Uzbekistan

Group members from across Canada gather for the overnight flights to Uzbekistan, losing a day en route.

Shortly after midnight, we will arrive in Tashkent, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. We will transfer to our central hotel, where our rooms are waiting for us. After a free morning to rest, we will explore the capital. Take a ride on Tashkent’s metro (the first in Central Asia, featuring stations adorned with granite, marble, chandeliers, and mosaics) and visit the Museum of Applied Arts, which has an extensive collection of art and handicrafts.

Inspira-S Hotel (3 nights)

See the blend of modern and ancient in Tashkent: The Independence Square, Amir Temur Statue and Square (known as “Broadway” locally), the Tashkent Chimes, and the Monument of Courage. Continue into the old city and visit the Hazrati Imam complex, consisting of Al-Bukhari Madrasah, Barakhan Madrasah, and Tillya Sheikh Mosque, home to the Uthman Quran (the world’s oldest dating back to the 7th Century).

Fly into the beautiful Fergana Valley, the most fertile part of Central Asia. Surrounded by the Tian Shan Mountain Range and watered by the Syr Darya River, this enclave boasts abundant farmlands with stunning landscapes. In 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded a city here and in the 1st century, traders from China established the Silk Road through this area. In Margilan, once home to over a dozen madrasahs (Islamic schools) and 200 mosques, we will have the opportunity to delve into the intricate artistry of traditional ikat and the revered “king of silk” khan-atlas patterns of Uzbek silk fabrics.

Asia Fergana Hotel (1 night)

Nestled in the foothills of the Alai Range, Rishtan is renowned for its ceramics due to the excellent quality of the local clay. Modern ceramics are noted for their floral and geometric designs in vibrant shades of blues and greens. Enjoy lunch at the residence of a master artist and tour his private studio. Take in the scenic countryside as we make our way to Kokand.

Asmald Palace Hotel (1 night)

Kokand, first mentioned as an oasis town in the 10th century, flourished into a trading and religious hub. It boasted 600 mosques and 15 madrasahs. Witness the impressive Khudayar Khan Palace (a 113-room palace), known as the Pearl of Kokand. Later, we will catch a train that will take us over mountain passes and back to Tashkent.

Inspira-S Hotel (1 night)

Travel by fast train to legendary Samarkand a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on the ruins of the ancient site of Afrasiab and once called Marakanda, the city is on the main Silk Route between China and Europe. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, which was actually built for his grandson. The heavily gilded central dome opens over a set of marble tomb-markers (only Tamerlane’s is made of solid jade). Tamerlane’s Bibi-Khanym Mosque was the largest in the Islamic world. The very colourful Siab Bazaar is a must for everyone.

Samaria Hotel (3 nights)

Samarkand ‘the 'Rome of the Orient', was a thriving trade and religious centre before the rise of Rome and Babylon. The city's masterpiece is Registan, a square adorned with three iconic madrasahs. Originally the main marketplace, Registan's name translates to 'place of sand.' Explore the tombs and mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda (“place of a living king”). Do not miss the highly recommended Afrasiab Museum. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive dinner prepared by a master chef in their home.

Konigil Tourism Village features a large area with many local craft workshops. Walk through the village and learn about the process of crafting ceramics, carpentry, and vegetable oil production using ancient technologies. Visit a silk carpet factory that uses only natural vegetable dyes. Observe the entire process of dyeing the thread and weaving the carpets. In the workshop of Abdurakhim Mukhtarov, handcrafted paper is made following traditions from the 8th century. This evening, we will dine in a madrasah as we enjoy a beautiful performance from a Uzbek troupe dance.

Travel by high-speed train to Bukhara and continue to Gijduvan, home to a special school of Uzbek ceramics. After learning from the pottery master, enjoy lunch in his courtyard. For at least five millennia, the region around Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been a centre for trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. An oasis in the desert, Bukhara offers rest to the modern traveller just as it did for ancient travellers. Our hotel is located in the heart of the old city.

Asia Bukhara Hotel (3 nights)

Beautifully restored, the Old Town retains its charm with its central pool, plaza, and domed bazaars. Admire the many styles of brickwork in the surrounding buildings. The Ark Citadel (fortress) preserves the historic residence, trading centre, and audience hall. The 12th century Chashma Ayub Mausoleum marks the site where Ayub (biblical Job) struck the ground with his staff creating a spring. The Poyi Kalon Ensemble with its tall minaret (150 feet) stands prominently in the city, while the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza with its small lake, is the place to meet friends and relax. Enjoy a traditional Uzbek performance with dinner at a former madrasah.

Visit Emir’s Summer Palace and the Museum of National Crafts to admire the vivid suzani embroidered coverlets with designs reflecting traditional Uzbek patterns. After lunch, visit a master marionette-maker’s private studio to learn the intricate craftsmanship behind traditional puppets featuring expressive faces and authentic Uzbek attire. Admire the early 19th century Chor Minor Madrasah, with four tall slender, blue-topped minarets. Balance of day free to explore on our own.

Travel by road to the last great city of the Uzbek countryside, Khiva. Crossing the Kyzylkum (Red Sand) Desert, we return to the ancient Silk Road once used by traders, with camels loaded with goods. Khiva is a living museum, with images of life from centuries ago. Legend has it that Shem, the son of Noah, founded ancient Khiva. It was the capital of the Timurid Empire, a busy slave market and trading centre for three centuries. Our hotel is located next to the South Gate. Asia Khiva Hotel (3 nights)

We will spend the morning with our guide, exploring the maze of lanes, mud houses, minarets, madrasahs and mosques. Our walk includes Ichan Kala (walled city) featuring the Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark (inner citadel), and Rakhim-Khan Madrasah. Discover the Friday Mosque, Tash-Khauli Palace and Harem. This afternoon, we are free to explore this compact walled city with its many craft centres.

Visit the Ulli-Hovli Fortress, built in the 17th century by the Khiva Khan (ruler) and used by both Uzbek and Turkmen people to protect the traders using the Silk Road. Fully restored with mud walls and traditional courtyards, the fortress provides an opportunity to learn about the unique lifestyles and history of the Turkmen people, including traditional yurts and many workshops: blacksmith, carpet weaving, bread making, music and dancing. Meet in the evening for our farewell dinner.

Morning transfer to Urgench where we catch our flights back to Canada, via Istanbul.