Day 01: Arrive Tashkent (UZBEKISTAN)

Depending on our flight connection, we arrive in Tashkent during the day and transfer to our centrally located hotel, with rooms ready for check-in around 3 p.m. Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, has been a center of trade and culture for centuries, serving as a pivotal junction along the ancient Silk Road, where merchants exchanged goods, ideas, and traditions between East and West.

Overnight: Tower Hotel, Tashkent (1 night)

Day 02: Tashkent

If our flight arrives early in the morning, we will be taken to our comfortable hotel, where our room will be ready for check-in. Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start the day!

After a morning of relaxation, we will meet our tour guides and fellow travelers in the afternoon. The journey begins with a captivating city tour, including the Kukeldash Madrasah, a 16th-century masterpiece of Islamic architecture that has withstood centuries of change; the Kavoj and Amir-Timur monuments, which honor key figures in Central Asia’s history; and the traditional clay houses that evoke Tashkent’s ancient past, dating back more than 2,000 years as a key hub along the Silk Road.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure, Tashkent (1 night) (B, D)

Day 03: Tashkent

After breakfast, we make our way through the scenic narrow valleys of the Chimgan Mountains to the Amirsoy Mountain Resort, a hub of adventure and relaxation. Here, we take a cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and lush landscapes. Following a delightful lunch overlooking the stunning surroundings, our journey continues to the Charvak Reservoir, a man-made marvel that supplies water and electricity to the region and is a favorite spot for recreation. After a photo stop, we return to Tashkent to board our special train. A warm welcome drink and an engaging lecture set the tone for the memorable journey ahead.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 04: Khiva

Today, we explore the enchanting Khiva Oasis, a city that feels straight out of one of the legendary tales of 1001 Nights. As we stand before the impressive city wall of Khiva, with its clay brick gates and bastions, it feels like stepping back in time. The Kalta Minor Minaret, known for its vibrant blue tiles, is a striking symbol of the city's rich heritage. During our walking tour, we discover Khiva's fascinating historical sites: its palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and madrasas, which make up one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Middle Eastern town planning. Khiva's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and cultural history, offering an immersive glimpse into Central Asia’s past. We spend the night on board, continuing our journey through this fascinating region.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 05: Bukhara

Located in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, Bukhara is home to around one thousand monuments that showcase the region's illustrious past as a key stop on the Great Silk Road. In the Old Town, we can admire the towering Kalyan Minaret, standing nearly 50 meters tall, which has guided travelers for centuries. The Lab-i Hauz ensemble, set by a tranquil pond, is another remarkable sight, representing the traditional architectural beauty of Central Asia. In front of the Nasreddin monument, we can hear stories and legends about this beloved folk hero, who is known for his witty humor and wisdom. During our visit to a madrasa courtyard, we’ll be treated to a captivating folklore show, featuring local music, dance, and colorful national costumes. Our night is spent in a mid-range hotel here.

Overnight: Hotel Asia, Bukhara (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Bukhara

Today, further explore Bukhara. In the morning, we will visit the magnificent Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, a symbol of Bukhara’s Islamic heritage and one of the most important educational centers in Central Asia. We will also see the Samanid Mausoleum, dating back to the 9th century, renowned for its stunning brickwork and significance as the burial site of the Samanid dynasty's founders. Afterward, we will tour the Ark Fortress, once the seat of Bukhara's rulers and a city within a city. The Ark, with its grand structure and long history as a military and political stronghold, offers a glimpse into Bukhara’s past as a key Silk Road hub. We will spend the night aboard the train, continuing our journey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 07: Shakhrisyabz/Dushanbe (TAJIKISTAN)

Overnight, we travel through the scenic mountains, and today, we will experience a unique folklore show that showcases the traditions of this timeless region. Our journey then takes us to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of the legendary conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), whose empire stretched across much of Central Asia during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. In tthe evening, we will board our special train to Dushanbe.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 08: Dushanbe

After arriving in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, in the morning, we will embark on a city tour to discover the many sights. Among the numerous parks in the city, a visit to Rudaki Park is an excellent way to unwind, named after the famous 10th-century Persian poet Rudaki, considered the father of Persian literature. The park offers a tranquil atmosphere with its expansive gardens, sculptures, and fountains. Dushanbe, founded in the late 19th century, holds cultural and historical significance as the heart of Tajikistan’s development, transforming from a modest settlement into a thriving capital. In the late afternoon, we will board our special train and head towards Samarkand.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 09: Samarkand (UZBEKISTAN)

Today, we will explore Samarkand, a city that, under the rule of Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th and 15th centuries, was known as the most beautiful and important city in the world. We will visit the Shah-i-Zinda, a burial complex dating back to the 11th century, known as "The Living King," home to some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. The excavation sites of Afrasiyab, with its museum tour, offer a glimpse into the ancient city that predates Samarkand's glory days by over 2,500 years. We will also visit Registan Square, one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in the world, surrounded by three majestic madrasas built between the 15th and 17th centuries. We will spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel in Samarkand.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Samarkand, Samarkand (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Samarkand

Today, we will visit a traditional silk carpet manufactory and an Uzbek artisan family that makes paper from mulberry tree bark, showcasing ancient crafts passed down through generations. Our journey continues to the Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in the 1420s, which was one of the most advanced astronomical centers of its time, and the ruins of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a grand structure from the 14th century once considered one of the largest mosques in the world. We will end the day at the Gur-i-Amir Mausoleum, the burial place of Timur (Tamerlane), who transformed Samarkand into a paradise during his reign. (B, L, D)

Day 11: On board train

After breakfast, our special train will journey towards Kyrgyzstan, where we will spend the day relaxing and enjoying lectures on board. This leisurely day allows us to unwind and prepare for the exciting destinations ahead!

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bishkek (KYRGYZSTAN)

After breakfast on board, we will arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Known for its abundant greenery, Bishkek boasts around 100m² of green space per inhabitant, making it one of the greenest cities in the world. On our tour, we will explore the city's sights, including the stunning Ala Archa National Park, a protected area at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains. This park, which is over 1,000 years old, is a symbol of Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty and offers breathtaking views of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and towering peaks. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Bishkek.

Overnight: Plaza Hotel, Bishkek (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Issyk Kul Lake

After breakfast, our special train will journey to the stunning Issyk Kul Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, and often referred to as the "Pearl of Central Asia." This lake, nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains, has been a significant cultural and economic hub for centuries. We will visit the Center of Nomadic Culture to learn more about the region’s rich heritage before enjoying some free time for a walk or a refreshing swim. After a scenic boat trip on the lake, we will continue our journey toward Almaty.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 14: Almaty (KAZAKHSTAN)

After lunch, we arrive in Almaty, where we will explore the beauty and history of Kazakhstan's largest city. Our city tour includes highlights such as the Russian Orthodox wooden cathedral, a unique architectural gem built in 1907, the grand Wedding Palace, the lively circus, and the central mosque. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at a local yurt restaurant, providing an authentic taste of Kazakh culture, before a short final night at the hotel.

Overnight: Rahat Palace, Almaty (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15: Depart Almaty

Transfer to the airport. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

N/A

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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