Spectacular Journey through Central Asia

Dive into the vibrant culture of Ashgabat with a city tour that unveils its most iconic landmarks. Experience the blend of modernity and tradition that makes this city unique. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Explore the ancient Parthian capital of Nisa and the historical Geok Tepe Mosque and Fortress. These sites offer a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s rich history. Enjoy a leisurely evening back in Ashgabat, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Take a flight to Dashoguz and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konya Urgench, a testament to the region’s glorious past. Cross the border into Uzbekistan and transfer to Nukus, where a comfortable stay awaits.

Visit the Savitskiy Museum in Nukus, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Russian avant-garde art. Then, journey through the ancient fortresses (Qala’s) as you make your way to the historic city of Khiva.

Travel by train from Khiva to Bukhara, which will occupy most of your day. While train schedules are still to be confirmed, departure is anticipated around 11:00 AM.

Bukhara remains largely untouched by the influences of the Russian/Soviet era, and its historic centre has preserved its charm for centuries. You’ll spend the next four nights in this city, once known as the Eastern Dome of Islam, celebrated for its stunning architecture. This evening, you’ll have free time to relax and explore at your leisure.

Spend the day discovering the enchanting medieval city of Bukhara. Highlights of your exploration will include the Ark, a fortress that has stood for 2,000 years, and the impressive Kalon Minaret, soaring nearly 50 meters high. Stroll through the serene Lyabi-Hauz plaza, the tranquil heart of the old town, and browse the charming covered market. Don’t miss the 11th-century mausoleum of the founder of the Samanid dynasty, a true architectural gem.

In the evening, enjoy an open-air folklore show accompanied by a delightful dinner, immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Today, you’ll have a full day to revel in the lively annual Silk and Spice Festival, which celebrates Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage while supporting local artisans and their crafts. The festival includes traditional music performances from various regions, exciting games and sports, and a diverse array of delectable local dishes.

This vibrant event also provides an excellent opportunity to find unique souvenirs, as some of the finest artisans from all over Uzbekistan gather to showcase their creations.

Please keep in mind that the exact dates for the Silk and Spice Festival have yet to be confirmed. If the festival does not coincide with your tour, we will arrange alternative activities for you to enjoy.

Your exploration of the Bukhara region continues with a morning visit to the Chor Bakr necropolis, an ancient city of the dead set among rows of mulberry trees just outside Bukhara. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the White Palace of Kagan, constructed by the last Emir of Bukhara to host Nicholas II of Russia, who, unfortunately, was unable to visit in 1917 due to other circumstances.

Additionally, you’ll visit the Bokhoutdin Nakhshbandi complex, an important holy Islamic site, and the Emir’s summer palace, known as Sitorai Mohi Hosa.

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner featuring traditional Bukhara cuisine in the welcoming atmosphere of a local family’s home.

Travel by morning train to the storied city of Samarkand. Over the next two days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this strikingly beautiful and evocative city.

Highlights of your visit will include the Registan, a stunning complex of three madrasahs that is considered one of the most impressive sights in Central Asia. You’ll also visit key landmarks from the era of Tamerlane, including his mausoleum, Gur-e-Amir, and the magnificent Bibi Khanym Mosque.

Other notable sites include the Shah I Zinda necropolis, which dates back to the 9th century, and the Ulugbek madrasah. To cap off your day, enjoy an enchanting evening light show at the Registan.

Continue your exploration of Samarkand today with a delightful cooking class and lunch inside an Uzbek home, where you can immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions.

In the afternoon and evening, you’ll have free time to further discover the city at your own pace or simply relax and unwind.

Visit the Hovrenko wine factory, a historic establishment that has been producing wine since 1868. Following this, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of a paper mill and a carpet factory, where you can learn about traditional craftsmanship. To top off your day, participate in a master class on baking Samarkand flatbreads, experiencing firsthand this integral part of local cuisine.

Bid farewell to Samarkand this morning and embark on a drive to Panjakent, stopping en route at the Urgut Bazaar, famous for its vibrant handicrafts, fresh local produce, and unique antiques.

In Panjakent, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Sarazm Important Bird Area, situated downstream on the lush tugay floodplains. Next, visit the Rudaki Museum, which showcases a vast collection of artefacts and serves as an introduction to the city’s rich history from the 5th to the 8th centuries. Conclude your day by wandering the ruins of ancient Panjakent, once a bustling Sogdian trading city along the Silk Road, where remnants of its storied past await your discovery.

Today, you’ll drive to the stunning Iskander Kol Fan Mountains, where you’ll stay near Iskanderkul Lake, located at an elevation of 2,159 metres above sea level and named after Alexander the Great.

In the afternoon, you have the option to take a short walk to a picturesque waterfall and Snake Lake, or you can enjoy some free time to soak in the breathtaking surroundings of the lake.

Please note that your accommodation for this night will be more basic than the previous hotels on the tour; however, the magnificent views of the lake and mountains will more than make up for it as you venture off the beaten path in Tajikistan.

Take a morning drive to Dushanbe, crossing the Anzob Pass at 2,900 metres above sea level. Originally a small market village named for the Persian word for ‘Monday,’ Dushanbe grew into an important industrial centre during the Soviet era.

