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Uzbekistan - the Heart of the Silk Route
11 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FUBZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan, the heart of the Silk Route. This cultural tour takes you from the vibrant capital of Tashkent, with its stunning metro stations and bustling Chorsu Bazaar, to the ancient city of Samarkand, where you'll explore the magnificent Registan Square and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Enjoy traditional breadmaking with a local family and drive through the scenic Takhta Karacha Pass to the historic city of Bukhara, known for its architectural wonders and rich history. Experience the desert landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert and the living museum of Khiva, with its twisting alleyways and ornate minarets. Conclude your adventure with a city tour of Tashkent, including Khast Imam Square and a farewell dinner. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local experiences, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an immersive journey through Uzbekistan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - Tashkent
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Location: Tashkent
Your exotic adventure begins with a direct overnight flight to Uzbekistan's vibrant capital city, Tashkent.
Day 2 : Tashkent
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Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On your arrival this morning, relax and refresh at your hotel, with plenty of free time to settle in. We'll explore city highlights in the afternoon, including a ride on the Tashkent metro. Central Asia's oldest tube dazzles with mosaics, portraits and magnificent columns at every stop. Tonight, we'll sit down to a tasty welcome meal at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Tashkent - Samarkand
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Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The high-speed Afrosiab train whisks us to one of the most prominent cities on the Great Silk Road. From the eras of Alexander the Great and Genghis-Khan to the artistic legacies of the Turkic ruler Tamerlane, it's fair to say that this ancient city has seen some history! The latest research indicates that Samarkand was founded an incredible 2,750 years ago. We'll visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, home to the graves of Tamerlane and his descendants, along with the impressive remnants of Mosque Bibi-Khanum. The elaborate Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is an important site for pilgrims, as it's the alleged gravesite of Qusan ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Day 4 : Samarkand
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Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Decorated by mosaics and ornate minarets, the madrasas of Registan Square are some of the greatest works of the Islamic world. After we've had our fill of awe-inspiring architecture, get ready for the enticing smell of baking bread as we join a local family for a homecooked meal. Explore at your leisure for the rest of the day or join us for an optional excursion to three incredible destinations. The first, the Meros Silk Paper Factory, has revived the ancient tradition of papermaking in Samarkand, once renowned for its use in Persian and Arabic manuscripts. Second is the famous Ulugh Beg Observatory, which produced advanced astronomical discoveries before it was destroyed by religious extremists in 1449 - we'll visit the museum here. Thirdly, we'll discover the Tomb of Prophet Daniel.
Day 5 : Samarkand - Bukhara
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Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Bukhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Settle in for a scenic drive over the spectacular Takhta Karacha Pass, as we follow the Silk Route to the hometown of Tamerlane. Shakhrisabz is a traditional centre for folk art, dotted with ruins and medieval buildings. We'll explore the Ak Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz Friday Mosque and the mausoleum of Dorut Tilavat, then enjoy some free time, before following our noses to a charming teahouse for lunch. After a relaxing afternoon drive, look forward to a traditional dinner in Central Asia's holiest city, Bukhara.
Day 6 : Bukhara
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Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Bukhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Highlighting more than 2,000 years of history, medieval Bukhara offers a visual feast of architectural wonders and photogenic streets. Our full-day tour shows you the very best of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, including the atmospheric Old Jewish Quarter, Poi-Kayalan Ensemble and Kalyan minaret. We'll delve into tradition at puppet and miniature painting workshops, and sip spicy teas flavoured with fragrant cardamom, anise, cinnamon and oregano. Get set to give your wallet a workout at the trading domes, featuring market stalls piled high with handwoven carpets, silk scarves and unique jewellery.
Day 7 : Bukhara
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Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Bukhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There's so much to discover here, it will be a challenge to squeeze it all into one day. But it's a challenge we're willing to accept! Our tour continues at the Zindan, an old jail complete with a grisly torture chamber. Close by is the spectacular Fortress Ark, the city's oldest structure. We'll walk along the city walls and stop at Samanids Mausoleum, a 9th century architectural treasure. Take your time and explore at your own pace this afternoon, or join us for an optional, countryside excursion. Discover Bahauddin Naqshbandi, the burial tomb of the Sufism leader, and the exquisite summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace. On our return, we'll stop for a look at Chor Minor and its four quirky, turquoise-topped turrets.
Day 8 : Bukhara - Khiva
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Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel - Khiva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You'll get a well-deserved rest today on our drive to Khiva through spectacular desert landscapes. The Kyzylkum Desert stretches for hundreds of miles and once presented sun-scorched dangers for traders traversing the legendary red sands. Luckily for us, we'll get to experience it within air-conditioned comfort!
