Of Deserts, Trade Routes, and Magnificent Mosques (2026)

starting at 2.100 €

Arrival in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, in the morning. Transfer to the hotel and breakfast. The day begins with a visit to the Open-Air Locomotive Museum, which offers insight into the history of the Uzbek railway. Afterward, you’ll explore the historic Old Town, including Hast-Imam Square, the Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, and the Museum of Applied Arts. Tip: Take the metro and soak in the beauty of the elaborately designed stations. FA

After breakfast, you’ll head to the train station, where you’ll travel by train along the single-track railway line—completed as recently as 2016—into the Fergana Valley, passing through the 19.2 km-long Kamchiq Tunnel along the way. In Margilan, you’ll visit a silk workshop before continuing on to Rishthan, the city of ceramics. Here, you’ll visit a workshop for traditional pottery and a private carpet weaving workshop. Afterward, you’ll travel on to Kokand, where you’ll spend the night at a mid-range hotel. FA

Today you’ll visit Kokand, one of Uzbekistan’s most famous and oldest cities, once an important trading hub on the Great Silk Road. Explore the palace of the last ruler, the Hudoyor-Khan Palace, the Modari-Khan Mausoleum, and the Khans’ Cemetery. After exploring this small city, you’ll head back to Tashkent via the mountain pass on a roughly five-hour drive. FA

Today, aboard the state-of-the-art Afrosiab express train, your journey takes you from Tashkent to Samarkand, the paradise of the Orient. The city is one of the world’s oldest cultural and economic centers: 2,500 years ago—under its ancient name, Afrasiab—Samarkand was the capital of the legendary Sogdian Empire. You can explore Samarkand’s history as early as this afternoon. Among other places, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a research site whose ruins were uncovered in 1908. Or visit the Afrosiab Museum, located on the site of the ancient settlement of the same name. During a visit to a paper mill, you’ll gain insight into this ancient craft, which dates back to the 8th century. FA

Today, you’ll see what is undoubtedly the most impressive architectural complex in Central Asia: Registan Square, framed by three magnificent madrasas. The huge ceremonial portals are particularly striking in terms of their ornamentation and color. In the background, the domes of the mosques glisten as if in an Oriental fairy tale. The Shah-e-Sende Mausoleum—the necropolis built between the 11th and 15th centuries in northern Samarkand—is also one of the finest examples of the diversity and beauty of Timurid architecture. The palace-like Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum from the 15th century houses Timur’s tomb. You’ll see the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. You’ll prepare your own dinner together with an Uzbek family! You’ll all cook the Uzbek national dish, plov, together. FA

In the morning, you’ll travel by the Afrosiab express train to Bukhara, where a shuttle will take you to your cozy hotel in the Old Town. After a short rest, you’ll immerse yourself in the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Once an important trading post on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara is now a city of museums with over 140 architectural monuments. The fascinating Poi-Kalon architectural complex comprises four structures and is an outstanding example of the region’s magnificent medieval architecture. You’ll visit the Ark Fortress, whose origins date back so far that no one knows exactly when it was built; the Bolo-Hovuz Mosque with its 40 columns; the Chor-Minor Madrasah; and the Samanid Mausoleum in the historic center of Bukhara. At a teahouse, you’ll savor aromatic Uzbek spiced tea. You’ll enjoy dinner at one of the many terrace restaurants with a beautiful view of the Old Town, accompanied by traditional Uzbek music. FA

Today you’ll visit the PoiKalon complex, which was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Miri-Arab Madrasa, the mosque, and the Kalon Minaret offer wonderful photo opportunities! Afterward, you’ll visit the domed market buildings—three bazaar centers where hat sellers, jewelers, and money changers once peddled their wares. Also on your itinerary is the Labi-Hauz complex, featuring the 17th-century Nadir Devon Begi Madrasa. FM

In the morning, you’ll travel by bus to Khiva, and in the afternoon, you’ll explore the oasis of Khiva—an oriental fairy tale set in stone! Take a walking tour to soak in all the sights. FM

Today you’ll continue your city tour: Life around the Kalta Minor Minaret is still as vibrant today as it was in days gone by. You’ll visit the Djuma Friday Mosque, the Kunya Ark Citadel, the Islam Hodja Minaret, the Pachlavan Mahmud Complex, and the Nurilla Bay Palace. You’ll enjoy your farewell dinner at a restaurant featuring Khorezmian folklore. FA

In the morning, you'll be transferred to Urgench, from where you'll fly back to Germany. F