On the trail of the Silk Road caravan routes

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris – Istanbul – Urgench (flights)

  

  Flight to Urgench on regular Turkish Airlines flights. Dinner and overnight on board.

• day 2

  Ourghentch – Khiva

  

  Early in the morning, arrival at Urgench International Airport, welcome by your French-speaking guide-escort, then transfer towards Khiva (30 km / ~40 min). Arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The room will be available upon your arrival. Rest time and breakfast at the hotel. Discovery of the walled city of Khiva, or Itchan-Kala, a true treasure of oriental architecture that seems straight out of the tales of "One Thousand and One Nights": - The Muhammad Amin Khan madrasa (19th century), located near the Kalta Minor ("Short Minaret" in Uzbek), which is the most iconic landmark of the city. - The Koukhna Ark fortress ("Old Fortress") which includes the Juma Mosque, the Throne Hall, the Mint, and the Chancellery. - The Mohammed Rakhim Khan madrasa (19th century), the poet khan, known under the pseudonym Ferouz, where not only traditional Islamic studies were taught, but also secular subjects such as astronomy, geography, and mathematics. - The mausoleum of Said Alauddin (14th century), considered one of the oldest monuments in Khiva. - The Juma Mosque (10th-17th centuries) with its 218 carved wooden columns. Lunch at the "Zarafshan" café or similar, located in the setting of an old madrasa (free). In the afternoon, continuation of the guided tours of Khiva with: - The Islam Khodja madrasa and its 45 m high minaret, an ideal place to have a panoramic view of the old city. - The Tach Khaouli, or the "Stone Palace" (1825 – 1842), composed of three main buildings: the coronation hall, a reception room, and a harem. - The Saraï Allakouli Khan madrasa and caravanserai (1835), decorated with Khorezmian-style majolica in shades of black and white, as well as blue. - The Pakhlavon Makhmoud mausoleum, a famous poet and warrior who became the patron saint of Khiva. Dinner with a family in a traditional house with the possibility of a cooking master class or similar (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  Khiva – Gaybou Village – Khiva

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the guided tours of Dichan-Kala, or the outer city, with: - The Nouroullah Bai Palace (1912), which represents the marriage of oriental styles with the luxury of Saint Petersburg (with, for example, stoves decorated with porcelain from Saint Petersburg). This palace bears witness to the fascination the last khans had for the lavish lifestyle of the tsars. Short transfer to the village of Gaybou (25 km / 30 min) to meet locals and experience unique moments with a Turkmen family. - Visit of the village with Turkmen-Kala, or Ulli Khovli ("Great Courtyard"), an old 17th-century Turkmen fortress, its stables, its yurts, authentic encounters with the Turkmen community, etc. Possibility of a camel or horseback ride around the fortress (optional). It is also possible to take a master class to learn how to prepare dough and observe the process of baking Turkmen bread in a traditional clay oven, the "tandyr" (optional). Friendly lunch under the yurt (included). Return to Khiva, then free time to stroll through the alleys of the old town or go shopping. Dinner at the family restaurant "Mirzaboshi" on the terrace at sunset or similar (not included). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Khiva – Bukhara

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure towards Bukhara (450 km/~6h drive) passing through the red sands of the Kizil-Kum desert, then crossing the arid steppe with its herds of astrakhan sheep. On the way, stop at the Amu Darya river, a true blue serpent in the desert. Lunch in a local chaikhana, where you can taste beef or lamb skewers (free). Arrival in the late afternoon, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rest time. - A pleasant walk in the old city to Lyabi-Khauz square, via Bukhara mudbrick and adobe houses, located in a former Jewish quarter of Bukhara. Dinner outdoors on the terrace of the "Old Bukhara" restaurant in the old city or similar (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Bukhara

