Best Uzbekistan Tour Companies
8 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 1 to 8 shown)
Premier
Exodus Travels
View Profile
Total Trips 516 Trips
Average Price
$ 312 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Cycling the Cape and Winelands
The cycling was varied and included some very picturesque and rewarding rides; the trip was well managed and included some diverse activities. It was also great fun, as the 2 guides were excellent
Happy to book again with exodus
Happy to book again with exodus, your travel arranger was very helpful with trying all possible routes for a regional flight from Glasgow to Dobbiaco!
Exodus - Kerela and Tropical India Cycle Tour
Exodus and its staff provided me with the experience of a lifetime during my visit to India. The tour guide, Sheker was exceptional as were his support staff, Dipen and Franklin. If you want to immerse yourself in Indian culture and see the many different aspects associated with it, then this trip is a must.
With over 47 years of experience with small group adventure travel, Exodus specializes in active cultural, walking & trekking, cycling and responsible wildlife tours. They offer more than 600 itineraries across more than 100 countries.
Adventure can take the form of serious and active adventures -- which may involve adrenaline-producing, off-the-beaten-path roughing-it trips to the most remote areas of the world -- or food and wine, premium (five-star), family, or cultural adventures to iconic destinations, which involve more comforts and amenities.
What Makes Exodus Stand Out?
Booking flexibility
Award Winning
Tailor made adventures
Responsible tourism
Expert guides with extensive past experience
Exodus understands that new difficulty that comes with traveling during the coronavirus. They are dedicated to offering flexible services so travelers can book with confidence. Travelers can feel safe when planning their next trip with Exodus’s promised refund guarantee, Covid-19 refund commitment and 21-day no fee flexibility.
The refund guarantee means that travelers will be refunded if they have to cancel for any reason. This also includes cancellations due to the coronavirus. Travelers can also transfer their trip for free up to 21 days before departure.
Creating great and adventurous trips is the top priority for Exodus. They offer many pre-planned tours, but they also work with travelers to add or change existing itineraries or even create one from scratch. This allows travelers to create the perfect trip that fits their travel style, schedule and budget.
Exodus is also dedicated to responsible travel in all of their tours. They strive to improve life for the planet, places and people they visit. Instead of meeting the base guidelines for eco-friendly travel, Exodus seeks more ways to leave a positive impact with their trips. This includes economic empowerment for local communities, reducing waste wherever possible and making lower carbon choices for their adventures.
Each trip is led by a knowledgeable guide who has extensive past experience which adds benefits to any trip. Before working with Exodus, many guides were professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists as well as mountain bike gurus.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Exodus?
All ages
Active travelers
Outdoor and nature enthusiasts
Exodus travelers are a diverse bunch, and average between 35-65 years of age. However, any age traveler is welcome. Exodus creates great packages and tours for families as well as fully customized trips created from scratch.
The Exodus traveler is very active, loves being adventurous, and will be less invested in luxury accommodations or a lot of museum time. You are game for anything, love the travel experience of getting to know a new destination through outdoor adventure, and learning about the culture from local guides and experts.
These trips are great for those who already have a base level of physical fitness, and enjoy meeting new physical challenges. Exodus provides physical fitness guides to show how much training you should expect to do prior to departure.
Top Destinations
Exodus leads 600 + trips spanning all seven continents. From African safaris, to walking and wine in Italy and France to the sun-drenched Croatian coast, to trekking Patagonia, wildlife cruises in the Galapagos and cycling in Vietnam, Exodus has built out their global presence and has active adventures in nearly any destination a traveler could desire.
Exodus Travel Style
Exodus tours are designed for the active and adventurous traveler. This means that most tours include activities such as walking, cycling and safaris. However, for travelers who enjoy cultural and culinary, there are tours and activities for you as well. Exodus offers cultural trips based around food, festivals or family to name a few.
These active adventures vary by way of difficulty from level 1-10, attracting casual cyclists and hikers as well as enthusiasts looking to really push their physical limits.
Travelers can choose from guided groups, private groups, self guided tours or solo traveling. Within each travel style, Exodus offers all the same activities from cycling to wildlife and provides the top itineraries for that specific style to help travelers find what’s best for them.
Most accommodations are charming and locally run with 2-3 star ratings. There are some premium departures available as well as unique accommodation experiences whenever possible. Exodus travelers don’t mind the lower level of luxury as the experience and destination is the highest priority.
Why Choose a Tour With Exodus?
If you love experiencing a new destination whether that’s through the culture, unique wildlife or beautiful outdoors through active and adventurous activities, then Exodus is perfect for you. You love that sense of discovery, of challenging yourself and want to travel responsibly.
Exodus offers great tours already fully packaged, but for the traveler that likes more control over their perfect trip, they offer customizable trips. Travelers get to choose not only the destination but each activity they will partake in to perfectly match their travel style and budget.
Read more
Premier
Intrepid Travel
#1 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1,029 Trips
Average Price
$ 314 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 9 – 26 days
Trip Prices $ 1,445 – $ 5,933
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Uzbekistan
14 Tours in Uzbekistan
Avoid Intrepid
Many recent reviews are pointing to a sharp decline in quality and service with Intrepid. My recent experience echoes all that has been mentioned. They are appalling at responding to serious concerns. I have countless auto responses from its laughingly useless and lazy customer service department. Their financial management is a joke. They couldn't find my payment despite my twice providing traces from my bank. They are pathetic liars about not just the money. They lied about their failure to send me any information about my upcoming trip, how they omitted me from the group email circulation. They lied about anyone including a 'senior manager' trying to phone me.
Even the length of the trip is a con with first day being nothing more than a brief meeting at 1800. The last 'day' being breakfast at the hotel with not a sight or sound of the Rep.
Intrepid is a dishonest mess. They are now purely concerned with making money.
Do not use this company. They are terrible and there are many better (and safer) providers out there.
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food…
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment.
Central Asia Explorer
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comfortable traveling alone, and the experience is always memorable. Intrepid provides experiences that would be difficult for a traveler to do on their own. The most recent trip I did was to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and it was a fantastic experience.
Tashkent to Ashgabat
Trip Style: Small group tour
Astana to Tashkent
Trip Style: Small group tour
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Adventure
Trip Style: Small group tour
Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)
Average Age: 48
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland, sustainable, and active
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea. However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
Responsible travel
Industry experts
Authentic experiences
Small groups
Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to. As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.
Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts. Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.
Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion. Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?
All ages
All types of travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip. Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.
Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers, keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.
The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages. The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group.
Intrepid travelers have a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective. A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.
Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?
Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »
Top Destinations
Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia, Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Does Intrepid Travel include flights?
While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included. Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.
Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.
There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:
1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.
2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture. Mostly public transportation is used.
3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?
Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience. If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods, and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.
It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.
For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals.
The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.
Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.
Is Intrepid Travel Safe?
Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.
In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
They have also implemented flexible booking options.
General Covid-19 Travel News
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed.
Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.
Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>
Read more
Preferred
Peregrine Adventures
#9 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 13 Trips
Average Price
$ 396 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Uzbekistan
5 Tours in Uzbekistan
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends'
I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel.
I now receive automated emails/msgs as I attempt to work through this.
