Cox and Kings Uzbekistan Heart of Central Asia

– 3- & 4-star accommodation
– Flexible – extensions & flight upgrades available
– Average group size 18 (max 20)
– International flights & internal flights in Uzbekistan
– Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
– Internal flights as specified
– High speed rail between Samarkand and Tashkent
– Experienced local tour manager
– Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
– Porterage at all hotels
– Selected Meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners

– Comprehensive tours of the mosques, madrasas and mausoleums of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
– Learn how to make traditional Uzbekistan cuisine with a cooking demonstration
– Excursion to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur
– Travel by Uzbekistan’s famous Afrosiyob train from Samarkand to Tashkent

Day 1: Fly to Tashkent
Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Tashkent
(No Meals)

Day 2: Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel for 1 night. Afternoon tour of the old city stopping at the Kukeldash mosque and madrasa.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Fly to Urgench • Khiva
Transfer to the airport and take a 1-hour morning flight to Urgench. Visit the ancient fortresses of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala before an afternoon drive to Khiva via Ulli Khovli. Stay 2 nights at the Malika Kheivak Hotel (or similar).(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Khiva
Full-day tour of Khiva, including Kunya Ark, Islam Khoja minaret, Tash Havli Palace and a local bakery.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 5: Bukhara
Full-day drive to Bukhara (7-8 hours) through the Kyzylkum desert, stopping at the Amudaryo river for photos. Stay at the Minorai Kalon Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Bukhara
City tour of Bukhara, including visits to Chor Minor mosque, the Poi-Kaylan complex, the surviving trade domes and Lyab-i-Hauz complex, once the city’s principal source of water. This evening enjoy dinner and a cooking demonstration.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Bukhara
After breakfast, continue your tour of Bukhara, including visits to the imposing fortress known as ‘The Ark’, located on the site of a 2,000-year-old fortress; the Summer Palace; and the Samanid mausoleum, built in the early 10th century with a facade incorporating Zoroastrian symbols.(Breakfast)

Day 8: Shahrisabz • Samarkand
Drive to Shahrisabz, birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the summer palace, mosques and mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand for 3 nights
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Samarkand
Full-day tour of Samarkand, including visits to Registan Square, the Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiab Museum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and the Bibi Khanum mosque.(Breakfast)

Day 10: Samarkand
Continue your tour of Samarkand. Visit Gur Emir mausoleum, which marks the final resting place of several members of the Timurid dynasty, including Timur himself. Other visits include Nodir Divan Begi madrasa, Hazrat Khizr mosque and the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum. After lunch, stop at a silk carpet factory before returning to your hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Tashkent
Morning at leisure in Samarkand. This afternoon, visit one of the city’s renowned silk paper workshops before boarding a train to Tashkent.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 12: Fly to London
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport. Fly from Tashkent to London with Uzbekistan Airways.
(Breakfast)

Malika Kheivak, Khiva
Situated in the old town of Khiva, the Malika Kheivak hotel is near to all the main sights of interest. This welcoming hotel offers 22 comfortable rooms decorated in traditional style. The restaurant serves local cuisine and regional wines and spirits at the bar. Features: 22 rooms, restaurant, laundry, ironing.