Highlights of The Silk Road
Adventurous Small Group Journey
Highlights: Dushanbe, Penjikent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Margilan, Osh, Bishkek, Karakol, Almaty
Travel from the 01st September 2025 to 24th September 2025
From NZ$12,257 per person double, additional NZ$1,378 per person solo
This tour is designed to experience the traces of the Great Silk Road and enjoy the history, culture, and journey of Central Asian states from the ancient route to modern life. Get mesmerised by the magnificent mountains and primaeval nature of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with the wild landscapes of the Tien-Shan Mountain Range. Densely planted forests of conifers, wide valleys and raging rivers, Canyons and unique mountain lakes with crystal clear water and herds of horses. On the other side, Uzbekistan is one of the oldest countries in the world and is colourful, warm and mysterious.
About the Tour Leader - Jill Townsend
My name is Jill Townshend, and I am a Bay of Plenty local. I have been very fortunate to experience some great travel adventures throughout my life. In 1981 I escorted a group of divers to Vanuatu, which was really the beginning for me. Adding other destinations such as Papua New Guinea, India, China, Egypt, Malta, Oman, Machu Picchu, Bhutan, About the tour leader and Kilimanjaro. Running the New York marathon and trekking Everest Base Camp recently, are some of the amazing experiences and places I have been lucky enough to enjoy. My sister-in-law is from Uzbekistan and over the years, hearing her stories, I’ve always known that I’d like to see this part of the world. Now is that time.
And there is nothing more fun, than a group of like-minded travellers exploring a new destination together…..will you join me?
FULL Itinerary
Day 1: 01st Sept 2025: Departure Auckland Meet your Tour Guide in Auckland and board Emirates Airlines (EK0449) at 2030 hrs.
Day 2: (B) 02nd Sept 2025: Arrive Dubai by EK0449 at 0535 hrs. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and relax. Afternoon enjoy the tour of Gold Souk, renowned as one of the largest gold markets in the world, and the aromatic world of the Spice Souk. Wander through the narrow alleys filled with vibrant colours and enticing scents of exotic spices, herbs, and traditional remedies. Stay two nights in Dubai.
Day 3: (B) 03rd Sept: 2025: Dubai. Explore Dubai’s highlights, including Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise around the Marina and Palm, taking in stunning views and modern landmarks. Perfect for a quick, immersive introduction to the city. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4: (B) 04th Sept 2025: Departure Dubai. Day at leisure until check-out. (Late check-out is considered on this day). Later transfer to the Dubai International Airport to board Fly Dubai Airlines (FZ0777) at 2240 hrs.
Day 5: (B) 05th Sept 2025: Arrive Dushanbe by FZ0777 at 0255 hrs. On arrival meet and greet and transfer to the hotel, remaining time at leisure and stay two nights in Dushanbe.
Day 6: (B/D) 06th Sept 2025: Dushanbe. Dushanbe was at one point a small market village where traders would gather each Monday to sell their goods. Enjoy full day city tour and visit Ismoili Somoni, Rudaki Park, the Centre of the city to see one of the Highest Flagpole in the world, Tajikistan State Museum and Victory Park. Afternoon explore the famous Mehrgon Bazaar and evening free to relax.
Day 7: (B/D) 07th Sept 2025: Dushanbe – Penjikent. Today travel Penjikent through the picturesque scenery of Varzob Valley and Anzob pass-tunnel to Lake Iskander Kul (Alexander the Great Lake) in the heart of the Fan Mountains. The history of the city is known to be 5500 years and was one of the easternmost settlements of the ancient Sogdiana Empire. Afternoon enjoy the city tour and visit the Penjikent excavation sites, the Museum of Archaeology and the Rudaki Museum in the centre of the town to see collections of artefacts from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era.
Day 8: (B/D) 08th Sept 2025: Penjikent – Samarkand (Uzbekistan). After breakfast drive to Sarazm/ Jartepa border. We cross the border and travel to Samarkand. Afternoon free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Samarkand.
Day 9: (B/D) 09th Sept 2025: Samarkand. We explore the fabled city of Samarkand and visit Registan Square, 17th centuries old beautiful madrasah, Gur Emir - the mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane and Ulugbek Observatory. Evening free to relax or explore the famous Siyob Bazaar.
