Compare Uzbekistan Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Vietnam & Laos Explorer by Insider Journeys

Day 1 Tashkent

Welcome to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital and Central Asia's main hub. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet you tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place.

Day 2 Bukhara

Travel from Tashkent to Bukhara by train this morning (approx 4 hours). Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. The majority of the town centre is filled with beautiful old buildings and, after checking into the hotel on arrival, you'll explore these on a guided tour. Visit the spectacular Ark building, a fortress that was occupied from the 5th century right up until its bombing in 1920, the Bolo - Hauz Mosque with its most elegant wooden carvings, and thousand - year old Ismail Samani Mausoleum. This shrine, built around the 10th century, was spared destruction during Genghis Khan's invasion as it's thought to have been buried as a result of flooding. It was discovered and excavated in the 20th century, and became a popular spot for pilgrims and local residents who considered it sacred.

Day 3 Bukhara

With over 100 architectural monuments scattered throughout the city, there's plenty to be seeing in the well-preserved ancient town. Today, enjoy a full day city tour through sites and places that are steeped in history. Visit the iconic Kalon Mosque and Minaret, one of the most impressive with a view of the city. Stop at the Lyabi - Hauz Plaza, built about 400 years ago around a pool, still full of the old world feel with its picturesque backdrop. Chor Minor, the 4 cornered Minarets stand right behind it too. Don't miss Maghoki - Attar Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Central Asia built in the 12th century, but was once a Buddhist and a Zoroastrian temple before that. And Ulugbek Madrasah, the first in the city. If you are still energetic after a full day's exploration, perhaps take an optional visit to Hammam Bozori Kord, the oldest Turkish-style bathhouse in Bukhara, before a free evening in town. Your leader can help with suggestions on where to find some authentic Uzbek fare for dinner tonight.

Day 4 Yurt Camp

Depart Bukhara and drive to Gijduvan. Here you'll visit a ceramic workshop, where sixth-generation ceramicists Abdulla and Alisher Narzullaev make some truly beautiful pieces. Spend an hour or so at the workshop then continue to Nurata, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. The city proper was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, though archaelogical remains date the first inhabitants of the area many thousands of years earlier, and the ruins of his fortress can still be seen today. From Nurata, the group will head into the Kyzylkum desert to spend the night sleeping in yurts. Perhaps choose to take an optional camel ride in the desert, and enjoy an evening campfire and local music with tonight's dinner underneath the desert stars.  

Day 5 Nuratau Mountains

Drive into the Nuratau Mountains for our stay in a Tajik village (2-3 hours). These villages are serene, hidden away in the hills with paths shaded by greenery and buildings made of stone. The region is a desert oasis, with irrigation channels watering crops and giving life to trees. Spend the day hiking to waterfalls or petroglyph sites, possibly seeing the endemic mountain sheep called argali. Learn to bake traditional tandir bread and in the evening, learn how their beloved national dish - plov is cooked at the local family and enjoy a feast of home-cooked flavors. Spend the night in a homestay, learning about the local traditions and culture.

Day 6 Samarkand

Marco Polo described Samarkand as a 'very large and splendid city,' and after a four hour drive you'll find out for yourself. This is a truly breathtaking place that conjures up images of ancient splendour, and there's perhaps no more well-known sight in Central Asia than the magnificent Registan in the heart of the city. This public square was once a gathering place for locals, where they would hear royal announcements and watch public executions among other things. Also visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur who was the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. His crypt was opened in 1941 by a Soviet anthropologist, who found an inscription on Timur's gravestone essentially saying that 'He who opens this will be defeated by an enemy more fearsome than I'. On the following day, the Soviet Union was attacked by Hitler. After a day of sightseeing, overnight in a hotel in town and enjoy a free evening.

Day 7 Samarkand

Spend a full day in Samarkand continuing to take in the ancient sights and modern sounds. Don't miss Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums decorated with beautiful blue tiles. Its holiest, most loved shrine is built around what's thought to be the grave of Quasam ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to the region many centuries ago. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture, built for Timur by Bibi Khanym, his Chinese wife, while he was away. As the story goes, the architect of the mosque fell deeply in love with her and his kiss left a trace on her cheek. Timur saw the kiss on his return and this, of course, led to the architect's execution. Enjoy some free time after touring the sites in this glorious Silk Road city.

