Top Rated Cultural, religious historic sites Tours Across the Globe
The best Cultural, religious historic sites trips through-out the world. We offer over 3,100 Cultural, religious historic sites trips with more than 26,200 reviews from the best destination experts only.
9 Cultural, religious and historic sites Tours with 43 Reviews
The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Ashgabat to Almaty
4.9
This was a trip full of variety and dramatic scenery, from the surreal Ashgabat, the amazing Darvaza crater, the beautiful mosques and madrasahs of Samarkand and Bukhara to the truly majestic and ever changing scenery of the Kyrgyzstan mountains. Each of the 5 countries had its own unique character. There are some long journeys but they are full of continuing interest with lots of worthwhile stops on route. 99% of the accommodation was very comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean.
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
4.8
Great tours in two very different and interesting countries. The CEO’s enhanced the overall experience and I would highly recommend this tour!
The Five Stans of the Silk Road
5
This was a wonderful tour in an amazing part of the world, with stunning varied scenery, friendly people, and beautiful ancient buildings. Our G Adventures tour was excellent, and this company will be the first I consider for future travels.
Wonders of the Silk Road
4.8
Overall, this was an excellent trip and one of the best I have done with Explore over very many years. It was certainly helped by having a good, small group and two superb leaders (one in each country), who were extremely knowledgeable and very personable. The local guides were also outstanding. The sights were extraordinary (the Islamic architecture is simply breath-taking), the people were lovely and I did not mind the long drives (on spacious air conditioned coaches) or the 9.5 hour train journey. to Samarkand As expected, the trip’s pace was full-on. As a group we took advantage of the optional extras offered and I would recommend that others seriously consider those too, especially the spectacular Uzbek music and dance show at the Grand Hall in Samarkand. Hotel accommodation was better than I had expected and generally pretty good. If I have a criticism it is that the trip should perhaps be a day longer. It would have been nice to have spent more time in Khiva and the last day in Tashkent was too long, tiring and rushed. Thankfully, I had booked an extra day in the city, although others had early morning flights. While Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are very different, I much preferred the time we spent in the latter.
The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Almaty to Ashgabat
Vast deserts, open steppe, fertile valleys and striking mountain ranges shape the landscapes of the Five Stans, the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Their towns and cities reveal the movement of armies, traders, and scholars over millennia: Greek and Persian campaigns, Mongol expansion, Silk Road exchange, ambitious astronomers, and Soviet-era experiments. Encounter traditional villages, intricately tiled madrassas, alpine lakes, lively markets and wide boulevards − a vivid portrait of a region where histories overlap and contemporary Central Asian culture continues to evolve in fascinating ways.
About this trip: We have two versions of this trip. One starts in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the other runs in reverse. Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar – the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. This itinerary runs from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. The other itinerary runs from Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, includes Son Kul Lake and there are two nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan.
Tashkent to Ashgabat
Step off the tourist map and into the heart of Central Asia with the "Tashkent to Ashgabat" tour—a moderately active, 11-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Designed for adventurous explorers, this small group trip guides you from the vibrant avenues of Tashkent to the surreal landscapes of Ashgabat, connecting ancient Silk Road cities and the mysterious deserts in between.
Wander Khiva’s technicolored minarets at sunset, experience the daily rhythms of rural Turkmen life with a mountain village stay, and visit a local horse breeder to discover the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses. Delve into Silk Road history as you traverse the ruins of Merv, and marvel at the fiery "Gates of Hell" crater with an unforgettable sunset visit.
Your journey concludes in Ashgabat, a city where Soviet legacy and futuristic ambition collide in dazzling style. Throughout, local guides offer rich insights, ensuring you experience authentic hospitality and hidden stories.
What sets this trip apart? Its unique blend of historical intrigue, cultural immersion, and access to remote, rarely-visited sites—perfect for travelers who seek discovery far beyond the ordinary tourist trail.
Bishkek to Ashgabat
Central Asia’s ancient wonders and stark beauty await on the "Bishkek to Ashgabat" tour—a 27-day overland city sightseeing journey weaving through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Traverse tranquil Son-Kol Lake, spot wildlife near Chychkan Gorge, and summit Sulumain-too Mountain in Osh, immersing yourself in landscapes as diverse as they are awe-inspiring.
Explore the blue-tiled mosques and historic streets of Samarkand, then journey into Turkmenistan for otherworldly moments at the ‘Gates of Hell’ and futuristic Ashgabat. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover relics of the Silk Road, marvel at ancient cities, and meet welcoming communities that make the region unforgettable.
The defining feature of this trip is its rare, comprehensive access to a region few travelers know—uniting history, culture, and natural splendor over nearly a month. For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour package opens the door to Central Asia’s most intriguing treasures.
Central Asia: Five Stans Express
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.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Explorer
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.