Exploring the Silk Road

|October 17 -27 2026

Over the course of 11 days in Uzbekistan, explore the ancient Silk Road and discover the celebrated cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Visit and admire the exquisite patterns of Islamic art found on gateways, mosques, palaces, and madrasas. Wonder in the alleys of these old cities, and discover bazaars alive with energy, spices, gold, gems, fabrics, and silk rugs. Prepare for immersive experiences to engage with the local culture. The trip begins in the capital Tashkent, famous for its historical monuments, Museum of Applied Arts, and the decorative Soviet-era metro. Customized private activities and demonstrations as well as artistic performances are also on the program of this highly exotic journey.

Charles El Hayek, acclaimed public historian and founder of “Heritage and Roots” will enrich the trip with three lecture-workshops that narrate the broader history of the Silk Road and the impact it had on the Middle East.

Please see below for prices and inclusions. Detailed program will be shared upon signing up. Please click on the Price Options icon.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 October 17	Arrival in Tashkent and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Tashkent. Optional afternoon activities depending on time of arrival. At 7:30 PM, evening drive around the main highlights of the city before a welcome dinner at the TV Tower.
Day 2 October 18	A day to visit Tashkent: start with a visit to the Human House and the first interactive talk with Charles El Hayek: What was the Silk Road? How did it affect our present-day lives? This will be followed by a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, the Tashkent Metro, Lunch at the famous Plov Kitchen, and the Hasti Imam complex. Optional dinner reservations.
Day 3 October 19	Train to Samarkand, and checkin at the Zarafshon Parkside Hotel. Visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum to pay tribute to Emir Timor followed by lunch, then a visit to Ragistan Square and the surrounding madrasas, often called the most beautiful square in Asia. Following that enjoy Meros Theatre, where a show of traditional costumes across the various historical eras is presented. Free dinner.
Day 4 October 20	Drive to Urgut Village (approx 40 km each way) to visit its huge and vibrant market, selling some of the best suzani, jewelry, antiques, and vintage textiles, as well as the Urgut ceramics. Lunch in the house of a master ceramist, then visit the traditional paper making mills before returning to Samarkand. After some rest, the second interactive workshop with Charles El Hayek: How did silk build cities, knowledge and crafts? How was silk knowhow transferred to the Levant over the Silk Road? Back to Ragistan Square to enjoy the famous Sound and Light show. Optional dinner at Labi Gor.
Day 5 October 21	On our last day in Samarkand, we visit Bibi Khanum Mosque and the very impressive Shah-i-Zinda funerary complex. We also take a stroll through the Samarkand Bazaar, and visit a silk carpet factory before trying the Samarkand Pilaf for lunch. Free afternoon and shopping time.
Day 6 October 22	We leave Samarkand and take the train to Bukhara. On arrival, checkin at the Wyndham Hotel, before proceeding to the old town for lunch, followed by the third interactive workshop with Charles El Hayek on Timurid Art Proceed with a walking tour of the old town, including the Lady Hauz complex, the Devon Begi Hanaqa, and the trade domes of Taki Sarafan, Taki Telpakfurushon, Taki Zargaron. End with a dinner and music performance in the courtyard of Nadir Divan madrasah.
Day 7 October 23	Continue discovering the old city, starting with the mausoleums of Ismail Samani and Chashmai Ayub. A stop at the Bolo Hauz mosque and the Ark Citadel, before a coffee break followed by a visit to the iconic Kalyan Mosque and minaret, and the Mir Arab madrasah. Lunch at Laby Hauz, then a free afternoon for some shopping in the old city. Dinner and demonstration at the Miniature Gallery with Master Devlet Tosheov.
Day 8 October 24	Take an excursion outside the city to visit the Summer Palace (Sitorani Mohi Hosa), and the Bahauddin Naqshbandy mausoleum and pilgrimage complex. Upon returning to the city, the rest of the day is free to explore the bazaars, before dinner at the Suzani Art House.
Day 9 October 25	Drive across the Kyzylkum Desert towards mud-walled Khiva (7 hours), taking a break as we cross the Amudarya River, known as the Oxus in ancient times. Picnic lunch break. On arrival in Khiva, check in at Khiva Residence Hotel and get some rest before a walk in the Ichan Kala and dinner.
Day 10 October 26	Explore the Ichan Kala, the very well preserved walled inner city. Visit the Juma Mosque, Harem, Summer Palace and Mosque, and various workshops. Lunch, followed by a free afternoon to explore the bazaars. Final dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the domes and minarets of the Ichah Kala.
Day 11 October 27	Morning transfer to the nearby airport for the flight back to Tashkent and connections to international flights.

Price Options

$6050 per person in Single Occupancy.
$5150 per person in Double Occupancy.

Price Includes:

All Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis at:

Tashkent: Hyatt Regency Tashkent

Samarkand: Zarafshon Parkside

Bukhara: Wyndham Bukhara

Khiva: Khiva Residence Hotel

All lunches
Four special event dinners
All transfers
Domestic flights and trains
All entrance fees and private guided tours
Meros Theatre performance
Music performance in Bukhara
Private lectures with Mr. Charles Al Hayek

Price Does Not Include:

Optional Master Classes (miniature drawing or other)
International air travel
Personal Expenses
Visa Fees
Travel Insurance
Tips

Payment and Terms

Trip Status: Reservations Open

To reserve your spot, a downpayment of $1500 is requested.
$2000 by June 15.
Balance of payment due on August 31.

Cancellation:

All downpayments are fully refundable as long as a group of 12 has not been confirmed. After a group of 12 is confirmed:

Cancellation on or before August 17: 20% penalty.

Cancellation Aug 18 to Sept 17: 50% penalty.

Cancellation after Sept 17: 100% penalty.

As always, every effort will be made to minimize any penalties, and to find replacement guests.

In case of a force majeure preventing the tour from happening e.g. a pandemic, war, terrorist activity, or natural disasters, the local suppliers might exercise their right to keep payments on account for future trips.

Exploring the Silk Road

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Detailed Itinerary

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