The email states I may contact them on 31 July to discuss the matter!....4 months away.
I'm absolutely stunned by how shoddy this outfit is....who knew?!
Out of pocket $4000.
Expect I'm not the only one.
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
With Peregrine Adventures, ‘anywhere is possible.’ Based in Australia, Peregrine has led small-group, ‘soft’ adventure-style trips worldwide for over 30 years. It was one of the first operators to employ local leaders, a practice that is now widespread in guided travel.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
While considering itself an adventure travel company, Peregrine promises to “smooth down the bumps and rough edges.” In short, it’s more about soft adventure with added comforts than roughing it. Group sizes are kept small, with no more than 16 travelers per trip. Its philosophy is that while “seeing the famous sites is a must, it’s those memories of wandering through a little village or sharing dinner with a local family that leave a lasting impression.” The small-group aspect allows for more time to absorb the nature of the places visited, and to make a minimal environmental impact on them as well.
Who Travels With Them?
While Peregrine is a global company, many of its travelers originate from Australia and New Zealand. However, their groups can be geographically diverse, with most travelers 50+ years of age.
Where Do They Operate? Peregrine offers a wide variety of exciting global destinations, with 200 trips across 80 countries -- spanning from Egypt to Turkey to Canada trips! The company is perhaps best known for its Himalayan trekking excursions to far-flung destinations including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It was a pioneer in high-altitude trekking and these trips remain among their most popular today.
How Does it Work?
Most travel is by private, air-conditioned minibus, but you might find yourself on a houseboat in Kerala, India, a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, or a mountain lift on the best Switzerland tour you've ever experienced. Lodging and dining is at smaller, locally run hotels and restaurants. You might also dine with locals from time to time, and stay with local families or at campsites as well.
Why Travel With Them?
Peregrine is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit of a softer landing with respect to transportation and accommodations but still crave an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re looking for more individual travel, Peregrine will craft independent journeys, arrange self-guided walking and cycling tours, or arrange private group and tailor-made trips. It’s your choice. Peregrine also helps support various community and conservation projects via its ties with the Intrepid Foundation.
Tweets by PeregrineSpirit
Read more
Preferred
Abercrombie & Kent
#12 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 314 Trips
Average Price
$ 763 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Uzbekistan
1 Tours in Uzbekistan
I will Never, EVER, EVER use A&K again. They are not what they were represented to be.
We started planning our South Africa and Kenya Safaris 2 years in advance and could never get our questions answered by A&K representatives. The piles and piles of traveler information that A&K sent us was old and a lot of it incorrect. TAUCK customers that we talked to were taken care of. We were not. Our trip to Robben Island in Cape Town was never booked and we have not received a refund. A&K would not tell us our flight information for all the planes within Africa we were taking. We always travel first class yet they booked economy for us and then wanted to charge us change fees and penalties when we tried to change to first class which was available. We bought first class tickets but A&K will not refund the ticket price. If the trip were free, I would not travel with them again
Not what was described!
We took the Singapore & Malaysia Tapestry of cultures. It was a Marco Polo tour which is supposed to be their best and a small group. There were 13 of us and we all agreed this would be our last trip with them. This was billed as a foodie experience and the places they took us were awful. Experiences like a special mahjong class touted as an A&K exclusive experience vanished. The A&K representative apologized at the end of our trip saying he knew this was not the trip we expected. Since we didn't receive events as stated in the description we requested that they give use partial refund. Everyone on the tour complained to A&K in detail about everything that went wrong. We were offered $1000 toward another trip. This is not a way to treat repeat customers.
A magical journey with rich history and the most beautiful scenery in the world!
All of the accommodations were wonderful; meals, service, locations all outstanding.
Our driver, David was exceptional! We cant say enough about him. He was a very professional, safe driver with vast knowledge about the history and regions where we traveled. He went above and beyond for us every step of the way. Blythe, our UK GA, met us and saw us off from the EDI airport. She kept in touch throughout our journey by text and made us feel well cared for.
On the front end stateside, Maria, did a wonderful job planning our tailor made journey with meticulous attention to detail. We appreciate everything and look forward to our next A&K vacation.
Co-founded by current CEO Geoffrey Kent in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent started out in modest fashion as an African safari operator, but quickly grew into one of the world's premiere luxury travel brands. Today they cover the globe, with 50 offices worldwide.
What Makes Abercrombie & Kent Stand Out?
Award-winning luxury tour operator
Insider-access opportunities
Focus on culture, wildlife, and history
Abercrombie & Kent is one of the world’s leading luxury travel companies. The emphasis is very much on luxury here -- whether it’s small-group travel (limit of 18 per group), tailor-made journeys, expedition cruises, train travel, African safaris, European barge cruises, or any of its many other offerings, just about everything A&K arranges is top of the line.
They are specific in their travel style, promising superior and attentive service, comfort, and cultural exploration. While this may seem exclusionary - and the prices are quite a barrier to entry.
Luxury travel might have a reputation for being swanky and even perhaps a bit dull, particularly for those who travel for adventure, the image being a glass of champagne all day long, moving from meal to meal, sitting on the private deck of a cruise ship. This perspective is a misnomer however, as there is quite a bit of action available on tours with Abercrombie & Kent.
Enjoy invigorating walks, hikes, get outdoors to remote locations, meeting local people and learning about their cultures; experience the thrill of getting up close to waterfalls, and poise your camera for the perfect shot on a safari. Then retire to your room for a cocktail before dinner.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Abercrombie & Kent?
Ages 65-75
Luxury travelers
Abercrombie & Kent travelers embody an adventurous spirit, but enjoy the finer things as well. “Elegant exploration” is one way to put it. These travelers appreciate a slow pace and personalized attentive service. The age range tends to be older - baby boomers and seniors looking for a relaxing experience, with many cultural touch-points, but not overly “immersive” as their children and grandchildren might prefer.
This is upper crest travel at its finest - though Abercrombie & Kent makes a concerted effort to be worldly and inviting, your experience is definitely a luxury version of any given destination. This is a travel company that offers Private Jet trips, some of which offering the chance to meet an Abercrombie & Kent family member.
Think private after hours tours, exclusive outings with artisans, chefs, and winemakers; spectacular meals and accommodations that go a touch beyond comfortable. Imagine the civilized world of cocktail hour and dressing for dinner, but in the context of exploration. Perhaps you’re sipping your negroni on the deck of your private suite in Kenya, gazing out across the savannah with elephants silhouetted in the distance, against the dusty yellow sunlight of dusk. This is the wonderful travel world waiting for you with Abercrombie & Kent.
The majority of A&K’s guests come from North America or Britain. A&K trips are definitely not for the budget traveler, but they offer deluxe lodgings and transport and exceptionally attentive service, which their customers value highly.
Top Destinations
Abercrombie & Kent made its name offering luxury small group and private safaris in Africa. Today they go around the world, but with the same luxurious approach.
Luxury doesn’t mean same-old, same-old or unadventurous though. Groups head off on Antarctic expeditions or Uganda gorilla safaris, visit Tibet or Machu Picchu, join a European or Nile river cruise, or travel to India’s Pushkar Fair.
You can ride deluxe trains or fly across Africa by private jet with Abercrombie & Kent. Or you can outline your own tailor-made journey under the guidance of an A&K consultant, then be accompanied by their guides throughout.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Style
There could be a tendency to view Abercrombie & Kent as old fashioned when it comes to travel style. However there is a difference between old fashioned and appreciating a traditional travel style. Those who travel with Abercrombie & Kent do expect a certain kind of experience. From luggage handling to having the salad fork in the correct order, from short or non-existent lines to special assistance when needed. These expectations have become the blueprint for an Abercrombie & Kent travel experience.
Transportation on an Abercrombie & Kent tour is almost always private and chartered. Exceptions would of course be rail journeys, but here you would have a private car and access to first class dining and viewing. Your journey may involve anything from helicopters, private jets, luxury coaches, and yachts. Walking is a common part of most guided tours, but you can expect simple and easy distances during your A&K itinerary. (Unless of course you are on a Gorilla Trek!).
Accommodation follows a similar pattern. Luxury hotels, safari lodges, villas, you name it and it’s probably available.
Why Choose a Tour With Abercrombie & Kent?
Abercrombie & Kent promises to deliver an authentic, “insider” travel experience, such as seeing Machu Picchu under the guidance of its former resident archaeologist. You can even ride an elegant train to get there. In Tanzania, A&K runs its own luxury safari camps.
From the time they first meet you at the airport until trip end, Abercrombie & Kent promises that your trip will go as smoothly as possible -- and that their entire global organization will be dedicated toward that goal.
It may strike some as contradictory to see certain parts of the world in luxury. Some countries have luxury homes, but they are only available to tourists and travelers because the locals simply occupy a different social sphere. There is a unique dependency on tourism in much of the world. Abercrombie & Kent takes this seriously, doing their philanthropic part wherever possible, giving back to the local communities.
Read more
Preferred
National Geographic Expeditions
#11 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 63 Trips
Average Price
$ 714 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 24 – 24 days
Trip Prices $ 67,950 – $ 67,950
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Uzbekistan
1 Tours in Uzbekistan
Inconsistent information, No Refund
We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window.
Highly recommend! It was a trip of a lifetime!
We had not had the pleasure of traveling with National Geographic and was not sure what to expect. The trip went beyond what we could have possibly imagined! The staff were attentive and the guides were knowledgeable. There was not a time that we felt unsafe or that our needs were not being met. The trip was very fast paced which allowed us to experience each destination. Their timing was perfect with scheduled excursions and meals. We took the trip in October 2019 and then COVID entered our world and brought our trips to a stand still. I am now planning some trips for this year with hopes of a healthier world to travel!
Cancel my trip but no refund
This company canceled my trip due to COVID but failed to refund all money so I am out $1500 for Lindblad portion, and will never travel with NatGeo again. They have lost my trust as a company that puts travelers best interests first.
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples & Sacred Places
Trip Style: Private guided tour
In 1999, National Geographic launched their own tour company component: National Geographic Expeditions. Since then they have expanded to offer trips on all 7 continents in over 60 destinations. Recently they partnered with G Adventures to provide even more variety to their devoted customers.
What Makes National Geographic Expeditions Stand Out?
Multiple modes of travel
Expert guides and photographers
After hours and special access to sites
With National Geographic, you can travel by small, expedition-style ships; classic train journeys; land tours; active adventures; photo tours; family-oriented trips; or private, independent expeditions based on your desires and budget.
Wherever you go with National Geographic, which has been in the tour business for 15 years, you can expect doors to open: entry to research sites, archaeological digs, private homes or special events.
Many expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic expert or expert team who share their knowledge and passion for a region and help make each experience enriching and unforgettable.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With National Geographic Expeditions?
Photography enthusiasts
All ages
Adventurous minded
Nature lovers
History buffs
Life long learners
National Geographic is one of those special brands that has managed to successfully straddle the line between “your grandfather loves them” and “your eighteen year old sister loves them”. They cover a wide range of topics, themes, and travel styles, with the educational aspect always prevalent yet not overbearing.
If you love feeling like an explorer and an adventurer when you travel, and love learning about the world from experts in a variety of fields, National Geographic is the perfect place for you. This is a company for those who want to dig deeper, like getting the inside story from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, economic, scientific and more.
National Geographic trips are great for families, and you can choose a private tour or a family friendly group, where hands on activities will widen your children’s worldview in innumerable special ways.
National Geographic trips are also extremely popular with photographers - novice photographers will enjoy their photography-centric tours, while many dedicated hobbyists can be found on their other trip styles as well.
If you’re the kind of traveler who sacrifices the space for a pair of shoes in your suitcase for another lens or photography accessory...you’ll be right at home on a trip with National Geographic Expeditions.
In the same way that National Geographic magazine has always inspired and furthered conversation and discourse, so too do their trips. The spirit of learning about the world is intertwined in every itinerary, so if you consider yourself a lifelong student, you should definitely consider traveling with National Geographic Expeditions.
Top Destinations
National Geographic Expeditions go all around the world, and cover almost every travel style imaginable. One might think they have a favoring of the more “exotic” locations but an impressive number of United States and European tours are offered as well as farther reaching destinations. National Geographic Expeditions in the Galapagos are especially popular.
Regardless of where you travel, you will be sure to get off the beaten path and discover unique cultural landmarks, meet interesting people, and enjoy a sense of adventure.
Small-ship expeditions, done in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, can take you to Antarctica, the Galapagos and points beyond. Classic train journeys include the Trans-Siberian and trains through India, Spain, and Switzerland. Active adventures might take you hiking in Bhutan or meeting Berbers in Morocco. Land tours could take you to Tanzania, Peru or the Grand Canyon.
National Geographic Expeditions Travel Style
The travel style with National Geographic Expeditions has an aura of old fashioned exploration with a modern twist.
National Geographic Expeditions is a family friendly outfit, offering a wide range of prices and trip styles. Trips vary from mid range budget to higher. Physical level is usually light to moderate.
By virtue of their longstanding presence in the world, National Geographic has a wide reaching global network to lean on for incredibly unique and authentic lodging options, knowledgeable guides, and VIP access to historical and archaeological sites.
They have several broad travel styles you can choose from:
Land Trips - National Geographic Land Trips are immersive explorations, often covering nature and wilderness points of interest such as national parks. They also dive into ancient cities and cultures, with trips exploring everything from monks in Burmese mountainside temples to the lives of nomadic Mongolian peoples. Most trips are around 11 days and physical level is between light and moderate, with some trips featuring moderately challenging hikes in various altitudes.
River Cruises - a relatively new addition, Nat Geo now offers around 7 river cruises in Europe covering the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Currently they also have 1 river cruise in Asia, along the Irrawaddy. These trips are typically between 7 - 11 days and feature wine tasting, history tours, and very light physical activity.
Private Expeditions - If you and your family, significant other, or a few close friends are looking for a more intimate travel experience than a group of strangers, Private Expeditions are a great way to travel. These trips are customizable, and can be crafted to perfectly suit your interests and dates.
Photography Trips - National Geographic has consistently featured award winning travel photography. They run regular contests for those inspired by the thousands of groundbreaking and historic photographs taken by journalists and travel photographers around the world. On National Geographic photography trips you can actually learn tricks of the trade from real-world photographers and improve your skills.
