Road to Samarkand

Day 1  Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan  
Arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital and cultural hub. Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, a great opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, before embarking on a city tour to see Ala-Too Square, the White House and Oak Park.

Day 2  Ala Archa NP        
Head out on a leisurely hike through Ala Archa National Park to admire the picturesque scenery of rugged peaks and dramatic gorges. Return to Bishkek in the afternoon, spend it as wish why not shop until you drop at the famous Dordoi market.

Day 3  Lake Issyk Kul          
Visit the magnificent 12th Century Burana Tower before departing for Lake Issyk Kul. Nearby the awe-inspiring lake is a glacial spectate the astonishing collection of 8th Century petroflyphs etched into its surface. Later, take a cruise on the beautiful Lake Kul, admiring its spectacular alpine-esque surroundings.

Day 4  Lake Issyk Kul to Karakol        
Drive to Karakol, stop for a gentle hike at Semenov Gorge, and explore Kyrchyn Jailoo ethnic village en route. This afternoon visit the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer, and visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.

Day 5  Jeti-Orguz Gorge      
Immerse yourself in the early morning hustle and bustle of Karakol's Sunday animal market rivalling Kashgar's famous animal market. Travel to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge for a walk through the dramatic canyon of red sandstone. This evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family, in the quaint Irdyk village.

Day 6  Karakol to Naryn        
Leave Karakol early this morning and travel to Skazka Canyon, given the nickname Fairy Tale Canyon after its bizarre shapes and multi coloured nature. Witness an eagle demonstration at the village of Bokonbaevo a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition practised with majestic golden eagles. Continue to Naryn, where you will stay the night.

Day 7  Tash Rabat              
Pass through breath-taking mountain and valley landscapes to reach Tash Rabat, a small yet impactful stone caravansary that was of great significance at the height of the Silk Road.

Day 8  Naryn to Chong Kemin NP      
Travel to Kochkor, the scenic centre of Kyrgyz felt handicrafts. Gain an understanding for this picturesque village whilst visiting an authentic 'shyrdak' (wool carpet) workshop and a co-op that provides training for local women in traditional handicrafts. Tonight, you will stay in guesthouse near Chong-Kemin National Park.

Day 9  Chong Kemin NP to Tashkent, Uzbekistan        
Head out to Chong Kemin National Park, a quiet valley with small villages surrounded by magnificent mountains. Walk in the scenic foothills breathing in the fresh air of the park’s immense forest, before travelling to Bishkek airport for your flight to Tashkent.

Day 10  Tashkent        
Tashkent is a city of historical monuments and modern mosques, visit tremendous architectural sights such as Barak Khana Seminary, Kukeldash Madrassahs, Tila Shaikh Mosque and their archives. Browse the wares of Chorsu bazaar before partaking in a ceramic workshop.

Day 11  Tashkent to Samarkand      
Allow your journey to fulfil its purpose and travel to the legendary city of Samarkand. Endeavour on a tour of the historic town visiting Registan Square, the Ulug-Bek and Tillya-Kori madrasah. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Day 12  Samarkand        
Explore the grandest structure of Amir Temur’ times, Gur Emir, the exquisite azure dome signifies the resting place Tamerlane. Visit the legendary Friday Mosque, Bibi-Khanum, gifted to Tamerlane by his wife, sat next to the magnificent building are the decorated triple arches leading to Siab Bazaar.

Day 13  Konigil Village.        
Today visit Ulugbek's observatory, constructed by the Grandson of the Great Amir Temur in the late 1420s. Witness the ancient settlement of Afrosiab before continuing to Konigil Village to visit a papermaking workshop.

Day 14  Shakhrisabz        
Venture out to the city where Tamerlane was born, Shakhrisabz, visiting sites such as the ruined and impressive Ak-Sarai Palace, a highlight of the city, Dorus Tilavat cemetery and blue-domed Kok-Gumbas Mosque.

Day 15  Samarkand to Bukhara      
Journey to Bukhara, visiting Gijduvan en route. At this fascinationg centre of handmade ceramics you ‘ll learn the process of making these famous ceramics.

Days 16-17  Bukhara        
Bukhara is a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route explore the legendary Poi Kalon minaret, the Ark Fortress, and Bolo Hauz Mosque. Wander on to the peaceful 16th-century Chor Minor and Chor Bakr necropolis to tour the colourful Khonako-Medrassah-Mosque complex. The next morning visit Sitora-i Mohi Khosa, the Emir’s summer palace, a 20th Century confection of a building! Enjoy the ancient Persian city as wish in the afternoon.

Day 18  Bukhara to Khiva      
Cross the Kyzyl Kum desert on your journey to Khiva, stopping at the Amudarya River. Watch as the scenery transitions from the stark beauty of the desert to the bending saksaul trees into the the lush riverbanks of the Amurdarya.

Day 19  Khiva        
Discover the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Itchan Kala, inside the walled city lies the mighty Kunya Ark and the turquoise tiled Islom-Khodja. Roam the fascinating Madrassah Rakhimkhon, a beacon of ancient time studies, and see the 19th Century Tash Hauli Palace, decorated in blue fine China tiles.

Day 20  Khiva to Tashkent      
Catch a flight from Urgench to Tashkent, where you’ll visit the Museum of Applied Arts as well as the Mustakilik Square and the famous Tashkent Metro. Soak in the ambiance of this somewhat underground palace with its marble and granite decorations.

Day 21  Tashkent      
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.