SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Our Adventure Begins

Evening flight from London Heathrow direct to Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent, Capital of Uzbekistan

Arrival in Tashkent, followed by a city sightseeing tour including Independence Square, the Amir Timur (Emperor Tamerlane) Monument, the Khazrati Imam complex and open-air railway museum, the largest in the former USSR.

Accommodation - Lotte Tashkent Palace

Day 3: By Afrosiab Train to Samarkand

A morning journey across the desert on the new high-speed Afrosiab service – 214 miles in 130 minutes. During our city tour we visit the remains of the Old City, dating from the 7th century BC and destroyed by Genghis Khan. The medieval city contains the impressive Registan Square, Ulugh Beg Astronomical Observatory and the Museum of Wine. Our accommodation here is a small family-run guest house.

Accommodation - Dilshoda Hotel

Day 4: Shakhrisabz

We drive today to the birthplace of Timur (or Tamerlane), a Turco-Mongol conqueror in the 14th century regarded as one of history's greatest military leaders and strategists. Shakhrisabz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a thriving, bustling town. Afterwards we return to Samarkand.

Day 5: Sightseeing in Samarkand

We continue our city tour by visiting a silk paper producing workshop, the Afrasiyab Museum that is located on the site of the ancient city destroyed by the Mongols and one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, the Shah-i Zindah Mausoleum complex with its ancient blue tombs, the impressive Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the local Siab Bazaar.

Day 6: By ‘Sharq’ Train to Bukhara

After a leisurely morning, we take the midday train to Bukhara, a journey of some 135 miles taking around 3 hours. This train has traditional former USSR coaches but is elegant and comfortable nonetheless. Accommodation once more is in a family run guest house where you can be assured of personal, friendly service. In the evening, we enjoy a dance performance at the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah.

Accommodation - Sasha and Son Hotel

Day 7: In and Around Bukhara

Just outside the city is Shir-Budun, the small palace of the last emir of Bukhara, which we visit this as part of our 2 day exploration of the area. We also visit the Samanid Mausoleum (the oldest brick building in Central Asia), the Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum and the Bolo Khauz Mosque. We will also visit a family-run workshop to see silk carpets being handmade – more than two years’ work in some cases – and there will be time for shopping in the local bazaar. Silk scarves and tapestry are amongst those items more easily carried home or you may prefer a range of teas or spices!

Day 8: Another Day in Bukhara

Our city tour continues as we visit the Poi Kalon complex with its minaret and mosque, Toki Zargaron, sometimes known as the trading ‘madrasah’ (educational centre) due to the number of stalls selling artwork, pottery, silk items and so on, the Magoki Attori Mosque and more. We learn not only about why these magnificent buildings were constructed, but also about the people who built them, including more about Tamerlane and his grandson Ulugh Beg.

Day 9: By Train to Khiva

We take the newly opened rail line from Bukhara to Khiva. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is in the ornate surroundings of a converted madrasah in the heart of the inner Old Town, close to the Kalta-Minor Minaret.

Accommodation - Orient Star Hotel

Day 10: Khiva

Khiva, founded in the 6th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is arguably the most beautiful of all the cities on our tour. The inner town, Itchan Kala, is surrounded by a high red brick wall which encloses 50 historic monuments, including the striking Kalta-Minor Minaret. We have a city tour today visiting the Juma Mosque, the Muhammad Amin-Khan Madrasah and much more. On a lighter note we also visit the famous Khiva puppet theatre, itself an important part of Uzbek heritage.

Day 11: Chimgan

We take a morning flight from nearby Urgench to Tashkent. From here we drive into the mountains in the north-east of the country. Enjoy a chairlift ride to view the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains and have lunch at Lake Charvak, before returning to Tashkent for overnight.

Day 12: Return flight to London

Enjoy a relaxing morning, followed by a restaurant lunch. We then transfer to the airport, arriving back at Heathrow in the late evening.

PRICING

Included:

• Economy flights from London

• B&B accommodation in en-suite room (may be subject to change)

• 5 dinners and all lunches (packed lunch on days 6 & 9)

• Rail travel as specified

• Airport and other transfers by private coach

• All entrance fees as appropriate, except photo charges

• The services of a UK tour leader & local Uzbek guide throughout

Not included:

• Meals other than those described above

• Drinks

• Gratuities and tips

We recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person.