"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a few pages" - Marco Polo
Unearth the secrets of the Silk Road
In the West, we often group the 'stan' countries together, with Afghanistan being the most known (for all the wrong reasons). Uzbekistan, however, remains largely a mystery despite having played a crucial role throughout history.
For nearly two millennia starting from the 2nd century BC the cities of Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva were vital cosmopolitan nodes along the silk road welcoming merchants, nomads, and soldiers alike. Due to their strategic and cultural value, they fell subject to imperial conquests for much of history as the likes of Alexander the Great, the Mongols, the Arabs and both Imperial Russian and the Bolshiviks made their way through the region.
Yet, the spirit of these cities never ceased. The Islamic Golden age of the thirteenth century ushered in breakthroughs in mathematics, medicine and science at the hands of many Uzbek polymaths like Avicenna, Al-Biruni and Al-Khwarizmi and even Marco Polo wrote about the region's diverse and tolerant nature in his memoirs in 1298.
Today, Uzbekistan's stunning architecture, culinary traditions and ethnic mixes are one of the most intriguing melanges of east and west on display in the world today.
When we designed this trip we wanted to curate experiences capable of telling this territory's story in the most honest and experiential way possible and we promise that by the end you;ll have a meaningful understanding of just how deep the connection between east and west truly is and how fundamentally similar we all are. We for one can’t wait to experience it with you.
We've crafted a concise video overview to give you context on Uzbekistan's rich history and its standing in the world today.
You’ll be accompanied by experts throughout the trip, ensuring each aspect of Uzbekistan's history is connected and contextualised.
Take the road less traveled and meet locals from all walks of life. Visit villages and discover the true heart of Uzbekistan.
Enjoy rich and diverse food experiences. From plov to samsa, you'll indulge in flavours spanning East to West.
In the West, we often group the 'stan' countries together, with Afghanistan being the most known (for all the wrong reasons). Uzbekistan, however, remains largely a mystery despite having played a crucial role throughout history.
For nearly two millennia starting from the 2nd century BC the cities of Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva were vital cosmopolitan nodes along the silk road welcoming merchants, nomads, and soldiers alike. Due to their strategic and cultural value, they fell subject to imperial conquests for much of history as the likes of Alexander the Great, the Mongols, the Arabs and both Imperial Russian and the Bolshiviks made their way through the region.
Yet, the spirit of these cities never ceased. The Islamic Golden age of the thirteenth century ushered in breakthroughs in mathematics, medicine and science at the hands of many Uzbek polymaths like Avicenna, Al-Biruni and Al-Khwarizmi and even Marco Polo wrote about the region's diverse and tolerant nature in his memoirs in 1298.
Today, Uzbekistan's stunning architecture, culinary traditions and ethnic mixes are one of the most intriguing melanges of east and west on display in the world today.
When we designed this trip we wanted to curate experiences capable of telling this territory's story in the most honest and experiential way possible and we promise that by the end you;ll have a meaningful understanding of just how deep the connection between east and west truly is and how fundamentally similar we all are. We for one can’t wait to experience it with you.
Welcome to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan! Upon your arrival, one of our representatives will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to a comfortable four-star hotel. If you arrive in the early morning, you can expect early check-in and access to the breakfast buffet to be situated prior to your arrival.
The morning and early afternoon are free for you to unwind, wander, and rest. The hotel in Tashkent is fully equipped with both a swimming pool and spa, so you can take your first few hours in town to relax and prepare for the week of travel ahead.
At around 18:00, you’ll meet your host and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and drinks, along with a short introduction to the trip. This gathering for everyone on the trip acquainted and discuss the exciting adventure that lies ahead.
On this day, you’ll set out to explore the capital. Your first stop is the Khast Imam Complex, a significant religious site containing one of the oldest Qurans in the world. Next, you’ll visit the bustling Chor-Su Bazaar, a market bursting with energy filled with local treasures. For lunch, you’ll experience a traditional Chaikhana, a traditional place where Uzbek men gather to chat over food and tea. You’ll savour the flavours of authentic Tashkent-style plov served by the kilo accompanied by local bread and salads. Joining us for lunch will be a political science professor ready to discuss Uzbekistan’s role in the world and its place in history. As evening approaches, a transfer will take you to the train station, where you’ll board the bullet train to Samarkand. Travel time is just over two hours and dinner in Samarkand will be at your own arrangement.
Samarkand is considered the Rome of the east for its architectural beauty and curious backroads. On this day you’ll visit some of the most significant sites in the Islamic world including the Gur-E Amir Mausoleum and the Registan Ensemble. You’ll conclude the morning at Samarkand’s Grand Bazaar before going for lunch at Samsa Café, a local favourite serving up Samsa, a traditional savoury pastry that’s a staple of daily life. The afternoon tour takes you to the Shahi-Zinda Mausoleum Complex, a fascinating site with mausoleums from the 11th, 15th, and 19th centuries which is widely considered one of the most visually stunning examples of islamic architecture in the world. The day wraps up with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you’ll learn and reflect on the scientific advancements of the Islamic Golden Age. Dinner will be at your own arrangement, giving you the chance to enjoy Samarkands fantastic nightlife.
