Day 1: Arrival

Tashkent International Airport - Arrive in Tashkent via flight, either in the evening or early the next day, depending on your flight schedule. A travel guide will greet you at the international airport and escort you to your hotel for a two-night stay in Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar - After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a tour of Tashkent’s Old Town, starting with the Hasti Imam Complex. The large square features the Barakkhan Madrese and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, showcasing Tashkent’s historical significance in the development of Islamic culture and religion. The madrasa’s library houses the oldest version of the Koran, dating back to the time of the third Khalif Osman. Next, visit the “Chorsu” Bazaar, a historic marketplace known since the Middle Ages, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road caravansaries. The bazaar offers a variety of Uzbek specialties, with exotic, spicy aromas to tantalize your senses. At the Museum of Applied Art, housed in a historic community center, explore over 7,000 exhibits of traditional art from a bygone era. Conclude the day with a ride on the Underground (Subway) train, featuring numerous decorated stations.

Day 3: Tashkent – Bukhara

Ark of Bukhara - In the morning, transfer to the station for a fast train journey to Bukhara, departing at 07:30 and arriving at 11:19. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Bukhara Old Town. Visit key attractions in Bukhara Old Town, including the Samaniden-Mausoleum, the oldest architectural structure in Central Asia, the Bolo Havuz mosque, the Ark-Citadel, the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, and the renowned Poi Kalon Complex. As you travel from the Poikalon-Complex through the domed bazaars past medrasas to the Labi Havuz, you’ll encounter gold-stickers, scissor-makers, and shoe-menders. The Labi Havuz Complex, the heart of Old Bukhara, boasts impressive buildings. Enjoy a coffee at the “German Corner” before exploring the bustling crafts scene, discovering woodcarvers, cutlers, potters, and weavers in their workshops. Attend a folklore show at the Nadir Divan Begi Medrasa. Stay two nights in Bukhara.

Day 4: Bukhara

Bukhara Synagogue - Continue exploring the oasis town of Bukhara. Visit the Chor Minor mosque, built in 1807 by the affluent Turcoman Kalif Nijazkul, with its four sky-blue minarets towering over a traditional residential area. This uniquely styled building is a Bukhara landmark. Stroll through the Old Town streets and discover Jewish heritage during a synagogue visit. At the merchant Khodjaev’s house, learn about the lifestyle of wealthy merchants and traders in Bukhara 100 years ago. The complex, now a museum, offers a guided tour of its most intriguing rooms. At Bukhara’s gates, admire the “Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa” summer palace (Palace of the Moon and Sky) of the last ruling Emir of Bukhara, Said Alim-Khan. The palace blends Russian, Oriental, and European architecture, surrounded by a stunning park. In the afternoon, visit Bukhara’s Jewish Quarter and a 400-year-old synagogue, followed by a dolls’ workshop.

Day 5: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Nurata – Yurt Camp

Nuratau Mountains - After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Gijduvan (approximately 40km) to visit the grave complex of Abdukhalik Gijduvani (1103-1179), a revered Sufi saint. Explore a ceramics factory and its museum, as Gijduvan is renowned across Uzbekistan for its ceramics in warm hues. Continue to the ancient town of Nurata (170km) to visit the Mausoleum Nurata and the Ruins of Alexander the Great’s Fort. The fresh water source, Chashma, prompted settlement here and is a significant Islamic pilgrimage site in the region. After lunch in Nurata, proceed to the yurt camp in the Kisil-Kum Desert, where you’ll be shown to your yurt. You’ll be delighted to find all amenities for a comfortable desert stay. En route to the yurt, visit the Sarmysh Gorge Petroglyphs, featuring over 3,500 Bronze Age drawings. This gorge is a vast petroglyph gallery and a real museum. Your yurt camp, beautifully located near Aydarkul Lake, offers a delightful setting. After dinner, enjoy traditional Kazakh songs by local Akyns (folklore singers). Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt.

