Uzbekistan - the Heart of the Silk Route
Uzbekistan - the Heart of the Silk Route
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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:
Tour Overview
A network of roads used by traders travelling between Europe and Asia, the incredible history of the Silk Route embraces mountains, deserts and ancient cities overflowing with awe-inspiring architecture. Discover it all on this exceptional tour that shows you the very best of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and natural highlights.
Get ready to discover blue-domed mosques and bustling bazaars in the cities of Tashkent and Samarkand, before exploring the fascinating holy city of Bukhara and the Khiva’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Along the way, you’ll see the undulating dunes of the Kyzylkum Desert and immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions. From dining with a local family to watching a stunning performance of dance, this fascinating itinerary is packed full of memorable experiences. Plus, you’ll enjoy plenty of free time for your own exploration of this historic and beautiful land at the crossroads of Central Asia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Your exotic adventure begins today with an overnight flight to Uzbekistan's vibrant capital city, Tashkent.
Day 2 Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: The Elements Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
When you arrive this morning, we’ll drive you to your hotel where you’ll have plenty of free time to settle in, relax, and freshen up after your journey.
Tashkent is a modern metropolis with a fascinating history and we'll explore it together on a sightseeing tour this afternoon. One of the oldest settlements on the Great Silk Road, its ancient spirit lives on in the medieval Old City. We’ll visit Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling market with stalls selling everything from colourful spices and freshly baked bread to ceramics and hand-made souvenirs. A ride on the Tashkent metro, Central Asia's oldest tube, is also included and you’ll see mosaics, portraits and magnificent columns dazzling at every stop.
Tonight, we'll sit down to a tasty welcome meal at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Tashkent - Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, the high-speed Afrosiab train whisks us to one of the most prominent cities on the Great Silk Road, Samarkand. From the eras of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan to the artistic legacies of the Turkic ruler Tamerlane, this ancient city has seen some history! The latest research indicates that Samarkand was founded an incredible 2,750 years ago.
On a sightseeing tour, we'll visit the magnificent, blue-domed Gur-Emir Mausoleum, home to the grave of Tamerlane, along with the impressive remnants of the vast Mosque Bibi-Khanum. You’ll also visit the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a collection of tombs decorated with elaborate tiles. An important site for pilgrims, this is the alleged gravesite of Qusan ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Day 4 Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your day begins with a visit to Registan Square, one of Samarkand’s most impressive sights. It is surrounded on three sides by grand madrasas, beautiful buildings adorned with mosaics and ornate minarets, that are some of the greatest works of the Islamic world. After admiring the awe-inspiring architecture, we’ll join a local family for a home-cooked meal and have a go at making our own bread.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, you can spend more time uncovering the city’s incredible history or just relax with a drink at the hotel. Alternatively, 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
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 Shakhrisabz, the hometown of Tamerlane, founder of the Timurid Empire. A traditional centre for folk art, the city is dotted with ruins and medieval buildings. We'll explore the crumbling Ak Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz Friday Mosque and the mausoleum of Dorut Tilavat, then enjoy some free time for lunch if you wish.
After a relaxing afternoon drive, you can look forward to a traditional dinner in Central Asia's holiest city, Bukhara.
Day 6 Bukhara
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. Then you can hunt for souvenirs at the city’s trading domes and browse market stalls piled high with handwoven carpets, silk scarves and unique jewellery.
Day 7 Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Bukhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There's so much more to discover in Bukhara and today our sightseeing begins at the Zindan, an old jail complete with a grisly torture chamber. Close by is the spectacular Fortress Ark, Bukhara’s oldest structure and former residence of the city’s emirs. We'll walk along the Old Town walls and stop at Samanids Mausoleum, a 9th-century architectural treasure. After a busy morning, we’ll have lunch together at a local restaurant and then you can take your time and explore at your own pace this afternoon. Perhaps head to Lyabi Hauz Square and relax under the shade of a tree, watching the world go by.
Another possibility is an optional, countryside excursion which starts with a visit to Bahauddin Naqshbandi, the burial tomb of the Sufism leader. You’ll then continue to the exquisite summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace. Step back in time and learn about the lifestyle of the city’s past leaders as you explore opulent rooms, courtyards and the harem. On our return, we'll stop for a look at Chor Minor and its four quirky, turquoise-topped turrets.
Day 8 Bukhara - Khiva
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 in comfort!
Day 9 Khiva
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 the town’s UNESCO-listed and fortified Old Town, Itchan Kala, showcases ancient Islamic structures and dwellings. We’ll see majestic mosques, madrasas and caravanserais – guesthouses where travelling merchants once rested. As Khiva is well-known for handicrafts, we’ve also allowed 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
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. When we arrive, you’re going to see more of Tashkent on a city tour, that starts in Khast Iman Square. Admire the works of world-famous ceramic masters, 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
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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Return flights from London
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9 nights in 3-star hotels, plus 1 night in flight
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18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
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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