Our trip was only 8 days but I felt we were away much longer, always on the go but never at a pace that detracted from the holiday. I don't want to give much away about what we saw - part of the pleasure of this holiday was not knowing what really to expect and coming away with some real wow moments and knowledge of a country that was very different to my preconceived notions - all being a delightful surprise.

All I'll say is this country is so clean. The people are courteous and very welcoming. In the couple of places where we had a free hour to ourselves, I felt totally safe as a female to wander myself. No worries regarding what to wear in this Muslim country, just wear what you would normally wear on holiday. The whole country is very relaxed. Our weather in September was extremely pleasant. Their summers are apparently very hot but the weather turns in September so we had temps in the high 20's. Not a cloud to be seen. It was cooler at night so take a cardigan, etc.

Part of the charm is that whilst there are tourists, there are still not many. You can take time to see some of the country's best sights without any tourist hustle and bustle. Go now before things change!

One of the things I wasn't sure how it would work out before I went was the money. You can only get the Uzbek Sum when you arrive. The local guide will keep you right and you will never be left short and you will get a good rate. Just make sure you take either US dollars or Euros. You are told to not to change too much at any one time. $20 dollars gave us 44,000 Sum which comprised of 44 x 1000 notes - bring a large wallet! You need a camera permit at most major sights but at 3000 Sum a go, that's a quid to us. A beer was 6000 Sum, or a couple of quid.

Anyone seriously investigating this holiday will be aware of the long days drive through the desert...and yes, the road is pretty bad and bumpy. To be fair, a new concrete road that can withstand the heat is being constructed, to be completed in 2014. We all put it down to part of the experience of driving through a remote desert.

Finally, the food......mmmm! But hey ho, want British food, then stay at home!

I hope this has been of interest to folks. I would go back in a minute :thumbup:

Angie

Jaya

Angie

What a good report back, and it all sounds very interesting I shall have to read up on this tour, I am a veggie so good to know I won't starve!!!

Cindy

Jaya

I've just watched Andrew Marr's History of the World from Sunday past. He referred to the Uzbek scholar who amongst other amazing things accurately calculated the circumference of the world back in 9th century through trigonometry. He was born in Khiva which is on the Silk Road tour and we saw his statue there.

Andrew Marr then went on to talk about Genghis Khan, describing how he sacked the cultural Islamic city of Bukhara. Once again the Silk Road tour takes you to Bukhara. It's true, Genghis Khan destroyed the city however he was so in awe of it's massive minaret, he ensured this was saved from destruction. This minaret stands to this day - surreal seeing something the infamous Genghis Khan witnessed too!

Does anyone else like seeing places on the telly they have visited. The Silk Road tour is a thoroughly enjoyable education!

Angie

Thank you for your very helpful report. I am planning to go on this holiday in September and was a little surprised to see that Uzbekistan Airways are used. How did you find them?

Mozza

This was my first JY holiday. I chose to go to Uzbekistan as I wanted somewhere different. I had never heard of anyone I know going there. I've been back 3 weeks and I still find myself thinking about this holiday and the sights we were privileged to see.

Our trip was only 8 days but I felt we were away much longer, always on the go but never at a pace that detracted from the holiday. I don't want to give much away about what we saw - part of the pleasure of this holiday was not knowing what really to expect and coming away with some real wow moments and knowledge of a country that was very different to my preconceived notions - all being a delightful surprise.

All I'll say is this country is so clean. The people are courteous and very welcoming. In the couple of places where we had a free hour to ourselves, I felt totally safe as a female to wander myself. No worries regarding what to wear in this Muslim country, just wear what you would normally wear on holiday. The whole country is very relaxed. Our weather in September was extremely pleasant. Their summers are apparently very hot but the weather turns in September so we had temps in the high 20's. Not a cloud to be seen. It was cooler at night so take a cardigan, etc.

Part of the charm is that whilst there are tourists, there are still not many. You can take time to see some of the country's best sights without any tourist hustle and bustle. Go now before things change!

One of the things I wasn't sure how it would work out before I went was the money. You can only get the Uzbek Sum when you arrive. The local guide will keep you right and you will never be left short and you will get a good rate. Just make sure you take either US dollars or Euros. You are told to not to change too much at any one time. $20 dollars gave us 44,000 Sum which comprised of 44 x 1000 notes - bring a large wallet! You need a camera permit at most major sights but at 3000 Sum a go, that's a quid to us. A beer was 6000 Sum, or a couple of quid.

Anyone seriously investigating this holiday will be aware of the long days drive through the desert...and yes, the road is pretty bad and bumpy. To be fair, a new concrete road that can withstand the heat is being constructed, to be completed in 2014. We all put it down to part of the experience of driving through a remote desert.

Finally, the food......mmmm! But hey ho, want British food, then stay at home!

I hope this has been of interest to folks. I would go back in a minute :thumbup:

Angie

I'm just back from Dubai having flown with Emirates. You had a TV screen on the seat on front but at the end of the day it's just a flight like all the rest of them that takes you to your destination. Although I had a great time in and around Dubai, I'd sooner go back to Uz.

Angie

Kindest regards,

Julia

Angie