Treasures of the Silk Road: Uzbekistan

Begin your journey by taking an overnight flight from London to Tashkent, the most diverse city in Uzbekistan and the biggest metropolis in Central Asia.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

Arrive in Tashkent and check-in at the Inspire-S Tashkent (or similar) for day use. Rest and freshen up and be ready for a tour of the city after a welcoming introductory lecture and lunch. The city tour will take you through the most prominent landmarks and attractions of Tashkent.

The first stop on the tour is the Kukeldash Mosque, one of the first Islamic buildings in the city that was built under the Shaybanid Dynasty in 1570. This architectural marvel is known for its intricate tile work, ornate carvings, and the grandeur of its courtyard.

The next destination is the Museum of Applied Arts, which is located in an elegant 19th-century mansion. This museum houses an extensive collection of Uzbekistan’s traditional arts and crafts, including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and woodcarvings. The exquisite craftsmanship of the artefacts on display offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.

After the museum, head to the Muyie Mubarak Library, an important religious site that holds the 7th century Uthman Quran, the world’s oldest Quran and a revered relic – a hair from the Prophet Muhammad’s beard, hence the name ‘Muyie Mubarak’ which translates to ‘Sacred Hair’. The library also contains a vast collection of Islamic texts and manuscripts, which are studied and preserved by scholars and students alike.

The final stop on the city tour is the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, another iconic landmark of Tashkent. This mosque is famous for its stunning blue-tiled dome and the intricate calligraphy that adorns its walls. It consists of a summer yard, a winder building, a dome in the centre and the dome gallery.
In the afternoon, take a flight (less than 2 hours) to Nukus, and spend the night at Hotel Jipek Joli (or similar).

(B, L)

Enjoy an informative morning tour of the Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art, which holds the impressive collection of the famous Russian art collector, Igor Savitsky. During the Stalinist era, Savitsky managed to hide away thousands of avant-garde and post-avant-garde paintings, saving them from destruction. This rare and extensive collection, second only to the one in St. Petersburg, offers a unique insight into the evolution of modern art in Russia. But Savitsky’s love for Central Asian culture and art did not end with the Russian avant-garde. He also collected thousands of Uzbek artefacts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewellery, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. Accompanied by a local specialist, tour the museum and witness the exceptional and diverse pieces that have been painstakingly preserved and displayed for the public.

Before continuing to Khiva, stop at Chilpak to see the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence, a fourth-century structure that was used for the ritual exposure of the dead. This unique cultural landmark is a testament to the ancient Zoroastrian beliefs and customs that were once prevalent in the region. Upon arrival at Khiva, check-in at the Orient Star Khiva / Feruzkhan Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Enjoy a full day of driving (lasting 7-8 hours) to reach Bukhara while traversing the expanses of the Kyzylkum Desert, which means “Red Sand” in the Turkic language. This route will take you through the fifth-largest desert in Asia, surpassing the size of countries such as Ireland, Iceland, and South Korea. During the journey, take a break at the Amu Darya River, formerly known as the Oxus River in ancient times. This river is the deepest in Central Asia and provides an ideal location for capturing unforgettable photographs. Once in Bukhara, check-in at the Emir Hotel (or similar) for a 4-night stay.

(B, L)

Today, explore the ancient Persian city of Bukhara through an exciting full-day tour. The tour takes you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, such as the Persian Samanid brick mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece built in the early 10th century. The mausoleum was constructed in honour of Ismail Samani, the founder of the Samanid dynasty, and his family. Its design features a unique combination of both Islamic and pre-Islamic Central Asian architectural styles. The brickwork is particularly notable for its weave-like patterns and the careful arrangement of alternating courses of bricks.

Another fascinating stop on the tour is the Chashmai Ayub, or Job’s Well, a sacred site revered for its healing waters. You’ll also get to visit the Bolo Hauz mosque, a stunning building with intricate details and impressive architectural design.

The tour then takes you through the surviving trade domes, once the hub of the city’s commercial activity. The three surviving domes are; the dome of moneychangers (Toki-Sarrafon), the dome of jewellers (Toki-Zargaron), and the dome of headwear sellers (Toki-Tilpak-Furushon). Visit the traditional madrasas and bazaars of Bukhara, offering you an immersive experience of the local culture and lifestyle. Here, you can interact with locals, purchase souvenirs, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

The tour ends at the Poi-Kalyan complex, a grandiose architectural ensemble home to the towering Kalyan minaret, a symbol of Bukhara’s skyline. The twin-domed Mir-i-Arab madrasa is another highlight of the complex, featuring intricate tile work, exquisite calligraphy, and a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

(B)

Today, continue the fascinating exploration of Bukhara. Begin by visiting the Lyab i-Hauz pool, an architectural ensemble that features stunning structures surrounding the pool fed by the waters of the royal canal. The site is a hub for locals and tourists alike, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a glimpse into the city’s daily life.

