| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/11/26 | 04/24/26 | 14 days | $4,815 pp | $705 | William Taylor | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Combine the renowned UNESCO sites of Uzbekistan with the lesser known (but no less fascinating) sites and bazaars of Tajikistan, escorted throughout by writer and Silk Road expert, William Taylor. Travelling by road and by train, this is a tour for travellers wanting to gain both an insight into the history of the Silk Road and an understanding of modern life in the Stans.
Explore Fergana Valley, the hub of Central Asia’s silk trade. Visit silk workshops, traders and bazaars where the craftsmanship and history of the ancient skill of carpet weaving is proudly upheld. In Tajikistan, you will meet the potters of Khujand and discover the frescoes and mosaics of Panjikent. In Uzbekistan you will visit the UNESCO sites of Bukhara and Samarkand while also meeting artisans from the world of silk, embroidery, carving and miniature painting.
William has been leading very successful Steppes Travel tours for years, and is fluent in Arabic, Turkish and Syriac.
He is very comfortable in an area stretching from the Balkans to Central Asia, has travelled extensively in the countries of the region and has written and broadcast on their context, both from historical perspectives and the present.
Visit local artisans off the main tourist trail to see ancient carpet weaving skills.
Visit the mausoleums, madrasas and mosques of UNESCO sites in Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara.
Visit the Panjshanbe market in Khujand and the silk capital of Margilan in the Fergana Valley.
Combination of local guides and the expert insight of William Taylor.
Day 1
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Day 2
Tashkent - Margilan - Fergana (Uzbekistan)
Day 3
Fergana
Day 4
Fergana to Khujand (Tajikistan)
Day 5
Khujand to Penjikent (Tajikistan)
Day 6
Penjikent to Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Day 7
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Day 8
Samarkand to Bukhara
Day 9
Bukhara
Day 10
Bukhara to Khiva
Day 11
Khiva
Day 12
Khiva to Nukus
Day 13
Nukus to Tashkent
Day 14
Depart Tashkent
Day 1
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Arrive into Tashkent and transfer to your accommodation to spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon begin exploring the city with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts with over 7,000 samples of art, including handmade embroidery, skull-caps, jewellery and carpets, dating from the beginning of the 19th century to the present day. Also see the Khast Imam complex, home to one of the World’s oldest Koran’s.
Day 2
Tashkent - Margilan - Fergana (Uzbekistan)
Transfer to the railway station to board a train to Margilan, a journey of just under five hours. On arrival explore Kumpteppe Bazaar, one of Uzbekistan’s most vibrant and authentic markets before continuing by road to Fergana, a short journey of around 25 minutes.
Day 3
Fergana
Today, take an excursion to Margilan to witness master silk weavers in action. Later explore the architectural treasures of Kokand, once a major power in the Fergana Valley.
Day 4
Fergana to Khujand (Tajikistan)
Journey overland, stopping in Rishtan to visit a ceramics studio where skilled craftsmen make and decorate pottery. Cross the border into Tajikistan and arrive into Khujand by afternoon. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the medieval citadel and Museum of Archaeology. Stroll through the central square and on into the oriental Panjshanbe Market and take the cable car to Victory Park for sweeping views and visit several moving memorials.
Day 5
Khujand to Penjikent (Tajikistan)
Travel overland to Penjikent today, a journey of around four and a half hours following a scenic route through the Fann Mountains. On arrival visit the small Rudaki Museum and some of the Soviet era mosaics that survive on the ends of various apartment blocks on the main street.
Day 6
Penjikent to Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Before departing Tajikistan today visit the archaeological site of Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central Asia’s oldest known settlements. Continue across the border into Uzbekistan, and Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inextricably linked with the great Silk Road. On arrival take a tour of Registan Square. In addition, visit the Gur Emir and Tamerlane’s Tomb before returning to your hotel for some time at leisure. Dinner will be in a National House where you can experience local hospitality and home-cooked food.
Day 7
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Begin with a visit to Ulugh Beg’s 15th-century observatory, a symbol of the Timurid court’s scientific ambitions, followed by the Afrosiab Museum, home to murals and artefacts from ancient Samarkand. Explore the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and view the grand exterior of Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Timur after his Indian campaign. In the afternoon, visit a fifth-generation winery in Bagizagan for a tour and tasting of wines, cognacs, and local Chacha, paired with seasonal fruit and cheese. Return to Samarkand for an evening at leisure.
Day 8
Samarkand to Bukhara
Journey by train to Bukhara. In the afternoon visit the 2,000 year old fortress, the Ark. Continue to the Kalyan Mosque and Minaret whose beauty stopped Genghis Khan in tracks, as well as some of the other mosques, madrasas and mausoleums dotted throughout the old city.
Day 9
Bukhara
After breakfast, travel outside the city to visit the Emir’s Summer Palace. Continue to see the 16th century necropolis of Chor Bakr before returning to the city to see the Bolo Khauz mosque. Optional visit to the Hunarmand UNDP Assisted workshops to see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, carving, miniature painting and gold embroidery.
Day 10
Bukhara to Khiva
After breakfast, leave Bukhara and travel to Khiva, a journey of around eight hours, crossing the Kyzl-Kum desert. Check into your hotel on arrival.
Day 11
Khiva
Take a walking tour through the Ichan Qala, Khiva’s old town; a fortified citadel packed with fascinating museums, artisan workshops and impressive architecture. Also visit the Nurullaboy Complex—a summer palace blending Eastern and European styles, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Khiva’s last khans.
Day 12
Khiva to Nukus
Depart for Nukus, a journey of around five hours across the desert plains of Karakalpakstan. En route, stop to explore the ruins of Ayaz Qala, an ancient Khorezmian fortress complex set against a backdrop of arid steppe and open sky. On arrival in Nukus visit the Savitsky Museum—renowned for its remarkable collection of Soviet-era avant-garde art, much of it once banned in the USSR.
Day 13
Nukus to Tashkent
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. In the afternoon take a walk along Broadway and view some of the art for sale. If time allows, visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan – the diverse exhibits should provide a comprehensive overview of the sites visited throughout the trip.
Day 14
Depart Tashkent
Transfer to the airport for flights home.
The Fergana Valley, known for its fertile lands, nourished by mountain streams, and its pivotal role on the ancient Silk Route, is famed for fine silk production. Margilan, nestled in its heart, is a hub for Central Asia’s ikat weaving tradition. You will explore this region’s ancient crafts, from Atlas silk and velvet production to hand weaving and dyeing techniques showcasing fabrics that were once traded as far as Baghdad, Cairo and Athens. Delve into Rishton’s ceramic heritage, witnessing artisans as they craft exquisite pottery, painted using clay, natural minerals and mountain vegetation from the surrounding landscapes.
Located close to the Silk Road city of Penjikent lies the UNESCO site of Sarazm – discovered in 1976 by a Soviet archaeologist it dates to at least 3,500 BC. As well as being one of the earliest settlements in Central Asia, it was also the largest metallurgical centre (bronze, copper and precious metals). In the museum one of the most important finds is exhibited, the “Princess of Sarazm”, who is thought to have died in 3000 BC. Discoveries in her grave, such as lapis lazuli and other precious stones, showed that there was established trade with areas such as Afghanistan and even further afield in India. Elsewhere in the city, beautiful mosaics hark back to its soviet past.
Moderate Activity
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
For further information about any of these tours please call 1(800)272-4163
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/11/26 | 04/24/26 | 14 days | $4,815 pp | William Taylor | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
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