed-paced, 15-day sightseeing tour tailored for experienced travelers. Roam Tashkent’s historic mosques and lively bazaars, marvel at Samarkand’s Registan Square, and be captivated by Bukhara’s desert fortresses. Cross into Turkmenistan to discover the haunting ruins of Merv and the futuristic cityscape of Ashgabat, home to the world’s tallest enclosed Ferris wheel. The trip’s standout feature is its seamless blend of ancient Silk Road treasures and modern marvels, creating a richly textured journey through Central Asia’s past and present.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uzbekistan’s timeless allure is yours to uncover with the Uzbekistan Explorer trip—a relaxed 10-day sightseeing journey for experienced travelers. Wander Tashkent’s historic Khast-Imam Complex and bustling Chorsu Bazaar before flying to Khiva for its architectural marvels. Cross the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara, exploring ancient mosques, madrassahs, and the iconic Ark Fortress. In Samarkand, stand in awe of Registan Square and the Gur Emir Mausoleum. The tour wraps up with nature at Ugam-Chatkal National Park and vibrant city life at Magic City park. The unique highlight? A thoughtful blend of ancient culture and modern marvels across Uzbekistan’s greatest cities.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey into the heart of Central Asia with the Splendours of Uzbekistan tour—a relaxed, seven-day exploration designed for experienced travelers. Begin in Tashkent’s spiritual and bustling quarters, then wind through Bukhara’s ancient alleyways and marvel at the Samanid Mausoleum and Ark Fortress. In Samarkand, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Registan Square, discover the city’s Jewish Quarter, and learn about science at the Ulugbek Observatory. The tour’s unique selling point is its deep dive into Uzbekistan’s cultural and scientific legacy, providing a rich tapestry of history and vibrant markets in every city.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Set off on an extraordinary overland journey through 16 countries, starting in the lively city of Istanbul, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. From this vibrant hub, follow the ancient Silk Road, a historic trade route that meanders through rich cultures and captivating landscapes, guiding you deep into the heart of China. Along this iconic route, immerse yourself in the diverse customs and traditions of each region, uncovering the often-turbulent histories that have shaped them.
Your adventure will lead you through a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from the expansive green grasslands of Central Asia to the stark beauty of arid deserts, and from the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, dense rainforests of Southeast Asia. Each setting offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, whether it’s trekking through towering mountains or navigating the bustling markets of vibrant cities.
As you traverse some of the world's most dynamic and chaotic urban centers, you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of life in places rich with energy and character. Concluding in the ultra-modern metropolis of Singapore, this journey promises not only stunning vistas but also transformative experiences that will create lasting memories of an unforgettable adventure
Join this challenging expedition along ancient trading routes, following in the tracks of the old Silk Road. Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend. Visit the legendary 'Stan's' taking in the bizarre city of Ashgabat and the splendour of the Old Registan in Uzbekistan. Get outdoors in Tajikistan and hike in the Fann Mountains. Kyrgyzstan amazes with it's deep mountain lakes and perennially snow-capped peaks, before crossing the mighty Torugat Pass and traversing the whole of China. Pandas, Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall all await! We travel on one of our overland trucks as far as Kyrgyzstan and then by trains and local transport through China
Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road. This expedition will take you through some of the oldest cities in the world, discover the ancient trading routes through the 'Stan's' starting in the Turkmenistan capital, Ashgabat, which holds the Guinness world record for the most-white marble on Earth. We'll also stop off in splendored Old Registan in Uzbekistan. Once we reach Tajikistan there will be the chance to hike in the Fann Mountains and visit the tallest waterfall in the country before we drive along the spectacular Pamir Highway between Dushanbe and Osh. Our tour ends in the City of Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan
Beginning in the cosmopolitan and multicultural capital of Georgia, travel south through the Lower Caucasus to Yerevan. From here we will either enter Azerbaijan and cross the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan, or, take the southern route through Iran. From Ashgabat we embark on a journey through The 'Stans', including a drive on the iconic Pamir Highway before ending at the foothills of High Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This overland adventure offers the very best of Central Asia: be it stunning mountain scenery, vast desert landscapes, or ancient historic sites, there is something for everyone.
Note: The land borders to Azerbaijan are currently closed and so we cannot operate this trip via that route. Instead we are currently taking our Iranian route. We will make a final decision on which route each departure takes a few months before it leaves, based on the current situation with border closures, the schedules & reliability of the Caspian Sea ferries, and the regional security situation
Imagine retracing the footsteps of ancient traders across continents—on the Silk Road Railway, a 32-day guided explorer trip that journeys from Istanbul to Hong Kong. Along the way, you’ll traverse the legendary cities of Khiva, Samarkand, Urgench, and a host of other cultural crossroads, all while traveling in comfort with a small group of like-minded adventurers.
This epic tour package is a living history lesson, bringing you face-to-face with the wonders and mysteries that have captivated travelers for centuries. From bustling bazaars and UNESCO-listed cities to remote deserts and breathtaking mountain landscapes, every day offers a new revelation.
The USP? An immersive, all-inclusive trip that makes one of history’s most storied journeys accessible—and unforgettable—for modern explorers who crave both comfort and authenticity.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers