Traditions of the Ancient Silk Road

Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation. Over the next few days, explore Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan which is often used by travelers as a gateway to the majestic Tian Shan Mountains and the beautiful hiking trails of Al Archa National Park.

Personalised Bishkek Highlights Tour

Discover Bishkek, escorted by our local expert in a chauffeured vehicle. Starting at the central Ala-Too Square, you will learn more about the history and culture of the city, included its time as part of the Soviet Union. You will also visit the State Historical Museum, considered one of the largest of its kind in Central Asia and the beautiful Oak Park with its fountains and open air museum. At the end of the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs)

Personalised Hiking Tour of Ala Archa National Park

Experience the beauty of Al Archa National Park on a guided hike which can be adjusted according to your fitness level and preferences. Numerous trails criss-cross this vast and breathtaking expanse, from the Ala Archa River trail, also known as the Ala Archa Valley trail, or the more challenging Ak-Sai Waterfall trail which winds around a ridge by the river and climbs higher. You can take in fantastic views of the alpine landscape as you make your way across the park and then break for a picnic lunch with a view! Later in the day, you will be driven back to your hotel in Bishkek. (Duration: Full day; Please wear sturdy hiking boots and bring a water bottle, snacks, polarized sunglasses, rain jacket and sun hat; Best time to travel: May – Sep)

From Bishkek, take a short hour-long flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This modern capital city 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)

Group Uzumfermer Winery Tour 

The Uzumfermer Winery is a vast family-owned estate located on the outskirts of Tashkent with expansive garden and a restaurant offering wonderful views. This tour will begin with a walk through the vineyard and a tour of the winemaking facility to learn about the winemaking process at this estate. Later, you will sample fine Uzbek wines ranging from dry to sweet in the tasting room, against a backdrop of the Chimgan Mountains.(Duration: 1 hr)

From Tashkent, you will take a short 30-minute flight to Urgench International Airport, where our representative will be waiting to receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Khiva. It is certainly smaller than the Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Samrakand, but no less extraordinary. Known as an open-air museum, thanks to its historic Itchan Kala centre with its countless museums, heritage buildings, mosques and minarets, Khiva takes you back in time. Discover its vibrant art and culture as hear sombre tales of its slave trade history.

Personalized Khiva Highlights Walking Tour

Accompanied by our local expert, embark on a walking tour of Khiva's historical centre - the walled Itchan-Kala fortress which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Taj-Khovli Palace, see the Kalta-Minor minaret, and discover the Juma Mosque. Your guide will also show you the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah and the Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, among many others. Your tour will end at the Allakuli Khan Madrasah, one of the most richly decorated monuments in Khiva. (Duration: Full day)

From Khiva, your chauffeur will drive you to Bukhara in a private vehicle. The journey takes about 6.5 hours across a desert landscape.

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 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)

Group Folklore Show with Dinner

Discover the beauty of Uzbekistan’s culture through its many national dances performed at the folklore show at Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah in Bukhara. The performance will take place on a stage set in the inner courtyard of the madrasah, which dates to the 17th century. The show will begin at sunset, with dances from the Fergana, Khorezm, Bukhara, Andijan, and Tajik regions, accompanied by Uzbek folk music and popular Arabic songs. Enjoy a meal of local dishes while you watch the dances. (Duration: 1 hr; Meals included: dinner; Please note that the show is subject to weather condition.)

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)

From Bukhara, board an airplane for a 2-hour-long flight 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 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)

Personalized Samarkand Highlights Tour

Experience the charms of the historic city 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 Visit to Mitan Village with Cooking Class & Meal with a Local Family

Experience rural life in Uzbekistan on this guided excursion to Mitan Village, a semi-urban settlement in the Ishtykhan region of Samarkand, on the slopes of the Nuratau Mountains. Join a local family to make ‘palov’ or ‘pilaf’, a classic main dish of Central Asia consisting of small slices of beef or lamb and aromatic rice. Then, enjoy the robust fare paired with salads and round out the meal with seasonal fruits. Afterwards, it's time for a stroll through the village to take in the beauty of your surrounding before you return.(Duration: full day; Meals included: lunch)