Train Trips - Travel was revolutionized with the implementation of the railroad, allowing people to travel in what was then a rapid pace from destination to destination. Today this ideal has been flipped on its head, and train travel is a leisurely paced excursion allowing time to relax and appreciate the slower meandering through beautiful countrysides. National Geographic train trips cover the classics, such as the Trans-Siberian railway and the Rocky Mountain railroad. Accommodations are comfortable, around a premium level, with options to upgrade.
Active Expeditions - For those who enjoy a bit more of an adrenaline pumping and active travel experience, National Geographic also has trips for you. These trips feature multiple active outings, such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. Expect to explore the outdoors covering unique natural phenomena and gaining insight into how and why the landscape has been shaped the way it has. These trips also feature cultural insights, just to a lesser extent.
Family Expeditions - National Geographic is the perfect company to travel with when you have curious and adventurous youngsters eager to see the world. They will learn about other cultures, people, food, nature and wildlife from experts with “cool jobs” that might even inspire lifelong interests and perhaps influence a career. These trips are specifically designed to be hands on, allowing everyone to get involved and learn about how things work.
Private Jet Trips - For a luxurious and more lengthy travel experience, nothing beats a Private Jet tour. A dedicated team will be with you, and you’ll experience all the best that National Geographic has to offer from local guides to premiere accommodation. These trips are in a very high budget range, but if it’s in your wheelhouse - it’s a superb way to travel and cover a lot of ground.
Journeys - Part of a partnership with G Adventures, these trips are adventurous and immersive small group excursions imbued with the spirit of National Geographic. The best of two top travel worlds!
Why Choose a Tour With National Geographic Expeditions?
When you travel with National Geographic you are participating in and contributing to a spectacular legacy. Over the years National Geographic has cultivated a reputation for being about cultural exploration, scientific advancement, and broadening perspectives.
Their travel experiences are perfect for anyone wishing to get back to the roots of what adventurous, experiential travel really means and enjoy discovering the world from multiple angles.
Really one of the best parts about traveling on a tour with National Geographic Expeditions is the sheer breadth of knowledge, personal and professional experience their guides bring to the table. They help provide richly detailed context, historical information, and dive into the details of local life, by showing and doing as well as explaining. You the traveler will have the true experience of getting to know a place from the inside out.
If that wasn’t enough of a reason, proceeds from your trip price go towards supporting National Geographic’s ongoing nonprofit work in conservation, exploration, education, and cultural preservation.
Read more
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)
#13 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 19 Trips
Average Price
$ 290 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 16 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 5,995 – $ 5,995
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Uzbekistan
1 Tours in Uzbekistan
Trip of a Lifetime
Our recent Tanzanian Safari was indeed the trip of a lifetime. Saw the big 5, met the wonderful locals and spent 5 days in the Serengeti. Saw many lions, zebras, giraffes and other wonderful animals. Spent time with local school children who were so welcoming. Put this trip on your bucket list!
My favorite OAT adventure
I went to this adventure with my sister-in-law and we had the absolute best time! Our guide were all amazing and our trip leader Martin was exceptional! My sister-i-law had a fall the day we were to meet our group and Martin helped us navigate the urgent care, got her stitched up and stayed by our side until she was tucked into our room. What a waRead more about review stating My favorite OAT adventurey to meet your trip leader but also we knew we were set up with a caring and kind man from the start! This was a truly unique adventure with large cities and also the most serene scenery on earth!
I write this in the mist of the recent pandemic and hope that as soon as this all settles down we can take another trip with OAT. It will be hard to match this trip but we will try!
Be careful
Booked for July and gave them $12,000. They talked us into early arrival and then come back to us a two months later saying we can't offer. We have to keep our airlines a day early and now need to find transfer and hotel on our own. Would cancel but would lose $2,000 trip insurance. They talked us into us to arrive early and now cancelling and saying you are on your own. Can't imagine what else will go wrong.
NEW The Stans of Central Asia: Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan
Trip Style: Group tour
Founded in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel specializes in small group and small ship adventure tours. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is now part of the Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation, which also includes Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line.
Quick Facts
Founded in 1978
Very welcome to solo travelers - Free or low single supplement
Average Tour Price - $4,538
Average Tour Duration - 15 Days
Small Groups - between 10 and 16 travelers, max of 24 on small ship cruises
Travel Style - Culturally immersive and local experiences. Walking between 3-6 miles a day
Age Range - Primarily 50+
What Makes Overseas Adventure Travel Stand Out?
Solo traveler friendly
Cultural immersion
Grand Circle Foundation
Overseas Adventure Travel is solo traveler friendly. They offer free or low single supplements. OAT understands that solo travelers desire to follow their own schedule, desires and needs. They help handle all the details to make sure your trip is affordable, easy and enjoyable.
A major focus of OAT is cultural immersion. Travelers can expect to visit local schools, churches, and homes (where you might be treated to a home-cooked meal). Experienced guides -- all fluent in English -- lead groups off the beaten path when possible.
OAT strives to give back to the world they send travelers around. A portion of all proceeds goes to the Grand Circle Foundation, which supports cultural and educational programs in the countries visited.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Overseas Adventure Travel?
Ages 50+
Solo travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
OAT specializes in small group tours around the world serving Americans aged 50 and older. They appeal to the old fashioned - the fact that they still offer a physical catalogue is testament - and their travel style reflects an appreciation of the classics coupled with an adventurous spirit to explore each destination deeper and from a local perspective.
Overall, prices fall into the moderate range, and are especially a bargain for solo travelers, who can save substantially by not having to pay for single supplements. Accommodations are designed to be both comfortable as well as unique and in keeping with the local spirit of the destination. If your hostelling days are over but you feel too adventurous for a standard hotel, OAT will be a great company to travel with.
OAT travelers are those with a passion for culture. They don’t just want to see a destination, they want to experience it. For these travelers, spending a day in a Maasai village in Kenya, eating dinner with a local family in Chile's oasis town and interacting with local musicians at the bustling Libertad Plaza in San Salvador, Belize is a welcomed adventure.
Top Destinations
OAT operates tours all over the world, specializing in remote, off the beaten path destinations. African safaris are an especially popular offering, though you can also travel to Japan, India, Peru, Iceland, Vietnam, Albania, or Morocco, to name just a few of its far-flung destinations. OAT also runs small-ship cruises through the Galapagos, on the Amazon, and along the Turkish coast.
OAT Travel Style
With Overseas Adventure Travel you’ll find a combination of transportation and accommodation styles, but all with an element of comfort. Groups are small, with a max of 16 (24 on small ship cruises).
Accommodations vary, but generally favor being local and non-traditional over a basic centrally located hotel. Their exact words are “emphasis on authenticity, rather than amenities”.
Their style is all about unique and meaningful cultural interaction. While you’ll learn the history and see the famous sights, their true focus is about people and connections. This means you’ll enjoy meals with local families, like you’re just a friend over for dinner; visit schools and see the amazing work being done in small communities. The visceral understanding and perspective that comes from learning to cook traditional meals and make traditional crafts is what you’ll find on an OAT tour.
