Central Asia was historically tied to the Silk Road trade routes, acting as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe and the Far East. Encompassing some of the least explored mountain and desert regions on the planet, the former-Soviet states of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Also referred as the Stans means “land of” in Persian, have emerged from the shadow of communist rule to assert their own vibrant and distinct identities. In the region, the focus is primarily on unspoiled nature and nomadic life, architecture and culture, archaeology and uniqueness, diversity and contrasts. A string of these splendid cities retain some of the most sublime monuments ever created by the Islamic world and a vivid testament to the power of the dynasties who dominated trade along the Oxus to the Caspian Sea
Every country offers a unique experience to travellers, and we define these as:
Uzbekistan
Architecture and Culture
Kyrgyzstan
Diversity and Contrasts
Turkmenistan
Archaeology & Uniqueness
Nature and Nomadic Life
Tajikistan
Unspoiled Nature
Central Asia Map
WHY TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS?
Local Destination Experts
We are the source, the Destination Management Company, the Ground Operator and the wholesaler offering nothing but the best in its category. Our team creating these travel experiences are born and live in Stans. We are local, and no one knows the destinations intimately like we do, so there is no one better to recommend the very best tours and experiences for your holiday.
100% Guaranteed Departure
Every departure is guaranteed as mentioned on the tour page. So, book and relax knowing the tour will not be cancelled unless there are circumstances beyond our control.
Group Travel Companions
When you book in Australia and New Zealand rest assured the tour cohort will be your fellow citizens only.
Inclusive and Price Guarantee
Our price covers everything as mentioned on the tour pages. Price is guaranteed once your deposit has been paid. Rest assured the tour cohort will be your fellow citizens only.
Tipping Made Easy
Tipping can be confusing so for that reason we will advise you of minimum tipping/gratuity which you can prepay or pass on to your Tour Manager who will take care of it on your behalf.
For more details, please refer to our predeparture information.
Experienced Tour Managers & Drivers
Our THO Tour Managers and destination tour guides knowledge is second to none as they live in the country you are travelling in. They go over and above their normal duties as they are dedicated to your journey being the best experience possible, with that we have won the best reputation in the industry. The combination of the tour manager, tour guides and drives will make your holiday with us truly extraordinary. With 10-30 years of industry experience they are local, great storytellers.
Our Reputation & Your Peace of Mind
Our dedicated ground team spares no effort in ensuring your journey is nothing short of exceptional, resulting in an overwhelming 99% customer satisfaction rate, with the vast majority enthusiastically recommending us for your travel needs. In addition to being proud members of CATO and NZOTSA, we are also fully accredited members of IATA, ATAS, ATIA and TAANZ, ensuring our commitment to the highest standards of service and professionalism in the travel industry.
Visas
Hassle-free visa process – A visa is required and in most countries on arrival for many citizens of many countries including Australia and New Zealand. Where required we assist with the visa process.
24/7 Helpline
For peace of mind, 24/7 emergency help is available to you in each destination.
Looking after you isn’t just our job – it’s our passion
Small Group Journeys
Guaranteed Departure
These are some of the most popular tours for those who love travelling with like-minded people. Our Group Journeys are small, and the average group size is between 8-12 people.
Travel Companions and Age Group:
Average age of people in the group is 30-70 and when you book in Australia and New Zealand rest assured the tour cohort will be your fellow citizens only.
Post Tour
and transfers
If you wish to arrive a day early or leave a day later, we provide pre and post tour accommodation when you book any of our tour. Pre and
TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Tour & inclusions
Our Small Group Journeys are managed and accompanied by the local THO Tour Managers who, have the knowledge and understanding of the country’s history and culture. When you chose a private car, or a tailormade tour, the city sightseeing is led by the local city tour guide who resides in the area.
After all it’s your holiday, regardless of tour type, we take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. These tours are inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner, all transfers, comprehensive touring and authentic cultural experiences.
For your understanding inclusions as specified in the tour, quote and booking but feel free to ask if you are unsure of anything.
Your Accommodations
We offer a vast range of accommodations when you travel across Central Asia, but you can always be safe in the knowledge that your accommodation has been hand-picked to best suit the locations. The accommodation is a mix of comfortable, locally rated 3 stars plus to 4-star properties, Yurt Camp, contemporary hotels to family-run guesthouses capturing the heart of the country.
