45+ Not Grumpy Travel

## Details

Uzbekistan Tour April 10 - 19, 2026 - Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Nukus
Uzbekistan is one of the most architecturally beautiful countries in the world. And three of its cities along the Silk Road, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have all been painstakingly restored to their former beauty.
On this tour, you will learn about the history of these magnificent cities from our wonderful local guide who has excellent English and is knowledgeable and proud of his heritage. We will take you on walking tours in the centres of these fascinating cities and by minibus to any monuments and buildings that are further away.
Shop in the incredible bazaars where you can buy beautiful ceramics, scarves, hats, embroidered wall hangings, puppets, ikhat (hand-woven printed cotton or silk) as well as nuts, dried fruits, spices and local vodkas. Shopping in Uzbekistan offers amazing value for money.
You will travel by Uzbekistan’s efficient, fast trains whenever possible. Groups will have a maximum of 12 fellow travellers but you will also have time to explore on your own. These tours are designed for small groups who have the option of joining the the guide and group for meals or doing your own thing whenever you wish.
Jo Weir who has been travelling to Uzbekistan since 1995, will travel with the group and will offer advice on shopping and dining and will talk about the massive changes in the country over the last 30 years. Jo will arrange dinner reservations for those who want to dine with the group.
Itinerary
Day One : Tashkent
Arrivals in Tashkent
14.00 Optional Tashkent City Sightseeing Tour including:
Old Tashkent - The Last Imam Ensemble (16 century) with the tiled domes and minarets of its mosques and madrassas as well as the famous Chor-Su Oriental Bazaar.
Modern Tashkent - The modern centre where Amir Timur Square’s statue of rehabilitated local Uzbek hero, Tamerlane The Great, has replaced a list of Czarist and then Soviet statues. We will see the Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre which was completed by Japanese prisoners of war in 1940. We will see Tashkent’s earthquake proof metro system and have an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful stations including Kosmonavtlar which celebrates cosmonauts and space.
Welcome Dinner at Caravan (included).
Day Two : Samarkand
After breakfast, an early transfer to the railway station to check in for the high speed “Afrosiyob” to Samarkand where we arrive just after 10am.
Trade routes from all directions formed a major Silk Road crossroads and emporium in Samarkand. Tamerlane’s city of sky-blue domes and minarets continues to awe visitors today as it has throughout centuries.
Our private coach will pick us up from the train station and take us directly to the Registan, Samarkand’s most famous sight and the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works in Uzbekistan. We will then take in the other sights which require coach travel, St Daniels’s Tomb and Ulugbek’s Observatory.
After checking into the hotel there is free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
We will try to see the Registan at night when it is beautifully lit. Quite often there is a sound and light show projected on the Registan at 8pm.
Day Three : Samarkand
After breakfast in the hotel, we will see Samarkand’s other jewels, Bibi-Khanim Mosque, Gur-Emir Mausoleum and The Oriental Bazaar Siab and, a personal favourite, the Shah-I-Zinda complex where the most beautiful ceramic tiles can be seen. Shah-I-Zinda has been described as “perhaps the most stunning sight in a city of superlatives”. Wherever possible we will walk between sights.
Free time in the afternoon.
Day Four: Samarkand to Bukhara
Early breakfast in our hotel before boarding the high speed train to Bukhara where we will arrive before noon.
Our minibus will pick us up at the train station and take us to two sights on the outskirts of Bukhara:
The Emir’s Summer Palace - this collection of dwellings and staterooms was built by the Russians in 1911 for the last Emir of Bukhara to get him out of the Ark Fortress in the centre of Bukhara.
Bakhauddin Nakhshbandi Ensemble - Bukhara’s holiest place of shrines, stories and superstition and the burial place of one of its holiest saints Baha-al-din (1318-1389)
Check into hotel and lunch at one of Bukhara’s many cafes or the chaikhana beside Lyab-i-Hauz’s 16th century pool. Bukhara is very easy to navigate and a great city for shopping. You can explore its beautiful streets including the Jewish quarter and its synagogue.
Day Five : Bukhara
Breakfast in our hotel followed by a half day sightseeing tour (mainly on foot) of this beautiful Silk Road city where most of the highlights are located in the old town. The tour will include The Ark Citadel, the perfectly preserved 1000 year old Samanoi Mausoleum which was discovered under sand in 1934 and Zindan Prison where British Captain Stuart Conolly and Colonel Charles Stoddard were held in the infamous Bug Pit. We will also visit the five vaulted and domed Bukhara Bazaars and the Poi-Kalon Ensemble (12-14 century) with its towering Kalon Minaret which was spared by Ghengis Khan when he razed the city in 1219.
Free time in the afternoon. The bazaars are easy to reach on foot and it is easy to explore Bukhara’s many charms.
Day Six: Bukhara - Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel and a chance to have a morning stroll through Bukhara before boarding the train (if available) or coach to Khiva.
Khiva has the status of a museum city and indeed this walled city is like an open-air museum, lost in time. Parts of the wall are thought to date from the fifth century and stepping through one of its gates is like stepping into a different era.
Evening arrival in Khiva and check-in to hotel. Dinner at leisure and the chance to wander the beautiful streets of Khiva at night when the moonlit silhouettes of columns and madrassas from twisting alleyways are at their most captivating. We will book a restaurant in advance for those who would like to join the group for dinner.
Day Seven: Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - 1pm - Walking tour of Khiva’s Ichan Kala (inner walled city) including:
Kunya Ark (12c) - Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence including the harem, mint, stables, arsenal, barracks and mosque.
Kalta Minor Minaret - the unfinished, fat turquoise-tiled minaret
Free time for lunch, shopping or walking the walls of Khiva.
Day Eight: Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - Walking tour of Khiva including:
Juma Mosque - 218 wooden columns - each different and some from the tenth century - support the roof of this interesting mosque.
Tosh-hovli Palace - this palace contains Khiva’s most sumptuous interior decorations including ceramic tiles and carved stone and wood.
Allakuli Khan Bazaar & Caravanserai - a domed market arcade still catering to traders and opening onto Dekhon Bazaar.
Afternoon at leisure
Day Nine: Nukus
Nukus is in the semi-autonomous province of Karakalpakstan and is home to the Savitsky Collection which is the second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art in the world
Early breakfast followed by coach to Nukus via the Kyzylkum Desert with visits to Toprak-Kala - the ruins of an ancient city of 2500 where Khorezmian kings lived from 2nd to 6th centuries - and the ruins of the feudal fortress of Ayaz-Kala.
Visit to Savitskiy State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan followed by dinner near the airport.
Flights to Tashkent and transfers to hotel.
Day Ten: Tashkent - Breakfast at hotel followed by departures
Price: GBP£2187 double occupancy. Single supplement GBP£385
International flights not included.
Deposit £500 (Non refundable after 3 days). Please RSVP and send email
Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lip balm and moisturiser (it is a very dry climate)
Sun screen
A jacket or sweater - morning and evenings can be cool
Cash - many places do not take credit cards although this is changing. US dollars can be used in some places outside of Tashkent and US dollars, euros and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks. There are some cash machines but they tend to charge a hefty surcharge and give a poor rate.
Included:
International arrival/departure transfers
Accommodation in central hotels with breakfast
Experienced local guides throughout the trip
Jo of 45+ Not Grumpy experienced leader with the group
All ground transportation by comfortable air-conditioned minibus
Group Airport transfers from Nukus to Tashkent
Train Station transfers
Business class Afrosiyob train tickets Tashkent-Samarkand - Bukhara
Coach from Bukhara to Khiva (train if available)
Domestic economy flight Nukus -Tashkent
Welcome Dinner
Lunch in Samarkand
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums on all tours
Bottled water provided daily (one bottle per person per day)
Visa support letter (where required)
Bottled water is provided on every bus journey
Tips for drivers
The price does not include:
Visa cost (no visa required for EU, UK, Canada, Australia)
International flights
Lunches and dinners (except for welcome dinner)
Any additional transportation to anywhere not listed in the schedule
Any charges at monuments and museums for using video or cameras
Hard drinks
Porter service if required
Tips for local guides
International arrival/departure transfers can be arranged for approx GBP£25 each way

