Our Team 
Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Chris was born in Turkey and grew up in Ankara and war-torn Beirut. In 1998 he moved to Uzbekistan to work on a guidebook. He was adopted by a local family, fell in love with the place and people, and stayed. His book ‘A Carpet Ride to Khiva – Seven years on the Silk Road’ tells this story.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Carpet ride to Khiva
| Start date | End date | Days | Prices from | Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/21 | 14/09/21 | 11 days | £3,495 ex. flights | £365 | William Taylor | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place | 10/04/22 | 20/04/22 | 11 days | £3,495 ex. flights | £365 | Chris Alexander | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
This group tour is a wonderful cultural overview of the country, taking in the arts, crafts, architecture and historical sites, accompanied by experts who will help bring the region to life. Escorted by Uzbekistan experts Chris Aslan Alexander in April and William Taylor in September.
Uzbekistan possesses the cream of Central Asian architecture, epitomised by the magnificent ensemble in Registan Square in Samarkand. Despite the modernisation, the traditional chapan or coat and the long afternoon battles of chess and backgammon are still very much a common sight. The markets are a delight and a photographic paradise while outside the cities the dusty, isolated villages with their flocks of woolly, fat-tailed sheep have changed little over the years.
Discover the art, architecture and culture of the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Explore the wealth of living textile and craft traditions that these cities play host to. Roam the winding medieval streets of Khiva’s old city, journey across the vast Kizilkum Desert, experience the thriving food markets of Bukhara, marvel at the intricate tile work of Samarkand’s Registan and explore the vibrant Soviet-influenced city of Tashkent.
Please note the 10th April 2021 departure will travel from Tashkent to Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and back to Tashkent. The April and September 2021 itineraries will operate in reverse, travelling from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Nukus and back to Tashkent.
Introducing your experts
Chris Alexander
William Taylor
William has been leading very successful Steppes Travel tours for years, and is fluent in Arabic, Turkish and Syriac.
He is very comfortable in an area stretching from the Balkans to Central Asia, has travelled extensively in the countries of the region and has written and broadcast on their context, both from historical perspectives and the present.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1Tashkent
Explore Uzbekistan’s capital city, known for its mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture.
2Khiva
Explore the perfectly preserved streets of Khiva’s citadel, an oasis town on the famous Silk Road.
3Bukhara
Take in the exceptional art and craft works of Bukhara’s artisans.
4Samarkand
Visit Samarkand’s Registan Square, the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia.
Day 1
Tashkent - Nukus
Day 2
Nukus - Khojayli - Khiva
Days 3-4
Khiva
Day 5
Khiva - Bukhara
Day 6
Bukhara
Day 7
Bukhara - Samarkand
Day 8
Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand
Day 9
Samarkand
Day 10
Samarkland - Tashkent
Day 11
Tashkent
Day 1
Tashkent - Nukus
Arrive into Tashkent, spend the morning at leisure, early check-in at the hotel has been arranged. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Applied Art. In the early evening, fly to Nukus.
Day 2
Nukus - Khojayli - Khiva
Visit the Savitsky Museum which boasts a huge collection of Russian avant-garde art, archaeological objects and folk, applied and contemporary art originating from Central Asia. Afterwards, travel to Khiva, visiting Toprak-Kala desert fortress en route.
Days 3-4
Khiva
Spend the next two days exploring Khiva. Founded when water was discovered in the desert, Khiva’s importance as a well-placed oasis meant that it outlived the era of the Silk Road and remained powerful until the time of ‘The Great Game’.
Day 5
Khiva - Bukhara
Travel from Khiva to Bukhara. The former capital and a centre of Islamic learning, Bukhara has over 300 mosques.
Day 6
Bukhara
Visit – Lab-i-khauz ensemble, the pool and chaikhana, madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Khanaga, Mogaki Attari mosque, Poi Kalon minaret and mosque.
Day 7
Bukhara - Samarkand
Spend the morning at leisure in Bukhara. In the afternoon, travel by train to Samarkand, one of the world’s most ancient and fabled cities. Inextricably linked with the great Silk Road, Samarkand was a famous trading city and has at various times been the capital of many a kingdom.
Day 8
Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand
Spend the day at Shakhr-i-sabz, the birthplace and home town of Central Asia’s foremost conqueror, the Great Amir Temur. Visit Ak Saroy Palace, built by Tamerlane and similar in structure to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, but unparalleled in size and decor.
Day 9
Samarkand
Visit the bazaar at Urgut village, where wonderful embroideries and local crafts can be bought. Visit the observatory of Ulugh Beg before heading to the Afrosiab Museum, containing artefacts from the excavated ancient city of Afrosiab.
Day 10
Samarkland - Tashkent
Explore the stunning interior of Emir Temur’s tomb and Registan square, arguably the most spectacular architectural ensemble in Central Asia. After lunch, head to the Silk Road Bazaar and onto Bibi Khanum Mosque, another Temurid architectural masterpiece. In the evening, travel by train back to Tashkent.
Day 11
Tashkent
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in Central Asia. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport.
Group Tour Accommodation
Tourism is still relatively new to Uzbekistan, and this is reflected in the accommodation standards. Therefore, the hotels we have chosen for the group are traditional and decorated in a typical style, all with private bathrooms.