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, guided walking tours of the old city of Bukhara, the most secretive of the caravan cities, with its narrow alleys and monuments that capture the hearts of visitors: - The Samanid Mausoleum, built towards the end of the 10th century, is one of the oldest monuments in the Muslim world. - Nearby, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, known as the "Mausoleum of Job's Well." This site is both a tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage. - The Bolo-Khauz Mosque, with its twenty pillars (18th c.), was used by the emirs of Bukhara for Friday prayers, highlighting its political and religious importance in the region. - The Ark Citadel, a major historical and architectural monument of Bukhara whose foundation dates back more than 2,000 years. It served as a fortified residence for the rulers of Bukhara and represents an impressive example of medieval military and residential architecture in Central Asia. Lunch in a chaikhana by the pond on Lyabi Khaouz square or similar (free). In the afternoon, continuation of the guided tours: - The Liabi-Khaouz square (literally "by the pond") built around a lovely pond lined with thousand-year-old mulberry trees. The complex includes the Koukeldash Madrasa (1568), the largest in Central Asia, and 2 religious buildings erected by Nadir Divan Beghi: the Nadir Divan Beghi Khanaka (which once served as an inn for dervishes, wandering faithful, and Sufis), whose sparkling portal is reflected in the waters of the khaouz, and the Nadir Divan Beghi Madrasa (1630), which was originally intended to be a caravanserai. - The Magok-i-Attari Mosque, built in the 9th century on the ruins of a Buddhist temple, then a Zoroastrian temple dedicated to the moon (currently the Central Asian Carpet Museum). - Stop at the markets of Toki Sarrafon, the dome of the money changers, Toki Telpakfurushon, the dome of the hat makers, and Toki Zargaron, the dome of the jewelers. - The Tim Abdoulla Khan (16th c.), the market also known as the "Dome of Commerce," built in the Persian style, which explains its resemblance to the traditional market of ancient Iranian cities. - The Ulug Beg Madrasa (1417), built by the astronomer prince of Samarkand, and that of Abdoulaziz Khan, built two hundred years later when Bukhara had become the capital of the khanate. - The Poi-Kalon square, whose name means "at the pedestal of the Most High," is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in Central Asia. It consists of a Kalon minaret (1127) over 48 meters high, the Great Mosque (1514), one of the largest in Central Asia, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa (1512), which was the only Quranic school allowed to teach religious studies during the Soviet era. At the end of the day, possibility of a coffee break at the "Shopping Cafe" (free) with a breathtaking view of the Poi-Kalon complex, then return on foot to the hotel. Dinner at "Joy Chaikhana Lounge" with live music or similar (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Bukhara

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the exploration of Bukhara with visits to sites located outside the city: - The Chor Minor madrasa, also known as "the 4 minarets," is a hidden gem in the alleys of the old quarters of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Built at the beginning of the 19th century by Khalif Niyazkul, an Uzbek merchant, this structure is distinguished by its four unique minarets, symbolizing the various cultures and religions of the time. - The Bahaouddin Naqshbandi necropolis, a major pilgrimage site for Muslims, equivalent to Mecca. Bahaouddin Naqshbandi (1318-1389) is the founder of the Naqshbandiya Sufi order, one of the most influential and widespread Sufi orders in the Muslim world. The necropolis includes several structures, including the mausoleum of Bahaouddin Naqshbandi, a mosque, and various annex buildings. - The Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa palace, also known as the "Palace of Stars Like the Moon," was the secondary residence of the last emirs of Bukhara. Located about 4 km north of Bukhara, this palace is a prominent example of the region's architecture and decorative art. It was built at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century under the reigns of different emirs. Lunch in a typical Bukharan restaurant during the visit (free). Return to the old city, then free time in the heart of the old city of Bukhara, dedicated to shopping and personal discoveries. Dinner in a typical restaurant (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Bukhara – Gijduvan – Nurata – Yurt camp

