Explore Uzbekistan

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s modern capital and gateway to the Silk Road.

Arrive in Tashkent and, after time to rest, meet your expert guide for an included city tour. Explore the historic Old Town and visit Khast Imam Square, home to one of the world’s oldest Korans. Browse the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, admire the Kukeldash Madrasah and discover traditional craftsmanship at the Museum of Applied Arts.

Leave Tashkent behind and travel through mountain landscapes and over the scenic Kamchik Pass into the fertile Fergana Valley. Stop in Kokand, once the seat of the powerful Khanate of Kokand, to explore Khudayar Khan Palace and the historic Friday Mosque before continuing to Fergana. (B)

Today visit Margilan, long regarded as Uzbekistan’s silk capital. Tour a traditional silk workshop and learn how silk is produced using centuries-old techniques, from cocoon to finished fabric. After lunch, return to Fergana to explore its lively bazaar and green public parks. (B)

Travel to Rishtan, famous for producing some of the country’s finest ceramics. Visit the workshop of master ceramicist Rustam Usmanov and watch artisans shape, paint and glaze pottery in the region’s signature blues and greens. Continue back through the mountains to Tashkent. (B)

Board the high-speed train to legendary Samarkand, one of the Silk Road’s most celebrated cities. On arrival, travel to Urgut near the Tajik border, where its colourful market is known for handcrafted suzanis and local textiles. (B)

Today focuses on Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks with your local guide. Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, admire the scale of Bibi-Khanym Mosque and spend time at the magnificent Registan Square, one of Central Asia’s most extraordinary architectural ensembles. (B)

Today is a free day to maybe explore some of Samarkand’s lesser-known treasures. Perhaps visit the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, where dazzling blue-tiled mausoleums line a narrow avenue, before exploring Ulugh Beg Observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrasiab Museum. (B)

Travel by train to Bukhara, one of the Silk Road’s most atmospheric cities. This afternoon visit Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, Bolo Haouz Mosque and the important Bahauddin Naqshband Complex. (B)

Explore Bukhara with your guide, discovering grand madrassahs, ancient trading domes and some of Central Asia’s finest Islamic architecture. Highlights include the Poi Kalyan Complex, Ark of Bukhara and Ismail Samani Mausoleum. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bukhara. Revisit favourite landmarks, browse artisan workshops or simply relax in one of the city’s traditional courtyard cafés. (B)

Travel across the vast Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, following a route once used by Silk Road merchants. Scenic stops and a packed lunch are included along the way. (B,L)

Spend the day touring the small city of Khiva. Visit Ichan-Kala, Mohammed-Amin Khan Madrassah and Minaret, Kunya Ark, Pakhlavan Mahmud Complex, Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret, Jumma Mosque, Tash Hauli Allakuli-Khan Palace and the Bazaar. (B)

Travel west into Karakalpakstan, stopping at the ancient desert fortresses of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala, dramatic remnants of ancient Khorezm civilisation. (B)

Journey to Moynaq on the former shores of the Aral Sea. Visit the haunting ship graveyard and local museum to understand one of the world’s most devastating environmental disasters. (B)

Visit the remarkable Savitsky Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Soviet avant-garde art, before flying back to Tashkent. (B)

Venture beyond the main sights to explore the city’s emerging café scene, sample traditional dishes such as plov and samsa at local restaurants, or browse independent boutiques for ceramics, textiles and souvenirs. Perhaps ride the city’s beautifully decorated Soviet-era metro stations. (B)