Discover the best of Central Asia and the Caucasus with our combined tour of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. From the ancient civilizations of the Silk Road to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Sevan, this tour offers a unique blend of cultures, history, and natural beauty. Explore the picturesque town of Tsinandali and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tbilisi region of GeorgiaIn Armenia, visit the pagan temple of Garni, a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period, and the Geghard Monastery, a renowned ecclesiastical and cultural center of medieval Armenia. Discover the hidden secrets of Central Asia and the Caucasus with our combined tour!

Itinerary

5 Stans-A Journey to Central Asia and the Caucasus (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia)

Day 1: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

As you arrive Ashgabat International Airport our Flo Tours Representative will be waiting for you to meet and transfer you to our tour hotel

Day 2: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) [B, L, D]

Explore Ashgabat with a day-long tour that includes the National Museum of History and Ethnography, the Arch of Neutrality, and a visit to ancient Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nisa was one of the earliest and most important cities of the Parthian Empire, which dominated this region from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. End the day with a welcome dinner with fellow travelers to celebrate the beginning of the journey. Spend the night in Ashgabat.

Day 3: Ashgabat - Mary - Ashgabat [B, L, D]

Take an early morning flight (9:40 am-10:20 am) to Mary and drive to Merv, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remains of an array of towns whose city walls enclose nearly 2,500 acres stretch across the vast flat landscape. Merv has a rich history, with archaeological surveys revealing that a village existed here as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE. The Ancient Persians developed the city in the 6th century BCE and renamed it Alexandria under Alexander the Great. Merv was once the Silk Road’s main trading route between Bukhara in the 12th century and was reputed to be the world’s largest city before the Mongol invasion. After exploring the extensive remains, visit the museum that exhibits archaeological finds from sites excavated in the Mary oasis, including material from the Bronze Age sites of Gonur Depe and Togoluk, along with ancient Merv. Return to Mary for the evening flight (7:00 pm-7:40 pm) back to Ashgabat. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Ashgabat.

Day 4: Ashgabat - Dashoguz - (Shavat Border) Khiva (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan) [B, L, D]

Fly to Dashoguz (9:45 am-10:20 am) and drive to Konye-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of the Khorezm region and part of the Achaemenid Empire. This old town was a major trade center on the Silk Road from the 10th to 14th centuries and contains several monuments, including a mosque, the still-standing gates of a caravanserai (an ‘inn’ for caravans), fortresses and fortification walls, several graceful mausoleums, and a brick minaret with delicate geometric designs that towers almost 200 feet into the sky. After exploring this magnificent city, drive to the border, complete border formalities, cross into Uzbekistan (3:00 pm), meet your driver, and proceed to Khiva. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Khiva.

Day 5: Khiva [B, L, D]

Discover the old walled city of Khiva, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Khorezm and the last resting place for caravans before crossing the desert towards Iran. Founded in 900 AD, it was conquered by Mongols in the early 13th century, invaded by Turks in the 1400s, and became part of Russia in the 1800s. Khiva’s outer city, Dishan Kala, was once protected by earthworks with eleven gates, and Ichan Kala, the inner section, still retains its enormous enclosure wall. Khiva is a remarkable open-air museum of history and architecture, and the first site in Uzbekistan to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic district contains over fifty monuments as well as many traditional houses. Djuma Mosque, originally built in the 10th century, was rebuilt later using over one hundred exquisitely carved wooden columns. Sheikh Mukhtar-Vali Complex, a mausoleum built in the 16th century, is famous for its beautiful incised wooden doors. Kunya Ark was the stronghold-palace where the Khans lived from the 17th to 19th centuries and housed the harem. The magnificent 19th century Tash-Hauli Palace was constructed around three courtyards with walls covered with striking azure tiles and brightly painted ceilings. Spend the day exploring this fascinating town. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Khiva.

