20 day Discovery of Four Stans with Guangzhou

Day 1 - HOME / GUANGZHOU

Our adventure begins today as we depart on our overnight China Southern Airlines flight to Guangzhou.

Settle in and get some rest on the journey ahead.

Meals - As per flight

Day 2 - GUANGZHOU / TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN)

We arrive in Guangzhou early this morning (approx. 5:00am) and due to flight scheduling, our connecting flight does not depart until 3:15PM. To make things comfortable for guests, our local guide will take us to a luxurious 24-hour spa complex. You will have the basic entry package which includes shower, rest and refreshments. The spa will also have additional massage and body care services which are optional and paid separately. By 12pm we return to Guangzhou Airport for our afternoon flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. We arrive this evening (approx. 7:30pm) and are warmly welcomed by our local representative, then transferred to our hotel for check in and rest.

Meals - As per flight / Refreshments at spa

Accommodation - Swissotel Tashkent or similar

Day 3 - TASHKENT

After breakfast we meet our local guide for a full-day tour of Tashkent, a city that blends centuries of history with a modern city centre. We start at the Hazrat Imam (Khast-Imam) Complex, one of the city's most important religious landmarks, closely associated with an ancient Quran manuscript collection. We then visit the colourful Chorsu Bazaar, famous for its spices, dried fruits, sweets and handicrafts, with a view of the nearby Kukeldash Madrasah. Our tour continues to Independence Square with its monuments and fountains, and Amir Temur Square, dedicated to the great Central Asian ruler. If we finish ahead of schedule, we return to the hotel with the rest of the afternoon free to relax.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Swissôtel Tashkent or similar

Day 4 - TASHKENT / SAMARKAND

This morning we transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Samarkand (approx. 2 hours). On arrival we begin exploring this legendary Silk Road city at Registan Square, the architectural heart of Samarkand, framed by three magnificent madrasahs covered in intricate mosaics. We continue to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur, and the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque. If the group feels up to it, we enjoy a short visit to Siab Bazaar to see the famous Samarkand bread and local produce before checking into our hotel.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Hilton Samarkand Regency or similar

Day 5 - SAMARKAND

Today we continue discovering Samarkand, beginning at the beautiful Shahi Zinda Necropolis, an avenue of blue-tiled mausoleums dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries. Please note the complex has steps and uneven surfaces, so guests can explore at their own pace. We then visit the Ulugbek Observatory, a monument to the astronomer-ruler Ulugbek, and the Afrosiab Museum, showcasing finds from ancient Samarkand. In the afternoon we travel to Konigil Village to see traditional handmade paper being produced at a local workshop, before returning to the hotel with time to relax.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Hilton Samarkand Regency or similar

Day 6 - SAMARKAND / SARAZM / PENJIKENT (TAJIKISTAN)

After breakfast we check out and drive to the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border (approx. 1–1.5 hours), where we meet our Tajikistan guide and driver. We visit Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site offering insight into early Central Asian civilisation. We then explore Ancient Penjikent, the remains of an important Sogdian city on the Silk Road, and the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to one of the founders of classical Persian poetry. Check into our hotel in Penjikent.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Fariz Hotel or similar

Day 7 - SEVEN LAKES / SAMARKAND (UZBEKISTAN)

After an early breakfast we travel by 4WD vehicles (usually 3-4 per vehicle) into the Fann Mountains to the spectacular Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), each with its own distinctive colour, set among mountain villages and valleys. We enjoy scenic stops for photographs along the way. Afterwards we return to Penjikent, cross the border back into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand. Please note this is a full day on mountain roads (approx. 5–7 hours of driving in total). How many lakes we visit will depend on road conditions, weather and the group's pace.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Hilton Samarkand Regency or similar

Day 8 - SAMARKAND / GIJDUVAN / BUKHARA

This morning we depart for Bukhara (approx. 3.5–4.5 hours including stops). En route we stop at the Rabat-i Malik Caravanserai, where Silk Road merchants and their caravans once rested, and at Gijduvan, a town renowned for its ceramics, to visit a family pottery workshop. We arrive in Bukhara and check into our hotel. This evening we enjoy a traditional folklore show at the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, with music, dance and national costumes.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Zarafshon Hotel Bukhara or similar

