Uzbekistan
Journey through arid deserts, verdant river valleys and rolling mountain ranges to uncover this ancient crossroads of civilisations.Â
Intro
With centuries of wealth gained from its strategic location at the heart of ancient Silk Road trade route, Uzbekistan is a treasure trove of magnificent Islamic-inspired art and architecture. From opulent azure mosques to sublime tiled mausoleums, it is a country steeped in a rich cultural history.
Explore the evocative Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva and delve into the history of the golden period of Muslim culture as you marvel at its impressive madrassas and mausoleums. Learn about the country’s contribution to science, made by the astronomer-king Ulug Beg and Al Khwarizmi, the father of algebra. Unearth desert fortresses in the rolling sand dunes and experience the surreal atmosphere of the disappearing Aral Sea, as you pass fishing boats half-buried in the sand.
Take a tour of Russian Avant Garde art in the Savitsky museum and travel alongside the iconic Oxus river. Step into the lush and fertile Fergana valley and feel the shimmering quality of handmade silk in your fingers as you learn what drove bygone trade along the world's most famous trading artery.
Why travel with us ?
Uzbekistan is a country we know well and love. As the cultural heart of the Silk Road it provides an endless fascination.ÂOur small group tour, Uzbekistan Odyssey, covers the country from West to East taking in all of the highlights and several less visited sites, with just one night in a yurt. Our Five Stan Odyssey and Silk Road through the Stans tours also both cover Uzbekistan's classic Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva as well as visiting some of the neighbouring "Stans" (with no yurt stays).
For a private trip to Uzbekistan or around Central Asia, please do get in touch and one of our travel specialists will be delighted to put together a tour to suit your requirements.
Quick Facts
Capital: Tashkent
Population: Around 32 million
Languages: Uzbek
Uzbekistan presentation
We were delighted to have Sophie Ibbotson, Bradt Guide author to Uzbekistan and the country's tourism ambassador, speak about Uzbekistan as a travel destination. The talk covers Uzbekistan's fabled Silk Road cities - Samarkhand, Bukhara and Khiva - and Sophie explains some of the country's history and importance as the heart of the Silk Road. She also discusses lesser-visited corners of the country and why Uzbekistan should be top of your travel list.WATCH PRESENTATION
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Culinary
Cooking, miniature-painting and embroidery (of suzanis or tribal textiles) demonstrations and classes in a family home.Cultural
Enjoy the opportunity of a private yurt stay. Take in lectures by, or dinner at, the home of the Karakalpak archaeologist and curator of the Savitsky Museum.ÂFeatured Group Tours
