Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

40 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 for further details Central Asia Day 1: UK to Tashkent Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight. Day 2: Tashkent D Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner. Day 3: Tashkent to Khiva B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy a cultural tour of Tashkent starting with Hast Imam Square. Built on the tomb of known scientist, scholar and craftsman Hazrati Imam, the square is the religious centre of Tashkent and home to a number of beautiful mosques, monuments and madrasas. A madrasa is a centre of Islamic learning and there are some excellent medieval examples here such as the elegant blue- domed Barak-Khan Madrasa as well as the Muyi Muborak Madrasa with its intricately carved ceilings and ancient manuscripts, including the Osman Koran. As a contrast to these 16th century sites, you’ll then visit the Chorsu Bazaar and experience the hustle and bustle of everyday Central Asian life as everything from spices, grains and fruits are sold. This is followed by a visit to the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet theatre. Finally, visit the Mustaqilik (Independence Square) home to the country’s senate and government buildings, before flying to Urgench for your transfer to Khiva. Day 4: Khiva B/D Today, you’ll get the chance to wander Khiva’s ancient streets and discover a millennium of history on a fascinating guided tour. Gaze up at the imposing mud-brick walls of Ichan Kala, Khiva’s inner city; explore the 12th century fortress of Kuhna Ark and wonder at the intricately tiled Pahlawan Mahmud Mausoleum, built in honour of the brave Uzbek hero Pahlavan Mahmoud. Day 5: Khiva to Bukhara B/L/D After breakfast, board a train to Bukhara. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the local area. There are many cafés within walking distance and the local Bukhara Dome Bazaars. Day 6: Bukhara B/D One of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan, Bukhara is over 3,000 years old. Like most historic cities in Uzbekistan, it was an important trading post along the Silk Road but is probably better known throughout the Islamic world as being a great centre of learning and has even been referred to as Central Asia’s holiest city. Today, explore some of its many architectural wonders on a guided tour. The formidable Ark citadel was initially built in the 5th century and was the fortified residence of the rulers of Bukhara for centuries, containing palaces, temples barracks and even a prison. Your guide will escort you around the various minarets, mosques, Tour highlights ✔ Explore Uzbekistan’s cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent ✔ Visit the colossal Kalta Minor Minaret ✔ Discover Bukhara, Central Asia’s holiest city ✔ Delight in a Khoresmian Folk show with dinner ✔ Visit the ruins of the gleaming white Ak Saray Palace in Shakrisabz ✔ Enjoy a delicious wine tasting at the Khovrenko Winery ✔ Follow an ancient trading route across the Kyzyl Kum desert ✔ Gaze-in-awe at Registan Square ✔ Enjoy a cooking class with a local family Uzbekistan and the Silk Route P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £99 Uzbekistan’s place at the heart of the ancient Silk Road has attracted architects, scientists and mathematicians for centuries, as well as marauding conquerors intent on plundering the riches within.  Tashkent < < • Shahrisabz Bukhara Khiva Urgench •      Samarkand Coach Air Rail Mir i Arab Madrassa, Bukhara