Overview
Itinerary
Fly overnight via Dubai to Tashkent. This afternoon you will explore the capital visiting the old town, Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh mosque and the archives known for the rare copy of the Quran. Later, continue to Chorsu bazaar, the oldest market in Tashkent and Kukeldash Madrassah. (L/D)
This morning you will fly to Nukus where the day's highlight is the Igor Savitsky Museum, home to the finest collection of Soviet avant-garde art, gaining insight into Central Asia's unique cultural heritage. Also, visit the ancient city of Mizdahkan - an Islamic complex offering monuments located on three hills. (B/L/D)
Today, drive 200 kilometres to Khiva, visiting ancient fortresses en route. Chalpik Kala, also known as the Tower of Silence, Kizil Kala Fortress and Toprak Kala Fortress – an excavated town considered to be one of the most important monuments on Khorezm. You'll also get to explore Ayaz Kala, one of the biggest complexes in Karakalpakstan, comprising three fortresses. (B/L/D)
Today, you'll set out on foot taking in all the major sights of the Ichan Kala, the citadel, seeing the Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon and Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. In the afternoon you will continue, visiting the Friday mosque and Tashauli Palace, including the harem. (B/L/D)
Set off today for Bukhara, taking a long drive across the famous Kyzyl Kum desert. The Great Silk Road once ran a similar route that you will be traversing today. There will be several photo opportunities along the way as well as a stop along the banks of the Amudarya River. Your journey today will take approximately seven hours. (B/L/D)
Begin your full day touring of this incredible city, home to hundreds of registered monuments. The main highlights will include Lab-i-khauz – modern centre of traditional Uzbekistan, Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Khanaga, and Mogaki Attari mosque. After lunch, visit Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz mosque and see the locals doing block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery as well as carving. (B/L/D)
Visit Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara, and then visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi – the memorial complex of famous Sufi, spiritual leaders of this region. In the afternoon you'll make your way to the train station for your journey to Samarkand. (B/L/D)
Today you will explore one of the oldest existing cities in the world and the oldest in Central Asia. You'll visit Registan Square which was the heart of Samarkand, and the beautiful madrassahs of Ulug-Bek built in the 15th century, Tillya-Kori built in the 17th century and Gur Emir the mausoleum of Great Tamerlane. Later you will enjoy a wander through the Silk Road bazaar. (B/L/D)
Travel two hours to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the Great Amir Timur where you will explore sites such as Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. This is a small, traditional city lying 80 kilometres south of Samarkand. (B/L/D)
Exploring today begins with a visit to Ulugbek's observatory followed by a visit to the ancient settlement of Afrosiab situated in the hills. You will have some leisure time in Samarkand before transferring to the train station, heading back to Tashkent. (B/L/D)
Fly to Australia via Dubai, arriving home the following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Toprak Kala Fortress
- Explore Bukhara's monuments
- Discover Registan Square
- Shop at Chorsu bazaar
- Wonder at the Savitsky Museum
- Stroll through Ichan Kala
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
- Hotel Navruz, Tashkent (3 star): 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, Nukus (3 star): 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", Khiva (4 star): 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", Bukhara (4 star): 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", Samarkland (4 star): 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.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$100pp (AU$149pp) is paid locally in Uzbekistan.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
