12 DAYS HEART OF THE SILK ROAD: TURKMENISTAN & UZBEKISTAN IN CENTRAL ASIA

Transfer: Airport to Hotel 

Upon arrival, you would be met and transferred to your hotel. 

The Past & Present of Ashgabat 

The capital of Turkmenistan, one of the world's most inaccessible countries, Ashgabat is best described as both bizarre and astonishing. This surreal cityscape features some of the grandest edifices of the 21st century, set among manicured parks and endless cascades of fountains.

Take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Nisa, the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire dating back more than 2,000 years.

Continue to monumental Turkmenbashi Mosque and the National Museum of History. 

Vibrant Turkmen Culture of Ashgabat

Start your day with a visit to Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar, the largest and most vibrant market in Ashgabat. Next, travel to a private horse stable in Geok Tepe for a rare opportunity to see the famed Turkmen Akhal-Teke horses, hosted by the stable's owner, a renowned local breeder.

Return to Ashgabat for a panoramic tour of the city, taking in its iconic landmarks. Conclude the day at Gulistan Bazaar, also known as the Russian Bazaar, where you can browse for local souvenirs.

Journey to Khiva in Uzbekistan

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for a short flight of approximately 50 minutes to Dashoguz, near the Uzbekistan border. From here, drive about 2 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunya-Urgench, an ancient city with more than 2,500 years of history dating back to the Achaemenid Empire. Explore its remarkable collection of monuments, many dating from the 11th to 15th centuries when it flourished as a major centre of the Islamic world.

Later, return to Dashoguz before crossing the border into Uzbekistan. Continue with an approximate 1.5-hour drive to the ancient Silk Road city of Khiva.

Enchanting Old Town of Khiva

The entire Khiva Old Town, known as the inner city of Ichan Kala, is an open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by a massive fortress wall with four gates, it is home to more than sixty architectural monuments, including palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets, and mausoleums, several of which we will explore during our visit.

Afterwards, enjoy a private performance of Lyazgi, a traditional dance renowned across the region for its energetic, expressive movements and vibrant costumes.

Transfer to Historic Bukhara by Train

Early this morning, transfer to Khiva Railway Station to board the new Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed train for the approximate 3.5-hour journey to Bukhara, one of the Silk Road's most important cities and the former capital of several influential Central Asian dynasties. Its long and illustrious history has left an extraordinary architectural legacy, recognized by UNESCO, encompassing magnificent mausoleums, medieval city walls and gates, mosques, madrassahs, and historic public complexes.

Upon arrival, visit the imposing Ark Fortress, the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the remarkable 9th-century Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest and finest examples of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

Charming Ancient City of Bukhara

Devote your day to discovering the timeless charm of Bukhara. Begin at the distinctive Chor Minor Madrasah before continuing to the picturesque Lyabi-Khauz Complex and the adjoining Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. Wander through the historic trading domes of the Money Changer's, Cap Maker's, and Jeweler's Bazaars, then pause at the renowned Silk Road Spices Tea House for a private folklore performance accompanied by spiced tea or coffee. Conclude at the magnificent Poi Kalyan Complex, where the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah stands alongside the towering Kalyan Minaret, before visiting the elegant Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah.

Flavors of Bukhara

Set out to Naiman Village for a hands-on culinary experience. Learn how to cook classic Uzbek dishes such as Plov and samsa, and observe traditional bread baking in a tandyr (traditional mud oven). Enjoy a hearty lunch with the local family, sampling the dishes you have helped to prepare.

Later, visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara.

Bukhara Through Art and Craft

In the morning, delve into the world of traditional craftsmanship as you discover the art of handmade silk paper and try your hand at miniature painting, a delicate artistic tradition recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Transfer to Samarkand by Train

This afternoon, board a high-speed train for an approximate 2-hour journey to the legendary city of Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Silk Road's greatest cultural treasures.

Captivating Samarkand

Spend the day to explore Samarkand, a medieval city long celebrated as the jewel of the Silk Road. Head to the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of historic mausoleums with stunning tileworks. Next, visit the world-famous Registan Square, an ensemble of majestic madrassahs and it is among the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works of the Islamic world. We will then proceed to Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and wander into Siab Bazaar.

Samarkand - Capital of the Timurid Empire

Begin the day with a visit to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur and his descendants, before continuing to the Afrosiab Museum and the Ulugbek Observatory.

Transfer to Tashkent by Train

Later, board a high-speed train and travel approximately 2.5 hours to Tashkent, the capital and economic heart of Uzbekistan.

Essence of Tashkent

Discover the rich heritage of Tashkent with visits to Khast Imam Square and the Centre for Islamic Civilization, an impressive cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Uzbekistan's Islamic heritage through its architecture, exhibitions, and scholarly collections. Explore Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city's largest and most iconic traditional markets.

Thereafter, board the Tashkent Metro to admire several of its beautifully designed stations before enjoying a panoramic tour of the modern capital.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Enjoy your morning at leisure before transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your onward flight.