Silk Road cultural holiday

Description of Silk Road cultural holiday

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are Central Asian neighbours which couldn’t be more different. While Kyrgyzstan is a land of epic mountain scenery and semi-nomadic shepherds, Uzbekistan is home to the atmospheric towns of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, garlanded with legends befitting three of the fabled Silk Road's most renowned trading centres.

In these cities – and others like ancient Osh - merchants still ply their wares in the shadow of some of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. You'll also stay in fantastic traditional accommodation – yurts, medieval caravanserai and village home stay – in experiencing the timeless charms of the Old Silk Road.

After a relaxed dip into the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek, head to the mountain lake of Son Kul, where you'll visit local nomads – and perhaps see traditional Kyrgyz horse games. Heading south through the Tien Shan mountains, you'll reach the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat, nestled in a lush mountain-ringed valley.

Solomon's Throne is a highlight in the ancient city of Osh, ushering in the crossing to Uzbekistan via the glorious Fergana Valley to visit two beacons of timeless crafts – the silk weaving centre of Margilon, and the ceramics hotspot of Rishton. Then Compare the Khan's Palace in Kokand with some of the glories in the UNESCO protected old town of Khiva, whose architectural treasures include Mohammed Khan Madrassa.

You'll cross the Kyzyl Kum Desert to the colourful atmospheric city of Bukhara, then drive the Royal Road to Samarkand – an amazing town whose major sights including Tamelane's Tomb & Shah-i-Zindar – the street of the dead.

Journey's end is Tashkent, a thriving city rich with the history of its pivotal role in the imperial power games between Britain and other global powers that became known as the Great Game.

**Price includes all activities/equipment, tour leaders, local guides and drivers, meals, mineral water, all transport (excluding international flights) , all accommodation and all entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.