Uzbekistan - Heart of Central Asia

Uzbekistan - Heart of Central Asia
Set on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has played host to waves of conquerors and nomads. The legacy they have left behind can be seen in the towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara and the glorious Islamic architecture of Samarkand.
Tashkent Palace Hotel
The Tashkent Palace Hotel (formerly Le Meridien Hotel) is located in the centre of Tashkent, close to Independence Square and opposite the Alisher Navoi Opera House. The rooms have modern facilities including air-conditioning and minibar, while the hotel restaurants serve a range of International and traditional Central Asian dishes. Leisure facilities include a Piano bar, outdoor swimming pool, sauna and fully equipped fitness club.
Malika Hotel Khiva
The Malika Hotel Khiva is located opposite the West Gate entrance to the walled city of Khiva and makes a convenient base from which to explore the ancient mosques, madrassas and minarets of Ichan Kala . All rooms are ensuite with air-conditioning. There is a small restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Zargaron Plaza Hotel
The Zargaron Plaza hotel is located the centre of the old part of the city. Zargaron is inspired by the ancient name of this area which comes from the Persian language and means "the quarter occupied by jewellers". The hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar area while rooms feature air-conditioning, a minibar and safe.
Grand Samarkand Hotel
The Grand Samarkand Hotel is located in the centre of the city and provides basic accommodation. The 30 rooms provide ensuite facilities and air-conditioning. There is a small restaurant serving national and European cuisine.
Day 1 To Tashkent
Fly overnight from London to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways. (N)

Day 2 Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Tashkent Palace Hotel or similar for 1 night (including immediate occupancy). Afternoon tour of the old city, Revolution Square, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Art, the bazaar and Kukeldash Mosque and Madrasa. (D)

Day 3 To Khiva
Transfer to the airport and take a morning flight to Urgench. Visit the ancient fortresses of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala before an afternoon drive to Khiva via Ulli Khovli. Stay at Malika Khiva Hotel or similar for 3 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Khiva
Full-day tour of Khiva. (B, D)

Day 5 Turkmenistan
Morning drive to the border town of Tashauz, where you cross into Turkmenistan and visit the world heritage site of Kunya Urgench. Afternoon drive back across the border to Khiva. (B, L, D)

Day 6 To Bukhara
Full-day drive to Bukhara. Stay for 2 nights at Zargaron Plaza or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Bukhara
Full-day tour of Bukhara, including the Ark fortress, the great Kalyan minaret, the Samanid mausoleum and the Bukhara crafts centre. (B, D)

Day 8 To Samarkand
Drive to Samarkand via Gidjuvan, site of one of the finest ceramic productions in the Bukhara region. Stay for 3 nights at the Grand Samarkand or similar. (B, D)

Day 9 Samarkand
Full-day tour of Samarkand, including visits to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the tomb of Tamerlane, the most influential central Asian military leader of the middle ages. (B, D)

Day 10 Samarkand
Full-day tour of Shakhrisabz, surrounded by the foothills of the Pamir mountains, where Tamerlane built a large summer palace. (B, L, D)

Day 11 To Tashkent by train
A morning visit to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane, then transfer to the station for a two and a half hour journey aboard the Sharq train from Samarkand to Tashkent. The afternoon is free to explore Tashkent. Stay overnight at the Tashkent Palace Hotel or similar. (B, D)

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

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals