Silk Road Discovery

Upon arrival at Almaty International Airport (ALA), you will be met by your guide and transferred to the 5-star Royal Tulip Hotel, serving as your base for the exploration of Kazakhstan. On Day 1, immerse yourself in the city’s heart at the Green Bazaar for horse and camel milk tastings, followed by visits to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the Ascension Cathedral, and the Museum of National Musical Instruments. The museum showcases more than 60 types of traditional instruments including historic dombyra instruments. Following an evening on Arbat Walking Street, Day 2 leads you to the majestic Charyn Canyon National Park to hike the dramatic Valley of the Castles down to the Charyn River. Day 3 is dedicated to the Nomad Ethno Center, where you will dive into Kazakhstan’s heritage through yurt life, Taba nan cooking, archery, and the ancient tradition of Berkutchi eagle hunting. On Day 4, after enjoying your breakfast, you will fly to Turkistan to continue your journey through this historic land. 

After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes covering 684 km, you will arrive in the ancient town of Turkistan, a hidden gem of southern Kazakhstan. Your exploration begins with a visit to a master craftsman’s workshop to witness philosophical wood sculptures carved from ancient logs. Next, you will visit a local Kazakh family house to bake traditional tandyr-nan bread in an authentic eastern oven and meet a master saddle-maker, followed by a warm traditional family dinner. The evening unfolds at the magical Karavansaray complex, featuring an oriental bazaar and a flying theatre. The highlight is the spectacular Kyz-Jibek and Tolegen floating parade, brought to life through a theatrical boat show and choreographed fountains. You will then retreat to the five-star Karavansaray for an overnight stay in a Superior Room.

As your journey continues toward Shymkent City, you will stop at the 12th-century Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab, a revered Muslim pilgrimage site. You will then explore the Otrar archaeological site, a legendary Silk Road hub and birthplace of philosopher Abu Nasr al-Farabi, where ruins from Genghis Khan’s 1219 invasion still stand. In Shymkent, climb the City Citadel for a beautiful view overlooking the historic old town of Shymkent, located at an elevation of around 537 metres. Next, visit the Altyn Orda Art Gallery, a special place run by the Beisbekov family to keep ancient nomadic crafts alive through workshops and handmade art. Finally, you will check into the four-star Ramada Hotel for a relaxing stay in a King Bedroom. On Day 6, enjoy breakfast and prepare to cross into Uzbekistan for your next adventure in Tashkent City.

On Day 6, you will travel 125 km to the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border. After crossing through customs, a new guide will welcome you to Tashkent City, the capital of Uzbekistan. Your journey begins in the Old City at the Khazrat Imam Complex, where you will see the 7th-century Uthman Qur’an, followed by a stroll through the aromatic Chorsu Bazaar. Next, dive into modern Tashkent with a ride on the iconic Metro. Discover the station Kosmonavtlar, decorated with sparkling glass "stars" inspired by space exploration. You will also visit Independence Square to see its famous fountains, the Romanov Palace, and the Amir Temur Museum, which houses beautiful miniatures and artifacts from the Timurid dynasty. After exploring these landmarks, you will check into the five-star Hyatt Regency for a comfortable stay in a Twin Room. On Day 7, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for your transfer to Tashkent Railway Station for your departure to the historic town of Bukhara.

Arriving in Bukhara via the Afrosiab high-speed train, you step into a UNESCO World Heritage "city-museum." Your discovery begins at the unique Chor Minor Madrasah and the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Summer Palace, featuring Russian-inspired architecture. You will also visit the Samanid and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums, marking Bukhara’s rise as an Islamic intellectual hub. Day 8 allows you to dive deeper into the old centre. Explore the Lyabi-Khauz complex, colourful Trade Domes, and the towering Kalon Minaret. After visiting a traditional puppet workshop and the Ark Citadel, enjoy an enchanting evening Folk Show at Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah. You will enjoy a 2-night stay at the four-star Wyndham in a Twin Bed Room.

Taking the Afrosiab high-speed train, you will arrive in Samarkand, the second-largest city in Uzbekistan. You will explore the Gur Amir Mausoleum and the iconic Registan Square, the heart of the Timurid dynasty. On Day 10, enjoy the sight of the massive Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the vivid blue tiles of Shakhi Zinda Necropolis. Visit Saint Daniel’s Tomb and

Ulugbek’s Observatory. Experience local life at Siyob Bazaar, witness handmade silk weaving at the Carpet Factory Khujum, and visit Konigil Village to see ancient paper-making. Discover the Afrasiab Museum, illustrating the city's evolution since Alexander the Great. You will enjoy a 2-night Bed & Breakfast stay at the stylish four-star Mövenpick Hotel in a Standard Room. Finally, on Day 11, transfer to the airport for your flight back home to London, saying goodbye to your unforgettable Silk Road Holiday.