Silk Road Tour - Uzbekistan

On Day 1 of your journey, you will depart from London Heathrow Airport on flight HY-202 bound for Tashkent. The flight is scheduled to leave London at 16:20, and after a lengthy journey, you will arrive in Tashkent at 03:10 the following day. This overnight flight marks the beginning of your adventure, setting the stage for the exciting experiences ahead in Uzbekistan. 

Upon arriving in Tashkent, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an immediate check-in, allowing you to rest after your journey. Tashkent, with a history spanning nearly 2000 years, has evolved from a small settlement into a bustling metropolitan centre. Today, it stands as a key industrial, financial, and cultural hub, not just in Uzbekistan but across Central Asia. Your tour will take you through various points of interest, including some rare ancient sites.
You'll meet with a local guide to begin your city tour, starting with a visit to Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of Tashkent, where you'll see the immense Osman Koran, believed to be the world's oldest. Next, you'll take an exterior visit of the Kukeldash Madrassah, a functioning 16th-century religious school, before exploring Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and most historically significant markets in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, dating back to the days of the Great Silk Road. The tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a building constructed by local craftsmen at the end of the 19th century.
The panoramic city tour will take you to several iconic landmarks, including Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square, the Earthquake Memorial, and Independence Square. If time permits, you may also get the chance to ride the Tashkent metro. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Tashkent. 

You will transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train bound for Kokand, departing from Tashkent at 07:54 and arriving at 12:10 (schedule subject to change). Nestled in the northeastern part of Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. This picturesque valley has been a sought-after place for settlement since ancient times, thanks to its mild climate, fertile lands, and abundant natural resources.
Upon arriving in Kokand, once the centre of a khaganate that thrived until the early 20th century, you will explore several historical sites. These include the Urda Palace of Khudoyar Khan, the residence of the last ruler of Kokand from the 19th century, and the Djuma Mosque, also dating back to the 19th century. Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Kokand. 

In the morning, you'll drive to Rishtan, one of the oldest and largest ceramic centres in Central Asia, located approximately 45 kilometres away (a 50-minute drive). Here, you'll visit a family-run ceramic workshop to learn about the traditional pottery-making process. Afterward, you'll transfer to Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan's silk industry, also about 45 kilometres away (a 50-minute drive). In Margilan, you'll tour the traditional silk factory “Yodgorlik,” where you'll witness the intricate process of silk production. You'll also visit the Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah, which now houses several craftsmen specializing in handmade carpets and silk.
Later, you'll transfer to the train station and take a train from Margilan back to Tashkent, departing at 16:41 and arriving at 21:48 (schedule subject to change). Upon arrival in Tashkent, you'll be accommodated at your hotel. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Tashkent. 

The morning is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Later, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight from Tashkent to Urgench on flight HY55, departing at 13:00 and arriving at 14:30 (schedule subject to change). Upon arrival in Urgench, you'll take a short drive to Khiva, approximately 40 kilometres away. Once there, you'll check in at your accommodation. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Khiva. 

Meet with your local guide to begin a walking tour of Ichan Kala, an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural complex is enclosed by large fortress walls with four gates and contains over sixty architectural monuments, including palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets, and mausoleums. During the tour, you'll visit key landmarks such as the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah (19th century), the Kalta Minor Minaret (19th century), the Kunya-Ark Fortress (19th-20th centuries), the Djuma Mosque (18th century), the Tash-Khauli Palace and harem (19th century), the Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret (20th century), and the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (19th century). Breakfast is included, and you'll stay overnight in Khiva. 

Meet with your local guide and set out to explore the remnants of ancient fortresses, a journey of approximately 120 kilometres and a two-hour drive. Your first stop will be Toprak-Kala, meaning "earth fortress" or "dusty fortress," which served as one of the ancient capitals of Khorezm in the 3rd century AD. Known as the "museum of fine arts of Ancient Khorezm," this site has yielded well-preserved examples of ancient Khorezmian writing and numerous artworks. Next, you'll visit Ayaz-Kala, or "fortress in the wind," one of the largest castles of ancient Khorezm dating back to the 4th century BC. This unique historical monument from the Zoroastrian era is perched atop a 60-meter hill, with steep slopes that once offered natural protection against invaders.
Enjoy lunch in the desert at a traditional yurt, the nomadic dwelling of the region. You'll return to Khiva in the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch are included, and you'll spend the night in Khiva. 

Today's journey takes you across the vast Kyzylkum Desert en route to Bukhara, offering a rare opportunity to experience this arid landscape and catch sight of the nomadic sheep farmers who traverse it. The drive covers 450 kilometres and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Bukhara. 