Day 6: Aydarkul – Mountain Village Sentob

Aydar Lake - After breakfast, try camel riding or hike part of the way to Aydarkul Lake (4.5 km), followed by a walk along the lake (5 km). The refreshing water invites a swim, depending on the season. Enjoy a picnic by the lake or at the camp, weather permitting. Continue to the mountain village Sentob (approximately 60km) for lodging with a local family (guesthouse). In the afternoon, learn about the traditions of a typical village family. Visit a silkworm breeding factory (only in May), participate in bread-baking, and engage with your hosts and their neighbors. Take a short village walk before dinner to learn about Uzbek daily life. Dinner and overnight stay in Sentob with the host family.

Day 7: Sentob Village – Samarkand

Aydar Lake - Take a short walk in the area, if desired, to see local women milking on their farms. Today is an adventure day for hikers, with a climb to the pass near “Gaukum” (1615). Enjoy panoramic views of Sentob, the River Sentobsoy, and Aydarkul Lake. After the walk, have lunch with your host family before heading to the world-renowned Samarkand (approximately 220km). Arrive in the evening. Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest and most famous cities, is a central point of the Great Silk Road. Its golden age was under Amir Timur (Tamerlan), who brought back the finest craftsmen and artists from his campaigns across India to Europe. In the 14th century, they created the architecture that made Samarkand famous. Registan Square, Samarkand’s emblem, showcases this architectural heyday. Samarkand is also known for its historic monuments and wine. Visit the Wine Museum in Samarkand to sample 10 types of Uzbek wine and brandy. Dinner at the “Samarkand” restaurant. Stay two nights in Samarkand.

Day 8: Samarkand

Samarkand Textile Workshop - In Samarkand, experience the magic of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ as you explore this town over 2700 years old (UNESCO World Heritage site). At the “Afrosiyob” Museum, gain insight into ancient Samarkand. Visit the grave of Daniel, a prophet revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Though not the grandest, it is one of Samarkand’s most intriguing mausoleums. Explore the Shahi Sinda Complex, a stunning collection of mausoleums adorned with majolica and mosaic tiles in Timuridic style. Witness the continuation of centuries-old traditions in Samarkand at the paper manufacturing factory, where traditional, natural paper-making uses mulberry tree fibers. Conclude the day with a visit to the Ulugbek observatory.

Day 9: Samarkand – Tashkent

Samarkand Textile Workshop - Ancient Samarkand still radiates the grandeur of its past! In the Middle Ages, it was among the world’s most beautiful and significant cities. The Gur-Emir-Mausoleum, the palace-like tomb of ruler Amir Timur, is sure to impress. Today, enjoy the highlight of your trip, Registan Square, with its three grand, artistically decorated madrasas. Visit the once-largest mosque in Central Asia, the Bibi-Khanum-Mosque. Afterward, explore a vibrant bazaar, transitioning from a museum-like atmosphere to Oriental reality. Market stalls are piled high with nuts, almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, raisins, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exotic aromas from spices and herbs fill the air. This market is as colorful and fascinating as life itself. In the late afternoon, depart Samarkand on the “Afrosiyob” fast train at 17:00 to Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Tashkent.

Day 10: Tashkent – Flight Home

Tashkent International Airport - After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Tashkent International Airport for your flight home.

• Entrance tickets
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Breakfast

• Long-haul flights to Tashkent and back home.

Embark on a journey along the ancient Silk Road, the world’s oldest trading route. Discover the vibrant oases nestled within the Kisilkum and Karakum Deserts, once traversed by heavily-laden camel caravansaries. The impressive palaces, madrasas, and mosques from the Middle Ages continue to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at the “Samarkand Wine-Factory.” Spend a night in a traditional yurt amidst the desert, marveling at the starry sky reminiscent of ‘One Thousand and One Nights,’ accompanied by a bright campfire and the music of an Akyn (folklore singer). Be enchanted by the bustling Middle Eastern bazaars, where remnants of the Silk Road’s illustrious rulers can still be found.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.