Itinerary (subject to change):

Day 1 /2 (23 and 24 April) Depart on overnight flight Take an early evening flight to Tashkent, arriving the following day. Settle in to the hotel with free time to explore before meeting your local guide for a welcome meeting and dinner. Dinner

Day 3 (25 April) Tashkent City Tour Tashkent, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, blends modern development with centuries of history, it offers a fascinating introduction to Uzbek culture and life. Unlike the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, Tashkent is a vibrant modern metropolis with  a distinctive mix of Soviet-era and contemporary architecture. The city tour explores  historic landmarks such as the Khast Imam Complex, home to important Islamic treasures, followed by a wander through Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s most famous markets. Free time in the afternoon to explore independently. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 (26 April) Tashkent to Samarkand Early this morning, take a high speed “Afrosiab” train to the ancient Silk Road hub of Samarkand. The city has long been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army, leaving behind a rich and complex history. On arrival, join your leader for a guided tour of this intriguing city.  After your city tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to soak up the magic of this historic place. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 (27 April) Samarkand City Tour Today you’ll delve deeper into Samarkand’s fascinating cultural heritage. Visit the workshop of a local artisan then continue to the Afrosiab Museum and Afrosiab Hill, home to a treasured 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman, then stop by the gorgeous remains of the Ulugbek Observatory. Head out of the city to the Bagizagan winery, considered the best wine producer in Uzbekistan. Get a special insight into the
production of Uzbek wine. In the evening, enjoy an intimate Uzbek experience – join a local family for a cooking demonstration on the traditional meal known as Dimlyama. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 (28 April) Samarkand – Nuratau Mountains This morning, make your way to the Nuratau Mountains for your stay in a Tajik village (2-3 hours). These villages are serene, hidden away in the hills with paths shaded by greenery and buildings made of stone. The region is a desert oasis, with irrigation channels watering crops and giving life to trees. Spend the day exploring the surroundings before learning to bake traditional tandir bread. In the evening, learn how their beloved national dish, plov, is cooked. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (29 April) Nurata Mountains Yurt Camp Spend time with the local family learning about their culture and traditions. After lunch, head into the Kyzylkum desert to spend the night sleeping in yurts. Enjoy dinner under the stars around a campfire and soak in the atmosphere. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (30 April) Nurata – Gijduvan – Bukhara After breakfast in the yurt camp, continue to Nurata – the city proper was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, though archaelogical remains date the first inhabitants to many thousands of years earlier. Continue  to the holy and historical city Bukhara via Gijduvan. Here you’ll visit a ceramic workshop, where sixth-generation ceramicists  make some truly beautiful pieces. This evening, enjoy an Uzbek folklore and music performance at one of the city’s medressas before heading for dinner at a wonderful local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 (1 May) Bukhara A UNESCO site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century, your leader will help you understand the vast span of history and architecture during a tour of the city. The meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 (2 May) Bukhara – Khiva Make a morning visit to Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer Palace of Alim Khan, Uzbekistan’s last emir.  In the afternoon, take the train to Khiva (around 7 hours). You’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in Central Asia which has long been inhabited by various nomadic people. Arrive at Khiva in the evening. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 (3 May) Khiva Take a full day to explore this enchanting city with your leader. Khiva is beautifully preserved and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Your leader will guide you through the city’s ancient monuments, sharing their histories along the way. Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 (4 May) Khiva – Tashkent Take the morning train back to Tashkent ( around 7 hours) and enjoy a last evening in the city before heading home.

Day 13: (5 May) Tashkent – Home Transfer to the airport for a morning flight home arriving late afternoon.