##### Day 1: Tirana Airport - Fishte - Shkodra


• Meet with local guide at airport/hotel and depart to Lezha.
• Lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane
• Dinner and overnight in Shkodra

##### Day 2: Shkoder - Tirana


• Breakfast at hotel.
• In the morning we visit Rozafa Castle where the main cultural attraction is Rozafa Fortress, rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun. From its ancient Illyrian walls and the medieval ruins of the Balshaj, to the Towers of the Bushatllinj, Rozafa Castle is a monumental testament to the beauty of an everlasting fortress.
• Next we stop at the Venetian Art Mask Fabric, which displays masks styles and colors, that transport you to the atmosphere of the Venice Carnevale. But, here we are in Shkodër, where the passion, creative genius and business acumen of Edmond Angoni has enabled the creation of one of the most important mask factories in the world.
• Depart to Tirana (1 hr 50 minutes)
• Dinner and Overnight in Tirana


##### Day 3: Tirana - Cable Car - Tirana

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Bunk’Art 1. This museum was built inside the atomic bunker of the dictator Enver Hoxha, which is located 5 kilometers from Tirana. It is built 5 floors underground and has 106 rooms. It is dedicated to the history of the communist Albanian army and the daily life of Albanians during the years of the regime.
• Ride the Cable Car - Dajti Express. Located just 20 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up the Dajti Mountain on the longest cableway in the Balkans and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view.
• Tour of Tirana
• Dinner and overnight in Tirana

