The Old Silk Road

Arrive at Bishkek Airport and transfer to your hotel | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.

Madison Ave Hotel(or similar)

An early drive to Ala-Archa National Park for a morning’s wander in the mountains | In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of Bishkek and see the highlights, including Victory Square, Hero Monument and Oak Tree Park. (B)

Madison Ave Hotel (or similar)

Explore the 10th-century Burana Tower and the remains of the ancient city of Balasagun | After, there is an option to view the traditional horseback game of Buzkashi | Drive on to the quaint rural village of Shabdan. (BD)

Ashu Guest House (or similar)  –  A charming family-run guest house with rooms decorated in the traditional Kyrgyz style. It boasts an indoor swimming pool and elevated restaurant, serving homemade Kyrgyz food.

Follow the southern shore of impressive Lake Issykul, the second largest mountain lake in the world | Stop for lunch at a traditional yurt | Witness a golden eagle hunting exhibition | Check-in to your Karakol accommodation for the next two nights. (B)

Green Yard Hotel (or similar) – Excellent location with beautiful mountain views, the hotel has all the attributes of a modern hotel but with homely hospitality.

Rise early and explore the Przewalksi Museum | Marvel at the fairytale-like Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox church | Cover up and enter the Dungan Mosque | Drive to Jety Oguz and view the spectacular 7 Bulls Rock. (B)

Green Yard Hotel (or similar)

Enjoy a winding drive along the northern shores of Lake Issykul and back to Bishkek | En route, stop and wander the open-air Petroglyph Museum at Cholpon Ata. (B)

Madison Ave Hotel (or similar)

Take an early flight to the ancient city of Osh | Explore the Sulaiman Too National Historical and Archaeological Museum | Cross the border into Uzbekistan and drive to Ferghana. (B)

Hotel Asia Ferghana (or similar)

An early start to first visit Rishtan, famous for its ceramics | In Kokand, stroll through the Khudayarkhan’s Palace and the Juma Mosque | In the afternoon, arrive at the capital Tashkent, your home for the next two nights. (B)

Navruz Hotel Tashkent (or similar)  –  The stylish Navruz Hotel Tashkent has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar. The property features a garden, as well as a terrace. The hotel has a great location and is just a short drive to many of Tashkent’s finest sites.

Be guided around the extensive Khast Imam Complex with its madrasa and two 16th-century mosques | Immerse yourself in the delights of Chorsu Bazaar | Amble through the excellent Museum of Applied Arts | Ride the impressive Tashkent Metro. (B)

Navruz Hotel Tashkent – (or similar)

Take the high-speed train to Samarkand | Explore the Ulugh Beg Observatory built in 1420 to study the stars | Tour the jewel of Samarkand, the astounding Registan | Roam around the Mosque of Bibi Khanum | Settle into the hotel for your three-night stay. (B)

Ideal Hotel (or similar)

Wander the exquisite Shah I Zinda Complex and admire the astonishing tile work of its mausoleums | Travel to nearby Konigil and witness the ancient art of papermaking | Be entertained whilst learning the secrets of Uzbek rugs. (B)

Ideal Hotel (or similar)

A full-day excursion over the Pamil-Alay Mountains to the World Heritage town of Shahrisabz, birthplace of Timur | Return and spend your final night in Samarkand. (B)           

Ideal Hotel (or similar)

Travel to Bukhara and stop to explore the Ribat-I Malik Caravanserai along the way | Arrive at Bukhara mid-afternoon and be guided through the old quarter | Settle in for your three-night stay in the hotel – just metres from central, ancient Lyab-i Hauz. (B)

Grand Nodirbek Hotel (or similar)  –  Located in the very heart of old Bukhara, this restored former merchant’s home features traditional Uzbek-style rooms with air conditioning and private facilities.

Marvel at the Mausoleum of Ishmail Samani, built before 943 AD | Enter and explore The Ark, the central citadel of old | Investigate other highlights, including Ulugh Beg Madrasa and the Kalyan Complex and Minaret | Tonight, enjoy local hospitality and a special evening meal. (BD)

Grand Nodirbek Hotel (or similar)

A free day to wander the wonderful, covered bazaars, craft centres and teahouses of old Bukhara | Explore the local antique hammam where you can opt for a traditional bath-house experience.  (B)

Grand Nodirbek Hotel (or similar)

Drive the long road across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert to the UNESCO-listed, walled city of ancient Khiva | Take an orientation walk, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time and into 1001 Arabian Nights (B)

Malika Kheivak Hotel (or similar)  –  Perfectly located within the old walled city, right next to the Islam Khoja Minaret, this boutique hotel is filled with character and features comfortable rooms in the national style. Best of all? All the sites are within walking distance.

Prepare to be mesmerized exploring the major sites – including Kunya Ark, Djuma Mosque, the Madrasa of Muhammed Amin Khan, the mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, and the Tash Khauli Palace | Spend the late afternoon losing yourself amongst the ancient bazaars and alleyways. (B)

Malika Kheivak Hotel (or similar)

Take the morning at leisure for final adventures in this ancient city | In the afternoon, drive to Urgench for the evening flight to Tashkent. (B)

Navruz Hotel Tashkent (or similar)

Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. (B)

Navruz Hotel Tashkent (or similar)