Silk Road to Samarkand reviews
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
The small group made moving about really easy. Loved Khiva hotel Caravan run by family. Our guide was exceptional and made every day an adventure with her knowledge and sense of humour. Long or short story will bring back memories. Our mini-bus driver made light work of the roads and laughed a lot. The trip to the mountains was amazing. The whole trip was everything I had hoped for. Friendly people, lovely food, sights you can only dream of. All in all, I want to go back!
This holiday was always enormous fun from the very start. We knew the sights, bazaars and architecture would be stunning and they were, breathtaking blue and turquoise tiles and decoration did not disappoint. What caught us by surprise was how wonderful and friendly the people are too. The children learn English in school and we loved it when they shyly came to practice a few words with us. Our superlative guide taught us so much about Uzbek life and history, and how to haggle!
It was an excellent itinerary and well paced. We were pleased that there were 'rest' days - we needed them! It was also good to see the top craft workshops and to be shown round by the top people. The traditional dance show in Samarkand was a delight, especially as we were on the front row! But what really made the trip was our guide, Shakhnoza who made it all so interesting.
The local organiser and the guides were excellent, and all travel plans ran smoothly.
The whole trip was well organised from beginning to end. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and our driver was excellent. We saw so much and were given plenty of information about all the sites we visited. We now feel that we know a lot about the country, its history and customs. The country is a fascinating mix of old and modern and the people are really lovely - very friendly and kind. We have come back with so many happy memories of another world.
Overall the holiday was excellent, so much interesting history. Travelling between cities was very comfortable, both by train and road although occasionally the road surfaces were bumpy. The Uzbek people are so warm and welcoming, delighted to see visitors and eager to chat and get to know about you. We always felt safe exploring on our own. The arts and crafts are beautiful and we purchased pottery, textiles and paintings to remind us of our time in Uzbekistan.
The food was very tasty and plentiful. The guide was very good. She knew her stuff and was a mine of information. A very kind and thoughtful lady.
Pleased we went on this trip and saw lots of wonderful sights.
I loved: The country, the lovely people, the fabulous buildings and the beautiful cities - especially Khiva and Buchara. The theatre trip and dancing/folk show! Markets, pottery, craft stops - carpet and silk paper makers (lovely site). Good food - although we personally found full breakfast and two four course meals each day (especially with the lack of choice) was too much!
Chance to explore all the main Silk Rd sites in Uzbekistan with with a knowledgeable guide and on our own (a good mix).