Uzbekistan is located at the very heart of Central Asia and in ancient times was a key link on the Silk Road connecting China with Western Europe. The legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were powerful states, important trade centres where architecture and the arts were highly developed.

Uzbekistan's golden age was under Tamerlaine in the 14th century AD. Ruling an empire stretching from Turkey to China, he made Samarkand his capital and left a breathtaking architectural legacy including mosques, madrassahs and majestic Registan Square.

Today, the old atmosphere of the Silk Road still survives in the oriental bazaars and tea houses where the many nationalities of Central Asia gather together wearing their traditional and colourful clothes.

Weather
The climate in Uzbekistan is severely continental with very cold winters and extremely hot summers. The best times to visit are April, May and early June and again September and October. The hottest days are between about 15th July to 20th August and during this time temperatures can reach 38 degrees centigrade, but the evenings cool down considerably.

Local Customs
When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs and if you can manage a few words of the local language or Russian, this will be very much appreciated.
Ladies should carry a headscarf for use when visiting mosques and shoes should be removed before entering. Shoes should also be removed when entering a private house. If you are invited to someone’s house you will be overwhelmed by hospitality. Always take a present with you.

Visa
British passport holders must obtain an Uzbek visa before arrival. The consular fee for a single entry tourist visa is currently £45.00. Most other nationalities also require a visa, visas costs change frequently, please check with your consular office.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend that your protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio is up to date. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Tashkent from London is 6hrs 35mins with Uzbekistan Airways and 8hrs 45 with British Airways.

Accommodation and Transport
Uzbekistan now has a good selection of international hotels and traditional accommodation. We only use quality 4 star hotels of a high standard and centrally located. In Khiva, we spend the night in traditional Madrassah. We also have a selection of local guesthouses throughout Uzbekistan. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available hotels or local pensions.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.