Overview
Samarkand. Bukhara. Khiva. The names conjure up images of ‘Arabian Nights’, Eastern exoticism and caravans crossing the Red Desert to bring silks, spices and jewels to the bazaars of the Near East. Our journey through Uzbekistan follows the Silk Road route, exploring the mosques, palaces, museums and madrasahs of these crossroad cities. Our adventure also takes us through the dramatic desert scenery of remote Karakalpakstan and reveals the grand tombs of the Biblical prophet Daniel and medieval warrior-emperor Tamerlane.
Whats Included
- 9 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
- International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with Uzbekistan Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports
- 23 meals: 9 breakfasts (days 3-11) 5 lunches (days 2-5 and 9) 9 dinners (days 2-10)
11 excursions and visits
- 2 guided tours of Tashkent (including the Khast-Imam Complex and the Museum of History of Uzbekistan)
- Visits to Chilpyk and Ayaz Kala (with lunch in a traditional yurt camp); and Bahouddin Nakshbandi Mausoleum
- City tours of Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Samarkand
- 2 folklore shows
- Traditional Bukharian cooking master class
- Afrosiyab Museum and the Mausoleum of Daniel, Samarkand
Plus
- Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
- Local Titan tour manager
- Travel in destination by coach
- Porterage
Itinerary
Day 1: UK – Tashkent
- Depart from the UK and fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.
Day 2: Tashkent
- Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel.
- In the afternoon, embark on a city tour visiting Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and the Khast Imam Complex, which houses the ancient Quran of Caliph Uthman.
Day 3: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
- Take a morning flight to Urgench, followed by a transfer to Khiva.
- Explore the Itchan Kala, the walled inner town of Khiva, featuring the Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya-Ark Fortress, and the Tosh-Hovli Palace.
Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara
- Depart Khiva and embark on a scenic drive to Bukhara, passing through the Kyzylkum Desert.
- Arrive in Bukhara and check into your hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara
- Discover Bukhara’s historic sites, including the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble, Poi Kalyan Complex, and the Ark Fortress.
- Visit the Bolo Haouz Mosque and the mausoleum of Ismail Samani.
Day 6: Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand
- Travel to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (Amir Timur).
- Explore the Ak-Saray Palace ruins and the Dorut Tilovat complex.
- Continue to Samarkand and check into your hotel.
Day 7: Samarkand
- Visit the iconic Registan Square, featuring the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori madrasahs.
- Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Siyob Bazaar.
- In the afternoon, tour the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Day 8: Samarkand – Tashkent
- Spend the morning at leisure or explore more of Samarkand’s sights.
- In the afternoon, take the high-speed train back to Tashkent.
Day 9: Tashkent – Fergana Valley
- Drive to the Fergana Valley, known for its fertile lands and handicrafts.
- Visit Kokand’s Khudoyar Khan Palace and the Jami Mosque.
- Continue to Rishtan, famous for its ceramics, and observe a local pottery workshop.
Day 10: Fergana – Margilan – Tashkent
- Visit Margilan to tour the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, witnessing traditional silk production.
- Return to Tashkent in the afternoon.
Day 11: Tashkent – UK
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Uzbekistan’s most significant Silk Road cities, providing deep insights into the country’s rich history and culture.
