Road to Samarkand

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Flights Included New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach Small Group Off The Beaten Track Scenic
Our Price From 15,424 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 856 Per Person
 Trip Length
23 Days
 Trip Starts
Bishkek
 Trip Finishes
Tashkent
23 Day Road to Samarkand Itinerary (Wendy Wu)
Countries Explored: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Trip Style
Go Beyond Tours
Departures
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
RS23

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Wendy Wu's 23 Day Road to Samarkand. Journey through the heart of Central Asia crossing beautiful deserts and mountain landscapes. Discover ancient cities full of intricate Islamic architecture, thriving bazaars and a mystical old-world atmosphere, all linked with the legends of the Silk Road. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Fly overnight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital and cultural hub. Upon arrival check-in and spend the rest of the day at leisure, before dinner. (D)

Today visit Ala-Too Square, the White House and Oak Park before driving to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike through its picturesque scenery of rugged peaks and dramatic gorges. In the afternoon, continue with a city-tour in Bishkek. (B/L/D)

Visit the magnificent 12th-century Burana Tower before departing for Cholpon-Ata. Set on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the astonishing collection of 8th Century petroglyphs etched into glacial stone nearby. Later, take a cruise on the beautiful Lake Issyk Kul, admiring its spectacular alpine-esque surroundings. (B/L/D)

Drive to Karakol, stopping at Semenov Gorge for a gentle hike en route. Visit the Kyrchyn Jailoo ethnic village and arrive in Karakol in the early afternoon. This afternoon visit the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer, and visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Chinese mosque. (B/L/D)

Rise early to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Karakol's Sunday morning animal market which rivals Kashgar's famous animal market. In the afternoon, travel to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge for a walk through the canyon of red sandstone. This evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family in Karakol. (B/L/D)

Drive 3 hours to Bokonbaevo Village and watch an eagle hunting demonstration, a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition practised with majestic golden eagles. Continue to Naryn, where you will stay the night. (B/L/D)

Pass through dramatic mountain and valley landscapes to reach Tash Rabat, a small stone caravansary that was of great significance at the height of the Silk Road. Enjoy the peaceful valley said to contain some of the finest landscapes in Kyrgyzstan before returning to Naryn. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Kochkor, the centre of Kyrgyz felt handicrafts. Visit a traditional 'shyrdak' (wool carpet) workshop and a co-op that provides training for local women in traditional handicrafts. In the evening you will travel to a guesthouse near Chong-Kemin National Park. (B/L/D)

Travel from Kochkor to Chong Kemin, a quiet valley with small villages surrounded by magnificent mountains. Enjoy a walk in the foothills before travelling to Bishkek airport for your flight to Tashkent. (B/L/D)

Explore Tashkent's sights, including the Barak Khana Seminary, Kukeldash madrassas, Tila Shaikh mosque and their archives. Browse the wares of Chorsu bazaar before experiencing a ceramic workshop. (B/L/D)

Travel to the legendary city of Samarkand where you will enjoy a tour of Registan Square, the Ulug-Bek and Tillya-Kori madrassah. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. (B/L/D)

Explore Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane, the grandest structure of Amir Temur's times - the chief Friday Mosque called Bibi-Khanum and the Siab Bazaar and Shahi Zinda Necropolis. Later in the afternoon see Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel. (B/L/D)

Visit Ulugbek's observatory, constructed by Ulugbek (Grandson of the Great Amir Temur) in 1428-1429. Later see the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Continue to Konigil Village to visit a paper-making workshop. In the afternoon, return to Samarkand and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B/L/D)

Travel to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the Great Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Explore the city, visiting sites such as the remnants of Ak-Saray Palace, Dorus Tilavat cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. Return to Samarkand this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Journey to Bukhara. En route, visit Gijduvan, a centre of famous handmade ceramics. Here you will see the fascinating process of making these ceramics. Continue on to Bukhara where you will have the afternoon to begin to explore this fascinating city. (B/L/D)

This morning's sightseeing includes: the Lyab-i-Hauz ensemble, Nadir Devanbegi Madrassah, Khanaga and Magoki Attari Mosques, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, plus the Maddrassahs of Aziz Khan and Ulugbek. After lunch you will discover the Ark of Bukhara, Bolo Hauz Mosque and the Mausoleums of Ismail Samanid and Chashma Ayub. (B/L/D)

This morning, visit Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the Emir's summer palace, a 20th Century confection of a building! Continue to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausolem of a famous Sufi spiritual leader of the region. The afternoon is at leisure. Return to Bukhara and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L/D)

This morning, you will set out for Khiva, a journey that will take you across Kyzyl Kum desert and a stop at Amudarya River. The route runs 480 kilometres through the stark beauty of the desert, the scenery changing from sparse saksaul trees to the lush riverbanks of the Amudarya. (B/L/D)

Explore ancient Khiva, discovering the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city of Itchan Kala including the mighty Kunya Ark and the turquoise tiled Islom-Khodja. Wander through the fascinating Madrassah Rakhimkhon, a beacon of religious, astronomic, geographic and mathematical studies, and see the 19th Century Tash Hauli Palace, decorated in blue fine china tiles. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Urgench to fly to Tashkent. Upon arrival visit the Museum of Applied Arts as well as the Mustakilik Square and the famous Tashkent Metro. With it's marble and granite decorations the Metro feels like an underground palace. (B/L/D)

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia via Dubai (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Relax by Tian Chi Lake
  • Explore Kashgar
  • Discover ancient Khiva
  • Uncover Samarkand's Silk Road history
  • Browse colourful bazaars

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
  • 3 - 4 star accommodation, plus guesthouse
  • 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners

  • 2 Guest Houses, Kochkor (4 star):
  • Guest House "Khan-Tengri" , Naryn (4 star): Guest House "Khan-Tengri" is considered to be one of the best guest houses in Naryn. It's located in a quiet district of Naryn where you can feel the warm atmosphere of Kyrgyz hospitality. The guest house has 25 en-suite comfortable rooms, all featuring cable TV and furniture. The internet and bar are other facilities provided.
  • Guest House “Green Yard”, Karakol (4 star): Green Yard Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Karakol, a short distance from the famous Issyk-Kul Lake and ski-resort. The hotel features spacious en-suite rooms, fitted with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV, wardrobe and desk. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are also available in a bathroom. Guests can also relax in the sauna and massage parlour.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 01 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount approximately US$150pp (AU$224pp) is paid locally in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Go Beyond Tours
Go Beyond Tours

Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more

Airfares Included
Airfares Included

Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more

Our Tour Guides
Our Tour Guides

On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more

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Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)

When you cruise the waters of famous and historic rivers with Wendy Wu, you’ll see a side of a destination that is usually missed. Each river cruise is combined with one of our signature tours, filled with activities and experiences, offering an exciting in-depth exploration of a country’s culture, history, and sights.

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Note
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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