Stitching adventures in Uzbekistan

TEXTILES, CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY

April 24-May 3, 2026

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Explore weaving, embroidery, architectural splendours and ancient traditions in Uzbekistan with Nadia Albertini

April 24 to May 3, 2026

If the Silk Road has long called your name, this is the journey to answer it.  Join me for an unforgettable stitching adventure through Uzbekistan, a country where ancient craftsmanship, breathtaking architecture, and generous hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

This trip is a textile lover’s dream, woven in silk and ikat yarns, embroidered in gold threads and beautifully hand-painted with patterns full of history.

Uzbekistan was once at the core of the Silk Road, linking East and West and the home to its more important trading cities. Today, they still pulse with the creative spirit of artisans whose work—like hand-embroidered suzanis, colorful carpets, and shimmering silk ikats—tells stories that span centuries. On this 10-day journey, we’ll meet many of these artists, learn about their process, and witness their extraordinary skills firsthand.

Highlights to look forward to:

  • Travel via high-speed trains through Central Asia’s historic Silk Road

  • Wander through the elegant, blue-tiled madrasas and richly adorned palaces of Kokand, Samarkand and Bukhara, all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

  • Meet talented embroiderers, carpet makers, silk farmers, ikat weavers, master ceramicists and miniaturists in their studios and workshops.

  • Dive into the sensory delight of many local bazaars and traditional markets, filled with handmade treasures and bustling with daily Uzbek life.

  • Savor the bright flavors of Central Asia—from pillowy bread baked in tandoor ovens to fresh fruits and savory dishes full of herbs, colors and delicious spices.

  • Stay in charming boutique hotels, centrally located, and surrounded by interesting shops and restaurants.

From the bustling bazaars of Tashkent to the silk farms of the Fergana Valley and the architectural wonders of Samarkand and Bukhara, this immersive journey through Uzbekistan is specially curated for textile and embroidery lovers. Discover ancient craft traditions, meet master artisans, and witness living heritage in action through exclusive workshops, guided visits, and cultural encounters.

I T I N E R A R Y

  • Guests arrive in Tashkent in the morning. You’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the Mercure Hotel in central Tashkent for check-in and rest. The tour starts after lunch, at 2:30pm.

    After introductions and overview of the program, we will begin exploring the capital with a visit the Museum of Applied Arts, which houses exquisite examples of Uzbek embroidery, suzanis, textiles, and ceramics.

    We will then take a stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar, a sensory feast of spices, fabrics, and everyday life.

    We will end the day with a welcome dinner at a famous plov restaurant, Uzbekistan’s beloved national dish.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • All local transportation

    • Museum entry fee

    • Welcome dinner

    • Lodging in Tashkent

  • The guests have an early breakfast at the hotel and head to the train station to catch the train to Kokand, an important center of the Silk Road.

    We will have lunch in Kokand and then drive to Rishtan, for a special visit to the renowned turquoise ceramics workshops.

    We will continue to Fergana, heart of Uzbekistan’s silk production.

    In Fergana, we will check into the Silk Road Kokand Hotel for the night and have dinner at a local restaurant.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent

    • Train to Kokand

    • Lunch in Kokand

    • Guided tour of Kokand

    • Potters visit

    • Dinner in Fergana

    • Lodging in Fergana

  • We begin with a visit to a silk farm in the Fergana Valley, where we’ll follow the delicate process silk from cocoon to thread.

    After a typical lunch, we continue to Margilan, home of the celebrated Yodgorlik Silk Ikat Weaving Factory And Embroidery, marveling at the motifs that have traveled through centuries.

    In the late afternoon we return to Fergana for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel Fergana

    • Silk farm visit

    • Lunch

    • Yodgorlik Silk Ikat Weaving Factory guided tour

    • Dinner in Fergana

    • Lodging in Fergana

  • After an early breakfast, we board the train back to Tashkent.

    We will visit the atelier of one of Uzbekistan’s finest embroiderers, whose delicate works have graced exhibitions worldwide.

    We then head to Human House, a lively cultural and textile hub, where contemporary artists and artisans share their creations.

    We will then check in at the Mercure Hotel and meet later for dinner.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Fergana

    • Train to Tashkent

    • Lunch in Tashkent

    • Visits to embroidery studio and shops

    • Dinner in Tashkent

    • Lodging in Tashkent

  • This morning, we board the high-speed train to legendary Samarkand, often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Once a glittering stop on the Silk Road, Samarkand is famous for its grand tiled monuments and deep cultural history.

    After lunch, our local guide leads us through the city’s architectural wonders, from dazzling turquoise domes to intricate mosaics.

    We also stop at the Samarkand Carpet Workshop to see how wool and silk threads are knotted into intricate rugs, a first-hand experience in Samarkand’s rich weaving tradition.

    In the early evening, we check-in at the Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel, with free time to dine at your leisure, rest or stroll before bed.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent

    • Speed train to Samarkand

    • Lunch in Tashkent

    • City guided tour

    • Carpet factory visit

    • Lodging in Samarkand

  • The day begins with a visit to a charming antique shop in the heart of Samarkand, tucked inside a traditional house with a peaceful courtyard.

    We then drive out to Urgut Market, about an hour away from Samarkand, to find a place alive with textiles, suzanis, and embroidery treasures. The market is known for being a major commercial hub in the country and the region vehicle, visiting stunning architectural marvels.

    Over tea, we’ll meet local artisans, watch an embroidery demonstration, and shop for remarkable handmade pieces.

    In the evening, we will return to Samarkand for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand

    • Antique shop visit

    • Transportation to Urgut

    • Lunch in Urgut

    • Tea time and embroidery demonstration

    • Transportation back to Samarkand

    • Dinner in Samarkand

    • Lodging in Samarkand

  • Morning train to Bukhara, the jewel of Central Asia, another gem of Islamic architecture and culture. With over 140 protected monuments, this atmospheric city is a labyrinth of history—where every mosque, madrasa, and marketplace whispers tales of the past.

    After we check in at the Amiran Boutique Hotel, we will enjoy a terrace lunch and then set off to explore the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble (which includes the Nodir Divan Begi madrasa and the Khonaka), a serene square surrounded by madrasas filled with beautiful shops.

    Later, we visit a renowned textile gallery, where we’ll enjoy a personal exchange with the owner—a local textile connoisseur.

    Free evening in Bukhara to dine at your leisure, rest or stroll before bed.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand

    • Speed train to Bukhara

    • Lunch in Bukhara

    • Madrasas and shop tour

    • Textile and vintage gallery visit

    • Free evening

    • Lodging in Bukhara

  • Bukhara reveals its intimate side today. We begin with a visit to the home of Davron Toshev, a master miniaturist. After a delicious lunch, we will be welcomed into the studio of his brother, Rakhmon Toshev, an extraordinary embroiderer.

    Here, we’ll discover his artistic process and impressive embroidery archive; we’ll hear his stories, and have the chance to acquire suzanis, clothing, and accessories of remarkable beauty.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Bukhara

    • Miniaturist studio guided tour

    • Lunch in Bukhara

    • Embroidery atelier visit

    • Dinner in Bukhara

    • Lodging in Bukhara

  • Our last full day begins with the Chor Minor Mosque, whose four minarets blend Indian and Central Asian design. From there, we head to a historic gold embroidery workshop in the outskirts of Bukhara, where artisans keep alive this luminous tradition.

    We then continue to Guijduvan, a village famed for its ceramic masters.

    After lunch, we explore the splendid Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Summer Palace, once home to the last Emir of Bukhara, where Eastern elegance meets European influence, blending Russian and Central Asian styles while housing one of the finest suzani collections in the country.

    In the evening, we gather for a joyful farewell dinner, celebrating our textile journey and the friendships woven along the way.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Bukhara

    • Chor Minor Mosque, gold embroidery factory and Guijduvan pottery visits

    • Lunch in Bukhara

    • Summer palace visit

    • Farewell dinner in Bukhara

    • Lodging in Bukhara

  • After breakfast, we will drive to the airport for our departure flights, carrying with us new inspirations, treasured textiles, and unforgettable memories.

    INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:

    • Breakfast at the hotel in Bukhara

    • Transportation to the airport

JOIN NADIA IN UZBEKISTAN NEXT SPRING

April 24 to May 3, 2026

  • 10 days — 9 nights

  • Capped at 10 participants

  • English-spoken

  • €6,000 per participant, single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom, when you pay your deposit by or before January 30th 2026.

  • €6,250 per participant, single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom, if you pay after February 1st 2026.

  • Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €1,000

  • TASHKENT: Nights 1 and 4. Each participant will enjoy the
    occupancy of a single room with ensuite bathroom in the modern     Mercure Hotel.

  • FERGANA: Nights 2 and 3. Each participant will enjoy the occupancy of a single room with ensuite bathroom in the welcoming Silk Road Kokand Hotel.

  • SAMARKAND: Nights 5 and 6. Each participant will enjoy the occupancy of a single room with ensuite bathroom in the charming
    Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel.

  • BUKHARA: Nights 7, 8 and 9. Each participant will enjoy the occupancy of a single room with ensuite bathroom in the conveniently located Amiran Boutique Hotel.

Questions about the accommodations? Please contact us before signing up.

Included in this experiential learning opportunity:

  • Lodging for 9 nights

  • All breakfasts, except on day 1

  • All lunches, except on day 1

  • All dinners, except on days 5, 7 and 10

  • Transportation: All local transportation by train and minibus

  • Admission fees to all paid-for activities (such as museums and ateliers)

Not included:

  • Airfare/transportation to and from Uzbekistan for your personal arrival and departure

  • Travel, medical and cancellation insurance (for which you must provide proof of acquisition before joining us in Uzbekistan)

  • Vaccinations or boosters suggested by your physician

  • Breakfast on day 1

  • Lunch on day 1

  • Dinner on days 5, 7 and 10

  • Any additional expenses guests may incur on their own outside of what has already been stipulated, such as groceries, spa days/evenings, and certainly any supplies acquired during our visits to specialized stores.

Note regarding free evenings

A couple of evenings are left free, so you can enjoy dinner independently—whether by trying our suggestions or discovering your own local gems.

More scheduling details will be provided closer to the start of the program.

Please note that the focus of our program is around the topic of silk, embroidery and the revival of textile traditions in Uzbekistan. It will be packed with many unique and fascinating visits, therefore, it is important to mention this experiential learning opportunity is designed to nurture your interest and curiosity in embroidery, textile and local fashion for both personal and professional advancement as it will be filled with bespoke workshops, lectures, research and practice.
Unfortunately, our schedule won’t allow for the more traditional sightseeing of Uzbekistan nor shopping unrelated to the learning outcomes. We invite you to plan personal-interest visits and activities at your own leisure, either a few days before or after our programme ends, or in the evenings.

Don’t hesitate to reach out before signing up if you have any questions.

  • Thinking of booking alongside a friend? Both of you would be eligible to a friend’s discount.
    Please reach out so we may send more details about this special promotion.

  • Please note that some activities in the program may be subject to change