Classic Turkmenistan

After an early morning arrival in Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to rest and refresh. In the afternoon, go on a city tour with your private guide. After independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, funded by vast oil wealth, Ashgabat was remade into a city of pristine white marble and superlatives. The city holds the Guinness Book of Records title for highest concentration of white-marble buildings, as well as the having the world's largest fountain, the largest mural of a star, the largest image of a Turkmen carpet, and on and on. As you drive down the impeccably clean wide avenues, flanked with grand marble buildings and palaces topped with gilded domes, take in the quirky and curious sights. Stop at the Monument of Neutrality and the Turkmen Carpet Museum. Ashgabat is a showcase of Turkmenistan's modern image, and will be your comfortable base over the next few days as you discover more of the country and its fascinating past.

After a leisurely morning, embark into the Karakum desert and set course for the Door to Hell. Break up the drive with a stop at a local village where you can meet the Turkic people over a cup of tea and learn about their rural lifestyle in the desert. A final five-mile off-road route takes you to Darvaza Crater, arriving just as the sun is setting in the distance. The flaming crater is most magnificent when the day turns to dark. This fiery pit has been continuously burning for over 40 years, much longer than intended by local scientists who had originally lit the crater on fire hoping to burn away the dangerous natural gas. Take in this surreal sight as you enjoy a fitting BBQ dinner crater-side before heading back to Ashgabat.

Today explore the outskirts of the capital. Visit the Altyn Asyr market, Turkmenistan's largest market with 2,155 shops and best known for its quality carpets. The original legendary Tolkuchka Bazaar and its chaotic charm was demolished and rebuilt in the same white and orderly fashion as the rest of the city. Then visit the beautiful Geok Depe mosque and a nearby farm to see the famed Akhal-Teke horses. One of the oldest domesticated horse breeds, originating in the Karakum desert, the Akhal-Teke has a striking elegant appearance with a slim greyhound-like build and metallic sheen coat. While at the farm, get a hands-on lesson in traditional bread making. Then, explore the ruins of the ancient royal settlement of Nisa, a UNESCO-designated site. Finally, head underground to the cave of Kov-Ata (56 miles from Ashgabat) where you’ll get a chance to take a dip in the hot water.

Catch an early flight to the northern city of Dashoguz, ready for a full-day tour of this historic region. A short onwards drive will take you to Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench), an UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Khorezmshah Empire. Sitting upon two trade routes, the prosperous city was the heart of the Islamic World in the 13th century and had even surpassed Bukhara's splendor. Here, you will explore the historic remains of the once-great city, including the 15th-century mausoleum of Turabeg Khanum, the minaret of Kutlug Temur (the highest of its type in Central Asia), as well as the iconic turquoise dome of the mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh. Transfer back to Dashoguz for an evening flight back to Ashgabat.

Today it is onward to your final destination. Fly to the city of Mary in the Karakum desert. Head just west of Mary to the ruins of the ancient city of Merv. The dusty ruins, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, belie the city's majesty as a once lush metropolis and shining oasis in the desert. In its heyday, Merv was a cultural capital, rich with commercial and intellectual assets. Merv's prosperity and growth was due to the waters of the Murghab river which were channeled into reservoirs and canals, as well as its position along the Silk Road. Its famed exports were quality textiles and much-loved sweet melons. Meander around the 1200-hectare historical park, examining the fascinating archeological ruins of this once key stronghold on the ancient Silk Road, including forts, mausoleums and village remains. At the end of the day, it is time to end your journey through Turkmenistan. Head towards the nearby border to cross into Uzbekistan or back to the airport for your flight onward.