Location is key for our group tour accommodation. In Khiva and Bukhara, accommodation is located centrally, as these are smaller towns and therefore during free time you will be able to wander at your own leisure from the hotel. For Samarkand and Tashkent, the accommodation is located close to one of the key sites, but as these are larger cities, it is harder to find somewhere central to all the key sites.
Tashkent
Although often referred to as a Silk Road city, little remains of Tashkent’s old town. A 1966 earthquake and earlier modernisation work did irreparable damage to the city’s architectural heritage. Despite this, some treasures remain and modern Tashkent is a pleasant, green and open place. Dotted with monuments, parks and retaining an impressive feel, the city has undergone a successful reinvention.
Khiva
Founded when water was discovered in the desert, Khiva’s importance as a well-placed oasis meant that it outlived the era of the Silk Road and remained powerful until the time of ‘The Great Game’. It was here, in 1840, that Richmond Shakespear, a young British lieutenant, helped abolish the practice of capturing Russian slaves. In fact, due to much of the work done during Soviet times, Khiva’s monuments are in outstanding condition.
Bukhara
The former capital and a centre of Islamic learning, Bukhara has over 300 mosques. This, along with the city’s 80 madrasas, led to its reputation as the holiest city in Central Asia. Now renowned for its architecture, it was the beauty of Bukhara’s Kalon Minaret that stopped Genghis Khan in his tracks. Unfortunately, his sense of awe failed to stop him razing the rest of the city to the ground. In the 18th and 19th centuries Bukhara again returned to prominence, as it became one of the most important pawns in ‘The Great Game’ being waged between Russia and Britain.
Samarkand
Samarkand is one of the world’s most ancient and fabled cities. Inextricably linked with the great Silk Road, Samarkand was a famous trading city and has at various times been the capital of many a kingdom. Since 2001, it has been designated by UNESCO as one of their World Heritage Sites, and labelled ‘Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures’.
Why should I travel with Steppes Travel to Uzbekistan?
We like this tour as it makes a little know destination accessible, and because Uzbekistan is a remarkable country made even more fascinating by the insight of author and expert Chris Aslan Alexander. Group tours can be a fun and fulfilling way to travel in the company of like-minded people, especially in a country like Uzbekistan.
“Chris was a wonderful Tour Expert. Hugely knowledgeable and easy to get on with. A highlight of the trip was dinner with his host family in Khiva.” T O’Grady, Uzbekistan Group Tour.
Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan?
As the country is only opening up to tourism, crime and being hassled is basically non-existent in Uzbekistan, especially due to the harsh penalties for committing any offences.
What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
From dry, hot summers to freezing, bitter cold winters, Uzbekistan has two periods for when is best to visit. July and August are the hottest months while April to early June and September to early November see pleasant day time temperatures. Winters can be extremely cold in Uzbekistan.
Is there a dress code in Uzbekistan?
Despite being a Muslim country, there is no strict dress code enforced in the country. However, it is always appropriate to dress conservatively, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites. Shorts and skirts below the knee are best, and it is prudent to carry a shawl or scarf to cover your head or bare shoulders, when appropriate.
What is the food like?
Uzbekistan and its neighbours are not known for their cuisine, so be prepared for an array of different influences on offer – from Russian and Tajik to Mongol and Turkish. Popular dishes include ‘Plov’, a rice dish traditionally made with meat, vegetables, infused with herbs and spices cooked together all at once.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places does provide security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
If you are willing to share, we will always do our best to match you up with another solo traveller of the same sex so that you do not have to pay for a single room.
If you would prefer the privacy of your own room and would like this guaranteed, then the single room price supplement will apply.
Do I need to be physically fit to enjoy this tour?
You do not need to be particularly fit and there are no long distance walks involved. However, walking can be on uneven ground so do let us know if you feel you are not particularly steady on your feet.
Can I extend my time in Uzbekistan?
Yes, this can easily be arranged at the end or the beginning of the tour. Private travel arrangements with a car and driver will be provided and a private guide arranged for sightseeing. Speak to one of our experts for possible suggestions on what extensions would complement this tour.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Why a Steppes expert-led group tour
1.Experience Matters
We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.
2.Size Matters
Our average group size is typically eight to ten people, smaller than other group tours typically offered – a factor which many of our clients appreciate. Travelling as part of a smaller group provides a more intimate, personalised and relaxed atmosphere.
4.It’s about who you know
We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.
3.Like-Minded People
Steppes Travellers are like-minded people – interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.
5.Value for money
Our tours are well-priced to ensure you get real value for money. We include gratuities on the majority of our tours and do not pass on currency surcharges. We strive to look after single travellers as well as we can, keeping single supplements to a minimum.
6.Peace of Mind
When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Moderate ActivitySingle Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Accompanied by Chris Aslan Alexander (April) and William Taylor (September)
- Accompanied by an English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to sites visited
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
- Meals on full board basis
- Transportation throughout
- Accommodation throughout
What is excluded
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks with meals
Our future tour dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days | Prices from | Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/21 | 14/09/21 | 11 days | £3,495 ex. flights | £365 | William Taylor | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place | 10/04/22 | 20/04/22 | 11 days | £3,495 ex. flights | £365 | Chris Alexander | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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