Uzbekistan – the Heart of the Silk Route

Overview

Delve into the heart of the historic Silk Route as you explore the spellbinding land of Uzbekistan. From its towering mountain ranges to vast deserts, from ancient cities to warm and welcoming people, this journey takes you through a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

• Travelsphere Tour Manager and Specialist Local Guides
• Return direct flights from Heathrow with Uzbekistan Airways
• 9 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels, plus 1 night in flight
• 18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
• Local Flavours – Sample exotic teas at a historic tea house
• Overseas transfers and other transportation
• Porterage

Itinerary

Day 1: UK – Tashkent

Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent

On arrival this morning, relax and settle into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights, including a ride on the dazzling Tashkent metro, Central Asia’s oldest underground system, famous for its mosaics and stunning architecture. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Tashkent – Samarkand

Travel to one of the Silk Road’s most iconic cities via the high-speed Afrosiab train. Samarkand’s rich history spans over 2,750 years, having been influenced by figures such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.

Highlights today include:

• Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants
• Mosque Bibi-Khanum – a magnificent architectural wonder
• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis – a revered pilgrimage site, believed to be the burial place of Qusan ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad

Day 4: Samarkand

This morning, explore Registan Square, a stunning ensemble of madrasas decorated with intricate mosaics and towering minarets.

Later, visit a local family for a home-cooked meal before an optional excursion to:

• Meros Silk Paper Factory – reviving the lost art of papermaking
• Ulugh Beg Observatory – once a leading centre of astronomical discoveries
• Tomb of Prophet Daniel – an important religious site

Day 5: Samarkand – Bukhara

Journey over the scenic Takhta Karacha Pass to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Highlights here include:

• Ak Saray Palace – a grand ruin of Tamerlane’s ambitious architectural vision
• Kok Gumbaz Mosque & Dorut Tilavat Mausoleum – showcasing medieval craftsmanship

After lunch at a traditional teahouse, continue to Bukhara, Central Asia’s holiest city, where a delicious dinner awaits.

Day 6: Bukhara

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Bukhara, with highlights including:

• Old Jewish Quarter – a glimpse into Bukhara’s diverse past
• Poi-Kalyan Ensemble & Kalyan Minaret – iconic Islamic architecture
• Traditional workshops – experience puppet-making and miniature painting
• Silk Road markets – shop for handwoven carpets, silk scarves, and jewellery
• Spiced tea tasting – sample teas infused with cardamom, anise, cinnamon, and oregano

Day 7: Bukhara

Continue exploring Bukhara’s rich history with visits to:

• Zindan Prison – home to a grim torture chamber
• Fortress Ark – the city’s oldest and most impressive structure
• Samanid Mausoleum – a stunning 9th-century architectural masterpiece

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, or join an optional excursion to:

• Bahauddin Naqshbandi’s tomb – the sacred burial site of a revered Sufi leader
• Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace – the lavish summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir
• Chor Minor – a unique four-towered structure with distinctive turquoise domes

Day 8: Bukhara – Khiva

Enjoy a scenic drive across the Kyzylkum Desert, once a perilous stretch of the Silk Road, now a breathtaking landscape to admire from air-conditioned comfort.

Day 9: Khiva

Step back in time in Khiva, a perfectly preserved city that was once a notorious centre of the slave trade. A walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala reveals:

• 51 ancient structures, including majestic mosques and caravanserais
• A bustling handicraft scene, offering woodcarvings, woven carpets, and fleece hats

Tonight, enjoy a folklore performance, featuring the captivating Khorezm dance, a blend of Arabic, Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Chinese influences.

Day 10: Khiva – Tashkent

Fly back to Tashkent for a final city tour, taking in:

• Khast Imam Square – the spiritual heart of Tashkent
• Theatre Square & Broadway – vibrant hubs of performing arts
• Earthquake Memorial & Amir Temur Square – key landmarks of Uzbekistan’s history

A farewell dinner at a local restaurant rounds off this unforgettable journey.

Day 11: Tashkent – UK

Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to the airport for your flight home.