Classic Uzbekistan

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Uzbekistan is bursting with ancient history, interwoven cultures, vibrant marketplaces and diverse landscapes, and on this 12-day classic adventure, you’ll experience the best of the Uzbek. Hitting the capital Tashkent at the beginning and end, discover the unique collection of Russia avant garde art in the most unusual choice of location – Nukus, walk the wa...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Nukus takes you off the tourist grid and back to Uzbekistan in its Soviet-era times. No wonder Savitskiy Art Gallery, the second most valuable collection of Russian avant-garde art, chose its home here.
    • Spend time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara – a sixth-century BC city that's teeming with history and home to the formidable Ark of Bukhara.
    • Get a bit active and learn the stories and people of Uzbekistan while sharing home-cooked meals with local families on a visit to the Amankutan Valley.
    • Steeped in Silk Road history and immortalised in many a tale, the World Heritage-listed town of Khiva is full of colourful monuments and history spanning centuries.
    • Stand in Samarkand’s Registan Square, getting dwarfed by the scale and beauty of the medressas surrounding you – some of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture.

What's this trip about?

    Uzbekistan is bursting with ancient history, interwoven cultures, vibrant marketplaces and diverse landscapes, and on this 12-day classic adventure, you’ll experience the best of the Uzbek. Hitting the capital Tashkent at the beginning and end, discover the unique collection of Russia avant garde art in the most unusual choice of location – Nukus, walk the walls of the ancient inner city of Khiva, explore the sacred and holy sites in Heritage-listed Bukhara and be dwarfed by the medressas in the iconic Registan Square of Samarkand. Learn about a history that may be often overlooked, but is definitely not dull – Uzbekistan’s mix of Islamic influence, Silk Road splendour and Soviet-era rule provides insight into an era long gone, but definitely not forgotten.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Uzbekistan

Attractions

  • Samarkand

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
    • Tashkent - Kukeldash & Barak Khan Madressas
    • Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
    • Tashkent - City tour
    • Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
    • Tashkent - History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan
    • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
    • Nukus - Karalkapak State Museum
    • Nukus - Savitskiy Art Museum
    • Nukus - Mizdar Khan & Yusup Ishan
    • Khiva - Kuhna Ark
    • Khiva - Kalta Minor Minaret
    • Khiva - City tour
    • Khiva - Ak-Sheikh Baba Observation platform
    • Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
    • Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
    • Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
    • Khiva - Djuma Mosque
    • Bukhara - Ark Fortress
    • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
    • Bukhara - Guided city tour
    • Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque
    • Bukhara - Poikalyan complex
    • Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa
    • Bukhara - Chor Minor
    • Bukhara - Magoki-Attori Mosque
    • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory
    • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
    • Samarkand - Registan
    • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
    • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum
    • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
    • Samarkand - Amankutan Valley day tour
    • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
    • Samarkand - Siob Bazaar

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Tashkent

Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia with a population of over 2 million, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the Soviet Republic. Your adventure begins with...

Day 2 Tashkent

Take the day to explore Tashkent with your group leader and fellow travellers. Pass by Amir Temur Square and then visit the Khast Imam complex – one of the most well-known images of Uzbekistan, which houses Barak Khan Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, the Quran Libr...

Day 3 Nukus

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take a morning flight bound for Nukus. Nukus is the capital of the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, which takes up the entirety of the northwest of Uzbekistan. Once arrived, head 15 kilometres out of town to visit Mizda...

Day 4 Khiva

This morning, travel by bus to Khiva (approximately 4 hours). Khiva is beautifully preserved town and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the inner boundaries of the old city – Itchan Kala. Upon entering its gates, you will see the towering ...

Day 5 Khiva

Continue your historical escapade in Khiva and head to the 17th-century Djuma Mosque – a cathedral mosque with a roof that lies on 212 wooden-fretted columns, giving the structure unique acoustics and streams of lighting. Continue to the Islom Hoja Minaret and Medress...

Day 6 Bukhara

Refuel with some breakfast, then board a morning train bound for Bukhara (approximately 6 hours). Do not fear – your group leader will have organised some lunch for you on the train, but you might like to pick up some other snacks for your trip today if you get peckis...

Day 7 Bukhara

Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city, being part of the ancient Silk Road and listed as a World Heritage site. With more than 100 officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see, and you’ll have the next couple of days to check out the rich ...