Discounts and Savings
We value your loyalty. Many of our valued customers enjoy
experiential travel style that they choose to travel with us repeatedly. They also enthusiastically refer their friends and family which is testament to the exceptional experience and service we offer.
Save 5% on your second & ongoing tour package when you combine two or more brochure tours in one booking.
Save 5 to 10% when travelling together as a group of six or more passengers.
Save 5% every time you book Small Group Journeys if you travel again within 2 years.
For more details, please refer to booking conditions at the end of the brochure.
How to get there?
There are many airlines operating flights into Central Asia, and a few are suggested below. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qantas/Emirates & Flydubai, Asiana Airlines, Air China and China Southern.
How to book:
Booking with is very straightforward and easy.
Select from this brochure or simply browse our website to see our full range of tours and choose the style of travel that suits you.
Get in touch by email or call one of our destination experts who will be able to answer any of your questions, check availability instantly and confirm prices if it’s a small group Journey.
Visit your preferred travel agent or call us to pay a deposit and secure your booking from $500pp. Final payment is usually due 60 days before departure unless requested.
Best of Uzbekistan
(Tour Code: BOUFGT)
11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS EASY - MODERATE GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 07 FROM NZ $3,978 PP
Uzbekistan is a diamond in the crown of ancient empires. The country will capture your heart with the beauty of historical monuments of the past, fantastic cuisine, and the smell of oriental markets. This tour will allow you to explore the culture and highlights of Uzbekistan. Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are full of historical buildings that were of great importance for the Islamic world and for the development of the Silk Road and Central Asia.
Day 1: Arrival Tashkent
Meet and greet on arrival, transfer to the hotel, remaining time at leisure and stay two nights in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent B D
Tashkent is among the five largest cities in Central Asia. From modern to historical buildings, ancient mosques to modern shopping centres alternate with traditional oriental bazaars and markets offering a great cultural experience. After breakfast, start our city tour and visit the Museum of Applied Art, Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Romanov Palace and famous Madrasahs and Mausoleum. An afternoon stroll through the expansive Chorsu bazaar offers a sensory experience of daily life.
Day 3: Tashkent – Khiva B D
Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Urgench and by road to Khiva. En route visit Ayaz-Kala (“Fortress of the Wind”) IV-III centuries B.C and Ulli Khovli complex - a XVII century ancient settlement preserving a genuine courtyard of the Khiva khanate. Stay two nights in Khiva.
Day 4: Khiva B D
Located on the Great Silk Road is the ancient Khorezm, or Khiva, as it is called now. The city is a UNESCO heritage site and is known as an open-air museum. We visit the old
What’s included: 10 Night’s accommodation Meals as specified Travel, transfers, excursions and sightseeing as per itinerary by charter air-conditioned vehicles Accompanying THO Tour Manager (minimum 7 people) Entrance fees to sights and museums as per program Bottled water during travel and sightseeing Economy airfare Tashkent to Urgench All currently applicable taxes.
town of Khiva with the surrounding Kunya Ark fortress, Madrasah, Khodja Minaret and Palvan Kari Complex. In the afternoon visit the Uch-Avliyo Mausoleum, Juma Mosque and the Tash-Hauli Palace.
Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara
B D
Today travel to Bukhara through the Kizilkum Desert, the route of invaders, nomadic hordes and armies of Persians, Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. We make a few scenic stops along the way at the Amudarya (Oxus) River. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay three nights in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara
B D
After breakfast visit Chor Minor Mosque with its four minarets, Sitora-i-Mokhi Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara & Naqshbandi complex. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Bukhara
B D
We start a city tour and experience the most beautiful architecture and culture. Visit the Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of the Samanids, Lyabi Khauz Square, the architectural complex Poi Kalon, Toki Zargaron trade domes, Magok-i-Attori Mosque.
Day 8: Bukhara – Samarkand
B D
En- route to Samarkand, we explore a colourful oriental bazaar and pottery workshop of Ibodullo Narzullaev - a famous Uzbek ceramist for hands-on experience. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Samarkand.