Day 8 Tashkent

Depart early this morning return to Tashkent by high-speed train, taking a packed breakfast for us to enjoy on board (approx 2 hours). Hop on local metro and enjoy a short city tour after arrival. Visit the Amir Timur Square in the center of the city, spend time wandering Chorsu Bazaar. The main building is topped by an impressive dome, and the market sells pretty much everything you could imagine, and plenty of things you couldn't. Then enjoy some free time. There maybe the option to catch a performance at the Navoi Ballet & Opera Theatre tonight.This theatre is just one of three that were given the status of 'Grand' within the Soviet Union, the other two being located in Moscow and Minsk. It's housed in a beautiful 20th-century building with a fountain at its entrace, and has played host to classic productions like Swan Lake and some incredible artists. Perhaps get your group together for a final dinner tonight before saying your farewells tomorrow morning.

Day 9 Tashkent

This adventure through Uzbekistan comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart at any stage before hotel check-out.

Day 1 : SAIGON (VIETNAM)O

On arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel and embrace the frenetic energy of Vietnam before meeting your fellow travellers and Tour Leader (or local guide).Hotel: Northern Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : CU CHI TUNNELSV

Venture to Cu Chi and discover the incredible network of underground tunnels. Explore Saigon on a walking tour taking in the city's most impressive sites and landmarks. Sip a cocktail as you watch the evening lights come to life over Saigon.Hotel: Northern Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : MEKONG DELTAT

Travel south of Saigon to the Mekong Delta and explore the palm-fringed canals and tributaries of the Mekong in your private boat. Learn about the main local industries of the area as you visit a traditional brick factory and meet a family of weavers. Feast on a delicious lunch prepared using fresh local ingredients.Hotel: Northern Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : SAIGON TO HUEF

Fly to Hue, a former imperial capital, and see the city's most famous sites including Emperor Tu Duc's tomb, Imperial Palace and Citadel. Visit Spiral Foundation, a unique enterprise which employs people with disabilities who make souvenirs from 100% recycled materials.Hotel: Hotel Saigon Morin (or similar)

Day 5 : HUE TO HOI AND

Drive along the Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An and soak in some of Vietnam's most stunning scenery. Hoi An is a charming riverside town famous for its tailors and preserved architecture influenced by Chinese, Japanese and French culture. Spend time exploring the World Heritage listed old town.Hotel: Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : HOI ANE

Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you like in Hoi An. Choose to explore the old town or cycle to An Bang Beach.Hotel: Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : HOI AN TO HALONG BAYF

Fly to Haiphong and drive to Halong Bay. Board your luxurious private junk boat and cruise impressive Halong Bay. Begin your exploration of the magnificent bay which boasts over 3,000 islands that rise from the sea.Cruise: Overnight boat (or similar)

Day 8 : HALONG BAY TO HANOIR

Rise early to watch the sunrise as you greet the day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Explore a remote island and climb to the peak for a 360 degree view of Halong Bay. Travel to Hanoi before discovering the Old Quarter and meet some boisterous locals at a 'Bia Hoi' establishment.Hotel: The Ann Hanoi (or similar)

Day 9 : HANOI CITY TOURD

Discover Hanoi's must-visit sites including Ho Chi Minh Quarter, House on Stilts, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Enjoy a farewell group dinner to celebrate your time in Vietnam.Hotel: The Ann Hanoi (or similar)

Day 10 : HANOI TO VIENTIANE (LAOS)D

Depart Hanoi and fly to Vientiane. In the evening, meet your new group of fellow travellers and Tour Leader (local guide).Hotel: Mandala Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 : VIENTIANE CITY TOURE

Enjoy an authentic Lao coffee at a local cafe. Discover Vientiane's main sites including Wat Sisaket, Pha That Luang, Patuxai Monument and COPE Centre before receiving a traditional 'baci' blessing to welcome you to Laos.Hotel: Mandala Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 : VIENTIANE TO LUANG PRABANGF

Fly to Luang Prabang and explore the National Museum. Visit serene Wat Mai temple before enjoying free time to explore Luang Prabang independently. In the evening, take part in a fun private cooking demonstration at Tamarind cooking school.Hotel: Sala Prabang (or similar)

Day 13 : LUANG PRABANG CITY TOURB

Begin the day with a steaming-hot noodle soup breakfast. At the tip of Luang Prabang peninsula, visit Wat Xieng Thong temple, one of the most beautiful in Laos. Take a boat trip to visit Pak Ou Caves, a sacred shrine where local people add to a repository of thousands of Buddha statues.Hotel: Sala Prabang (or similar)

Day 14 : KUANG SI FALLSR

Rise early to see brightly-robed Buddhist monks collecting alms. Explore a lively morning market before travelling to Kuang Si Falls and cooking your own lunch. Spend time exploring Luang Prabang independently. In the evening, participate in a game of petanque followed by sunset drinks overlooking the Mekong River. Celebrate a memorable visit to Laos with a farewell group dinner.Hotel: Sala Prabang (or similar)

Day 15 : LUANG PRABANGT

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.Saigon Luang Prabang 15 Days