These days, there remain only a few places in the world that evoke the feeling that you’re exploring a completely uncharted world – Uzbekistan is clearly one of em’.

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Silk Road that connected the East with the West, Uzbekistan is a hidden gem nestled in the fascinating Central Asia region, also known as the Eurasian continent.

In just two weeks, I stepped into the footsteps of renowned Italian adventurer Marco Polo and uncovered the enchanting Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, sampled the most delicious Uzbek food, and even took an overnight train that dates back to the Soviet era – which was an intense, yet absolute authentic experience.

I also roamed endlessly through the many local bazaars, where aromas of spices filled the air, explored the vibrant capital city of Tashkent, with its blend of modernity and local tradition, and devoured a few too many Ljulja Kebabs, which are just criminally delicious – so don’t blame me.

Uzbekistan truly awakens the explorer within, and its ancient cities filled with intricate tilework, towering minarets, and awe-inspiring domes lay the foundations for a memorable and captivating travel experience.