Treasures of Uzbekistan

Located in the southern region of the Karatau Mountain range, the Sarmish-Say Gorge is said to be the largest gorge for Stone Age petroglyphs and pictographs. The petroglyphs vary in accordance with their origin. Those from the early Iron Age feature a more ‘animalistic’ style. Whilst those from the Neolithic and Mesolithic age feature images of the local rituals and routines of the prehistoric times.

After a visit to these historical monuments, we will enjoy an open-air barbeque and a Kazakh folklore performance. The folklore of the country is a wonderful representation of the cultural dynamism of Central Asia. Beautifully lyrical, with a hauntingly ritualistic melody, the opportunity to watch a folklore performance is a magical experience.

Located in the north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus is surrounded by three deserts – the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum and Ustyurt. As such, the city has a beautiful, undisturbed landscape – featuring endless sandy scenery, deep dunes, and towering peaks.

Following breakfast, we will visit the Igor Savislky State Museum of the fine arts, regional archaeology and studies in Nukus. Known as the ‘Louvre in the Sands’, the museum features the largest art collection in Central Asia – with over 100,000 exhibits. The museum was founded by renowned scientists, artist and collector – Igor Savitsky – and includes an eclectic collection of avante-garde pieces and crafts from the Karakalpak region.

Enjoy a more leisurely pace this afternoon back on board our private train. Maybe take time to sit in the Bar Lounge Car enjoying afternoon tea and watch the Uzbek landscapes that unfold outside our windows as we continue our voyage to Khiva.

Alternatively, you will have the option to travel by road to visit the ‘Valley of Fifty Fortresses’. Uzbekistan’s ancient desert castles date back more than 2,000 years and were originally built to protect locals from nomadic raids. Feel like an archaeologist as we explore ‘Toprak Kala’ (the ‘Dusty Fortress’, I-IV century AD) and Ayaz-Kala (the ‘Windy Fortress’, III-II century BC).

In the evening, the train arrives in Khiva (those who took the additional trip by road will rejoin the train upon arrival to Khiva).

Our day begins in the ancient city of Khiva. Traced back to the 10th century, Khiva is a “city-museum”, magnificently adorned in majestic buildings, spiraling columns and beautifully carved doors.

Rooted in its ties with the Silk Road, Khiva has an eclectic culinary identity – heavily influenced by Chinese, Turkish and Persian traditions. After a walking tour of the city, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste the Khorezmian cuisine. We recommend the famous green pasta ‘shivit oshi’, tuhum-barak (a fluffy dough-filled dish) and fresh fish sourced from the Amu Darya river with freshly baked bread.

After lunch, we will continue explore Khiva – including a visit to the Palace of Nurrullah Bai. Built in 1912, the Palace is extravagantly bedecked with bronze chandeliers, crystal pendants, and Venetian mirrors.

Before returning to the train, we will visit the Photography Museum. Along with other artists, the museum features the work of Khudaibergen Devanov – the pioneering photographer and cinematographer of Uzbekistan.

According to legend, the city of Bukhara was founded by the Persian Prince, Siyavush, in the 5th century B.C. The city is a treasure trove of historical buildings and architectural monuments – many of which are excellently preserved. Our tour of the area will begin with a visit to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace (translating to ‘a palace-like stars and moon’). The grand palace offers an insight into local life with displays featuring regional clothing, traditional embroidery, and ceramic creations.

From the palace, we will visit Chor Minor Madrasa. Translating to ‘Four Towers’, the Chor Minor continues to create architectural interest with its creative and unique design. Interestingly, each of the 17-metre towers feature a different design – said to represent the four different religions.

Our morning of architectural exploration concludes with the other-worldly Ismail Samani mausoleum and the Bayland Mosque. The Ismail Samani is the oldest building in Bukhara. Believed to have served as the family tomb for the Samanid dynasty (819-1005), the mausoleum features an intricate baked brick, wickerwork pattern. Whilst the Bayland Mosque represents a distinctly different style – modest white exteriors and interiors adorned with floral patterns and gilded tiles.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Shukhov Tower – a water tower erected in 1929. We will ascend by lift to reach the top of the observation tower and enjoy the best view of the Old Town of Bukhara. Our afternoon concludes with a trip the breath-taking Ark Fortress. This “Noble Abode” perfectly captures the oriental exoticism of Uzbekistan.

