Authentic and Mysterious Turkmenistan

Meet at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport and fly via a connecting airport to Ashgabat. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, known for its striking architecture and modern infrastructure.

Arrival in the city of Ashgabat. Meet our guide and transfer to the hotel, early check-in.

The city is known for its ultra-modern architecture, with many buildings made of white marble. In 2013 Ashgabat entered the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the most white marble buildings in the world. There are many impressive public buildings, monuments and fountains, such as the Central Mosque of Turkmenistan, the Presidential Palace and the Independence Monument.

Breakfast. Rest and free time.

In the afternoon we head to the Darwaza crater in 4x4 vehicles. On the way we will see countless mud and hot-water craters. The Darwaza crater was created in 1971 when Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas. During the drilling the ground collapsed, creating a large crater about 70 metres in diameter and 20 metres deep. To prevent the release of dangerous gases, the geologists decided to set the natural gas alight, believing it would burn out within a few weeks. However, the fire has continued to burn without interruption for more than 50 years. The spectacular sight of the flames burning non-stop, especially at night, has earned the crater the name “Gates of Hell”.

In the area around the Darwaza crater there are several smaller mud and hot-water craters, created by geological activity and natural gas extraction. These craters are known for their geothermal and volcanic properties. They often emit steam and hot water, and some contain mud that boils due to underground heat, creating striking landforms. Arrival at Darwaza shortly before sunset (~18:00h). This is followed by a barbecue dinner, which we will enjoy at the foot of the crater. We will have the unique experience of spending the night at the crater camp, in yurts.

After breakfast at the camp, return by car to Ashgabat.

On arrival, an orientation tour with visits to the Sunday bazaar, the Ahalteke horse stables, the Earthquake Memorial and the Soviet War Memorial. The Ahalteke (or Akhal-Teke) stables are known for breeding the famous Akhal-Teke horse, one of the oldest and most recognisable horse breeds in the world. Akhal-Teke horses are known for their speed, stamina, agility and striking appearance. They have a slender, muscular body and a shining coat, are often described as “golden horses” because of the metallic sheen of their coat, and are considered the oldest horses in the world, as their history dates back more than 3,000 years. The Ahalteke stables are located in the Akhal region, near the oases of the Karakum desert. This area is the traditional homeland of the Akhal-Teke horses. These horses were originally bred by the nomadic Teke tribes, who lived in this area for centuries. The Teke cared for the horses with special attention and used them for military campaigns and long-distance travel.

Then transfer to the hotel, overnight.

After breakfast, transfer to Mary, visiting the Anau Ruins Mosque on the way. The mosque is known for its exceptional architecture and elaborate decoration. Its façade is adorned with stunning carvings and ceramic tiles depicting various motifs and figures, such as dragons.

Next stop is the ancient city of Merv (UNESCO), where we will visit the historical park with the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, the Great and Small Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, the Kesk fortresses and more. Merv is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. It was an important centre of trade and culture in the era of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, the Greek Seleucids, the Parthians and the Sassanids. Transfer back to Ashgabat by road. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, overnight.

After breakfast, a full-day orientation tour with visits to the National Museum, Independence Park, the Ruhnama Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, the Wedding Palace with its panoramic viewpoint, the Earthquake Memorial and the Soviet War Memorial complex. After midday, transfer to Nissa. Nissa is an ancient city known for its historical importance as the former capital of the Parthian Empire. The city was founded by the first king of the Parthians, Arsaces I, and was an important centre of culture and administration. Nissa is an important archaeological site and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological discoveries provide valuable information on the history and culture of the Parthian Empire. Visit to the Turkmenbashi mosque-mausoleum. Turkmenbashi, which means “Leader of the Turkmen,” was the title adopted by Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of independent Turkmenistan. Niyazov ruled Turkmenistan from its independence in 1991 until his death in 2006. Return to Ashgabat and transfer to the railway station for the night train to Turkmenbashi, departing at 17:50 (train #606). Dinner on the train

Arrival in the morning at 08:15. Transfer to a traditional chaikhana for breakfast. After breakfast our tour begins. Turkmenbashi, also known as Türkmenbaşy, is the western capital of Turkmenistan and an important port on the shore of the Caspian Sea. We will visit the old town, the Russian Orthodox church and the fish market. Then transfer to the Yangikala canyon in 4x4 vehicles. The Yangikala canyon, whose name means “Towers of Fire” in the local language, is one of the most impressive landscapes in Central Asia. The canyon's stunning geological formations, created by erosion over millions of years, display vivid colours of red, orange and white, creating a magical sight, especially at sunset. Exploration of the canyon area by jeep and on foot to discover unique landscapes unlike any other in the world. Picnic in the canyon. Very close to the canyon is the Mausoleum Gozli Ata. Its name, “Gozli Ata,” means “father with eyes” in the local language, and it is linked to many religious and folk traditions. The mausoleum stands in an isolated and picturesque spot in the Karakum desert, surrounded by hills and arid landscape. The area offers striking scenery, ideal for photography and exploration. Finally, we will visit a small village, Kyzylarbat, where we will spend the night in a small guesthouse to experience local homes and hospitality.

After breakfast we will visit the village of Nohur, where we will explore the cemetery, known for its unique gravestones and the symbols used on them, which are of great cultural and historical value. We will also see the impressive waterfall, the great tree and the Gyz Bibi mausoleum. Nohur is a small, isolated village in the Kopet Dag mountains in south-western Turkmenistan. It is known for the unique culture and traditions of its inhabitants, as well as for its beautiful natural setting. The people of Nohur, known as Nohurians, have preserved many of their ancient traditions and customs. Many of these traditions differ from those of other regions of Turkmenistan. They are known for their traditional handicrafts, especially weaving and carpet-making, with unique designs and patterns. The houses in Nohur are built using traditional techniques and materials, such as stone and wood. After lunch we will return to Ashgabat. On the way we will visit the Kov Ata underground lake (suitable for swimming, water temperature from +33 to +38 °C all year round), the Geokdepe mosque and the Chuli gorge. Arrival in Ashgabat, transfer to the hotel, overnight.

Packed breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Greece!

Arrival home full of beautiful images and unforgettable new experiences.