12 Day Discover Uzbekistan

Gate 1 Travel
3.7 . Great
68%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
12 days
From: $ 3,079 $ 257 / day
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Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • In Tashkent, tour Khast Imam Square, home to exquisite mosques, monuments and madrasas
  • A ride on the Tashkent metro reveals its lavish decorations, a legacy of the former Soviet Union
  • In Tashkent, view one of the oldest copies of the Koran dating from 644-648
  • Travel to Kyzyl Kala, an ancient fortress on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert
  • At Ulli Khovli Complex, gather for a meal and perhaps even ride a camel!
  • Tour the walled city of Khiva, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum in Khiva, built in honor of the legendary poet
  • Discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan
  • Tour the cultural heritage monument of Chor Minor, part of Bukhara's World Heritage Center
  • Dinner with a local family - learn the secrets of how to prepare Pilav, a traditional rice dish
  • A special visit, lunch and conversation with a skilled ceramicist in the town of Gijduvan
  • Tour Samarkand, brimming with history, the most romantic of the Silk Road cities
  • Walk to iconic Registan Square with its colorful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches
  • Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, once the finest and most advanced in the Islamic world
  • Walk through the energetic Siab Market - feel the dynamic atmosphere of ancient Samarkand
  • Visit Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis of sparkling blue mausoleums grouped along medieval streets
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Short Description

3 Tashkent, 2 Khiva, 3 Bukhara, 2 Samarkand

Style Small group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City N/A
End City N/A

Destinations

N/A

Attractions & Cities Visited

Bukhara Khiva Samarkand Tashkent

Activities & Interests

N/A

N/A
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Itinerary

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Uzbekistan
Depart on your flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan*
*For flights departing Day 1 and arriving in the early hours of Day 2, a room will be available for you upon arrival.

DAY 2, Monday - Discover Tashkent
Welcome to Uzbekistan with its ancient cities accented by turquoise domes, desert landscape and towering minarets. Transfer to your hotel and check-in to the room that will be ready for early arrivals. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Khast Imam Square, Visit Chorsu Bazaar
The cultural tour of Tashkent begins at Khast Imam Square, religious center of the city and home to many exquisite mosques, monuments and madrasas (centers of Islamic learning) dating back to the 15th century. View the blue-domed Barak-Khan Madrasa with its imposing gateway and the Muyi Muborak Madrasa housing elaborate ancient manuscripts. Passing the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Tillya Sheih Mosque you arrive at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar with its bright green dome - acres of spices, sweets, fresh-baked breads and crafts await you! After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Museum of Applied Arts occupying a home with bright carvings and decorative ceramics. Proceed to the Alisher Navoi Theater built in neoclassical style, the Forum Palace and Amir Temur Square once dominated by a huge statue of Karl Marx, and view the massive Monument of Courage Earthquake Memorial. Ride the Tashkent metro and admire the lavish decorations, a legacy of the former Soviet Union. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - Flight to Urgench, Kyzyl Kala, Toprak Kala, Ulli Khovli Complex
Depart Tashkent by flight to Urgench. From here, travel to Kyzyl Kala also known as Red Fortress. Afterward, visit the fortress of Toprak Kala, surrounded by a brick wall. Travel to the Ulli Khovli Complex, a 17th century fortress built by the permission of Khiva Khan. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before getting acquainted with the culture of the Turkmen people and gaining insight into the history of the area. Observe workshops, such as forging, and carpet weaving. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Khiva, check into the hotel. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Khiva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Medieval Old Town of Khiva
Today, explore medieval Khiva that served as a major trading post on the Silk Road. Walk along the ancient streets within the walled city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause at the elegant Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa with its five domes and minaret decorated with bright geometric patterns of glazed bricks. View the distinctive turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, one of the iconic symbols of Khiva. Then, head to Kunya Ark, the Khiva rulers' own fortress and residence, built in the 12th century. View remnants of the khans' harem, stables, arsenal, barracks, mosque and jail. Continue to Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasa, one of the largest madrasas in Central Asia. After a traditional lunch, on to the grand Djuma Mosque and the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum with its courtyards and intricate tilework. The mausoleum was built in honor of the legendary poet and philosopher who became Khiva's patron saint. Here, in the historic complex of Ichan-Kala in the medieval Old Town, visit the Islam Khodja Mosque with its striking minaret, one of the jewels of Khiva. Tour the palace of Tash Khauli, with its sumptuous interior decor including ceramic tiles, carved stone and wood; there are more than 150 rooms off nine different courtyards
Overnight: Khiva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Friday - Travel to the Holy City of Bukhara
This morning, embark on a long drive to Bukhara. As you travel through the Kyzylkum Desert, witness the depth of Uzbekistan's natural terrain. During the trip, a box lunch will be provided. Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, and check into your hotel
Overnight: Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Saturday - Bukhara's Treasures
Today, discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan, dating back nearly 1000 years before Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia. Begin with an excursion to Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace, the country residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan. Return to Bukhara and take a city tour which includes visits to splendid Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a world-famous architectural masterpiece and to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum that dates from the 12th century. Continue to Bolo Khauz Mosque followed by the 5th century Ark Fortress, former residence of the emirs of Bukhara. After lunch at a local restaurant head to the architectural complex of Poyi-Kalon that includes the Kalon Mosque, large enough to hold 10,000 people. Pass the Madrasas of Abdulaziz Khan and Mir-I-Arab. Conclude with a local folk show with traditional music and dance
Overnight: Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Sunday - Bukhara City Tour, Home Hosted Dinner
This morning, head to the Bakhaouddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, built in memory of the patron of Bukhara. Afterward, visit Chor Minor, a historic mosque which was part of a madrasa complex and a monumental gatehouse of a now destroyed madrasa. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Liab-I Khaouz Square that encompasses the Nadir Devon Begi Madrasa and the Kukeldash Madrasa. Next, visit the city's buzzing bazaar, offering rows of shops selling jewelry, carpets, and wood carvings. Cap your day with a traditional dinner with a local family. Experience modern Uzbek culture, home cooked food, and learn the secrets of how to prepare Pilav, a traditional rice dish
Overnight: Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Travel to Samarkand, Registan Square
Depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand. Along the way, stop at the delightful town of Gijduvan, center of the ancient craft of ceramics. A special visit has been arranged to the home and shop of a skilled ceramicist. View some of the beautiful works displayed that reflect the culture of different regions of Uzbekistan, before continuing your journey to Samarkand. The city, steeped in history that grew prosperous at the crossroads between East and West. Samarkand, considered the most romantic of the Silk Road cities, is adorned by decorative domes and minarets and is a melting pot of many different cultures and traditions. Upon arrival, have lunch and later begin your exploration of this remarkable city. View iconic Registan Square, the world-famous symbol of Central Asia with its colorful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches. This plaza is surrounded by three impressively-decorated madrasas of the 15th to 17th centuries; Ulugbek Madrasa, Sherdor Madrasa and Tilya Kori Madrasa. Tonight, join your group for dinner
Overnight: Samarkand
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Tuesday - Guri Amir Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Vineyard Tour
The day begins at the sumptuous Guri Amir Mausoleum, final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror; its interior is covered with elegant turquoise arabesques and inscriptions in gold. On to the Ulugbek Observatory, once known as the most advanced in the Islamic world. Continue with a visit to Afrasiab Museum, dedicated to the city's history. After lunch, travel along the shores of the Siab River to the sacred Mausoleum of Daniel, the Old Testament biblical prophet. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to worship. Continue to the Konigil Meros silk paper factory, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for a guided tour and tasting
Overnight: Samarkand
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Wednesday - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Market, High-Speed Train to Tashkent
Start the day at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque with its glistening blue domes, built as the largest mosque in the world enriched by stately minarets and carved marble décor. A jewel in Tamerlane's empire, the mosque was constructed as a tribute to his wife. Afterwards, a walk through the energetic Siab Market, a special place where you can feel the dynamic atmosphere of this ancient city. On to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis that includes sparkling blue mausoleums, embellished with some of the richest tile work in the Muslim world. These mausoleums, strategically grouped along the narrow medieval streets are an important place of pilgrimage. Lunch is followed by a drive to the train station where you board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner tonight
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday - Depart Uzbekistan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,079
Price Per Day: $ 257 per day
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Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

