Journey through Central Asia

Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is yours to relax. Later enjoy a welcome lunch before embarking on a city tour.

Start the day with a city tour visiting Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Walk around Ala Too Square and Old Parliament Square before transferring to Victory Square. Drive to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike, enjoying the picturesque scenery of snow-capped mountains and freshwater rivers. Return to Bishkek for an afternoon at leisure.

Travel to Chong Kemin National Park, where you will have the chance to walk through the foothills as well as experience local village life.

Today we drive to Kochkor village , the centre of Kyrgyz national felt handicrafts. Here you will be able to see how the traditional Kygyz wool carpets, called ‘shyrdak’, are made. Continue driving to Bokonbayevo village and watch a demonstration of Eagle Hunting.

Visit Skazka Canyon followed by and Barskoon Gorge to take a light hike to a waterfall named ‘Tears of Leopard’. Arrive in Karakol late this afternoon.

Visit the Przhevalsky Museum and see the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jety-Orguz where you can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone.

Rise early for the bustling Karakol Sunday Animal Market. In the afternoon, drive through breathtaking scenery to visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, before crossing the border into Kazahkstan, finishing the day in the countries largest city of Almaty.

This morning, discover the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to the Panfilov heroes of an Alma-Ata Infantry as well as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church made entirely of wood. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatau mountains and Medeu, an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink, located at the height of 1,690 metres. Go on to visit Shymbulak, a mountain resort located 2,260 metres above sea level. Continue to Kok Tobe, before taking a ride on a cable car for magnificent panoramic views of the city. You will return to your hotel afterwards, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

You have the day at leisure before flying late this afternoon to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan

Today vist the famous Museum of National Antiquities. Walk through the botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stop at the Ismoili Somoni monument. After lunch visit the historical Fortress of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of life

Visit the breathtaking Lake Iskander Kul on the way to Khujand.

Enjoy a tour of Khujand, visiting Pushkin Square, Timur Malik's Fortress and the atmospheric Panjshanbe Bazaar. Travel to Tashkent this afternoon.

Take a step back in time in the old town and explore the Tila Shaikh mosque, home to rare copies of the Koran. Stop at Chorsu Bazaar. Visit the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov, and explore the history of ceramics. Admire the opulently decorated Tashkent Metro.

Drive to Samarkand, where after checking into your hotel you will visit the iconic Registan Square, the heartbeat of Samarkand. Admire the three beautiful madrassahs on the square's perimeter.

This morning, see Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane. Next continue to Bibi-Khanum Friday Mosque and Shah-I-Zinda before visiting Ulugh Beg Observatory. Later see the ancient settlement of Afrosiab.

Head out of Samarkand to the town of Shakhrisabz where you will explore the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat Cemetery and KokGumbas Mosque. Continue your journey this afternoon as you make your way to Bukhara.

Explore one of the most famous spots on the Silk Road. Visit sites including Nadir Devanbegi Madrassah, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara.

Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy some downtime this afternoon.

Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert, to the fabulous Silk Road city of Khiva, unrivalled by its 10th century city walls. You will stop at Amudarya river bank before continuing to Khiva.

Explore ancient Khiva, discovering the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city of Itchan Kala including the mighty Kuhna Ark and the turquoise-tiled Islam-Khodja. In the afternoon see the Friday Mosque and Tash Hauli Palace

Transfer overland to Kunya-Urgench, the once-glorious capital of the Khorezm Empire in and now UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its magnificent mausoleums, the Kutlug Timur minaret and the fabled al-Mamun's Academy of Sciences. Fly to Ashgabat this evening, the nation's capital.

This morning is free to relax before a visit to a local stud farm to learn about beautiful Akhal Tekes horses. Visit the Kipchak complex, the largest mosque in Turkmenistan then learn about the country's unique history at the National Museum of History and Ethnography.

Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary affter to visit the local History Museum.

Fly back to Ashgabat to explore both ancient and modern sides of the city visiting Independence Square and the Turkmenistan Independence Monument to see the Ertoghrul Ghazi mosque. Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater to walk around the crater as dusk approaches. Enjoy a nomad-inspired dinner under the stars, with a spectacular view of the crater and its glowing flames. Return to Ashgabat.

Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.