Tashkent
Tashkent
12 days
Maximum 16
discovery
About your trip
It’s pretty difficult in this day and age to discover somewhere truly untarnished by the brush of tourism. Central Asia and the ‘Stans’, however, stand as one of the last frontiers of discovery travel. That’s why we’ve chosen our two favorite nations in the region, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – a combination rarely offered by tour providers – as the foundation of this truly intrepid 12-day adventure. Traverse the Great Silk Road as you stop off in storied old cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, rich in history, intertwining cultures and truly jaw-dropping feats of architecture and design. The silk that weaves these cities together is made up of epic mountain routes, serene turquoise lakes and a few exciting train rides through the expansive Central Asian countryside. Are you ready for an adventure?
Trip Highlights
- Discover 6 incredible Silk Road cities, now connected by a new high-speed rail network
- Marvel at the Unesco-listed architectural masterpieces of Samarkand
- Embrace ancient artistic techniques with a miniature painting masterclass in Bukhara
- Learn about Uzbekistan’s Soviet History in Tashkent’s Independence Square
- Explore ancient fortresses and bustling bazaars in Khujand
- Stare at the intricately painted ceilings of Hazrat-i Shah Mosque in Istaravshan
- Take in the brightly lit sights of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, at night
- Fall in love with the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan
- Experience traditional hospitality with an authentic rural homestay
Your Itinerary
What's included
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night homestay experience
- 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Local Insider
- Local transport
- Transfers to and from airport
- Welcome meeting
- Tashkent city tour
- Khujand city tour
- Istaravshan city tour
- Dushanbe city tour
- Dushanbe evening walk
- Optional visit to Noor Art Gallery
- Visit to the Seven Lakes
- Seven Lakes homestay with optional cooking class
- Penjikent ruins and city tour (inc. museum visit)
- Sarazm ruins tour
- Samarkand city tour
- Optional Silk Paper Center visit
- Bukhara city tour x2
- Miniature painting masterclass
What's not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
Customer Reviews
Accommodation
Mir Luxe Plaza, Tashkent
This glitzy skyscraper hotel is perfectly located in the Mirabad district of Tashkent, boasting spectacular views over the city. When you’re not kicking back in your room you can enjoy the extensive spa facilities, including indoor pool, Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna, or head up to the top-floor panoramic restaurant for Uzbekistani, European and pan-Asian food with an amazing view.
Khujand Deluxe, Khujand
This four-star hotel near the Sir Darya river embraces the vibrant grandeur so-often seen across Central Asia, with rooms that quite literally look fit for a king. The ground floor cafe, restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining classic Tajikistani dishes with more familiar European fare. Don’t be surprised if the star of the show is the freshly squeezed juices.
Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe
This stylish modern hotel in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is extremely easy on the eye. An elegant hint of luxury exudes from every aspect of your stay, from the grand hotel lobby to the sleek surrounds of your room, the indoor pool and the in-house restaurant.
Seven Lakes Homestay
A truly unique experience awaits on our rural homestay near the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan. A local family will take you in as their own, providing you with a delicious home cooked lunch and dinner (which you have the option of helping out with), as well as bed and breakfast. There are no luxuries here, but there’s no better way of connecting with the locals in a pure, authentic manner.
Orient Star, Samarkand
This hotel, in the old part of the ancient city of Samarkand, has nicely blended modern amenities with a more traditional, oriental feel that embraces its ancient setting. There's an outdoor pool onsite, ideal for working up an appetite at the excellent hotel restaurant, best followed with an evening-capping trip to the stylish lobby bar.
Omar Khayyam, Bukhara
Traditional Uzbeki hospitality oozes through this hotel in Bukhara, which has its own lovely garden and terrace. The 24-hour reception team are always on-hand to support, while the varied breakfast offers buffet, continental and halal options. Its dreamy location meanwhile, means that you’re mere steps away from the historic bazaar of Toqi Zargaron.