Uzbekistan suggested Tailor made holidays

CLASSICAL UZBEKISTAN

Discover a land of vast deserts and soaring mountains where traders plied their wares along the Silk Road along which lie the famous oasis cities of Smarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Start your journey in Tashkent, the capital of independent Uzbekistan and the gateway to Central Asia, in the western foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. A major industrial centre, there are still many museums and galleries of interest, although much was swept away in a major earthquake in 1966. Start to follow the great Silk Road, beginning in Samarkand an oasis town fought over by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Despite much destruction in its history there are still wondrous sights such as the Registan Square and the unique Bibi Khani Mosque. Cross the never-ending plains to Shakhrisabz, home of Tamerlane, and a treasure trove of wonderful ruins.

Historians will marvel at the wonderfully preserved city of Bukhara which is full of stunning buildings such as the Ark Citadel and an array of mosques and mausoleums. You won’t know what to visit first. The enchantment continues in the Museum City of Khiva, another oasis town frequented by traders, which has a lovingly preserved collection of mausoleums, madrassahs and mosques. You will understandably be reluctant to leave this treasure house, but here the tour ends with a flight back to Tashkent for your final night.

Cost per person from £1,342.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

THE ROAD TO SAMARKAND

Go on a journey of discovery starting in bustling Tashkent, capital of independent Uzbekistan and crossing the desert to the remarkable oasis town of Khiva, where there is a stunning array of mosques and madrasses on offer, many with delicate tiles and paintings. Bukhara is an assault on the senses with its pools, mosques and mausoleums, all beautifully preserved and each demanding that you linger there to soak up the history.

Truly step back in time to a much gentler way of life when you spend one night in a traditional yurt in the village of Yangigazgan. Eat under the stars, join with the villagers in a sing along and ride into the desert on a camel before continuing to the splendour of Samarkand. Here you will find an evocative collection of architecture with Registan Square at its heart lined with blue-tiled buildings.

Cost per person from £940.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

CLASSIC UZBEKISTAN - Group departure

This 8-day itinerary is for those short on time but who will enjoy the opportunity to see the best that Uzbekistan can offer. The Silk Road links these once important trading cities and the journey is one that takes you back in time.

You will be astounded at the state of preservation of the many beautiful buildings in Khiva, an oasis town whose survival in the harsh desert depended on its wells, a draw for the many trading caravans. Bukhara is full of treasures from across the centuries, despite the efforts of Genghis Khan to destroy the city. Mosques and mausoleums abound and the 12th century Kalyan Minaret should not be missed. Cross the desert to Samarkand, where the blue domes and mosaics on the mausoleums and mosques are quite awe inspiring.

Leave the Silk Road and return to the 21st century in the capital, Tashkent, a city tentatively discovering its place on the world stage.
Dates for 2009:-
10th September 8th October 
12th November

Cost per person from £636.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

A Silk Steps inclusive holiday price includes:
• Private return transfers between airports and hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• The services of English speaking guides and representatives at each stage of the tour. Between most places you will travel unescorted
• Accommodation in a standard room (shared twin) with private facilities (unless otherwise specified) with breakfast
• Government taxes and compulsory service charges
• All tours and sightseeing as specified, inclusive of entrance fees
• Economy class air travel within all countries on the scheduled services of the national or domestic carrier as specified in each tour
• The services of our local representative
Extras:
• International flights - please contact us for up-to-date prices
• Travel insurance
• Meals - unless otherwise stated
• Optional sightseeing other than specified
• International airport departure tax payable overseas
• Visa fees
• Single supplement (on request)

Temperatures in this area vary widely, with dramatic differences between the deserts and mountains. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn, as summer temperatures sometimes reach 40°C and winter temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C.  

For up to date weather details try BBC weather   www.bbc.co.uk/weather/