Trip Highlight

• Explore Samarkand's Registan Square, a masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture
• Visit the markets and hammams of Bukhara, walk the lanes of the walled city of Khiva
• Enjoy the peaceful Nurata Mountains for country walks and a taste of village life
• Sip tea in historic chaikhanas (teahouses), meet artisans, hear traditional Uzbek music
• Stay in well-located boutique hotels in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva

Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2: Tashkent / Termez

We visit Tashkent, the country’s modern metropolis, then fly to off-the-beaten-path Termez to discover its unique Buddhist archaeological treasures, including UNESCO-listed Fayaz-Tepe, an ancient rock-cut monastery.

Days 3-5: Samarkand

The celebrated city of Samarkand has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt by the likes of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. One of the treasures we see here is the Registan, a dazzling medieval square lined on three sides by grand 17th century madrasas with turquoise-tiled facades.

Days 6-7: Nurata Mountains

In the mountains, we’ll be welcomed at a village guesthouse. Hill walks bring us into a peaceful setting of farms and orchards, and we’ll have a cooking class one evening. At night under the clear sky, the stargazing is delightful.

Days 8-9: Bukhara

Ancient Bukhara, a unique example of a medieval town, stands as one of Central Asia’s most romantic cities, dating back 25 centuries. Azure domes dot the skyline, and we’ll visit the Samanid Mausoleum, the best surviving example of 10th century architecture in the Muslim world. We’ll also stop in at teahouses and have an option for a soak in a traditional hammam (bathhouse).

Days 10-13: Khiva / Tashkent

We head to remote Khiva, a stunning walled town and Central Asia’s very first UNESCO site. Our explorations include the peaceful haven of the Juma Mosque, with its maze of 200 carved wooden columns, and the massive Kalta Minor tower, a symbol of the city. The mud-walled alleyways and blue-tiled domes of Khiva are a spectacular finale for our Silk Road odyssey. After a return to Tashkent, depart on Day 13.