Journeys: Stories of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

Call Us 800.528.9300

Journeys: Stories of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan



Tour Description:

Trace the footsteps of traders, poets, and pilgrims along one of the most storied routes in history — the Silk Road. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reveals ancient cities, towering mosques, and lively bazaars where cultures once converged. Explore the remarkable ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Parthian capital. In Khiva, walk through perfectly preserved streets that feel frozen in time. Along the way, connect with welcoming locals, uncover enduring traditions, and gain deeper insight into the spiritual and cultural diversity that shaped these crossroads of civilization.

Map for Journeys: Stories of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Request an INSTANT Quote







Pavlus Newsletter



Thursday 28 May 26 — Monday 08 Jun 26Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 02 Jul 26 — Monday 13 Jul 26Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 30 Jul 26 — Monday 10 Aug 26Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 20 Aug 26 — Monday 31 Aug 26Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 24 Sep 26 — Monday 05 Oct 26Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 08 Oct 26 — Monday 19 Oct 26Starting at $3,299 Get a Quote
Thursday 15 Oct 26 — Monday 26 Oct 26Starting at $3,299 Get a Quote
Thursday 29 Apr 27 — Monday 10 May 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 20 May 27 — Monday 31 May 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 03 Jun 27 — Monday 14 Jun 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 24 Jun 27 — Monday 05 Jul 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 08 Jul 27 — Monday 19 Jul 27Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 22 Jul 27 — Monday 02 Aug 27Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 05 Aug 27 — Monday 16 Aug 27Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 26 Aug 27 — Monday 06 Sep 27Starting at $3,399 Get a Quote
Thursday 09 Sep 27 — Monday 20 Sep 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 16 Sep 27 — Monday 27 Sep 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 30 Sep 27 — Monday 11 Oct 27Starting at $3,499 Get a Quote
Thursday 07 Oct 27 — Monday 18 Oct 27Starting at $3,299 Get a Quote
Thursday 14 Oct 27 — Monday 25 Oct 27Starting at $3,299 Get a Quote
Thursday 21 Oct 27 — Monday 01 Nov 27Starting at $3,299 Get a Quote


ITINERARY

TASHKENT
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

TASHKENT
Set out on a guided tour of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan, where ancient artifacts and exhibits trace the region’s evolution–from early civilization to Silk Road empires, then Soviet rule. After, step into the spiritual heart of the city at the Religious Center of Tashkent, home to the beautifully restored Hasti Imam complex and the revered Museum of the Koran to see one of the world’s oldest Qurans. Then, wander through the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, where local life rushes around the mounds of spices, fresh produce and handwoven goods. At the bazaar, sample honim, a beloved Uzbek dish of steamed dough filled with spiced vegetables.

TASHKENT/ SAMARKAND
Travel this morning through the Uzbek desert on a high-speed train to Samarkand–one of the Silk Road’s most legendary cities. Upon arrival, take a guided tour beginning at Ulugbek Observatory. We’ll hear the story of its namesake, the 15th-century astronomer and ruler who mapped the stars with astonishing precision, leaving behind one of the Islamic world’s most important scientific legacies. Continue to the Afrosiob Museum, positioned on ancient Samarkand. Here, we’ll meet with the head archeologist who will share insights into the city’s ongoing excavations. This evening, join a local family to try the nation’s signature rice pilaf dish, plov. As you learn how the meal is prepared, the family will also explain its symbolism.

SAMARKAND
Continue exploring Samarkand with a guided visit to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Guri Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, the great conqueror, and the beautiful Registan Square, where madrasas showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. In Samarkand, your options for cultural exploration are endless. Maybe head to the peaceful Konigil Village to visit the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans use traditional, centuries-old silk paper making techniques. Or take a trip out to the Mausoleum of St Daniel. Wander the colorful stalls of Siyab Bazaar or this evening, experience a performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes, where centuries of Uzbek dress and dance come to life.

SAMARKAND/ BUKHARA
Climb aboard the high-speed train as we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage destination, Bukhara. This city is known as one of the most culturally rich and ancient places along the Silk Road and was a battle zone for conquerors like Genghis Khan, the British Empire and Russian Bolshevik troops. Head into the Old Town, where over 2,500 years of history thrive to this day. Start at Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, an Uzbek icon from the 10th century and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in all of Central Asia. The next stop is Ark Fortress, a towering symbol of Bukhara’s political and spiritual power. End the tour at the Kalyan Minaret, a nearly 900-year-old brickmade watchtower. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to learn to make the famous Uzbek dumplings, manti.

BUKHARA
Today begins with a visit to the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a place dedicated to Central Asia’s most revered Sufi scholars and a historic pilgrimage site. Meet with a local expert in Sufism to learn about its spiritual philosophy and lasting influence on the region’s culture and identity. Continue to the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, now a striking display of Russian and Persian architecture. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit an 18th-century hammam or do some shopping along the ancient trading domes of the old Caravanserai. This evening, gather in the stunning Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi for a traditional dinner and a folklore show that puts Uzbek heritage on full display.

BUKHARA/ KHIVA
Drive through the Kyzylkum desert toward the ancient city of Khiva. See the everchanging sand dunes, once crossed by travellers on the Silk Road carrying goods from the far corners of the world. Gaze upon the distant mountain peaks before arriving at the ancient walled city of Khiva, a living museum, with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture in the world.

KHIVA
Explore Khiva, an ornate and beautiful ancient city that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Silk Road over 2,500 years ago. Within the Ichan-Qala, the inner walled town of Khiva, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colourful alleyways, tiled mosques, historic madrasas and towering minarets. Khiva is a town so steeped in preservation as Sophie Ibbotson explains in her “6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024” National Geographic article. Together we’ll wander its paths, hearing the stories of traders, scholars and historic explorers and adventurers. This evening, explore Khiva culture at a Khorezmian dinner celebrating the region's historic music and dance.

KHIVA/ ASHGABAT
This morning, cross the border into Turkmenistan, a unique country rich with historic traditions still alive to this day. Our first stop is at the beautiful and haunting ruins of Kunya Urgench. Once a rich and lively center for Islamic scholars, it is now full of crumbling minarets, sacred tombs and mausoleums. After a visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Dashguz to board an evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city.

ASHGABAT
Head out to Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire from 200 BCE.. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important archaeological location full of ruins and well-preserved artifacts. Take in the remnants of mudbrick royal complexes and fortresses through remains of a civilization that once rivaled Rome. Fast forward from the past to the present as we head to the futuristic Alem Centre, a chance to admire its incredible architecture. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the city and reminisce about the incredible journey we’ve had through the Stans.

ASHGABAT
Depart at any time.