This is a fast paced holiday, with lots of places to be and even more things to see. Every day brings new wonders. Our whole, lovely group, said that they had taken far more photos than they had expected to. The scenery, especially in Kyrgyzstan, is awesome. The buildings, and statues, are built on an epic scale. Countryside, cityscape, desert landscape, lakes this holiday has it all. One of our group summed it up “Before I came people asked me “Where? Why on earth would you go there?” Now I would reply “why on earth wouldn’t you”. There are long drive (with plenty of stops) and early starts but that’s what allows you to see so much. The train rides in Uzbekistan added to the feel of adventure. I’m in my sixties, and I like my sleep, I certainly never expected to actually enjoy being woken in the middle of the night to travel to the station, catch a sleeper train and back to sleep for three hours! When I woke I was in the middle of a desert, with a glorious red sunrise shining across the land and it was stunning. If you’re thinking about this holiday then book it asap. Oh and the food in all three countries was fantastic.
Silk Road Holidays
Our Guide to the 5 Stans of the Silk Road
Silk Road Tours
For more than 1,500 years, merchants and traders braved some of the planet’s most inhospitable terrain and the threat of robbers in search of riches. Their network of trade routes, which connected China with the Mediterranean via the Central Asian steppes, was named the Silk Road, and shaped the world immeasurably.
Join one of our Silk Road holidays and you’ll follow in the footsteps of those wandering traders, discovering cities that were once the centre of civilisation: Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, Xi’an in China, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, and plenty more along the way.
Our guided Silk Road tours not only provide a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan (the Five Stans of the Silk Road), plus China and Georgia, but also some of the greatest natural wonders. Hike among the spectacular Jety-Oguz Canyon, admire the architectural feats of Samarkand’s Registan Square and stand at the ‘Door to Hell’, a burning natural gas field in Turkmenistan.
On our Silk Road trips, our expert tour leaders guide you on a magnificent journey of discovery where you’ll soak up the unique culture, delve into the past and travel along parts of this world-shaping trading route.
Silk Road Trips
Meet the Expert
Tom Manchester – Product Manager
“Having travelled along much of the Silk Road, especially in Central Asia, the history and variety in the landscapes are what I find most fascinating. A favourite moment comes from our Pamir Highway Expedition, driving through the Wakhan Valley in Tajikistan, looking across the narrow Panj (Oxus) River to a caravanserai in Afghanistan in which Marco Polo is said to have rested.”
Sarah Gray The Silk Road
AMANDA PATHE Essential ChinaI was a solo traveller and had never gone on a group trip before. The trip covered so much ground, I saw loads.
Georgia Letts Essential ChinaThis was one of the best trips I have been on in years. I was pleasantly surprised at how kind the Chinese people were. Our guide was absolutely fantastic, and probably one of the most knowledgeable I’ve ever had! Nothing was ever too big or too small for him and he’d always recommend additional activities in our spare time. China is like no other Southeast Asia country, and its vast development is fascinating! You get to see the modern day, China, as well as the old historic sites. If you enjoy your food, you will not be disappointed by the options on this trip what makes it even better if you only pay about 6 pounds for a huge dinner!!
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