EMIRS
REBELS
COSMONAUTS

A rather unique approach to Central Asia’s most celebrated stan through an itinerary that crosses the lesser- and devotes four full days to the all-too-often overlooked capital

AUGUST 31 ⇾ September 10

In addition to our regular group departures to Uzbekistan, we also offer tailored services for private travel parties and lone wolves alike. Get in touch for more info on our customised Uzbekistan Tours!

THE ROUTE

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DAY 1 to DAY 4 • A SOVIET METROPOLIS AND ITS SATELLITES

Meet-and-greet at Tashkent International Airport and transfer to our hotel of choice in central Tashkent.

Tashkent, the national capital, and spend the last two days of our journey losing ourselves among the many Soviet-era gems of what was once the fourth-largest city in the entire USSR: kaleidoscopic socialist-era mosaics, imposing monuments and memorials, modernist concrete patterns, meandering street markets, and richly decorated metro stations.

n Istiqbol and the impressive Soviet-built solar furnace in Parkent.

  • Overnights in Tashkent.

DAY 4 TO DAY 5 • LOST ART AND SHRINKING WATERS

Overnights in Nukus.

DAY 6• RED SANDS AND FOLK ROCK

Overnight in Uchkuduk.

DAY 7 to DAY 8 • EMIRS AND REVOLUTIONARIES

Transfer to the ancient Silk Road city of Bukhara via the industrial town of Qarshi and the semi-arid Qashqadaryo river basin: post-Soviet melancholia at its best.

  • We’ll then spend the last light hours of the day touring Bukhara and its many wonders: spectacular ancient mosques, mausoleums, synagogues, antique necropolis, dusty backstreets, crumbling houses and – needless to say – Soviet art and architecture.

  • Overnight in Bukhara.

DAY 09 to Day 10• SILK ROAD KITSCH AND HIDDEN GLORIES

In the morning we’ll continue our walking tour around Old Bukhara and then transfer by train towards Samarkand, a cosmopolitan [post] Soviet city where a plethora of diverse cultures (Uzbek, Russian, Tajik, Jew, Ukrainian, Tatar, Turkmen and even Korean) blend together to form a compelling mixture of languages and culinary traditions.

  • Believed to be over 2,700 years old, Samarkand was once a diverse trading center along the Silk Road and at the epicentre of it all was the Registan, or “sandy place” in Tajik: comprised of arching, beige madrasas covered in bright blue mosaics, sparkling golden mosques, and sprawling courtyards, the Registan was the pulsing heart of the commercial Silk Road city throughout the Medieval Era.

  • Beyond its Timurid wonders, Soviet mosaics, and elegant Russian mansions, Samarkand is also known for being home to the largest community of lyuli, also known as Central Asian gypsies, and being a tour operator born out of the desire to deliver an authentic travel experience far from the overcrowded touristic paths, we will, of course, delve into the local lyuli community and go beyond the many clichés still associated with this much-misunderstood ethnic group.

  • Overnights in Samarkand.

DAY 11 • FAREWELL TO THE COTTON FIELDS

After sharing a last Uzbek meal, we'll take care of your transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

2290 €

INCLUSIONS
Double/twin-room accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Uzbekistan (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.

EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.