Dance Along the Silk Road
Duration of this Trip 11 Days Priced From $4, 399 per person
“It is better to see something once, than hear about it a thousand times.” Uzbek Proverb
Discover Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage with Silk Road Treasure Tour’s Dance Along the Silk Road! Led by Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, an internationally recognized dance scholar, award-winning choreographer, performer and costume designer, this unique travel opportunity focuses on the history, art, and dance traditions of Central Asian. Guests will study dance with native artists “in context” while traveling along the ancient Silk Road to the Uzbekistan’s legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Even non-dancers can enjoy the beauty of special performances and meetings with leading Uzbek artists. Dr. Gray, honored by the Uzbek Ministry of Culture for “her great contributions to the development of Uzbek culture and art,” will share her extensive insider knowledge of Uzbekistan, its people and culture.
At a Glance
Duration
11 DaysPriced From
$4, 399 per personDepartures
Call for customized tours and dates
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Arrive in Tashkent (the capital of the country)
Days 3-4 Samarkand
Day 5 Samarkand-Bukhara
Day 6 Bukhara
Day 7 Bukhara-Khiva
Day 8 Khiva- Ayaz Kala
Day 9 Ayaz Kala- Tashkent
Day 10 Tashkent
Day 11 Departure
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
Land Tour Costs
From $4, 399 for 6-10 travelersSingle Supplement
$575Scheduled Departures
Call for customized tours and dates
Trip Highlights
- Travel with award winning choreographer Laurel Gray and learn the secrets of Silk Road Dance.
- Discover cultural treasures of Central Asia: magnificent temples and mosques, ancient palaces and UNESCO Heritage Sites and celebrate Uzbekistan’s Independence Day in the capitol city’s beautiful Babur Park.
- Meet and interact with hospitable local Choreographers and Uzbekistan people.
- Enjoy traditional music, dance performance and fashion show.
- Admire Savitski museum in Nukus (The Museum of Forbiddin art).
- Experience a spectacular sunrise in Kizil Kum desert, followed by a morning dance class near the Ayaz Kala fortress.
Visited Countries
UzbekistanVisited Cities & Places
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, KhivaSuggested Extensions
Optional 2-day Ferghana Valley Tour Extension
Want to learn more about traditional Uzbek silk and ceramics? Extend your Uzbekistan adventure with a journey to the spectacular Ferghana Valley. Tour the world-famous silk factory in Margilan and the ceramic center in Rishtan. Visit the Khan's palace in Kokand, the former capital of the Khanate.
Reading Lists
- Calum Macleod, Bradley Mayhew "Golden Road To Samarkand"
- "Lonely Planet "Central Asia (2010)"
- Frances Wood "The Silk Road”
What's Included
- Visa support
- All dance classes with Dr.Gray and local choreographers
- Local air tickets from Tashkent to Nukus
- Ground Transportation
- English-speaking guide/escort , local dance instructor
- Hotel accommodation in double room
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
- Folklore Show in Bukhara
- Wine tasting
- Pre Departure Travel Packages along with Welcome Silk Road Gifts
- Uzbek Language Classes
What's Not Included
- International Flights
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Consular fee
Image Gallery
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Dance with Uzbekistan young performers in Bobur Park Dance with Uzbekistan young performers in Bobur Park
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Poi Kalon Ensemble in Bukhara Poi Kalon Ensemble in Bukhara
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Bukhara's outstanding performers Uzbekistan Bukhara's outstanding performers Uzbekistan
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Legendary Khiva, Uzbekistan Legendary Khiva, Uzbekistan
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Dr. Laurel Gray in ancient Samarkand with her colleagues Dr. Laurel Gray in ancient Samarkand with her colleagues
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Internationally recognized choreographer Dr. Laurel Gray in Uzbekistan Internationally recognized choreographer Dr. Laurel Gray in Uzbekistan
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Laurel Gray in Uzbekistan Laurel Gray in Uzbekistan
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Laurel Gray and Uzbekistan People's artist Kizlarkhon Laurel Gray and Uzbekistan People's artist Kizlarkhon
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Dr. Gray's Silk Road Trip in Uzbekistan Dr. Gray's Silk Road Trip in Uzbekistan
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Dr. Gray is in Khiva, Uzbekistan Dr. Gray is in Khiva, Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan's artist Viloyat Okilova and Dr. Gray Uzbekistan's artist Viloyat Okilova and Dr. Gray
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Uzbekistan trip by Dr. Gray Uzbekistan trip by Dr. Gray
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Magnificent Samarkand, Uzbekistan Magnificent Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Silk Road Dance Company in Samarkand Silk Road Dance Company in Samarkand
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Khiva, Uzbekistan Khiva, Uzbekistan
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Silk Road Dance Company Silk Road Dance Company
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Outstanding performers of Silk Road Dance Outstanding performers of Silk Road Dance
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Uzbekistan costumes of the performers Uzbekistan costumes of the performers
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Children's performance at the New Year Festival, Bukhara, Uzbekistan Children's performance at the New Year Festival, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
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Bukhara, Uzbekistan Bukhara, Uzbekistan
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Central Asia Dance Central Asia Dance
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Embroidery costumes of the Silk Road Dance performers Embroidery costumes of the Silk Road Dance performers
https://silkroadtreasuretours.com/dance-along-the-silk-road#sigProId7fde9a4f9f
Visited Countries
UzbekistanVisited Cities & Places
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, KhivaSuggested Extentions
Optional 2-day Ferghana Valley Tour Extension
Want to learn more about traditional Uzbek silk and ceramics? Extend your Uzbekistan adventure with a journey to the spectacular Ferghana Valley. Tour the world-famous silk factory in Margilan and the ceramic center in Rishtan. Visit the Khan's palace in Kokand, the former capital of the Khanate.
Reading Lists
- Calum Macleod, Bradley Mayhew "Golden Road To Samarkand"
- "Lonely Planet "Central Asia (2010)"
- Frances Wood "The Silk Road”
Scheduled Departures
Call for customized tours and dates