Uzbekistan: Stories from the Silk Road

This modern capital city of Tashkent is a wonderful starting point for embarking on the Silk Road, with its mix of ancient and modern buildings, along with Soviet-era architecture that speaks to its recent history. It's also a fantastic destination to dig into some aromatic and hearty plov - the national dish of Uzbekistan - at the Central Asian Plov Centre. Tashkent's underground metro stations are also worth a visit, each telling a story with their unique designs.

Personalized Tashkent Highlights Tour with Metro Ride

Discovere rich history and culture of Tashkent on this day-long, guided tour. Starting from your hotel, you will discover elegant European structures from the Turkestan Governorate General era, Soviet buildings and the beautiful blue-domes mosques and madrasas of the city. Highlights of this tour include visits to the Khast-Imam Complex, Kukeldash Madrasah by the famous Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Square and an exciting ride on the Tashkent Metro, considered one of the most beautiful underground systems in the world. (Duration: 6 hrs)

From Tashkent, take a scenic train journey to Bukhara, where you will be met by our representative and escorted to your accommodation. Located in central Uzbekistan, Bukhara is a romantic oasis rising from the red dunes of the Kyzylkum Desert. It was once considered one of the holiest cities in Central Asia, and thanks to its prominent spot on the Silk Road, also a centre of arts, culture and exchange of ideas between the East and the West. Bukhara's Old Town and Po-i-Kalyan complex offer wonderful opportunities to discover preserved heritage buildings and monuments dating back centuries. It's also home to several old bathhouses, which invite you in for a relaxing hammam bath.

Personalized Bukhara Highlights Tour

Discover the prominent attractions of Bukhara, starting from the UNESCO-listed Chor-Bakr Memorial Complex, also known as Sumitan’s cemetery. Accompany your knowledgeable guide around the large courtyard, enclosed by high walls, and the cluster of buildings that include a mausoleum, a mosque, and a madrasah or religious school. Visit the Sitori-i-Mokhi Khosa, a palace that served as the country residence of the last ruler of Bukhara, and Naqshbandi, an important shrine. Your last stop for the day is the residence-turned-museum of Fayzulla Khodzhayev, built over the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (Duration: 3 hrs)

Personalized Walking Tour of Bukhara

Explore the UNESCO-listed old town area of Bukhara on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Your tour will begin at the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, also known as the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest monuments in the city. Next, walk to the nearby Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum and the Museum of Water, chronicling the history of water supply in Bukhara. At the iconic 5th-century Ark of Bukhara, learn how this spectacular fortress once functioned as a city within a city. Later, head to the Poi-Kalyan architectural complex to see 12th-century monuments. The approximately 150-feet high Kalyan Minaret, the 16th-century Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah distinguished by its blue tiles, are all here. The tour will end at the Lyabi-Khauz ensemble which includes the Kukeldash Madrasah. (Duration: Full day)

From Bukhara, board a train to the heritage city of Samarkand, the last and most spectacular stop on this Silk Road tour. Considered the jewel in the crown of Central Asia, this sprawling city features both modern and ancient architecture dating back to the Timurid dynasty. At the heart of the city lies the beautiful Registan Square, illuminated day and night. Numerous madrasas and mosques dot the city, such as Bibi Khanum and Timur's Gur-E-Amir and the Shah-i-Zinda. Another must-visit site is the Siab Bazaar, a bustling hub of commerce with wares ranging from fresh fruits to Uzbekistan's famed handicrafts.

Personalized Samarkand Highlights Tour

Experience the charms of Samarkand with a private chauffeur and guide. Your tour will begin at the the 15th-century Gur-i-Amir mausoleum, final resting place of the Mongol conqueror Timur. Next, stop at the UNESCO-listed Registan Square located at the heart of the city to witness its impressive architecture . There is also a bustling bazaar packed with traditional stalls displaying souvenirs and local handicrafts. Later, continue your tour at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, known as the ‘Pearl of Samarkand’, and the lively Siab Bazaar. The last stop on your itinerary is the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with its eleven mausoleums showcasing exquisite tile and terracotta work. (Duration: full day)

Personalized Hands-on Calligraphy Experience

Join an immersive calligraphy workshop held on the premises of a souvenir store, which was a former madrassa. You will begin with an introduction to the history of Islamic calligraphy to learn about the Arabic script and the artistic practice of handwriting. Then, using a ‘qalam’, which is a pen made from cut, dried reed, you will try to inscribe your name on a previously prepared sheepskin parchment or Samarkand paper. At the end, you can take home a wonderful memento that showcases your name in calligraphy. (Duration: 1 hr)

Personalized Tour of Konigil Paper Factory

Discover the ancient art of papermaking on a tour of the Meros Paper Factory in the village of Konigil. Step back in time at the riverside factory and get a behind-the-scenes look at the age old techniques used to craft paper by hand. Watch the skilled artisans use the water wheel to transform mulberry bark into a delicate pulp. The pulp is then shaped into beautiful and durable sheets of paper that are used to write calligraphy on and create miniature paintings. Afterwards, get a peek into life in the village and learn about local customs and traditions. (Duration: 3 hrs)