Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia

Many moons ago, caravans laden with silk, tea, perfume and porcelain crossed Asia to the markets of Europe and Africa. Heading in the opposite direction: honey, horses, glassware and gold. Uzbekistan’s central spot on this ancient Silk Road has given it a legacy of awe-inspiring architecture on top of a melting-pot culture. This tour reveals how waves of traders and conquerors shaped Uzbekistan over thousands of years. Admire the towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara, the Islamic architecture of Samarkand, and the Soviet landmarks of Tashkent.

What's Included:

• Small group size - average 18 people (max 20)
• 3- & 4-star accommodation
• Flexible - extensions & flight upgrades available
• International flights
• Internal flights as specified
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour manager
• 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 8 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Porterage at all hotels
• High-speed rail between Samarkand and Tashkent

Day 1: UK - Tashkent

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways. (N)

Day 2: Tashkent

Arrive and transfer to the Mercure Tashkent (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon tour of the old city stopping at Kukeldash mosque and madrasa. (D)

Day 3: Fly to 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). (B, L, D)

Day 4: Khiva

Full-day tour of Khiva, including Kunya Ark, Islam Khoja minaret, Tash Havli Palace and a local bakery. (B, D)

Day 5: Bukhara

Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum Desert, stopping at the Amudaryo River for photos. Stay at the Minorai Kalon Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Bukhara

City tour of Bukhara, including visits to Chor Minor mosque, the Poi-Kaylan complex, the surviving trade domes and Lyab-i-Hauz complex, once the city's principal source of water. This evening enjoy dinner and a cooking demonstration. (B, D)

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. (B)

Day 8: Shahrisabz - Samarkand

Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the summer palace, mosques and mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand for 3 nights at the Hotel Royal Samarkand (or similar). (B, L, D)

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. (B)

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 Khizr mosque and the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum. After lunch, stop at a silk carpet factory before returning to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 11: Tashkent

Morning at leisure in Samarkand. This afternoon visit the one of Samarkand’s renowned silk paper workshops before travelling by rail to Tashkent. Transfer to the Mercure Tashkent (or similar) for 1 night. (B, D)

Day 12: Fly to London

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

Meal basis As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.