Tashkent Explorer Trips

Excellent trip but very full on! We were a bit unlucky with the temperatures as we had four days at 40 deg! Excellent location of hotels - good to be close to old cities. Not sure about the stay in the yurt though - a longish drive and a bit 'hackneyed tourist experience'. Could omit this and spend longer in one of the main towns? As ever, good tips from Explore when planning the trip - money, clothing etc.

A really well thought out tour. You see all the major sights. The local tour guides are impressive. Hotel accommodation varied but always as described. Felt safe. Felt like you were in good hands. The country is welcoming, fascinating, at one moment a city will look European, then North African, then unique. Well worth a visit. (I’d like to have spent longer in Tashkent, so much to see. Didn’t enjoy yurt night, but just not my thing)

The trip was excellent. The itinerary was well-balanced between organised activity and free time to explore. The places we visited were steeped in history and some of the sights were truly spectacular. Oue trip leader and the local guides were very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.

This holiday was rated “full on” and it was. Not a moment was wasted! Tashkent, Khiva, Bukara and Samarkand were all amazing. Staying in a Madrasa and in a Yurt added to the authenticity and we took the extra trip to the desert castles which was well worth it. Also the silk paper making centre was interesting. Uzbekistan is a welcoming country - very clean with no litter and we were impressed with the flowers planted along grass verges for miles.

Excellent trip. Busy with very good guides but with some days to explore the wonderful cities on our own. Perfect for us. The yurt was too basic for us oldies!!

This is a fascinating part of the world which was and is great fun to learn about. The initial three plane journeys were tough but after that the itinerary worked well and opened up a new world with the help of our brilliant guide - who was also determined to fill in the health and safety which Uzbekistan is fairly laid back about! Our hotels were largely very well placed and independent, helping to build up an idea of the local culture. We found the people to be very friendly and hospitable despite the fact that English is not necessarily even their third language. Twice we were dragged into group photographs by older Uzbeks in traditional dress. Explore travelers as tourist sights themselves! The only negative i would say was the night in the yurt which sounded exotic but wasn't. I find sleeping on a barely padded wooden bed very difficult and the joyful but rather selfish Polish contingent who took over the camp did not add to our enjoyment. In fact, I would opt to miss this altogether (although I quite enjoyed the chance to ride a Bactrian camel for a change) and maybe visit the lake we saw from a distance or another site which provided variety. Altogether though a great holiday, well organised and spent with like-minded people.