Uzbekistan: Secrets of the Silk Road - Times Expert Traveller
Uzbekistan: Secrets of the Silk Road - Times Expert Traveller
11 Days Starting and ending in TASHKENT
Visiting: Tashkent, Nukus, Ayoz qalʼa, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikishlak, Nurota, Samarkand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TLSR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
If one country defines the Silk Road more than any other, it is Uzbekistan, a country which has lain at the crossroads of cultures and customs for over two millennia. A product of war and commerce since ancient times, it lies at the heart of the fabled trading route and holds many of its greatest treasures.On this insightful and memorable trip, we’ll visit the wonderful city of Samarkand with its dazzling array of architectural and cultural treasures, and see holy Bukhara’s UNESCO monuments, mosques and madrasahs. We’ll also explore the bustling capital of Tashkent, as well as Khiva, with its beautifully preserved walled old town.This itinerary, exclusively created for The Times, also allows for time to experience traditional village life in the Naratau Mountains, sample the local cuisine, and hopefully see a traditional horse game of kupkari – all in the company of expert guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Palace or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,
The tour starts mid-morning in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital which sat at the heart of the old Central Asian trading routes, gaining prominence under the Mongols and the Shabanids, before finally being absorbed by the expansionist policies of the Russian empire during the 19th century. Flattened by a devastating earthquake in the mid-1960s, the city was reinvented by the Kremlin to represent the very epitome of the socialist ideal. This afternoon provides us with an opportunity to discover a little more of the Uzbek capital, with a tour of some of its highlights. including the Khast Imam Complex, the stunning edifice of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Chorsu Bazaar, a vast open-air market that sits in the heart of the old part of the city.
Day 2 : Nukus - Ayaz Kala
Location: Nukus, Ayoz qalʼa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ayaz-Kala Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we take an early flight to Nukus, home to the world renowned Savitsky Museum and one of the finest collections of Soviet art in the world. Indeed, this stunning museum can boast a remarkable collection of Russian avant-garde work that is surpassed only by the Russian Museum in St Petersburg. After a chance to visit its collection, we then travel by road on to the town of Ayaz Kala where we’ll spend this evening in the shadow of the ancient Khorezm fortress.
Day 3 : Ayaz Kala - Khiva
Location: Ayoz qalʼa, Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Khiva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Built as part of a chain of defences against the marauding raids of desert nomads, the towering walls of Ayaz Kala sit on the edge of the Kizilkum Desert. Built over a period that spanned from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD, these haunting remains are in fact three fortresses in one. After a morning’s tour of the ruins, we’ll then continue by road on to Khiva, stopping to visit the Khorezm ruins of Toprak Kala en route, before enjoying a late afternoon walk around Khiva.
Day 4 : Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Khiva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Considered a pearl of eastern architecture, Khiva is one of the oldest cities of ancient Khorezm. Legend has it that is was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, and archaeological records can trace its origins back to the 4th or 5th century BC. We will spend today exploring its madrasahs and museums, wandering the narrow streets of the Ichan Kala (inner city) and enjoying the atmosphere and sights of a city that can boast some 50 historic monuments.
Day 5 : Khiva - Bukhara
Location: Khiva, Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Devon Begi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Continuing our journey down the old Silk Road we depart Khiva this morning and head next for Bukhara, whose historic centre has been described by UNESCO as the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. More than 2,000 years old and home to some 140 architectural monuments, we will arrive in the city later this afternoon, affording us time hopefully for a late stroll around the old city before dinner.
Day 6 : Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Devon Begi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Considered to be Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara is liberally sprinkled with an architectural legacy that spans a thousand years of history. A centre of trade, culture and scholarship for centuries, under the Samanids the city became a major intellectual centre of the Islamic world. Today we’ll take in some of its highlights, with visits planned to the imposing Ark of Bukhara, the Kunya Ark Complex and the Samanids Mausoleum, the Friday Mosque and Lab-i Hauz, home to the 16th century Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest in the city.
Day 7 : Bukhara - Yangikishlak
Location: Bukhara, Yangikishlak
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departing Bukhara this morning our next stop is the village of Yangikishlak, located between Lake Aydarkul and the Nurafshan Mountains. Occupying a fertile valley that forms part of the Nurata-Kyzyikum Bio-reserve, this area is home to a number of traditional villages, unique plant life and the highly endangered Severtzov wild sheep. On arrival we will have a chance to settle into our family guest-house, before enjoying an afternoon’s introduction to the family and to village life.
Day 8 : Nuratau Reserve
Location: Nurota
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
A day in and around the village provides an opportunity to discover something of the natural beauty of this area, enjoying the views of the mountain scenery and of Lake Aydar in a distance. We will visit the reserve by walking through some of the local villages. Offering up a mix of natural and cultural highlights, the area is home to an array of unique plant life and some 160 species of birds. Today will afford us a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of local life. We will also have a chance to experience the daily life of our hosts including how they make their home-made bread. We’ll end the day by enjoying some of the region’s traditional music and dance, a wonderful way to learn more about local folklore and legends.
Day 9 : Yangikishlak - Samarkand
Location: Yangikishlak, Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Malika Prime or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Leaving after breakfast this morning we wish our hosts a fond farewell and continue our journey east, towards one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Central Asia. Once one of the greatest cities on earth, Samarkand is a name that resonates with the commerce and colour of the old Silk Road. On arrival we’ll spend this afternoon paying a visit to Registan Square, the ancient heart of the city, as well as the Sherdor, Tillya Kari and Ulugbek Madrasahs.
Day 10 : In Samarkand; Train To Tashkent
Location: Samarkand, Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Palace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Our tour of the city continues today with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Empire. We’ll also take in the Shah-i Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a chance to explore the bustling Siyob Bazaar, we can then learn more about the art of silk papermaking as we visit a traditional factory and witness the process from start to finish. The early afternoon is then free to continue discovering the city before we take a late afternoon train (2hrs) to Tashkent, arriving in time for a final night's dinner in the Uzbek capital.
Day 11 : Tour Ends In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
-
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use buses, a high-speed train and a domestic flight.
-
MEALS
10 x Breakfasts, 10 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
-
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 18
-
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
-
EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
-
ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
-
FITNESS RATING
Low
-
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Uzbekistan. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. In the Nuratau Mountains the walks will be optional and can be opted out if you would prefer to focus your attention on village life. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited. If you book onto the tour (which obviously we very much hope you will) your personal information will be shared with The Times & The Sunday Times for reporting purposes. Times Newspaper Limited takes your privacy seriously and will use your information in accordance with their Privacy Policy. They will not send you any marketing communications unless you have provided your consent which you can do so by responding positively to the question ‘Would you like to receive updates about exclusive travel offers, travel related products and services, news and events from The Times and The Sunday Times?'
Check out our Q&As
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Before departure UK passport holders do not currently require visas for Uzbekistan in advance; your passport is simply stamped on arrival at the airport. If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/ embassy for up to date visa information.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
-
Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Want a private tour?
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."