Day 10: (B/D) 10th Sept 2025: Samarkand – Bukhara. Travel to Bukhara and en-route stop at Shakhrisabz, the hometown of Tamerlane and one of most ancient cities in Central Asia. Visit Koba Caravanserai among other historical places before continuing the journey. Stay two nights in Bukhara.
Day 11: (B/D) 11th Sept 2025: Bukhara. We start a full-day city tour to experience the most beautiful architecture and culture. Visit the Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of the Samanids, Lyabi Khauz Square, the architectural complex Poi Kalon, Toki Zargaron trade domes, Magok-i-Attori Mosque.
Day 12: (B/D) 12th Sept 2025: Bukhara – Tashkent. Before taking the train to Tashkent, visit Chor Minor (a mosque with 4 minarets), the summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir - Sitorai MokhiKhosa, the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, Naqshbandiy complex, and the Chor Bakr Necropolis. Evening free to relax or explore the area and stay two nights in Tashkent.
Day 13: (B/D) 13th Sept 2025: Tashkent. Tashkent is among the five largest cities in Central Asia. From modern to historical buildings, ancient mosques to modern shopping centres alternate with traditional oriental bazaars and markets offering a great cultural experience. After breakfast, start our city tour and visit the Museum of Applied Art, Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Romanov Palace and famous Madrasahs and Mausoleum. An afternoon stroll through the huge Chorsu bazaar to experience everyday life and how locals do shopping.
Day 14: (B/D) 14th Sept 2025: Tashkent – Margilan. Take morning train to Kokand. Upon arrival visit Khudoyar Khan’s Palace, and Dahmai Shahon (Grave of Kings). Continue drive to Margilan visiting the workshop of the ceramist and get acquainted with the whole technology of Rishtan ceramics. Stay overnight in Margilan.
Day 15: (B/D) 15th Sept 2025: Margilan – Osh (Kyrgyzstan). After breakfast, visit Madrassah of Said Ahmad (XIX century) and Silk factory to see the whole process of silk sewing. Later we travel across the border to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, the country is known for its nomad life. Afternoon enjoy a tour of this city and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the sacred Suleiman’s Throne, the new Museum, Jayma Bazaar known to be the best market west of Kashgar established around 2000 years ago. Stay overnight in Osh.
Day 17: (B/D) 17th Sept 2025: Bishkek. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour and visit the historical and Applied Arts Museum, Ala-Too Square, the main square of the country and explore Osh Bazaar. Evening free to relax or explore the area.
Day 18: (B/D) 18th Sept 2025: Bishkek – Karakol. Today enjoy a scenic ride alongside the shore of magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake to Karakol. Afternoon explore Karakol town, founded in 1869 and built-in Tsar style. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church built in 1896 and the Chinese pagoda-style mosque built in 1899. Stay overnight in Karakol.
Day 19: (B/D) 19th Sept 2025: Karakol - Almaty (Kazakhstan). Today cross the Kyrgyz and Kazakh border and travel to Almaty. En-route visit Charyn Canyon, also known as the Valley of Castles as its bright red colour rock formations resemble castles. Evening free to relax and stay two nights in Almaty.
Day 20: (B/D) 20th Sept 2025: Almaty. Today enjoy the sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square. In the afternoon visit Chimbulak Ski Resort and ride the cable car to enjoy the amazing view of the snowy peak of Tian Shan Mountains. Evening free to explore the Green Bazaar. Later in the night midnight, departure transfer to the Airport to board your flight at 0340 hrs. on 21st Sept 2025.
Day 21: (B) 21st Sept 2025: Almaty – Dubai by FZ1722 arriving in Dubai at 0715 hrs. B On arrival, transfer to the hotel and relax. Stay two nights in Dubai.
Day 22: 22nd Sept 2025: Dubai B Day at leisure
Day 23: 23rd Sept 2025: Departure Dubai B transfer to the Dubai International Airport to board Emirates Airlines (EK0448) at 1005 hrs. to Auckland.
Day 24: 24th Sept 2025: Arrive in Auckland Arrive in Auckland at 0950 hr
Ref: BETHL