Day 8 Samarkand

Have another day to get under the skin of Bukhara, taking another guided city tour with your small group. You’ll see the Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz Khan medressas, the Magoki-Attori Mosque and the grand four-pointed Chor Minor Minaret – try saying any of those names after...

Day 9 Samarkand

Samarkand is a city that evokes the romance and history of the Silk Road like no other. This morning, take a visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – the final resting place of the mighty 14th-century ruler Timur and his sons and grandsons. Continue to the Shah-i-Zinda com...

Day 10 Amankutan Valley/Samarkand

Drive to the nearby Zarafshan Mountain Range this morning (approximately 1 hour each way), admiring the Tahta-Karacha mountain pass and stopping for some photos at the snaking roads. Continue into the Amankutan Valley where you’ll join your leader for a short hike, ta...

Day 11 Tashkent

This morning, you’ll have some more time to check out what you’ve missed in Samarkand, perhaps heading to the Bibi Khanum Mosque or the Siab Bazaar. In the afternoon, head back on the train to Tashkent (approximately 3 hours). Tonight, why not get together with your g...

Day 12 Tashkent

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time of the day. Hotel check-out time is usually around 12 pm, however if you have later onward connections, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception during the day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,000
Price per day$250
Last Updated: 12/2/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
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Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Metro,High-speed train,Plane,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Metro,High-speed train,Plane
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets exactly and contact us immediately if there are any errors. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your government's foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. COVID-19 Entry and Exit Requirements Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.You may also refer to our travel alert page for more info https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/travel-alerts Make sure you are familiar with the current border measures and entry requirements as these are quite complex and changing frequently without notice. Please also ensure you have a travel insurance policy that covers your travels as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses within the country. RETURN TRAVEL Please ensure you stay up to date with any current testing or quarantine requirements for returning to your home country or transiting through other destinations after the completion of your tour. We are able to help facilitate taking a COVID-19 test while on trip. Please ensure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test which will be payable directly to the testing site. Your Intrepid Tour Leader will provide more details at the group meeting as well as assist with booking appointments for all travellers who need to be tested. UZBEKISTAN VISAS Many nationalities no longer require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, including most European countries, Great Britain, Australia & Canada.You can check if you are eligible for the visa free scheme here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main E-VISAS For nationalities not included in the visa exemption list, including US citizens, an e-visa is available. The e-visa is issued for a period of stay in the territory of Uzbekistan up to 30 days with a single entry and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Travellers must submit an online application for a visa at least three working days before the planned date of travel to Uzbekistan. The consular fee for processing and issuing an e-visa is US$20 to be paid online. Please check if you are eligible for an e-visa and apply here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR E-VISA APPLICATION - Address of your joining point hotel (or if visiting Uzbekistan mid-trip, use: Hotel Uzbekistan 45 Mirzamakhmud Musakhanov Street Tashkent) - You will need to have a scanned PDF copy of your passport to upload for your application - You will need to upload a passport photo that meet the standard of ICAO - you can check here for the standards of the photo http://www.cgiistanbul.org/frontEnd/userfiles/files/ICAO%20Guidelines%20on%20Passport%20Photographs.pdf - Your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after you’ve entered Uzbekistan to obtain a visa. REGISTRATION IN UZBEKISTAN All visitors to Uzbekistan must register with the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days after arrival. When staying at a hotel, you will be registered automatically. Please ensure you keep any registration documents issued by the hotel until you exit the country. CUSTOMS Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in other countries, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. You should declare all prescription medications and other restricted items on arrival in Uzbekistan, and carry a copy of the prescription with you.
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan is generally a very safe place to travel. Petty crime targeting foreigners and tourists sometimes occurs in Uzbekistan. A regulation has been introduced allowing only licensed taxis (with certain colour and signs and card payment equipment) to operate in Uzbekistan. However, unlicensed taxis continue to operate. You should use official taxis where possible. There have been reports of robberies by individuals posing as police officers. Avoid obvious displays of wealth, particularly in rural areas. Crime levels are higher at night. Avoid walking alone. It is illegal to photograph government and military buildings, and also public transport infrastructure, including metro stations. This may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Check before taking photographs of government or security infrastructure. You should carry your passport with you at all times as this is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan. The police often carry out checks. There is a ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco to those under 20.  Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law and is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Ramada Tashkent
  • Abdulla Kodiry Street,1
  • Tashkent
  • 100128
  • UZBEKISTAN
Trip ID
intrepid-KFKU

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