Uzbekistan & the Ancient Silk Road

Flight from London to Urgench in ancient Khorezm

Your Silk Road adventure begins at London Heathrow by meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers ahead of an overnight flight to Urgench, via Istanbul. The capital of Uzbekistan's Khorezm region, Urgench sits near to the mighty Amu Darya River, historically known as the Oxus.

Khiva, the 'largest open-air museum in the world'

Arriving in Urgench early this morning, we transfer to the heart of Khiva's UNESCO-listed Old City. Our hotel is located in a former madrasa. Guided sightseeing tour of the astonishing Old City of Khiva (Itchan-Kala), visiting the Djuma Mosque with original 10th-century carved wooden pillars. First dinner together at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Kyzylkum desert fortresses and lunch in a traditional yurt

Travel by coach across the Amu Darya River into the remote Kyzylkum desert. Visit Toprak-kala ('Earth City') and the remains of Ayaz-Kala. Lunch at a traditional yurt camp. Return to Khiva for dinner with a performance by a traditional Khorezm folklore troupe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Along the Silk Road to Bukhara

Travel by coach through the Kyzylkum (Red Desert) to Bukhara, with a lunch stop at a local café en route. Check in to hotel for three nights. Free time to explore or relax before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Exploring Bukhara's eternal beauty

Guided walking tour of Bukhara's architectural and cultural heritage: Ulugbek madrasa, trading domes, Po-i-Kalyan complex (Kalan Minaret, Kalan Mosque, Mir-i-Arab madrasa), the Ark of Bukhara fortress, and a traditional puppet workshop. Evening cooking masterclass and dinner with a local family.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Uncovering beautiful Bukhara's storied history

Visit the Bahauddin Naqshband Memorial Complex, the former home of Fayzulla Khodjaev, and the Chor Minor madrasa gatehouse. Free afternoon at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The golden journey to Samarkand

Morning visit to the Samanid Mausoleum. Transfer to Kogon train station and board the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Check in to hotel and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The 'noblest public square in the world' in Tamerlane's city

Guided tour of the Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and Gur Emir Mausoleum. Visit the Meros Silk Paper Centre. Dance show at the Theatre of Historical Costume before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The lost city of Afrasiyab and on to Tashkent

Visit the lost hilltop city of Afrasiyab and the Observatory of Ulugh Beg. Traditional lunch with a local family. Board the Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. Dinner at a restaurant on arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring the vibrant Uzbek capital of Tashkent

Guided sightseeing tour: Rakhimov's Ceramics Studio, Khast Imam Square, Kukeldash Madrasa, Chorsu Bazaar, and a ride on the ornate Tashkent metro. Final group dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Homeward bound

Transfer to Tashkent airport with a packed breakfast for an early flight back to London Heathrow via Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast