Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders on the famous Silk Road on a captivating journey through Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is an enthralling painting destination. Using every hue of blue we paint the domes and minarets of mosques, palaces and madrassas.  We find vast walls of sand brick and experience the breath-taking scale of the Uzbek monuments and fortresses.

The arts and crafts of Uzbekistan inspire us during our 14 day adventure which traces the opulence of the Silk Route.

The cities of this fascinating country are famed for their iconic architecture; beautiful Khiva, holy Bukhara and mystical Samarkand showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the eastern world. In contrast the oppressive brutalist structures of the capital, Tashkent, tell stories of the Soviet era and contrast with the extraordinary metro stations; each being an original work of art with its own individual theme and designed by leading architects and artists of the country.

Not only will we be in awe of these man-made wonders, but we will also be journeying through the country during spring time when the wildflowers are out – this is the most colourful time to see Uzbekistan – and we will venture into the desert wilderness for a traditional yurt stay to fully appreciate rural life.

Some highlights:

• Start and finish in Uzbekistan’s multi-faceted capital of Tashkent
• Explore the architectural splendour of Khiva, a beautifully preserved desert city packed full of historical sites in its compact Old Town.
• Visit the ancient city of Samarkand which has long been a hub for artisans and traders of the Silk Route.
• Enjoy a visit to the Nukus Museum of Art, considered to have one of the finest collections in Central Asia and the second most significant collection of Russian Avant-garde in the world.
• Discover holy Bukhara; often described as being the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia and brimming with turquoise domes, madrassas, and caravanserais.
• Journey into the desert to the village of Yangigazgan and spend the night in a traditional Yurt camp with an evening meal and Kazakh singing under the stars, and the chance to ride a Bactrian camel!

On this exciting Art Safari adventure, we take our inspiration from the shimmering turquoise domes and sandstone towers, intricate mosaics and towering minarets.  We will have the opportunity to visit fine art galleries and local craft workshops, not to mention ancient bazaars and caravanserais for the full Silk Road experience.

Your tutor Mary-Anne Bartlett is an accomplished artist and seasoned traveller.  She will teach you how to look at your surroundings and encourage you to fill your sketchbook pages in your own style, as well as trying some new ideas.