From there, make your way to the Chor Minor, a unique four-towered gatehouse that stands out among Bukhara’s many landmarks. Then, head to the Sitora-i Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of Bukhara’s last emir. This opulent palace is a perfect example of the city’s traditional architecture, featuring intricate decorations, impressive tilework, and a tranquil atmosphere. Next is the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum, housed in the residence of a wealthy merchant and showcasing life in Bukhara during the early 20th century. This fascinating museum offers a glimpse into the city’s past, with exhibits that include traditional clothing, jewellery, and household items. As you continue the tour, visit the Balyand mosque, a stunning example of 16th-century architecture with intricate details and stunning design. Then, visit the imposing Ark Fortress of the Bukhara emirs, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the city’s military past.

As you stroll down the narrow lanes of historic Bukhara, visit the old Jewish quarter, where you’ll find the Jewish synagogue, one of only two remaining in Bukhara. This significant synagogue holds a compilation of antique Torahs, estimated to be around 600 years old.

(B)

Go on an intriguing journey through time by following the ancient path to the Rabat-i-Malik caravanserai, which served as a crucial stopover for merchants traversing the trading route during the 11th century. As you venture forward, you will arrive at Gijduvan, a town known for its rich history in traditional ceramics, where you can witness the exquisite craftsmanship firsthand. Visit the revered Abd-al-Khalyk Gijduvani shrine famed for its intricate architecture.

On your return to Bukhara, take a detour to Vabkent to observe the awe-inspiring 12th-century Vabkent Minaret, commissioned by Abd al-Aziz II.

(B, L)

Drive towards Shahrisabz, the birthplace of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane. Discover the awe-inspiring palace that he built in the heart of the city, which was once a symbol of his wealth and power. Though parts of the palace have been lost to time, the beautifully ornamented audience chamber still stands.

As you leave Shahrisabz behind, the stunning Zerafshan mountains loom large in the distance. Take in the breathtaking views as you drive alongside these majestic peaks, marvelling at the natural beauty of the landscape. Finally, arrive at the vibrant city of Samarkand. Spend 2 nights at the Dilimah Premium / Malika Diyora / Hotel Royal(or similar).

(B)

Start the day with a drive to the outskirts of Samarkand to explore the ancient deserted site of Afrosiyob, which once housed a thriving settlement before it was destroyed by Tamerlane. Delve into the rich history of the region as you visit the Afrosiyob History Museum, which showcases a vast collection of archaeological finds ranging from the Bronze age to the Islamic period.

Next, discover the astronomical legacy of Tamerlane’s grandson, Ulugbek, as you explore his observatory and examine the tools utilized to measure celestial bodies. The observatory was a remarkable feat of medieval astronomy, and Ulugbek’s astronomical tables were some of the most accurate of his time. Then, visit the stunning Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was built by Tamerlane himself as a tribute to his beloved wife. With its massive dome, intricate designs and soaring arches, the mosque is one of the most impressive mosques in Central Asia.

Finally, visit the brilliant Gur Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane’s final resting place lies beneath the Timurid fluted blue domes. Explore the mausoleum’s interior and learn about the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in Central Asian history.

(B)

Today, continue discovering Samarkand by visiting Registan Square, which is the heart and soul of this ancient city. The square is encompassed by three grand madrasas, which were constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries under the Timurid dynasty. These madrasas are adorned with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and mosaics, and represent a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. Registan Square has served as a vital hub for trade, education, and culture for many centuries, and has played a crucial role in the history of Samarkand.

Our next destination on the tour is the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, which is an awe-inspiring complex of mausoleums dating back to the 11th century. This complex is situated on a hillside and features a meandering path leading up to the mausoleums. The tombs are embellished with exquisite tilework, calligraphy, and other decorative elements. The Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is considered one of the holiest sites in Central Asia and is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims from across the region.

Later, drive to Tashkent making a stop on the way to see the Amir Timur Gate in Djizak. This narrow opening to the Zarafshan Mountains served as a bottleneck where numerous soldiers lost their lives in an attempt to defend it.

Enjoy a farewell dinner and spend the night at the Inspira-S Tashkent (or similar).

(B, D)

Head to the airport and catch a flight back to London with unforgettable memories and valuable knowledge of the rich culture and history of Uzbekistan.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)

In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque Fergana valley region. This region is known for its stunning mountain views, fertile farmland, and rich cultural heritage. Spend two nights at the Hotel Asia Fergana or Grand Fergana.

(B, D)

Today, embark on a full-day tour of the Fergana region, exploring the historic cities of Andijan and Fergana. Andijan is the birthplace of the famous Mughal emperor, Babur, and is home to many notable landmarks, including the Juma Mosque and the Babur Museum. Fergana is known for its vibrant bazaars and skilled artisans who produce some of the finest silk in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit these markets and learn about the silk-making process.

(B, D)

In the morning, drive to Tashkent, making a stop on the way to visit the ancient city of Kokand. This city was once a major centre of Islamic learning and is home to many beautiful mosques and palaces. Continue to Tashkent and spend the night at the Inspira-S Tashkent.

(B)

Your thrilling Journey around Uzbekistan has come to an end. Head to the airport and catch a direct flight back to London.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)