Compare Central Asia Journey by World Expeditions vs Uzbekistan in 8 days - Cities of the Silk Road - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

On arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. We will have an important tour briefing later today, so please check with reception for the time and location. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 14:00. Should your flight arrive earlier, please discuss arrangements for earlier room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant. Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar

meals : Array

Day 2 In Tashkent, train to Samarkand

Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. In the morning we’ll visit the Tashkent underground, where each station displays a specific architectural and artistic decoration. In the evening we take the train which follows the ancient Silk Road past old caravanserai to the ancient city of Samarkand. Over the centuries this road has been travelled by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane as they travelled the route to extend their knowledge and influence. Nowadays, this desert journey takes just over 2½ hours in the comfort of the air conditioned high speed train. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar

meals : B,L

Day 3 In Samarkand

Samarkand is a wondrous city showcasing the legacies of the great ruler Tamerlane. Also referred to as Tamerlane; the most influential military leader of the middle ages. He set about making it the richest city on earth by pillaging and destroying all other cities and removing their wealth and skills to Samarkand. Covering the tomb where he lies in the city today is a large single slab of green jade, said to be the largest such stone in the world and symbolic of the extravagance of the ruler and the city he built as his capital. A visit to the tomb reveals an impressive piece of work, but his legacy, the Registan, the market place of ancient Samarkand, is his greatest achievement. It is enclosed by spectacular medressas (Islamic centres of learning) on three sides. These huge buildings with domes and minarets covered in a mosaic of azure tiles were built from the 1400s. The Registan is deserving of its title as one of the wonders of the ancient world. We will also visit the huge mosque, bazaar and observatory during our exploration in and around Samarkand. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar

meals : B,L

Day 5 Train to Bukhara

Our Silk Road journey continues as we travel between Samarkand and Bukhara via rail, passing through the desert along the ancient trade route. This journey of almost 300km would have once taken days for silk road traders and conquering armies to navigate, but now it takes a mere 1½ hours in the comfort of the air conditioned high speed train. We'll arrive into Bukhara around midday. Following hotel check-in and lunch, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax or venture out for your first exploration of this prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 6 In Bukhara

Bukhara boasts 2500 years of vibrant history. Capital of the Samanid state in the 9th and 10th Century’s, Bukhara became the centre of an intellectual, religious and commercial renaissance of Central Asia until the city succumbed in 1220 to Genghis Khan and then to Tamerlane in 1370, after which Samarkand became the regions most important city. Bukhara had a second lease of life in the 16th century when it became the capital of what we now know as Bukhara Khanate during which time it had more than 300 mosques, 100 medrasses with over 10,000 students. In 1868 it became the protectorate of the Tsar and later became incorporated into the Russian and then Soviet Empires. Over two days we’ll immerse ourselves in the tapestry of this city with its rich history, taking in sights such as The Ark, the former royal city and fortress that was the focus of the city for 2000 years, the Summer Palace of the last emir, mausoleums and mosques and of course the exotic bazaars and markets that make Bukhara famous amongst shoppers. It is in these enclaves where bold and intricate carpets, gold and an assortment of jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments, carved boxes, hats from provinces all over Central Asia provide endless interest. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 8 Travel to Mary, Turkmenistan

The road journey from Bukhara to Mary takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the border crossing times. We will have to cross the actual border on foot and is without vehicle support so please ensure you are able to carry or wheel your luggage along the way. Once border formalities are complete, we will pass through the industrial city of Turkmenabat and continue on to Mary by private vehicle. Overnight: Hotel Mary or similar

meals : B,L

Day 9 Visit Ancient Merv, fly to Ashgabat

We commence the day with a short distance drive out of Mary to Merv, an ancient Silk Road staging post. Its origins date back more than 8000 years; the city was at its height during the 11th and 12th centuries when it was considered to be the second most important city in the Islamic world (after Baghdad), being the capital of the Seljuk Turks. Under their domination of the region stretching from Afghanistan to Egypt, the Seljuk’s created a city full of treasures and palaces, irrigation channels and fertile gardens. The Mongols all but destroyed the city under the rule of Genghis Khan in the 13th century and it lay dormant for a century. Whilst parts of the city were resettled over the next few centuries it was not until the 18th century that the dam and some of the former riches were restored. Again, this did not last long, as the Emir of Bukhara opened the dam and his army reduced the city to rubble in 1795. The remains of the city are spread over an area of 100 square kilometres, and the site contains five walled cities from different periods. We spend a few hours exploring the remains of these cities before returning to Mary for our evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital. Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 10 In Ashgabat

Today we visit the main city sights of Ashgabat including the Palace of Turkmenbashi, the National Museum which houses a rich collection of ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan, and the Archaeological site of Nissa including the remains of Old and New Nissa. The city was an important centre of the Parthian State, which existed from the 3rd century BC up to the 3rd century AD. As the archaeological research shows, the township of New Nissa was the centre of the Parthian City. It was inhabited up to the 16th - 17th centuries. Old Nissa was a royal residence of the Parthian kings with the palace and temple, the depositories and the treasury. During the archaeological excavations about 2700 texts inscribed with black paint on the clay vessels fragments were discovered. The written language used in Nissa was of the Aramaic origin, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. We also take in the sights of the Presidential Palace, Lenin Square, Ertogrul Ghazy, and Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi which is largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 11 Flight to Dashoguz, drive to Khiva

Today we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Dashoguz (Tashauz). We'll be met at the airport and accompanied by an English speaking driver who will brief you and assist with border formalities. Once across the border you will be met by your Uzbek guide for the 1hr transfer to Khiva. Upon arrival into Khiva, we'll check-in to our hotel before venturing out for our first explorations of this historical town. Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 12 In Khiva

The ancient walled city of Khiva is a stunning monument to the rich history of the region. Slave caravans, wild tribesmen and a harsh and unrelenting desert are all part of its tumultuous history. We spend the day exploring the mazes of mosques, tombs, alley ways, palaces and medressas. The following day will be at your leisure in this fascinating town. Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 13 Flight to Tashkent

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Tashkent. You will be transferred to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the sites of Tashkent we were unable to see previously. There will also be some time for some souvenir shopping should you wish to pick up a few items. Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 14 Trip concludes in Tashkent

Today is departure day, there may be some free time before your provided transfer to the airport for your onward connection. If your onward travel is later in the day, remember that check out time is 12:00 noon. You can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

meals : B

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport, ready to board a flight* to Tashkent. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: In-flight

Continue with your flight.

