*NEW* 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 over 2,000 years.  
 
Visit the magnificent Turkmenbashi Mosque, the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and the striking Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque.

Vibrant Turkmen Culture of Ashgabat

Start your day with a visit to Tolkuchka Oriental Bazaar, the largest and most vibrant market in Ashgabat. Continue to the Geok Tepe horse stables for a rare opportunity to see the famed Turkmen Akhal-Teke horses, hosted by the stable’s owner-a renowned local breeder. Conclude the experience at Gulistan Bazaar, also known as the Russian Bazaar, a great spot to browse for local souvenirs.  

Journey to Khiva in Uzbekistan

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Dashoguz, located near the Uzbekistan border. From there, we drive about 2 hours to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,500 years of history dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, featuring remarkable monuments primarily from the Islamic period between the 11th and 15th centuries. 
 
Later, return to Dashoguz to cross the border into Uzbekistan, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the ancient city of Khiva.  

The 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 contains over sixty architectural monuments, including palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets, and mausoleums-several of which we will explore during our visit. 
 
Afterwards, enjoy a private folklore performance of Lyazgi, a traditional dance renowned in the region for its energetic, expressive movements and vibrant costumes. 

Journey to Bukhara 

Depart Khiva for a long drive of approximately 7 to 8 hours as we cross the Kyzylkum Desert enroute to Bukhara – one of the most important cities along the Silk Road and a former capital of several influential Central Asian dynasties. Its long and illustrious history has endowed it with a rich architectural heritage, recognized by UNESCO, including mausoleums, medieval city walls and gates, mosques, madrassahs, and historic public complexes.  

Charming Ancient City of Bukhara

Devote your day to discovering the timeless charm of Bukhara. Wander through the iconic Poi Kalyan Ensemble, admire the intricate beauty of the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrassahs, and browse the bustling trading domes of the Jeweler’s, Cap Maker’s, and Money-Changer’s Bazaars. Pause at a traditional tea house for a private folklore performance, accompanied by spiced tea or coffee. Afterwards, continue to the picturesque Lyabi-Khauz Complex and visit the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara.

Flavours and Fortress 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. 
 
Return to Bukhara in the afternoon to continue your journey through history at the Ark Fortress, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the remarkable 9th-century Samanid Mausoleum.

Bukhara Through Art and Craft

After breakfast, visit the unique Chor Minor Madrassah. Then dive into the world of traditional craftsmanship: learn how silk paper is made and try your hand at miniature painting, a delicate art recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

Transfer to Samarkand by Train

This afternoon, speed across the Uzbek landscape by high-speed train (about 2 hours) to the legendary city of Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centerpiece of the Silk Road experience.

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

This morning, visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum – graves of Amir Timur and his descendants, followed by visiting Afrosiab Museum and the Ulugbek Observatory.  

Transfer to Tashkent by Train

Later, board the high-speed train (about 2.5 hours) to Tashkent, the capital city and heart of the economy of Uzbekistan.

Orientation of Tashkent 

Begin your exploration of old Tashkent with a visit to the Khast Imam Square, home to the Quran of Caliph Uthman, believed to be the world’s oldest Quran dating back to the 7th century. Visit Chorsu Bazaar, a large and iconic traditional market, followed by the Rishtan Ceramics Centre.  
 
Thereafter, hop onto the Tashkent Metro to admire a few of the most beautiful train stations. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the modern part of the capital city.  

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight out.