Why Choose a Tour with OAT?
OAT offers a unique up close and personal experience, guaranteeing that its groups will never exceed more than 10-16 travelers. A spirit of spontaneity is part of what makes traveling with OAT special, as they strive to take advantage of every interesting opportunity during a trip.
Traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel allows for an in depth cultural travel experience in comfort. Many opportunities exist for travelers to find deals, and it’s a great way to meet new friends in a similar age range.
If you traveled extensively in your youth and are not ready to slow down, but perhaps are looking for a few more logistical ducks to be taken care of for you, OAT could be the perfect fit. They offer a variety of options for more independent minded travelers, as well as ample free time to explore and plan your own adventure during cruise port stops and on their group tours.
Alternatively, if this is your first travel experience, OAT will be a great starting point. You’ll gain cultural insights, meet locals, as well as hit on all the best tourist sites that provide cultural and historical context to your destination.
Overseas Adventure Travel Covid Safety Precautions
Through December 31st 2020, Overseas Adventure Travel is offering Risk Free booking. You can transfer your departure with all change fees waived.
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. Stay up to date and see a full list of which countries are open »
Read more
Gate 1 Travel
View Profile
Total Trips 779 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 3,079 – $ 3,399
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Uzbekistan
2 Tours in Uzbekistan
Poor customer service
It has been about 7.5 years since I traveled with Gate 1 Travel. In the past, customer service was exceptionally great! Now I am appauded with the unprofessional and uncaring “attitude” demonstrated by Supervisors. What I surmised by the comments expressed is that it is my problem so do not bother me. Sure, I acknowledge that life is imperfect. However, where does empathy and compassion come into the professional world? When a customer states a concern and requests assistance, it soothes the complexion of the customer’s experience by possibly using statements such as “ I know you are stressed about the matter. Sorry that you are having to deal with this matter 8 days before departure. I will try to contact another person who can better help you.” These Supervisors present to be bothered by having to listen to my complaint and concern. They do not care if I am unable to go on my trip. Despite being advised that someone will call me today, I doubt that I will hear from someone. I was informed to contact them via Contact Us email. Well, I have tried that before but I only get a response 50% of the time. Then there are the representatives in the Philippines who do not know what they are doing. I end up calling back Gate 1 Travel and request to talk with a Supervisor. When I ask for the name of a person in management in order to write a letter about how Gate 1 Travel personnel has diminished the quality of service, not one Gate 1 employee will disclose the name of a professional in upper management. I find that odd.
I already wrote a couple of bad reviews…
I already wrote a couple of bad reviews during my last trip to Mexico with Gate 1 Discovery Tours—my aunt and her husband from Texas is currently doing the very same 13 Day Mexico Mayan and Aztec Illumination Tour two weeks after we did ours, and it was just confirmed based on the same Xochimilco tour that they took on their first day that alcoholic beverages and Mariachi Band was included in Gate 1 Budget during the boat tour but our tour manager and guide, MANUEL JURADO, decided it would be better for him to pocket the money that was supposed to be spent on our group to make our discovery tour with Gate 1 experience more enjoyable and memorable! This was based on the photographs provided by my aunt and uncle! Furthermore, I was just informed that water, coffee and tea were provided during lunch and dinner aside from one alcoholic beverages or juices.
The very bad experience we had on our most recent trip to Mexico was because of the third party tour company and tour manager that Gate 1 employed—for a big company like Gate 1, offering travels all over the world, this Mexico trip being our 9th with them, I expected more! The tour manager’s actions is a reflection of how bad Gate 1 was with regards to their travel quality control. They should check each hotels, restaurants, foods, and activities before going to any third party tour companies!
Awesome Kenya Safari
Christopher Musyoka was an outstanding tour guide, who went the extra mile for us. We saw all the animals we wanted to see. He was always concerned for our safety and comfort. The accommodations were outstanding! I only wish he would have been accessible during our stay the Ark! Thank you again, Gate 1, for a wonderful experience!
12 Day Discover Uzbekistan
Trip Style: Small group tour
12 Day Discover Uzbekistan
Trip Style: Small group tour
Founded in 1981 with three employees and based in suburban Philadelphia, Gate 1 now employs more than 200 people worldwide with offices in 20 countries, ranging from Hungary to Cambodia, Argentina to Israel.
What Makes Gate 1 Stand Out?
Escorted tours & river cruises
Good value
High quality guides
Gate 1 offers a variety of tour packages and river cruises around the world, promising to provide exceptional value for the price. They focus on North American travelers who seek “high quality, yet affordable” guided trips, with accommodations ranging from superior tourist to moderate deluxe class.
They have a lot of different choices when it comes to destinations, durations, and inclusions. Most tours have additional offerings for meals, activities, and excursions available for additional fees.
Traveler reviews for Gate 1 oscillate between 5 star and 1 star experiences. Those that have had an excellent time cite the tour pacing, guides, and extensive sightseeing opportunities as positives.
Those for whom these same factors contributed to a negative experience may have had higher expectations than is available or offered for the competitive budget prices that Gate 1 is known for.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Gate 1?
All ages
Low to mid budget travelers
Those open to simple accommodation and meal plans
Gate 1 is the perfect travel choice for families, couples, and friend groups seeking a cost efficient journey. As Gate 1 is a strictly budget minded brand, it’s important to be fully aware of the trade-off when you choose to travel with them.
You will see a lot, and be out and about visiting several sites - however keeping costs low is one of their main priorities. This means hotels will be basic, meals won’t be 5 star, and your coach will have fewer amenities. In addition tours with Gate 1 feature several optional add ons and sightseeing tours, not included in the base price. Average tour price is around $2,000, often less.
If you’re flexible, open minded, and are interested in maximizing your sightseeing above all else, Gate 1 could be for you. Knowing what to expect is key for enjoying the trip to the fullest.
Top Destinations
Gate 1 trips cover much of the world, including destinations in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Itineraries focus on the top sights, historical attractions, and national parks.
Gate 1 Travel Style
In a nutshell, the Gate 1 travel style is “see a lot for a little”. Hotels and accommodations are usually 3 star hotels. Expect basic comforts, with fewer amenities available. However if you’re the kind of traveler for whom a bed and some coffee in the morning is a fine trade-off for busy days outside and tons of sightseeing, the trade-off will be worth it.
You will be met on the ground with a dedicated tour leader, available to assist throughout your travel experience.
Escorted group bus tours are a big part of their business - between 24-42 people. These coaches are again, more utility focused than amenity focused, but you will be comfortable. And in general bus tours take frequent stops to allow for stretching legs and using of facilities.
Gate 1 also offers small group tours (with a maximum of 22 people), river cruises on two continents, independent city stays and fly and drive packages, rail packages, customized vacations, and combination bus/cruise tours -- something for almost everyone interested in a budget vacation.
Why Choose a Tour With Gate 1?
For the budget traveler, Gate 1 is a fantastic choice. They offer several types of trip package to choose from, including rail, river cruise, and small group tours, at competitive rates. Their escorted tours are extremely popular, and customers repeat trips with them regularly.
