The Legendary Silk Road Odyssey: Almaty to Tashkent (Tour code: 13523)

The Legendary Silk Road Odyssey: Tashkent to Almaty

Arrival in Almaty is contingent on your flight connection, with transfer to a centrally located hotel during the day. Check-in for your room is available around 3 pm.

Almaty

Should your flight arrive early in the morning, you will be escorted to a comfortable hotel where your room is prepared for check-in. Delight in a delicious breakfast!

Following a relaxing morning, your afternoon rendezvous awaits with tour guides and fellow travelers. The journey commences with a remarkable visit to Medeo, home to the world's highest ice-skating rink. Embark on a cable car ascent to a ski resort at 2,200 meters, culminating in the awe-inspiring Talgar peak at 3,200 meters. Revel in the crisp mountain air and breathtaking vistas before concluding the day with a delightful welcome dinner.

Overnight in Rahat Palace (or similar)

Almaty

Embark on a city tour in the morning, exploring notable landmarks such as the Russian Orthodox wooden cathedral, wedding palace, circus, and the central mosque (viewed from the outside). Savour a local yurt restaurant lunch. In the afternoon, commence your journey aboard the Orient Silk Road Express, where a welcome drink and a brief lecture await you on board.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Orient Silk Road Express

This morning, you will arrive at the stunning Issyk Kul Lake. A visit to the Center of Nomadic Culture will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region before allowing time for a leisurely walk or a refreshing swim in the waters of Issyk Kul. Following a boat excursion on the lake, the train sets its course toward Bishkek.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Lake Issyk Kul

Following breakfast on board, you will arrive in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. Embark on a comprehensive tour to explore its numerous attractions. Renowned for its lush greenery, Bishkek boasts approximately 100m² of green space per inhabitant, making it one of the greenest cities globally. The itinerary includes a visit to Ala-Archa National Park.

Overnight in Plaza Hotel, Bishkek (or similar).

Bishkek

Following breakfast, the train departs. Indulge in a leisurely day filled with informative lectures as your special train journeys towards Samarkand.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Day on board

Today, immerse yourself in the wonders of Samarkand, a city historically celebrated as the most beautiful and significant under Timur's rule. Explore the burial town of Shah-i-Zinda, also known as "The Living King," along with the excavation sites of Afrasiyab, featuring a guided museum tour.

Registan Square stands out as the most impressive architectural ensemble in Central Asia, surrounded by three grand madrasas. The enormous and splendid portals, adorned with captivating decoration and vibrant colors, create a mesmerizing scene. Against the backdrop, mosque domes shimmer like those in a Middle Eastern fairy tale.

Your next two nights in Samarkand will be spent in a hotel, allowing you to further absorb the city's rich heritage.

Overnight in Hotel Grand Samarkand (or similar). 

Registan Square

Today's itinerary includes a visit to a silk carpet manufactory and an Uzbek artisan family specializing in crafting paper from mulberry tree bark. You will explore the Ulugh Beg Observatory and witness the ruins of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Delve into the palace-like Gur-i-Amir mausoleum complex, where you can explore the interior and view the tomb of Timur. Known as both a renowned builder who transformed his capital into a paradise and a feared conqueror, Timur's legacy is encapsulated within this historic site.

Overnight in Hotel Grand Samarkand (or similar). 

Gur Emir Mausoleum

Following breakfast, the train resumes its journey. Today's adventure includes a captivating folklore show, showcasing the unique traditions of a region that appears to have frozen in time. Following the performance, the journey proceeds to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Timur.

In the evening, guests will board the train for the travel to Dushanbe, continuing your exploration of Central Asia's rich cultural tapestry.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Shahrisabz the birthplace of Timur

Upon your morning arrival in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, embark on a comprehensive tour to explore numerous sights. Take in the scenic beauty of the city's parks, with a relaxing visit to Rudaki Park providing a countryside respite. In the late afternoon, you will rejoin the train, setting course for the next destination, Bukhara, as you continue your journey through the diverse landscapes of Central Asia.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Ismoili Somoni Monument

Nestled in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, Bukhara boasts around one thousand monuments, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Great Silk Road. Within the old town, marvel at the towering Kalyan minaret, reaching almost 50 meters in height, and the enchanting Lab-i Hauz ensemble by the pond. Engage with the tales and legends of Nasreddin as you stand before his monument.

In the courtyard of a madrasa, immerse yourself in a vibrant folklore show featuring music, local dances, and a display of colorful national costumes. Your night unfolds in the comfort of a mid-range hotel in Bukhara, a city that continues to narrate the tales of its storied past.

Overnight in Hotel Asia Bukhara (or similar).

Folklore Show in Bukhara

Today's journey unfolds with a full-day exploration of Bukhara, a city that stands as a vast and authentic architectural museum, preserving its timeless Middle Eastern charm. In the morning, be captivated by the magnificent Mir-i-Arab and the unparalleled Samanid Mausoleum, considered the most valuable building in Central Asia. The day continues with a tour through the formidable Ark, a colossal fortress that was once the epicenter of Bukhara's governance, offering a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural legacy.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Samanid Mausoleum in Bukhara

Today, venture into the enchanting Khiva Oasis, a setting reminiscent of the renowned tales from 1001 Nights. As you stand before the formidable city wall, adorned with gates and bastions crafted from clay bricks, you'll feel as though you've stepped into another world. Life around the Kalta Minor Minaret continues to pulsate today much as it did in ancient times. Embark on a captivating walking tour, where the well-preserved ensemble of palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and madrasas unfolds, showcasing medieval Middle Eastern town planning at its finest.

Your night will be spent aboard the train, continuing your immersive journey through this captivating region.

Overnight onboard the Orient Silk Road Express.

Khiva

In the early afternoon, the Orient Silk Road Express pulls into Tashkent. Embark on a city tour, exploring key landmarks such as Kukeldash Madrasah, the Kavoj and Amir-Timur monuments, and the distinctive clay houses that characterize the city.

Following a farewell dinner, you will retire for the night in a comfortable mid-range hotel, concluding your memorable journey through the diverse and rich landscapes of Central Asia.

Overnight in Tower Hotel (or similar).

Amir Timur Monument in Tashkent

Say your farewells to newfound friends as you make your way to the airport for your departure.