Uzbekistan: Heart of the Silk Route
Sept 27th - Oct 11th 2025
Main Trip
Sept. 11th-24th
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Day 1 - At the heart of Central Asia, on the cross-roads of the Silk Route lies the fascinating city of Tashkent - the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Following breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the old city and the Kukeldash Madrassa. Next, we'll see the headquarters of the Sunni Mufti of Central Asia and Kazakhstan called Barak-Khan. Lunch at the “Plov Center”, and finishing the day with an exploration of the Bazaar.
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Day 2 - After an early breakfast at 05:30, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Urgench at 07:00, arriving at 08:30 and drive to our first view of the ancient and mystic Khiva. When we enter the 2,500-year-old city we'll travel back in time to an earlier millennium – a land of caravanserais built to quench the thirst of travelling silk traders and madrassahs filled with young students studying the Koran. This exotic masterpieces in the desert will occupy our attention for the rest of the day.
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Day 3 - After breakfast we continue our exploration of Khiva: Like an oasis in the sand, the city of Khiva is remarkably well kept – aquamarine tiles line the 800-year-old minarets and ancient stones pave the streets. Every corner you turn is another exotic angle. The Khan’s palace is a labyrinth of courtyards and hidden rooms and you’ll have the day to explore this enormous open-air museum.
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Day 4 - In the morning, we depart Magnificent Khiva and drive by a/c car through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert to Bukhara, 6-7 hours drive. We'll top by Amu-Darya (Oxus) river, breaking up the way in the fantastically beautiful desert, arriving in Bukhara in the later afternoon when we'll check into out hotel.
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Day 5 - Fascinating sights on our tour today includes exploration of the exotic city of Bukhara, where images of the past are embodied in brilliant architectural masterpieces from empires past. During our tour of the World Heritage protected historic center, we’ll marvel at the Kalyan Minaret or The "Tower of Death", and observe students at work in the Mir-i Arab Madrassa, the only continuously functioning madrassa, or religious school in Central Asia. We'll also visit the ancient caravanserai, bathhouse and scenic chai- khana (tea house), and visit a family of local craftsmen producing “suzane”. In the afternoon, we'll step into the renovated Home of a rich Merchant, where over tea, we'll discuss the traditional Uzbek lifestyle. Come dinner time, we'll get a first hand look into the preparation of Plov, Uzbekistan's legendary national dish.
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Day 6 - Today we'll gain an in depth impression of Bukhara’s splendors and experience the grandeur of its monuments. We'll begin the day with a tour of the 1st century Ark Fortress Museum, offering an opportunity to delve into the history of the first foreign visitors to Central Asia and their enigmatic end at the hands of the ruling Emirs. Spend the remainder of the day visiting Bukhara's other architectural gems; the Bolo-Khause Mosque, the city walls, Chashma-Ayub Mazar and the colorful local bazaar. Drive to the town of Gijduvan, where we'll visit the family of well-known ceramist, Alisher, followed by lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Summer Palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, Mokhi-Khosa, and see a collection of hand-made "suzani". In the evening, we will be entertained by an Uzbek Folk Ensemble under the stars in the courtyard of the Divan Begi Madrassa followed by dinner.
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Day 7 - After breakfast, we depart for Samarkand, stopping at Shakhrisabz en route. The birthplace of Tamerlane (Timur The Great), Shakhrisabz reached its zenith in the 14th and 15th centuries, then declined into a provincial center. Explore its ancient buildings, including Timur’s Ak-Sarai Palace and Jahongir Mausoleum. Then continue on to Samarkand, arrive in the early evening, and check-in to hotel.
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Day 8 - After breakfast we visit the Registan, the most astonishing monument in all of Central Asia and the traditional town square of Islam. The ensemble can be read like a history of Islam in the region and the Mosque of Bibi-Khanum. After this we'll pend the time in Samarkand's lovely bazaar. Afternoon sightseeing tour is will also include the Tomb of Tamerlane, Gur Emir, with its dome inlaid with gold and onyx. In the evening we'll visit the workshop of famous craftsmen Zarif to see the process of making Samarkand paper and enjoy dinner with his family.
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Day 9 - After breakfast we’ll visit the Observatory of Ulug Bek, the grandson of Tamerlane, who was one of the most sophisticated astronomers of his time, next we can see Shakh-i-Zinda, a complex of Mausoleums from the 14th century which display various forms of well developed craftsmanship. Then we can visit the ancient city of Afrasiab and learn about the history of the region at the Afrasiab Museum. In the evening wine tasting, and a farewell dinner at the “Samarkand” restaurant.
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Day 10 - After breakfast, departure to Tashkent, 300 km, 5 hours en route. Upon arrival in Tashkent we'll check in to Hotel “Tashkent Palace”. Afternoon is free to wonder in the main streets of Tashkent, where we can see the work of local artists and craftsmen. Dinner at “Karavan” restaurant.
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Day 11 - Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Ferghana at 07:55am, arrive Ferghana at 08:45am, transfer to the hotel and breakfast. After breakfast drive from Fergana to Margilan and visit Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah. Today, the madrasah is home to a number of craftsmen producing handmade carpets and silk. Have a walk through the traditional market and continue to Yodgorlik Silk factory to see the production process of silk with traditional Ikat patterns. After this, we drive to Rishtan, to the house of a well-known ceramic master Rustam Usmanov whose works are exhibited on world exhibitions. Enjoy a pottery workshop and have a look at ceramic collection in a small museum. After, return to Fergana, and transfer to the hotel.
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Day 12 - We'll depart in the morning across the Kamchik mountains, passing the beautiful green Fergana Valley. En route, we visit the city of Kokand, which includes a place like Museum in the Fort of the last ruler – Khudayar Khan and we'll see a collection on exhibit related to the time of the Khan’s rule. Then continue to Tashkent.
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Day 13 - After breakfast, we'll visit a Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts with the specialist of the museum to view the very fine "suzani", then take a ride on a famous metro to Theater square and Navoi park. Afternoon departure to Kibray for a visit to a family's private wine farm, wine tasting and lunch. After lunch we return to Tashkent. Farewell dinner at “Shaherezade” restaurant.
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Day 14 - Departures.
Details
Prices:​
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- $5,920 person/shared ($6,530 for a Single)
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Tour price includes:​
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Double/Twin accommodation
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Half board including: Breakfast + 3 Lunches + 12 Dinners
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Tours and transfers (including internal flights) as specified including entry fees for included museums and other activities.
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English Speaking local Guides
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Government tax and services charge
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Gratuities for guides and porters
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Tour price does not include:
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​International airfares
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Visa fee (Visa should be obtained online prior to travel.)
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Meals other than specified as included.
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Drinks during included meals.
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Travel Insurance
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Personal expenses such as laundry and beverages, wines, liquors, or refreshments additional to meals provided; room service; meals not specified; excess baggage fees; communication charges; personal insurance coverage.
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Cancellations:
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30 days or less prior to departure date, no refund is possible
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31 - 45 days prior to departure date, 25% is refundable.
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46 – 60 days prior to departure date, 50% is refundable.
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More than 60 days prior to departure date, 100% (less $1000 non-refundable deposit) is refundable.
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Changes of Itinerary:
The itinerary of the tour may be modified if flight schedule or any events beyond our control make such alterations necessary.