While Gate 1 is the primary brand, and they are all about giving a positive and packed international travel experience on a budget, other brands associated with Gate 1 are more premium focused. These include the Signature collection, offering luxury tour options and smaller groups.
Read more
Air by Pleasant
#23 Pick of 32 Uzbekistan Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 0 Trip
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
1-8 of 8 Providers Shown
8 Provider(s)
Reviews Write a Review
Amazing country and very, very friendly people. Incredible history and
historical monuments. The Uzbek government is doing great work in restoring
these incredible archeological gems. Full praise to them. A very varied
and inspirational holiday plus brought back some indelible memories. Our
guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of a
diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Visit to see the Othmani Qur'an in Tashkent was a great privilege. This
Qur'an written in about 646 CE was awe inspiring.
Ragistan Square in Samarquand is incredible. The jaw-dropping moment came
when we entered the the mosque in the Tilla-Kari Madressa. I could not take
my eyes away from the amazing decorations of the ceiling. The ceiling is flat
(so they say) but the the master craftsmen have done such an amazing work
that it actually appears to be dome shaped. My highlight of the the whole
trip.
Our guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of
a diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Please go as soon as you can. strongly recommend this trip and holiday
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
October 2018
Amazing country and very, very friendly people. Incredible history and
historical monuments. The Uzbek government is doing great work in restoring
these incredible archeological gems. Full praise to them. A very varied
and inspirational holiday plus brought back some indelible memories. Our
guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of a
diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Visit to see the Othmani Qur'an in Tashkent was a great privilege. This
Qur'an written in about 646 CE was awe inspiring.
Ragistan Square in Samarquand is incredible. The jaw-dropping moment came
when we entered the the mosque in the Tilla-Kari Madressa. I could not take
my eyes away from the amazing decorations of the ceiling. The ceiling is flat
(so they say) but the the master craftsmen have done such an amazing work
that it actually appears to be dome shaped. My highlight of the the whole
trip.
Our guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of
a diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Please go as soon as you can. strongly recommend this trip and holiday
Read More
historical monuments. The Uzbek government is doing great work in restoring
these incredible archeological gems. Full praise to them. A very varied
and inspirational holiday plus brought back some indelible memories. Our
guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of a
diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Visit to see the Othmani Qur'an in Tashkent was a great privilege. This
Qur'an written in about 646 CE was awe inspiring.
Ragistan Square in Samarquand is incredible. The jaw-dropping moment came
when we entered the the mosque in the Tilla-Kari Madressa. I could not take
my eyes away from the amazing decorations of the ceiling. The ceiling is flat
(so they say) but the the master craftsmen have done such an amazing work
that it actually appears to be dome shaped. My highlight of the the whole
trip.
Our guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of
a diverse group. He is a brilliant guide.
Please go as soon as you can. strongly recommend this trip and holiday
Tour Uzbekistan Uncovered
This holiday gives a great overview of the country and it's history visiting
cities along the Great Silk Road, each with their own amazing buildings and
stories
We had been to many squares, mosques and madrassas but Registan Square in
Samarkand topped them all and one of the final highlights of the trip.
Dilshod was excellent - friendly, extremely helpful and incredibly
knowledgeable of his country and it's history and also adaptable to our
requests.
Everything was incredibly cheap and we struggled to spend $200 on food and
drink and trinkets in the twelve days! Take dollars which can easily be
exchanged for Som.
Women travellers wear sleeved tops and crop trousers/trousers or skirts., and
have a scarf handy for the couple of mosques. Don't worry about the night in
the yurt - very pleasant with proper framed beds and and an electric light!
To avoid disappointment, if you see something you like then buy it.... some
items are only local to that city and you won't see them again.
The food was good with salads, soups and meat dishes, some almost European
style, but also plenty of local cuisine to try.
Be prepared for quite a lot of long journeys - the tour bus was fairly basic
and the roads bumpy (1600 km travelled in total).
Tourists are still quite a novelty in Uzbekistan and everywhere we went
people wanted to have their photos taken with you or to talk to you and
practise their English. Everyone was so friendly and we were treated like
VIPs.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
October 2018
This holiday gives a great overview of the country and it's history visiting
cities along the Great Silk Road, each with their own amazing buildings and
stories
We had been to many squares, mosques and madrassas but Registan Square in
Samarkand topped them all and one of the final highlights of the trip.
Dilshod was excellent - friendly, extremely helpful and incredibly
knowledgeable of his country and it's history and also adaptable to our
requests.
Everything was incredibly cheap and we struggled to spend $200 on food and
drink and trinkets in the twelve days! Take dollars which can easily be
exchanged for Som.
Women travellers wear sleeved tops and crop trousers/trousers or skirts., and
have a scarf handy for the couple of mosques. Don't worry about the night in
the yurt - very pleasant with proper framed beds and and an electric light!
To avoid disappointment, if you see something you like then buy it.... some
items are only local to that city and you won't see them again.
The food was good with salads, soups and meat dishes, some almost European
style, but also plenty of local cuisine to try.
Be prepared for quite a lot of long journeys - the tour bus was fairly basic
and the roads bumpy (1600 km travelled in total).
Tourists are still quite a novelty in Uzbekistan and everywhere we went
people wanted to have their photos taken with you or to talk to you and
practise their English. Everyone was so friendly and we were treated like
VIPs.
Read More
cities along the Great Silk Road, each with their own amazing buildings and
stories
We had been to many squares, mosques and madrassas but Registan Square in
Samarkand topped them all and one of the final highlights of the trip.
Dilshod was excellent - friendly, extremely helpful and incredibly
knowledgeable of his country and it's history and also adaptable to our
requests.
Everything was incredibly cheap and we struggled to spend $200 on food and
drink and trinkets in the twelve days! Take dollars which can easily be
exchanged for Som.
Women travellers wear sleeved tops and crop trousers/trousers or skirts., and
have a scarf handy for the couple of mosques. Don't worry about the night in
the yurt - very pleasant with proper framed beds and and an electric light!
To avoid disappointment, if you see something you like then buy it.... some
items are only local to that city and you won't see them again.
The food was good with salads, soups and meat dishes, some almost European
style, but also plenty of local cuisine to try.
Be prepared for quite a lot of long journeys - the tour bus was fairly basic
and the roads bumpy (1600 km travelled in total).
Tourists are still quite a novelty in Uzbekistan and everywhere we went
people wanted to have their photos taken with you or to talk to you and
practise their English. Everyone was so friendly and we were treated like
VIPs.
Tour Uzbekistan Uncovered
When I told people I was going to three of the 'Stans', their question was
always why ?
To be honest, I wasn't sure myself until I'd been, but they are very
different countries, not subject to mass tourism, with different cultures,
lovely people and a joy to explore.
My personal highlights were, the mausoleums at Shakhi Zinda, talking to the
students learning English in Registan square and Bukhara - all in
Uzbebikistan. However, being allowed to hold the eagle hunter's Golden Eagle
in Kyrgyzstan was an honour.
We had two group leaders
In Uzbekistan, Dilshod was confident and highly knowledgeable and he would
tell us interesting stories of his personal life growing up in Uzbekistan
under Soviet rule. He provided advice daily and was always checking
everything was OK.
In Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, Ermek was equally engaging but with a quieter
manner. He enjoyed imparting knowledge of his home country, Kyrgzystan, and
keen to learn and join in with our English sense of humour. Alexi, our
driver in Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, was amazing, fixing the coach when we
broke down.
Make sure your dollars are clean, any marked or slight tears and the money
exchange will not accept them.
There are ATM's available (for top ups) for example at the Hotel Asia in
Bukkhara and the Kass Hotel in Almaty. (Tip: If you do happen to stay in the
Kass Hotel, get your picnic lunch from the deli which is 2 minutes walk, turn
right at the main road)
As a rough guide, I spent $85 in Uzbekistan, $60 Kazakstan (drinks at hotel
were a bit more expensive), $100 in Kyrgzystan plus dollars for tips for the
guides and drivers
For the yurt stay - if you drink, make sure you buy alcohol to take with you
as they don't sell it! Also, we were a group of 14 and they were able to
mostly put the couples together (rather than the gender separation mentioned
in the notes). We went in early June and it rained and was a bit cold in the
evening, so pack a waterproof and a fleece (just in case)
At the home stay meal in Karakol - buy your wine at the house (cheaper than
the Green Yard Hotel prices) - but breakfast at the Green Yard is amazing!
The food was better than I had anticipated, I ate lots of salads, kebabs and
pasta. Meals are not expensive and the vodka and beer are cheap.
Shopping is best in Bukhara with some free time for exploring. Would
recommend The Old Bukhara and Minzifa restaurants in Bukhara
Ladies, make sure you take a scarf for your head/shoulders, but respectable
shorts and t shirts were fine for the most part, with only a few places where
knees needed to be covered as well.
Why do you want to go to the Stans? Because they are different, the
architecture and history of Uzbekistan is amazing and the scenery of
Kyrgyzstan is beautiful. Neither will disappoint,
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
August 2018
When I told people I was going to three of the 'Stans', their question was
always why ?
To be honest, I wasn't sure myself until I'd been, but they are very
different countries, not subject to mass tourism, with different cultures,
lovely people and a joy to explore.
My personal highlights were, the mausoleums at Shakhi Zinda, talking to the
students learning English in Registan square and Bukhara - all in
Uzbebikistan. However, being allowed to hold the eagle hunter's Golden Eagle
in Kyrgyzstan was an honour.
We had two group leaders
In Uzbekistan, Dilshod was confident and highly knowledgeable and he would
tell us interesting stories of his personal life growing up in Uzbekistan
under Soviet rule. He provided advice daily and was always checking
everything was OK.
In Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, Ermek was equally engaging but with a quieter
manner. He enjoyed imparting knowledge of his home country, Kyrgzystan, and
keen to learn and join in with our English sense of humour. Alexi, our
driver in Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, was amazing, fixing the coach when we
broke down.
Make sure your dollars are clean, any marked or slight tears and the money
exchange will not accept them.
There are ATM's available (for top ups) for example at the Hotel Asia in
Bukkhara and the Kass Hotel in Almaty. (Tip: If you do happen to stay in the
Kass Hotel, get your picnic lunch from the deli which is 2 minutes walk, turn
right at the main road)
As a rough guide, I spent $85 in Uzbekistan, $60 Kazakstan (drinks at hotel
were a bit more expensive), $100 in Kyrgzystan plus dollars for tips for the
guides and drivers
For the yurt stay - if you drink, make sure you buy alcohol to take with you
as they don't sell it! Also, we were a group of 14 and they were able to
mostly put the couples together (rather than the gender separation mentioned
in the notes). We went in early June and it rained and was a bit cold in the
evening, so pack a waterproof and a fleece (just in case)
At the home stay meal in Karakol - buy your wine at the house (cheaper than
the Green Yard Hotel prices) - but breakfast at the Green Yard is amazing!
The food was better than I had anticipated, I ate lots of salads, kebabs and
pasta. Meals are not expensive and the vodka and beer are cheap.
Shopping is best in Bukhara with some free time for exploring. Would
recommend The Old Bukhara and Minzifa restaurants in Bukhara
Ladies, make sure you take a scarf for your head/shoulders, but respectable
shorts and t shirts were fine for the most part, with only a few places where
knees needed to be covered as well.
Why do you want to go to the Stans? Because they are different, the
architecture and history of Uzbekistan is amazing and the scenery of
Kyrgyzstan is beautiful. Neither will disappoint,
Read More
always why ?
To be honest, I wasn't sure myself until I'd been, but they are very
different countries, not subject to mass tourism, with different cultures,
lovely people and a joy to explore.
My personal highlights were, the mausoleums at Shakhi Zinda, talking to the
students learning English in Registan square and Bukhara - all in
Uzbebikistan. However, being allowed to hold the eagle hunter's Golden Eagle
in Kyrgyzstan was an honour.
We had two group leaders
In Uzbekistan, Dilshod was confident and highly knowledgeable and he would
tell us interesting stories of his personal life growing up in Uzbekistan
under Soviet rule. He provided advice daily and was always checking
everything was OK.
In Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, Ermek was equally engaging but with a quieter
manner. He enjoyed imparting knowledge of his home country, Kyrgzystan, and
keen to learn and join in with our English sense of humour. Alexi, our
driver in Kazakhstan and Kyrgzystan, was amazing, fixing the coach when we
broke down.
Make sure your dollars are clean, any marked or slight tears and the money
exchange will not accept them.
There are ATM's available (for top ups) for example at the Hotel Asia in
Bukkhara and the Kass Hotel in Almaty. (Tip: If you do happen to stay in the
Kass Hotel, get your picnic lunch from the deli which is 2 minutes walk, turn
right at the main road)
As a rough guide, I spent $85 in Uzbekistan, $60 Kazakstan (drinks at hotel
were a bit more expensive), $100 in Kyrgzystan plus dollars for tips for the
guides and drivers
For the yurt stay - if you drink, make sure you buy alcohol to take with you
as they don't sell it! Also, we were a group of 14 and they were able to
mostly put the couples together (rather than the gender separation mentioned
in the notes). We went in early June and it rained and was a bit cold in the
evening, so pack a waterproof and a fleece (just in case)
At the home stay meal in Karakol - buy your wine at the house (cheaper than
the Green Yard Hotel prices) - but breakfast at the Green Yard is amazing!
The food was better than I had anticipated, I ate lots of salads, kebabs and
pasta. Meals are not expensive and the vodka and beer are cheap.
Shopping is best in Bukhara with some free time for exploring. Would
recommend The Old Bukhara and Minzifa restaurants in Bukhara
Ladies, make sure you take a scarf for your head/shoulders, but respectable
shorts and t shirts were fine for the most part, with only a few places where
knees needed to be covered as well.
Why do you want to go to the Stans? Because they are different, the
architecture and history of Uzbekistan is amazing and the scenery of
Kyrgyzstan is beautiful. Neither will disappoint,
Tour The Silk Road
If you like history, visiting beautiful buildings and tasting local food,
this is the trip for you. Yes there are some bad roads to contend with, but
that's a small price to pay. The highlights? Bukhara, meeting the eagle
hunter and brilliant local guides.
Getting up close to a golden eagle.
