Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: uzbekistan: heart of the silk road tour at Bombay

Please be advised that this is an overview of the program and is not definitive yet. An updated and final version will be available approximately one year prior to the beginning of the voyage.

09MIDBOM-C: Uzbekistan: Heart of the Silk Road

Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights

Departs from: Mumbai, India

Re-join ship: Safaga, Egypt

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for India and Central Asia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indian Rupees (INR), however Euros, US Dollars and British Pounds are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

DAY ONE - Thursday, April 16, 2026 - Mumbai/Tashkent

Depart the ship this morning, in Mumbai, and transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight to Tashken via Istanbul.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent

DAY TWO - Friday, April 17, 2026 - Tashkent

Discover Tashkent

Although it doesn't look it today, Tashkent is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan. Rock paintings in the Chatkal Mountains about 50 miles away show that humans have been here since perhaps 2000 BC. In the 2nd century BC the town was known as Ming Uryuk. A major caravan crossroads, it was taken by the Arabs in 751 and by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Tamerlane feasted here in the 14th century and the Shaibanid khans in the 15th and 16th. The Russian Empire arrived in 1865, and Uzbekistan was not an autonomous country again until 1991. Tashkent lost much of its architectural history in a huge earthquake in 1966, and although it is an old city, most of it has been built since then. Today, the city is a jumble of wide tree-lined boulevards, oversized 20th century Soviet buildings and reconstructed traces of the old city with mud-walled houses, narrow winding lanes, mosques and madrassahs (Islamic religious schools).

During your day exploring the main highlights in Tashkent, including the Central Tashkent's Broadway Street, Alisher Navoi Theatre (exterior), Amir Timur Square and Tashkent Metro.

Meeting with the Former Director of Oldest Koran Museum

Enhance your visit to see the Oldest Koran by meeting with the former museum director, Mr. Farrukh Khudoyberdiev, a graduate of Tashkent Islamic University and so-called professional Koran reader, an esteemed group of individuals who not only know the text by heart but are also valued for their recitation style and proper articulation of the passages.

Chorsu Bazaar Tour with Chef Ahmad Hamdamov

Local chef Ahmad Hamdamov will guide you through the colorful Chorsu Bazaar, pointing out local delicacies and special ingredients used in creating delicious Uzbek dishes. It's a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, observe the lively art of haggling, and sample a variety of proffered items as you walk along, from spices and nuts to cheeses and candy. Chef Hamdamov is renowned as an awarding-winning masterchef of the International Center of Uzbek Culinary Art in Tashkent. Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of traditional favorites

Culinary Master Class with Chef Ahmad Hamdamov

Enjoy an introduction to Uzbek national cuisine at culinary master class conducted by the renowned chef Ahmad Hamdamov, an awarding-winning master-chef of the International Center of Uzbek Culinary Art in Tashkent. You will learn how to cook a variety of Uzbek national dishes during the session. Then sit down to enjoy the meal that you've helped prepare. Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of traditional favorites.

Overnight accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent

DAY THREE - Saturday, April 18, 2026 - Tashkent/Bukhara

After breakfast this morning, check out and transfer to the railway station to Bukhara for approximately 2.25 hours journey.

Discover Bukhara

An oasis in the desert, UNESCO-listed Bukhara offers cool shade and rest to the modern traveler as it did to the camel caravans that plied the Silk Road hundreds of years ago. Bukhara is as old as Samarkand, and has preserved its ancient architecture and design to an arguably larger extent than that city. The Old Town inBukhara has a unified feel, drawn together by a central reflecting pool and plaza, by commonality in the structure of the domed bazaars and by the major monuments ringing the Old Town: the Kalon Ensemble, the Zindan Prison, and the Ark Citadel.

Bukhara was the site of one of the best-known episodes (to westerners) in Central Asian history, the 19th century capture and ultimate execution of two British spies posing as explorers. They were involved in what was then known as the Great Game between Russia and England for control over Central Asia, and access to India. The last emir of Bukhara was a notoriously brutal and crafty leader, and kept the men imprisoned at great length before their public execution. The city was also an important merchant center of Sephardic Jewry. The term "Bukharan Jews" refers to a large community of Jews originally from Persia who lived in the lands formerly ruled by the emir of Bukhara.

During your day exploring the main highlights in Bukhara, including Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Museum of Blacksmith's Art, Magoki Attori Mosque, the Bazaar and many more.

Overnight accommodations at the Alexia Hotel in Bukhara

DAY FOUR - Sunday, April 19, 2026 - Bukhara

Embark on another day discovering more highlights in Bukhara including Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ark Citadel, Archaeologist-led Tour of the Ark and Zindan Prison.

Samani Mausoleum

In a clearing in a tree-filled park a small plaza is marked with a single building, the Ismael Samani Mausoleum. It is the 10th century resting place of Ismael Samani, founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty,

and was buried under centuries of sand and not discovered until the 20th century. Though small, it is detailed in a fashion not seen in many other Bukharan monuments. More than sixteen styles of brickwork

adorn the face of this cubic memorial, and their elaborate pleats and layering are still fresh today. From inside, the transition from square walls to circular roof, created using bricks of identical size and shape, testifies to the engineering know-how of the designers. Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of traditional favorites.

