UZBEKISTAN Boutique Silk Road Tour with Textiles & Embroidery Workshops - 16 days

Destination: UZBEKISTAN:  Tashkent |Ferghana (Margilan) (Andijan) (Rishtan) (Kokand) | Tashkent | (Nukus) | Khiva | Bukhara | Samarkand (Shakhrisabz) Urgut) | Tashkent

Tour Commences In:  Tashkent

Tour Concludes In:  Tashkent

Number of Days:  16 days / 15 Nights

Tour Style:  Private Small Group Tour (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 15: Lunches; 14: Dinners; 11:

Leaders:  Professional textile & ceramic guide

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & trains

Tour Grading: MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

• Be fascinated by the history of the Silk Road as we trace the origins of contemporary Central Asian arts and crafts from millennia of trade through its great mercantile cities

• Be overwhelmed when you visit Tashkent’s Applied Arts Museum

• We get meet local weavers, embroiderers and rug makers,

• Visit the Wood-Carving Centre in Kokand

• Experience Yodgorlik silk weaving factory, that uses only natural dyes

• Visit a workshop of a hand block printer

• Enjoy time-out at Margilan’s Thursday Bazaar

•   Spend time doing a master class with ‘skull cap makers’

• Enjoy the lovely old city of Khiva, with its majestic walls, palaces, mosques, tombs and high Central Asian minarets

• Marvel at carpet workshops where they are still using traditional methods

• Study a millennium of Central Asian architecture in Bukhara, beginning with the Samanid Mausoleum,

• Wander through the bazaars of Bukhara, feasting your eyes upon a rich variety of traditional arts and crafts,

• Discover a traditional gold embroidery workshop & silk fabric making in and around Bukhara

• Participate in a gold embroidery masterclass workshop

• Be impressed by the old Bukhara textiles in Akbar’s House & buy the best local Suzani’s (hand embroidery)

• Discover & shop the Sunday Market at Urgut with its famous textile, jewellery & garments.

• Participate Suzani hand embroidery workshop

• Be in awe of Samarkand’s magnificent Registan and its Madrassah’s with some of the worlds best tile work

• Shop & explore the local artisan centres in Tashkent’s restored madrassah’s

• Enjoy wonderful cuisine and regional delicacies

Day 1:  Saturday:          Arrive  Tashkent:                 (D)
Welcome to Uzbekistan! You will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Tashkent.
Guests participating in this tour will rendezvous in the Hotel lobby this afternoon at 13:00hrs for a tour briefing before departing on a brief tour of Tashkent’s highlights before our ‘Welcome Dinner’ this evening.
We visit the amazing Applied Arts Museum in the old quarter which has a fantastic collection of some of the best Uzbek suzani workmanship and a gallery that includes some of the finest ceramics in the country.
We then continue onto “The Monument of Courage” dedicated to the city of Tashkent which suffered an earthquake which took place on April 26, 1966. Mustakillik Square (Independence Square) is a beautiful square in Tashkent. The entrance to the square opens with Arch of ‘good and noble aspirations’.
Amir Temur Square is the main square in town and use to contain a statue of Karl Marx, but he has been replaced by a statue of Uzbekistan’s 14thcentury national hero, Temur, who is on horse-back.
We also take the opportunity to travel the Tashkent underground a view some of the magnificent stations.
We then return to our hotel to freshen up before departing for our ‘Welcome Dinner’.

You may wish to arrive a day earlier to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time. Optional tours on request are available at extra cost.

Tashkent is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In the Middle Ages, Tashkent near the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains stood at the crossroads of the caravan routes from Europe to Asia, and from Siberia, China and India to the Middle East and Europe. Although it is more than 2,000 years old, many of Tashkent’s ancient monuments were destroyed by conquerors, time and by the earthquake of 1966. But today the city is lovelier than ever. Parks and gardens occupy almost one third of its area. It is the cosmopolitan town of free lined streets, shops, bridges and elegant parklands. Together with Tashkent’s architecture, which combines modern forms with traditional ornaments, Tashkent is a delightful city. 

