Markets and Minarets

We begin our journey in Tashkent – the dynamic Uzbek capital, busily shaking off its Soviet past, despite twenty percent of its citizens being Russian. But street-side shashlik and pilau vendors don’t differentiate between the newer city or the old town which remains distinctly Turkic. In the evening of Day 1 you join your National Guide and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed in your joining instructions.

We begin our adventure by flying to the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan and Nukus which provides a gateway to gateway to the Aral Sea and its related environmental challenges. We journey out to Muynak, famous for being one of the former ports on the Aral Sea that has now been left stranded due to the dramatic shrinking of the sea.

We spend the morning visiting the incredible collection of the Savitsky Museum, renowned for its unique and extensive collection of avant-garde Russian and Uzbekistan art from the early to mid-20th century. 
Our journey to Khiva is via the ancient forts of Ayaz Qala in the Kyzylkum Desert. One of the highlights of Ayaz Qala is the panoramic view of the surrounding desert landscape, the vastness unimaginable from the fortress.  We arrive in Khiva and settle into our hotel within the city walls. 

Today we explore in the wonderfully preserved city of Khiva – one of the finest examples of a Khanate fortified city and a living museum with mosques, madrassas and caravanserai crowded within its walls. Kunya Ark – a former residence of the Khan, the beautiful Kalta Minar minaret and the extraordinary Tash Khauli or ‘Stone Palace’ are among the prominent attractions.

A final morning in Khiva before we depart to Bukhara where we are treated to Central Asia’s most complete medieval city and revel in its beautiful traditional architecture as we walk through its history.

Encapsulating and enchanting, Bukhara’s intrigue lies in the evolution of the city; whilst some highly significant centres of human history are frozen for prosperity – Bukhara lives on unchanged by time. Highlights of your time here will most certainly include the Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum – one of the world’s oldest monuments, and the Kalyan Minaret which once served as a beacon for caravans negotiating the desert at night, the only surviving structure from 1220 when Genghis Khan laid the city to waste.

Take your time here to explore the Old Town and enjoy some of the many chaikhanas (tea-houses) in Lyabi-Hauz, one of the most peaceful and interesting people-watching places in town.

A spectacular drive takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Beside the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace, the pretty market town offers a relaxed atmosphere with traditional homes, teahouses and mosques. Continue onwards to Samarkand.

Tamerlane – affectionately known in Uzbekistan as Timur – was dragged to Samarkand as a prisoner by an invading Mongol army. In the years following, his fortune improved and he returned and made Samarkand the capital of his Temurid realm. He and successive 14 & 15 century rulers shaped the city we see today. The madrassas of Registan Square and the mausoleum of Timur and his family – Gur-e-Amir – are sure to be highlights of your journey.

You have some free time for city exploring.

We cross another border to Tajikistan and journey to Khujand. The city will delight with the vast array of ancient monuments and ancient charm, offering a journey through millennia along the Silk Road. Explore historic treasures like the Khujand Fortress and Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Panjshanbe Bazaar, savoring the flavors of Tajikistan.

This morning we stop in Rishton – a town renowned for its master potters, around 300 of them! Then we continue on to the town of Fergana in the oasis of the Fergana Valley, the lyrical land of fruit and honey. 

After spending the night in Fergana we explore one of the Silk Road’s earliest and most important centres as well as the birthplace of Babur, father to India’s great Moghul Empire - Margilan, the silk capital of Uzbekistan, here friendly locals spruik their wears at the fascinating bazaar dressed in traditional costume.
From there we journey to Kokand.Once home to over three hundred mosques, today you can still discover a number of impressive palaces, mosques and madrassas, including the magnificent Khudayar Khan Palace and Mir Mosque. Remnants of what once was a powerful state as well as a prosperous trading and religious centre. 
This afternoon we board our train back to Tashkent.

We spend the day exploring this vibrant capital city and it is your last chance to haggle in the bazaar, wander the gardens and eat a final meal of delicious plov.

Today you have a chance to explore the old town and Chorsu Bazaar before we fly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. 

Explore Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, its historic and colourful Old Town clings precariously to the cliffs above the Mtkvari River. We will visit Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Cathedral and Sioni Church in the old town, these historic sites and diverse architecture reflect Tbilisi’s location at the crossroads of east and west.
In your free time take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to the excellent Georgian National Museum, which presents the fascinating history of this beguiling capital. Time too of course, to enjoy the famous cuisine and hospitality for which Georgians are world renowned.

Leaving Tbilisi we make our way to the province of Kakheti, it was here that winemaking was invented around 8,000 years ago, and today the traditional Georgian wine production methods are recognised by UNESCO.
We have the opportunity to visit a traditional wine maker to learn about the traditions of Georgian winemaking, sample some of the local varieties and enjoy the renowned Georgian hospitality amongst the local vineyards.
We will also visit the chateau and estate of Alexander Chavchavadze at Tsinandali and the beautiful hill top town of Sighnaghi. A small but thriving carpet and wine centre, Sighnaghi captures the spirit of the Georgian nation.

A stunning drive will bring us to Stepantsminda from where we can explore the Kazbegi region. Mountains and stunning scenery awaits at every turn. 

We set out on a challenging and rewarding 1.5 hour walk to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) high in the Caucasus Mountains. Alternatively, transport will be arranged locally. Weather permitting you will have a chance to see Mt Kazbegi.

We continue to the nearby town of Gori, the birthplace of the infamous dictator Joseph Stalin, then south through the spa town of Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe. Here where we wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian houses), castle, mosque and synagogue.

A highlight of our journey through Georgia is the medieval monastery complex of Vardzia, carved out of the mountainside and once housing up to 50,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most significant cultural sites of the Caucasus. We cross the border into Armenia and continue to Yerevan stopping en route to take in the sites of the cultural capital of Armenia – Gyumri.
As the first state to adopt Christianity in 303, Armenia has some of the most ancient and beautifully sited churches and monasteries in the Caucasus; many are fortified and in strategic locations serving as both religious and military installations. Many have UNESCO recognition for significant historical and cultural value and help tell the story of this unique land.

Yerevan is a city of contradiction - where old and new stands side by side in a harmonious fusion. Today we explore the sights of Yerevan on our city tour before venturing outside the city to visit the fascinating Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, revered throughout Armenia as one of the country’s greatest spiritual and cultural centres.
Today, we will also visit the unmissable UNESCO heritage site the archaeological site of Zvartnots.

Today, we make our way to the village of Hermon. We pause to visit the fascinating Old Khndzoresk village, where time has stood still for centuries, cut off from the rest of the world. Then continue into the mountains to the mysterious stones of Karahunj, Armenia’s own Stonehenge, and through the Vayots Dzor region, visiting the village of Jermuk, where we will see its beautiful waterfall. 

From the tree lined boulevards and cafes of Yerevan we travel south enjoying magnificent views of Mt. Ararat at Khor Virap, then  through the Areni wine region, Noravank Monastery and onto the gravity-defying monastery at Tatev, en route to Goris. Reached by the world’s longest cableway, the 5.7 kilometre journey carries us across a deep valley offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Ancient stone formations and petroglyphs, Silk Road caravanserai and the Khachkhar field of Noratus are but a few of the fascinating relics we discover of the long and rich history still present in Armenia as we travel along the Selim Pass back to Yerevan.

Our adventure has drawn to a close. Say farewell to your travelling companions and tour leader before departing your hotel this morning.