“I am always amazed by the rugged and remote landscape of utterly diverse Uzbekistan juxtaposed with the beautiful colours and hustle and bustle of the towns and markets. Steeped in history, the architecture is incredible, and I am always blown away by how friendly the people are there.”
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be escorted by private car to your accommodation.
Once you have settled in your guide will take you to explore Uzbekistan’s oldest city of Tashkent. Highlights include Khast Imam Square, seeing the oldest Koran, visiting the Chorsu Bazaar and the Kukeldash Madrassah. Don’t miss out on seeing the decorative Metro, where the three stations are referred to as ‘art galleries for the people’.
An agent will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist you with your transfer to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Samarkand. On arrival your local guide will escort you into the city for an introductory tour. Referred to by UNESCO as the ‘Crossroads of Cultures’ it is one of the most well-known of the Silk Road towns and you will see why when you experience the majesty of Registan Square and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum.
Spend the day exploring the city with your guide. Highlights include the impressive Ulug Bek Observatory, beautifully designed Shah-i-Zinda Complex of tombs and mausoleums, the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the oriental agricultural market Siab Bazaar, the Afrosiab History Museum and a paper making workshop where you will see beautiful paper crafts and stationery being handcrafted using old traditions dating back to the 8th century.
A local agent will greet you in the hotel lobby to take you to the train station, where you will take a high-speed train to the UNESCO listed town of Bukhara. On arrival you will have a short introductory tour of the town and settle into your hotel room.
You will be blown away by the extensive ancient architecture and incredible turquoise dome roofs of the old town and Chor Minor. A small trip outside of the city, you will be taken to Emir’s Summer Palace, also known as the ‘Palace of Moon and Stars’, beautifully located in front of a serene, reflective lake.
Today you’ll visit more of the sites of Bukhara with your personal guide, including the plaza Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrassah, Magoki Attori Mosque, Samani Mausoleum and Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ark Citadel, Zindan Prison, Kalon Mosque and Minaret and the Trade Domes of Bukhara.
After breakfast you will set off across the dunes of the Kyzyl Kum Desert to the magical city of Khiva. A packed lunch will be provided for you for the journey. The trip will take about 6 or 7 hours.
Today you will explore the incredible architecture of Khiva from the Tash-Hauli Palace, Kalta Minor Minaret with its brilliant blue majolica tiles, the partially underground Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden carved columns, the Islam Khoja Madrassah complex and its towering minaret and the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud which has become a symbol of Khiva, due to its full turquoise dome.
Your driver will meet you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your flight to fly to Tashkent. Depending on your flight time you will have the morning to relax in Khiva or the afternoon in Tashkent.
A transfer agent will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the airport for your return flight.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour vacation will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