Day 9 : Khiva
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Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel - Khiva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A living museum, Khiva's twisting alleyways, glistening mosaics and ornate minarets are a stark contrast to its brutal history of barbaric slave trading. A walking tour of UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala, an old Khiva oasis, showcases 51 ancient structures, 250 dwellings, majestic mosques and caravanserais. As Khiva is well-known for handicrafts, there's plenty of time here to admire and buy woodcarvings, woven carpets and fleece hats. Tonight offers a treat for the senses, with dinner and a folklore performance. A captivating form of dance combining Arabic, Persian, Turkic, Indian and Chinese elements, Khorezm features dazzling spins, sensual undulations and lavish Oriental costumes.
Day 10 : Khiva - Tashkent
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Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: The Elements Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Saying goodbye to Khiva, we'll fly back to Tashkent today. But don't worry, your incredible journey isn't over just yet! We'll take a city tour on arrival, starting with Khast Imam Square which is the holy heart of ancient Tashkent. See the works of world-famous ceramic masters (now fifth and sixth generation), along with the performing arts hubs of Theatre Square and Broadway, the Earthquake Memorial and Amir Temur Square. Tonight, we'll sit down together for a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11 Tashkent - UK
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Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure in Central Asia comes to an end as we drive you to the airport in good time for your flight home to the UK.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 & 4 star hotels -
Return flights from London
Return flights from London are included in the tour package.
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9 nights in 3-star hotels, plus 1 night in flight
Accommodation for 9 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in flight is included.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including Hotel Praga, Hotel Diyora in Samarkand with its outdoor pool and gym, Orient Star Bukhara with spacious rooms and buffet breakfast, and Orient Star Hotel - Khiva, a historical building with modern amenities.Excursions Included
- Discovery tour of Samarkand
- Ride through beautiful metro stations
- Walking tour of Registan Square
- Traditional breadmaking and lunch with a local family
- Drive the Takhta Karacha Pass
- Explore the home of national hero, Tamerlane
- Discover the holy city of Bukhara
- Bukhara Puppetry and Miniature School experience
- Drive through the Kyzylkum Desert
- Walking tour of Khiva's Itchan Kala
- Dinner with Uzbek Khorezm dances
- Tashkent city tour including Khast Imam Square
- Visit to a famous ceramics studio
Optional Excursions
- Samarkand's old traditions: astronomy and papermaking
- Countryside excursion to Bahauddin Naqshbandi and Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with return flights from London, high-speed Afrosiab train to Samarkand, scenic drives through the Takhta Karacha Pass and Kyzylkum Desert, and a flight back to Tashkent.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the Tashkent city tour?
The Tashkent city tour includes a visit to Chorsu Bazaar, a ride on the Tashkent metro, and a sightseeing tour of the city's highlights such as Khast Imam Square, Theatre Square, Broadway, the Earthquake Memorial, and Amir Temur Square.
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What can I expect during the visit to Samarkand?
In Samarkand, you will visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the Mosque Bibi-Khanum, and the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. You will also have a walking tour of Registan Square and a home-cooked meal with a local family. Optional excursions include visits to the Meros Silk Paper Factory, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and the Tomb of Prophet Daniel.
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What unique experiences are offered in Bukhara?
In Bukhara, you will explore the Old Jewish Quarter, Poi-Kayalan Ensemble, and Kalyan minaret. You will also visit puppet and miniature painting workshops, sip exotic teas, and have the opportunity to shop for handwoven carpets, silk scarves, and unique jewelry. Additionally, you can visit the Zindan jail, Fortress Ark, and Samanids Mausoleum.
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What is special about the drive through the Kyzylkum Desert?
The drive through the Kyzylkum Desert offers spectacular desert landscapes and a comfortable experience, contrasting with the historical sun-scorched dangers faced by traders traversing the legendary red sands.
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What will I see during the walking tour of Khiva's Itchan Kala?
During the walking tour of Khiva's Itchan Kala, you will see ancient Islamic structures, mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais. The tour also includes time to admire and purchase local handicrafts such as woodcarvings, woven carpets, and fleece hats.
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What kind of cultural performances are included in the tour?
The tour includes a folklore performance in Khiva, featuring Khorezm dances which combine Arabic, Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Chinese elements. The performance includes dazzling spins, sensual undulations, and lavish Oriental costumes.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners, and a welcome drink. Meals are provided at local restaurants and with local families, offering a taste of traditional Uzbek cuisine.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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