The Great Silk Road is one of the most magnificent achievements of ancient civilization. Thousands of merchants and travellers passed along this famous route through dangerous deserts and vast steppes to reach China and buy silk - the main but not the only item of trade. The road also served as a means of exchanging cultures, religions and traditions between countries and contributed to the cultural and economic development of both East and West.
Thanks to their geographic location, Central Asia and the Caucasus were part of this famous trade route. Travelling in this part of the world will give you the opportunity to visit many well-preserved historical places along the Silk Road and experience the same feeling people did centuries ago.
- Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia – the three counties along the Great Silk Road
- Uzbekistan – modern Tashkent, beautiful Samarkand, historical Bukhara
- Azerbaijan – the 21st century city of Baku, ancient Sheki
- Georgia – impressive Tbilisi, antique Kutaisi, inspiring Mtskheta
Day 1: Departure for Tashkent
Day 2: Tashkent – Bukhara
In the morning we drive to Bukhara – Central Asia’s holiest city with ancient history and rich past. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 3: Bukhara
Bukhara sightseeing tour, visit the Ark Citadel, Zindon Jail, Bolo-Hauz Mosque, Kalon Minaret and Ismail Samani Mausoleum.
Day 4: Bukhara – Samarkand
We drive to Samarkand – the great capital of Tamerlane (Amir Timur). We visit Guri Amir Mausoleum where Tamerlane is buried together with his two sons and two grandchildren. We then visit the Registan – a masterpiece of Islam
ic architecture with its blue-tiled medressas.
Day 5: Samarkand
Today we continue exploring the pretty city of Samarkand and visit Shahr-i-Zindah complex and Bibi-Khanym Mosque built by order of Tamerlane’s Chinese wife.
Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent
We drive to Tashkent – the capital of Uzbekistan. The city tour includes a visit to the Old Town, Telyasheyakh Mosque, Mausoleum of Kaffal Shoshi and Chorsu Bazar.
Day 7: Tashkent – Baku
From Tashkent we take a flight to Baku. Arrive in Baku and transfer to hotel.
Day 8: Baku
Baku sightseeing tour, visit Martyr’s Lane, Shirvanshah Palace, Maiden's Tower, Ateshgah Fire-Worshippers' Temple and the State Carpet Museum.
Day 9: Baku – Shemakha – Sheki
We drive to Gobustan mud-volcanoes plateau and then travel to Sheki en route visiting the town of Shemakha.
Day 10: Sheki – Telavi
The sightseeing tour of Sheki includes a visit to Caravanserai, Khan’s Palace and local market. Then we continue to the Azerbaijani-Georgian border. After crossing the border we visit Gremi Complex before arriving in Telavi.
Day 11: Telavi – Tbilisi
We travel to Kakheti - the famous wine-growing region. In the morning we visit the farmer’s market and then head to Nekresi Monastery. For lunch we will take you to a farmer’s house to enjoy the hospitality of the local people and sample some delicious home-made food and wine. In the evening we arrive in Tbilisi.
Day 12: Tbilisi
Tbilisi sightseeing tour, visit the Old Town and the State Museum Treasury.
Day 13: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Kutaisi
We drive to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta and visit its Jvari Monastery and Svetistkhoveli Cathedral. Then we drive to Gori and visit the Stalin Museum and Uplistsikhe Cave Town – an important point along the Great Silk Road. In the evening we arrive in Kutaisi.
Day 14: Kutaisi – Vani – Black Sea Coast – Kutaisi
We visit the ancient town of Vani – the site of the on-going archaeological excavations. From Vani we travel to the Black Sea before returning to Kutaisi.
Day 15: Kutaisi – Tbilisi
Today we visit Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery and Academy – both UNESCO World Heritage sites and then head to Tbilisi.
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to the airport.
