Ultimate Uzbekistan
Ultimate Uzbekistan
$3820
Ultimate Uzbekistan
12 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shahrisabz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2006
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Ultimate Uzbekistan" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia's rich cultural tapestry. Begin in Tashkent, where you can unwind or explore the vibrant cityscape. Discover the historical treasures of Tashkent, including the Barak Khana Seminary and Chorsu Bazaar, before heading to Nukus to admire avant-garde art at the Igor Savitskiy Museum. Traverse ancient fortresses en route to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander its enchanting streets. Experience the legendary Silk Road as you journey to Bukhara, where you'll delve into its storied past and savor traditional cuisine. Continue to Samarkand, marveling at Registan Square and enjoying a wine tasting. Visit Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur, before returning to Tashkent. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and culture, providing an unforgettable exploration of Uzbekistan's timeless allure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Fly To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Tashkent. After checking in to your hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore your surroundings.
Day 3: Discover Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will explore this capital city, taking a city tour to visit the old town: Barak Khana Seminary, TilaShaikh mosque and their archives. Continue to Chorsu bazaar, and Kukeldash Madrassah. Later, attend a ceramic workshop, ending with a tea ceremony. Later visit Amir Temur square and the famous Tashkent Metro.
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Nukus, visiting the Igor Savitskiy Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Soviet avant-garde art from the 1920s and 30s. The museum has an impressive collection of Soviet Realism and a surprisingly large collection of works by well-known European masters. Later visit the Mizdahkan complex of historical monuments located on three hills. The west hill is crowned with the ruins of Gyaur-Kala Fortress, while the eastern hill hosts the oldest Central Asian necropolis. .
Day 4: Nukus To Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning fly to Nukus, where you will visit the Igor Savitskiy Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Soviet avant-garde art from the 1920s and 30s. This afternoon drive to Khiva, visiting ancient fortresses enroute. These include Chalpik Kala – the Tower of Silence. You then visit Kizil Kala Fortress, built in the 1st or 2nd centuries AD. You will continue further to Toprak Kala fortress, an excavated town dating back to the 1st to 5th century, and considered the most important monument on Khorezm from the Kushan time. Lastly you will visit Ayaz Kala, which is considered one of the biggest forts in Karakalpakstan.
Day 5: Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khiva is a town made for walking. It is compact, well maintained, lived in, and basks in beautiful desert light. Explore this ancient city today with leisurely sightseeing for 4-5 hours on foot. Visit Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise-tiled IslomKhodja, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. These are all located within the walled inner town called the Itchan Kala, which was the first site in Uzbekistan to achieve recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage listed site in 1990. Later visit Madrassah Rakhimkhon where studies in religion, astronomy, geography and mathematics took place, the Kalta Minor Minaret and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace decorated in fine china blue tile work.
Day 6: Khiva To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out for Bukhara. It is a long drive, that will take you more or less the same path that the Great Silk Road followed across desert, with a stops enroute to stretch. Arrive in Bukhara
Day 7: Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the many interesting sites within this incredible city of Bukhara. Gaze at the legend filled Poi Kalon Minaret, explore the Ark Fortress of Bukhara and visit the Bolo Hauz Mosque. Lunch at the house of one of the best suzani makers, and participate in a cooking class of traditional “ploy” – cooked with mutton and rice and large quantities of carrots and onions.
Day 8: Bukhara To Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue sightseeing of Bukhara with an out-of-town excursion to visit the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir. You will then stop at Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausolem of the famous Sufi spiritual leader. In the afternoon transfer to the railway station for the train to Samarkand.
Day 9: Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See the most significant sites in Samarkand, Registan Square, the three beautiful madrassahs and the grandest structure of Amir Temur's times - the chief Friday Mosque called Bibi-Khanum,. Enjoy wine tasting at Khovrenko Winery with a visit to the museum.
Day 10: Shakhrisabz
Location: Shahrisabz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The journey to Shakhrisabz is well worth it. The birthplace of the Great Amir Timur (Tamerlane), located approximately 80km south of Samarkand. Explore the city, visiting Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque, before returning to Samarkand.
Day 11: Samarkand To Tashkent
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue exploring Samarkand to visit Ulugbek’s observatory, constructed by Ulugbek (Grandson of the Great Amir Temur) in 1428-1429. Visit the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, situated on the spurs of Chupan-Ata hills to the north-east of present-day Samarkand. According to the legend, it was here, on the banks of the river Siab, that the Turanian king and hero Afrosiab, a character of the folk epic ‘Shahnama’, founded the town that became the capital of Sogdiana. Late afternoon transfer to train station to catch your train to Tashkent.
Day 12: Fly To Uk
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour in various locations including Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz.