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##### Day 4: Tirana - Berat - Vlora


• Breakfast at hotel.
• Explore the National Onufri Iconographic Museum. This is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the castle quarter of Berat. The museum was named to honor Onufri, a painting Headmaster of the 16th century and it features treasures from Albanian churches and monasteries.
• Wine tasting at Cobo Winery. Nestled in the Berat county, near the historic city in southern Albania, Çobo Winery continues a centuries-old family tradition. Immerse yourself in their stories and experiences as they bring them to life at their table. A tour of the facilities includes an extensive viewing of the wine making process and explanations, punctuated by alternating poignant and comic vignettes that paint a glowing picture of the family's history and the origins of their wines.
• Depart to Vlora.
• Dinner and Overnight in Vlora.

##### Day 5: Flora - Butrint - Saranda


• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Butrint Archeological Park. Butrint National Park is a national park, located 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Sarandë. Encompassing 9,424 hectares, the park boasts a fascinating blend of freshwater lakes, wetlands, and historical treasures. From the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, Butrint has witnessed a rich history, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological artifacts and structures. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International importance, highlighting its significance on multiple levels.
• Dinner and Overnight in Saranda.

##### Day 6: Saranda - Blue Eye - Gjirokastra


• Breakfast at hotel.
• Explore the Blue Eye National Park. Take a walk in the beauty of The Blue Eye, a natural spring with vibrant blue waters so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. The lighting in the early morning is particularly magical. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area on paved roads—enjoy the walk through lush vegetation along the way and refresh at the small cafe before you make the return journey back to the bus.
• Depart to Gjirokastra.
• Gjirokastra City Tour. Start the walk throught the old town of Gjirokastra UNESCO Heritage Site. Slate-roofed houses, vertiginous streets paved with limestone and a castle assembled from rock hewn from the surrounding mountains. Albania’s ‘Stone City’ is a silvery beauty that shimmers in the rain. Of a great importance and interesting to visit is the incredible Castle, the old town & the bazaar with its characteristic shops and great opportunities to interact with local folks.
• Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra.


##### Day 7: Gjirokastra - Ardenica - Durres

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Departure to Ardenica.
• Visit the Monastery of Ardenica. Ardenica has been an important historical, cultural, and spiritual center of the Orthodox Church for many centuries. Enjoy visit of fantastic interiors – particularly the iconostasis of saints and sinners, dragons and angels of the 18th-century Church of St Mary. Equally impressive is the golden pulpit, which positively heaves with adornments, not to mention the frescoes of the Zografi brothers that can be seen on display upstairs.
• Visit the Archeological Museum of Apollonia. This museum contains artifacts unearthed nearby from the ancient town of Apollonia and is housed in a 14th century building which was previously the monastery of St. Mary. The museum has 7 pavilions, a gallery and 2 porticos. An impressive collection of statues is located in a portico on the east side and number of historically important frescoes remain in the building from medieval times; these are mainly housed in the refectory. Fragments of inscriptions can be found on the walls and the museum also has a collection of medieval mosaics.
• Dinner at Winery Abala in Durres.
• Overnight in Durres.

##### Day 8: Durres - Tirana Airport


• Breakfast at hotel.
• Depart Durres for Tirana Airport.

##### Additional Information

##### Price:GBP £1580 per person not including flights. Single supplement GBP £215

##### ​

##### Included:

• Accommodation in central 3* and 4* hotels on a BB basis (seven nights).
• All transportation during the tour.
• Local guide throughout the tour.
• 1 x lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane.
• 5 x dinners (3 course meal with water).
• 1 x dinner at Abuja winery (with wine tasting).
• 1 x wine tasting at Coco winery
• All entrance fees for sightseeing, museums and cable car.

