Tashkent

Arrive in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. Settle into your hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of major attractions in the city centre. Time permitting take a short introductory tour of the city. Begin with a visit to the Khast Imam complex, home to one of the world’s oldest Korans. Continue to the central square, a historic and cultural hub, before heading to Chorsu Bazaar, a lively market full of colours, scents, and sounds. Return to your hotel and rest ahead of tomorrow’s train journey to one of the Silk Road’s most famous cities.

Hotel Options:

Hyatt Regency Tashkent

WHY WE LOVE THIS HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Tashkent stands as a modern architectural marvel in the heart of Uzbekistan's capital, embodying a sleek, contemporary design that complements the city's unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The exterior features a striking façade with clean lines and expansive glass surfaces that reflect the urban skyline, while the interior boasts a spacious and elegantly minimalist lobby accentuated with artistic installations and subtle local influences, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests from around the world.

READ MORE

Modern

Samarkand

Take the express train to Samarkand, one of the region's ancient cities. Enjoy the scenic journey through Uzbekistan’s countryside before arriving in this legendary Silk Road city, renowned for its remarkable ancient sites. Start your tour at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world. Then, admire the majestic Registan Square, framed by three grand madrassahs with intricate tilework. Continue to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane, decorated with blue domes and fine mosaic. Soak in the atmosphere of Samarkand, a city that has fascinated traders, scholars, and travellers for centuries.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Samarkand

Samarkand

Spend another day exploring Samarkand's heritage. Begin at Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning collection of tombs and mausoleums lined along a narrow alley. Each tomb tells its own story with bright tiles and detailed design. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, once one of the most advanced in the world. Learn how astronomy thrived here centuries ago. Later, visit the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel, honoured by multiple religions. End the day by observing traditional paper-making, a craft that has been passed down for generations in Samarkand.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Board the train to Bukhara, a city filled with history and charm. Start your journey in the old city, where ancient streets and architecture reflect centuries of heritage. Begin at Lyab-i-Hauz, the central square and a peaceful pond surrounded by madrassahs and tea houses. Visit the Po-i-Kalyan complex, with its tall minaret and beautiful mosque. Explore Bukhara’s covered bazaars, where traders sell silk, spices, jewellery, and more. Walk through Toki Zargaron, known for fine jewellery, and Toki Telpak Furushon, famous for traditional headgear. Don’t miss the summer residence of the last Emir, a notable historical and architectural site. Bukhara’s relaxed pace and stunning monuments make it one of the most enjoyable Silk Road stops.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Today, see more of Bukhara. Visit the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, where tall wooden columns reflect in a calm pond. Then, explore the summer palace of the last Emir—Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa—where Russian and local design blend beautifully. After a short drive, stop at the sacred complex of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband, an important Sufi site. In the afternoon, watch metalworkers at a 16th-century blacksmith's forge. See how traditional skills are kept alive through generations. Return to Bukhara and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Khiva

Head south across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiva, one of Central Asia’s best-preserved cities. It’s a long drive, but you’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch beside the Amu Darya River, which once fed the Aral Sea. The views of endless desert and distant hills are striking. Along the way, spot local herders with Karakul sheep. Arrive in Khiva and check into your hotel within or near the city walls. This evening, you can take a short walk and get your first glimpse of its fairy-tale towers and sandstone buildings.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Explore Khiva’s Itchan Kala, the old city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a comprehensive city tour. Walk along narrow alleys lined with centuries-old mosques, madrassahs, and caravanserais. The city tour covers key landmarks such as the Djuma Mosque, famous for its 112 carved wooden columns, the Kunya-Ark fortress, and the beautifully decorated Tash Khauli Palace. Admire the turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and visit the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmud, Khiva’s local hero. In the evening, transfer to Urgench Airport for your flight back to Tashkent.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel Options:

Hyatt Regency Tashkent

WHY WE LOVE THIS HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Tashkent stands as a modern architectural marvel in the heart of Uzbekistan's capital, embodying a sleek, contemporary design that complements the city's unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The exterior features a striking façade with clean lines and expansive glass surfaces that reflect the urban skyline, while the interior boasts a spacious and elegantly minimalist lobby accentuated with artistic installations and subtle local influences, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests from around the world.

READ MORE

Modern

Bishkek

Fly to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, set against the backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. After hotel check-in, visit Ala-Too Square, the central square and a focal point of the city, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Take a walk through the city center, where a local guide can provide insights into the Soviet architecture, wide boulevards, and the vibrant atmosphere. Stop by museums to learn about Kyrgyz history and culture. Consider a recommended excursion to Ala Archa National Park for stunning natural scenery. Later, visit Aidai Asangulova’s workshop to see how felt and silk are combined to create stunning traditional clothing and accessories. Enjoy dinner in the city before heading back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bishkek

Kochkor

Leave Bishkek after breakfast and travel to Kochkor through the scenic Tien Shan Mountains. Make a stop en route at the 11th-century Burana Tower, once part of a Silk Road city. Continue past sweeping valleys and mountain views until you reach Issyk Kul, the warm lake. Known for its size, beauty, and the fact that it never freezes despite its altitude, the lake is a highlight of Kyrgyzstan. Arrive in Kochkor, where local women produce colourful shyrdak carpets using wool and natural dyes. Learn about this traditional craft and its role in Kyrgyz community life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Begin the day with a stop at Cholpon Ata’s petroglyph garden, an open air museum featuring ancient rock carvings displayed outdoors with views of Issyk Kul. Continue your drive to Karakol. Explore the city’s blend of cultures and architecture, including the Dungan Mosque built entirely from wood, and the Russian Orthodox cathedral with its onion domes. Visit the museum of Nikolai Przhevalsky, a famous Russian explorer. In the evening, immerse yourself in local life by enjoying a dinner of Kyrgyz dishes while listening to local music and poetry.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Take a scenic drive in a Russian military truck to Altyn Arashan, a remote valley surrounded by alpine forests, wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks. Experience traditions rooted in Kyrgyzstan's nomadic culture, which is still alive in the Altyn Arashan valley. Relax in the natural sulphur hot springs said to have healing qualities. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air. Return to Karakol in the afternoon. Later, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family, specifically a local Dungan family. Share an authentic meal and hear stories of their history and culture, passed down through generations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Kalmak Ashu

Drive to Jety Oguz Gorge, famous for its dramatic red cliffs known as the 'seven bulls' formation. Take a short hike and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Have a picnic in the hills before continuing through Chon Kemin Valley, a peaceful region of rivers, fields, and pine trees. In this region, you can also experience staying in traditional yurt camps, offering a unique accommodation option alongside guesthouses and hotels. Reach Kalmak Ashu village by evening. Enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts, a home-cooked Kyrgyz meal, and a restful night in a cosy guesthouse nestled in the valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bishkek

After breakfast, watch Ulak Tartysh, a fast-paced nomadic game on horseback played with a goat carcass—Kyrgyzstan’s answer to polo. After lunch, drive back to Bishkek through stunning scenery. Once back, head to Osh Bazaar to pick up local crafts, dried fruits, and spices. The market is vibrant and a great place to mingle with locals. In the early evening, join your tour leader for a farewell dinner, sharing stories from the journey and enjoying your final evening in Central Asia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bishkek - Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. After check-out, transfer to the international airport. You'll be assisted with check-in before your flight home or onward journey. Take with you the memories of Silk Road cities, mountain valleys, and warm hospitality from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Meals Included: Breakfast