Day 6: Khiva-Bukhara [B, L, D]

This morning, you will embark on a journey to the great city on your Uzbek itinerary, Bukhara. The drive today will take you through the vast and awe-inspiring Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sand, Desert. This is the same route that was once taken by loaded Silk Road camel caravans, which were often targeted by brigands who sought to plunder their riches. Along the way, take a moment to marvel at the Amu Darya River, which was once known as the Oxus. This river loosely parallels the Uzbek-Turkmen border and is a sight to behold. You will arrive in Bukhara just in time for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 7: Bukhara [B, L, D]

After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day Bukhara experience. Located on the Silk Road and more than 2,000 years old, Bukhara has long been a focal point of trade, learning, culture, and religion. The most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, this breathtakingly beautiful city is like a whimsy from the Tales of Arabian Nights. You will spend two full days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and will seldom be out of sight of ever more stunning monuments. The Old Town in Bukhara has a unified feel, drawn together by a central reflecting pool and plaza, by commonality in the structure of the domed bazaars and by the major monuments ringing the Old Town, the Kalon Assembly, the Zindan Prison, and the Ark Citadel.

Then walk to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. The 10th century resting place of Ismail Samani, founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty, is detailed with sixteen different styles of brickwork. The Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, visited next, is not a true mausoleum, but a site visited by a holy person. You will then visit the nearby Kukeldash Madrassah, the largest of Central Asia’s Koran schools, which dates from 1417. Stroll through the capmaker and spice bazaars and then meander past street-level mosques and madrasa. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional Uzbek performance along with dinner at a former madrassah. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 8: Bukhara - Samarkand [B, L, D]

Embark on a full-day Bukhara experience. Located on the Silk Road and more than 2,000 years old, Bukhara has long been a focal point of trade, learning, culture, and religion. The most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, this breathtakingly beautiful city is like a whimsy from the Tales of Arabian Nights. You will spend two full days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and will seldom be out of sight of ever more stunning monuments. The Old Town in Bukhara has a unified feel, drawn together by a central reflecting pool and plaza, by commonality in the structure of the domed bazaars and by the major monuments ringing the Old Town, the Kalon Assembly, the Zindan Prison, and the Ark Citadel.

In the afternoon, you can continue your Bukhara sightseeing with a half-day tour. Admire the early 19th century Chor Minor Madrassah, whose four slender, blue-topped minarets give it their name. Next, continue to Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, located in the heart of the old town. With the feel of a true oasis in an oasis town, the plaza is at the center of Bukhara’s old town and is – as it has been throughout history – a place to meet friends, to eat, to drink, and to relax in the shade and enjoy free time at leisure.

After a late lunch, you will transfer to Samarkand via coach (3-31/2 hrs.). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.

Day 9: Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand  [B, L, D]

Today, you will venture outside of Samarkand and drive to Shakhrisabz, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the 14th century conqueror Timur, known in the west as Tamerlane, took forty years to construct his palace. The exquisite beauty of the enormous iwan, or monumental entryway, is all that remains of the once huge Ak Saray Palace, but still broadcasts the wealth and power of the ruler.

In the afternoon, you can visit the sprawling Urgut Bazaar in Samarkand. This is one of the best places in the country to buy jewelry, suzani, and antique clothing. The bazaar is less touristy than other markets in the region, so you can find items serving the needs of the local population. The market largely retains its original nature and is a great place to experience the local culture and meet new people. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.

Day 10: Samarkand - Tashkent  [B, L, D]

Today, you will spend the day exploring Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin your tour at the fabled Registan Square, which is dominated by three imposing monuments that are masterpieces of Islamic architecture. The Ulugh Beg Madrasa, built by the peaceful ruler for which it was named, was a famous theological school for the sons of wealthy families. Over the entrance way arch is a mosaic panel decorated with stylized geometric forms. The imposing entrance portal of the XVII Century Shir Dor Madrasah depicts lion-like tigers pursuing gazelles below human-faced rising suns, a zoomorphic motif that mysteriously violates orthodox Islamic conventions. The Tilla Kari Madrasa and Mosque was conceived as the last, largest, and most embellished structure of Registan Square and encompasses extravagant gilt decoration in the mosque’s domed chamber.

Located directly behind Shir Dar, Chorsu was the medieval commercial center. Nearby Gur-Emir Mausoleum was built for Tamerlane’s beloved grandson, Muhammad Sultan. When he died at an early age, Tamerlane ordered this mausoleum built for his burial. In 1405 Tamerlane died in a nearby city and his body was brought here since it was closer than his mausoleum at Shahrisabz.

