Samarkand & the Heart of the Silk Road - 11 days from £1599

Accommodation

Tashkent, Tashkent Palace (4-star) or similar
1 night half board. Located in the heart of the city, facilities include three restaurants, bar, health club and beauty salon. Bedrooms are fully equipped with air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV and hairdryer.

Khiva, Orient Star Khiva (3-star) or similar
1 night half board. Located close to the old fortress, hotel facilities include restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have air-conditioning, telephone, TV and mini-bar.

Bukhara, Omar Khayam (3-star) or similar
3 nights: 2 nights’ half board, 1 night bed and breakfast. Located in the old city, facilities include bar and restaurant. Bedrooms have air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

Samarkand, Grand Samarkand (3-star) or similar
4 nights: 2 nights half board, 2 nights’ bed and breakfast. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel offers a bar, restaurant and teahouse. Bedrooms have air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2: UK/Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent, arriving on day 2. Relax at the hotel, where you stay overnight. Throughout the holiday your Tour Manager and Specialist Guides will be on hand to ensure you experience the best of Uzbekistan. The site of battles and revolutions, sprawling Tashkent blends traditional and modern influences with those of the Soviet era. This afternoon visit Khast Imam Square, the holy heart of the city, and the Sheykh Mosque. Discover carpet history at the Museum of Applied Arts and visit the pretty Opera House. Relive more recent events in Independence Square, and hear tales of a tyrant in Amir Temur Square where the locals come to play chess in the evening.

Meals: Lunch / dinner

Day 3: Khiva

Fly across the vast expanse of the desert to Urgench and travel by road to Khiva where you stay tonight. Your sightseeing tour begins at the giant walls of the citadel to ancient Ichan-Kala. The old town bursts with monuments and madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums. Azure-glazed tiles glint in the sun and a fascinating history is revealed as you explore on foot. Perhaps climb the 118 steps of the Islam Huja Mosque for a panoramic view of Khiva and the desert beyond.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Bukhara

This morning we drive across the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara for a three-night stay. This captivating city was an important trading post and a key stop on the Silk Road. Celebrating over 2,500 years of history, Bukhara is a living museum, relive the past through the fascinating buildings of the city. Afternoon at leisure to relax.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Bukhara

More of this great city is revealed. Your discovery starts with a visit to the Magoki Attari mosque, a masterpiece of Bukhara architecture. Visit the exquisite Samani Mausoleum and explore the Ark, this ancient citadel has served many purposes from royal residence to military barracks. The Kalyan mosque was spared by an awestruck Genghis Khan but not by the Red Army; climb to the top of the minaret for splendid views. Venture beyond the city to the former country residence of the emir of Bukhara, Mokhi-Khosa Palace. Wander through stunning gardens dotted with pavilions and follow paths to lavish banqueting halls. Dinner has been arranged at an ancient Madrassahs (weather permitting), and is followed by a colourful folklore performance.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Bukhara

Experience an era of opulence in the former home of a 19th century merchant, sample local sweetmeats and discover the history of the elaborate national costume of Uzbekistan. Get a taste of rural life as you journey to the Bahautdin Nakshbandi necropolis where royalty are laid to rest. This afternoon explore Bukhara at your own pace. Barter for silk scarves and fragrant spices in the ancient covered bazaar and rest in the shaded plaza of Labi-Hauz, the perfect spot for a refreshing pot of local tea or a slice of juicy watermelon. This evening dine at one of the many city restaurants, ask your Tour Manager for recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 7: Bukhara/Gijduvan/Samarkand

The medieval town of Gijduvan is famed for its fine ceramics; visit a local family and watch the skilled craftsmen at work. Few names conjure up an image of romance as that of Samarkand which lies at the heart of the Silk Road, between China and the west. For centuries it has been a magnet for travellers, scholars and tyrants, you stay here for four nights. Discover the azure blue dome and elaborate mosaics of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Samarkand

Absorb the grandeur of Registan Square, lined with magnificent turquoise-tiled buildings of the 14th and 15th century. Hear of ancient astronomical discoveries at the Ulugbek Observatory and be dazzled by precious stones seized from conquests which now decorate the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Rest at the caravansarai and discover culinary secrets as you take a lesson in cooking ‘plov’, then enjoy a lunch of this national dish. Linger in the colourful Siab bazaar and follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis. Your Tour Manager can recommend local restaurants for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 9: Samarkand

Explore Samarkand at your own pace. Perhaps visit the boutique shops and bazaars in search of a unique souvenir to take home or take a stroll through the university boulevard, close to the city centre - your Tour Manager will be on hand to give advice and recommendations. Alternatively, why not take the opportunity to join your Tour Manager to cross the Zerfshan Mountains to the verdant vineyards of Shakhrisabz. Birthplace of the tyrant Tamerlane, the remains of the gigantic buildings reflect his power. Explore the As-Sarai Palace, step into the Khazret-Imam mosque and browse in the bazaar for local embroidery. A performance at the Theatre of Historic Costume is an option in Samarkand this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Samarkand

Chinese prisoners revealed the secrets of papermaking in the 8th century and it is from here that this skill came to Europe. Visit local artisans who have revived the tradition. This afternoon return to the bazaar for last-minute shopping or just soak up the unique atmosphere of the city. Dinner is included this evening.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 11: Samarkand/UK

Return to Tashkent by road for the return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast