+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Once a part of the Samanid and Timurid Empires, Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia s most compelling republics. The only one of the Stans that borders the other four, it also enjoys the reputation of being one of only two double landlocked countries in the world. Lying at the cultural and geographic crossroads of the region, it was one of the Silk Road s most important links. This remarkable journey through the development and history of the old trading routes that once traversed the vast distances between the East and the West begins in Tashkent. Here, you have an opportunity to explore some of the main sights of the old city before moving on to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Khiva. Then a long drive through the haunting Kyzylkum Desert brings you to Bukhara and Samarkand, where you ll explore the winding alleyways, tiled madrassahs and beautiful palaces of two of the most iconic and enthralling cities ever to grace the vast, meandering course of the historic Silk Road. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the mosques and madrassahs of Tashkent s old city Shop in the colourful bazaar of Samarkand Gaze up at the immense tiled minarets in Khiva Imagine the original size of the Shakrisabz Palace Stay in some beautiful restored buildings TOUR INCLUDES: 4 nights traditional hotels. 4 nights four star hotels 10 breakfasts
1 internal flight Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports First class train tickets *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: TASHKENT Early arrival in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon see Tashkent's main sights including the central square Amir Timur or Tamerlane's Square, the Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the Chorsu Bazaar and the old town's mosques and madrassahs. (B) DAY 2: TASHKENT - DESERT CITADELS - KHIVA Fly to Urgench and travel 80kms out into the Kyzyl-Kum Desert to visit the 'desert citadels' of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala. The drive takes you through rural Uzbekistan showing you the farms and villages. (B) DAY 3: KHIVA Today enjoy a full days excursion to Medieval Khiva. With your guide you will be able to wander through the maze of twisting alleyways and visit the "Kunya Ark" or old citadel, the Emir's Palace and the magnificent Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars. (B) DAY 4: KHIVA - BUKHARA A long drive today though the Kyzyl Kum or red desert to the magical city of Bukhara. (B)
DAY 5: BUKHARA With its narrow alleyways and bustling bazaars, Bukhara is the quintessential Silk Road city. Today enjoy a a full day tour through the narrow streets of old Bukhara, some of the highlights include the Ark Citadel, Kalyan Square with its great minaret and the Ismael Samani Mausoleum dating from the 10th century. (B) DAY 6: BUKHARA This morning visit the last Emir's Summer Palace, an eclectic mix of European and Oriental design. Return to Bukhara for a free afternoon to wander the old town with its cafes and trading domes. (B) DAY 7: BUKHARA - VABKENT - GIDJDUVAN - SAMARKAND Today travel along the Golden Road to Samarkand visiting the potteries, shrines and tombs of Vabkent and Gijduvan on the way. You will also visit the Ulug Beg Madrassah and the tomb of Khoja Abdul Khaliq, a holy man. Arrive in Samarkand in the late afternoon. (B) DAY 8: SAMARKAND Samarkand, one of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road, became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane. On your full day tour you will visit Tamerlane's Tomb and Registan Square, an architectural masterpiece with blue tiled madrassahs on three sides. Also see Ulugbek's observatory, the Shah-i-Zinada necropolis and the immense Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Tamerlane for his Chinese wife. (B)
DAY 9: SAMARKAND - SHAKHRISABZ - SAMARKAND Today enjoy a full day excursion to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlaine and surrounded by the Zerafshan Mountains. Enjoy fantastic views from the top of the enormous portal of Tamerlaine's Ak-Sarai Palace and visit his intended Mausoleum and the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque. (B) DAY 10: SAMARKAND - TASHKENT AIRPORT Drive through the cotton plantations to Tashkent International and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BUKHARA MINZIFA HOTEL The Minzifa is a small stylish guesthouse located in the old town. Built in traditional Uzbek style around a central courtyard, this friendly, charming hotel features the most refined Bukharan workmanship with wooden pillars and niches. All 12 rooms are individually decorated and have modern private bathrooms, airconditioning, satellite TV and hairdryer. The hotel offers personal service and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. A recommended choice when staying in Bukhara. KHIVA ORIENT STAR HOTEL ***CLOSED -. Orient Star Hotel in Khiva is closed after 15 October due to no heating system during winter time as it is old madrasah. We would rather suggest accommodation at Asia Hotel during this period. Contained inside the 19th century Mukhamed Aminkhan Madrassah, the Orient Star enjoys a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva. Only a short walk from the city's mosques, madrassas, palaces and hammams, this is a traditional building that features 40 simply decorated but comfortable and clean en-suite rooms. The restaurant and bar offer Uzbek meals and local wine. SAMARKAND
MALIKA PRIME HOTEL The Malika Prime Hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Samarkand, just by the Gur Emir Mausoleum and within walking distance of Registan Square. Built in traditional style, this charming hotel is an ideal place to stay in Samarkand. The marble entrance and stairs lead up to a huge terrace which serves as a summer restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink and magnificent views of the blue domes of Samarkand. There is also an air-conditioned restaurant downstairs. The 22 en suite rooms are quite small but spotlessly clean, with wooden floors and all feature satellite TV, telephone and airconditioning. Altogether a recommended choice in Samarkand. TASHKENT LOTTE CITY HOTEL The Lotte City Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Tashkent, opposite the famous Alisher Navoi Opera House. The hotel is one of the original hotels in Tashkent and was built in 1958. Completely renovated in 2013 it now offers 232 well-appointed rooms with views of the courtyard or the Opera House. This four star establishment has a main restaurant serving traditional Uzbek and international cuisine, a piano bar, as well as a second restaurant located on the roof of the hotel with great views of the city. Hotel guests may also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, sauna, spa, and fitness club. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com