The Great Silk Road Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. You will be met by our driver for drop-off at the hotel, where check-in begins at noon.
Your guide and driver will pick you up to begin your private city tour to the following:

• Drive to Tbilisi’s modern quarter, passing the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Avenue before reaching Freedom Square;
• Metekhi Church (13th century), guarded by a statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali;
• Bridge of Peace, which leads to the popular Rike Park;
• Cable car ride to Narikala Fortress (4th century), Georgia’s oldest citadel and the best spot for a panoramic view of the city. Nearby stands the 20-meter-high statue of Kartlis Deda, Mother of Georgia;
• Old Tbilisi, the city’s largest district, including the famous Jumah Mosque;
• Bridge of Lovers, found near the cooling waters of the 22-meter-high Legvtakhevi Waterfall;
• Historic Abanotubani District, including the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths;
• Sioni Cathedral (7th century), with a jaw-dropping interior of gold and turquoise frescoes;
• Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi, next to the famous Reza Gabriadze Puppet Theater;
• Anchiskhati Basilica Church (6th century), the oldest house of worship in Tbilisi.

In the morning, drive to Mtskheta (25km, 30min), ancient capital of Iberia and a holy pilgrimage site for most Georgians, to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Jvari Orthodox Monastery (6th century), a unique remnant of the early Georgian church which amazes with beautiful facades and a panoramic view;
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where one of the holiest items of the orthodox Christian world -the robe worn by Jesus at crucifixion - is reportedly buried. Admire its stunning architecture and frescoes;
• Samtavro Monastery (11th century), former center of the Georgian Orthodox Church and burial site of Queen Nana and King Mirian. The complex includes churches, towers, frescoes and an active convent.

Walk around Mtskheta to admire the homes and balconies or shop for churchkhela, Georgia’s famous snack.
Return to Tbilisi to tour:

• Kashveti Church of St. George (20th century), known for its classical architecture;
• Georgian National Opera Theater, one of the oldest opera halls in Eastern Europe;
• Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba Church), one of the world’s largest churches and the central chapel of the Georgian Orthodox Church;
• Open-Air Museum of Ethnography, including traditional homes from each region of Georgia;
• Jan Shardeni Street (Jean Chardin), filled with cozy coffee shops, wine tasting bars and souvenir stores.

Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Sheki to tour its finest sites:

• Sheki Khans’ Palace (18th century), a UNESCO Site built without glue or nails and famed for its stained glass and miniature paintings;
• Sheki Caravanserai (18th century), an old Silk Road post where you can stop for tea and local sweets;
• Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress (Come-and-See Fortress, 15th century), a once-impenetrable citadel whose history is closely linked with the city.

In the morning, meet your guide and driver to begin your private Baku tour to the following:

• Nizami Ganjavi Avenue, including Nizami Ganjavi Monument, Fountain Square and Rasulzade Street;
• Icheri Sheher, Baku’s ancient city center which includes several historical monuments:
• Maiden Tower (date unknown), a city symbol of mysterious origins which offers a great view of Baku;
• Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15th century), a UNESCO ensemble and Azerbaijan’s finest example of medieval architecture;
• Multani Caravanserai (15th century), built as a haven for Indian merchants and fire worshipers;
• Market Square (17th century), a plaza of winding streets and shops selling souvenirs and antiques;
• Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, holding the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world;
• Martyrs’ Lane, a memorial which overlooks the Caspian Sea and Flame Towers.

Depart Baku and drive to Gobustan National Park (60km, 1hr), located on the Caspian Sea, to visit:

• Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, an open-air gallery dating back to 10000 BC. Enjoy the gorgeous view as you discover nearly 6000 petroglyphs;
• Petroglyph Museum, which provides a brief introduction to the park’s cultural and ecological history;
• Mud Volcanoes (10km, 15min), where gases bubble up from the earth in a mix of mud and methane.