Day 9: Samarkand
B D
Today we explore the fabled city of Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world and visit Registan Square, 17th centuries madrasah, Gur Emir - the mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane and Ulugbek Observatory. Evening free to relax or explore the famous Siyob Bazaar.
Day 10: Samarkand – Tashkent B D
Before travelling to Tashkent visit the famous 15th Century Ulug-Bek’s observatory, memorial museum, Khazrat Khizr Mosque, Saint Daniel’s Mausoleum, master class of Silk paper making in Koni Khil village. Later travel to Tashkent and evening free to relax or explore the area. Stay overnight at Tashkent.
Day 11. Tashkent Departure B
After breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to the international
Aug - 16
Sep - 13
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Small
Best of Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan
(Tour Code: BOUKAFGT)
14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS EASY - ADVENTUROUS GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 07 FROM NZ $5,839 PP
Highlights: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Issyk Lake and Turgen.
This tour combines two beautiful countries where we explore the highlights of Samarkand and Bukhara, the most fabled of Silk Road cities. Enjoy a high-speed train connecting one Silk Road city to the next. See some of the most exquisite Islamic art and architecture in the desert city of Khiva. Sample the national dish, Plov and swim in some of the most pristine lakes. Visit one of the largest walnut forests in the world. Experience the traditional lifestyle and houses and dine with local families. In Kazakhstan, learn from the nomads, sample their local cuisine and travel on some of the most scenic roads in the country through the Central Tien Shan.
Day 1: Arrival Tashkent
Meet and greet on arrival and transfer to the hotel, remaining time at leisure and stay two nights in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent B D
Tashkent is among the five largest cities in Central Asia. From modern to historical buildings, ancient mosques to modern shopping centres mixed with traditional oriental bazaars and
markets offering a great cultural experience. After breakfast, start your city tour and visit the Museum of Applied Art, Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Romanov Palace and famous Madrasahs and Mausoleum. An afternoon stroll through the huge Chorsu bazaar offers a sensory immersion into everyday life.
Day 3: Tashkent – Khiva B D
Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Urgench and by road to Khiva. En route visit Ayaz-Kala (“Fortress of the Wind”) IV-III centuries B.C and Ulli Khovli complex- a XVII century ancient settlement preserving a genuine courtyard of the Khiva khanate. Stay two nights in Khiva.
Day 4: Khiva B D
Located on the Great Silk Road is the ancient Khorezm, or Khiva, as it is called now. The city is a UNESCO heritage site and is known as an open-air museum. We visit the old town of Khiva with the surrounding Kunya Ark fortress, Madrasah, Khodja Minaret and Palvan Kari Complex. In
What’s included: 13 Night’s accommodation Meals as specified Transfers, travel, excursions and sightseeing by charter vehicles Cultural show Bread baking and cooking class Economy class airfare Tashkent to Urgench and Tashkent to Almaty Accompanying THO Tour Manager (minimum 7 people) Entrance fees to sights and museums as per program Bottled water while on the tour All currently applicable taxes.
Uzbekistan
the afternoon visit the Uch-Avliyo Mausoleum, Juma Mosque and the Tash-Hauli Palace.
Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara
B D
Today travel to Bukhara across the Kizilkum Desert, the route of invaders, nomadic hordes and armies of Persians, Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Few scenic stops along the way at the Amudarya (Oxus) River. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara
B D
We start a city tour to experience the most beautiful architecture and culture. Visit the Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of the Samanids, Lyabi Khauz Square, the architectural complex Poi Kalon, Toki Zargaron trade domes, Magok-i-Attori Mosque.
Day 7: Bukhara – Samarkand
B D
Before travelling to Samarkand, we explore a colourful oriental bazaar and pottery workshop of Ibodullo Narzullaev - a famous Uzbek ceramist for hands-on experience. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Samarkand.
Day 8: Samarkand
B D
We explore the fabled city of Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world and visit Registan Square, 17th centuries old beautiful madrasah, Gur Emir - the mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane and Ulugbek Observatory. Evening free to relax or explore the famous Siyob Bazaar.
