14D Heart of Silk Road

Price from $10,703 per person on twin sharing basis

Bishkek– Almaty – Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

Embark on a journey through the heart of Central Asia, where ancient Silk Road heritage meets vibrant modern culture. Begin in Bishkek, the leafy Kyrgyz capital framed by the dramatic Tien Shan mountains, before crossing into Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural hub known for its stylish boulevards, mountain views, and thriving café culture. Fly onward to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s dynamic capital—a city of wide avenues, ornate metro stations, and lively bazaars. Continue west to Urgench and step into the living museum of Khiva, a perfectly preserved city of blue-tiled minarets, desert fortress walls, and timeless caravanserai courtyards.

Travel deeper into history in Bukhara, where over a thousand years of Islamic architecture unfolds through mosques, madrassas, and trading domes. Conclude in the legendary city of Samarkand, once the glittering seat of Timur’s empire, where the Registan dazzles with some of the most breathtaking tilework in the world. Finish your journey back in Tashkent, carrying with you the colours, stories, and warmth of the Silk Road.

Itinerary

Day 1

Bishkek (L/D)

Arrive and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon tour of Bishkek drive through Alatoo Square, the Presidential Palace, see the changing of the guards at national monument, and Tsum market.

Day 2

Bishkek (B/L/D)

Morning excursion to Ala Archa Canyon We shall have free walks in the park known for its flora and fauna later return to Bishkek, Lunch at Zerno Restaurant, Continue sightseeing and visit Bishkek the Oak Park known for local painters – see them at  work Manas Monument and local bazaar Supara Ethnic village. Dinner with Kyrgyz traditional music.

Day 3

Bishkek– Almaty (B/L/D)

Morning depart for the Kazakhstan border point. After the border formalities proceed to Almaty and on arrival, transfer to Hotel. Lunch at Hotel and afternoon orientation tour of Almaty. Later proceed to Kok Tyube for a grand view, Dinner at Kok Tyube Restaurant

Day 4

Almaty (B/L/D)

Today proceed for a tour of Almaty – we shall visit Panfilov Park, Zhenkov’s Holy Ascension Cathedral, Kazakh Musical Instruments Museum, Baiken City Mosque and Green Bazaar, Lunch at Alasha Restaurant afternoon visit State Museum of History later visit Kasteyev Art Museum. Dinner at local Restaurant.

Day 5

Almaty – Tashkent (B/L/D)

Transfer to airport for  flight to Tashkent, on arrival transfer to Hotel. Lunch at Hotel Restaurant. Afternoon is at leisure. Evening, see performance at Navoi Theatre (subject to availability due to repertoire of Theatre). Dinner at a local Restaurant.

Day 6

Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva (B/L/D)

Today board flight to Urgench, on arrival transfer to Hotel in Khiva. Later, walking tour of the walled city of Khiva. We shall start with Ichan Kala, Kalta minor, Kunya Arg, madrassah Rakhikhon, handicraft development, Workshops, mausoleum of Pakhalavan Makhmud, Islam Khodja minaret and museum, Friday Mosque and Tashauli harem. Lunch at Yassaulbashi madrassah. Afternoon free explore on own. Dinner on Terrace with a magnificent view on the top terrace, especially to enjoy the sunset. The outside roof terrace provides a stunning view over Khiva. We will have nice dinner with folk show.

Day 7

Khiva – Bukhara (B/L/D)

Transfer to Bukhara by road, lunch enroute on arrival at Bukhara check in to your hotel, evening at leisure.

Day 8

Bukhara (B/L/D)

Full day sightseeing tour of Bukhara visit Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, later walk to madrassahs Aziz Khan and Ulugbek, Tilpak Furushan, madrassah Nadikhon Devanbegi, Lyabikhauz. Later, walk through Jewish quarters to the house Sufi Miniaturist Davlat – see his works also see cooking of Pulao by his wife. Lunch at his house, afternoon we shall visit Ark Fortress, Zindan prison Balakhauz mosque, Ismail Samanid mausoleum and Chasma Ayub, Dinner at local Restaurant.

Day 9

Bukhara (B/L/D)

This morning, we shall make excursion to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara is rich Russian and Central Asia style buildings housing some rare articles of the time. Later proceed to Gijduvan to see the local pottery, Works of master potter Alisher , Lunch at his workshop. Later, return to Bukhara. Free time to explore covered bazaars. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 10

Bukhara – Samarkand (B/L/D)

Morning free time to explore Bukhara; afternoon transfer to station to board train for Samarkand and on arrival, transfer to Hotel. Dinner at hotel

Day 11

Samarkand (B/L/D)

Full day tour of Samarkand; visit Registan Square to see the three beautiful Madrassahs. Later proceed to Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob bazaar the Silk Road market and Shahi Zinda necropolis, Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, continue sightseeing visiting Afrosiab Museum and site, Ulugbek’s Observatory Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 12

Samarkand – Tashkent (B/L/D)

Morning visit to Samarkand paper mill (Meros Paper Factory) in the 'Konigil Meros' village on the outskirts of Samarkand. Here, as many centuries ago, one can see with his own eyes the process of producing the famous Samarkand paper in accordance with the old recreated technology. Lunch at local Restaurant and transfer to railway station for train to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to Hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Day 13

Tashkent (B/L/D)

Morning tour of Tashkent. Visit Old City see Hast Imam Complex, Barak Khana and Tilla Shaikh archives, see the oldest Quran copy called Osman Koran. Later, visit Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldesh madrassah and Akbar’s pottery House. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon visit Applied Arts Museum, drive through Independence Square, Amir Temur Square Russian Orthodox Church. Farewell Dinner at Jumanji Restaurant.

Day 14

Tashkent (B)

Transfer to airport.

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments.

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2026. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.