Day 3: Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent*, the capital of Uzbekistan, and transfer to the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city as you wish. We recommend getting to know the capital with an optional city tour of Tashkent.* Overnight stay in Tashkent. * Your outbound flight may arrive very late in the evening, or in the early hours of the following morning, so you have the option to book early check-in. ** Optional Tashkent Tour (Midday) Take a tour of Tashkent to see the Hasti Imam complex: Barak Kan Madrasa, Kafal Shohi Madrasa, Tilla Seykh mosque and the Museum of Usman Coran. Finally, visit Victory Park. ** Optional Tashkent Tour (Afternoon): Take an afternoon tour of Tashkent to see the highlights of the city and visit the History Museum of Uzbekistan, the White Mosque and the Metro system.

Day 4: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off to visit Tashkent Old Town. Admire Kukeldash Madrasa, the largest in the city. From the Madrasa's towers, the melodic call of prayer is announced. Take a stroll through the exotic Chorsu Bazaar, a covered market whose main building has an elegant turquoise dome. Next, explore the modern part of the city and discover the amazing contrasts as you visit Independence Square, Eternity Square, the amazing Romanov Palace and Amir Temur Square. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Urgench.* Arrive and transfer to Khiva. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Khiva. * Please note: the flight from Tashkent to Urgench will be on the morning of day 3 of your trip, therefore you will have 2 nights in Tashkent instead of 1, and 1 in Khiva instead of 2.

Day 5: Khiva

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off to visit the Itchan-Kala architectural complex, protected by high brick walls and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Khiva was part of the Silk Road Triangle, together with Bukhara and Samarkand. Among its many wonders explore the Kunya Ark Castle, sumptuously decorated; the madrasah Mohammed Rakhmin Khan which houses an interesting museum about the city, and the minaret of Islam Khodja. Next, visit Tash Hovli Palace, built of stone and blue coloured ceramics brought from China. End the visit at the Juma Mosque and the Allakuli Khan Madrasa. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. You also have the option to add an extra tour to the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud.* Overnight stay in Khiva. * Optional Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud Excursion: Discover the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, a philosopher, poet, fighter, tanner craftsman and founder of a branch of Sufism. Afterwards, enjoy the sunset from the Oq-Sheykh Bobo viewpoint.

Day 6: Khiva - Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Bukhara, southeast of Khiva. During the 8-9 hour journey, cross the Kizil-Kum Desert which means 'red sands' in Arabic and see the historic Amudarya River, which marks the border with Kazakhstan. Arrive in Bukhara in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and spend any free time exploring this atmospheric city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Day 7: Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a comprehensive tour of the UNESCO-protected city of Bukhara. Visit the beautiful Mausoleum of the Samanids, known for its significance to the Islamic faith, the holy spring of Chashmai Ayub and the charming Bolo Hauz Mosque. Afterwards, explore the spectacular Lyabi Hauz Architectural Complex, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Here you can admire two madrasas, sat on the banks of a picturesque lake, as well as a number of eye-catching mosques, which showcase an array of historic architectural styles. Continue the tour of the city with a visit to the Kalyan minaret, part of the Poi Kalyan Architectural Complex. Visit one of the largest mosques in Central Asia: Kalon Mosque and the striking Miri Arab Madrasa before heading to Bukhara's atmospheric bazaar, a huge domed construction home to countless artisan workshops and stalls selling local wares. You can complete your visit by adding an optional tour to the impressive Chor Minor and the Ark Citadel.* Overnight stay in Bukhara. * Optional Ark Citadel & Chor Minor Excursion: Visit the amazing Ark citadel, an imposing fortress dating back to the 5th-century and see the impressive Chor Minor, a historic gatehouse for a now-destroyed madrasa.

Day 8: Bukhara - Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the city of Samarkand, located 290 kilometres east of Bukhara. Arrive in Samarkand and, in the afternoon, take a guided city tour. See the legendary Registan Square, where you can admire spectacular madrasas, dating back to between the 4th and 7th-centuries, such as Ulughbek, Shir-Dor and Tilla-Kori. Next, visit the Guri Emir Mausoleum, to explore the tomb of Tamerlane, built in the 15th-century and a precursor and for many later Mughal tombs around the world. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Day 9: Samarkand - Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a visit to Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the charming Siab Bazaar, where locals sell their artisan wares, the perfect place to shop for souvenirs. You also have the option to book an optional tour of the beautiful Shakhi Zinda architectural complex.* In the afternoon, transfer to the station to board a train back to Tashkent. Arrive in the capital of Uzbekistan and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Tashkent. * Optional Shakhi Zinda Architectural Complex Tour: Discover the mind-blowing mosaics of the Shaki Zinda Architectural Complex, home to an ensemble of ancient mausoleums dating back to around the 6th-century. Afterwards, see the beautiful Ulughbek Observatory to trace Uzbekistan's astronomical heritage.

Day 10: Tashkent - Night on board

Breakfast* at the hotel. Spend today at your leisure.* Transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.