Tashkent

This morning we arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. After settling in at the hotel, we begin exploring the city: the Khast-Imam Square with its historic madrasahs and mausoleums, the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar full of colors and aromas, and later the wide Independence Square and Amir Temur Square. We’ll also ride the famous Tashkent Metro, often called an underground museum for its ornate stations. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast.

Margilan

Today we travel by train (08:10-13:20) across the mountains into the fertile Fergana Valley. In Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk industry, we visit the Silk factory of Margilan and see how delicate silk threads are spun, dyed, and woven into vibrant ikat fabrics. A stroll through the local bazaar and Said Ahmad Khoja Madrasah adds more color to our day. Overnight in Margilan. Meals: breakfast.

Tashkent

After breakfast, we drive to Rishtan, world-famous for its ceramics. At the workshop of a local ceramic master, we watch the process of shaping and painting pottery — and enjoy a traditional lunch in his home. Then we continue to Kokand, once the capital of the Kokand Khanate. Here we explore the grand Palace of Khudayar Khan, the Juma Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Modari Khan. In the evening we return to Tashkent, crossing the scenic Kamchik mountain pass. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast, lunch .

Samarkand

This morning we board a train to Samarkand, the legendary jewel of the Silk Road. Our sightseeing begins with the turquoise-domed Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane. We then step into the majestic Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasahs — the very heart of Samarkand. Later we visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the fascinating Ulugbek Observatory. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast.

Nuratau Mountains

Samarkand - Nuratau Mountains (Hayat Village) by road, 300 km. In the morning, we visit the Afrasiab Museum, displaying murals from ancient Samarkand, and the shrine of Saint Daniel. Then we drive to the Nuratau Mountains, stopping in Nurata to see its holy spring. By afternoon we reach Hayat Village, where we stay in a guesthouse with local families. In the evening we join a cooking masterclass and share dinner with our hosts. Overnight in Hayat Village. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Bukhara

After breakfast, we take a gentle walk around Upper Hayat Village, passing old mills, stone ruins, and meeting locals along the way. If possible, we visit the small nursery of Severtsov’s sheep, a rare and endangered species. Later we drive across the steppe to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric cities. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast

Bukhara

Today we explore Bukhara, a living museum with more than 900 historic sites. We begin with the Samanid Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque, then walk through the mighty Ark Citadel, the fortress of Bukhara’s rulers. In the afternoon we visit the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the elegant Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs, and the lively Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble with its shady pond. We also stroll through the ancient domed bazaars, once busy trading hubs of the Silk Road. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast.

Tashkent

This morning we visit the summer palace of the last emir, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, an eclectic mix of Russian, Eastern, and European styles. We then stop at the Bahautdin Naqshbandi Complex, an important pilgrimage site and center of Sufi spirituality. In the afternoon we board the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast.

Tashkent

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight. Meals: breakfast