Silk Road Travels: Fabled route of cultural exchange
- inspirasian
- Mar 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Positioned on the ancient Silk Road between Europe and Asia, Uzbekistan has the most interesting and architectural legacy of all the Central Asian republics. Ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were centers of science and art. Great architects created palaces, mosques and mausoleums and monuments memorializing Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Many of these masterpieces have not survived to the present, however, for those who have; it is possible to restore the pages of the distant past.
Imagine hundreds of minarets, turquoise domes and graceful arched portals gracing the land, exotic bazaars and the open blue sky as your backdrop, makes one feel immersed in a scene from “One thousand and one nights”.
Embark on a journey to explore the legendary UNESCO World Heritage sites that represents the best of Silk Road in Uzbekistan. Uncover the intricate inner city of Itchan Kala where the last caravan rest top is located before crossing to Iran. Visit Bukhara, situated on Silk road, known to be in monuments, caravanserais and colourful bazaars the likes of Jeweler’s Bazaar. Finally, set foot in the Registan square of Samarkand where grand monuments such as Ulugbek’s madrassah, Bibi-Khanum mosque, Siab Bazaar and Shakhi-Zinda Metropolis meets.
TREASURES OF UZBEKISTAN
Tashkent, Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara & Samarkand
History & Culture, Off the Beaten
Highlights
Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Cities (Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara) representing the best of the Silk Road in one trip
Enjoy sunset drinks at rooftop bars in Khiva and Bukhara
Enjoy an evening illumination show at Registan Square
Visit the studio of world-famous ceramic master Akbar Rakhimov
Enjoy authentic lunches at a yurt (traditional nomadic dwelling) in the desert and plov (Uzbekistan’s national dish) at a local’s house
Embark on a 10-day journey through Uzbekistan, the heart of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the paths of legendary explorers Marco Polo and Alexander the Great. Explore the vibrant streets of Tashkent, with its blend of Soviet-era architecture and modern energy, before immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of legendary cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. In Uzbekistan, history comes alive amidst stunning turquoise and blue-tiled minarets, grand mausoleums, caravanserais, and colourful trading domes that have thrived and enthralled for centuries.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
Day 2: Tashkent / Urgench / Khiva Ancient Fortress of Topraq-Kala & Lunch
Day 3: Khiva, Khiva UNESCO City Tour (Full Day)
Day 4: Khiva / Bukhara
Day 5: Bukhara UNESCO City Tour (Full Day)
Day 6: Bukhara / Samarkand Visit Chor Minor Madrassah. Train: Bukhara to Samarkand
Day 7: Samarkand UNESCO City Tour (Full Day). Evening Illumination of Registan Square.
Day 8: Samarkand/Tashkent Samarkand In Depth (Half Day) Train: Samarkand to Tashkent
Day 9: Tashkent Historical Sites (Full Day)
Day 10: Departure from Tashkent
Cost Includes
Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis, on bed and breakfast basis
Meals as stated
Sunset drinks in Khiva and Bukhara
Tours as stated in private basis by English speaking guide
Transfers as stated
One way domestic airfare in Economy Class for Tashkent to Urgench
One way train ticket in VIP Class (category subject to availability) from Bukhara to Samarkand and Samarkand to Tashkent
Porterage at hotels and train stations
Cost Excludes
International airfare and airport taxes
Beverages where meals are included
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Personal Expenses such as gratuities, spa, laundry, telephone and bar bills, etc
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Spring (May to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best time to visit Uzbekistan.
UNIQUE SILK ROAD TRAIN TRIPS
An iconic thoroughfare of trade and ideas, the Silk Road passes through incredibly varied landscapes and cultures, including a number of distinct Central Asian countries. There is no better way to uncover this treasure-rich region than by luxury train. Welcome aboard the unmatched Golden Eagle train, replete with upscale private cabins, fine dining, and personalized service.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED
UNIQUE JOURNEY
A journey fully tailored to you. HIMALAYAWANDER's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary - or build one completely from scratch - to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.
