Spectacular Journey through Central Asia

The following day, explore Ashgabat on a guided city tour. Highlights include its iconic landmarks and the unique blend of modernity and tradition that defines the city. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Continue your journey with a visit to the ancient Parthian capital of Nisa and the historic Geok Tepe Mosque and Fortress. These sites offer a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s deep and complex past. In the evening, enjoy free time back in Ashgabat.

Travel north by plane to Dashoguz and explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Konya-Urgench, a hauntingly beautiful testament to the region’s former glory. Cross into Uzbekistan and transfer to Nukus for an overnight stay.

In Nukus, visit the renowned Savitskiy Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Russian avant-garde art. Then travel through the desert, stopping to explore ancient desert fortresses (Qalas), before arriving in the atmospheric city of Khiva.

Board a morning train to Bukharaб a journey that takes most of the day. This city, once known as the Eastern Dome of Islam, remains largely untouched by Soviet influence and is famed for its preserved historic core. Spend the evening at leisure.

Spend the next day discovering Bukhara’s old city. Visit the Ark Fortress, the Kalon Minaret, and stroll around Lyabi-Hauz plaza and the charming covered markets. Stop by the 11th-century Samanid Mausoleum, a true architectural gem. In the evening, enjoy a local folklore show and dinner.

If your visit aligns with the annual Silk and Spice Festival, spend the day immersed in traditional music, crafts, games, and local food. This is a great chance to support artisans and find unique souvenirs. If the festival is not in season, alternative cultural activities will be arranged.

Continue exploring Bukhara with visits to the Chor Bakr necropolis, the White Palace of Kagan, the Bokhoutdin Nakhshbandi complex, and the Emir’s summer residence, Sitorai Mohi Hosa. In the evening, share a traditional meal with a local family.

Travel by train to the storied city of Samarkand. Over two days, explore the Registan, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and Ulugbek Madrasah. Conclude one of your evenings with a spectacular light show at the Registan.

Experience Samarkand’s culinary culture with a cooking class and lunch in an Uzbek home. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city or relax.

Visit the Hovrenko Wine Factory, then tour a traditional paper mill and carpet weaving workshop. Finish the day with a hands-on bread-baking masterclass focused on Samarkand’s signature flatbreads.

Say goodbye to Samarkand and travel to Panjakent, stopping en route at Urgut Bazaar, known for its handicrafts and antiques. In Panjakent, explore the Sarazm archaeological site, visit the Rudaki Museum, and wander the ruins of ancient Panjakent.

Next, head into the Fan Mountains of Tajikistan and stay near Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great. Take a short walk to a nearby waterfall or simply enjoy the alpine scenery. Accommodations here are simpler but the setting is unforgettable.

Your journey continues with a scenic morning drive to Dushanbe, crossing the dramatic Anzob Pass at 2,900 meters. Originally a market town named for the Persian word for “Monday,” Dushanbe became a key industrial center during the Soviet era.

In the afternoon, explore city highlights like the Arch of Rudaki, the golden Ismoili Somoni monument, the National Museum of Antiquities, and the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments.

Enjoy a two-night stay to experience the capital’s rich culture and warm hospitality.

Spend another day in Dushanbe visiting the lavish Kohi Navruz complex, the Istiqlol Independence Complex, and the historic Hissar Fortress, including two madrasahs and ancient caravanserais that recall the city’s Silk Road legacy.

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, explore Khujand on a guided city tour. Begin with the Palace of Khudoyar Khan, once home to the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate. Though partially destroyed during the Bolshevik Revolution, it remains a symbol of 19th-century Central Asian architecture.

Visit several 18th-century landmarks, including the Jami Mosque, Mausoleum of Norbut-biya, Madrassah Emir, and the Tomb of Dahma-i-Shahon. Stop by the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar, and end the tour at the stately Arbob Palace, built in the 1950s in Soviet style.

Today, rejoin the original Silk Road route as you return to Uzbekistan, heading toward Kokand. Along the way, stop at a traditional wool workshop to learn about local craftsmanship and the cultural importance of wool in the region.

On your way to Fergana, stop in Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk industry. Visit a local silk factory to discover traditional methods of silk production that have sustained the region for centuries.

Explore the bustling Kum Tepa Market, one of the largest in the country. Along the journey, take part in a Fergana-style bread baking masterclass with tea tasting and visit a renowned ceramics workshop in Rishtan.

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 19-kilometer tunnel beneath the mountains.

Upon arrival, the evening is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. Please note: train schedules may vary depending on the season.

Today, embark on a city tour of Tashkent, beginning at Khast Imman Square and the lively Chorsu Bazaar. Learn about Uzbekistan’s recent past at the Museum and Memorial for Victims of Political Repression.

Enjoy lunch at a venue specializing in Uzbek plov, the country’s national rice dish. In the evening, dine in a revolving restaurant located 104 meters up in the Tashkent TV Tower, offering panoramic views of the city.

You’ll also stop by the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. If a performance is scheduled, you may have the chance to attend a show.

Spend your final morning at leisure. You may choose to visit the Tashkent Railway Museum, home to a fascinating collection of historic steam locomotives.

Later, explore the Rakhimov family ceramics studio to see traditional craftsmanship firsthand.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, a chance to reflect on the unforgettable memories from your Silk Road journey.

If you are departing the tour to return to Frankfurt or continue your travels, enjoy a free morning before your afternoon transfer to the airport.

For those interested in discovering more of Central Asia, an optional extension is available to explore Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Details can be found 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 ride the aerial tramway to Kok Tobe Hill, where sweeping views of the city and the snow-capped mountains await.

mbark 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. Take time to walk the scenic trails and admire the stunning rock formations before returning to Almaty in the evening.

Today, drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to rest or explore the city on your own.

Take a guided tour of Bishkek, visiting key sights like the bustling Osh Bazaar, Ala-Too Square, and Victory Square. In the evening, visit the Supara Ethno Complex to explore traditional Kyrgyz yurts, enjoy a cultural performance, and dine inside a yurt.

Set off on a day trip to Grigoryevka National Park, where you’ll walk through scenic gorges, past lakes and waterfalls. Later, witness a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunting demonstration (animal welfare respected).

Depart Bishkek for Istanbul and connect to your return flight to Frankfurt, arriving in the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16.