Itinerary
- Day 1
Tashkent
You'll arrive in Tashkent and connect with your local representative for the hotel transfer. If your flight gets in early, you can wander around and check out the city's contemporary architecture before things get going. At 6 pm there's a welcome meeting with your leader and the rest of the group, then dinner featuring traditional Uzbek dishes like laghman noodles, norin noodles, and fried dumplings.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at excellent local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek food such as laghman noodles, norin noodles and fried dumplings)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at local restaurant with traditional Uzbek cuisine
Optional Activities
- Walk to view contemporary architecture
- Day 2
Tashkent
Your leader takes you through Tashkent starting at the Khast Imom Complex to see the Barak Khan medressa, Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Quran Library, and Mosque which holds one of the world's oldest and holiest Korans. After that you'll browse the Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest markets where you can chat with locals. The metro stations are next, then Amir Temur Square wraps up the morning portion. Your afternoon is free, so you might want to head to the striking Kukeldash medressa if time allows.
Included Activities
- Khast Imom Complex tour including Barak Khan medressa, Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Quran Library and Mosque
- Chorsu Bazaar visit
- Tashkent metro stations tour
- Amir Timur Square visit
- City tour with local leader
Optional Activities
- Visit Kukeldash medressa
Landmarks/POIs Khast Imom Complex Chorsu Bazaar Amir Temur Square Kukeldash medressa - Day 3
Tashkent to Samarkand
An early morning high-speed Afrosiab train takes you to Samarkand, an ancient Silk Road hub. You'll see the remains of Ulugbek Observatory, built by a Muslim prince interested in astronomy, then check out the Afrosiab Museum for a treasured 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman. Later there's a visit to a local artisan's workshop in Konigil to watch 1000-year-old paper-making methods at the Meros paper mill, plus a ceramics workshop tour. Your evening is yours to explore Samarkand at your own pace.
Included Activities
- High-speed Afrosiab train to Samarkand
- Ulugbek Observatory visit
- Afrosiab Museum visit
- Konigil village artisan workshop visit with 1000-year-old paper-making demonstration
- Ceramics workshop visit
Landmarks/POIs Ulugbek Observatory Afrosiab Museum Meros paper mill - Day 4
Samarkand
With your leader you'll dive into Samarkand's cultural heritage, starting at the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a necropolis with over 20 beautifully decorated buildings. Next comes the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur. Registan Square and its three mosaic-adorned madrassas are next, followed by the bustling Siob Bazaar. Before evening, you'll head to the Bagizagan winery for insights into Uzbek wine production and tastings. Tonight you're joining a local family for a cooking demonstration on the traditional plov dish.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional plov cooking demonstration and family dinner with local family)
Included Activities
- Shah-i-Zinda complex visit
- Gur Amir Mausoleum visit
- Registan Square visit
- Siob Bazaar visit
- Bagizagan winery visit and wine tasting
- Traditional plov cooking demonstration and family dinner
Landmarks/POIs Shah-i-Zinda Gur Amir Mausoleum Registan Square Siob Bazaar Bagizagan winery - Day 5
Samarkand to Bukhara
A high-speed train brings you to Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and Central Asia's holiest city with monuments from the 8th to 18th centuries. Your leader shows you the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, and Bolo-Khauz Mosque after arrival. You'll check into a Feature Stay in a converted Jewish House that's historic and authentically decorated. Later there's dinner at a local restaurant followed by an Uzbek folklore and music performance at a city madrassa.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- High-speed train to Bukhara
- Ismail Samani Mausoleum visit
- Chashma Ayub Mausoleum visit
- Bolo-Khauz Mosque visit
- City tour with leader
- Uzbek folklore and music performance
Landmarks/POIs Ismail Samani Mausoleum Chashma Ayub Mausoleum Bolo-Khauz Mosque - Day 6
Bukhara
After breakfast you continue exploring Bukhara by checking out the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress and the imposing Poikalon complex. The trading domes at Taki Zargaron come next, where you can browse embroideries, jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and Silk Road treasures while testing your haggling skills. You'll explore the central Lyabi-Hauz complex and surrounding areas. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace with your leader available for recommendations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ark Fortress ruins visit
- Poikalon complex visit
- Taki Zargaron visit
- Trading domes visit
- Lyabi-Hauz complex visit
Landmarks/POIs Ark Fortress Taki Zargaron Lyabi-Hauz Complex - Day 7
Bukhara to Khiva