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure towards Nourata (175 km / ~3h drive) via Guijdouvan, a former artisanal center on the Silk Road, renowned for its ceramics and traditional embroidery. - On the way, visit the imposing minaret of Vobkent, 39 m high, typical of Karakhanid architecture (11th and 12th centuries). - In Guijdouvan, visit the workshop of Alicher Narzullaev, representing the 6th generation of master ceramists. The craft and know-how are passed down from father to son and from master to apprentice. The site visited includes a ceramics museum, an exhibition hall, the workshop, and the traditional house where the members of this artisan family live. All the men are ceramists, while all the women are embroiderers. - Stop at Karmana to discover the remains of an ancient caravanserai, Rabati-Malik (11th century), and the Sardoba water reservoir (15th century). Arrival in Nourata, transfer to a guesthouse for a traditional lunch (included). In the afternoon, visit of Nourata which, according to legend, was struck by a meteorite. At the moment of impact on earth, a water spring is said to have appeared at this spot and gave birth to the city, meaning "ray of the father". - The Tchachma complex, which is still today a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. The place is famous for its healing water spring with "marinkas", scaleless fish (a type of trout). - The ruins of an ancient citadel of Alexander the Great, which served as a border construction between the wild steppes and the agricultural regions. Short drive (60 km / 1h drive) to the "Kyzylkoum Safari" yurt camp. Upon arrival, a relaxing break (tea, dried fruits) and installation under the yurts. - At sunset, possibility of a ride on Bactrian camels in the sand dunes around the camp. In the evening, an aperitif (local drinks) followed by a festive dinner (included), then an evening around the campfire with music and traditional songs performed by the Kazakh troubadour Akyn. Night in a yurt (4 people / yurt). PRACTICAL INFORMATION Your camp is made up of about twenty comfortable yurts (Kazakh felt tents), where you will be accommodated up to 4 people per yurt. Each yurt is arranged to offer you optimal comfort. You will have a cozy bed equipped with individual bed linen (sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover) and towels. In addition, each yurt is equipped with electricity to recharge your devices. Meals are prepared with local ingredients, often based on beef or mutton, accompanied by rice, pasta, and vegetables. Vegetarian meals are available on request. * Individual yurts are subject to availability and require a supplement.

• day 8

  Yurt – Lake Aydarkul – Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the camp. Short transfer to Lake Aydarkoul, located 5 km west of the camp, a true oasis in the heart of Central Asia. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this artificial lake with turquoise waters offers a striking spectacle that contrasts with the aridity of the surrounding desert. - Walk around the lake to discover the region's fauna and flora, and swimming possible depending on the season (from April to October). Picnic lunch by the lake (included). Road to Samarkand (250 km/~5h drive). Arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rest time. - In the evening, walk to Reghistan Square to admire the beauty of the ensemble from a different angle, in the light of the sunset, not forgetting the encounters with locals who gather there (outside visit). Dinner in a traditional Uzbek restaurant (not included) and overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Start of guided tours of Samarkand, the capital of Tamerlane, with: - The Gur Emir mausoleum, with its enormous turquoise dome housing the tombs of Tamerlane and his descendants, including his first grandson, Ulugh Beg, a famous mathematician and astronomer, who made Samarkand a great cultural and scientific center. - Registan Square ("Sandy Square"), one of the most majestic ensembles in Central Asia and Islam. Visit of the Ulugh Beg madrasa, renamed in honor of Tamerlane's grandson, who was one of the greatest astronomers of the 15th century, the Sher-Dor madrasa ("bearing lions"), the Tilla Kori madrasa and mosque ("gilded with gold") built by Yalangtush Bahadur, the governor of Samarkand in the 17th century. - A walk along the famous Tashkentskaya street, which offers a pleasant and immersive experience. This iconic street starts practically at the Registan and extends to the Siab market, covering just over 2 km. The street is perfectly designed for pedestrians, with wide and clean sidewalks, surrounded by greenery and carefully maintained lawns. Lined with souvenir shops, grocery stores, cafes, and traditional restaurants, this pedestrian street is closed to all traffic, except for electric excursion cars. Lunch at the "Zargaron" restaurant or similar, with an exceptional view of the domes of the neighboring mosque (free). In the afternoon, continuation of the guided tours: - The Bibi Khanum mosque, considered the largest mosque in Central Asia. The building was built in the 14th century by order of Tamerlane after his military campaign in South India. It is an iconic monument of breathtaking beauty and tumultuous history. - A pleasant stroll in the picturesque Siab bazaar (closed on Mondays), where a typically oriental atmosphere reigns. It is the market for goods and objects of all kinds, but it is also the privileged place where news is exchanged, across all age groups. - The necropolis of the "Living King", or Shakhi-Zinda, which is the most imposing and picturesque masterpiece among the architectural monuments of Samarkand. The ancient complex includes 11 dazzling mausoleums with high portals decorated with majolica and stone vaults under domes of turquoise blue colors. The Shakhi-Zinda complex was a great spiritual and religious center, whose visit was considered similar to a pilgrimage to Mecca. Dinner at the "Platan" restaurant with a very original design: natural materials such as stone, wood, etc., or similar (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 10

