17-22 SEPTEMBER 2019 En Silk Route AN EXPERIENCE IN UZBEKISTAN Why Uzbekistan? When Vajor Experiences had set out to create bespoke experiences for an evolved wanderer, Uzbekistan was on our Wishlist. It combines everything that makes for a fan-favorite in the travel space. Incredible architecture from the Silk Route..A mixture of fascinating Soviet, Islamic and Asian cultures and histories. An underrated food scene and an Untapped natural beauty from deserts to lush mountain areas. And most importantly a mystic bohemian vibe, which perfectly blends with Vajor as a key brand element. The week long trail in Uzbekistan takes us through a gamut of experiences over stories, DIY’s , tastings and much more to give you a first hand experience of how This area once was and till today remains elusive to travellers. The then and now of Uzbekistan with #vajorExperience. The history of the Silk Road goes as far back as 138 BC when China opened its borders. Over centuries, traders, missionaries and conquerors travelled from Asia to Europe through Uzbekistan and brought with them new cultures, religions and crafts, traces of which still exist. If you’re intrigued by the ancient Silk Road but don’t have the time to travel its length from China to Turkey, you’ll find two of the route’s most important cities in Uzbekistan. Bukhara and Samarkand were key stop-offs for traders, and have all been painstakingly restored to their former glory – think glittering minarets, voluptuous domes and hypnotic mosaics. Silk Route trade didn’t stop at silk. Goods, from spices and teas, salt and sugar, to ceramics, ivory, jewels and furs, were shuttled back and forth as countries discovered new items produced in far- away lands. Less tangible exchanges also took place: ideas, languages, cultural practices, religions and even diseases were passed on between traders. En Silk Route AN EXPERIENCE IN UZBEKISTAN 5 NIGHTS 6 DAYS Journeying along the Silk Route is not just humbling but packed with learning, fun and memories that take you back and forth in time. Come embark on this unique time travel with #VajorExperience to experience the splendour which once was. Day 1 As we land in Tashkent after an early morning flight from Delhi, we check-into our accommodation - the Grand Capital, a 4-star hotel booked specially for this escape. Relaxed and cleaned up from the long flight, we start our explorations as we go out town hopping. Witness the transitional landscapes of the city from ancient to modern. We visit the Amir Timur Square - that displays a statue of Amir Timur and is one of the most important landmarks in the city for it being the centre from which all the roads to the country and neighbouring states radiate. Later, in the old town, we visit the Independence Square located amidst the primitive old houses made of ‘wattle and daub’. This is just to get you started on the rustic vibe of the experience that follows. Highlights: Amir Timur Square Independence Square Old city Day 2 The next day starts on an exciting note as we board the incredibly high-speed trains of the country - the Afrosiyob - for a quick and convenient travel to Bukhara and reach there by 11 a.m. We check-in to our hotel at Bukhara before we venture out for a rich sojourn ahead. A prominent stop of the Silk Trade Route, the city has ancient well-preserved mosques, madrassas and monuments. We visit the world-famous sights like Ayub, Chor Minor, Lyab-i-hauz and Miri Arab madarassa. For two days, Walk around in narrow lanes leading to vintage Chai-Khanas (tea-houses) and rooftop restaurants where we lay our eyes on the ancient city’s skyline. Look around, observe and witness the local life in action as we take a stroll among the age-old neighbourhoods and colorful bazaars. Highlights: Travel to Bukhara via Afrosiyob (bullet trains) Chashma-Ayub Chor Minor Lyab-i-hauz Miri Arab madarassa Bazaars Day 3 On day 3, we explore and wander through every nook and corner of Bukhara. The highlight of the day will be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site for a history overload of some of the most gorgeous and breathtaking well-preserved ancient monuments, tombs and mausoleums decorated with colorful mosaic tiles. Catch heart-stopping views on the site when the light reflects off of those mosaic tiles. Find yourself in a dreamy setting like the world of Aladdin as you walk amidst beautiful Persian architecture and streets. Shop exquisite yet affordable souvenirs at the bazaars where you’ll find precious relics from ceramics, ikat weaves, home decor to shoes, musi- cal instruments, spices and more! After, we visit a carpet workshop for a closer look at the intricate artform. Highlights: Toqi sarrofon Bazaar Curated shopping experience Souvenir Shopping at the Bazaars Carpet workshop visit Day 4 Wake up to a slow morning as you take time to relax from the previously rewarding days and prepare yourself for the day ahead. Post lunch, we leave Bukhara to travel to another important city of the Silk Route - Samarkand - the most ancient town of the country and reach there by dinner time. Following our arrival, we have a special wine-tasting session to taste the Uzbek wine. For the party diggers, there are a number of Russian-era pubs where you can party. Russians are known to be party animals so take the night off to have your own little soiree. Highlights: Travel to Samarkand via Afrosiyob Wine tasting session (optional) Personal leisure time (Russian-era pubs, night strolls) Day 5 The day in Samarkand will be like a time travel as you walk down the ancient lanes bordered by time-honored monuments. Visit Ulugbek Observatory, the famous Registan Square (the central point of the Silk Road), Siyob Bazaar, Shahi Zinda (City of the Dead and the world’s largest necropolis), and Gur-e-Amir (the mausoleum of the Asian conqueror, Timur). Post lunch we return to Tashkent. Tashkent, a modern capital, is known to house a lot of amazing clubs. Set your foot loose on the dance floor as you enjoy and party at these clubs. Note: Partying and drinking is not a part of the official itinerary but we’ll help you with our suggestions of the best places to let loose. Highlights: Ulugbek Observatory Registan Square Siyob Bazaar Shahi Zinda Gur-e-Amir Transfer to Tashkent Personal leisure time (party, nightlife) Day 6 Wake up to the last day of the escape. This day is yours to ex- plore some more historical sites or shop at the famous Chorsu Bazaar, known as the Mecca of shopping, for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Devour some delicious Uzbeki delights one last time. After visiting the Big City Mall in Tashkent, we count a few more hours left to bid adieu to the wonderful country. Highlights: Chorsu Bazaar Souvenir Shopping Transfer back to Delhi Inclusion • Airfare from Delhi to Delhi • Airport Transfer • E Visa fee • Daily bottle of water • Accommodation in experiential / heritage properties equivalent to 4 star accommodation. • Daily Breakfast • Experiences / activities as per itinerary • Daily guided tours (as per your requirement) • Daily Lunch / snack during the guided tours • Daily Dinner (authentic Uzbek meal) • High speed train as per itinerary • Local guides apart from Vajor host in every city to enhance the travel experience; most of them are good story tellers • All transfers as per itinerary Exclusion • Any expense outside the itinerary or personal expenses “Traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” Ibn Battuta Price : 95000/- per pax (inclusive of tax) For further queries mail us at : [email protected] Call : +91 9709249795 www.vajor.com.