Uzbekistan Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
To visit the Registan in Samarkand and the old city of Buchara. I also enjoyed travelling in public bus and train.
What did you think of your tour leader?
I was very happy with our tour leader: she always took us to great restaurants for lunch & dinner. In addition, she even guided us on the free days. And she explained everything.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Book the Uzbekistan Explorer as soon as possible
Reviewed by Niels Karssen who travelled in August 2011 on the Uzbekistan Explorer trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many but two things stand out. The homestay in the hills at Sentab was delightful, lovely welcoming people and two great walks. Also you have to be impressed at Registan in Samarkand
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very good and knowledgable. Sense of humour and efficient. Still waiting for list of group emails!!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
In some cases yes, especially in the smaller towns and country areas. As with all tourism those with the contacts benefit the most. Having delayed baggage helped local market traders
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes given the short time there. Some of this was good and some less so. There is a lot of corruption in the country and we did come across examples of abuse of power which always upsets me.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
As with all travel go with no prejudice or preconceived ideas and allow yourself to feel the experience. E.g. they really don't mind shorts!
Reviewed by Philip Harley who travelled in July 2010 on the Jewels of Uzbekistan trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in the yurt and in the village. I tend to prefer local accommodation or tents when I travel but I appreciate this was a different sort of trip with such long distances involved. The architecture was as beautiful as I had expected.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Our leader was extremely knowledgeable on history ( a little too much at times!),very organised and charming to deal with. He is quite an exceptional young man.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
The yurt and village people obviously benefit from the business and we were approached by countless locals wanting to speak English. Everybody we met up with was extremely kind and welcoming.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
It is difficult to get the feel of a country when you are being transported in a group. It helped having stays of two or three days when we had free time. Staying in such large impersonal hotels does tend to isolate one from "real" life.I stayed on in Uzbekistan after the trip finished so was able to interact more freely with the locals.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Avoid staying with the whole group all the time - wander freely and make as much contact with the locals as possible.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Woods who travelled in July 2010 on the Jewels of Uzbekistan trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Samarqand is absolutely beatiful
What did you think of your tour leader?
great. Excellent knowledge on history, geography,... but also very attentive
What advice would you give to other travellers?
GO THERE!
Reviewed by Sarah Vlayen who travelled in April 2010 on the Jewels of Uzbekistan trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Good heavens - I don't know. Different things for different reasons. I'd always wanted to see Samarkand (we could have spent an extra day in Smarkand easily) but the homestay was great.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
In particular the homestay people and the people running thr yurt camp.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I don't think you ever really get under the skin of a country in such a short trip which has, by definition, to focus on a few easily accessible and identifiable "tourist" sights. Particularly in one like Uzbekistan where there is clearly much more to the politics than is visible on the surface.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Yes you can change Euros and sometimes even buy in euros. Don't expect to find an ATM anywhere. If going at this time of year ignore the advice about thermal underwear. You don't need a sheet sleeping bag (all the bedding we were provided with was perfectly clean). Take a universal bath plug. Do try the dried fruit. The airport doesn't accept som so if you want a cup of tea on the way back, save some dollars.
Reviewed by Jane Ching who travelled in April 2010 on the Jewels of Uzbekistan trip
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