In the afternoon, your tour will include the Arch of Rudaki and the grand monument to Ismoili Somoni, a towering gold-topped statue celebrated as a national hero. You’ll also visit the Tajik National Museum of Antiquities and the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments, founded by renowned Tajik actor and musician Gurminj Zavkibekov to showcase his extensive collection of musical instruments from Badakhshan.

Spend the next two nights in Dushanbe to fully experience the city’s rich culture and history.

In the morning, you’ll visit the Kohi Navruz complex, initially designed to be the world’s largest tea house. It now features extravagant meeting halls, a man-made lake, bowling alleys, a cinema, and restaurants.

Next, explore the Istiqlol Complex, highlighted by a 121-metre tower topped with a large crown, built to celebrate Tajikistan’s 30th independence anniversary.

In the afternoon, drive to Hissar Fortress, the remains of the Bukhara Emirate’s palace, known for its thick walls and historical significance along the Silk Road. You’ll also visit the Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) from the 16th century, the newer Medressa from the 17th century, and ancient caravanserais.

Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive north through the stunning alpine lakes and pastures of the Fan Mountains, passing through the Shahristan tunnel to reach Khujand.

On the way, visit the historic town of Istaravshan (Kiropolis), which has been around for over 2,500 years and is believed to be where Alexander the Great met his wife, Roxanna. You’ll explore the Mazori Sharif mausoleum, the Kog Gumbazmadrasa from the 16th century, and the ruins of the ancient fortress Kuhi Mug.

You’ll spend the next two nights in Khujand.

This morning, you’ll embark on a city tour of Khujand, starting with the Palace of Khudoyar Khan, often referred to as the Pearl of Kokand. This palace, once home to the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate in the 19th century, was partially demolished during the Bolshevik Revolution.

You’ll also explore various 18th-century buildings and monuments, including the Jami Mosque, the Mausoleum of Norbut-biya, the Madrassah Emir, and the Tomb of Dahma-i-Shahon.

Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Panjshanbe Bazaar, Khujand’s vibrant central market, and a stop at Arbob Palace, built in the 1950s in a Soviet architectural style.

Today, you’ll rejoin the original Silk Road as you drive back into Uzbekistan, heading towards Kokand. Along the way, you’ll visit a traditional wool workshop, where you can learn about local craftsmanship and the significance of wool in the region’s culture.

On your way to Fergana, you’ll stop in Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk industry—after all, you’re travelling along the Silk Road. A visit to a silk factory will showcase the traditional methods of silk production that have sustained the local economy for centuries.

In Margilan, you’ll also explore Kum Tepa Market, the largest market in the region, and perhaps even the whole country.

Along the route, you’ll participate in a Fergana bread baking master class with tea tasting and visit a renowned ceramics workshop in Rishtan.

You’ll take a short drive from Fergana to Margilan, where you’ll board a fast train to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This scenic journey includes a remarkable 19-km tunnel that runs beneath the mountains.

Upon arrival in Tashkent, you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore the city at your leisure. Please note that train schedules for the season were not finalised at the time this itinerary was published.

Today, you’ll embark on a city tour of Tashkent, exploring key sights including Khast Imman Square and Chorsu Bazaar. You’ll delve into the country’s recent history at the Museum and Memorial for Victims of Political Repression.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a venue dedicated to the traditional Uzbek dish plov (a type of pilaf).

In the evening, you’ll dine in a revolving restaurant situated 104 metres high in the Tashkent TV Tower, offering stunning views of the city.

You’ll also see the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. If performances are scheduled, you may have the opportunity to attend a show.

You’ll have the morning at your leisure, with an optional visit to the Tashkent Railway Museum, home to over a dozen historic steam locomotives.

Afterward, you can explore the Rakhimov family ceramics studio, where you’ll see traditional craftsmanship in action.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the memorable experiences of your journey.

If you are departing the tour to return to Frankfurt or continue your travels, you’ll have a free morning before your afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back.

An optional extension is available for those interested in spending an additional week exploring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. You can find more details about this extension on the following pages.

Spend the day exploring Almaty, starting with visits to the Central State Museum, the colourful Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square, and the Central Mosque. You’ll also take a ride on the aerial tramway to Kok Tobe Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its stunning mountain backdrop.

Embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder 12 million years in the making. Carved by the Charyn River, this 80-km long canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US. The views are truly spectacular, and you’ll have the option to take walks along the canyon’s trails before returning to Almaty for the evening.

Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Today, enjoy a city tour of Bishkek, visiting the vibrant Osh Bazaar, Ala-Too Square, and Victory Square. In the evening, you’ll head to the Supara Ethno Complex, where you can explore a village of seven traditional wood and felt Yurts. Experience a cultural performance and dine inside a Yurt, immersing yourself in the local Kyrgyz traditions.

Set off on a day trip to Grigoryevka National Park, where you can walk through the beautiful Grigoriev Gorge, carved by the river, and enjoy the scenic landscapes of wooded slopes, lakes, and waterfalls. Afterwards, witness an eagle hunting demonstration, showcasing the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of working with birds of prey. (No cruelty to animals)

Depart Bishkek for Istanbul, then continue on to Germany, arriving at Frankfurt International Airport in the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16.