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G Adventures
OFFER ID 1532915
Highlights of Uzbekistan
While it doesn't get a lot of attention, Uzbekistan is a life-changing destination for those who visit. These 10 days will take you through some of the greatest cultural highlights the country has to offer. Marvel at the gorgeous mosques in Samarkand, experience a one-night stay in a traditional desert yurt, and immerse yourself in the diverse culture of ancient Bukhara. Uzbekistan is a must-see for any seasoned or first-time traveller.
Highlights
Connect with the locals in a desert yurt community, marvel at colourful mosaic buildings, gain an understanding of the cultures of Central Asia, visit the Chashma Complex dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, visit Juma and Panjvakta mosques, stop by a holy spring believed to heal diseases.
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 1 dinner
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Aydar Kul Camp. Orientation walk (Samarkand). City tour including a Registan visit. Nurata Shrine visit. Alexander the Great fortress visit. Aidarkul Lake swimming stop. Guided walking tour (half-day, Bukhara). Walking tours (Khiva). City tour (Tashkent). Transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
9 nights from $1,699 per person
G Adventures: Highlights of Uzbekistan
Day 1: Tashkent
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to the eclectic capital of Uzbekistan, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore.
Day 2: Tashkent/Samarkand
Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.
Day 3: Samarkand
Embark on a city tour, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.
Day 4: Samarkand/Aydar Kul Camp
Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.
Day 5: Aydar Kul Camp/Bukhara
Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.
Day 6: Bukhara
Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.
Day 7: Bukhara/Khiva
Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.
Day 8: Khiva
Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas, mosques, and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views on the sand-coloured buildings.
Day 9: Khiva/Tashkent
Take a short flight back to Tashkent and enjoy a city tour, then explore on your own with some free time.
Day 10: Tashkent
Depart at any time.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
(616) 214-8995