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 & 31 July, 6 November 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 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 Asia Khiva Hotel 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 (8 ½ hrs including lunch stop) for three nights at the 3-star Devon Begi Hotel or similar. (B, L)
Day 6 Walking tour of Lyabi-Khauz Square with its madrasahs and tea houses, Maghoki Arrar Mosque, Prophet Job’s well, Poi Kalyan Square and the Mir-i-Arab madrasah. Visit the Ark Fortress, old Citadel of Bukhara and Char Minar. (B, D)
Day 7 Free time in Bukhara. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel to Samarkand (5 hrs) for three nights at the 3-star Asia-Samarkand or Grand Samarkand Superior. Visit the medieval central square, Registan and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. (B, D)
Day 9 Visit Ulug Beg’s Observatory, the Shah-i-Zinda and Gur Emir mausoleum (Tamerlane’s tomb). Special Event. (B, D)
Day 10 Visit a ‘Khujum’ silk carpet factory and a ‘Meros’ mulberry tree paper-making workshop. (B, D)
Day 11 Morning free or 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 Erkin Palace Hotel in Khiva.
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.
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 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 3-star hotel within walking distance of the Lyabi-Khauz. Restaurants, bar, pool and 20 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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.
Ferghana Valley Extension
Travel by road to this scenic and fertile valley for two nights at the 3-star Voyage 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 Voyage 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 newly built 3-star hotel within walking distance to the centre of Ferghana. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 11 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge 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.
2020
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
Uzbekistan Airways from Heathrow
| March 27 | £1995 |
| April 3 | £2145 |
| April 17 | £2245 |
| May 1 | £2145 |
| May 8 | £2195 |
| May 22 | £2145 |
| June 12 | £2145 |
| July 3 | £2095 |
| July 10 | £2095 |
| July 31 | £2095 |
| August 14 | £2095 |
| September 4 | £2195 |
| September 11 | £2145 |
| September 18 | £2145 |
| September 25 | £2145 |
| October 2 | £2145 |
| October 9 | £2145 |
| October 16 | £2095 |
| October 23 | £2095 |
| November 6 | £1995 |
2021
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 & 31 July, 6 November 2020
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability)
2020: Jul 3
2021: Apr 9, Jun 4
Solo Group Departures
2020: Jul 10 & 31, Nov 6
No single supplement
Single supplement £325
Extension Options
Extension - Ferghana Valley
3 nights £525
Single supplement £90
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
2020: Mar 27, Apr 3, Jun 12, Jul 3, 10 & 31, Aug 14, Oct 16 & 30, Nov 6
2021: Apr 9, Jun 4
Extra nights – Tashkent
Ramada Tashkent Hotel
(per night) £65
Single supplement £50
Privately Guided
Add £895 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £550
Arrival or 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.
© 2020 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
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