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Meals
Meals are included during the tour, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on most days.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in the itinerary, covering major attractions in Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and to various attractions is included, including flights, train rides, and coach transfers.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as a ceramic workshop, tea ceremony, and a cooking class are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Uzbekistan are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included in the tour package.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Uzbekistan are not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights to Tashkent and Nukus, a drive from Nukus to Khiva, and a train journey from Bukhara to Samarkand and Samarkand to Tashkent.
Accommodation
Hotel Navruz
Conveniently located within the city centre of Tashkent, the Hotel Navruz offers modern and comfortable accommodation, equipped with a smart TV, mini fridge, air conditioning and safe. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, complete with sun loungers, a gym studio and restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Jipek Joli
During your time at Nukus, stay at Hotel Jipek Joli that offers guests comfortable rooms complete with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Hotel amenities include a concierge desk as well as rooms service. The hotel is also located just a short distance from the Karakalpakstan Museum of Art, a popular Nukus attraction.
Hotel "Malika Khiva"
Located just outside of Ichan Qala next to the Ata Darvaza, Hotel “Malika Khiva” provides guests with an exclusive atmosphere. The hotels traditional en-suites all feature modern amenities including, air conditioning, TV and a telephone. Other hotel features include a restaurant, souvenir shop and laundry service.
Hotel "Minzifa"
Situated in Old Bukhara, the traditionally decorated Hotel Minzifa is 150 yards from Lyabi-Hauz Architectural Complex. Colourful, eastern-inspired en-suite rooms at the hotel feature traditional Uzbek embroidery, and each is accompanied with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. The hotel's buffet restaurant serves the finest regional Uzbek and European dishes. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the bar in the hotel’s courtyard.
Hotel "Grand Samarkand"
Hotel ?Grand-Samarkand? is conveniently located in the heart of the shopping centre of Samarkand city. All En-suite rooms are warmly decorated in a traditional Uzbek style, offering satellite TV, a minibar and work desk. The classically decorated restaurant offers a rich variety of à la carte European and Uzbek dishes. Local attractions include the International Museum of Peace and Solidarity and The Guru Amir Mausoleum.
Experiences
Ceramics Workshop
Visit the workshop of a famous family known for their ceramics – Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov. You will learn about the history of ceramics and get to see the unique collection of their exclusive works.
Enjoy Uzbekistan's national dish
Enjoy lunch at the house of a local, who just happens to be an expert suzani (tapestry) maker! You’ll dine on ‘plov’, the national Uzbek dish, which you’ll also help to prepare - made with mutton and rice, it includes a large quantity of spices.
Wine tasting at Khovrenko
Experience a wine tasting at Khovrenko Winery in Samarkand. You will be taken on a tour of the wine museum, familiarising yourselves with the history of winemaking in the region. This winery also produces vodka and brandy.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included on the first day in Tashkent?
On the first day in Tashkent, after checking into your hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore your surroundings.
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What can I expect to see during the city tour of Tashkent?
During the city tour of Tashkent, you will visit the old town, including Barak Khana Seminary, TilaShaikh mosque, and their archives. You will also explore Chorsu bazaar, Kukeldash Madrassah, and attend a ceramic workshop ending with a tea ceremony. Additionally, you will visit Amir Temur square and the famous Tashkent Metro.
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What is special about the Igor Savitskiy Museum in Nukus?
The Igor Savitskiy Museum in Nukus is home to one of the finest collections of Soviet avant-garde art from the 1920s and 30s. It also has an impressive collection of Soviet Realism and works by well-known European masters.
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What historical sites will be visited on the way from Nukus to Khiva?
On the way from Nukus to Khiva, you will visit ancient fortresses including Chalpik Kala, the Tower of Silence, Kizil Kala Fortress, Toprak Kala fortress, and Ayaz Kala, which is considered one of the biggest forts in Karakalpakstan.
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What are the highlights of the walking tour in Khiva?
The walking tour in Khiva includes visiting Kukhna Ark Fortress, the turquoise-tiled IslomKhodja, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, Kalta Minor Minaret, and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace, all located within the walled inner town called the Itchan Kala.
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What unique experience is offered in Bukhara?
In Bukhara, you will have lunch at the house of one of the best suzani makers and participate in a cooking class of traditional 'ploy', which is cooked with mutton, rice, and large quantities of carrots and onions.
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What can I expect to see in Samarkand?
In Samarkand, you will visit significant sites such as Registan Square, the three beautiful madrassahs, the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and enjoy wine tasting at Khovrenko Winery with a visit to the museum.
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What is the significance of Shakhrisabz?
Shakhrisabz is the birthplace of the Great Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and is located approximately 80km south of Samarkand. You will explore the city, visiting Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat cemetery, and Kok-Gumbas Mosque.
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What historical site is visited on the last day in Samarkand?
On the last day in Samarkand, you will visit Ulugbek’s observatory, constructed by Ulugbek in 1428-1429, and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, which is associated with the legend of the Turanian king and hero Afrosiab.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.