Ulugh Beg was Tamerlane’s grandson; he was an astronomer and a prince, the governor of Samarkand. This intellectual ruler created an amazing observatory in 1428 that housed the largest 90-degree quadrant the world had ever seen, and he constructed a three-story building to support and house it. His observatory influenced subsequent Islamic astronomy, and his star atlas, constructed from observations at Samarkand, was the first original astronomical publication since Ptolemy. It survives today as one of the great artifacts of astronomy and culture, not just of Central Asia but of the world. You can view this and the excellent onsite museum. In the late afternoon, you will board your train to Tashkent. Upon arrival at Tashkent, you will be transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Tashkent.

Day 11: Tashkent [B, L, D]

Tashkent is a city steeped in history and culture, with many historic monuments that are a testament to its rich past. Your explorations begin at Independence Square, the largest city quadrangle in the former Soviet Union. Its most prominent feature is a globe with a map of Uzbekistan that replaces a 30-meter-tall statue of Lenin, a poetic expression of the birth of the nation.

Next, proceed to Navoi Theatre Square, where the opera house was built by the same architect who designed Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow. The square is named after Alisher Navoi, a 15th-century poet and statesman who is considered the father of Uzbek literature.

Then, you can see the Crafts Center, where traders have plied their goods for centuries. Here, you can find a wide range of traditional Uzbek handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. Also included in our itinerary a visit the Abdul Kassim Madrassah, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 19th century. The madrassah is named after Abdul Kassim, a noted intellectual of his time.

Finally, we will end your tour at one of the most remarkable medieval architectural monuments, the Barak Khan Madrasah. This beautiful building is richly decorated with engravings, gilt, and glazed mosaic, and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 12: Tashkent - (Oybek Border) Khujand - Dushanbe (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan) [B, L, D]

Leave Tashkent for Tajikistan and on to border city of Tajikistan, Khujand, the site of another ancient Persian city, dating back about 2,500 years. It was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century CE and was besieged and then destroyed by the army of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Located on the Great Silk Road, and connecting Samarkand with the Fergana Valley, Khujand enjoyed a favorable geopolitical location and significant transport importance.

Here, you can visit the Historical Museum of Sughd, which is located next to a restored portion of the Khujand Fortress. The museum features a wide range of artifacts and displays related to the history of the Sughd Region, including rare Tajiki handwoven rugs, Tajiki embroidery, and costumes. You can also visit the Muslihiddin Medressa, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 16th century. Dinner and overnight at Dushanbe.

Day 13: Dushanbe [B, L, D]

Dushanbe, which means “Monday” in Tajik, developed on the site of a Monday marketplace village. Today, it is a rapidly developing metropolis. Your tour of the city this morning includes the Tajikistan National Museum, which is home to a wide range of exhibits related to the history and culture of Tajikistan. You can also visit the Museum of Ethnography, which features a wide range of artifacts and displays related to the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

You can also explore the Shah Mansur Bazaar, which is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the city. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will travel outside the city to see Hissar Fortress, the remains of an 18th-century fort that was occupied until 1924. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and offers stunning views of the area. Dinner and overnight in Dushanbe.

Day 14: Dushanbe - Almaty (Tajikistan/Kazakhstan) [B, L, D]

We will take a morning flight from Dushanbe to Almaty. Upon arrival in Almaty, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 15: Almaty [B, L, D]

Full day of sightseeing in Almaty. First visit Panfilov Park named after the 28 Panfilov Heroes who died defending Moscow during World War II. The park is home to the Ascension Cathedral, which is one of the few surviving tsarist-era buildings in the city. Then comes the National Musical Instruments Museum dedicated to the traditional musical instruments of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Here, you can see a wide range of instruments, including the dombra, kobyz, and saz. Next, Central State Museum: This museum is one of the largest museums in Central Asia and features exhibits related to the history and culture of Kazakhstan. Almaty Green Bazaar is one of the largest and most vibrant in the city. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. We will take a cable car to Kok Tobe which offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for tourists. You can take a cable car to the top of the hill and enjoy the views from the observation deck. Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful wooden cathedral, is one of the most famous landmarks in Almaty. It was built in 1907 and is one of the few surviving wooden buildings in the city. Finally pay a visit to St. Nicholas Cathedral: located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 16: Almaty - Bishkek (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) [B, L, D]

We will start the day with a scenic drive, depart from Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural landscapes of the region.

