Explore the uzbek capital of Tashkent and you’re exploring a twin city: the mud walls of the old buildings near the city’s bustling bazaar are a world away from the modern and Soviet era edifices. Get a bird’s eye view from the Tashkent Tower, a signature structure in the skyline that boasts an observation deck from which to make sense of the chaos.

Steep yourself in Islamic culture with a stop at this fabled Silk Road city. There, you’ll encounter the mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserai that help to make a stay in this ancient Uzbek city such a memorable one.

Encounter a world where ancient skills and crafts have been passed down from generation to generation. Silk weaving, gold embroidery, copper engraving, wood carving, painting and ceramics will fight for the right to make it into your suitcase to be taken home as a souvenir.