[Full Image]

Golden Road to Samarkand

The Silk Road & Khiva

The Silk Road wound its way from China to the Mediterranean, and all along the route, fantastic cities sprung up. Your discovery starts in the former caravan halt of Khiva, said to have been founded by the tribe of Shem (Noah's son). You'll explore the myriad of alleyways, mosques and palaces in what is perhaps the most intact of all the Silk Road cities.

Bukhara & Samarkand

From here you head to Bukhara where wandering through the mudbrick walled streets and ancient centre gives a real insight into how life was during the 10th century ' you can almost hear the cries of the merchants and traders echoing through the streets. Samarkand is a feast for the senses! Its home to ornate blue and turquoise tiled buildings and the city boasts a breathtaking main square surrounded by stunning minarets and domes. Your final stop is Tashkent, where there's time for a city tour.