Flight to Tashkent (with HY, TK or SU)

Tashkent - Travel to Tashkent with a direct flight from Uzbekistan Airways or with a stopover in Istanbul, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. Arrive in Tashkent late in the evening or early the next morning. A guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Capital of the country

Tashkent - Discover the contrasting capital of Uzbekistan, where post-Soviet charm meets oriental flair. Tashkent beautifully blends modernity with tradition. In the old town, visit the Khasti Imam complex, home to the oldest version of the Koran. Explore Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Barak Khan Madrasah, and Mausoleum Kaffal Shashi, and experience the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, a historic hub on the Great Silk Road. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square, Navoi Theatre Square, and the Monument to Earthquake Victims. Enjoy an underground journey, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Tashkent.

Train journey to Kokand, famous pottery from Rishtan

Fergana - After breakfast at the hotel, board the comfortable train at 08:07 A.M. through the scenic Kamchik pass (2,268 m) to Kokand, arriving at 12:13 P.M. In Kokand, explore the splendid Islamic architecture, including the palace of Khudoyar-Khan and the grand Juma mosque. Continue to Rishtan, renowned for its azure ceramics. Ceramic master Rustam Usmanov in Rishtan will demonstrate the creation of the blue and gold faience that adorns Islamic sanctuaries. Proceed to Fergana for an overnight stay.

Silk from Margilan, drive over the mountain pass to Tashkent

Tashkent - To better acquaint yourself with the city, take a tour through the tree-lined streets of Fergana and visit the German cultural centre. Enjoy the diverse landscapes en route to Margilan. At the “Yodgorlik” silk factory, learn about the production of “white gold.” The silk fabrics’ quality and design are esteemed beyond the country’s borders. Outside the factory, enjoy the aroma of fresh bread and visit a bakery to see traditional Uzbek bread-making. Round flatbread is still hand-baked in a large clay oven “Tandir.” In the afternoon, drive back to Tashkent over the mountain pass. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Morning flight to Nukus, then port city of Muynak, archaeological complex Mizdakhan

Nukus - After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Nukus. Upon arrival, drive to the former fishing village of Muynak (220 km, 3 hours), located on the former shores of the Aral Sea. In Muynak, view the “ship cemetery” of abandoned ships on the sand. Visit the local museum showcasing art exhibitions on the Aral Sea’s history. Enjoy lunch with a local family in Muynak. In the afternoon, return to Nukus, stopping at the Mizdakhan archaeological complex to explore the region’s key archaeological sites. Overnight stay in Nukus.

In the desert, hike in the Badai-Tugai forest

Khiva - Discover a cultural treasure in the desert’s barren landscape: The Savitski Museum, housing a unique collection of classic Russian avant-garde art and one of Central Asia’s largest applied art collections. Around noon, drive to the Amudarya River for a picnic lunch by the lake. Optionally, take a short swim. Enjoy a wonderful hike in the Tugai forest, where you can see the distinctive Euphrates poplar with its curved trunks and unique leathery leaves. Arrive in the oasis city of Khiva in the late afternoon, enchanted by its atmosphere. Overnight stay in Khiva.

Khiva - the world of fairy tales from a thousand and one nights

Khiva - The enchanting fairy tale city of Khiva reveals the allure of the legendary Silk Road. The old town, a UNESCO cultural heritage site, was once the residence of unique khans and now resembles a lively open-air museum. In the fortress city of Ichan Kala, explore the former residence of the Khan - Kuhna Ark, the unfinished minaret Kalta Minor, and Juma Mosque, with its wooden beam ceiling supported by 212 intricately carved wooden columns. Continue the tour to the famous 19th-century Tosh Hovli Palace and the Islam Khoja minaret, the city’s symbol. Visit the Pakhlavon Makhmud mausoleum, renowned for its exquisite interior decor. Enjoy dinner next to Khiva’s tallest minaret and soak in the day’s magical impressions. Overnight stay in Khiva.

From oasis to oasis

Ark of Bukhara - Travel along the Silk Road to the next oasis town of Bukhara, tracing the caravans’ path through the Kyzyl-Kum desert to reach Bukhara in the late afternoon. The journey is rewarding, with green oases irrigated by the Amudarya River along the way. Capture picturesque scenes with planned photo stops. Upon arrival in Bukhara, take a stroll through the historic old town for a first impression. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Bukhara enchants!

Bukhara - A highlight of the trip! Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage Site) presents itself as a unique, authentic museum. The mosques, madrasahs, and minarets line up like pearls in narrow, winding, mostly traffic-free streets. The Poikalon complex is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The 12th-century Kalon minaret, rising like a lighthouse, once guided caravans and is Bukhara’s symbol. Other highlights include the Ark Citadel (the Emir’s former residence) and the Samanid Mausoleum. The heart of Bukhara is the Lyabi-Hauz architectural ensemble, consisting of three large monumental buildings: the Kukeldash Madrasah in the north, the Madrasah Nadir Devan Begi in the west, and the Khanaka in the east. Dinner is hosted in an old Jewish house with a Bukharian family, where Abdurrahman shares insights on book embroidery.

