UZBEKISTAN'S SILK ROUTE
March 24 - April 9, 2020
with Optional Kyrgyzstan April 9-15, 2020
Arts, crafts, textiles, and architecture of the Silk Route's ancient hub
Accolades for our 2019 tour
Deeply grateful . . . great insight in history, culture, and hand work . . . thank you for this opportunity, it was a gift - Name withheld for privacy reasons
Amazing trip...overwhelmed by how far we travelled, amazing architectural wonders, fascinating textiles, and the joy of the Uzbek people - Kathleen K.
18 Days in-depth exploration
Trace the tale of one of humankind’s most important arteries of trade and culture. Join a small group as we explore thousands of years in eighteen leisurely days. In this spectacular country, generations of artisans have honed their excellence in arts, crafts, and textiles against the backdrop of vast deserts, mountains, and awe-inspiring architecture.
Don't miss out! Last 2 spots
Cost: USD 4240 pp double occ./Add 1260 for single occ.
Optional extension: Kyrgyzstan 6 days - USD 1170
Tour highlights
Explore storied Samarkhand, Khiva, Bukhara, Shahrisabz, and Tashkent. We will catch the liveliest local markets and visit generational artisans in their workshops. Architecture this astounding and beautiful calls for expert monument guides . . . but you'll also have plenty of time to explore on your own and hear the ancient echoes.
Fabled Cities
Outstanding ikat and suzani, including ceramics from the local red clay featuring intricate designs and distinctive blue green glazes. Unmissable Kumtepa Bazaar where ikat is sold by the yard, and the largest collection you'll probably see. We'll visit silk factories for the sericulture that gave the Silk Road its name.
Fergana Valley
Against the backdrop of azure tiled monuments, revel in rich culture, music, and dancing. You are sure to run into a few weddings, which, in Uzbekistan, are celebrated with gusto to include honoured guests from aborad. i.e. you.
Cultural immersion
Touch down in isolated, semi-autonomous Karakalpakstan for the astounding Savitsky Collection of modernist Russian art spirited away from the Soviet revolution. You'll get a chance to come face to face with the work of some of the biggest names in Russian art.
Savitsky Collection
The wealth of the Silk Road gave rise to a country full of many generations of applied artistry. We will visit award-winning artisans for traditional block printing, ikat weaving, rug making, embroidery, ceramics, and contemporary fashion.
Award-winning artisans
Good food is a given in a land that enjoyed royal patronage through several civilisations. We will take in delectable meals including sacred bread and the national rice dish, plov. You'll come back inspired to transport a bit of Central Asia home!
Culinary Beats
Wealthy traders safeguarded their caravans during the Silk Road days by building strongholds. The scale and abundance of desert fortresses in wild and windswept landscapes will stay with you long after the flight back home.
Memorable vistas
Optional add-on. Whereas Uzbekistan historically had a settled culture due to arable land, 85% of Kyrgyzstan being mountainous resulted in a nomadic culture that survives to this day. Yurts, felting, superb horsemen, hunting with eagles, and stunning pristine vistas, Kyrgyzstan has it all.
Lost in Kyrgyzstan
About your Uzbekistan tour leader, Dana Davies
“The heart wants what it wants” and apparently Dana Davies’ heart, unbeknownst to her, wanted Uzbekistan. A life long fascination with fabrics was rewarded on a trip to Turkey where the discovery of suzani embroidery led to textile-focused trips to Central Asia, and a full-fledged obsession with its people, culture, landscape, and legends. Dana is passionate about sharing this extraordinary experience with others and, after a spectacular tour with Shila in Northwest India and Morocco, is thrilled to collaborate with E.Y.H.O. on the Uzbekistan tour in October 2019, and again in March 2020.
Photo credits: Dana Davies, Shila Desai, Paule Seux, Kalpak Travel, Tuul and Bruno Morandi, Outlook Traveler, Savitsky Museum
