Asia · Uzbekistan
A profound journey into the heart of Central Asia, designed to uncover the soul of Uzbekistan, the guardian of the region's richest cultural heritage.
A profound journey into the heart of Central Asia, designed to uncover the soul of Uzbekistan, the guardian of the region's richest cultural heritage. This itinerary traces the legendary Silk Road, starting from the capital, Tashkent, and venturing to the north-western frontiers of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, exploring the vestiges of millennia-old civilisations that evoke the grand exploits of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great.
The route traverses landscapes of extraordinary beauty, from the shifting sands of the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, which together form the fourth largest desert system in the world, to the banks of the Amu-Darya, known in antiquity as the Oxus. The striking contrast between the arid dunes and monumental oases highlights the geographical and historical complexity of this territory, where the ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Khorezm stand in dialogue with the soaring peaks of the Hissar mountain range.
The artistic heart of the voyage lies in the legendary cities of Bukhara, the 'Wonder of the Spirit' and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Samarkand, the 'Wonder of the Earth'. The itinerary expertly balances visits to archaeological sites dating back over 2,000 years with an immersion into the daily rhythm of local agricultural markets and the serenity of remote villages where time seems to have stood still, offering a comprehensive portrait of a nation still remarkably preserved from mass tourism.
11 days in the programme
Depart on an international flight for Tashkent, the Uzbek capital situated in a fertile oasis nourished by the Chirchiq and Keles rivers Depart on an international flight for Tashkent, the Uzbek capital situated in a fertile oasis nourished by the Chirchiq and Keles rivers. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to begin your stay.
A full day dedicated to exploring Tashkent A full day dedicated to exploring Tashkent. Highlights include the Mayo Mubarek library-museum, home to the 7th-century Uthman Quran, considered the oldest in the world. The tour continues to the Telyashayakh Mosque and a vibrant local agricultural market, offering an authentic glimpse into daily urban life. All scheduled meals and excursions are included.
Fly to the far north-west of the country to reach Nukus, the capital of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan Fly to the far north-west of the country to reach Nukus, the capital of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. Here, you will visit the city's renowned art museum, which houses a collection that is truly extraordinary within the context of Central Asia.
Explore the ancient cities and citadels of the Kingdom of Khorezm, located south of the Turkmen border Explore the ancient cities and citadels of the Kingdom of Khorezm, located south of the Turkmen border. You will visit the ruins of Ayaz Qala and Toprak Qala, historic structures dating back over 2,000 years that stand as a testament to a glorious defensive and civil past.
A day devoted to Khiva, a fundamental crossroads on the Silk Road and a living heart of Uzbek history A day devoted to Khiva, a fundamental crossroads on the Silk Road and a living heart of Uzbek history. Its perfectly preserved architecture evokes the atmosphere of the era of Genghis Khan.
Travel across the red sands of the Kyzylkum Desert Travel across the red sands of the Kyzylkum Desert. The route follows the course of the Amu-Darya, the ancient Oxus, which flows between the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts before heading towards the Aral Sea. Arrive in Bukhara in the evening.
A full day is dedicated to Bukhara, a Holy City and UNESCO World Heritage site A full day is dedicated to Bukhara, a Holy City and UNESCO World Heritage site. You will explore the historic centre, which reached its peak between the 9th and 10th centuries as a state capital. The visit reveals why this city is celebrated as the 'Wonder of the Spirit' along the Silk Road.
Depart for the Hissar mountain range for an excursion to Langar Depart for the Hissar mountain range for an excursion to Langar. In this mountain village where time appears to have stood still, you will visit the atmospheric local mausoleum. Continue afterwards to Shakhrisabz.
After visiting Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, journey towards Samarkand After visiting Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, journey towards Samarkand. One of the oldest cities in Asia, it remains an essential stop on the ancient trade routes connecting East and West.
Spend the day amongst the monuments of Samarkand, a city once conquered by Alexander the Great Spend the day amongst the monuments of Samarkand, a city once conquered by Alexander the Great. The focus of the visit is the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, one of the most extraordinary sites on the Silk Road and a masterpiece of Timurid architectural magnificence.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your journey into the heart of Central Asia.
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