In the morning, transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for a flight to Tashkent.
Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. After transfer to your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to begin your private Tashkent tour to see:

• Old City, including Khazret-Imam Architectural Complex. The complex includes the Madrasah of Barak-Khan (16th century), Tillya-Sheykh Mosque, Juma Mosque and Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (15th century). Walking through the Islamic Civilization Center and Zarqaynar street;
• Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s most famous market that includes a large selection of handmade souvenirs;
• Tashkent Metro, where each station is decorated in colorful mosaics to depict a specific theme;
• Amir Timur Square, with a massive statue of Tamerlane himself at the center;
• Independence Square, including the Mourning Mother Monument and Eternal Flame memorial;
• Applied Arts Museum, an informative collection of Uzbek handicrafts housed in an ornate villa.

In the morning, transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Urgench (1093km, 1hr 40min). Upon landing, a driver will take you to your hotel in Khiva (35km, 45min). Your guide will meet you at the hotel to begin your walking tour of Khiva, the “Museum Under the Open Sky”, including:

• Kunya-Ark Fortress, the inner citadel of Ichan-Qala;
• Kalta Minor Tower, once destined to be the tallest minaret in Central Asia;
• Muhammad Amin-Khan, the largest medieval educational institution in Khiva;
• Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah, one of the largest madrassahs in all Central Asia;
• Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque), with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32.5 meters high;
• Tash-Hauli Palace, resembling a fortress with towers and fortified gates;
• Pahlavan Mahmud Necropolis, the former religious center of Ichan-Qala;
• Islam Khodja Madrasah and Minaret, which at 45 meters is the highest observation point in town.

After breakfast, take a private walking tour of the Old City’s most impressive sights:

• Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, including Lyabi-Hauz Pool and the Khanaka, Kukeldash and Nadir Divan Beghi Madrasahs (all 16th century);
• Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century);
• Four Trade Domes (15th-16th centuries), where you can purchase handmade souvenirs;
• Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12th-16th centuries), including Kalyan Minaret and Mosque and Amir-Allimkhan and Miri-Arab Madrasahs;
• Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century);
• Ark Fortress (4th century), ancient center of Bukharin statehood now home to a small museum;
• Bolo-Khauz Complex, consisting of an artfully decorated 18th- century mosque, minaret and reservoirs;
• Samanids Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), the oldest brick building in Central Asia;
• Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, otherwise known as Job’s well.

After breakfast, continue your tour of greater Bukhara to the following locations:

• Chor Minor (18th century), whose minarets represent the four major world religions of that period;
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century), the emir’s summer residence which blends Oriental and Russian architecture;
• Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Order "Naqshbandia";
• Chor-Bakr Necropolis, (10th century), ancient burial grounds developed into a memorial complex.

Breakfast at the hotel before your private tour of Samarkand, crossroads of the world's cultures:

• Gur Emir (15th century), the imposing burial site of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek;
• Registan Square, Samarkand’s most famous site which includes Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (15th- 17th centuries);
• Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), built by Tamerlane for his favorite wife;
• Siab Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs, fruits, sweets and Samarkand’s famous bread;
• Shakhi-Zinda, an exquisite burial complex built between the 9th-14th centuries;
• Ulugbek Observatory, including Ulugbek Museum and the remains of a 14th-15th century sextant.

Your guide will meet you and drive to Shakhrisabz (90km, 2hrs) via the Tahtakaracha Pass. During your tour you’ll visit:

• Downtown Shakhrisabz, unique for its layout and architecture;
• Dorus Saodat Memorial Complex (dates vary) including Jahongir and Omar Sheikh Mausoleum and Khazratiy Imam Mosque;
• Dor-ut Tilovat Ensemble (14th century), including Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and the tomb of Tamerlane’s father;
• Ak-Saray Palace (14th century), Tamerlane's acclaimed summer residence.

Check out of the hotel before continuing your tour of Samarkand Region:

• Visit the excavation site and museum of the ancient city Afrasiab;
• Tour the Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum, believed to be the tomb of the prophet Daniel;
• Drive to Konigil Village to observe the traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves;
• Take a tour of Oriental Silk Carpet Factory to see how top-quality carpets are created. You can even try carpet weaving yourself!

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the border crossing with Tajikistan (100km, 1hr 30min). After entering Tajikistan, a local guide and driver will drive to Khujand (70km, 1hr) for a city tour which includes:

• Khujand Fortress (dates vary), once one of the most impenetrable castles in Central Asia;
• Historical Museum of Sughd, which houses unusual artefacts from the territory of Sughd;
• Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin Khujandi (12th century), two-story tomb of a local ruler and poet;
• Payshanba Bazaar (Thursday Bazaar), a colorful oriental market rumored to be the best in Tajikistan;
• Somoni Park, where a statue of Ismoil Somoni, fountains and bright mosaics are displayed.