In the evening, sample the finest Bukharian cuisine as we dine in the rooftop restaurant of the Minorai Kalon Hotel. From this magnificent spot, we will enjoy the finest views of the Kalyan Square at sunset.

Bukhara is a magical city; whereby modern life entwines with archaic architecture and an otherworldly allure. Our morning begins with a visit to the Lyabi Hauz Square. Translating as ‘around the pool’, Lyabi-Hauz is a square built around a pool, shaded by lush mulberry trees and local tearooms. Here we will see the fascinating blend of old and new – local tea rooms stand next to evening jazz bars and western-style coffee shops.

To the west of the square stands the oldest mosque in Bukhara – Magoki Attori. Constructed in 714, the mosque represents the emergence of Islam in this region. The UNESCO site boasts an incredibly grand exterior, with carved columns, intricate decorative trimmings, and imposing arches.

Our explorations bring us to Kalyan Square and the iconic Kalyan Mosque. Featuring a traditional design – large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries and deeply recessed niches – a walk around the site will transport you back to a long-gone era.

After lunch in the Lyabi-Hauz area, there will free time to explorer Bukhara further at your own pace. Take the time to visit the beautiful bazaars which decorate the Lyabi-Hauz Square, or maybe stop to sample the produce from the “Chaihanas” tearooms.

In the evening, enjoy the unique experience of a traditional Uzbek BBQ on the train platform by the Golden Eagle. It is hard to miss the aromatic aromas of fresh BBQs as we have been exploring the streets of Uzbekistan, and now is the chance to sample some of these delicious dishes. Succulent meats, richly marinated and flamed grilled on an open fire…these melt in your mouth dishes are the perfect end to a day of adventure. We re-board the train as we head for our final destination of Samarkand arriving late evening.

Samarkand, the ‘Crossroad of Culture’, has an awe-inspiring history of over two and a half millennia. Fascinatingly, the town is a living museum to the famous dynasties who have passed through – including Genghis Khan, Temurids, and Russians. As such, mudbrick houses shoulder structured neighbourhoods of painted and decorated homes, whilst opulently bedecked Mosques loom on the horizon.

Fascinatingly, such influences span beyond architecture to astronomical discovery. Ulugh Beg, the Ruler of Transoxiana (1409-49) had been interested in astronomy from childhood, continuing to build the largest Observatory in the pre-modern era, to support his studies. The incredible feat of engineering centres of a huge sextant (40m radius), embedded in a 2m trench. The magnificence of this construct is not limited to its interiors – spanning three stories, the exterior is exquisitely decorated with glittering, glazed tiles, mosaics and majolica.

From a study of the stars, we then move to the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis – a building framed by a constellation of glimmering turquoise domes. The necropolis consists of 11 mausoleums, individually decorated with majolica tiles, carved mosaics, and porticos. As we wander through the gilded avenues, it is clear to see why the site has served as an important pilgrimage centre.

Before lunch we will gain further insight into the intertwining identity of the ‘Crossroad of Culture’, Samarkand. Until the Middle Ages, Samarkand served as the main supplier of paper to the Arab world and Europe. With a visit to the Meros Paper Mill, we will learn about this ancient art with an up-close lesson of the laborious process, ancient machines, and centuries old methods.

Cuisine is at the very core of a culture. Continue your immersion into Uzbek identity with an interactive cooking class and Plov lunch. Considered Uzbekistan’s national dish, Plov is intrinsic to the national identity and a staple dish at social gatherings. Representative of Uzbekistan’s rich history, Plov is shaped by the Mediterranean, Chinese and Russian cultures who have settled in the region.

After lunch there will be the opportunity to explore Samarkand at your leisure before returning to the train to make preparations for the spectacular evening that lies ahead.

Evening celebrations begin with cocktails and dinner at the Oriental Sweets Caravan Sarai. The 300-year-old restaurant boasts a beautiful open air dining space, shaded by lush mulberry trees, and framed by ornate arches.

After dinner we will cross over to the famous, now illuminated, Registan Square to enjoy a fabulous gala dance performance and fashion show. Soak up the magical atmosphere as the setting sun seeps down the world’s most recognised Mosque.