In the afternoon, you can visit the following places in Bishkek first we will Central Museum dedicated to the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan and features a wide range of exhibits related to the country’s past. Then walk to the nearby Independence Square: known as one of the most important landmarks in the city and is home to a number of important government buildings. From there we will have a short walk to Philharmonic Square that has been home to the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Orchestra for decades and is a popular spot for concerts and other cultural events. Also included in our tour today is the University Boulevard which is lined with trees and is a popular spot for walking and relaxing and TSUM shopping center known as one of the largest in the city housing to a wide range of stores and restaurants. Overnight in Bishkek.

Day 17: Bishkek - Issyk Kul - Karakol [B,L,D]

Drive to Karakol, a town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tian Shan. The way passes along the south shore of Issyk Kul. Follow the way along the shore of Issyk Kul until the town of Karakol.

On the way, you can stop in Kyzyl Tuu, a yurt maker’s village, and visit a yurt master’s home. You can also visit the Djety Oguz canyon on the way. Djety Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. This picturesque gorge is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan Spruces. Overnight in Karakol.

Day 18: Karakol - Cholpon Ata - Bishkek [B, L, D]

Today we will start our city tour in Karakol. A short drive will take us to nearby Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral from our hotel. This beautiful wooden cathedral was completed in 1895 and used as an officers’ club during Soviet Times. It is now restored and in use again as a church. Then another short drive and arrive in where Wooden Mosque: This mosque was built entirely without nails by Chinese artisans between 1907 and 1910 for the local Dungans (Muslims of Chinese origin who fled China during the aftermath of the XIX Century Hui Minorities’ War). Our next destination will be the Museum of Nikolay M. Przhevalsky. This museum is dedicated to the outstanding Russian explorer of the Asian continent. Here, you can learn about his life and work and see a wide range of exhibits related to his travels.

After your visit to Karakol, you will drive to the city of Cholpon Ata, situated on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Upon arrival, you can visit the Petroglyphs site, which is a temple in the open air of Scythians and Hungsuns civilizations from the VIII to IX Century B.C. until the III to IV Century A.D. You will then drive to Bishkek for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 19: Departure From Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and Fly to Baku  [B]

Have your breakfast at hotel restaurant and check out of your hotel. Transfer to Bishkek Airport for a flight to Baku, Azerbaijan. Arrive at the Baku International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport, Flo Tours Representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Baku.

Day 20:  Baku (Azerbaijan) [B, L, D]

We will begin our tour with a breathtaking panorama of Baku city from Upland Park, which offers a stunning view of the city’s contrasts and scale. The city is shaped like an amphitheater, descending to the Caspian Sea. Our tour will cover the central part of Baku, showcasing the most interesting historical and architectural sites, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the symbol of Baku - Maiden Tower, and the medieval merchants’ resting place - Caravanserai. We will also visit Baku Boulevard, a favorite walking place for residents and guests alike. After lunch, we will visit the Cultural Complex named after Heydar Aliyev, former President (Oct. 1993 to Oct. 2003). The center’s design project was initially met with disbelief, as the construction of such an extraordinary building complex seemed unrealistic even in theory. We will spend the night in Baku, ready for another day of exploration and adventure. Overnight in Baku.

Day 21:  Baku - Gobustan - Ateshgah - Gala - Baku (Azerbaijan) [B, L, D]

After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Gobustan, a historical and architectural reserve under the open sky, located 44 miles from Baku. The reserve is home to more than 6,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) that date back over 12,000 years and reflect the life of people in the Stone Age - hunting, recreation, dance, accompanied by the melodious sounds of “Gaval Dash” (a large rock with a deep resonant sound). The reserve also has many caves that served as a refuge for ancient people and helped them survive during severe weather.

Before we start our tour of Gobustan, we will visit the newly built hi-tech museum of the same name. After lunch, we will have an excursion to the Temple of Fire Worshipers in Ateshgah. This ancient religious building was built on the site of natural gas output and is a part of the Zoroastrian chronicles. It symbolizes the cult of the Eternal Flame. In the former cells, where pilgrims from all over the world stayed, now the museum with unique exhibits is set up.