745 Gate 1 Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

68%
3.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 455
Great 26
Average 30
Disappointing 29
Terrible 205
Value
3.7
Guide
3.7
Activities
3.7
Lodging
3.7
Transportation
3.7
Meals
3.7

12 Day Discover Uzbekistan

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Company Reviews

THE ABSOLUTE WORST

1.0
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Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
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THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent.

We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra for (it's worth the extra money for me to fly nonstop) was changed by the airline to include a stop, but Gate 1 wouldn't refund the extra amount they charged me for it. They also refused to call Delta about the flight change - even though Delta told me that all Gate 1 had to do was call to request the change back to a nonstop flight for me (at no extra charge). After I called Gate 1 out on this, they suddenly claimed that they HAD called Delta, but that they didn't know when and didn't know who they spoke with, and they couldn't call with me on the line.

They also promised me a $450 credit to make up for the extra night of hotel I could not be used because of their incompetence, and said they would apply it to my account. However, they did not actually issue that credit. When I brought it up, they told me that since I'd made final payment prior to their issuance of the credit, they weren't going to give it to me anymore. Excuse me, but YOUR inability or failure to do what YOU promised to do is not my fault or my problem. This is further evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, and fraud.

Gate 1 clearly does not care one bit about their customers or their reputation.

Gate 1 should go out of business. I'm reporting them to the various state agencies for their dishonest business practices.
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Poor customer service

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
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.
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One star is way too many

1.0
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Guide1.0
Activities1.0
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Meals1.0
One star is way too many. I got a return ticket and wanted to change outbound one. Gate1 was nowhere to be found and there was no way of changing the flight. So I bought a new one on that day and did I no show on the old one. Surprise suprise happened when I tried to fly back. Was told at the airport that the agent froze the ticket bc I didnt show up on the outbound. Whats most ridiculous about it that they never notified me about it!!!! And as per my airline app nothing looked like there was anything wrong with my flight. Airline couldnt do anything about it and as a result I had to buy a new flight :)
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I already wrote a couple of bad reviews…

1.0
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Activities1.0
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Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
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!
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Awesome Kenya Safari

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
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!
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Update to my earlier review - Stay away from Gate1 until they change their ways

1.0
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Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Our first trips with Gate 1 were great. The tour guides really took care of us and we didn't spend excessive time on the bus. Our latest tour to Greece was awful. The tour director did not communicate well. Telling us we would have a free lunch - when she meant to say we would be free for lunch on our own. We found out after we had to pay for the meal. Our hotel in Mykonos had a large pool of water in the bathroom. It was coming from the room above and there was black mold on the ceiling. It was reported (twice) and the solution was to give us more towels to place on the floor. Nobody seemed to care about the mold. One hotel didn't have hot water for the showers. This was reported to the front desk and the tour director. Writing to Gate 1 did no good. They send their generic "thank you for your input" email and nothing gets done - even when you ask them to call you. I assume they have changed management since our first trips and no longer care about the travelers as long as they get their money. Finally got a response from Gate1. The hotel with cold showers said it was never reported. The hotel with the mold and wet floor said they offered to move us to a different room. That never happened - they gave us lots of towels to soak up the water. Gate1 offered us $100 off of our next trip.

Gate 1 replied with another "customer service will contact you" message. To date that has not happened. Horrible company and horrible customer service!!
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Additional Information


Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Trip ID#:

gate1-DSCV-UZ-12DUZ-PKG-23

What's excluded

Not Included: Optional tours and gratuities.
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