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Samarkand Railway Station to board a bullet train bound for Bukhara, the legendary desert oasis where Marco Polo lived for three years. The journey is comfortable and scenic as the tuscan-like countryside that surrounds Samarkand becomes desert. The journey is under two hours and on arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the historic Jewish quarter. Their you’ll stay in the former home of a Jewish silk road merchant, a masterfully renovated relic from the 17th century. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. We can arrange a traditional Hammam experience for you in a 16th-century bathhouse, or you might prefer to wander through the tea houses and open-air markets. Either way the city is yours to get lost in.
This day begins with a visit to the royal residence of the Emir of Bukhara, known as the Ark Fortress, where you’ll explore the political centre of the Bukharan city state of the 16th-century. Next, you’ll continue to the Taqi trading domes, the Kukeldash Madrassah, and the Magok-i-Attari Mosque. At each site you’ll further explore the link between religion, commerce and culture. For lunch, you’ll enjoy traditional Bukharan-style plov at one of the country’s most iconic restaurants before a visit to a family owned carpet factory. Here you’ll learn about the ancient craft and meet the local artisans as they work. This factory is incredibly unique and makes pieces that are still sold around the world. Some carpets are worth upwards of $300,000 and made entirely by hand over years. For dinner, we’ll gather for a modern interpretation of Uzbek cuisine, live music, and shisha.
On this day we embark on a fascinating journey through the Kyzyl-Kum desert en route to Khiva. This scenic route, which takes about 6 hours and offers a view into the vast and varied landscapes of Uzbekistan. Along the way, you’ll see scenes of people and places far from the usual tourist attractions. You’ll stop by local rice and cotton fields and meet the families working the land. Here you will gain a unique insight into the region’s agricultural economy and the working conditions in this developing nation. For lunch, you’ll be invited into a local family’s home to enjoy traditional compote and bites before continuing. Before reaching Khiva, we’ll make one more stop to the banks of the Amu Darya River, where Turkmenistan is visible with the naked eye. Here you’ll take a minute to learn about Turkmenistan, a lesser known hermit kingdom on par with North Korea. Upon arrival in Khiva, you’ll check in and settle into your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Khiva is a perfectly preserved citadel situated within an immaculate desert oasis. The morning starts at the Kunya-Ark Fortress, from where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city where our guide sets the stage for the exploration ahead. Because of its small local population and for how well it has been preserved and renovated, Khiva allows you to fully imagine what it was like to travel through this town as a silk road merchant. You’ll visit its famed caravanserai, the merchant hostel of the middle ages, where explorers would stay after months of gruelling travel . You’ll visit religious sites of the Zoorastrian tradition which predate Islam and wander the winding streets that are still bustling with merchants even today. This day promises a deep dive into Khiva’s historical and cultural treasures, making it a memorable highlight of your journey through Uzbekistan.
Day 8 begins with breakfast before a transfer to Urgench Airport for a morning flight back to Tashkent. In the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This day is free to wander, but culminates in the evening with a special farewell dinner giving you and your tour mates the opportunity to reflect on the journey, celebrating the experiences and memories made throughout your trip.
After your final breakfast we’ll drop you off at Tashkent International Airport for your morning flight back home. This marks the end of our services, concluding your unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the rich memories and experiences from this vibrant and historic land. Safe travels!
Video Primer
Our 30-minute video provides a concise overview of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and political landscape. You’ll learn about Uzbekistan’s role on the Silk Road, contributions during the Islamic Golden Age, and the impacts of Mongol invasions, the Soviet era, and modern developments. This series aims to give you a clear understanding of Uzbekistan’s past and present, preparing you for the trip. Here’s what you can expect to cover:
Guided Tours
Accommodations
Food Experiences
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, inclusive of:
Transport
Here are all the transfers included in the trip:
Special Guests
We will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary, including:
Entrance Tickets
All entrance tickets to the 34 historic sites you will visit over the 9 days in Uzbekistan are included.
Video Primer
Our 30-minute video provides a concise overview of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and political landscape. You’ll learn about Uzbekistan’s role on the Silk Road, contributions during the Islamic Golden Age, and the impacts of Mongol invasions, the Soviet era, and modern developments. This series aims to give you a clear understanding of Uzbekistan’s past and present, preparing you for the trip. Here’s what you can expect to cover:
Guided Tours
Accommodations
Food Experiences
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, inclusive of:
Transport
Here are all the transfers included in the trip:
Special Guests
We will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary, including:
Entrance Tickets
All entrance tickets to the 34 historic sites you will visit over the 9 days in Uzbekistan are included.
Reserve your place with just a fully refundable 10% deposit.
Full refund for reservations canceled 60 days before the trip.
Your payments are insured by ABTOT in accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Review the number of travelers, date and total price & deposit
Deposit amount: $137.50
Future payments: $1,237.50
Deposit amount: $137.50
Future payments: $1,237.50
For assistance of any kind, please contact us.
