Itinerary

Day 1 Tashkent

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, the Silk Road Treasures team will escort guests to their hotel. Morning exploration of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan includes visits to the landmarks of the “old city” including the Hazrat Imam Mosque and fascinating traditional neighborhoods. Experience the temptations of Chorsu Bazaar, watch craftsmen at work, and bargain for souvenirs. Enjoy the beauty of Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence Square) transformed from its past as Tashkent’s Red Square under the Soviets. Enjoy a warm Uzbek welcoming banquet and meet outstanding artists presenting a performance of music and dance. Experience an evening panorama of Tashkent.  Accommodations at the Dedeman Silk Road Hotel.

Day 2 Tashkent

Dance class with People’s Artist of Uzbekistan. Kizlarkhon Dusmuhmeodva. Visit the exquisite Museum of Applied and Decorative Art to learn more about traditional Uzbekistan clothing, textiles and jewelry. After lunch, explore the Museum of Tamara Khanum, the legendary dancer who was the first woman in Uzbekistan to perform publicly. Dinner and concert of Uzbek folklore by Tashkent artists highlights the evening.

Day 3 Samarkand

Travel “the Golden Road to Samarkand” in the comfort of a first class coach on a modern, high speed train from Tashkent. Located at the very heart of the ancient Silk Road, legendary Samarkand rings with names of conquerors like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, and travelers like Marco Polo. Discover the rich history of this cultural nexus guided by the expertise of a local historian. Venture through the fabled Registan Square with its stunning, blue-tiled mosques and medressahs. Experience a class in the Samarkand dance style with Dr. Gray and her outstanding local colleagues. Relax with wine tasting at the Khorenko winery, followed by dinner at the Registan Restaurant. Accommodations at the Grand Samarkand Hotel.

Day 4 Samarkand

Visit the legendary tomb of the biblical prophet Daniel, a local pilgrimage site with a healing spring. Explore the breathtaking majesty of the 9th c. Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex and the famous Ulugbeg Observatory. Experience the bustling Siyob bazaar with its spices and famous Samarkand non bread. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Tamerlane and the painstakingly restored 14th century Bibi Khanum mosque, named for his favorite wife. Dance class  followed by dinner and folklore performance in legendary Registan Square.

Day 5   Samarkand-Bukhara

Follow the ancient Silk Road to Bukhara, through the Malik Chul desert and along the Zerafshan River. Stop along the way at an 11th century caravanserai, then visit Gijduvan, one of  Uzbekistan’s oldest centers of traditional ceramics. Upon arrival in Bukhara, explore the heart of this 2,500 year-old city; with its historic mosques and minarets. Visit Taqi-Zargaron, the multi-domed bazaar dating back to the 16th century and experience a performance of traditional folklore in a former medrassah. Accommodations at Bukhara’s charming Hotel Komil.

Day 6 Bukhara

Dance class with Bukhara’s celebrated Bukhorcha dance ensemble. Visit to handicraft factories where local artisans create the famous zardozi gold-thread embroidery and distinctive Bukharan carpets. Explore the residences of past emirs, the historic rulers of Bukhara. Travel to the mausoleum of Bahauddin Nakshbandi,  a 14th century Sufi saint whose tomb is a pilgrimage site. Evening dinner includes a folklore program and fashion show at the ancient Nadir Divan Begi medrasseh.

Day 7  Bukhara-Khiva

Sightseeing drive through the Kizil Kum (“red sand”) desert to Khiva, last oasis stop for caravans on the way to Persia. Former capital of the Khorezm Khanate, Khiva was reputedly founded by Shem, the son of Noah. Excursion to  Khiva’s Ichan Kala (“inner fortress”), a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. With its historic buildings surrounded by high walls, this living museum conveys the sense of traveling back in time. A folk performance by local artists demonstrates the unique quality of authentic Khorezm music and dance. Accommodations at the Malika Kheivak Hotel, located within Khiva’s Ichan Kala.

Day 8  Khiva- Yurt Ayaz Kala

Morning class with Dr. Gray and Khorezm dance artists, then more exploration of  Khiva. Visit historic sites including the Tash Hauli Palace, Kunya Ark , and the Juma Mosque with its 200 carved wooden pillars. Witness local folklore at a traditional pre-wedding ceremony. Afternoon drive to the ancient Ayaz Kala fortress, dating back to the 4th century BCE, to experience nomadic life. Enjoy a memorable desert sunset followed by an authentic meal around the campfire with performances by local musicians. Accommodations in a traditional yurt camp.

Day 9 Nukus-Tashkent

Experience a spectacular sunrise in Kizil Kum desert, followed by breakfast and a morning dance class near the Ayaz Kala fortress. Hike, ride a camel and enjoy exploring this ancient site. Drive to Nukus, in the Uzbek Autonomous Region of Karakalpakistan, then return to Tashkent on an afternoon flight. Local transportation provided from the airport to accommodations at Tashkent City Palace, located within walking distance of parks, museums, and a 19th Romanov palace.

Day 10 Tashkent

Celebrate Uzbekistan’s Independence Day in the capitol city’s beautiful Babur Park. Enjoy folkdance performances by the country’s diverse ethnic groups, representatives from a variety of Silk Road cultures. Take in more festivities, including entertainment in front of the elegant State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Opera and Ballet, named for Alisher Navoi. Farewell dinner with Uzbek dance legends.

Day 11 Tashkent

Departure