Tour Overview
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, TASHKENTArrival day.
Day 2, TASHKENT - NUKUS
A short city tour of Tashkent before we fly to the far west. We spend the afternoon exploring Nukus, including a guided tour of the art museum, bringing this world-class collection to life. (BL)
Day 3, NUKUS - MUYNAK
A full day excursion to the fascinating former port of Muynak. The retreating Aral Sea has left this a ghost town. We take a short walk to the ‘ship cemetery’ encountering signs of recent sea life as we go. (BD)
Day 4, NUKUS - KHIVA
Morning drive to Khiva. Later we begin our tour of this fascinating town including the Djuma Mosque, Kunya Ark and the beautiful mausoleums of the former rulers. (BL)
Day 5, KHIVA
In the morning we continue our tour. Free afternoon. (BD)
Day 6, KHIVA - BUKHARA
Morning drive to Bukhara, a city alive with history. Afternoon city tour and evening cultural performance. (BD)
Day 7, BUKHARA
Morning tour which includes the Ark Fortress, Kaylan Minaret and the covered bazaars. The afternoon is free to return to a favourite site or visit one of the many teahouses for refreshment and delightful pastries. (BL)
Day 8, BUKHARA - YURT ENCAMPMENT
We drive through the Kyzyl Kum desert via the village of Gijduvan where we visit a potter's workshop. Continue to the Kazakh village of Yangigazgan where we spend the night in yurts (nomadic tents). Here we will have the chance to ride a camel before the evening's entertainment - Kazakh singing and dancing. (BD)
Day 9, YURT ENCAMPMENT - SAMARKAND
Drive to the Mirankul Mountains where we take a short trek to visit the cave of Hazrati Daud, a local saint. We continue to Samarkand. (BD)
Day 10, SAMARKAND
The Registan in Samarkand is Central Asia’s most spectacular architectural ensemble. This Silk Road oasis also has a feast of other stunning monuments and we spend a full day on a guided tour of the city. (BL)
Day 11, SAMARKAND - SHAKHRISABZ
An excursion to the lovely town of Shakhrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, which is situated in a small valley at the foot of the spectacular Hisar Mountains. We visit monuments which date back more than six hundred years. In the evening we have a homestay back in Samarkand. (BD)
Day 12, SAMARKAND - TASHKENT
A free morning before we return to Tashkent. (BL)
Day 13, TASHKENT
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)