Day 2:    Sunday:  Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana:                (B/L/D)
This morning we depart early to drive to Fergana Valley. We will travel by car through the mountainous Kamcik Pass which occasionally has poor road conditions. Fergana city is the administrative centre of Fergana Region and an important industrial centre of Uzbekistan. 
We stop in the ancient city of Kokand, centre of the Khanate of Kokand. The Khudoyar-Khan Palace & Museum. Raised to the level of fine art by Uzbek masters is wood-carving; apparently it has no match in the world. Covered with intricate engraved patterns, there are wall panels, caskets and boxes, the little national table khantaxta with hexahedral or octahedral top made of walnut, beech or plane trees, and the fascinating laukh (a stand for the Koran).
In Kokand we also visit Madrassah Jami, a centre with a myriad of workshops. (May be open)
Lunch is at local restaurant in Kokand. 
After lunch we proceed to Margilan. 
Then it’s onto the famous Yodgarlik Silk factory and silk IKAT Weaving Centre and observe young apprentices make the beautiful bold patterned silk ikat that this region if known for. Original handmade methods of silk production have remained. Everything is done in the traditional manner. The weavers from Margilan make semi-silk adras, plain silk shoi, and famous worldwide khan-atlas: blazing with all the colours of rainbow, or exquisite black and white pattern with shining veins of blue or green silk fabric manufactured here is considered as one of the best in Central Asia. 
We continue our drive to Fergana. Check into our hotel. Dinner is at our hotel.

Day 3:     Monday:       Ferghana – Margilan – Fergana:       (B/L/D)
After breakfast we visit one of the Craft Centres that is supported by UNESCO and housed in a historic Madrassah. Of special interest here is the velvet ikat weaving workshop, famous for supplying Rasuljons fabrics to Oscar de La Renta.
After, we continue onto a hand block printer’s workshop where Mr Salijon works with natural (and some chemical) dyes to produce the traditional woodblock printed cloths that you will see.
We then visit a another  Margilan Craft Centre with a workshop of hereditary weaving master He specialises in bakhmal – silk velvet ikat. 
We also visit visit a Kumtepa Bazaar (Thursday Bazaar) where you can mingle with the locals and purchase goods and materials. We also visit a new Margilan Craft Centre in Margilan
Followed by a visit to the house of a master who specialises in hand silk weaving and dying. We later return to our hotel

Day 4:   Tuesday:        Ferghana – Chust – Tashkent:              (B/L)
After checking out of the hotel we drive to Chust, famous for its skull caps. We visit a master skull cap maker’s home for a dedicated embroidery workshop. After a late lunch, we return to Tashkent
This evening is free for you to prepare for our early start in the morning. 

Day 5:   Wednesday:      Tashkent – Nukus - Khiva:           (B/L/D)
This morning we have a very early start as we leave our hotel at dawn and are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nukus. On arrival at Nukas airport, drive to the amazing Nukus Museum, also known as the The State Art Museum of the Republic of Karakalpakstan State Museum that holds the famous Savitsky Art Collection.
After lunch we’ll drive to the fabled city of Khiva. We may stop along the way at a local small embroidery centre before continuing our drive onto Khiva. This fabulous old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As legend has it, this place has a history that dates back to the time of Shem, son of Noah. A settlement was certainly established here by the 8th century AD and began to flourish in the early 16th century. A colourful procession of conquering Khans, Silk Road traders, Great Game spies and Russian invaders has long captured the imagination of writers and poets. It is also a photographer's delight, particularly in the evenings when the sun begins to set. This beautifully-preserved town is perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. 
Upon entering through its gates we are greeted by towering minarets and numerous madrassas. Our guide will take on a brief tour this evening that takes us through many monuments including the Kalta Minor Minaret and Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah, the 17th century Juma Mosque, the Islom-Hoja Minaret and Madrassah (built in 1908 and the highest structure in Khiva), the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress, the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex (the Persian-style resting place of Khiva’s patron saint) and Toza Bog Palace, which between 1893-1913 was the summer palace of Mohammed Rakhim Khan II. Dinner this evening is under the stars.

