May 13-19, 2026
The central Asian country of Uzbekistan was once an almost inaccessible and dreary Soviet republic but is now rapidly modernizing and opening itself to international tourism.
Visitor numbers are rising year after year, but most of Uzbekistan's attractions are still relatively unscathed by mass tourism, even though they are now reachable via a newly built high-speed train network from the capital, Tashkent. This means there was never a better time to visit the country then now.
As the Lonely Planet says:
"Uzbekistan's gems have long been known to adventurous explorers. The Silk Road cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva hold some of the world's most exquisite Islamic architecture. Hectic bazaars, half-hidden desert citadels, silk workshops and the chance to glimpse the vanishing Aral Sea are all world-class draws, and the country is also a convenient launching pad for treks and travel within Central Asia."
We will be traveling using a combination of planes, private vans, and trains. The very efficient and modern hight-speed railway network of Uzbekistan, which nowadays connect Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara, will allow us to travel comfortably, quickly, and with safety. On locations, we will use taxis and public transportation, where convenient.
We will stay in nice hotels, with a preference for ancient, renovated mansions turned into boutique hotels, right in the center of cities, allowing us to be right where the main attractions are and feel part of their rich history.
Uzbekistan is a country of deserts where temperatures can be extremely hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter, but the shoulder season means pleasant days, cooler nights, and very little rainfall.
At the end of this tour, I will travel to Cappadocia from Uzbekistan for my Wild Horses Photo Tour, so you also have a choice to join me there during a single trip.
If you think you might be interest in this trip, get in touch with me using the form below and we'll discuss it together, no obligations.
