Textiles, Arts & Crafts of Uzbekistan
07 – 17 May 2026
Special Interest
A Small Group Tour Led by Chris Aslan
Glories of Uzbekistan 07 - 17 May 2026 Special Interest
Unravel the Silk Road at its heart, Uzbekistan; a meeting place of East and West, conquered by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, and influenced by Mohammed and Marx. Be dazzled by the architecture, humbled by the hospitality, unravelled by the fabulous textiles, and fascinated by the rich history of this unique and upcoming travel destination.
This small group tour is led by Chris Aslan who has lived and worked for many years in Uzbekistan. He will bring to life the history, arts and crafts of Uzbekistan with his lectures and insights into the culture and traditions of the local people.
Trip Scholar: Chris Aslan Alexander
Chris was born in Turkey (hence the name Aslan) and spent his childhood there and in war-torn Beirut. After school, Chris spent two years at sea before studying Media and journalism at Leicester University. He then moved to Khiva, a desert oasis in Uzbekistan, establishing a UNESCO workshop reviving fifteenth century carpet designs and embroideries, and becoming the largest non-government employer in town. After a year in the UK writing A Carpet Ride to Khiva, he moved to the Pamirs in Tajikistan, training yak herders to comb their yaks for their cashmere-like down, spending three years there. Next came two years in Kyrgyzstan living in the world’s largest natural walnut forest and establishing a wood-carving workshop. Since then, Chris has studied and rowed at Oxford, and is now based in Cambridge and focussed on writing fiction, including Alabaster, Manacle and Mosaic, and currently completing The Broken Hexapus. He also lectures for the Art Society and leads tours to Central Asia whenever he can because he’s missing a large chunk of his heart, which will forever remain in the -stans.
13 days
- Have your breath stolen as you marvel at the Registan, easily rivalling the city squares of Europe.
- Wander through the ancient streets of Bukhara’s old quarter, haggling for unique, locally-produced handicrafts.
- Get off the beaten track exploring Urgut’s famous Sunday bazaar.
- A moonlit stroll through the walled inner city of Khiva.
- Visit the UNESCO silk carpet workshop which Chris Aslan founded and enjoy supper with his Uzbek host family.
- Stay in converted madrassahs and 19th century Jewish merchant’s houses.
- Travel the Silk Road in style using Uzbekistan’s fastest and smartest train.
Day 1 : To Samarkand
Departure London for Samarkand on Turkish airlines flight TK1932 at 18:00, arrive Istanbul at 23:55.
Day 2 : To Samarkand
Connect Turkish Airlines flight TK 0374 departing Istanbul at 01:10, arrive in Samarkand at 07:30.
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights: Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque, the Ak Serai, and the iconic Registan Square. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel (Kosh-Havuz/or similar).
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Day 3 : Samarkand
Explore Samarkand City, a controversial ‘Samarkand Disney Land’ which has an excellent paper-making workshop and an opportunity for some wine tasting. In the evening, enjoy a warm and authentic dinner hosted by a local family. Overnight at the hotel. B, D
Day 4 : To Bukhara
After a leisurely breakfast we will check out from the hotel and head to the lively Urgut Sunday market, known for its colorful handicrafts and traditional suzani embroidery. After the market we will visit the ancient plan trees and the holy spring and return to visit Afrosiab Museum. Our luggage will go by coach to Bukhara, we have dinner in a local restaurant and then board Afrosiab Express Train for Bukhara. We will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel . Overnight stay in Bukhara.
On arrival, check in to your hotel (Minzifa or Similar).
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Day 5 : Bukhara
Morning: Walking tour of the old city, starting with the Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, and then the tomb of Job, known as Chashma Ayub. This is followed by a visit to the Ark, the Emir’s fortress complex, and then a grisly detour to take in the bug-pit where British spies languished before their execution. The walk finishes at the pool of Labi Hauz in the Jewish quarter, with a visit to a unique synagogue.
Afternoon at leisure or an optional visit to hammam .
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Day 6 : Visit Afshona
Embark on a journey to the village of Afshona, the birthplace of the legendary 10th-century scholar Avicenna—renowned for his contributions to medicine and philosophy. Explore the Avicenna Museum and delve into the legacy of this great thinker. Return to Bukhara and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the charming streets of Bukhara’s Old Town at your own pace.
In the evening folk music, dance and costume presentation show at Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah followed by dinner in local restaurant. Return to Bukhara.
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Day 7 : To Khiva
Morning at leisure. Fly or Fast train from Bukhara to Khiva (14:10- 19:19) through the Kyzylkum Desert. Moonlight tour of the Ichan Kala. (Stay at Komil Palace, Zarafshon Boutique or similar) B, D
Day 8 : Khiva
Tour of Khiva’s Ichan Kala, according to UNESCO, the most homogenous example of Islamic architecture in the world, including the Friday Mosque with its forest of carved wooden pillars, several museums, and the silk carpet workshop Chris founded, with an opportunity to meet the weavers, dyers and embroiderers.
Dinner with Chris’s Uzbek host family at Meros.
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Day 9 : Khiva
In the morning, visit the German Mennonite Museum, and Isfandiyar Khan’s courtroom, known as the Nurul Laboy Palace. Free time in the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. B, D
Day 10 : To Tashkent
In the morning, transfer to Urgench airport for your flight to Tashkent. On arrival, begin a city tour: visit Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and the Courage Monument. Climb the Tashkent TV Tower for panoramic views of the city. Later in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Crowne Plaza or similar. B, D
Day 11 : To London
Transfer to airport, departure by Turkish Airlines flight TK0369 at 09:35, arrival Istanbul at 12:55, connect Turkish airlines flight TK1971 at 14:55, arrive Heathrow at 16:40.
If you wish to take and extension tour in Uzbekistan or neighbouring Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Turkey, please contact us for Pre and Post tour extensions.
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Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person
(Double/Twin share) |
Single room supplement |
|---|---|
| £3,535.00 | £560.00 |
- International & internal flights in economy class with Turkish Airlines.
- Accommodation with en-suite facilities.
- Daily breakfast and dinners throughout.
- Services of Trip Scholar Chris Aslan Alexander.
- Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing.
- Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned coach and trains.
- Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Full ATOL & ABTA bonding.
- Tips & Gratuities
- Visa Fee. British Passport holders get a free entry visa on arrival.
- Any optional Excursions.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips & Gratuities
- Travel Insurance*
We plan to follow this detailed itinerary, but events beyond our control – unpredictable weather, blocked roads, cancelled flights, mechanical breakdown – or unscheduled closure of any monument / museum may require last minute changes to the itinerary at the last minute. We will ensure that these changes are kept to a minimum if required.
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Please note Covid-19 cover is now available.
For a competitive quotation please visit https://www.indusexperiences.co.uk/insurance/
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John Ashworth - Kashmir HolidayJust setting back after another splendid Indus trip. Many thanks for your help with this and also to Yasin for his guidance and input. Tell him the Trout Kebabs were one of the highlights!! You were quite right there was no problems in Gulmarg or anywhere else, probably helped by a considerable army presence. Please also convey our thanks to Fouzia who kept in constant…
