Samarkand Pottery Weekend: Craft Immersion Taster

What You'll Create & Take Home

• Ceramic bowl - Wheel-thrown, glazed with natural ishkor, fired in traditional kiln
• Ceramic plate or second bowl - Your choice, decorated with Gijduvan patterns
• Small tile - Hand-painted with traditional motifs (extra piece if time allows)
• Craft journal - Document techniques, cultural stories, Master's advice
• Skills - Wheel throwing basics you can practice at home (many cities have pottery studios)

Ceramics can be packed in your luggage (we provide protective wrapping) or shipped to your home (small fee).

What's Included

2 Pottery Workshops (7 hours total):

1. Wheel throwing with Master Alisher (4 hours) - Day 1
2. Glazing and decoration techniques (3 hours) - Day 2

Accommodation (2 nights):

• 1 night artisan homestay in Gijduvan (pottery family, cultural immersion)
• 1 night boutique hotel in Samarkand (3-4 star, private bathroom)

Cultural Highlights:

• Registan Square guided tour (Samarkand's crown jewel)
• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane's resting place)
• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis (ceramic tilework masterpieces)
• Artisan workshop tours in Samarkand old town

All Meals & Transport:

• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (including family dinner at homestay)
• Private transportation (Samarkand ↔ Gijduvan, cultural sites)
• Train/airport pickup and drop-off in Samarkand

Materials & Take-Home:

• All pottery materials (clay, glazes, firing costs)
• Protective wrapping for ceramics
• Craft journal
• Your finished pieces (bowl, plate, tile)

Why This Is a "Taster"

Think of this weekend as your introduction to craft tourism. You'll experience:

• What hands-on workshops with masters feel like
• If artisan homestays suit your comfort level
• The pace and depth of craft learning
• Uzbekistan's culture, food, and hospitality

Many travelers use this weekend to decide if they want to book our longer tours:

• Loved it? Upgrade to our 6-day Pottery & Suzani Intensive (add embroidery + Bukhara)
• Want it all? Book our 12-day Silk to Canvas Grand Journey (all crafts + Savitsky Museum)
• Perfect length? Return for other weekend tasters as we add them (embroidery, silk, etc.)

Practical Details

Best for: Long weekend escapes (Friday-Sunday). Departs every Friday, year-round.

Fitness: Minimal walking (mostly studio work). Some standing during pottery sessions.

Weather: Indoor workshops, so weather-independent. Samarkand tour best in spring/fall (mild temps).

Solo-friendly: Single supplement only $100 (vs $300+ on longer tours). Great for solo travelers testing group travel.

Extension Options

Add extra days to explore more:

• +1 day Bukhara: Add embroidery workshop + Old City tour ($350)
• +2 days Silk Road: Visit Khiva's ancient walled city ($600)
• Combine with 6-day tour: Do weekend taster, then continue into full 6-day Pottery & Suzani (save 10%)