Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

CENTRAL ASIA 35 DAY 9: SAMARKAND B/D Samarkand is the epitome of a journey along the Silk Road. A trip to Registan, the city’s Timurid heart and Central Square proves this to be a reality. A wide mosaicked square is backed by three immense madrasas, beautifully adorned in intricate blues, green and violet patterns, each one a monument to the city’s place as the intellectual capital of the region. During the middle ages the city attracted the greatest scholars, architects and scientists around, which can be seen first hand on your visit to Ulugbek’s Observatory. See the sumptuous Gur- Emir, the ornately decorated mausoleum of the royal family. Once a marvel of the east, its influence can be seen in the style of the great architectural tombs of the Mughal dynasty of North India such the Taj Mahal in Agra. Before dinner, visit the Khovrenko Winery and sample a range of Samarkand wines. DAY 10: SAMARKAND B/D This morning, you’ll visit the Koni Ghil Paper Mill renowned for making paper of such exquisite quality that only sultans, emirs and viziers could afford it. This ‘royal’ paper has been exported along the Silk Road for centuries and many 9th and 10th century Arabic and Persian manuscripts were written on it. After this you’ll explore one of the treasures of Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built in the late 14th century as a tribute to Tamerlane’s wife as well as his victory in Delhi. It is one of the best-known architectural wonders of Central Asia. You’ll have a chance to do some shopping at the local Siyab bazaar, before having the rest of the day at leisure to explore this UNESCO-listed city at your own pace. This evening you will have the chance to experience a little modern Uzbek culture by enjoying dinner with a local family who will provide a master class in cooking Pilav, a famous rice based dish in Uzbekistan. DAY 11: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT B/L/D After breakfast, you’ll start your journey back to Tashkent by train, where your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner to round off this unforgettable trip. DAY 12: TASHKENT TO THE UK B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required when travelling to Uzbekistan, however travel insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips: We recommend you allow approximately 36 USD for the duration of your tour. Mir i Arab madrassa, Bukhara Ak Saray Palace Kukeldash Madrasah, Tashkent Traditional Scarfs FERGANA VALLEY 3 nights 4 ★ Full Board from £489 This three-night tour takes you past huge reservoirs and through high mountain passes. Visit the fertile valley, home to ancient civilisations, Mughal emperors and the third largest silk producer in the world. Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES • Prices based on flights from London Heathrow to Uzbekistan with Uzbekistan Airways • Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £219 • Private Tour supplement from £499 1 Number of nights Coach Air Rail Tashkent Uzbekistan • 2 3 < <        Urgench Khiva Bukhara Shahrisabz Samarkand • ROOMS AVAILABLE WITH NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 06 Nov 20 £1,669 05 Mar 21 £1,899 26 Mar 21 £1,899 16 Apr 21 £1,899 23 Apr 21 £1,899 30 Apr 21 £1,899 14 May 21 £1,949 21 May 21 £1,949 04 Jun 21 £1,949 18 Jun 21 £1,899 02 Jul 21 £1,849 06 Aug 21 £1,899 03 Sep 21 £1,949 10 Sep 21 £1,949 17 Sep 21 £1,949 24 Sep 21 £1,949 01 Oct 21 £1,949 15 Oct 21 £1,949 29 Oct 21 £1,899 05 Nov 21 £1,799 12 Nov 21 £1,699 2 3 For full tour itineraries, please visit us online at www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/tours