Classic Silk Road

Overview

The essential first journey along the Silk Road. Tashkent's spiritual old city, the caravan town of Bukhara and Timur's Samarkand, linked by the high-speed Afrosiyob train so no day is lost on the road. Every evening ends with a traditional dinner, and the programme includes a dance performance in a Bukhara madrasa and the 3D light show at the Registan.

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Tashkent

   Welcome at Tashkent airport by your English-speaking guide, transfer to the hotel (rooms available from 14:00). The rest of the day is yours; guide and vehicle are at your disposal for a first look at the city centre. Dinner.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Tashkent, heart of Uzbekistan

   Khast Imam complex with the Uthman Quran, the oldest known Quran manuscript, plus Barak Khan Madrasa, Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Muyi Muborak library. Chorsu Bazaar under its blue dome, a walk along Amir Temur Square and avenue with the Museum of the Timurids, Independence Square and the mosaic halls of the metro. Breakfast and dinner.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Morning train to Bukhara

   High-speed train to Bukhara (about 4 hours), welcome by your local guide. Afternoon among the oldest monuments of the caravan city: Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th–10th c.), Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum and the Bolo-Hauz Mosque with its carved wooden columns. Breakfast and dinner.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Bukhara old town, then evening train to Samarkand

   The Ark citadel, the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble around its mulberry-shaded pond (Nadir Divan-Begi khanaka and madrasa, Kukeldash Madrasa), the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas, the Poi-Kalyan complex with its mosque for 10,000 worshippers, the hidden Chor-Minor and the covered trading domes. Evening high-speed train to Samarkand and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Samarkand, crossroads of the Silk Road

   Gur-Emir, the mausoleum of Amir Temur and his dynasty; Registan Square with the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kori madrasas; the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and mausoleum; Siab Bazaar; and the sacred avenue of Shah-i-Zinda with its 11th–19th-century tombs. Breakfast and dinner.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Imam al-Bukhari and return to Tashkent

   Morning visit to the memorial complex of Imam al-Bukhari in Khartang, the great 9th-century scholar of hadith. Early evening Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent (2 h 20 min) and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Departure

   Breakfast at the hotel and free time until your transfer to Tashkent airport.

Transport

• High-speed trains Tashkent – Bukhara, Bukhara – Samarkand and Samarkand – Tashkent (2nd class)
• Air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and excursions

Hotels

3* and boutique hotels

Hotels are recommended at the time of your request; the final choice depends on availability at booking. We always reserve a hotel of similar or higher category.