Journeys: Stories of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan - 11 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
12 - 100Start / End
- Tashkent
- Ashgabat
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
19Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Tashkent's vibrant past and present, from the ancient artifacts of the State History Museum to the spiritual serenity of the Hasti Imam complex, culminating in the bustling Chorsu Bazaar where you can sample traditional Uzbek delicacies like honim.
- Step into the legendary city of Samarkand, a jewel of the Silk Road, to marvel at the astronomical prowess of Ulugbek Observatory, witness the grandeur of Registan Square, and engage in a heartwarming Plov cooking experience with a local family, learning the symbolism behind this national dish.
- Unravel centuries of history in UNESCO-listed Bukhara, exploring iconic sites such as the Ismail Samanid Mausoleum and Ark Fortress. Delve deeper into the region's spiritual heritage with a Sufism expert and enjoy a traditional Manti-making class, followed by an enchanting folklore show.
- Journey through the Kyzylkum desert to the perfectly preserved walled city of Khiva, a living museum frozen in time. Wander through its labyrinthine Ichan-Qala, adorned with tiled mosques and towering minarets, and conclude your exploration with a vibrant Khorezmian dinner and cultural performance.
- Cross into Turkmenistan to uncover the haunting beauty of Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before exploring the ancient ruins of Old Nisa, the former capital of the mighty Parthian Empire, whose remnants echo a civilization that once rivaled Rome.
- Conclude your odyssey in the futuristic capital of Ashgabat, admiring its unique architecture, while reflecting on an unforgettable journey rich in cultural immersion, historical discoveries, and genuine connections with the welcoming people of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
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Summary
Trace the footsteps of traders, poets, and pilgrims along one of the most storied routes in history — the Silk Road. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reveals ancient cities, towering mosques, and lively bazaars where cultures once converged. Explore the remarkable ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Parthian capital. In Khiva, walk through perfectly preserved streets that feel frozen in time. Along the way, connect with welcoming locals, uncover enduring traditions, and gain deeper insight into the spiritual and cultural diversity that shaped these crossroads of civilization.
Itinerary
Day 1
TASHKENT
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, gather for a welcome meeting before a festive three-course meal paired with a lively folk show that brings Uzbekistan’s music and dance traditions to life.
Day 2
TASHKENT
Set out on a guided tour of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan, where ancient artifacts and exhibits trace the region’s evolution–from early civilization to Silk Road empires, then Soviet rule. After, step into the spiritual heart of the city at the Religious Center of Tashkent, home to the beautifully restored Hasti Imam complex and the revered Museum of the Koran to see one of the world’s oldest Qurans. Then, wander through the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, where local life rushes around the mounds of spices, fresh produce and handwoven goods. At the bazaar, sample honim, a beloved Uzbek dish of steamed dough filled with spiced vegetables.
Day 3
TASHKENT/ SAMARKAND
Travel this morning through the Uzbek desert on a high-speed train to Samarkand–one of the Silk Road’s most legendary cities. Upon arrival, take a guided tour beginning at Ulugbek Observatory. We’ll hear the story of its namesake, the 15th-century astronomer and ruler who mapped the stars with astonishing precision, leaving behind one of the Islamic world’s most important scientific legacies. Continue to the Afrosiob Museum, positioned on ancient Samarkand. Here, we’ll meet with the head archeologist who will share insights into the city’s ongoing excavations. This evening, join a local family to try the nation’s signature rice pilaf dish, plov. As you learn how the meal is prepared, the family will also explain its symbolism.
Day 4
SAMARKAND
Continue exploring Samarkand with a guided visit to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Guri Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, the great conqueror, and the beautiful Registan Square, where madrasas showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. In Samarkand, your options for cultural exploration are endless. Maybe head to the peaceful Konigil Village to visit the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans use traditional, centuries-old silk paper making techniques. Or take a trip out to the Mausoleum of St Daniel. Wander the colorful stalls of Siyab Bazaar or this evening, experience a performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes, where centuries of Uzbek dress and dance come to life.
Day 5
SAMARKAND/ BUKHARA
Climb aboard the high-speed train as we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage destination, Bukhara. This city is known as one of the most culturally rich and ancient places along the Silk Road and was a battle zone for conquerors like Genghis Khan, the British Empire and Russian Bolshevik troops. Head into the Old Town, where over 2,500 years of history thrive to this day. Start at Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, an Uzbek icon from the 10th century and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in all of Central Asia. The next stop is Ark Fortress, a towering symbol of Bukhara’s political and spiritual power. End the tour at the Kalyan Minaret, a nearly 900-year-old brickmade watchtower. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to learn to make the famous Uzbek dumplings, manti.
Day 6
BUKHARA
Today begins with a visit to the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a place dedicated to Central Asia’s most revered Sufi scholars and a historic pilgrimage site. Meet with a local expert in Sufism to learn about its spiritual philosophy and lasting influence on the region’s culture and identity. Continue to the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, now a striking display of Russian and Persian architecture. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit an 18th-century hammam or do some shopping along the ancient trading domes of the old Caravanserai. This evening, gather in the stunning Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi for a traditional dinner and a folklore show that puts Uzbek heritage on full display.
Day 7
BUKHARA/ KHIVA
Drive through the Kyzylkum desert toward the ancient city of Khiva. See the everchanging sand dunes, once crossed by travellers on the Silk Road carrying goods from the far corners of the world. Gaze upon the distant mountain peaks before arriving at the ancient walled city of Khiva, a living museum, with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture in the world.
Day 8
KHIVA
Explore Khiva, an ornate and beautiful ancient city that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Silk Road over 2,500 years ago. Within the Ichan-Qala, the inner walled town of Khiva, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colourful alleyways, tiled mosques, historic madrasas and towering minarets. Khiva is a town so steeped in preservation as Sophie Ibbotson explains in her “6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024” National Geographic article. Together we’ll wander its paths, hearing the stories of traders, scholars and historic explorers and adventurers. This evening, explore Khiva culture at a Khorezmian dinner celebrating the region's historic music and dance.
Day 9
KHIVA/ ASHGABAT
This morning, cross the border into Turkmenistan, a unique country rich with historic traditions still alive to this day. Our first stop is at the beautiful and haunting ruins of Kunya Urgench. Once a rich and lively center for Islamic scholars, it is now full of crumbling minarets, sacred tombs and mausoleums. After a visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Dashguz to board an evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city.
Day 10
ASHGABAT
Head out to Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire from 200 BCE.. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important archaeological location full of ruins and well-preserved artifacts. Take in the remnants of mudbrick royal complexes and fortresses through remains of a civilization that once rivaled Rome. Fast forward from the past to the present as we head to the futuristic Alem Centre, a chance to admire its incredible architecture. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the city and reminisce about the incredible journey we’ve had through the Stans.
Day 11
ASHGABAT
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (10 nts)
Meals
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 6
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 2026
from £2,799Oct 2026
from £2,649Apr 2027
from £2,799May 2027
from £2,799Jun 2027
from £2,799Jul 2027
from £2,729Aug 2027
from £2,729Sep 2027
from £2,799Oct 2027
from £2,649
- Thursday 7 Oct 2027to Sunday 17 Oct 20276+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£2,649Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thursday 14 Oct 2027to Sunday 24 Oct 20276+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£2,649Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thursday 21 Oct 2027to Sunday 31 Oct 20276+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£2,649Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thursday 28 Oct 2027to Sunday 7 Nov 20276+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£2,649Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
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