Bukhara's architectural heritage is incredibly rich, featuring caravanserais, trading domes, public baths, large pools, defensive walls, city gates, khanakas, mausoleums, mosques, and madrassahs, along with both individual structures and expansive complexes. The decorative techniques, magnificent designs, and innovative ideas of its architects are sure to captivate your imagination.
Meet your local guide to begin a city tour, starting with the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, where you'll see the iconic Kalyan Minaret from the 12th century, the symbol of the city, alongside the Miri-Arab Madrassah (16th century) and Djuma Mosque (15th century). You'll also visit the twin madrassahs of Ulugbek (15th century) and Abdulaziz-khan (17th century), and explore the bustling trading domes, including Tok-i-Sarrafon (Moneychanger’s Bazaar), Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon (Cap Maker’s Bazaar), and Tok-i-Zargaron (Jeweller’s Bazaar, 1570). The tour continues with visits to the Magoki-Attari Mosque (12th and 16th centuries) and the Liabi-Khauz Complex, which includes the Nodir-Divan-Beghi Madrassah (17th century), Kukeldash Madrassah (16th century), and Khonako (17th century). You’ll also stop by a local puppet workshop and visit Chor Minor, a colourful madrassah with four distinctive minarets.
Throughout the tour, you'll have the chance to pause and enjoy teas infused with spices and flavours. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Bukhara. 

Spend another day exploring the historical treasures of Bukhara. Start with a visit to the Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel and fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, followed by the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, an 18th-century structure known for its elegant design. You'll also visit the Chashma-Ayub Shrine, famed for its curative spring, and the Samanids Mausoleum, a 9th-century gem of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
In the afternoon, take a countryside excursion to the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, before returning to the city. Conclude your day with a visit to Chor Minor, a vibrant madrassah with four distinctive minarets.
Breakfast is included, and you’ll spend the night in Bukhara. 

Enjoy a free morning for personal exploration of the city and any last-minute shopping. No guide or car will be provided during this time.
In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board the high-speed train from Bukhara to Samarkand, departing at 15:44 and arriving at 17:27 (schedule subject to change). Upon arrival in Samarkand, a historic city on the Silk Road, you'll begin your next chapter of discovery.
Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Samarkand. 

Samarkand has experienced a rich tapestry of history, shaped by the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Arab expansion, Genghis Khan, and finally, Tamerlane. As a result, its culture is a vibrant blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and elements of both Western and Eastern influences.
Meet your local guide to begin a city tour, starting with the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants, dating back to the 15th century. Explore Registan Square, which has been the heart of Samarkand since the era of Tamerlane the Great. The Square is flanked by three grand madrassahs: Ulugbek Madrassah (1417-1420), Sher-Dor Madrassah (1619-1636), and Tilla-Kori Madrassah (1646-1660). Visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, named in honour of Timur’s eldest and beloved wife, and wander through Siab Bazaar, the lively main farmers' market (closed on Mondays). Finally, explore the Necropolis of Shakhi-Zinda, an ensemble of mausoleums dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries, reputedly built around the grave of Kussam, a son of Abbas and cousin of Mohammed.
Breakfast is included, and you’ll spend the night in Samarkand. 

A two-hour drive through the Takhta Karacha mountain pass takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, who is celebrated as a national hero. In Shakhrisabz, you will see the remains of Timur’s grand palace, the Ak Saray, or "White Palace," built in the 14th century.
You’ll explore the Kok Gumbaz Friday Mosque and the Mausoleum of Dorut Tilavat. The Kok Gumbaz Mosque, constructed by Ulugh Beg in 1437, was built in honor of his father, Shah Rukh. The Dorut Siadat Mausoleum, erected by Timur, is dedicated to his beloved 22-year-old son who died in a horse accident.
Afterward, you will return to Samarkand and transfer to your hotel. Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Samarkand. 

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Afrosiab Museum, which delves into the foundation and history of the ancient city. Next, see the remains of the largest medieval observatory, established in Samarkand by the renowned astronomer and scholar Ulugh Beg, Timur the Great’s grandson, in the 15th century.
You’ll also visit the Silk Paper Centre "Meros," where local artisans have revived the ancient tradition of papermaking, reintroducing Samarkand’s historic paper to the world.
In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board the high-speed train from Samarkand to Tashkent, departing at 16:59 and arriving at 19:27 (schedule subject to change). Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Breakfast is included, and you’ll spend the night in Samarkand. 

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight HY-201 to London Heathrow, departing at 11:10 and arriving at 14:50. Breakfast is included.