Your journey begins today with a flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Depending on flight times, you may arrive later that same day or overnight. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and extend a warm welcome. Together, you'll travel to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you'll meet your fellow travelers. Two nights in Tashkent. (Distance: approx. 10 km; travel time: approx. 20 minutes)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city and be enchanted by its diverse sights. The city presents itself as a blend of post-Soviet charm and oriental flair. Depending on your arrival time, you will either have already enjoyed a restful night or have just relaxed and refreshed yourself in your hotel room. After a leisurely breakfast, you will embark on an exclusive discovery tour by comfortable minibus and metro – an experience that, in a small group accompanied by your German-speaking tour guide, offers ample opportunity for conversation and encounters. Tashkent is too large to explore on foot, and you will be impressed by how clean and visually appealing the individual metro stations are. Each station is built in a different style, offering a unique opportunity to experience your time in Tashkent as closely as possible to the city's inhabitants. Explore the city of Tashkent with its numerous cultural and religious sites, including the fascinating Koran Museum, the impressive Koran School, and the imposing Friday Mosque. Then it's back to everyday life. Next, we'll head to the colorful Chor-Su Bazaar in Tashkent, where you can observe the vibrant atmosphere. A highlight of the bazaar is a visit to a traditional bakery with its enormous clay oven. Your guide will share fascinating details about bread baking in Uzbekistan, and you'll even have the opportunity to sample the freshly baked tandoori bread. The metro takes you to the impressive Thimur Square, surrounded by a large park and Uzbekistan's first university. You'll spend your well-deserved lunch break at a carefully selected restaurant, where you can discover the rich diversity of Uzbek cuisine. If you wish, you can try local specialties such as the traditional flatbread Non or the popular soup Shurpa with meat, vegetables, and herbs. Other sights await you, easily accessible by minibus. The itinerary includes Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni) with its imposing Senate building and refreshing fountain, as well as a visit to an impressive church. After an exciting day, you'll briefly return to the hotel to freshen up. Afterwards, you'll head to the restaurant for your first dinner together. Share your impressions so far with your tour guide and fellow travelers. (B/L/D)

The day begins before sunrise, as you'll be taking the morning flight to Nukus. Your tour guide has packed a breakfast box for you, containing a sandwich, some fruit, and yogurt. After a short flight of about an hour and a half, you'll land in Nukus, which is surrounded by a barren desert landscape. The temperatures are also a bit cooler than they were the day before in Tashkent. Here, a cultural treasure awaits you: the Savitsky Museum houses the world's only collection of classic Russian avant-garde art. The exhibits originate from its namesake, a private collector who wanted to preserve the art of Karakalpakstan and enriched his collection with works of the Uzbek and Russian avant-garde. Around midday, depending on the wishes of the members of your small group, you can either have a meal in a nice restaurant or just grab some snacks from the supermarket. The journey then continues towards Khiva. After a few hours' drive through the steppe and desert landscape of Kyzylkum, you'll arrive at your next stop. The ancient fortress of Ayaz Kala boasts wonderfully preserved and impressive mud-brick architecture, offering a journey back to the heyday of the Silk Road. Its majestic hilltop location also provides breathtaking panoramic views across the endless desert landscape. A visit to a nearby yurt camp will give you an impression of what life and daily routines were like here in the past. You'll arrive in Khiva in the early evening and can check directly into your hotel. After a short break, head to the old town to enjoy a delicious dinner in a former Koranic school that has been converted into a restaurant. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this historic place and end the day in style. 3 nights in Khiva. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 180 km; Travel time: approx. 3.5 - 4 hours)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating old town of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an early start yesterday, today's tour begins at a more leisurely pace. Together with your guide, you'll stroll through the narrow alleyways and explore Khiva's old town, which has remained virtually unchanged since its founding in the 18th century. It's a good thing you're traveling in a small group, allowing the alleyways to retain their charm – they're definitely not designed for large groups. Khiva presents itself at its best, like a living open-air museum where you can admire oriental ornamentation at every turn. The turquoise tiles of the buildings tell stories from bygone eras. During the tour, you'll not only receive general information about Khiva but also insights into its history, social structure, and the lives of its inhabitants. Impressive city walls, majestic minarets, historic monuments and madrasas that served as part of the educational system from the 12th to the 19th century are waiting to be explored by you. The madrasa is particularly worth seeing, featuring a fascinating photo exhibition that offers glimpses into bygone eras. Stroll through the artisans' street, where you can haggle with local craftsmen in the bazaars to get the best price. Here you have the opportunity to take home a unique souvenir and engage in lively discussions with the vendors together with your tour guide and fellow travelers. After an eventful morning, you can spend the afternoon as you wish. Stop for a leisurely lunch, explore more of the city's hidden gems, or simply relax. Before sunset, you'll reunite with your small group and tour guide and head towards the city walls to enjoy the sunset from the watchtower. This spot offers not only a breathtaking view of the shimmering colors of the sky dancing over the city, but also a unique perspective on the slowly changing panorama of the romantic old town. Watching the sun disappear behind the city's contours adds a special magic to this experience. (F)