In the morning, head to the Tashkent Southern Railway Station to begin your tour of Fergana Valley. Take a train to Kokand (165km, 5hrs), where a local guide will meet you to start your city tour of Kokand, once the capital of the entire Kokand Khanate. Your tour will include:

• Palace of Khudoyar-Khan (19th century), a mosque and Kokand’s most famous attraction;
• Jami Mosque (19th century), the iconic centerpiece of Chorsu Square;
• Norbutabiy Madrasah (18th century), which serves as a functional madrasah even today.

After breakfast, drive to Margilan (30km, 30min) to tour the following:

• Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah, where craftsmen produce handmade carpets and silk;
• Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where you can observe silk weaving with traditional Ikat patterns and shop for handmade khan-atlas material (closed Sundays).

In the morning, your guide and driver will meet you for a city tour, beginning with Sulaiman Too Mountain:

• Follow pilgrims up the hill for a panoramic view of Osh, passing multiple shrines along the way;
• Visit Dom Babura (16th century), built by Bobur, founder of the Mughal Empire;
• Tour Sulaiman Too National Historical and Archaeological Museum, one of the largest museums in Kyrgyzstan which is housed in a mountain cave.

The way up and down the mountain takes around one hour. Continue your discovery of Osh at the following:

• Silk Road Museum, holding artefacts discovered on the premises of Sulaiman Too Mountain;
• Jayma Bazaar, where locals have bargained for goods since the Silk Road era;
• Osh Central Square, home to the largest statue of Lenin in all Central Asia.

In the morning, a local guide will give you a private tour of Kashgar to the following sights:

• Kashgar Old Town, a labyrinth of traditional Uyghur home and shops;
• Handicraft Street, where you can buy a variety of handmade souvenirs;
• Id Kah Mosque (1442), one of the largest mosques in China which reflects a traditional Uyghur design;
• Apak Khoja Mausoleum (16th century), regarded as the holiest site in all of Xinjiang;
• Yekshanbe Bazaar (Sunday Market), whose colorful aisles are filled with fabrics, kitchenware, hats, fresh produce, carpets and jewelry. A horse and livestock bazaar is also located nearby.

In the morning, get acquainted with the area by visiting:

• Tashkurgan Museum, including historical, archeological and cultural exhibits;
• A local Tajik family, where you will get an up-close glimpse of their home and lifestyle;
• Tashkurgan Fort (7th century), a stone castle steeped in history where ancient Silk Roads converged.

In the morning, take a flight to Urumqi (1078km, 2hrs). Arrive in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, and transfer to the hotel, where check-in begins at noon.
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a private tour to the following sights:

• Xinjiang Regional Museum, built to reflect Uyghur architecture. See Silk Road treasures and relics from Xinjiang's minority cultures, including 3000-year-old mummies excavated from the Taklamakan Desert.
• Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a huge market filled with unique carpets, silks and traditional Uyghur clothing.

In the morning, depart Urumqi and transfer to Turpan (200km, 2hrs 30min) to visit:

• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a Silk Road center of Buddhism. Explore some of the 83 caves and 6th-14th century artwork set against a desert landscape;
• Astana Tombs, a graveyard used from the Jin to Tang Dynasties (3rd – 10th centuries) and known as an underground museum;
• Gaochang Ruins, the sprawling remains of a city which flourished during Silk Road times.

After breakfast, continue your discovery of Turpan at the following:

• Ancient City of Jiaohe (2nd century BC - 14th century AD) - Silk Road city ruins including gates, streets, cave houses, wells and an underground temple;
• Karez Well and Water System - an underground irrigation system which funneled water from the mountains into the desert. The site includes a museum which demonstrates how the system works;
• Emin Minaret and Mosque (18th century) – the tower measures 44 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. Built by Emin Khoja, a Uyghur general and governor of Turpan, it is known locally as Sugong;
• Turpan Museum - a two-story gallery with exhibits on Turpan’s history and its role along the Silk Road, in addition to well-preserved mummies excavated in the region.