Discovering the highlights of Uzbekistan with Jules Verne

Kuoni travel agent Jessica Millward reports back on a fam trip to Uzbekistan with Jules Verne

Tashkent

Landing in Tashkent’s pristine airport, we met our local guide Victoria, who knew absolutely everything about – and seemingly everyone in – her country. After checking us into our hotel, the Hampton by Hilton, she took us on a walking tour of the city, including the Khast-Imam Complex and the market, filled with lovely handcrafted things like chapans (long coats). She also took us underground to see a handful of the city’s 48 mosaic-filled subway stations.

Khiva

An early flight and bus transfer took us to Khiva, which, along with Bukhara and Samarkand, is one of the country’s Silk Road cities. It was honestly the most amazing place I’ve ever been to. It feels like real Uzbekistan, but also otherworldly, like something out of Star Wars. Everyone was so friendly – we were even invited to join a wedding where we danced, ate and were made to feel very welcome.

Bukhara

Most of the third day was spent on a bus journey across the desert to Bukhara where our gorgeous hotel, in the centre of town, was the perfect place from which to explore the Ark Fortress citadel and its madrasahs and mosques, including the huge Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah and Poi Kalyan Square.

The next day was a day of walking, sitting in teahouses and learning about the city and its history. At the Lyabi-Khauz Square, Victoria told us all about the Magoki-Attori Mosque, which dates back to the 8th century. Our evening meal, a huge kazan (large pot) of the national dish, Uzbek plov, made by and eaten with a local family, was a highlight.

Samarkand

It was time to get back on the bus to go to Samarkand. Registan, the heart of the city and our first stop, was, for me, the best part of the trip. Our afternoon here was spent oohing and ahhing over the buildings in the square, admiring their incredible arches, domes, pillars and decoration.

Bullet train to Tashkent

We spent the morning in Shah-i-Zinda Complex and its avenue of more than 20 mausoleums all tiled in brilliant hues of blue. In the afternoon we took the bullet train back to Taskhent, admiring the porters in their sheepskin fur hats. The next day, we flew home.

The verdict

The small tours, the guide’s expert knowledge and a really well-thought-out itinerary, combined with the wonders of Samarkand and the unexpected pleasures of Khiva, made it a trip I’d recommend unreservedly.

Book it: Jules Verne’s seven-night Highlights of Uzbekistan tour starts at £1,945, including flights from Heathrow, transfers, accommodation, breakfast daily and six dinners, excursions and local expert guides.
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