Flavours & Craft of Uzbekistan
A warm, ingredient-led journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities — shaped by cooking sessions with local families, time in bustling bazaars, master artisans, desert drives and the tiled splendour of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Trip Overview
Description:
The Experience
A warm, ingredient-led journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heartland — moving from Tashkent’s old quarters to Samarkand’s blue-tiled ensemble, Bukhara’s quiet courtyards and Khiva’s desert-wrapped walls. Across the week, you’ll cook alongside local families, wander through atmospheric bazaars, meet artisans in their workshops and sit down to long, generous meals. It’s a trip paced for immersion rather than rush, shaped by stories, spices and the everyday craft that still defines life here.
Who This Trip Is For
For travellers who prefer lived-in experiences over textbook sightseeing.
For those who enjoy food as a way into a culture — shopping in markets, cooking with grandmothers, tasting regional variations.
For curious wanderers drawn to textiles, old techniques, local workshops and conversations over tea.
For anyone wanting to explore Uzbekistan slowly, with warmth, context and the company of people who love where they live.
Highlights
Day 1 – Arrive in Tashkent
Arrival in Tashkent and a warm welcome at the airport. Transfer to your hotel to rest and recover after your flight.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2 – Tashkent: Old City, Markets & a Family Cooking Class
Begin with a guided walk through historic Tashkent:
Khast-Imam complex, home to one of the world’s oldest Qurans
Barakhan Madrasah
Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing Uzbek textiles, craft and 19th-century interiors
Ride a few stations on Tashkent’s beautifully designed metro before heading to Chorsu or Alay Bazaar to shop for ingredients.
Cook an authentic Tashkent plov in a family courtyard and enjoy a late Uzbek lunch together.
Evening at leisure — opera or ballet at Alisher Navoi Theatre is an option.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 3 – Fast Train to Samarkand & Evening Cooking Class
Early breakfast and transfer to the station for the high-speed Afrosiab train (08:00–10:10).
On arrival, visit:
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Registan Square
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Siab Bazaar — where you’ll pick up fresh produce for tonight’s cooking session
In the evening, join a local family to prepare traditional Lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup) and Somsa. Dinner wraps up around 21:00.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4 – Mountain Village of Urgut & Traditional Paper Workshop
Drive to the mountain village of Urgut, famous for its vibrant bazaar and exquisite suzani embroidery.
Return to Samarkand in the afternoon to visit Konigil village — home to the traditional silk-paper workshop.
Another hands-on cooking session follows, where you may prepare Samarkand Non (bread) or Nohat Shorak (pea soup), depending on the day’s plan.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 5 – Fast Train to Bukhara
Morning transfer to the station for the Afrosiab fast train to Bukhara.
On arrival, settle into your hotel and take a gentle orientation walk through the old streets, domed bazaars and caravanserais.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 6 – Bukhara: Summer Palace, Shrines & Wine Tasting
Explore sites outside the city:
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of the Emirs
Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, an important Sufi pilgrimage site
Later, visit Kukeldash Madrasah for a tasting of local Uzbek wines.
At 18:00, enjoy a traditional music and dance performance at Nadir Divan-Begī Madrasah.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 7 – Drive Across the Desert to Khiva
After breakfast, begin the 500 km drive across the Kyzylkum Desert.
Stop by the banks of the Amu Darya River to sample fresh fried fish.
Arrive in Khiva by mid-afternoon and check in.
Evening walking tour of Ichan-Kala: mosques, madrasahs, the harem, palace, and city walls.
Later, join a cooking class to prepare Khorezm dishes such as Tukhum Barak (stuffed egg dumplings) and Shivit Osh (green dill noodles). Cultural music and dance accompany dinner.
Overnight in Khiva.
Day 8 – Fly to Tashkent & Departure
Transfer to the local airport for your flight back to Tashkent.
Free time for last-minute shopping or continue to the international terminal for your onward journey.
End of services.
Inclusions
Accommodation in boutique 3-star/national-design hotels
Daily breakfast
All ground transport in a comfortable coach
Local guide throughout
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Domestic flight and fast-train tickets
Daily drinking water
Cooking sessions with all ingredients
Family dinners during master classes
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned
Personal expenses and tips
Request Add On Services
Extend Your Stay
Add nights, add cities, slow the pace, linger longer.
Milestone Moments
Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, planned to your brief.
Private Experiences
Art, culture, cuisine, and special access, arranged for you.
Tailored Requests
Dietary needs, accessibility, preferences, and thoughtful touches.
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