After a leisurely morning, you'll visit Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer palace of Alim Khan, Uzbekistan's last emir, while your leader shares stories of his extravagant lifestyle. Then you drive to Khiva through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, Central Asia's largest desert area. There are stops for photos, lunch, walks, and to learn about unique flora and fauna. You'll pass viewpoints along the way and arrive in Khiva in the evening to rest.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace visit
- Kyzyl-Kum Desert drive with stops for photos and walks
Landmarks/POIs Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace Kyzyl-Kum Desert - Day 8
Khiva
A full day in Khiva with your leader exploring the well-preserved Old City on foot. You'll see the turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret, Khan museum, 17th-century Juma Mosque, Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa, and Kuhna Ark fortress. From Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform you can look over the city, then finish at the tranquil 19th-century Tosh-Hovli Palace. Later there's a roof terrace for champagne and sunset views. Tonight you'll join a cooking class to learn Khorezmian cuisine secrets and make shivit oshi and tuhum-barak.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner following Khorezmian cuisine cooking class featuring shivit oshi (green noodles) and tuhum-barak (egg dumplings))
Included Activities
- Kalta Minor Minaret visit
- Khan museum visit
- Juma Mosque visit
- Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa visit
- Kuhna Ark fortress visit
- Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform visit
- Tosh-Hovli Palace visit
- Sunset champagne at roof terrace
- Khorezmian cuisine cooking class with shivit oshi and tuhum-barak preparation
Landmarks/POIs Kalta Minor Minaret Juma Mosque Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa Kuhna Ark Tosh-Hovli Palace - Day 9
Khiva to Tashkent
You'll transfer to the airport for a morning flight back to Tashkent. Once there, you can admire the facade of the Navoi Theatre, named after a 16th-century writer and mystic and partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Walking down the buzzing Broadway Alley with shady trees and local artists' work is next. Then you explore at your own pace before your final group dinner this evening to celebrate the Silk Road adventure.
- Meals
- Dinner (Final group dinner)
Included Activities
- Flight to Tashkent
- Navoi Theatre facade visit
- Broadway Alley walk
Landmarks/POIs Navoi Theatre Broadway Alley - Day 10
Tashkent to Almaty
You'll say goodbye to Uzbekistan and catch an unescorted flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital with wide tree-lined streets, parks, and views of snow-capped mountains. If arriving early, consider the State Museum of Arts, State History Museum, or Kasteev House Museum showcasing famous Kazakh artist work from Soviet times. This evening there's a group meeting with your new local leader and fellow travelers, then dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at traditional Kazakh restaurant)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at traditional Kazakh restaurant
Optional Activities
- State Museum of Arts visit
- State History Museum visit
- Kasteev House Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs State Museum of Arts State History Museum Kasteev House Museum - Day 11
Almaty
A local guide takes you through downtown Almaty, starting at Central Square and the colorful Zenkoff Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow in WWII. The cathedral is the second tallest wooden building in the world. You'll explore the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments with its excellent collection of ancient relics. This afternoon there's a visit to a family-owned local winery just outside the city for lunch and wine tasting where you can meet the owners and learn about Kazakh wine production. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon with your evening free.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at family-owned winery)
Included Activities
- City tour of downtown Almaty with local guide
- Central Square visit
- Zenkoff Cathedral visit
- Panfilov Park visit
- Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments visit
- Family-owned winery visit with lunch and wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Central Square Zenkoff Cathedral Panfilov Park Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments - Day 12
Almaty to Bishkek
After breakfast you leave Kazakhstan for Kyrgyzstan and stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tamgaly Tas, featuring Bronze Age petroglyphs. A picnic lunch happens here before you continue to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital that borders Central Asia's Tian Shan range. Arriving in the late afternoon, your leader takes you on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then your evening is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch at Tamgaly Tas)
Included Activities
- Tamgaly Tas UNESCO World Heritage site visit with Bronze Age petroglyphs
- Orientation walk with leader
Landmarks/POIs Tamgaly Tas - Day 13