Our last stop will be the Gala Village, which is about a 40-minute drive from Baku. The village is an open-air museum that showcases the living conditions and culture of Absheron Peninsula from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The historic architectural monuments confirm that these places were ancient settlements of people. Overnight in Baku.

Day 22:  Baku - Shamakhi - Maraza - Lahic - Sheki (Azerbaijan) [B, L, D]

Leaving Baku behind, we will drive to Shamakhi district and visit the town of Shamakhi, Diri Baba Tomb, and Yeddi Gumbaz. Shamakhi was the capital of Shirvan Kingdom for several centuries. Yeddi Gumbaz (The Seven Cupolas) Mausoleum is the burial place for members of the royal families of the Shirvanshahs. We will then visit the famous Lahij Village in Ismayilli District. Lahij is a historic village that dates back 2,000 years and is now a historical and cultural reserve. Many of the 2,000 people living in Lahij are involved in ancient crafts such as engraved copper work and carpet weaving. In the mid-19th century, there were more than 200 workshops in Lahij. Traders discovered Lahij crafts many centuries ago and sold them for soaring prices at bazaars in Baghdad (now Iraq), Shiraz (now Iran), and other Middle Eastern cities. We will stop by a copper workshop for an impromptu lesson in ancient craftsmanship. You’ll get to see coppersmiths use small mallets to decorate plates, trays, jugs, goblets, and pitchers, just as their ancestors have done for centuries. Lunch and dinner will be served at local restaurants. We will spend the night in Sheki.

Day 23   Sheki (Azerbaijan) [B, L, D]

This morning we will first proceed to the Palace of Sheki Khans, a magnificent monument dating back to the 18th century in Azerbaijan. The palace is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and is considered one of the most outstanding and valuable monuments of the 18th century. We will then drive to Kish Village to visit the Albanian Church. According to legend, the church was built in 78 A.D., but researchers placed it a few centuries later. The church is a fascinating example of the region’s ancient architecture and is steeped in mystery and legends. After lunch, we will visit the Sheki Bazaar and explore the various local handicrafts, including scarves, unique boxes, a plethora of sweets, confections, and local sweet bakery. We will spend the night in Sheki, ready for another day of exploration and adventure.

Day 24:   Sheki - Lagodekhi Border - Telavi (Azerbaijan/Georgia) [B, L, D]

Today is our last day in Azerbaijan, after checking out the Sheki Hotel we will head out Azerbaijan-Georgia Border. After border formalities, you will meet with your guide and driver from Georgia. You will then drive to Village Shilda to visit the Chubini Winery. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste wines fermented in Qvevri, a tradition that dates back 8000 years. The guests will be hosted personally by the owner, who will introduce the history of Georgian wine making, local grapes, and viticulture. You will also have lunch with homemade dishes in the cellar yard with a spectacular view of the Caucasus mountains.

Afterward, you will continue your trip to Telavi to a very special place in Vardisubani to observe the methods of making the clay vessels “Qvevri,” which are essential for traditional Georgian wine production. You will also taste a wine and glass of the family Chacha (Georgian Grappa).

You will then visit the Tsinandali Estate, the first winery founded by one of the famous poets and public figures Alexander Chavchavadze in the 19th century. You can explore the site, including the garden, home museum, and wine cellar, where the oldest bottle of wine dating back to 1814 is kept. You will spend the night in Telavi and have dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 25:  Telavi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (Georgia) [B, L, D]

A scenic drive from Telavi will take us to Sighnaghi, a royal town surrounded by a defensive wall with 23 towers built by King Erekle II in the 18th century. The town had many gates through which Georgia was connected to Europe and Asia by various trade routes. We will stroll through the tiny and cozy streets of Sighnaghi and enjoy the amazing view of Alazani Valley. We will then drive to Village Kedeli, which is a 10-minute drive from Sighnaghi, and visit a horse ranch and brewery in a stunning rural setting. Here, we will have a cooking masterclass of Georgian sweet, Churchkhela, and Georgian traditional Khinkali, or bake bread. We will taste natural farmhouse-style craft beers brewed, aged, and served onsite and enjoy lunch prepared with seasonal ingredients in an open outdoor kitchen. We can relax in the hammocks and enjoy the stunning view of the Alazani valley.

