Description

Silk Road Adventures (10D9N)

 

At a Glance

• Tashkent, 2 nights
• Bukhara, 3 nights
• Samarkand, 3 nights
• Tashkent, 1 night

 

Day 1. Tashkent

Welcome to Uzbekistan!

A Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic, landlocked Uzbekistan is the proud home to spellbinding architecture and ancient cities that have been overlooked for many years.

Its centuries-long history under Persian rule and as a key stop on the Silk Road left a rich cultural and architectural legacy, made all the more fascinating by the country’s time as an enclave of the Soviet Union.

Upon clearing immigration and customs, the representative will be waiting at the airport meeting area for your transfer to the hotel. Time for leisure.

Overnight in Tashkent

Meal(s): –

 

Day 2. Tashkent  

Today we’ll have a city tour in Tashkent – a charming mish mash of austere Soviet-style buildings and classical Russian architecture, has a long history of 2,200 years and has been the capital of Uzbekistan since 1930.

We’ll start by exploring the narrow winding streets of the Old Town. This area is home to Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya Shaykh Mosque, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Library of Islamic Literature. 

Under a giant dome, we’ll find a delightful slice of city life in the traditional Chor-Su Bazaar. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs, watch Uzbek bread baking and taste many national dishes in between the numerous food rows. 

In the modern part of the city we’ll visit Mustakillik Square. We’ll even take a ride on the vibrant, arty Tashkent Metro. The tour of Tashkent ends at Amir Temur Square, established on the intersection of two ancient trade roads in the heart of the city. 

Overnight in Tashkent

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 3. Tashkent – Bukhara 

After an early breakfast, it’s all aboard the train for the four hour journey to Bukhara – Central Asia’s holiest city! It is home to buildings spanning a thousand years of history and a thoroughly lived-in and cohesive old centre that hasn’t changed too much in two centuries. It is one of the best places in Central Asia for a glimpse of pre-Russian Turkestan.

Bukhara was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval center for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, we’ll visit the Samanids Mausoleum, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ark Fortress -the residence of Bukhara khans- and some beautiful madrassahs.

Later we can relax at local ancient hammam Bozori Kord (XVII C) with some traditional spa procedures.

Overnight in Bukhara

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 4. Bukhara 

Today we’ll continue exploring Bukhara – at the Poi-Kalyan complex we can see the Kalyan Minaret, also known as the ‘Tower of Death’. We’ll also visit the Lyabi Hauz complex, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city containing several impressive Islamic monuments.

Later that day, there is a photo-session in national costumes of the Bukhara Emirate at the Fayzulla Khojaev Museum.

Dinner with a family of local artisan – master of oriental miniature, where you can eat main Uzbek dish – plov (pilaf).

Overnight in Bukhara

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 5. Bukhara 

The City of the Dead – this is just one of the sights we will see today. Located just outside Bukhara, Chor Bakr Necropolis, as it is officially known, is an unusual and mysterious burial place for the Dzhuibar sheikhs.

We’ll also visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Baghautdin Nakhshbandi Mausoleum – an important Muslim shrine and pilgrimage site, and Chor Minor Mosque.

Overnight in Bukhara

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 6. Bukhara – Vabkent – Gijduvan – Samarkand  

In the morning, depart to Samarkand (4h). En route you will visit the ancient minaret in Vabkent (XII С), and the house of one of the famous ceramic masters in Gijduvan.

In the afternoon we will visit the ruins of the XI century caravanserai Malik Rabat and Sardoba – ancient water reservoir.

Overnight in Samarkand

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 7. Samarkand 

No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand, which lies at the crossroads of the silk trading route through Europe and Asia.

We’ll visit the awe-inspiring restored madrassas standing on three sides of the iconic Registan Square: Ulughbek Madrassah, Sher-Dor Madrassah and the gold-covered Tillya-Kari Madrassah.

Other highlights include the Bibi Khanym Mosque with its ocean-blue domes and exquisite carvings and the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, which contains monuments dating back between 500 to 1000 years. We’ll also visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum and the Ulughbek Observatory with its interesting underground passages.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a performance of the El-Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes.

Overnight in Samarkand

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 8. Samarkand 

We’ll continue seeing the sights of Samarkand today. There’s the ancient settlement and museum of Afrosiab, and the Tombstone of Saint Daniyar – the restored tomb of the Old Testament prophet Daniyar (Daniel).

At Konigil village there’s time to visit the local paper mill which offers a fantastic insight into how traditional paper is still made using old-fashioned techniques.

In the evening, we’ll visit the Khovrenko Winery. The wine degustation at Khovrenko is an excellent add-on to any excursion in Samarkand. Winemaking has a very deep history in Uzbekistan. Varieties of grape grown on the territory of modern Samarkand have a particularly sweet taste, thanks to fertile soil, the mild climate and an abundance of sunlight.

The winery produces not only wine, but also cognac and vodka. Guests can visit the museum with its unique collection of wine. The tasting room is located in a historical building of the late 19th century – the house of Filatov. And of course, no one can leave without a tipple or two!

Overnight in Samarkand

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 9. Samarkand – Tashkent  

After breakfast, drive to Tashkent (4h). We’ll make a stop in Djizak town to eat local somsa, which is famous all over Uzbekistan. Time at leisure in Tashkent. We recommend a visit to the Tashkent Television Tower for amazing views over the city.

Overnight in Tashkent

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 10. Departure from Tashkent 

Sadly it’s our last day and time to say goodbye. Enjoy a final breakfast before the transfer back to the airport for your onward flight.

   Meal(s): Breakfast