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ClassicTurkmenistanGroup TourTour durationHoliday typeDeparture11 daysGroup TourFully Guided14-24 SepThis small group tour is the perfectintroduction to Turkmenistan, possibly themost reclusive of the Central Asian states.The itinerary will take in the must-see sitesof Ashgabat, Merv, Gonur, Nissa and Konye-Urgench, as well as remote Darvaza in theKarakum Desert and Turkmenbashy on theCaspian coast.The group size is limited to 12 participants andwill be escorted by an English-speaking localtour leader.Day 1 Fly to AshgabatFly to Ashgabat.Day 2 AshgabatArrive Ashgabat and transfer to hotel for2 nights. Morning excursion to TolkuchkaBazaar, one of Central Asia’s most impressivemarkets before an afternoon sightseeing tourof Ashgabat, which will include the WorldWar II Memorial, Earthquake Monument,Turkmenbashy Square and the GulustanBazaar. (B,L,D)Day 3 Ashgabat to DarvazaMorning visit to the Turkmen Carpet Museum,amongst its exhibits is the world’s largesthand-woven carpet, and the NationalMuseum, which gives an insight into thehistory of the Turkmen nation and its people.After lunch head north into the Karakumdesert, where you will visit the semi-nomadicvillage of Erbent and some small desert cratersbefore arriving at Darvaza, a most impressiveflaming crater located at a remote spot.Overnight camp. (B,L,D)Day 4 Darvaza to DashoguzDrive north through the desert to thehistorical Konye Urgench. Konye Urgench wasonce considered one of the most importantcities in the Islamic World. This area, largelydestroyed by the Mongols and Timur, hasmany sites of historical interest. Continue tothe provincial capital, Dashoguz for overnightstay. (B,L,D)Day 5 Dashoguz to TurkmenbashyMorning visit to the main market of Dashoguz,before flight to Turkmenbashy, located onthe Caspian Coast. Visit the small JapaneseMemorial before an introductory tour of thecity and overnight stay in Turkmenbashy. (B,L,D)Day 6 Turkmenbashy to BalkanabatDrive to Balkanabat, provincial capital of theregion and check in to the Nebitchi Hotelfor overnight stay. This afternoon enjoy anintroductory tour of this small city, followedby free time to explore at your leisure. (B,L,D)Day 7 Balkanabat to AshgabatDrive to Ashgabat and en route visitthe Kow Ata Underground Lake, beforevisiting the Geok Deppe Stud Farm and theMosque of Turkmenbashy. Check in to hotelfor overnight stay. (B,L,D)Day 8 Ashgabat to MaryMorning sightseeing tour of Ashgabatincluding Ene Mahri and the Memorial toAtamurat Niyazov, the Lenin Monument,Turkmenistan Trade Centre and AshgabatPark. Visit Nisa Fortress, an impressiveParthian site before transfer to the airportfor flight to Mary. On arrival transfer to hotelfor 2 nights. (B,L,D)Day 9 Mary to GonurMorning visit to the historical site of Gonur.(B,L,D)Day 10 Merv to AshgabatMorning visit to Merv, which in its heyday, wasone of the most important oasis cities on theSilk Road and parts date to the 6th centuryB.C. Excursion to the Mary Museum beforeflight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel forovernight stay. (B,L,D)Day 11 Ashgabat to UKFree morning before transfer to the airportfor flight back to the UK. (B,L)Prices fromDeparture Per person Single roomdates twin-share supplement14-24 Sept £2195 £260Prices include• Return flights in economy class withTurkmenistan Airlines from LondonHeathrow• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in various standardhotels and one night tented camping• Meals as specified• All transfers and transportationthroughout• Sightseeing with English-speakingguide• Entrance fees on sightseeing tours• All camping equipment• Turkmen invitation letter, travel passand registrationPrices exclude• Turkmen Visa (see page 148)• Immigration Card (approximatelyUS$14 on arrival)115Call 020 7666 1244 | www.regentholidays.co.uk | visit your local travel agent