Nomadic desert life and camel riding

Bukhara - Continue exploring Bukhara today. At the merchant Khodjaev’s house, now a museum, see how wealthy merchants and traders lived in Bukhara a century ago. Visit the summer residence of the last Bukhara Emir - Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, meaning “The place where the moon and the stars meet” in Persian. Bukhara is one of the seven holy towns of the Islamic world.

Nurota - In the afternoon, depart Bukhara for the yurt settlement in the Kyzylkum Desert. Stop briefly at the ruins of an old Caravansaray and “Sardoba” (water reservoir), dating from the 11th to 14th centuries, reflecting the many caravansaries on the Silk Road.

Yangikazgan - Briefly stop in Nurata to visit a local mosque and the holy spring. Continue to the Nurata Pass to see petroglyphs. Arrive in the yurt settlement by evening. After dinner, enjoy Uzbek songs around the campfire performed by an Akyn (folksinger).

Enjoy in Aydarkul, continue to Samarkand

Aydar Lake - In the morning, drive to the Aydarkul Desert Lake for lunch by the lake.

Samarkand - In the afternoon, travel to Samarkand. Samarkand, the pearl of the Orient, over 2750 years old, was once considered one of the world’s most beautiful towns and retains its allure today.

Samarkand - the pearl of the east Samarkand

Samarkand - In Samarkand, the tales from One Thousand and One Nights come alive. As one of the world’s oldest towns and a hub of the famous Silk Road, Samarkand offers a glimpse into its rich history at the Afrosiyob Museum. Visit the Grave Complex of Saint Daniel and the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a stunning collection of mausoleums decorated in Timur style with majolica and mosaic tiles.

Samarkand - After a break, visit a Silk Paper Manufacturer revived by the Mukhtarov brothers. They have revitalized the production of paper using Samarkand Technology. The entire process is done by hand, allowing guests to observe the making of silk paper. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, once Central Asia’s greatest research center, and learn about the observatory’s sextant, discovered in 1908.

Samarkand

Samarkand - During the tour, be captivated by the palace-like mausoleum of ruler Amir Timur, the Gur Emir Mausoleum. Experience the trip’s highlight at Registan-Square, featuring three impressive, richly decorated madrasas. Tashkent Street, lined with souvenir shops, leads to the once-largest mosque in Central Asia – the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Timur aimed to showcase his technical and financial prowess by constructing the Eastern world’s most beautiful mosque. While strolling through the Bazaar, sample raisins, apricots, and nuts, and enjoy the vibrant life of the friendly locals.

Samarkand - In the evening, attend a theatrical presentation of historical Oriental costumes at the “El Merosi” Theatre. The theatre showcases costumes from different eras in Central Asia, from ancient times to the 19th century, including the Massagets, Achemenids, Anachits, Sogdians, and Timurids.

Samarkand, train ride to Tashkent Samarkand is considered the Pearl of the Orient.

Shahrisabz - Embark on an excursion to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the great Timur. Travel by private car over the picturesque mountain pass, stopping for photos. See the remains of Timur’s summer palace Ak Saray, which took 20 years to build, and the Jakhongir Mausoleum for Timur’s eldest son who died in a military campaign. Visit the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, visible from afar with its blue dome and remarkable acoustics.

Tashkent - Return to Samarkand in the afternoon. At 17:00, transfer to the station for departure at 18:00 on the fast train “Afrosiyob” to Tashkent (300 km), arriving at 20:10. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Flight to home

Tashkent - Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport, marking the end of the trip.

• Local English-speaking tour guide
• Domestic flight Tashkent-Nukus in economy class
• Sightseeing program including entrance fees according to the itinerary
• 13x hotel accommodation in a double room, 1x yurt accommodation with 4 people
• Round trip/excursions and transfers in air-conditioned modern vehicles
• Tashkent-Kokand and Samarkand-Tashkent train journeys with fast train in economy class
• Cooking together with the national Uzbek dish - Plov with a local family in Uzbekistan
• Visit the paper factory - in a family business in Samarkand
• Savitski Museum (avant-garde art) in Nukus
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Folklore show in the Summer Palace in Khiva on day 3: ¬¬ 15 USD per person

Are you interested in a vibrant mosaic in Uzbekistan? Embark on an exciting cultural journey through Uzbekistan with us, in a small group with frequent availability. Explore the ship cemetery in Muynak, once a bustling fishing village on the Aral Sea. Trek through the Tugai forest and savor a meal by Lake Amudarya! Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional yurt in the Kyzyl-Kum desert and gaze at the “1001 Nights” starry sky by a crackling campfire, accompanied by music from an Akin, a folklore singer! Dive into the enchanting world of the Silk Road: mosques and mausoleums, stunning architecture side by side - such a striking contrast! Bring your curiosity and engage with the most fascinating mosaic of the Silk Road!

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