Afterward, we will drive to Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel for a short rest. In the evening, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, known as the capital of Georgia from the 5th century. The city is extraordinary for its turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architecture, destroyed and restored through centuries but keeping the entire style of the Georgian orthodox religion and traditions. We will walk through the old city and visit the Metekhi Church, dated XIII century, and the Sulfur Bathes. We will take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress and walk through the oldest part of Tbilisi, along the Sharden and Erekle II streets. We will have dinner in the Funicular restaurant located on the highest spot in Tbilisi, from where the view of the whole city opens. We can enjoy Georgian meals and music performances. We will spend the night in Tbilisi.

Day 26:  Tbilisi - Gori - Mtskheta - Tbilisi (Georgia) [B, L, D]

Depart today for the Stalin’s hometown to Gori, a town in Inner Kartli Province that is famous for being the birthplace of J. Stalin. We will visit the Stalin Museum and his house of birth in Gori. We will then go on an excursion to Uplistsikhe Rock Hewn, a complex of rock-cut halls, temples, passage streets, wine pressers, tunnels where Hellenistic period is mixed together with early Christian Age, upper and lower-class hierarchy dwellings. We will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will drive to Mtskheta, the old capital of Kartli, Iberia Kingdom known as a political and cultural center from the 3rd century B.C. We will drive up to Jvari Monastery, which is dated VI century and is distinguished with harmonious proportions and represents the high achievements of early Georgian Medieval Architecture. We will also visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an XI century architectural monument. We will have a reception in Vino Underground, where the best Georgian wines from all over Georgia are gathered. We will have dinner in a Georgian city restaurant. We will spend the night in Tbilisi.

Day 27:  Tbilisi - Sadakhlo Border - Akhtala - Haghpat - Dilijan (Georgia/ Armenia) [B, L, D]

Following the breakfast, You will be transferred to the Sadakhlo Border (Armenian/Georgian) for formalities and meet your guide and driver from Armenia. The meeting point is at the Sadakhlo border at about 10:00 am. From there, you will continue to the town of Akhtala, which is famous for copper and silver mines. The main attraction of the area is the half-ruined fortress of Akhtala, which is more than 1,000 years old. Archaeological excavations have shown that the area has been occupied by humans since the early Bronze Age. You will have lunch in a local restaurant and taste local Armenian Barbecue.

After lunch, you will continue to Haghpat Monastic Complex (976 A.D.), which is among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The complex used to be an educational center of the Middle Ages where most Armenian scholars and scientists got their background education.

You will then proceed to the resort town of Dilijan. The forested and reclusive city is home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, and filmmakers and features some traditional Armenian architecture. The Sharambeyan street in the center has been preserved and maintained as an “old town,” complete with craftsman’s workshops, a gallery, and a museum which might be interesting to explore during your leisure time in Dilijan. You will spend the night in Dilijan.

Day 28:  Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan (Armenia) [B, L ,D]

Setting off overland from Dilijan for Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world and is situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. We will visit the Sevan Peninsula for sightseeing and perfect views over the lake.

We will then continue to Garni and have lunch at a local house where you will have the opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “Lavash” baking and barbecue making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. The pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built in the first century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates and is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the god of the sun whose figure stood in the depth of the sanctuary. After proclaiming Christianity as a state religion in Armenia in 301, the temple was probably used as a summer residence of the kings.

Northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The monastery is a renowned ecclesiastical and cultural center of medieval Armenia, where a school, scriptorium, library, and many rock-cut dwelling cells for clergymen could be found in addition to the religious constructions.

We will have a welcome dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant and spend the night in Yerevan.