Day 6:   Thursday:            Khiva:                     (B/L)
This morning we continue to explore one of the great silk route cities, visiting more historical monuments. 
This afternoon after lunch we visit the Khiva Silk museum (Museum of Sericulture of Khorezm) with a master-class of  unwinding silk threads, hand woven fabrics and hand woven carpets.
This afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 7:    Friday:         Khiva – Bukhara:     (B/L/D)
This morning, transfer to the railway station and travel on the high speed electric Manguberdi train to Bukhara. (About 2.5 – 3 hours) Offering a comfortable journey through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in central Asia and inhabited by various nomadic people. We also cross the Amu Darya River, which was once known as the Oxus. This river bubbles up far to the south-east in the Pamirs and then runs west through the area now bordering modern Afghanistan - once famous throughout the ancient world for its lapis-lazuli mines. Curling slowly northward the river bisects the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara-Kum (Black Sands Desert), before stretching toward the southern tip of the shrinking Aral Sea. It was the Greeks who named this area ‘Transoxiana’ – literally ‘beyond the river’ – a name that echoes through the ages in literature and poetry and also in the imagination of travellers.
With the impressive sights of Bukhara and Samarkand ahead of us, this journey is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, or catch up on some reading, or simply sit back and imagine you are a trader - relieved to have made it safely through the desert!
We arrive in the holy city of Bukhara and enjoy a free moment to absorb its ambience. Trading domes near here still offer an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants. This is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us too! 

Day 8: Saturday:        Bukhara:    (B/L/D)
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, there is a vast span of history and architecture to uncover and the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give us a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory.
With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here spread over three days. Bukhara preserved its treasures of architecture of the pre-Mongol period. Thus, often the City of Bukhara is considered as a Museum in itself. The majority of sights lie scattered around the old city, ‘Shakhristanand’ and are most easily reached on foot. 
Along with our cultural exploration of Bukhara we also see a rich collection of local embroidery of Suzanne and carpets.
Bukhara is also home to the ‘Bukhara Stitch’ famous in suzani embroidery. Today, lunch is at the private home of one of the best suzani makers in Bukhara.
On our walking tour we visit the Complex "Poi Kalon" ("Beneath the Great"): "Kalyan Minaret" - the main symbol of sacred Bukhara that symbolized authority and power of spiritual governors. (12th c), "Kalyan Mosque"- its area of 130x80 m surpasses Bibi-Khanym mosque in Samarkand, "Miri Arab Madrassah" - active madrassah is one of the most esteemed spiritual Islamic universities (16th c), "Taki Zargaron" - the dome of jewelers (15-16th cc), "Ulugbeg Madrassah" - one of the 3 madrassahs constructed by grandson of Tamerlan - Ulugbeg (15th c), "Abdulaziz-khan Madrassah" - a traditional madrassah with 2 floors of hudjras and a mosque on the central axis ( mid. of 17th c), “Tim of Abdullah-Khan madrassah” (1588-1590), atlas shops, "Magoki-Attari Mosque" - the most ancient mosque in Bukhara (12th c) is considered a masterpiece of Bukhara architecture, "Khanaka and madrassah of Nadir Divan-Beghi" - a massive rectangular structure that was a place for the refuge and meditation of Sufis (17th c), "Kukeldash Madrassah" (16th c) - one of the biggest Bukhara madrassah, "Lyabi-Hauz" ensemble - the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara – it is very popular among tourists (14-17th cc) We visit the Telpak Furushon trade dome in Bukhara with a market of hats and spices and more. 
This afternoon we visit a master of gold thread embroidery and have a masterclass workshop to improve your skills.  2 hours.  Dinner this evening is at an ancient madrassah with fashion show.

