Experience the cultural wealth, ancient caravan cities, hospitable people and striking natural scenery of Uzbekistan, one of Central Asia’s most fascinating countries. Along the way visit and learn from artisans whose skills date back to the time of the ancient Silk Road.
Day 1 – Tashkent
You will be met on arrival at Tashkent airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay two nights in Tashkent.
Day 2 – Tashkent
City sightseeing includes a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts to see embroideries and other fine crafts. Visit Abdul Khasim Madrassah with its hujra cells used as metalwork workshops to produce jewellery and other goods, and exciting Chor-Su market to see cradles, hand-made musical instruments and fresh local produce. In the evening visit the studio of a fine ceramic artist. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Tashkent – Fergana
A mountainous drive to Fergana today, stopping along the way in Rishtan Town, known for its bright blue and green ceramics. Visit a ceramic studio and learn about the traditional floral designs native to the region. Lunch is at the potter’s home. Stay two nights in Fergana. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Marghilan excursion
A whole day is devoted to visiting Marghilan, a former stop on the Silk Road and a major centre of silk production. See the traditional methods that are still in use and the distinctive colours and patterns coveted by Chinese and Persian merchants. Visit silk weaving workshops, take a walking tour and visit a craft centre in a 19th century madrassah. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Fergana – Tashkent
Depart for Tashkent, driving via Kokand to visit the Khan’s Palace Museum, mosques and madrassah. Stay one night in Tashkent. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Tashkent – Samarkand
Drive to legendary Samarkand, the grand capital of the emperor Tamerlane. Visit the studio of a famous Samarkand textile and costumes designer and a join in a paper making workshop. Stay three nights in Samarkand. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Shakhrisabz excursion
Visit Shakhrisabz, birth place of Tamerlane. See the Ak Saray, Tamerlane’s vast palace, the Jehangir mausoleum, Kok-Gumbaz mosque, Dorus Tilavet and Shamseddin Kulyal Mausoleums. Lunch is with a local family then the afternoon is spent visiting craft workshops of silk embroidery and Uzbek fashion design. Dinner is at the studio of designer Valentina Romanenko, followed by a parade of her collection. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Samarkand
In the heart of Samarkand, see the striking Islamic architecture of Registan Square. Visit Gur-Emir, where Tamerlane is buried, Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the Shaki-Zinda Mausoleums. In the evening visit an Afghan silk carpet weaving workshop. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Samarkand – Bukhara
Continue tracing the Silk Route via the Royal Road to Bukhara. Stop at Gizhduvan ceramic centre where you may see the centuries’ old tradition of using a donkey to spin the millstone to grind the natural dyes. In Bukhara visit a UNESCO carpet weaving and dyeing school. Stay three nights in Bukhara. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Bukhara
A walking tour of Bukhara includes the 2000 year-old Fortress Ark, Poi-Kalon minaret which served as a beacon on the Silk Road, Chashma Ayub – the Spring of Job, madrassahs, mosques and mausoleums. A concert this evening features Uzbek folk music, dance and a fashion show. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Bukhara
You are invited to visit the most important craft places of Bukhara; the Bukhara silk weaving workshop, Bukhara Gold Embroidery Factory, Museum of Blacksmith’s Art, the workshop of garment designer Irina Sharipova and the Craft Centre situated in an old caravan-saray. In the afternoon visit Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace, the summer residence of the last ruler. See its beautiful interior decorations, huge banquet halls and harem quarters. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Bukhara – Khiva
Drive through the red sand desert to Khiva, an important oasis on the old caravan route. Picnic lunch en route by the Amu-Darya River. Craft workshops to explore include silk weaving, carpet waving, suzani embroidering and wood carving. Stay one night in Khiva. (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Khiva – Tashkent
Khiva’s outstanding Islamic architecture is a rich backdrop for a sightseeing tour of the city this morning. In the afternoon drive to Urgench for a flight to Tashkent. Stay one night in Tashkent. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Depart Tashkent
Transfer to the airport for exit flight. (B)
Introducing Central Asia to our range, InterAsia can provide tours of these countries in the ‘Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