Day 29:  Yerevan City Tour - Etchmiadzin - Zvartnots - Brandy Factory (Armenia) [B, L, D]

Spend today in and around Yerevan. We will first proceed to the town of Etchmiadzin, which is a mere 13 miles from Yerevan. Then stop at the Ruins of Zvartnots Temple - the pearl of the VII Century Architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). We will see Etchmiadzin Cathedral and walk the Cathedral area (no entrance, closed for re-construction) which is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom. It was built in 303 A.D. over a pagan fire altar. The name Etchmiadzin means “descent of the Only Begotten”. It was believed to have been designated in a vision where Christ came to earth and struck the plains with a golden hammer. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will then visit St. Hripsime Apostolic Church and exhibit in Vagharshapat (UNESCO), one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. Lunch will be at a local house/restaurant.

We will return to Yerevan to visit their famous Brandy Factory founded in 1887. During the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900, the brandy received the Grand-Prix and the legal right to be called ‘Cognac’, not ‘Brandy’. While touring, visitors are offered the chance to visit the museum of the factory. The bar offers tasting of various old and chateau sort of cognacs, which have mellow-velvety flavor endowed with a rich bouquet of chocolate-vanilla accents. We will have leisure time and farewell dinner in a traditional Armenian restaurant with live folk music. We will spend the night in Yerevan.

Day 30:  Yerevan - Tbilisi (Armenia/Georgia) [B, L, D]

Today start with a drive to the town of Ashtarak and visit the Church of Karmravor (VII Century). We will then participate in the Folk Theater “Tonats Uyts”. Afterward, we will depart to the region of Lori and have lunch at a local restaurant. We will then drive to the border of Sadakhlo for border crossing formalities. We will spend the night in Tbilisi.

Day 31:  Departure from Tbilisi (Georgia) [B]

After breakfast today, the tour will conclude with departure transfers. Thank you for choosing our services, and we hope you had a wonderful time exploring Central Asia and the Caucasus region! We look forward to serving you again on another off-the-beaten-path adventure in the future.

Note: All Central Asia tour prices will be updated on January 15, 2025.

Due to the high demand for this region, both hotel prices and transportation costs have been rising significantly. Central Asia tours are currently receiving strong interest from both the U.S. and Canada, leading to continuous price increases.

• Booking deadline: Minimum 7 months prior to departure
• Deposit: $2,500 per person to secure your spot
• Final payment: Due 120 days prior to departure
• To proceed with the booking, please fill out the booking form and email it to me along with copies of your passport.
• Please note that payments made by credit card are subject to an additional 4% transaction fee. If you prefer to avoid this fee, you are welcome to send your payment via bank wire transfer.
• Please also note that any payments past the due date must be made by bank wire transfer only.

• Transfers from airport, upon arrival.
• Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation to obtain visa
• Azerbaijan Visa
• Hotel accommodation at very comfortable centrally located 5 star or best available hotels (double room sharing)
• Meals specified in the day-by-day itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All internal flights:
  • Ashgabat - Mary - Ashgabat
  • Ashgabat - Dashoguz
  • Dushanbe - Almaty
  • Bishkek - Baku
• All train tickets
  • Bukhara - Samarkand
  • Samarkand -Tashkent
• All entrance fees for sites and museums
• Bottled water (1 liter per person per day)
• English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• Flo Tours document packet including; name and luggage tags and more.

• Transfers from airport, upon departure.
• All Visa and Visa Fees except for Azerbaijan
• International flight arriving Ashgabat and departing from Tbilisi
• Turkmenistan visa fee ($103 payable at Ashgabat Airport) (subject to change by government)
• Tips at the hotels, tour guides and drivers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any extra expenses at the hotels
• Video and photo camera charges at the museums or sites
• Travel Insurance

• Turkmenistan:
  • ASHGABAT: Olympic or Oguzkent Hotel
• Uzbekistan:
  • KHIVA: Bek or Asia Khiva Hotel
  • BUKHARA: Sahed or Asia Bukhara Hotel
  • SAMARKAND: Wellfort or Registan Plaza 
  • TASHKENT: Inspira or Miran International Hotel
• Tajikistan:
  • DUSHANBE: Hilton Hotel or Atlas Hotel
• Kazakhstan:
  • ALMATY: Rixos Hotel or Hilton Hotel
• Kyrgyzstan:
  • BISHKEK: Hyatt Regency or Orion Hotel
  • KARAKOL: Karagat or Green Yard Hotel 
• Azerbaijan:
  • BAKU: Holiday Inn or Shah Hotel
  • SHEKI: Sheki Palace or Macera Hotel
•  Georgia:
  • TELAVI: Chateau Mere Hotel 
  • TBLISI: Astoria or Museum Hotel
• Armenia:
  • Dilijan: BW Paradise Hotel or Tufenkian Hotel
  • Yerevan: Grand Hotel 