Day 9:   Sunday:           Bukhara:       (B/L/D)
This morning we visit the amazing Mausoleum of the Samanids, the most ancient brick building in Central Asia; a masterpiece of world architecture. If time permits we may visit a local market (nearby on foot).
We continue onto The Ark, a massive fortress located in Bukhara. It was initially built and occupied around 5th century AD and is the only monument of Medieval Bukhara. 
After lunch we have a dedicated suzani workshop. 4 hours.  Stepping into the family workroom – showroom is like walking into a rainbow of suzani’s. There are hundreds of them, each unique in size, color, and the stories they tell through their mesmerizing patterns. Suzani’s, traditionally used as wall hangings akin to European tapestries, now find their beautiful embroidery gracing bags, purses, suits, and skullcaps. Among the sea of stunning suzani’s, some pieces stand out with their extraordinary histories. For instance, a suzani made by the family's grandmother, a labor of love she invested 15 years of her life into. There are large, unfinished suzani’s, projects the family has been breathing life into for several years. And also ancient masterpieces, a century old, crafted by blind artisans who weaved their magic solely through touch.
We will meet up again for dinner at a local restaurant with a wonderful panoramic view of the old city.

Day 10:  Monday :                 Bukhara - Gijdivan - Bukhara:            (B/L)
Following breakfast, we drive to Gijduvan. On the way we stop at a handicraft centre where you can see workshops including the Suzani masters, woodcarving and handmade paper.
In Gijduvan we visit a family workshop where you meet local Suzani masters. Here, we have a master-class of suzani embroidery and silk thread dyeing. 3 hours
We have lunch at a ceramic masters house before we return to Bukhara. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

 Day 11:   Tuesday:           Bukhara – Samarkand:       (B/L/D)
This morning we shall drive to Bukhara's city limits to visit Sitora-i-Mokhi Khosa Palace; the Summer Palace, residence of the Former Emir of Bukhara. It is reputed to be the oldest mosque in central Asia. Sitorai Moki Khosa means Star and Garnet Garden and was the summer palace of the last emir. Its opulence is also reflected by its combination of local and European influences in its designs and furnishings. The halls are richly decorated with carpets and paintings. In the residence there is a rare collection of Suzani on display. 
We return to the city and visit the Chor-Minor. It is a unique structure with four minarets – one on each corner. It was built in 1807 by Turkmen merchant, Khalif Niyazkul.
We later transfer to the railway station.
Departure to Samarkand by high-speed train ‘Afrosiab’ 15:52hrs -17:25hrs  (time is subject to be changed)
On arrival to Samarkand transfer to your hotel. Refresh for dinner. Time TBC.

Samarkand is perhaps the most well-known of Silk Road towns, we will enjoy a couple of days of sightseeing and exploration of Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, this crossroads of cultures, religions, peoples and languages has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. Alexander the Great stormed its walls in 329 BC and many other rulers chose to make it their capital in the centuries that followed including Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. Even the Soviet occupiers declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, although it only kept that honour for four years!

Day 12:  Wednesday:       Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand:                     (B/L/D)
After breakfast we drive to Shakhrisabz over the beautiful mountain pass Takhta Karacha.
Shakhrisabz is the birthplace of the great commander Emir Temur. (Tamerlane)
We tour the sites that are very much part of the life of Temur.  We visit Ak-Saral Palace and Kuk-Gumaz Mosque. We have lunch at a local restaurant, a family home. We later return to Samarkand we’ll stop to visit a textile workshop. In the workshop "you have an opportunity to view all the stages of natural silk production and you’re able to purchase some beautiful garments.

Day 13:  Thursday  30th  September 2027:          Samarkand:                                 (B/L/D)
We are off to the Thursday Market this morning in the village of Urgut. It claims to be one of the oldest markets in Uzbekistan. Here you have a good chance to see locals from all over the countryside – selling and buying. This is an exciting old market where one can find antique textiles, new textiles, garments, hats, traditional shoes, jewellery, beads, etc. This is a busy place where lots of locals come to do their regular market shopping.
After visiting the Urgut market we return to Samarkand via Khoni Ghil village to observe the production of special Samarkand hand-made paper. This is a UNESCO project has involved the restoration of an old water mill in which an ancient art is now practiced.
After lunch we visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the mighty Temur and his sons and grandsons. For a man of his stature, it is quite a simple tomb. 
We continue onto another major highlight of our tour, the iconic Registan Square with the three madrassah’s (Ulugh beg, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over us. 
Later we visit the national house for dinner.

