In Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, explore the house-museum of one of the country’s most notable folk dancers, and browse the Applied Arts Museum, featuring the painted carved plaster called ganche, carved wood, and tile work. Exhibits include the Uzbek embroidered wall coverings called suzani, ceramics, jewelry, rugs, and musical instruments. 

Take the fast Afrosiab train to the Silk Road oasis of Bukhara. Wander the labyrinth of cobbled streets in the heart of the Old Town, seeing the classic sights. Attend master classes with Ms. Lilia Muradova, who will teach on different styles of Central Asian dance, culminating in an evening performance at the Gaukushon Caravanserai, accompanied by Bukharan Shahmaqam musicians.

Take a half-day train ride to UNESCO-listed Samarkand. Here in Tamerlane’s blue-tiled capital, hear a private museum curator play typical Central Asia instruments, such as the doira, a large tambourine that is beaten like a drum; learn to cook the country’s signature dish, plov, in a family home; and enjoy a fashion show introducing the national costumes of Uzbekistan.

Set out for Darband Village, stopping first in UNESCO-listed Shahrisabz, Tamerlane’s hometown, to see the remains of Ak Saray, or White Palace. Continue to Darband, passing through the Iron Gates. Pay a visit to the home of local Darband resident Shavkat Turdikulov, the great-grandson of a Silk Road caravan merchant. Admire the steep red cliffs of the "Grand Canyon" of Darband, and visit Boysun, one of the oldest inhabited places in Central Asia.

Drive to Termez, pausing in the little village of Sairob to see its thousand-year-old plane trees. Termez, near the Uzbek-Afghan border, celebrated its 2,500th anniversary in 2001. Explore the Buddhist monastery complexes of 2nd century Kara Tepe and 1st century Fayez Tepe. Visit the 11th and 12th century Sultan-Saodat complex, honoring the graves of the Termez sayids, or holy men. Fly to Tashkent for a farewell dinner.