CENTRAL ASIA VISA INFORMATION :

Turkmenistan’s visa process, from which no traveler is exempt, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in Central Asia. That said, Flo Tours will guide you through the entire process, and the majority of our clients who apply for a tourist visa do successfully receive approval. While the procedure requires patience, the extra effort is part of what makes visiting Turkmenistan such a unique and rewarding experience.

Flo Tours will assist with all required documentation, including the Letter of Invitation issued by the Turkmenistan government, which is mandatory for visa processing.

For detailed visa requirements and step-by-step support, please contact Flo Tours directly.

Visas for all other Central Asia countries can be applied for online through their official embassy websites using the e-visa system.

Turkmenistan Visa Application Process

All travelers, regardless of nationality, are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan. While the process is often considered one of the most complex in Central Asia, Flo Tours will guide you through every step, making it as smooth and clear as possible.

The most reliable way to obtain a Turkmenistan visa is by booking a guided tour with a tour operator that works directly with licensed local partners in Turkmenistan, as required by the government. Flo Tours cooperates with trusted and officially licensed partners inside Turkmenistan to handle this process on your behalf.

We strongly recommend planning your visit well in advance, ideally at least one month before your intended arrival, though earlier is always better.

Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)

The first and most important step in the visa process is applying for a Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.), which is issued by the Turkmenistan government.

Once your L.O.I. is approved, you may:

• Obtain the visa sticker from the Turkmenistan Embassy in your country, or
• If no embassy is available, receive the visa upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport or approved land borders.

There is no need to mail your passport during this process.

The approval of the L.O.I. typically takes 90 days, though processing times may vary. Once approved, the L.O.I. will be forwarded to the designated embassy or border point, and Flo Tours will notify you immediately.

Please note that, in rare cases and for reasons not disclosed to tour operators, the Turkmenistan authorities may reject an L.O.I. or visa application. Entry may also be denied if local laws or regulations are violated.

Timing & Planning Recommendations

Although the minimum recommended lead time is one month, Turkmenistan law allows applications for an L.O.I. up to three months in advance. We strongly encourage applying as early as possible.

We also recommend purchasing airline tickets only after your L.O.I. is approved, or choosing fully refundable tickets to avoid any inconvenience.

Flo Tours Visa Support

Flo Tours provides full visa support for all tours that include Turkmenistan. This includes:

• Coordinating the L.O.I. application
• Working directly with licensed local partners
• Providing guidance through every stage of the process

Required Documents for L.O.I. Application

To apply for the Letter of Invitation, please submit the following documents to Flo Tours by email:

1. Color copy of a valid international passport
   • Full page showing photo, personal details, signature, and barcode
   • Format: PDF or JPEG
2. One recent passport-size color photo
   • White background
   • JPEG or PNG format
   • File size up to 250 KB
3. Completed application information, including:
   • Any previous names used
   • Marital status
   • Intended travel dates and number of entries
   • Entry and exit points in Turkmenistan
   • Spouse’s full name and date of birth (if applicable)
   • Children’s full names and dates of birth (if applicable)
   • Permanent home address
   • Educational background (highest diploma, city, and country)
   • Field of study
   • Current occupation and employer details
   • Preferred place of visa issuance (embassy or border/airport)
   • Previous visits to Turkmenistan (if any)

Flo Tours will provide the required form and assist you with completion if needed.

Important Conditions for Visa Approval

Unlike many countries where hotel bookings and flight tickets are sufficient, Turkmenistan requires travelers to meet additional conditions, all of which are arranged through a licensed tour operator:

• Government-issued Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)
• Entry travel pass
• Immigration registration
• Border or airport meeting by a local representative
• Confirmed hotel accommodation
• Transportation during the tour
• Licensed guide accompaniment

These requirements cannot be fulfilled independently. Even solo travelers must work with a licensed Turkmenistan travel agency, which Flo Tours arranges on your behalf.