Day 9: Samarkand – Tashkent
B D
Before travelling to Tashkent visit the famous 15th Century Ulug-Bek’s observatory, memorial museum, Khazrat Khizr Mosque, Saint Daniel’s Mausoleum, master class of Silk paper making in Koni Khil village. Later travel to Tashkent, evening free to relax or explore the area. Stay overnight at Tashkent.
Day 10: Tashkent – Almaty (Kazakhstan)
B D
Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for a flight to Almaty. On arrival meet and greet and transfer to the hotel. The remaining day is free to relax or explore the area. Stay four nights in Almaty.
Day 11: Almaty
B D
Today enjoy the sightseeing tour in Almaty, visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and Republic Square. In the afternoon visit Chimbulak, a ski resort and ride the cable car to enjoy amazing views of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Evening free to explore Green Bazaar.
Day 12: Almaty
Excursion to Charyn Canyon
B D
Enjoy a day excursion to Charyn Canyon, located to the east of Kazakhstan it offers an unforgettable view of a huge gorge with cliffs of various colours and shades. The canyon is a part of the Charyn National Park territory, here you can see the old ash-tree grove, the Castle Valley, a part of a 154-meter canyon with cliffs resembling towers.
Day 13: Almaty
B D
Today enjoy an excursion to Issyk Lake and visit the “ISSYK” a dedicated Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum of the Saka period. Later visit Turgen Gorge and its waterfalls.
Day 14: Almaty departure B
After breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to the Almaty International Airport.
Departure & Pricing
Tour notes:
Each country will have a separate tour manager. Suggested gratuity (Driver, Tour Manager): NZ$ 140pp
Economy airfare included (Tashkent to Urgench & Tashkent to Almaty): NZ$ 270pp
Add economy international return airfare: From NZ$ 2250pp (Low season)
This tour is designed to see traces of the Great Silk Road and become acquainted with the history and modern life of the Central Asian states. Experience the magnificent mountains and primaeval nature of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with the wild landscapes of the Tien-Shan Mountain Range: densely planted forests of conifers, wide valleys and raging rivers, unique mountain lakes, magic glaciers, herds of horses, sheep and yaks, magnificent Canyons and feel a charm of Uzbekistan - one of the oldest countries in the world, which is colourful, warm and mysterious. The reasons are obvious – ancient sites of the Great Silk Road, amazing mountaineering opportunities, varied and delicious cuisine.
Day 1. Arrive Dushanbe
On arrival meet and greet and transfer to the hotel, remaining time at leisure and stay two nights in Dushanbe.
Day 2. Dushanbe B D
Dushanbe was at one point a small market village where traders would gather each Monday to sell their goods. Enjoy full day city tour and visit Ismoili Somoni, Rudaki Park, the Centre of the city to see one of the Highest Flagpoles in the world, Tajikistan State Museum and Victory Park. Afternoon, explore the famous Mehrgon Bazaar and evening free to relax.
Day 3. Dushanbe – Penjikent B D
Today travel Penjikent through the picturesque scenery of Varzob Valley and Anzob pass-tunnel to Lake Iskander Kul (Alexander the Great Lake) in the heart of the Fan Mountains. The history of the city dates back 5500 years and was one of the easternmost settlements of the ancient Sogdiana Empire. Enjoy an afternoon city tour and visit the Penjikent excavation sites, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Rudaki Museum in the centre of the town to see collections of artefacts from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era.
Day 4. Penjikent – Samarkand (Uzbekistan) B D
After breakfast drive to Sarazm/ Jartepa border. We cross the border and travel to Samarkand. Afternoon free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Samarkand.
Day 5. Samarkand B D
We explore the fabled city of Samarkand and visit Registan Square, 17th centuries old beautiful madrasah, Gur Emir - the mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane and Ulugbek Observatory. Evening free to relax or explore the famous Siyob Bazaar.
Day 6. Samarkand – Bukhara B D
Travel to Bukhara and en-route stop at Shakhrisabz, the hometown of Tamerlane and one of most ancient cities in Central Asia. Visit Koba Caravanserai among other historical places before continuing the journey. Stay two nights in Bukhara.
