Set on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has played host to waves of conquerors and nomads. On this tour, see the legacy they left behind in the towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara and the Islamic architecture of Samarkand, once some of the most powerful cities in the world. The remnants of more recent Soviet history are evident in the capital city Tashkent.
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Saving up to £100 on specific departures when booked by 31 Aug 18
Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways. (N)
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Miran Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon tour of the old city stopping at sights such as Amir Timur Square and the Kukeldash mosque and madrasa. (D)
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)
Full-day tour of Khiva, including Kunya Ark, Islam Khoja minaret and Tash Havli Palace. (B, D)
Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum desert, stopping at the Amudaryo river for photos. Stay at the Asia Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights. (B, L, D)
City tour of Bukhara, including visits to Chor Minor mosque, built in 1807 with unusual sky blue cupolas, the Poi-Kaylan complex, the surviving trade domes and Lyab-i-Hauz complex, once the city’s principal source of water. (B, D)
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)
Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the summer palace, mosques and mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand for 3 nights at the Registan Plaza Hotel or the Emirkhan Hotel (or similar). (B, L)
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, D)
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 Hizr mosque and the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum. After lunch, stop at Koni Ghil silk paper-making workshop before returning to your hotel. (B, D)
Morning at leisure in Samarkand. Late afternoon transfer to the train station to board the Afrosiyob Express to Tashkent. Transfer to the Miran Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. (B, D)
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport. Fly from Tashkent to London with Uzbekistan Airways. (B)
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Cox & Kings uses the best available accommodation in Uzbekistan. However, outside Tashkent the standard is relatively simple. This tour involves some long drives and walking over rough terrain.
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call 020 3930 5211 or email Info@CoxandKings.co.uk
This tour can be booked / reserved online by clicking on one of the coloured links below.
UZB2018: 10 Nights
Registan Square in Samarkand - The sight was so extraordinarily beautiful it took our breath away, and we all stood silent for several minutes, just taking in the scene. I think this site is one of the wonders of the world.Dr. Eva Simmons
The entire trip was inspirational.Ms Jennifer Streeter
The most inspirational moment was the first view of Registan Square in Samakand, which was the primary reason for our Uzbek trip and the overwhelming genuine friendliness of the Uzbek people.Mr John Bourne
The beautiful buildings in Samarkand were awe-inspiring for me.Mr Norman Young
Bukhara: walking into the Kalyon mosque and seeing the huge tiled facades, the minaret and turquoise domes all set in the immense courtyard, in which we heard that Genghis Khan murdered the entire young male population of the city in the 13th century. Historic, tragic and beautiful all at once.Miss Miranda Dawkins
The guide was the most impressive of all. She always responded to our individual needs and made the journey and tour very comfortable and enjoyable. She was a guide, a singer, a dancer, and above all a friend. Dr Muhammad Rahman
I found Khiva fascinating. The hotel was very good and within a few minutes walk of the 'old town', which we first saw it lit by moonlight when we arrived and it was a stunning sight. Mrs Judith King
I really can't really pick out one moment, all of it was wonderful. Our guide, Tahir, was marvellous. Very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. Mrs Christine Gregory
Bukhara is largely built of brown mud-brick, and as a result is perhaps visually less...
The ancient city of Khiva lies around 450km north-west of Bukhara, and only around 40k...
Samarkand is one of the world's oldest cities, located in the very centre of Uzbekistan...
Although little remains of Tashkent’s history, there has been a settlement on this site,...