Tashkent
A fascinating jumble of contradictions, Uzbekistan's capital is part Soviet city, with wide, tree-lined streets, grand statues and shopping malls, and part sleepy Uzbek town where farmers cart their goods through myriad alleys.  The city has some amazing museums covering art and both ancient and more modern history.

​

Samarkand
A city that features in everyone's dreams about the Silk Road, Samarkand is a treasure trove of architectural monuments dating back all the way to Timur.  Sure highlights are Shah-i-Zinda, a street of beautifully tiled mausoleums, and Ulugh Beg’s 15th-century observatory in Samarkand.  Throw in a colourful bazaar and a long, rich history and you have a city that one must visit.

​

Nurata

Nurata was once regarded as the frontier between cultivated lands and the steppes and still is a jumping-off point from which to visit nomadic yurt camps.  The ruins of Alexander's hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history, while a 10th century mosque and holy sites attracted pilgrims from all over Central Asia.

​

Bukhara
Central Asia's sacred Muslim city is also one of the places where one can experience pre-Russian culture at its best.  Mosques, madrasahs and minarets are scattered around town, along with an enormous fortress and the remnants of a market complex.  The city counts over 900 historical monuments, including 12th century Char Minar, Bolo Khauz Mosque and the old Summer Palace of the Emirs.  Stay in an atmospheric hotel and you may feel transported back in time.

​

Khiva
At the heart of the Great Game lies Khiva, a former slave trading centre that could only be reached by crossing a desert inhabited by aggressive tribesmen.  Walking into the mud-walled inner city is like being transferred to a bygone era.  Be sure to experience the 200 intricately carved elm wood columns inside the cool, dark Juma Mosque and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud.

​

Desert fortresses
The Khorezm area covering both the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts near Khiva is home to about 50 ruined fortresses – many still hidden beneath the sand.

​

Shakhrisabz

Follow the mountain road south from Samarkand, enjoying the amazing views, and reach Timur's home town of Shakhrisabz, one of the most beautiful and colorful Uzbekistan cities.

Fergana Valley

Surrounded by the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains, the Fergana Valley is Uzbekistan's fruit and cotton basket.  It's people are among the most hospitable in the country, while colourful bazaars with exceptional crafts (including beautiful turquoise ceramics), mosques and madrasahs abound.