Immersing yourself in new cultures and learning about lesser-known destinations is one of the great enjoyments of travel. At Great Rail Journeys, we love taking our customers to many great countries all over the world, including Uzbekistan - the modern-day central Asian country that covers the area at the heart of the Silk Road.
These ancient trading routes now evoke romantic images of intrepid traders making their way through the desert on their way between Venice and China. The great cities of this part of the world still conjure up impressions of stalls rich with spices, colourful fabrics and cultures exchanging knowledge.
With an interest in the rich history of Uzbekistan, one of our customers, Ricki, was excited to see this fascinating part of the world for herself on our popular Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road tour.
The best Silk Road sights in Uzbekistan
"I'd read widely about the Silk Roads, the routes and history of them, and the likes of Timur and the Khans," says Ricki. "It's the reason I was keen to go."
Our Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road tour visits three of the most historic cities in central Asia: Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. From rustic brick-baked buildings dating from the 9th-century to ornately decorated madrasas standing around grand squares, exploring these age-old locations is like stepping back in time. Khiva's ancient walled city, Itchan-Kala, has been dubbed the 'largest open-air museum in the world'; Bukhara's trading domes still echo with the calls of craftspeople; and Samarkand's Registan remains 'the noblest public square in the world'.
"All three cities were fascinating," continues Ricki. "The local guide was outstanding - he injected so much more of the history and culture. In each area, the opportunity to look at the old architecture, the crafts and culture was super."
Visiting Uzbekistan as part of a group
Escorted tours bring an extra social dimension to travel as you're part of a group of like-minded travellers. With Great Rail Journeys, you are escorted throughout by one of our wonderful Tour Managers. In addition, we work with guides who bring that knowledge and expertise only a local could possess.
"The group seemed to jell nicely. Everyone was enthusiastic about the experiences. Caroline, our Tour Manager, was lovely, organised and friendly to all.
"Our local guide was superb. I would recommend him for future trips. He was able to talk about the history of Uzbekistan, and current affairs if asked. He was experienced and perceptive - he knew how long to talk for.
"On the trip to see the desert fortresses, learning about the roads that linked the old Soviet Union to Uzbekistan for purposes of trade and extraction of resources was interesting as you don't realise these existed. In addition, the sites we visited showed the history and extent of the various empires.
"Everywhere had its highlights and I took time to get up early and wander about in both Khiva and Bukhara.
"In my free time I wandered to a gold embroidery shop next to the hotel in Bukhara and felt very honoured to meet and chat to the man whose shop it was. He was the craftsman, and his work was amazingly intricate and beautiful, as was the silk embroidery and quilting of his wife. I do some quilting and appreciate seeing such fine work.
"It's worth saying that in every location, whether late or early, on my own or in a small group, I felt totally safe."
What to expect from Uzbek cuisine
"Pace yourself! There's always more to come," advises Ricki. While Uzbek food is becoming more popular in the west, it's still a relatively unknown dining experience.
Due to the region's history as a crossroad on the Silk Road, its cuisine is also a result of this melting pot of cultures. Some of Uzbekistan's most popular dishes include rice and breads similar to those found in India, dumplings and noodle soups taking inspiration from China, and lamb kebabs that you may find in Turkey.
As well as dinners each day, our tour features two authentic lunches - one in a desert yurt and another with a local family. It's safe to say you get to enjoy a broad range of dishes!
"At the beginning, we ate as if we were having a western dinner. We quickly learned there were usually very good, filling salads, sometimes something else, then a main course which was also very large. Then a dessert."
Challenging preconceptions
"Once again, my more Eurocentric or western mind has been enlightened by the amazing cultures that existed for centuries before western civilisations. I hadn't expected the cities to be as cosmopolitan as they were - for example Tashkent, the main areas of Samarkand, and Bukhara outside the old town.
"I had no idea the Russians had been in the area since as far back as the 1860s - and the cultural, agricultural and economic history that flowed from what we think of as an empty land but is full of resources.
"There were too many highlights to name them all. Timur's mausoleum, Ulugh Beg's observatory, the interesting desert forts, and the archaeological remains of the old cities and their brilliant restorations were just some."
Would Ricki recommend this tour to others? "Goodness yes. If you are interested in experiencing other cultures, amazing sights and crafts, put it at the top of your list."
Discover Uzbekistan for yourself on our Uzbekistan and the Ancient Silk Road tour.