 Day 14:   Friday:          Samarkand – Tashkent:                   (B/L)
This morning we continue our discovery of Samarkand. Our first stop is the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex. Also known as the ‘Town of the Dead’ this is a row of more than 20 mausoleums, some of them with stunningly colourful tile work.
We walk to visit the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders.
Close by is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built by Temur and is often compared to the Taj Mahal as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. 
After lunch we visit a wonderful carpet workshop. Our guided tour provides insights into the processes behind the dying of the threads and the production of each unique carpet. This carpet factory is an important tourist attraction of Samarkand and Uzbekistan in general, provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the work of girls who weave carpets by hand, learn a painstaking process of production behind each carpet and choose a silk carpet you liked most to buy yourself. And remember each carpet is unique and one-of-a-kind.
Visiting the Samarkand State Museum of History and Culture. Here you meet with the a museum specialist who can explain you in detail about the 17th century kulox that belonged to the 17th century Bukharan Sheikh Mavlono Sharif.  Visit a large collection of skullcaps in the museum.
Later this afternoon we transfer to the railway station
Departure to Tashkent by high-speed train Afrosiab 17:30-19:40 (time is subject to be changed)
Arrival in Tashkent and transfer to our hotel.
Dinner is on your own this evening..

 Day 15:   Saturday:          Tashkent: (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we continue our exploration of Tashkent and visit the Khazret-Iman Complex, The Bara-Khon Madrassah is the headquarters of the Sunni Muslim religion in the region and has interesting mosaics and Arabic calligraphy that dates back to the late 16th century. Tellya Sheikh Madrassah and Archives (Osman Koran) Juma Mosque is next to the green dome of Chorsu Bazaar, a farmers’ market that is one of the largest and oldest in central Asia. Lunch today is a very traditional restaurant. 
After lunch we visit a Ceramic Studio and Workshop at Abdul Kassym Madrassah, which has a variety of artisan workshops, 
We also visit Bunyodkor Square (Friendship of Peoples Square) it is one of the most modern in the city. 
We visit an art gallery Human House that features hand-made crafts and clothing, ranging from full outfits to purses to beautiful hand-painted tea sets and ceramics and all made in original national style. It’s a great place to buy Uzbek souvenirs.
We may also take the opportunity to travel the Tashkent underground a view some of the magnificent stations.
Our farewell dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 16:  Sunday:            Depart Tashkent:               (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Uzbekistan.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing city; please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours and Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our itineraries are carefully planned to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Uzbekistan.  The magic of travelling in a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned moments that can be the most memorable and together with the rich tapestry of experiences and the characters we meet along the way that make this a very special tour.

Boutique Tours & Travel offers comprehensive travel packages with just about everything on land included in one price. Accommodation, most meals, transfers, baggage handling, all major sightseeing and numerous cultural events are included. Before you travel, you may have questions about what to expect while on your tour. For further information about this tour, or assistance in booking this tour please contact us: enquiries@boutiquetours.com.au

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour (2 - 12 Guests)

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Domestic Economy Class Flight – Tashkent / Khiva

• Local trains for domestic transfers as per itinerary

• Hand selected modern & boutique hotel accommodation

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible

• Private services of local bilingual textile tour guide

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour - 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private Chauffeur driven luxury air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing

• Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information App

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle  

• Room Sharing option for single/solo travellers available

Not included:

• International and or Domestic air fares

• Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges

• Passport and visa fees

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services

• Personal travel insurance

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• Meals not included & some alcoholic beverages not included

• Personal expenses