Bishkek
A half-day city tour of downtown Bishkek with a local guide covers Ala-Too Square and the statue of Manas, the hero of the Kyrgyz people. You'll see the Russian Orthodox church, one of the few remaining Lenin statues in ex-USSR countries, Oak Park which is the country's oldest park, the Opera house, and Victory Square with its eternal flame honoring WWII. After free time to rest, you meet a local designer, craftsman, and design historian to learn about Central Asian textile design and manufacturing. Dinner with your group happens later in Bishkek.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner in Bishkek)
Included Activities
- Half-day city tour of downtown Bishkek with local guide
- Ala-Too Square visit
- Statue of Manas visit
- Russian Orthodox church visit
- Oak Park visit
- Opera house visit
- Victory Square visit
- Central Asian textile design visit with local designer and craftsman
- Group dinner in Bishkek
Landmarks/POIs Ala-Too Square Statue of Manas Russian Orthodox church Oak Park Opera house Victory Square - Day 14
Bishkek to Lake Issyk Kul
After a relaxed breakfast you start driving to Lake Issyk Kul, one of the world's largest lakes at 178 km long and 60 km wide. A stop at Burana Tower, a large minaret in Chuy Valley, includes the monument and museum. You'll meet with a local farming family nearby for homemade lunch, then continue to Kyzyk Tuu village to meet a craftsman keeping the ancient tradition of yurt-making alive. After touring the workshop to see how yurts are built without electrical tools and learning about making Kiiz felt layers, you try assembling your own. Tonight you experience a night in a traditional yurt camp built by local craftsmen. After an evening walk, you gather around a campfire for dinner under the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Homemade lunch at local farming family home), Dinner (Campfire dinner under the stars)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower and monument visit
- Burana Tower museum visit
- Local farming family homemade lunch
- Kyzyk Tuu village yurt-making workshop visit and demonstration
- Kiiz (felt layer) making instruction
- Traditional yurt camp night
- Campfire dinner under the stars
Optional Activities
- Assemble your own yurt
Landmarks/POIs Lake Issyk Kul Burana Tower - Day 15
Lake Issyk Kul to Karakol
After breakfast you depart the yurt camp and head to Karakol, the furthest eastern outpost of former Tsarist Russia and later the USSR. Skazka Canyon, also called Fairytale Canyon, is next with rugged stone peaks contrasting with meadows and alpine lakes. After lunch you continue to Jety Oguz Valley, whose name means 'seven bulls' referring to seven red-brown cliffs in the area. Walking through the gorgeous valley leads you to Karakol, a town founded as a Russian military outpost with scenic 'Gingerbread houses' along its streets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Skazka Canyon visit
- Jety Oguz Valley visit and walk
Landmarks/POIs Skazka Canyon Jety Oguz Valley - Day 16
Karakol
Your local leader takes you through Karakol starting at the Prezhevalsky Museum to learn about a Russian explorer who made discoveries in China and Mongolia. Walking scenic streets shows off 'Gingerbread Cottage' houses, then you browse a lively local market for souvenirs and visit the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. This evening you're welcomed into a Dungan local family's home for a masterclass on local cuisine. The Dungan or Hui people are a local ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who escaped China after the Hui revolt's defeat in 1877. Dinner with your hosts happens before returning to your accommodation.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner with Dungan family following local cuisine masterclass)
Included Activities
- Prezhevalsky Museum visit
- Scenic street walk with Gingerbread Cottage viewing
- Local market visit
- Dungan Mosque visit
- Holy Trinity Cathedral visit
- Dungan family visit and local cuisine masterclass with dinner
Landmarks/POIs Prezhevalsky Museum Dungan Mosque Holy Trinity Cathedral - Day 17
Karakol to Almaty
Today is a long travel day with a border crossing back into Kazakhstan. Wake early and grab a window seat for spectacular scenery. There are several stops for photos and to stretch your legs, including Sharyn Canyon, often called the little brother of the Grand Canyon. Wind and water have shaped this canyon with different shapes and colors. A short hike takes you to the canyon bottom with incredible viewpoints. You'll continue to Almaty, freshen up at the hotel, then join your group for a traditional dinner to toast the adventure.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional dinner with group to celebrate the adventure)
Included Activities
- Sharyn Canyon visit with short hike to bottom
Landmarks/POIs Sharyn Canyon - Day 18
Almaty
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning with no further activities planned. If you'd like to continue exploring Central Asia along the Silk Routes, consider other options available. For any additional accommodation needs, contact your booking agent in advance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