In the morning, you'll immerse yourself once more in Khiva's fascinating old town, Itchan Khala, which awaits with its historical treasures and cultural highlights. Visit the impressive Koranic school, now an art museum, admire the ornate colonnade, and be enchanted by the thousand-year-old Juma Mosque. Discover the East Gate, the Minorite Museum, and other fascinating fortifications, such as the Tash Hauli Palace, which testifies to the city's rich history. Today, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can either relax at your hotel and soak up the lovely atmosphere in the charming courtyard, or take a stroll through Khiva's old town. Stop by a teahouse, admire the views from the various rooftop terraces, or haggle for the best price at the artisan bazaar. Khiva's oriental flair, with its narrow clay alleyways and vibrant atmosphere, is a constant invitation to take photos and simply linger. To end the day in pleasant company, you'll meet your fellow travelers for a group dinner at a selected restaurant in the old town. Enjoy the culinary delights and share your impressions of the day. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will continue your journey southeast to Bukhara. During the drive through the surprisingly lush desert, your guide will not only tell you stories about the region but also provide insights into the traditions of Uzbekistan's 120 different ethnic groups. Around midday, you'll stop at a traditional restaurant. Refuel here and discuss the contrasts that await you in the oasis city of Bukhara, characterized by small teahouses and bustling streets. Use the subsequent journey to observe the scenery, relax, or exchange ideas with your tour guide and fellow travelers about the diverse country of Uzbekistan. The comfortable size of your minibus allows you to discuss topics together and ask questions to the entire group. You will arrive in Bukhara in the early evening. Depending on how you feel, you can spend the evening on your own or join us for a final group dinner. 3 nights in Bukhara. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 455 km; Travel time: approx. 8 hours)

Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Bukhara's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its imposing palaces, mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas. After breakfast, your exciting exploration begins, leading you to the impressive Ark Citadel. Stroll through the picturesque alleyways and across the vibrant craft bazaar beneath the domed roofs. Here, weavers, knife makers, and woodcarvers offer their exquisite wares. Perhaps you'll find something you'd like to take home with you. Bukhara boasts over 100 former Koranic schools. Your guide will select the most important and beautiful ones for you, ensuring you experience the best of these historical sites. You'll gain a profound insight into the rich culture and history of this city. The return to the hotel is on foot, allowing you to experience Bukhara's unique atmosphere even more intensely. If you wish, you can relax with a leisurely coffee break. In the afternoon, you'll visit a knife-making workshop in the heart of Bukhara's old town, where you can experience the art of steel knife making firsthand. You'll meet a blacksmith and listen to his stories about this craft. End the day with a group dinner in the old town. The selected restaurant offers a truly authentic atmosphere, enhanced by traditional oriental music and antique style. (F/A)

Today your journey takes you to an important pilgrimage site, the tomb of the Sufi order founder Naqshbandi. Outside the city, you'll find the magnificent summer residence of the last ruling emir and the imposing residence of the Khodjaev merchant family. These historical sites offer a profound insight into the cultural and religious diversity of this region. After an inspiring morning, you have the opportunity to spend the afternoon in Bukhara on your own. Whether you've already bought souvenirs and want to save another stroll through the bazaar for Samarkand, or would like to explore the city further, is entirely up to you. In the evening, an authentic dinner awaits you at a family-run restaurant. Enjoy the local hospitality and unwind in a cozy atmosphere. Look forward to a three-course meal featuring national delicacies such as mushy soup (moshchurda), baked pastries called somsa and dammala, meat with vegetables, and of course, a delicious dessert. (B/L/D)

In the morning, you'll depart for Samarkand, arriving around midday. In the afternoon, your city tour begins, filled with fascinating discoveries! Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary King Timur. Besides his magnificent architectural achievements, he was also renowned for his military successes. The Timurid Empire he founded stretched across large parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, where his rule lasted from 1370 until his death in 1405. Immerse yourself in the history and impressive architecture of this historic site. Afterwards, you will visit one of Uzbekistan's most famous squares – the impressive Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national landmark in the heart of the city. The square is bordered by three magnificent madrasas: Ulugbek, Shir Dor, and Tillya-Kari, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, which offer a wonderful photo opportunity. You will certainly have plenty of time to capture them with your camera. On foot you can reach the 14th-century Bibi-Khanum Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques of its time, with magnificent architecture and decorative elements. Afterwards, you'll have another opportunity to experience everyday life. Take a stroll through the large food bazaar and let yourself be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. Because of the small group size, you can all wander through the bazaar together. Perhaps your fellow travelers will perceive the impressions quite differently than you do. Come together for a group dinner. 3 nights in Samarkand. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 275 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Look forward to experiencing the fascinating authenticity of one of the oldest cities in the world today – Samarkand. In the morning, you will visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, where magnificent mausoleums and mosques stand side by side, offering you a glimpse into the cultural beauty of this region. After a short lunch break, you'll visit the ruined city of Afrosiab. Here, you'll gain a deep insight into the city's history. Discover the origins of Samarkand and immerse yourself in a fascinating past. Your next stop takes you to the medieval Ulugbek Observatory, where the stars were studied in the 15th century. Explore the ruins of this historical site and be captivated by ancient science. Before dinner, you'll have a short break to relax. Look forward to an exciting evening program. As guests of a local family, you'll experience an engaging exchange and get a close-up look at Uzbek daily life. Should any language barriers arise, your tour guide will be happy to assist you with their excellent German skills. So you can approach the stimulating conversations with joy and curiosity and enjoy a lovingly prepared dinner. On the menu is the national dish "Plov," which consists of rice with meat and carrots. End this eventful day with a captivating stroll across the majestic Registan Square, bathed in warm light and creating a magical atmosphere. This historic square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds its own unique charm at night and is certainly a completely different experience than during the day. (F/A)

