Ancient Silk Road
Uzbekistan – China

Tashkent, is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, is the most populous city in Central Asia, offers a blend of ancient Silk Road history, Soviet-era architecture, and modern, green urban spaces.

Morning visit the Amir Timur (Tamerlane) Monuments are major national landmarks honoring the 14th-century conqueror and state founder. The most famous equestrian bronze statue sits in Amir Temur Square in Tashkent. Continue to visit the Independence Square, located in the heart of Tashkent, is the main public square and a national symbol of freedom in Uzbekistan. Visit the White Mosque, built in 2013 with white marble and a golden mihrab, which can hold over 2,400 people. Next, explore the State Museum of the History of Timur, which displays many artifacts and artworks from Timur’s empire. Finally, end your day at the Dome Bazaar, a historic market with a blue dome that has been a trading crossroads between East and West for centuries.

After your gourmet breakfast at the hotel. Taking the high-speed train to Bukhara, the ancient Silk Road city, was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval center for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Upon arrival, visit the historic Taqi-Zargaron trading domes – Bukhara was a busy market center, and its covered streets and crossroads became crowded bazaars. The traditional markets are called Taqi, domed shopping halls built at major intersections, and three of them still remain: Taqi-Zargaron (originally a jewelry market), Taqi-Telpak Furushon (originally a hat market), and Taqi-Sarrafon (originally a money-exchange market). Today they keep their old appearance, but the shops are no longer divided by type, so you can find all kinds of goods – Uzbek ceramics, woven carpets, silk embroidery, and fine gold jewelry. In the evening, enjoy a night tour of the Kalon Minaret and the adjacent mosque, a very famous Central Asian Islamic monument and the symbol of Bukhara. Built in 1127 during the Karakhanid dynasty, it is 46 meters high and was the tallest building in Central Asia at that time. For over 800 years it has remained mostly intact, serving as a landmark for Silk Road caravans – Genghis Khan was so impressed by it that he ordered it spared, which is why it survived. However, in 1920 it was damaged by artillery fire ordered by General Frunze, and you can still see the repair marks.

Drive from Bukhara to Samarkand in the morning. Arrive in the “Pearl of Central Asia.” Begin your exploration at the Afrasiab Museum, which showcases artefacts from the ancient hill fortress of Afrasiyab, home to the Sogdians from the 6th century BC until AD 1220. These skilled linguists utilized Samarkand’s strategic location to become natural merchants and cultural bridges, connecting trade and ideas between East and West. Afterward, visit the magnificent Registan Square and take in its night view. As light and shadow dance across the weathered facades of the three oldest surviving Islamic madrasahs in the world, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a legendary, distant age.

Registan Square is truly the heart of Samarkand and one of the most stunning sights in Central Asia, is famous as a legendary jewel of the ancient Silk Road, a 2,700-year-old crossroads of world cultures, and the imperial capital of the 14th-century Timurid Empire.

Start your day in Samarkand with a visit to the Gur e Amir Mausoleum, the grand tomb of Timur and his descendants, crowned with a magnificent blue ribbed dome and richly decorated interiors – a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Next, stroll along the Shah i Zinda Necropolis, a breathtaking avenue of forty-four mausoleums clads in brilliant tiles, centred on the shrine of Kusam ibn Abbas, known as the “Living King” – it is one of Central Asia’s most beautiful places. In the afternoon, explore the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a remarkable archaeological site that reveals the 15th century astronomer ruler’s giant sextant, with a small museum displaying miniature models and ancient pottery. Afternoon at the Bibi Khanym Mosque, built by Timur’s wife in his honour – its immense size and beauty were once likened to the dome of heaven and the Milky Way.

After your gourmet breakfast at the hotel. Return to Tashkent. Visit the most atmospheric Hazrati Imam Islamic Complex, an important center of Islamic culture in Tashkent. The complex houses a rich collection of over 30,000 ancient Islamic manuscripts gathered from around the world. Today, it not only attracts visitors with its long history but also serves as an important window showcasing the nation’s traditional culture. After dinner, take the flight to Urumqi, is the capital of Xinjiang, nestled in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains. Historically a major Silk Road hub, it is today known for its vibrant cultural landscape blending Uyghur and Han Chinese influences, its unique cuisine, and its attractions.

