Travelling the ancient Silk Road, one of the greatest trade routes in history to Tamerlane's capital, ancient Khiva and Bukhara
(limited dates/availability)
10 July & 30 October 2020
Flight - 1 night
Tashkent - 1 night
Khiva - 2 nights
Bukhara - 3 nights
Samarkand - 3 nights
Tashkent - 1 night
With a diverse history and positioned at the centre of the ancient Silk Route, Uzbekistan is a melting pot of culture, flavours and architecture. From ornate madrasahs, towering fortresses and impressive mosques, the magnificence of this country is mesmerising.
Beyond Tashkent’s bustling centre, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khiva has 54 historical and architectural monuments within its city wall, while the holy city of Bukhara houses the majestic Poi Kalon Complex with its two grand and impressive mosque and madrasah entrances facing each other. Samarkand, Tamerlane’s capital, was one of the great medieval trading centres and whose gift, and that of his grandson Ulug Beg, is to be found in the magnificent buildings. From impressive Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by buildings whose pillars, arches and domes explore perfection in colour and shape, to breathtaking Shah-i-Zinda with its intricate blue and turquoise tiled tombs.
Learn to cook the traditional Uzbek dish ‘Pilov’ in a local home in Samarkand. Meet with the family who live here to learn about daily life.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Tashkent.
Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Ramada Tashkent for overnight. Afternoon city tour. (B, D)
Day 3 Fly to Urgench and transfer to Khiva for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Bek Khiva, Toza Bog or similar. Walking tour of Khiva. (B, D)
Day 4 Time at leisure to explore Khiva, or take an optional ancient fortresses tour (bookable locally approx. $35). (B, D)
Day 5 Travel to Bukhara (8½ hrs including lunch stop) for three nights at the 3-star Omar Khayyam or Devon Begi Hotel. (B, L)
Day 6 Morning walking tour including Lyabi-Khauz Square with its madrasahs and tea houses, the Maghoki Arrar Mosque, the Prophet Job's well, the Poi Kalyan Square and the Mir-I-Arab madrasah. Afternoon visit to the Ark Fortress, the old Citadel of Bukhara and Char Minar. (B, D)
Day 7 Free time for further sightseeing in Bukhara. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel to Samarkand (5 hrs) for three nights at the 3-star Asia-Samarkand. Visit the medieval central square, Registan and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. (B, D)
Day 9 Visit Ulug Beg's Observatory, testimony to the advance of early astronomy, the Shah-I-Zinda and Gur Emir mausoleum (Tamerlane's tomb). Jules Verne Special Event. (B, D)
Day 10 Visit a 'Khujum' - a silk carpet factory and 'Meros' - a mulberry tree paper-making factory. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)
Day 11 Morning free or take an optional tour to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (bookable locally approx. $50). Travel to Tashkent on the high-speed Afrosiyob train. Overnight in Tashkent. (B, D)
Day 12 Morning at leisure. Return flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day. (B)
Notes
Lyabi-Khauz Square (Day 6) & Shah-I-Zinda (Day 9) monuments involve many steps.
Solo Groups will be accommodated in the Toza Bog Hotel in Khiva.
A centrally located 4-star hotel in Tashkent. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 120 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel outside the city walls of Khiva. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 54 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and satellite TV.
A quiet 3-star hotel well-located in the old town just outside the city walls. Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and WiFi (free). 129 air-conditioned rooms all with private facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and satellite TV.
A centrally located 3-star hotel within walking distance of the town's historical sites. 47 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV. WiFi (free).
Within walking distance of Registan Square, this 3-star hotel has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 85 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Notes
Hotels in Uzbekistan are simple and unpretentious but well-located with a restaurant, bar and air-conditioned rooms with private facilities and satellite TV. From time to time, there may be water and electricity shortages and, on occasion, alternative hotels may be used. WiFi (free) is available at all hotels on the tour, although can be intermittent depending on local conditions. Food is based on fresh local produce and is nutritious but can be repetitive. Travel between the cities by road, whilst being a classic way to experience the country, involves some long journeys with only limited opportunities for comfort breaks. The order of sightseeing tours may vary in accordance with local conditions.
Ferghana Extension
Travel by road to this scenic and fertile valley for two nights at the 3-star Club 777 Hotel in Ferghana and one night in Tashkent with breakfast and dinner daily.
Day 1 Travel from Tashkent to the Ferghana Valley area (5 hrs). Two nights at the 3-star Ferghana Club 777 Hotel. (B, D)
Day 2 Visit the General Skobolev House, Russian Arms Assembly Hall and History Museum. Then visit the famous Rishtan ceramic workshops and silk weaver's workshop at Margilan. (B, D)
Day 3 Morning departure for Kokand Town and visit the Khudayar Khan's Palace. Continue to Tashkent for overnight. (B, D)
Day 4 Morning at leisure. Return flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day. (B)
A 3-star hotel located in Ferghana town and nearby the Shirne of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. Restaurant, bar, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with private facilties, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
A centrally located 4-star hotel in Tashkent. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 120 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2019
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
Uzbekistan Airways from Heathrow
| August 16 | £1995 |
2020
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
Uzbekistan Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
Uzbekistan Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
Uzbekistan Airways from Heathrow
(limited dates/availability)
10 July & 30 October 2020
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
2020: Jun 12, Oct 16
Solo Group Departures
2020: Jul 10, Oct 30
No single supplement
Single supplement £295
Extension Options
Extension - Ferghana Valley
3 nights £495
Single supplement £80
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
2019: Aug 16
2020: Apr 17, Jun 12, Jul 10, Aug 14, Oct 16 & 30
Privately Guided
Add £895 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £550
Arrival transfer add £16
Departure transfer add £16
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights' accommodation, half board, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