  Samarkand – Chakhrisabz – Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards Chakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, located 90 km south of Samarkand (~1h drive) via the Takhtakaratcha mountain pass (1700 m altitude). *Possibility to observe birds such as raptors, eagles, vultures at the Takhtakaratcha pass on the way between Samarkand and Chakhrisabz, provided there is an early departure (depending on the season). On the way, a few stops to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes and take photos. Arrival and discovery of Chakhrisabz, one of the most important cultural centers of the East in the 14th-15th centuries, during guided tours: - The Ak-Sarai Palace ("White Palace") built at the beginning of the Timurid period, between 1380 and 1396, under the reign of Tamerlane. Today in ruins, only a huge portal remains, originally 71 meters high, flanked by two cylindrical towers resting on octagonal bases and currently measuring 44 meters. - The Doru-s-Tilovat architectural ensemble ("Place of Recitation"), the funerary complex built to honor Chamseddin Koulyal, a respected Sufi master and spiritual guide of Tamerlane's family. Nearby, the Kok Goumbaz mosque, which means "Blue Dome", built by Ulugh Beg, the prince-astronomer, in 1435. - The Doru-s-Siadat complex ("Seat of Power"), initially designed as a mausoleum for Djekhanguir, Tamerlane's eldest and favorite son, who died prematurely at the age of 22. Next to it, the crypt of Tamerlane (although his body was buried in Samarkand) and the Khazret Imam mosque (20th c.), which is still in use. Lunch in a local restaurant or a mountain chaikhana on the pass (free). Return to Samarkand, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest time. Dinner in a traditional restaurant (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 11

  Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the guided tours of Samarkand: - The remains of Ulugh Beg's observatory, built in the Middle Ages by the astronomer prince and grandson of Tamerlane. It was here that a star catalog, in which 1018 stars were described, was compiled. - The Afrosiab Museum, whose centerpiece is a 7th-century fresco known as "The Ambassadors." It is a unique work of its kind and one of the few available to archaeologists and historians to study Sogdian painting and art. - The mausoleum of Khodja Doniyar (the biblical prophet Daniel), located on the outskirts of Samarkand, on the bank of the Siab river. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, covered with many traditions and legends related to the 18-meter length of the tomb. - The "Khurjum" carpet factory to familiarize yourself with the production of handmade silk carpets. - The "Meros" paper mill, located in the village of Koniguil 8 km from Samarkand, to observe the traditional manufacture of silk paper according to a tradition preserved since the 9th century. Works of art painted on this rare and delicate material are of exceptional finesse. Authentic lunch on the banks of the Siab river in the village or similar (free). Afternoon: continuation, free time dedicated to personal discoveries and last shopping. To end your trip in style, a farewell dinner at the "Samarkand" restaurant or similar, renowned for its delicious shashliks, these skewers of meat grilled over embers that have made Uzbek cuisine famous (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 12

  Samarkand – Istanbul – France

  

  Breakfast (lunch box). Transfer to Samarkand International Airport and return flight.