Arrive Urumqi in the morning. Head to the stunning Heavenly Lake of Tianchi, surrounded by the mountains and dense forests. Enjoy your time on the cruise. Take in the breathtaking views and fresh air while strolling around the lake. In the afternoon, visit the International Grand Bazaar, a bustling market where you can experience local Uyghur culture, shop for traditional crafts, and taste delicious snacks. Enjoy the traditional performance in the dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

After your gourmet delicious breakfast at the hotel. Make the photo stop at Tuyoq Ancient Village,a living museum nestled in the Flaming Mountains. Journey continue to the dramatic Flaming Mountains. Feel the intense energy of these striking red sandstone hills, which glow with a fierce, reddish-black hue under the sun. In summer, the ground temperature can soar to a staggering 70°C, creating a truly otherworldly atmosphere. Let your imagination run wild in this legendary landscape, forever immortalized in the classic tale, Journey to the West. Next, visit Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage site often described as “the most perfect earth-built ruin in the world.” Wander through this breathtaking open-air museum—the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earthen city in China. Let your imagination bring the silent streets and time-worn structures to life as you stand amid history spanning more than two millennia.

Morning take a High Speed train from Turpan to Liuyuan South. Transfer to Dunhuang. Discover the magic of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring. Imagine a boundless sea of golden sand, where high dunes emit mysterious melodic sounds, and at their foot lies a crystal-clear lake in the shape of a crescent moon. This oasis is rightfully considered one of the most surreal and picturesque places in Central Asia. The best time to visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring are in the afternoon. These windows let you skip the severe midday desert heat while catching the best light for photography. The contrast between shimmering sand and clear water creates a scene of serene beauty, and you can even ride a camel along the ridges for a truly memorable experience, and wearing the Minority ethnic costumes to take a lot of beautiful pictures for yourself.

After concluding your gourmet breakfast. Explore the otherworldly Yardang Devil City, a vast expanse of wind sculpted rock formations that resemble ancient castles, mythical beasts, and towering pagodas – it feels like stepping onto another planet. Next, visit Yumen Pass, once a vital gateway on the ancient Silk Road; standing among its weathered ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of camel caravans and traders from centuries past. In the evening, enjoy “Ancient Sound of Dunhuang” – a magnificent cultural show that blends music, dance, and digital artistry, bringing the region’s Buddhist heritage and folk traditions to life in a breathtaking performance.

After a lovely gourmet breakfast. Spend the morning at the world-renowned Mogao Caves also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, a priceless treasury of Buddhist murals and sculptures that span over a thousand years. Often called the “Louvre of the East” this UNESCO site offers an intimate glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life along the Silk Road. Afterward, travel to Jiayuguan and marvel at the Jiayuguan Pass, known as the “First and Greatest Pass under Heaven” – this formidable fortress marks the western terminus of the Great Wall, with its imposing walls and watchtowers still standing proudly against the desert sky.

Depart Jiayuguan for Zhangye and discover the stunning Rainbow Danxia Landform, a geological masterpiece where layers of red, orange, yellow, and green rock ripple across the hills like a painter’s palette. The vivid colours are most striking at sunset, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Morning taking the High-Speed Train to Xian. With a history spanning 3,000+ years, Xian, the former national capital of 13 dynasties, has gone through many rulers and witnessed many historic events. What’s more, Xi’an is the origin of the famous ancient Silk Route heading west and home to the Terracotta Warriors of China’s first emperor.

After breakfast, head to Guanyin Chan Temple in Chang’an District. The temple was originally built in 628 AD during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty and serves as a Zen Buddhist monastery. Inside stands a ginkgo tree about 1,400 years old, said to have been personally planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang. The temple buildings feature Ming and Qing architectural styles, including the Main Hall and Guanyin Hall. Then proceed to the Chang’an Twelve Hours themed block, inspired by the TV series of the same name. Covering 24,000 square meters over three floors, it recreates the layout of the 108 wards of Tang-era Chang’an. Inside, you’ll find Tang-style street food, intangible cultural heritage craft experiences, and immersive performances such as the Rainbow-skirt Feathered Dance, Grand Tang Court Music, and street acrobatics. In the evening, wander through the dazzling Grand Tang Dynasty Ever bright City – a vibrant pedestrian street lined with magnificent Tang style architecture, festive lanterns, street performers, and local snacks. The whole area glows with imperial splendour, offering a lively taste of Xi’an’s glorious past.

Enjoy your own time until transfer to the airport