11-Day Silk Road Tour of Uzbekistan with Cooking Classes and Rail

Welcome to Uzbekistan! We'll meet you at the airport and greet you with a small welcome gift: a reusable shopper made by local artisans. It's a simple gesture, but it reflects how we travel thoughtfully and with care for the places we visit. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind and begin soaking in the unique atmosphere of this vibrant capital city at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll through leafy parks, sip tea in a local café, or simply rest after your journey, Tashkent's charm will gently start to reveal itself.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, start your tour with the old city's highlights. Visit the Khast-Imam Complex, home to one of the oldest Qurans in the world, a quiet testament to Tashkent's rich spiritual heritage. Wander through Chorsu Bazaar, a lively market that connects you to local farmers and artisans, much like the Silk Road traders of old. Explore a traditional Mahalla neighborhood, where community and daily life flow naturally.

In the new city, see the Monument of Courage, symbolizing Tashkent's resilience, and stroll through Independence Square, the heart of modern Uzbekistan. Visit the former Romanov residence, linking past stories, then Amir Timur Square, honoring the great Silk Road leader. Finally, experience the Tashkent Metro - a unique blend of Soviet art and practical eco-friendly transport.

Return to your hotel for free time and overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for a refreshing day in the nearby mountains. First, take a funicular up to Amirsoy, reaching an impressive 2290 meters above sea level, where fresh mountain air and stunning views await.

Next, visit Chimgan, where you can ride another funicular to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lush valleys and peaks. Then continue to a viewpoint to admire the sparkling Charvak Reservoir, a beautiful turquoise lake nestled in the mountains and a local favorite for relaxation and nature appreciation.

On the way back, explore ancient petroglyphs, mysterious rock carvings that connect us to the region's early inhabitants and remind us of the deep human bond with this land.

Return to Tashkent for transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your train to Samarkand. Traveling by train reduces environmental impact and offers a comfortable way to experience Uzbekistan's landscapes.

• Begin your tour with the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the majestic resting place of the great conqueror Timur, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.
• Next, visit the iconic Registan Square, once the heart of the Silk Road's vibrant trade and culture, where three stunning madrasahs stand in harmonious grandeur.
• Explore the bustling Siab Bazaar, where local farmers and artisans bring fresh produce and crafts, giving a genuine taste of everyday life.
• Finish at the Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, a remarkable street of mausoleums adorned with vibrant blue tiles, reflecting centuries of artistry and devotion.

Transfer to your hotel for free time and overnight stay.

After breakfast, start the day with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare manti, steamed dumplings that are a delicious part of Uzbek cuisine and culture.

• Your tour continues with a visit to the Paper Factory, where artisans preserve the ancient art of making paper by hand, a tradition dating back to the Silk Road era. Witness how sustainable craftsmanship keeps history alive.
• Next, explore the Observatory of the famed astronomer. This site reflects the region's rich scientific heritage and curiosity about the stars.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Saint Daniel, a peaceful spiritual site blending religious history with local legend.
• Finish the day at a carpet factory, where you'll see traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, supporting local communities and preserving cultural identity.

Return to your hotel for free time and overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart crossing the scenic Kitab Pass on the way to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur.

• Explore the mysterious Devil's Plateau, a rugged landscape that sparks imagination and connects you with nature's raw beauty.
• Visit the Mausoleums of Jahangir and Omar Sheikh, quiet places honoring important historical figures from Timur's era.
• Discover the grandeur of Ak-Saray Palace, once a royal residence, whose impressive ruins hint at the empire's former glory.
• See Dorus-Saodat, a complex of mausoleums housing Timur's descendants, rich in intricate tilework.
• End with the serene Kuk-Gumbaz Mosque, admired for its elegant blue domes and peaceful atmosphere.

Return to Samarkand for free time and overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your train to Bukhara. Traveling by train offers a relaxing and eco-friendly way to see Uzbekistan's changing landscapes.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to leave your luggage or check in if the rooms are ready.

Begin your afternoon with a visit to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. This charming complex blends local architecture with Russian influences, offering a glimpse into the region's more recent history.

In the evening, enjoy a folk dinner in an ancient madrasa, where traditional music and dishes come together in a warm, authentic atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, start with hands-on workshops in traditional Uzbek cooking, learning to make plov, and painting, immersing you in local arts.

Begin your walking tour of Bukhara's timeless heart:

• Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, a tranquil square centered around a centuries-old pool, perfect for soaking up local life.
• Kukeldash Madrasa, a majestic example of Islamic education architecture.
• Divan-Begi Madrasa and Caravanserai, once a bustling center for travelers and traders.
• The serene Nadir-Beg Pool, a refreshing spot amid the city.
• The impressive Poi Kalon Complex, with its towering minaret visible for miles.
• Historic madrasas: Abdulaziz Khan and Ulugh Beg, showcasing exquisite tilework.
• The ancient Ark Citadel, Bukhara's former fortress and royal residence.
• The elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque with its wooden columns.
• The vibrant domed bazaars, once hubs of Silk Road trade.
• Samanid Mausoleum, one of Central Asia's oldest surviving monuments.

Enjoy free time to explore or relax.

Overnight at the hotel.

Start early with a packed breakfast to enjoy on the way. At 6:00 AM, transfer to the train station for your 7:12 AM train to Khiva, traveling comfortably in a private coupe. This scenic journey takes you across Uzbekistan's diverse landscapes, offering a peaceful and eco-friendly alternative to flying.

Arrive in Khiva at 12:47 PM and transfer to your hotel for check-in or luggage storage.

Take part in a cooking class focused on Shivit Oshi, a unique local green lagman dish. This hands-on experience offers a taste of Khiva's rich culinary traditions.

Enjoy the meal you prepare, then relax during your free time in this ancient oasis city.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, your tour of Khiva begins with a visit to Kunya-Ark Fortress, a "city within a city" where rulers once lived and governed.

• Explore the ornate Tash-Khovli Palace, known for its stunning tilework and intricate wood carvings.
• Visit two historic madrasas: Muhammad Amin Khan and Muhammad Rahim Khan, showcasing centuries of Islamic scholarship and architectural beauty.
• Admire the colorful Kalta-Minor Minaret, a unique, unfinished tower that captivates visitors with its turquoise tiles.
• Step inside the Juma Mosque, famous for its wooden columns, some over a thousand years old, creating a forest of history.
• End at the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, honoring a local hero and reflecting Khiva's spiritual traditions.

Enjoy free time afterward to wander or relax.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast and a relaxed morning, check out from the hotel by noon.

We provide a transfer to Urgench airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your journey through Uzbekistan's rich history and vibrant culture, experienced thoughtfully and respectfully, with care for the places and people who made it unforgettable.