Puppet-Making Demonstration

Visit a private studio to learn from a master marionette-maker the process of creating traditional Uzbek puppets. The expressive puppets have unique faces and are dressed in traditional Uzbek garments. It may

take seven or eight days to finish a puppet.

Fayzulla Kojaev House Museum

Also called the House of the Rich Bukhara Merchant, this dwelling presenting the lifestyle of wealthy 19th

century Bukharans is actually the ancestral home of Fayzulla Khodjaev, a controversial 20th century Uzbek

politician. Born in 1896 into a family of fleece merchants, he was educated in Moscow, and came to believe

that his backward-looking country would be better served if it were to join the Bolshevik Revolution. He rose to become President of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Rebublic, but was executed by Stalin in 1938 after opposing the leader's plan to dedicate Uzbekistan to the cotton monoculture. Rehabilitated posthumously

in 1966, he was honored with a small museum on the 30th anniversary of his rehabilitation.

Overnight accommodations at the Alexia Hotel in Bukhara

DAY FIVE - Monday, April 20, 2026 - Bukhara/ Emir's Summer Palace

Emir's Summer Palace

A small distance outside of the city sits the Palace of Moon and Stars, or the Summer Palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. The palace was built for the Emir at the turn of the century, after the Russians took control of Bukhara. The grounds here are heavily planted, and arbored walkways connect the various pavilions and buildings. Wild peacocks and peahens stroll through the park-like setting, strutting with their long showpiece plumage. The palace itself is something of a showpiece, as it was designed to keep the emir in

luxury, but removed from the city, isolated and politically impotent. Stop at its Museum of National Crafts to

admire the vivid suzani, embroidered coverlets that Uzbekistan is known for. The palace grounds also hold a smaller residence, often referred to as the harem, though that is probably an inaccurate description of its use. It overlooks a large reflecting pool, and is in turn overlooked by a platform on which the emir could recline and relax.

Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum

Bahauddin Naqshband was a 14th century Sufi mystic and founder of the Naqshbandi order of Sufis. His mausoleum complex grew from a simple tomb over his grave to a 16th century hostel for visiting dervishes,

then to a spiritual complex in the 17th century with a mosque added in the 18th century. The complex was

restored in 1993 for the celebration of the 675th anniversary of the saint's birth.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of traditional favorites.

Shukhov Water Tower - Drinks and Views

Ascend to the tip-top of the enclosed water tower for drinks and hors d'oeuvres against a 360-degree backdrop of old and new Bukhara. Located across from the Ark Citadel, the original wooden water tower was considered an engineering marvel when it was built in 1927 to augment Bukhara's water supply system. The 33-meter-tall tower was one of 200 built throughout the USSR by celebrated Soviet engineer/architect Vladimir Shukhov, and a daring example (at the time) of modern Soviet-era constructivist architecture. The structure was severely damaged by fire and abandoned in the 1970s.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight accommodations at the Alexia Hotel in Bukhara

DAY SIX - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - Bukhara/Samarkand

Jewish Quarter

Visit Bukhara's old Jewish Quarter, in the heart of the Old Town, where in the mid-19th century 2,500 families of prosperous merchants were estimated to have been living. Cut off in the 15th century from contact with other Jews, the Bukharan Jews developed their own dialect of the Tajik-Persian language that incorporates many Hebrew words, their own style of dress, and their own unique form of Judaism. The only

Bukharan synagogue allowed by the Soviets to remain in the Old Jewish Quarter is an unassuming place

near the Labi-Hauz pool. Almost underground and still somewhat run-down, the synagogue is the center of life for Bukhara's greatly diminished Jewish community. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, between 70,000 and 100,000 Jews have left Uzbekistan.

Morning free for rest or independent exploration. Enjoy time to rest or explore independently.

Lunch at the hotel restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to the train station for the ride on a high-speed train to Samarkand.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight accommodations at the Continental Hotel in Samarkand

DAY SEVEN - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 -

Discover Samarkand

Perhaps the most well-known of Silk Road towns, Samarkand, fabled oasis on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, has been settled since the 6th century BC. Because of its location on the plains where the Zeravshan River spills out from the Pamir Mountains, Samarkand became a major Silk Road crossroads. A World Heritage Site, Samarkand is called "Crossroad of Cultures" by UNESCO. It has been visited through time by many of the world's conquerors - Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. Alexander said of Samarkand, "Everything I have heard about the beauty of the city is indeed true, except that it is much more beautiful than I imagined." Tamerlane made it his capital city and gathered the finest

architects, builders and artisans of the time to enhance its beauty.

During your day exploring the main highlights in Samarkand, including Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque and Siab Bazaar.

Babur's Musical Instrument Studio

Visit Babur's musical instruments studio at Registan Square to learn more about traditional Uzbek music traditions. Babur is a professional musician and masterfully plays most Uzbek instruments, and you'll be able to see a wide array at his studio including the doira (a type of tamborine), gijak (a type of violin), and many more.