What’s included: 16 Night’s accommodation Meals as specified Transfer, travel, excursions and sightseeing by charter vehicle Economy class airfare Osh to Bishkek Accompanying THO Tour Manager (minimum 7 people) Entrance fees to sights and museums as per program Bottled water while on the tour All currently applicable taxes.
Day 7. Bukhara B D
We start a full-day city tour to experience the most beautiful architecture and culture. Visit the Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of the Samanids, Lyabi Khauz Square, the architectural complex Poi Kalon, Toki Zargaron trade domes, Magok-i-Attori Mosque.
Day 8. Bukhara – Tashkent B D
Before travelling to Tashkent visit Chor Minor (a mosque with 4 minarets), the summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir - Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, Naqshbandiy complex, and the Chor Bakr Necropolis. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Tashkent.
Day 9. Tashkent B D
Tashkent is among the five largest cities in Central Asia. From modern to historical buildings, ancient mosques to modern shopping centres alternate with traditional oriental bazaars and markets offering a great cultural experience. After breakfast, start our city tour and visit the Museum of Applied Art, Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Romanov Palace and famous Madrasahs and Mausoleum. An afternoon stroll through the huge Chorsu bazaar to experience everyday life and how locals do shopping.
Day 10. Tashkent – Margilan B D
Take morning train to Kokand. Upon arrival visit Khudoyar Khan’s Palace, and Dahmai Shahon (Grave of Kings).
Continue drive to Margilan visiting the workshop of the ceramist and get acquainted with the whole technology of Rishtan ceramics. Stay overnight in Margilan.
Day 11. Margilan – Osh (Kyrgyzstan)
Uzbekistan
B D
After breakfast, visit Madrassah of
Said Ahmad (XIX century) and Silk factory to see the whole process of silk sewing. Later we travel across the border to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, the country is known for its nomad life. Afternoon enjoy a tour of this city and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the sacred Suleiman’s Throne, the new Museum, Jayma Bazaar known to be the best market west of Kashgar established around 2000 years ago. Stay overnight in Osh.
Day 12. Osh – Bishkek
B D
After breakfast, transfer to board a flight to Bishkek, the capital, and the largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Afternoon free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Bishkek.
Day 13. Bishkek
area before we learn to make Boorsok, the famous Kyrgyz Bread. Stay overnight in Yurt Camp.
Day 16. Bokonbaevo – Bishkek B D
This morning, we enjoyed a demonstration of traditional hunting with eagles known as falconry. Here eagles are pets and are used for hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle. Later travel to Bishkek, evening free to relax or explore the area. Stay overnight in Bishkek.
Day 17. Bishkek departure B
After breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to the Bishkek International Airport.
Departure & Pricing (NZ$ PER PERSON From)
B D
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour and visit the historical and Applied Arts Museum, Ala-Too Square, the main square of the country and explore Osh Bazaar. Evening free to relax or explore the area.
Day 14. Bishkek – Karakol
B D
Today enjoy a scenic ride alongside the shore of magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake to Karakol. Afternoon visit Cholpon-Ata, a large open-air collection of rock carvings referred to as a Stone Garden and Museum of History for its grand collection of national embroidery. Stay overnight in Karakol.
Day 15. Karakol – Bokonbaevo
B D Morning, we explore Karakol town, founded in 1869 and built-in Tsar time in an old Russian style. We visit the Russian Orthodox Church built in 1896 and the Chinese pagoda-style mosque built in 1899. Afternoon enjoy a scenic ride alongside the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Bokonbaevo, surrounded by snowcapped peaks of Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau Mountain ranges. Evening free to explore the
- 11 Oct 6,974 8,415
23 Oct - 08 Nov 6,974 8,415
Tour notes:
Each country will have a separate tour manager. Suggested gratuity (Driver, Tour Manager): NZ$ 170pp
Economy airfare included (Osh to Bishkek): NZ$ 130pp
Add economy international return airfare: From NZ$ 2700pp (Low season)
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Space and rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.
To hold the room on a confirmed basis minimum deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking.
Full payment is required 90 to 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise requested earlier.
Airfare mentioned is the lowest economy class. Seats are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Package price displayed in THO small group Journeys are per person as per mentioned departure date.
For more details on booking conditions visit https://totalholidayoptions.co.nz/home/booking