Day 9 - BUKHARA

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities on the Silk Road. We begin at the Poi Kalon Complex with the towering Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, then visit the Ark Fortress, former residence of the rulers of Bukhara, and the Bolo Hauz Mosque with its elegant wooden columns. We continue to Lyabi-Hauz, a charming square around an old pond, and wander through the historic trading domes. We also visit the Magoki-Attori Mosque, the Samanid Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. We finish in the historic Jewish Quarter and at a miniature painter's studio. The sightseeing order will be arranged to keep walking manageable, with rest stops along the way.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Zarafshon Hotel Bukhara or similar

Day 10 - BUKHARA / KHIVA

After breakfast we transfer to the station and board the Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed train in Business class, crossing the Kyzylkum desert to Khiva (approx. 3.5 hours). On arrival we transfer to our hotel, with the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax or take a gentle stroll.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Mercure Khiva Hotel or similar

Day 11 - KHIVA / URGENCH / TASHKENT

This morning we explore Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved Silk Road towns in Central Asia. Our relaxed walking tour takes in its madrasahs, mosques, minarets and courtyards, with time for photos and short breaks. Later we transfer to Urgench Airport for our evening flight to Tashkent (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes) and are transferred to our hotel on arrival.

Please note due to the airline scheduling, we may arrive close to midnight into Tashkent today.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Swissotel Tashkent or similar

Day 12 - TASHKENT / BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN)

After breakfast we fly to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes). On arrival we meet our local guide for a relaxed city tour, starting at Ala-Too Square, the city's main square, followed by the leafy Oak Park with its sculptures and shaded paths, and Victory Square, a memorial to those lost in World War II. We then check into our hotel, with the rest of the day free.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Bishkek Hotel or similar

Day 13 - ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

Today we travel to Ala Archa National Park, about 40 km from Bishkek in the Tian Shan mountains (approx. 1–1.5 hours each way). We enjoy the dramatic mountain peaks, forested slopes and alpine scenery. Guests who are comfortable walking can take a gentle stroll along an accessible section of the park, weather permitting, while those who prefer not to walk can relax and enjoy the views. We return to Bishkek in the afternoon.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Novotel Bishkek Hotel or similar

Day 14 - BISHKEK / BURANA TOWER / ISSYK-KUL

After breakfast we check out and head towards Lake Issyk-Kul (approx. 4–5 hours including stops). En route we visit the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Guests may climb the tower if they wish, but this is optional. We continue to the Issyk-Kul region, famous for its vast alpine lake and mountain scenery, and check into our lakeside resort with free time to relax.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Ak Maral Hotel or Baytur Resort & Spa or similar

Day 15 - ISSYK-KUL / ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN)

Today we journey towards Kazakhstan (approx. 5–7 hours including border formalities and stops). Along the way we make a short visit to a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp to learn about the nomadic lifestyle and customs of the Kyrgyz people. After crossing the border into Kazakhstan we continue to Almaty and check into our hotel.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Sadu Hotel or similar

Day 16 - ALMATY

After breakfast we enjoy a relaxed tour of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, set at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. We visit Panfilov Park and the beautiful wooden Zenkov Cathedral, then browse the Green Bazaar for local produce, nuts and spices. Later we ride the cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. This evening we celebrate our journey through Central Asia with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation - Sadu Hotel or similar

Day 17 - ALMATY / GUANGZHOU

We enjoy a relaxed morning, visiting Almaty's Central Mosque, one of the largest in Kazakhstan, and the Central State Museum, home to collections on the history and culture of Kazakhstan. After some free time we transfer to Almaty International Airport for our evening flight to Guangzhou.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / As per flight

Day 18 - GUANGZHOU (CHINA)

We arrive in Guangzhou early this morning (approx. 6:25am) and are met by our local guide. We begin at Yuexiu Park, the city's largest park, home to the famous Five Rams Statue, the symbol of Guangzhou. We then visit Baiyun Mountain, riding the cable car up for panoramic views over the city. After lunch at around 12:30pm, we enjoy a few hours of shopping before an early check-in at our hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax at leisure.

Meals - As per flight / Lunch

Accommodation - voco Guangzhou or similar

Day 19 - GUANGZHOU / HOME

After breakfast we enjoy a relaxing morning at our hotel and then head out to lunch together. We then spend a few hours at one of Guangzhou's wholesale clothing malls before transferring to the airport in the early evening for our overnight flight home.

Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / As per flight

Day 20 - ARRIVE HOME

We arrive home this morning with wonderful memories of our journey along the ancient Silk Road through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, with a taste of Guangzhou along the way.

Meals - As per flight