Uzbekistan: Golden Road to Samarkand
Uzbekistan: Golden Road to Samarkand
12 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Nukus, Chilpik Dakhma/Kala, Khiva, Bukhara, Rabati Malik Caravanserai Cistern, Gijduvon, Vobkent, Shahrisabz, Samarkand, Afrosiyob
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 18
Age range:
-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Visit the most magnificent cities of the ancient Silk Road with Islamic expert Diana Driscoll or William Taylor. These include Uzbekistan’s second largest city, Samarkand, built by the infamous 14th-century Emperor Tamerlane; the medieval city of Bukhara, with its dazzling blue mosaic domes; the jadegreen city of Khiva; and Nukus, which once protected the Russian avant-garde art collection of archaeologist and artist, Igor Savitsky from the Soviets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Overnight flight
Meals Included: No Meals
Board the overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways.
Day 2 : Tashkent - Fly To Nukus
Location: Nukus
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Jipek Joli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Inspira-S Hotel (or similar) for a rest. After an introductory lecture and welcome lunch, take a city tour to see the highlights of Tashkent, including Kukeldash mosque, Muyie Mubarak library and Tillya Sheikh mosque as well as the Chorsu Bazaar and the Applied Art Museum. In the afternoon, fly to Nukus and overnight at Jipek Joli (or similar).
Day 3 : Chilpak - Khiva
Location: Chilpik Dakhma/Kala, Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel Khiva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning tour of the Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art, which houses the collection of Igor Savitsky, who secreted away thousands of Russian avant-garde and post avant-garde paintings during the Stalinist Soviet period. Besides this rare and extensive collection of art (second only to St Petersburg), he also collected thousands of Uzbek artefacts, textiles and jewellery. Tour the museum with a local specialist. En route to Khiva, stop at Chilpak to see the fourth-century Zoroastrian Tower of Silence. Stay for 2 nights at Orient Star Khiva / Feruzkhan Hotel (or similar).
Day 4 : Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel Khiva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full-day tour of the old walled city of Khiva, capital of Khorezm between the 16th and 20th centuries, and one of the most remote of the Silk Road cities. Visits include the Kunya Ark (old fortress), the original residence of the Khiva khans; the beautifully decorated Tash Hauli (stone palace); the Friday Mosque; and madrasas (theological colleges), which now house museum collections. Also visit a UNESCO-listed silk carpet workshop.
Day 5 : Drive To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours), through the Kyzylkum desert stopping at the Amu Darya river, known as the Oxus river in the ancient world. Stay at Emir Hotel (or similar) for 4 nights.
Day 6 : Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a full-day walking tour of Bukhara, visiting the Persian Samanid brick mausoleum, the Chashmai Ayub, known as Job's Well, and the Bolo Hauz mosque. Visit the trade domes, madrasas and traditional Bukharan bazaars. Continue to the Poi-Kalyan complex, which includes the towering Kalyan minaret and the twin-domed Mir-i-Arab madrasa.
Day 7 : Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the architectural ensemble around the Lyab i-Hauz pool, fed by the waters of the royal canal. Continue to the Chor Minor, a curious four-towered gatehouse, and the Sitora-i Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of Bukhara's last emir. Then visit the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum, set in the house of a wealthy merchant and showing aspects of life in the early 20th century. Continue to the Balyand mosque, a jewel of 16th-century architecture, and the imposing ark fortress of the Bukhara emirs. Walk down the narrow streets of historic Bukhara to the old Jewish quarter. See one of the city's hidden gems, the Jewish synagogue, which houses a collection of ancient torahs dating back approximately 600 years.
Day 8 : Rabat I-Malik - Gijduvan - Vabkent
Location: Rabati Malik Caravanserai Cistern, Gijduvon, Vobkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Emir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive the royal road to the 11th-century Rabat i-Malik caravanserai (a trading route stopoff). Continue to Gijduvan, renowned for its traditional ceramics, and see Abd-al-Khalyk Gjduvani shrine. Return to Bukhara via Vabkent to see the minaret commissioned in the 12th century by one of Bukhara's rulers.
Day 9 : Shahrisabz - Samarkand
Location: Shahrisabz, Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, where he built an enormous palace, of which part of the beautifully ornamented audience chamber remains. Drive alongside the Zerafshan mountains to Samarkand for a 2-night stay at the Dilimah Premium / Malika Diyora / Hotel Royal (or similar).
Day 10 : Afrosiyob - Samarkand
Location: Afrosiyob, Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Samarkand
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to the ancient deserted site of Afrosiyob on the outskirts of Samarkand, where a settlement once thrived until it was destroyed by Tamerlane. Archaeological finds are housed in the Afrosiyob History Museum. Continue to the observatory of Ulugbek, Tamerlane's astronomer grandson, and see the Bibi Khanum mosque, built by Tamerlane for his favourite wife. End the day at the magnificent Gur Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane is buried beneath the Timurid fluted blue domes.
Day 11 : Samarkand - Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Inspira-S Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the Samarkand Museum of History, Culture & Art. In the afternoon, travel by rail to Tashkent. After a farewell dinner, overnight at the Inspira-S Tashkent (or similar).
Day 12 : Tashkent - Fly To London
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for a flight to London.
What's Included
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International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
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UK departure and overseas airport taxes
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Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
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Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
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The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
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Local excursions where applicable
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Fully Guided
This tour is fully escorted throughout by the lecturer, as well as an experienced local guide.
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
This tour is fully escorted throughout by the lecturer, as well as an experienced local guide.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The tour involves some long drives and requires a good level of fitness as there is walking over rough terrain and up some high, uneven steps. There are also some long road journeys.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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What are the four tour categories?
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% 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 cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.