Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

Set on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has played host to waves of conquerors and nomads. On this tour, see the legacy they left behind in the towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara and the Islamic architecture of Samarkand, once some of the most powerful cities in the world. The remnants of more recent Soviet history are evident in the capital city Tashkent.

What's Included:

• Comprehensive tours of the mosques, madrasas and mausoleums of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
• Visit a silk paper-making workshop in Samarkland
• Excursion to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur
• Stay in 3- & 4-star accommodation
• Small group size - average 10-14 people (max 26)
• International flights & internal flights in Uzbekistan
• First class train from Samarkand to Tashkent
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour manager
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Porterage at all hotels
• 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners

Day 1: UK - Tashkent

Fly overnight to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways.

Day 2: Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Miran Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon tour of the old city stopping at sights such as Amir Timur Square and the Kukeldash mosque and madrasa.

Day 3: Urgench - Khiva

Transfer to the airport and take a 1-hour morning flight to Urgench. Visit the ancient fortresses of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala before an afternoon drive to Khiva via Ulli Khovli. Stay 2 nights at the Malika Kheivak Hotel (or similar).

Day 4: Khiva

Full-day tour of Khiva, including Kunya Ark, Islam Khoja minaret and Tash Havli Palace.

Day 5: Drive to Bukhara

Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum desert, stopping at the Amudaryo river for photos. Stay at the Asia Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights.

Day 6: Bukhara

City tour of Bukhara, including visits to Chor Minor mosque, built in 1807 with unusual sky blue cupolas, the Poi-Kaylan complex, the surviving trade domes and Lyab-i-Hauz complex, once the city’s principal source of water.

Day 7: Bukhara

After breakfast, continue your tour of Bukhara, including visits to the imposing fortress known as ‘The Ark’, located on the site of a 2,000-year-old fortress; the Summer Palace; and the Samanid mausoleum, built in the early 10th century with a facade incorporating Zoroastrian symbols.

Day 8: Shahrisabz

Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the summer palace, mosques and mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand for 3 nights at the Registan Plaza Hotel or the Emirkhan Hotel (or similar).

Day 9: Samarkand

Full-day tour of Samarkand, including visits to Registan Square, the Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiab Museum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and the Bibi Khanum mosque.

Day 10: Samarkand

Continue your tour of Samarkand. Visit Gur Emir mausoleum, which marks the final resting place of several members of the Timurid dynasty, including Timur himself. Other visits include Nodir Divan Begi madrasa, Hazrat Hizr mosque and the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum. After lunch, stop at Koni Ghil silk paper-making workshop before returning to your hotel.

Day 11: Samarkand - Tashkent

Morning at leisure in Samarkand. Late afternoon transfer to the train station to board the Afrosiyob Express to Tashkent. Transfer to the Miran Hotel (or similar) for 1 night.

Day 12: Tashkent - UK

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport. Fly from Tashkent to London with Uzbekistan Airways.