Uzbekistan - Highlights of the Silk Road

There are certain countries around the world that conjure up images of culture, romance and adventure purely by their very name, and Uzbekistan is one of them.

Chameleon Worldwide has introduced an intriguing new itinerary entitled Highlights of the Silk Road, which includes the three most impressive Silk Road cities in the country - Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and many other highlights of this fascinating country.

The adventure commences in Urgench in the north of Uzbekistan, from where you will head to the first overnight spot in Khiva for a half-day walking tour to see some of the main sights and buildings – many of which are decorated with Khiva’s characteristic turquoise tiles; these include the walled inner city, the Ichon-Qala, Konya Ark Fortress, mosques, mausoleums and palaces.

From Khiva it’s south on the long drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, with stops en route at simple chaykanas (tea-houses) for refreshments.

Three nights will be spent in Bukhara with daytime activities including a guided walking tour of the city visiting the Samanid mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub, Ark Fortress and other places of note.

The second day in Bukhara is free to discover other aspects of the city or, alternatively, extra excursions can be arranged to visit some of the more outlying sites.

Next up is a three hour rail journey from Kagan by Shark express train to Samarkand for three nights; highlights there will include a day city tour on foot to see the Shakhi - Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek observatory and Registan Square.

Day 9 is at leisure though there is also an option to visit a nearby village.

From Bukhara, the final destination is the capital, Tashkent, which will be reached by a two hour train ride where the holiday will conclude with a city tour before heading back to the UK.

The 11-day holiday which is best enjoyed anytime between the UK spring and autumn (although it can be hot in the summer) costs from £1975 pp (two sharing) which includes international flights, all transportation, private tours, nine nights’ accommodation, some meals and guides as per itinerary.

For more information, visit chameleonworldwide.co.uk.