This spellbinding Uzbek desert city has a history as mysterious and evocative as the Silk Road itself. Shrouded in legend, it is believed Khiva's origins could stretch back as far as the 6th century. However, it flourished as an important location on the Silk Road and much of what remains today recalls that enchanting time.
The UNESCO-listed Old City, Itchan-Kala, is dubbed the 'largest open-air museum in the world' due to its well-preserved buildings - some dating from the 9th-century. Wandering its atmospheric streets is to step into the pages of Arabian Nights, while an unforgettable moment is awaking in a hotel in a former madrasa with the timeless wonders such as the 10th-century Djuma Mosque and ancient caravanserai of Itchan-Kala on your doorstep.
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(44 reviews)Step back in time on an exploration of Uzbekistan, uncovering the central Asian country's blend of bewitching stories and intriguing landscapes. Explore ancient fortresses hidden in sandy deserts on a fascinating journey, conjuring up enduring images of traders on the golden road to Samarkand and its iconic Registan. Stroll among astonishing...
09/04/2025 · By Ian Holt
Explore Uzbekistan with Great Rail Journeys, visiting the ancient Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent to discover history, architecture and Uzbek cuisine.
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20/12/2024 · By Dave Riley, CEO
From all of us at Great Rail Journeys, we wish you a wonderful festive period. Take a look back at 2024 and get a glimpse at our new holidays for 2025.
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