We had two leaders. Dilshod in Uzbekistan was brilliant - his knowledge of
local history was amazing and he also had a great sense of humour. Ermek in
Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan was also a great guide - conscientious and a fund of
information, particularly about the recent history of the region.
Enjoy the different cultures of Central Asia.
We found the local people very friendly and all three countries a lot more
laid back than we were expecting.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
August 2018
If you like history, visiting beautiful buildings and tasting local food,
this is the trip for you. Yes there are some bad roads to contend with, but
that's a small price to pay. The highlights? Bukhara, meeting the eagle
hunter and brilliant local guides.
Getting up close to a golden eagle.
We had two leaders. Dilshod in Uzbekistan was brilliant - his knowledge of
local history was amazing and he also had a great sense of humour. Ermek in
Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan was also a great guide - conscientious and a fund of
information, particularly about the recent history of the region.
Enjoy the different cultures of Central Asia.
We found the local people very friendly and all three countries a lot more
laid back than we were expecting.
Read More
this is the trip for you. Yes there are some bad roads to contend with, but
that's a small price to pay. The highlights? Bukhara, meeting the eagle
hunter and brilliant local guides.
Getting up close to a golden eagle.
We had two leaders. Dilshod in Uzbekistan was brilliant - his knowledge of
local history was amazing and he also had a great sense of humour. Ermek in
Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan was also a great guide - conscientious and a fund of
information, particularly about the recent history of the region.
Enjoy the different cultures of Central Asia.
We found the local people very friendly and all three countries a lot more
laid back than we were expecting.
Tour The Silk Road
The trip introduced me to many aspects of the history of Central Asia of
which I knew little. It has inspired me to read more on the subject. I was
also possible to gain a little appreciation of the culture of the three
countries I visited.
There was not one single inspirational moment. The combination of places we
visited and the information provided by our excellent guides stimulated much
food for thought. I find that often inspiration comes after a period of
reflection.
Both of our guides were excellent. They were both different but equally good
at their job. There were no problems when travelling throughout all three
countries.
Try to find the time to read about the histories of the countries before
going.
I have been on many Exodus trips and they have all been good. This one lived
up to my expectations. I would recommend anybody who has a sense of adventure
and a thirst for knowledge go on the Silk Rd.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
August 2018
The trip introduced me to many aspects of the history of Central Asia of
which I knew little. It has inspired me to read more on the subject. I was
also possible to gain a little appreciation of the culture of the three
countries I visited.
There was not one single inspirational moment. The combination of places we
visited and the information provided by our excellent guides stimulated much
food for thought. I find that often inspiration comes after a period of
reflection.
Both of our guides were excellent. They were both different but equally good
at their job. There were no problems when travelling throughout all three
countries.
Try to find the time to read about the histories of the countries before
going.
I have been on many Exodus trips and they have all been good. This one lived
up to my expectations. I would recommend anybody who has a sense of adventure
and a thirst for knowledge go on the Silk Rd.
Read More
which I knew little. It has inspired me to read more on the subject. I was
also possible to gain a little appreciation of the culture of the three
countries I visited.
There was not one single inspirational moment. The combination of places we
visited and the information provided by our excellent guides stimulated much
food for thought. I find that often inspiration comes after a period of
reflection.
Both of our guides were excellent. They were both different but equally good
at their job. There were no problems when travelling throughout all three
countries.
Try to find the time to read about the histories of the countries before
going.
I have been on many Exodus trips and they have all been good. This one lived
up to my expectations. I would recommend anybody who has a sense of adventure
and a thirst for knowledge go on the Silk Rd.
Tour The Silk Road
Really exciting trip, very full on and packed with seeing the best of all 3
countries that you visit.
Be prepared for long but very rewarding days of sightseeing and travelling.
Go with the flow!
Very friendly and hospitable people.
Eating out is cheap and there is plenty of choice of good quality meat (lamb,
beef) kebabs/ pasties! (or the nearest thing to them, yummy) dumplings,
paste/noodle/bread and salads. Local beer very acceptable and even the best
vodka is very cheap and taste great..
Great photo opportunities and load of very interesting architecture such as
Madrasah's and mausoleums to see!
Scenery up in mountains is stunning with waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars! But be prepared
for it to be very basic and rustic! We ended up playing hand ball with a
international team of people staying at the camp site and then sitting round
the camp fire singing and drinking vodka watching the night sky.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars!
Dilshod was a composite professional and very knowledgeable
Lisa was a lovely person who worked hard, and would certainly benefit from a
bit of training (fine tuning) to make her even better :)
See comments above in summary.
See comments above in summary.
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
A
Anonymous
March 2018
Really exciting trip, very full on and packed with seeing the best of all 3
countries that you visit.
Be prepared for long but very rewarding days of sightseeing and travelling.
Go with the flow!
Very friendly and hospitable people.
Eating out is cheap and there is plenty of choice of good quality meat (lamb,
beef) kebabs/ pasties! (or the nearest thing to them, yummy) dumplings,
paste/noodle/bread and salads. Local beer very acceptable and even the best
vodka is very cheap and taste great..
Great photo opportunities and load of very interesting architecture such as
Madrasah's and mausoleums to see!
Scenery up in mountains is stunning with waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars! But be prepared
for it to be very basic and rustic! We ended up playing hand ball with a
international team of people staying at the camp site and then sitting round
the camp fire singing and drinking vodka watching the night sky.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars!
Dilshod was a composite professional and very knowledgeable
Lisa was a lovely person who worked hard, and would certainly benefit from a
bit of training (fine tuning) to make her even better :)
See comments above in summary.
See comments above in summary.
Read More
countries that you visit.
Be prepared for long but very rewarding days of sightseeing and travelling.
Go with the flow!
Very friendly and hospitable people.
Eating out is cheap and there is plenty of choice of good quality meat (lamb,
beef) kebabs/ pasties! (or the nearest thing to them, yummy) dumplings,
paste/noodle/bread and salads. Local beer very acceptable and even the best
vodka is very cheap and taste great..
Great photo opportunities and load of very interesting architecture such as
Madrasah's and mausoleums to see!
Scenery up in mountains is stunning with waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars! But be prepared
for it to be very basic and rustic! We ended up playing hand ball with a
international team of people staying at the camp site and then sitting round
the camp fire singing and drinking vodka watching the night sky.
Staying in the Yurt in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan was wonderful. No light
pollution so you can see the milky way and shooting stars!
Dilshod was a composite professional and very knowledgeable
Lisa was a lovely person who worked hard, and would certainly benefit from a
bit of training (fine tuning) to make her even better :)
See comments above in summary.
See comments above in summary.
Tour The Silk Road
X
Unlock Member Savings
In order to see Travelstride Select deals you must sign in. We’ve negotiated with many of the world’s best travel companies to save you money! Get the best experiences, save up to $700 per person, and be a hero to your travel companions!
or
or
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Already a member?
With FREE membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
What is Travelstride?
Travelstride is the top community marketplace for tours, local getaways, adventure packages, and tailor-made vacations.
Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and we’re adding more all the time. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who it’s with. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. About us.
Use Travelstride to:
We are on a mission...
...to foster a community connecting travelers to wonderful places, people, & experiences. Learn more.
Got it