Fly overnight to Tashkent. After checking in to your hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore your surroundings.
Explore the historic old town, visiting Barak Khan Madrassah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to precious Islamic archives. Wander the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, then visit the Rakhimov family ceramics workshop. Finish the day in modern Tashkent at Amir Temur Square and the strikingly decorated Tashkent Metro.
Rise early for your flight to Nukus. Begin your day at the Igor Savitskiy Museum'”often called the 'Louvre of the Desert', home to Russian avant'‘garde art, Soviet-era masterpieces, and fascinating Karakalpak treasures. Then, drive 200'¯km to Khiva, stopping at Chalpik Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian funerary site, and Toprak Kala, the historic fortress town of Khorezm.
Step inside Ichan Kala, Uzbekistan's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise Islom-Khodja Minaret, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Visit Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, and the 19th-century Tash Hauli Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khoresmian folklore performance.
Travel across the iconic Kyzyl Kum Desert, the 'Red Sands,' along the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy photo stops of the desert landscapes and a visit to the Amudarya River, the legendary Oxus. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon, ready to explore this historic city.
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara's historic centre on foot. Begin at the Lab-i-Khauz ensemble and continue to the city's landmarks and hidden gems, including Nadir Khon Madrassah, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the Ulugbek and Aziz Khan Madrassahs. Enjoy lunch at the home of master suzani maker and explore his workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Ark Fortress, Bala Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub. Conclude at the Hunarmand workshops near Lyabikhauz, witnessing traditional crafts such as block printing, metal chasing, embroidery, carving, miniature painting, and goldwork.
This morning, explore Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the former summer residence of the emir, a stunning blend of Russian and local architectural styles. Later, travel by train to Samarkand, arriving in the late afternoon and ready to begin your next adventure.
Explore the highlights of Samarkand, starting at the iconic Registan Square with its three stunning madrassahs: Ulug-Bek, Tillya-Kori, and Sher-Dor. Visit Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane, and the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Wander the Silk Road bazaar, admire the Shahi Zinda necropolis, and end the day with a tour and tasting at Bagizagan winery.
Travel 90'¯km south of Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of conqueror Amir Timur. Explore the city's highlights, including the ruins of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus-Tilavat cemetery, and Kok-Gumbas Mosque, before returning to Samarkand in the afternoon.
Explore Ulugbek's 15th-century Observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Enjoy some free time to shop in Samarkand before continuing by train to Tashkent, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.
