Silk Road to Ancient Merv

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin a tour of the capital. Ashgabat is known for its white marble buildings and grand monuments, which create a unique and memorable atmosphere.

Your first stop is Independence Park, where the Independence Monument stands surrounded by fountains and statues. Next, you will visit the Arch of Neutrality, a tall monument topped with a golden statue, which offers panoramic views of the city. You will then visit one of the city's museums, where you will learn about the history of Turkmenistan from ancient times to the present day. The museum's collection includes artefacts from ancient Merv, which you will visit later on this tour. Your guide will tell you about the history of Ashgabat and its transformation into a modern capital. You will also see other important monuments along the city's wide avenues. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen cuisine. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and drive about 350 kilometres east to the city of Mary. The journey follows part of the ancient Silk Road and passes through a variety of landscapes. Along the way, you will make several stops to visit interesting sites.

Your first stop may be a local bazaar, where you can see people buying and selling fruit, vegetables, livestock and household goods. Next, you will visit the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau, a 15th-century mosque famous for the images of dragons on its portal. You will also visit the medieval settlement of Abiverd, which was an important trading town on the Silk Road. Your guide will tell you about the history of these sites and their importance in the region. You will have lunch at a local café along the way. The road then continues across the plains and desert to the city of Mary. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can relax or take a walk around the city centre. Overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will drive into the desert to visit Gonur Depe, an important Bronze Age archaeological site. Gonur Depe was the centre of the ancient Margiana civilisation, which flourished around 2000 BC. The site includes the remains of a palace, temples, fire altars and a royal necropolis.

Your guide will explain the history of Margiana and the discoveries made by the archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi. After the visit, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Merv is made up of several cities built side by side over more than two thousand years. You will visit its five main historical areas, including the fortresses of Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala and Sultan Kala. You will also see the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, built in the 12th century and one of the most important monuments of Seljuk architecture. Other highlights include the Kyz Kala mansions with their unusual ribbed walls. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its destruction by the Mongols. In the evening, you will return to Mary. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will explore the city of Mary and its cultural sites. Your first visit is the Mary History Museum, which displays a rich collection of artefacts from Merv, Gonur Depe and other archaeological sites in the region. You will see pottery, jewellery, coins and other objects that tell the story of the region's long history.

You may also visit the city's main mosque and the local bazaar, where you can see daily life in the city. The bazaar is a great place to buy dried fruits, nuts and local sweets. Your guide will tell you about the history and culture of the Mary region, which has been an important centre of civilisation for thousands of years. After lunch, you will begin the return journey to Ashgabat. The drive covers about 350 kilometres and takes several hours. Along the way, you can stop for photographs and rest. In the evening, you will arrive in Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your tour. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Today your Silk Road journey to Ancient Merv comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to visit a souvenir shop or relax before your flight.

Please check out of your room by the agreed time. Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Ashgabat International Airport. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your departure flight. If you have bought carpets or other handicrafts, please keep your receipts and certificates ready for customs. During this tour, you have explored the white marble city of Ashgabat and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. You have also discovered the Bronze Age site of Gonur Depe and the medieval ruins along the road. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through the history of Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.