Central Asia: The Four Stans

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Meet your group and leader tonight at the hotel. Grab some dinner together at one of Tashkent's best hidden spots. Uzbekistan's capital comes alive at night, so you can also enjoy drinks and live music afterwards.

Ancient and urban sights collide in Tashkent. Opt to join a local guide to Tashkent's historic neighbourhoods, or visit the Institute of the Sun on a day trip. Enjoy the scenic route to Khiva as we travel by overnight train.

Soak in the desert views this morning before hopping off the train. Fun fact: Khiva made history as Central Asia's first-ever world heritage city, and you're about to find out why! If you think that's impressive, wait until you see Khiva at sunset.

Enjoy a free day in Khiva to stroll along the ancient city walls, shop at the bazaar, or even climb to the top of the Islam Khoja minaret, for unbeatable views of Khiva from above. Tonight we'll take the train south to Bukhara, then head straight to the hotel upon arrival.

Bukhara will take your breath away! This is your free day to wander around Central Asia's holiest city, opting to visit a traditional hammam spa.

Another full day to freely explore Bukhara is just what we need. Optionally join a Uzbek cooking class, where you can master classic recipes like dumplings and fresh salads. Then tonight, we'll take the train over to Samarkand.

Samarkand is Uzbekistan's dreamiest city. Soak in the Arabian Nights vibes on your free day. Did you know that Registan Square, its most stunning landmark, is rumoured to have inspired India's Taj Mahal?

Swap city life for mountain views. Tick another 'Stan' off your Central Asia bucket list, because it's time for Tajikistan! Our sights are set on the Seven Lakes of the Fan Mountains (even more gorgeous than it sounds). Each lake is a unique shade of blue... You'll see what we mean when we visit 4 out of the 7 today!

Lace up your hiking boots as we trek from Lake 6 to 7. Enjoy a group picnic with the most scenic view once we reach the end of the trail. Hike back to the village for another cosy evening at our local homestay, celebrating today's trek with a barbecue, Tajikistani style!

Cross the border back into Uzbekistan today. Tonight is completely free for you to explore Samarkand (a city so magical we had to come back for more!). Don't miss out on the light show at Registan Square!

It's almost time to tick another country off your bucket list, but first, we're taking a journey back to where it all began. Hop on a morning train to Tashkent, with a free afternoon to explore the capital's hidden gems. Then it's time for a night out in Tashkent!

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Today we'll journey across the border, arriving at Shymkent (aka Kazakhstan's "Green City"). Wander through the parks, shop at the lively bazaar markets, go café-hopping... Where do you begin?

Escape into Ugam Chatkl National Park for a day of hiking and lakeside picnics. Picture icy peaks, turquoise lakes and emerald hilltops... Translation: those views are worth every step!

Discover the Kazakhstan that other travellers rarely see, as we head to the tiny city of Taraz, home to ancient ruins that will make you feel a bit like Indiana Jones.

Kyrgyzstan is calling! It's a new day, and another country ticked off our bucket list. Celebrate with dinner, drinks and live music in Bishkek.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyrgyzstan's capital. How does an optional Manti dumpling-making class sound?

Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of Kyrgyzstan today at a traditional village. Enjoy delicious Dungan Chinese food for lunch, prepared by a local family as we learn all about their unique traditions.

Hike to the Shatyly viewpoint for 360 views. Then, go for a refreshing swim in the lake afterwards. Next up, we have Fairytale Canyon! These rock formations are even dreamier than what you're imagining... Oh, and speaking of pinch-me moments. Tonight we'll camp under the stars in traditional yurt tents for the full Kyrgyzstan experience!

Chase waterfalls this morning as we hike to Barskoon, a secret paradise hidden in nature. Learn how traditional yurt tents get made at a Positive Impact project that supports the local community. Relax back at our lakeside camp, going for a swim and swapping stories around the campfire.

Our next destination is Karakol, a cosy mountainside town backed by forested stretches. The sights you'll come across in town also feel straight out of a fairytale. Wander around on your free afternoon, and you'll see what we mean!

This is your free day in Karakol. Maybe you fancy an active adventure, opting to explore the Seven Bulls Rocks for a hike and picnic. Or how about some relaxation at the nearby hot springs that Karakol is famous for?

Go for a picnic lunch before hiking up to Kaindy Lake. Have your cameras ready at this underwater forest, you've never seen anything like it before! Then spend the night at our local homestay, with the Kolsay Lakes right on our doorstep.

Get ready for jaw-dropping views that can rival the Grand Canyon! Spend this morning exploring Charyn Canyon, home to scenery you'll be remembering for a long time. Later, our journey continues to the outskirts of Altyn Emel National Park.

Central Asia has got it all, even Singing Sand Dunes! Trek across golden stretches this morning, listening out for the natural humming music it's famous for. Enjoy lunch back at our guesthouse this morning before heading to Almaty for city life.

This is your free day to explore Kazakhstan's biggest city, with lots of activities to keep you entertained. Tonight we'll celebrate with one final night out, raising a toast to all the memories we've made!

Just like that, you've ticked 4 countries off your bucket list, made new friends for life, and fallen in love with Central Asia. Now it's time to say goodbye. You're free to depart at any time. See you on the next adventure!