Block Printing Master VisitVisit the workshop of a master block printer, once a dying art in Uzbekistan but now experiencing an energetic revival by a new generation. Known as "chitgarlik," block printing in Uzbekistan dates to the 11th

century, when it was used to create patterns and designs on textiles for dresses, scarves, prayer mats, tablecloths, and wedding and funerary clothing. Industrialization of printed fabrics and chemical dyes made such an art nearly obsolete.

Drinks on the Sultan Hotel Rooftop

Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the rooftop of the charming Sultan Hotel with its spectacular views - considered among the best in Samarkand. In the distance is iconic Registan Square, while looming in the foreground is the magnificent dome of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where 14th-century conqueror Tamerlane

is buried. Watch as the sun sets over the city as it has for thousands of years, and then - suddenly - see the lights switch on, illuminating the ancient Gur-Emir dome - truly an amazing moment to remember.

Overnight accommodations at the Continental Hotel in Samarkand

DAY EIGHT - Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Samarkand/Shahrisabz/Samarkand

Today will be an adventure on a full-day trip outside the city, traveling by 4WD vehicles

Kitab Pass

The Kitab Nature Reserve on Kitab Pass in the Zeravshan Range is a wonderful bird sanctuary, where at certain times of the year you may be able to spot Blue Whistling Thrushes, several varieties of vulture, Golden Eagles, Eurasian Griffons, and Alpine Chough.

Drive to Katta Langar Village

The village of Katta Langar is located 49 kilometers from Shahrisabz, taking around 1.5 hours by car. The drive is a scenic one, especially after you turn off the main highway, through seldom-visited countryside. You'll pass through small towns and villages and see shepherds and their livestock along the way. The hills

and agricultural lands are bright green in the spring and turn tones of yellow and brown as the hot summers

turn to autumn.

Friday Mosque in Katta Langar

This small mosque is located in the village of Katta Langar, in the countryside near Shahrisabz. The interior

has been largely unrestored and features beautiful (and very old) columns and mosaics. This a great place

to meet locals, especially on Thursdays and Sundays when communal lunches are prepared here. The mosque is located up a steep road that some vehicles cannot pass. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to walk to last 500 meters or so uphill.

Langar Ata Shrine in Katta Langar

The Langar Ata Shrine, located near the small village of Katta Langar and not far from Shahrisabz, is home

to the tomb of the Timurid Sheikh Mohammed Sadik. Please note that the shrine is located on a hill and it is necessary to climb around 120 steps to access it. There are handrails and benches along the way.

Discover Shahrisabz

Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, was originally founded under the name of Kesh, and was renamed

Shahrisabz (Green City) by Tamerlane himself. Here one can see the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ak Saray (White Palace), built in the 14th century as one of Tamerlane's most ambitious projects.

Lunch at private home of Alisher. Enjoy a meal of home-cooked Uzbek specialties at Alisher's house.

Ak Saray Palace

The UNESCO-listed Ak Saray Palace complex included a massive portal covered with incredible blue, white

and gold ceramic tile mosaics and standing over 131 feet high. The remains of the portal are all that is left

of the palace, destroyed by Bukhara's Abdullah Khan in the 17th century.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Stay in for convenience and dine at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight accommodations at the Continental Hotel in Samarkand

DAY NINE - Friday, April 24, 2026 - Samarkand/Tashkent

Just outside of modern-day Samarkand lie the dusty hills of the ancient city of Afrosiab, once a potent capital, now an archaeological site guarding treasures of antiquity. Scientific digs here began in the 1800s under Russian rule, and continue to this day. On site is the Afrosiab History Museum, which houses artifacts

from the area, including pottery and tile found among the excavated walls of the town.

Take a private tour of the Afrosiab History Museum with an archaeologist who enhances your knowledge of the exhibits.

Shah-i-Zinda Complex

The row of tombs and mausoleums collectively called Shah-i-Zinda, or "place of a living king," stretches between the present and the past. At its front is living Samarkand, and at its back the dusty slopes at the edge of ancient Afrosiab. Even on hot summer days the mausoleums remain shady and cool and seem to

lure the traveler to approach the oldest tomb at the far end. Behind the complex and set into the hill lies an

active cemetery with grave sites dating back as far as the 9th century, and as recently as the present day.

Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Stay in for convenience and dine at the hotel restaurant.

Paper-making Workshop

Visit a workshop where handcrafted paper is made according to traditions handed down from the 8th

century, when papermaking began in Samarkand. Founded in 1997 with the support of UNESCO, the

workshop of Abdurakhim Mukhtarov, located in the village of Koni Gil on the outskirts of the city, produces

lovely paper crafts and stationery as you watch.

Afghan-Uzbek Silk Carpet Factory

This joint venture carpet factory uses natural vegetable dyes to color the thread used in its carpets. Tour the gardens outside the factory where the weavers grow indigo, coleus, and dahlias to use for dye. Observe the entire process of dying the thread and weaving the carpets, with an opportunity to shop afterward.

After lunch, transfer to the train station for the ride on a high-speed train to Tashkent.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent

DAY TEN - Saturday, April 25, 2026 -

Transfer to the Tashkent airport for your journey back to Safaga, Egypt.