ALBANIA - 27 April - 4 May 2026
On this tour you will see evidence of Albania’s history from being conquered by the Romans, the Ottoman rule from the 15th century, the gray and gloomy image in the 1980s to the colourful, warm country it has become.
Albania has a beautiful coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with pristine beaches and clear waters. Inland are rugged mountains with castles, deep valleys and clear lakes.
We will visit some of the many historical treasures including the ancient city of Butrint and the well preserved Ottoman architecture in Berat and the mountain town of Gjirokaster. And we will have the chance to sample traditional Albanian cuisine which is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs and olive oil. Most meals are included and they are at wonderful restaurants.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tirana Airport - Fishte - Shkodra
Meet with local guide at airport/hotel and depart to Lezha.
Lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane
Dinner and overnight in Shkodra
Day Two : Shkoder - Tirana
Breakfast at hotel
In the morning we visit Rozafa Castle where the main cultural attraction is Rozafa Fortress, rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun. From its ancient Illyrian walls and the medieval ruins of the Balshaj, to the Towers of the Bushatllinj, Rozafa Castle is a monumental testament to the beauty of an everlasting fortress
Next we stop at the Venetian Art Mask Fabric, which displays masks styles and colors, that transport you to the atmosphere of the Venice Carnevale. But, here we are in Shkodër, where the passion, creative genius and business acumen of Edmond Angoni has enabled the creation of one of the most important mask factories in the world.
Depart to Tirana (1 hr 50 minutes)
Dinner and Overnight in Tirana
Day Three : Tirana - Cable Car - Tirana
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Bunk’Art 1. This museum was built inside the atomic bunker of the dictator Enver Hoxha, which is located 5 kilometers from Tirana. It is built 5 floors underground and has 106 rooms. It is dedicated to the history of the communist Albanian army and the daily life of Albanians during the years of the regime
Ride the Cable Car - Dajti Express. Located just 20 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up the Dajti Mountain on the longest cableway in the Balkans and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view.
Tour of Tirana
Free time and overnight in Tirana.
Day Four : Tirana - Berat - Vlora
Breakfast at hotel
Explore the National Onufri Iconographic Museum. This is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the castle quarter Berat. The museum was named to honor Onufri, a painting Headmaster of the 16th century and it features treasures from Albanian churches and monasteries.
Wine tasting at Cobo Winery. Nestled in the Berat county, near the historic city in southern Albania, Çobo Winery continues a centuries-old family tradition. Immerse yourself in their stories and experiences as they bring them to life at their table. A tour of the facilities includes an extensive viewing of the wine making process and explanations, punctuated by alternating poignant and comic vignettes that paint a glowing picture of the family's history and the origins of their wines.
Depart to Vlora
Dinner and Overnight in Flora
Day Five : Flora - Butrint - Saranda
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Butrint Archeological Park. Butrint National Park is a national park, located 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Sarandë. Encompassing 9,424 hectares, the park boasts a fascinating blend of freshwater lakes, wetlands, and historical treasures. From the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, Butrint has witnessed a rich history, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological artifacts and structures. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, highlighting its significance on multiple levels.
Dinner and Overnight in Saranda
Day Six : Saranda - Blue Eye - Gjirokastra
Breakfast at hotel
Explore the Blue Eye National Park. Take a walk in the beauty of The Blue Eye, a natural spring with vibrant blue waters so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. The lighting in the early morning is particularly magical. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area on paved roads—enjoy the walk through lush vegetation along the way and refresh at the small cafe before you make the return journey back to the bus.
Depart to Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra City Tour. Start the walk throught the old town of Gjirokastra UNESCO Heritage Site. Slate-roofed houses, vertiginous streets paved with limestone and a castle assembled from rock hewn from the surrounding mountains. Albania’s ‘Stone City’ is a silvery beauty that shimmers in the rain. Of a great importance and interesting to be visit is the Castle, the old town & the bazaar, with its characteristic shops and great opportunity to interact with local folks.
Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra.
Day Seven : Gjirokastra - Ardenica - Durres
Breakfast at hotel
Departure to Ardenica
Visit the Monastery of Ardenica. Ardenica has been an important historical, cultural, and spiritual center of the Orthodox Church for many centuries. Enjoy visit of fantastic interiors – particularly the iconostasis of saints and sinners, dragons and angels of the 18th-century Church of St Mary. Equally impressive is the golden pulpit, which positively heaves with adornments, not to mention the frescoes of the Zografi brothers that can be seen on display upstairs.
Visit the Archeological Museum of Apollonia. This museum contains artifacts unearthed nearby from the ancient town of Apollonia and is housed in a 14th century building which was previously the monastery of St. Mary. The museum has 7 pavilions, a gallery and 2 porticos. An impressive collection of statues is located in a portico on the east side and number of historically important frescoes remain in the building from medieval times; these are mainly housed in the refectory. Fragments of inscriptions can be found on the walls and the museum also has a collection of medieval mosaics.
Dinner at Winery Abala in Durres
Overnight in Durre
Day Eight : Durres - Tirana Airport
Breakfast at hotel
Depart Durres for Tirana Airport
Price:
GBP £1580 per person not including flights. Single supplement GBP £220
Included:
Accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels on a BB basis (seven nights)
All transportation during the tour
Local guide throughout the tour
1 x lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane
5 x dinners at restaurants (3 course meal with water)
1 x dinner at Abuja winery (not including drinks)
1 x wine tasting at Coco winery
All entrance fees for sightseeing, museums and cable car

There are direct flights with British Airways, WizzAir and Ryanair. They all have morning flights and we will meet at the airport at 12.30pm and go directly to a wonderful country lunch. If anyone decided to fly the day before, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Tirana and brought to the airport to meet the group.