Find your dream holiday along the legendary Silk Road

Misty mountains to golden desert dunes. Fertile valleys through to glacial lakes. This is a glimpse at the depth and breadth of landscapes that lie along the Silk Road, the trade route and bridge between civilizations, spanning China to the Mediterranean, connecting bustling cities and sharing silk, spices and culture. Today, it conjures the dream of discovery through time and terrain. As the latest episode of TravelSmart Weekly journeys along the fabled path, we're taking a look at the destinations that the Silk Road passed through.

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik might have your attention; we have an excellent, expert guide on the best places to stay. Venice, in northern Italy, became a Silk Road gateway, and we think it's best visited without the crowds in the winter months. North Africa played a significant role in the network, and we can help with winter-sun inspiration in Egypt and a look at the best things to do in Tunisia. Heading east, let us inspire you with a flavour of Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Read on to find your perfect escape along the Silk Road.

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Uzbek connections

Central Asia's only high-speed railway connects the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent (pictured) with the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Book well in advance – seats are at a premium.

Silk Roads

The landmark British Museum exhibition on the intricate tangle of pathways across Asia continues to 23 February. Exhibits include a 12th-century map of "Pleasant Journeys into Faraway Lands".

Save up to £400 in the Tui sale

The Tui sale is now even bigger. Save up to £400 per booking on summer 2025 holidays and get your dream escape locked in for less. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.

50% off hop-on, hop-off Thames River pass

Explore some of London's top riverside landmarks with a 24-hour, hop-on-hop-off river pass from City Cruises. Use discount code: "Jan50" at checkout for half price tickets. Learn more.

Last-minute Village Hotel stays from £51

Sign up now for free membership at Village Hotels and start planning your last-minute getaway from just £51 per night. Explore destinations like Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bournemouth and beyond! Learn more.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Wild Frontiers

From journeys along the Silk Road to voodoo ceremonies in Togo and Benin, and from homestays in Georgia to heritage palaces in India, Wild Frontiers uses its expertise to ensure you get the most out of every travel experience. Never stop seeking.

TRAVELSMART

Follow the path

This week's episode of our travel guide series traces the Silk Road, sharing the best places to visit. Tune in.

SPOTLIGHT

An Uzbek adventure

Tashkent, Uzbekistan's exciting, modern capital, may be just the place for a perfect city break. Get the details.

Unlike the Silk Road cities that are embroidered into the fabric of Uzbekistan, the capital is modern... it is a fascinating complement to the historic heartlands outside the city

Sean Moulton

Travel writer

EXPLORE

Inside Istanbul

Where East meets West, Istanbul was a key hub for Silk Road merchants trading exotic goods. Read more.

INSPIRATION

India's cure for crisis

Seeking spiritual solace during a mid-life crisis, this writer booked a one-way ticket to India. Learn more.

TRAVELSMART WEEKLY

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