Early this morning, an excursion to the mysterious city of Shahr-e Sabz, the birthplace of King Timur, awaits you. Today, you will travel in a small group, divided into several vehicles, over the picturesque Takhtakarachi mountain pass to Shahr-e Sabz. Be sure to have your camera ready to take photos of the mountain scenery during short breaks. Upon arriving in Shahr-e Sabz, you'll be impressed by the gigantic Timurid structures, including the entrance gate of the once-great White Palace and the Jahongir Mausoleum. King Timur was known, among other things, for his imposing buildings – this is clearly evident in Shahr-e Sabz. After an interesting city tour and a visit to the most important monuments, you'll return to Samarkand via the mountain pass. A special encounter awaits you along the way. Stop by a local family's home and share a cup of fruit tea. Chat with the family and learn about the daily life of Uzbeks. Back in Samarkand, you can spend the rest of the day entirely as you wish. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 300 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the tomb of Saint Daniel. This holy site is a spiritual center and attracts believers from all over the region. Next, you'll travel to a historic watermill and paper mill. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see how paper is still made by hand from mulberry bark. Immerse yourself in this traditional craft, which is of great importance not only to you as a traveler but also to the locals. The surrounding gardens offer insights into the history and vibrant culture of the region. After this enriching experience, you continue your journey to Tashkent. Relax during the drive and admire the diverse landscapes of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will have some free time to relax and freshen up. In the evening, a wonderful meal awaits you at a local restaurant. Enjoy authentic Uzbek cuisine and try dishes like shashlik or manti. After dinner, you and your fellow travelers will take a leisurely evening stroll along the banks of the Anchor River. The riverbank is a popular meeting place for locals who come to relax and unwind in the evening. Overnight in Tashkent. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 300 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)

Today you'll learn about another classic mode of transport used by Uzbeks. Take the train to the Fergana Valley! After breakfast, you'll set off for the train station today with just a daypack. Your other luggage will remain safely stored at your accommodation in Tashkent. The train, a spacious and comfortable means of transport, will take you on a journey through the breathtaking landscape of the Fergana Valley, known for its lush vegetation. Sit back and enjoy the approximately 5-hour journey in an air-conditioned carriage with your tour guide and fellow passengers. Since you'll all be seated together, you can also use this time to ask any questions or discuss any remaining topics. Your first stop is Margilan, also known as the "City of Silk." After a hearty lunch, you'll discover the fascinating world of silk production. At a silk factory, you'll learn all about the production steps of this "white gold." The quality and design of the silk fabrics produced here are renowned far beyond the country's borders. Your explorations continue by minibus on the journey to Kokand. En route, you'll stop at the workshop of a renowned ceramic master in Rishtan. Here, you'll witness the production process of the typical Fergana ceramics with their turquoise hues. You'll admire the master's artistry and have the opportunity to purchase unique ceramic pieces. In the late afternoon, you'll finally reach Kokand, where you can end the day with a delicious dinner. Overnight in Kokand. (B/L/D) (Train journey: approx. 5 hours; route: Margilan-Rishtan approx. 50 km; travel time: approx. 1 hour; route: Rishtan-Kokand approx. 50 km; travel time: approx. 1 hour)

After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin your exploration of the former khanate capital of Kokand. Admire the magnificent Islamic architecture, including the Palace of the Khudoyar Khan, the Norbutabey Madrasa, and the impressive Jami Mosque. The Hamza House Museum offers insights into the region's rich history before you head into the formerly Russian part of Kokand. Now you're making your way back to Tashkent. Look forward to a drive over the Kamchik Pass at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters. Since the pass is closed to minibuses, you'll once again travel in comfortable cars. Enjoy the drive and the breathtaking scenery. Your tour guide knows the pass well and will choose a special spot for a longer break. With a glass of sparkling wine or wine in hand, you'll toast the past two weeks and all the experiences you've had while enjoying the stunning view over the valley. After your arrival back in Tashkent, you can relax a bit before heading out for a final dinner with your tour guide and fellow travelers. Look forward to culinary highlights at a renowned restaurant in the city. Here, you can reminisce about your trip in good company and perhaps enjoy your favorite Uzbek specialty one last time. Overnight in Tashkent. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 250 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 - 5 hours)

You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home. You will begin your journey home with a suitcase full of memories. (F) (Distance: approx. 10 km; travel time: approx. 20 minutes)