English 
Nederlands13 days tour – Classics of Afghanistan
Welcome to our 13-day tour to Afghanistan, where we will take you on a comprehensive journey through the rich cultural and historical sites of the country. Starting in the vibrant capital city of Kabul, we will explore its bustling markets, ancient historical sites, and witness the resilience of its people. We will then venture into the tranquil and serene province of Bamyan, home to the famous Buddha statues carved into the cliffs. Our journey will then take us to the western city of Herat, a city steeped in history and known for its beautiful Islamic architecture. Next, we will visit the southern city of Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban movement and a city with a rich and complex history. Lastly, we will explore the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif, known for its blue-tiled mosque and the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib. This tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of adventure, culture, and history that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
General info
| Days | 13 days / 12 nights |
| Best travel time | Spring, autumn |
| Destinations | Kabul, Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Bamyan |
| Including | Accommodation Transportation on the ground Local guide 1 set of local clothes Breakfast Entry fees |
| Excluding | International flights Insurance Visa Lunch & Dinner Tips for the guide Personal expenses |
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kabul
- Morning arrival.
- Meeting with the guide.
- Briefing on traveling in Afghanistan, including on the local customs & dress.
- Sakhi Shrine, a well-known mosque, where Mohammed’s cloak is said to have been brought.
- Highlight: We’ll visit the Bibi Mehro Hill, a place where many Afghans come together to relax. On top of the mountain is a large swimming pool with a giant Afghan flag.
- Overnight stay in Kabul.
Day 2 – Kabul – Bamian
- Morning depature by car to Bamian. An area that has been quite isolated in Afghanistan, but is known for its incredible scenery.
- Highlight: After arrival we’ll visit the mountains where once monasteries and giant Buddha statues stood. These statues were blown up by the Taliban.
- Overnight stay in Bamian.
Day 3 – Bamian
- Walk through Bamian.
- Highlight: Visit the local market.
- Short hike to a former Taliban lookout post.
- Dragon Valley and its beautiful landscape.
- Shah-e Zohak (Red Fort), historical ruins destroyed by Genghis Khan.
- Shah-e Golghola, historic site destroyed in 1221.
- Overnight stay in Bamian.
Day 4 – Bamian – Band-e Amir
- Drive to Band-e Amir.
- Highlight: Visit the Band-e Amir lakes, beautiful deep blue lakes between high peaks.
- Cruise over the lakes in a paddleboat swan (optional).
- Walk along the lakes.
- Drive to Bamian.
- Overnight stay in Bamian.
Day 5 – Bamian – Kabul
- Drive back to Kabul via the majestic mountains and valleys.
- We will visit Darulaman Palace, the former palace of the king of the country.
- Highlight: Babur’s Gardens, an oasis of tranquillity in busy Kabul.
- Kabul Museum.
- Overnight stay in Kabul.
Day 6 – Kabul – Herat
- 8:30 AM flight to Herat.
- Upon arrival in Herat we’ll start our sightseeing tour of Herat.
- Highlight: The Great Mosque of Herat, also known as the Friday Mosque.
- Walk through the old town.
- Traditional Caravanserais, this is where people came together at the time of the Silk Road.
- Jihad Museum.
- Gawhar Shad Mausoleum, also known as the tomb of Baysunghur, was built in the 15th century.
- Musalla Complex, a place built in the 15th century. Today there are 5 large minarets still standing.
- Shrine of Khoja Ansari, a famous sufi poet / writer from the 11th century.
- Overnight stay in Herat.
Day 7 – Herat – Kandahar
- Morning departure to Kandahar, the largest city in the South of the country. It’s a long journey and along the way we make a few stops to stretch our legs and to enjoy the scenery.
- Arrival before darkness in Kandahar.
- Overnight stay in Kandahar.
Day 8 – Kandahar
- Highlight: City tour of Kandahar. We’ll visit famous sights as the Forty Stairs, Ahmad Shah Durani Shrine, Mirwais Hotak Shrine and the colourful bazar.
- Overnight stay in Kandahar.
Day 9 – Kandahar – Kabul
- Early departure to Kabul. Along the way we make various stops to enjoy the scenery and to stretch our legs.
- Highlight: If time permits we will visit the Minarets of Ghazni.
- Arrival in Kabul before darkness
- Overnight stay in Kabul.
Day 10 – Kabul
- We visit the famous Bird Market of Kabul.
- Chicken Street, the famous hippie street with souvenirs.
- OMAR Landmine Museum.
- Highlight: Bala Hissar Park, with a beautiful view over the city.
- Afternoon flight to Mazar-e Sharif.
- Overnight stay in Mazar-e Sharif.
Day 11 – Mazar-e Sharif – Bakh
- Highlight: The famous blue tomb of Hazrat Ali, the Blue Mosque. One of the most famous sights of Afghanistan.
- Drive to Bakh.
- Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa shrine, a famous lecturer from Herat. The shrine was built in 1958.
- No Gombad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Afghanistan. Nowadays a lot of excavations are done here.
- Drive to Mazar-e Sharif.
- Overnight stay in Mazar-e Sharif.
Day 12 – Mazar-e Sharif – Samangan – Kabul
- Ride to Samangan.
- Tashkurgan, also known as Choelm. Here we drive through deep ravines.
- Old King’s Hunting Lodge, the King’s old loot and palace.
- Highlight: Buddhist monastery, a complex of different caves.
- We continue our drive via the Soviet Tunnel (Salang) towards Kabul.
- Overnight stay in Kabul.
Day 13 – Kabul
- Airport drop off.
- End of the tour.