Ancient bazaars to tropical beaches: Uzbekistan and Thailand trip

Itinerary in brief: 

• 1 night Tashkent
• 2 nights Bukhara
• 2 nights Samarkand
• 1 night Tashkent
• 3 nights Phuket
• 4 nights Koh Lanta

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Tashkent 

On arrival in Tashkent, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for one night. In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a city tour of Tashkent, exploring the old and least Soviet part of the city, the Khast Imam Complex, which dates back to the seventh century. It is home to the Quran of Caliph Uthman, one of the oldest in the world. You’ll explore the bustling Chorsu Market, which has been selling spices and handicrafts to locals since the Middle Ages, before heading to the Museum of Applied Arts, the Amir Temur Square and the Earthquake Monument. You’ll explore on the Tashkent Metro, which is famous for it’s ornately decorated stations. 

Included: Transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Days 3 & 4: Bukhara 

After breakfast in Tashkent, you'll hop on the train to Bukhara, which will take around 3 hours. Spend these two days soaking up the architectural heritage of Bukhara, with public baths, mausoleums, trading domes, mosques and madrassahs just waiting to be explored. It’s an enchanting city that really takes you back in time; spend your time strolling between the local bazaars, learning about the history of the Silk Route and trading domes and soaking up different museums, mosques and madrassahs with your guide. As you explore the city, you’ll stop in a local tea houses to enjoy fresh tea and coffee flavoured with different spices. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel

Day 5: Train to Samarkand

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a morning at leisure to do some shopping or explore on your own, before heading to the train station for the fast train to Samarkand, around 2 hours away. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel and check in for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, train tickets, 4* hotel

Day 6: Samarkand

Spend the day learning about the architectural history of Samarkand. The city has witnessed a lot of upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic conquest and the Ghengis-Khan conquest. This has allowed Samarkand’s culture to develop and mix together with Iranian, Indian, Mongolian and Eastern cultures. Marvel at the spectacular Registan Square, one of the most iconic views in Uzbekistan, before admiring the incredible mosaics of Bibi-Khanum Mosque. You'll learn from your guide about the history of Timur and his presence in the region, finishing the day at the Siab Bazaar, where you can try local street food and get lost amongst the colourful stalls.

Included:  Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel             

Day 7: Train to Tashkent

Today you’ll continue to enjoy the masterpieces of Samarkand, including the Ulugbek's Observatory, where you will be amazed by the Timurid dynasty's advanced understanding of astronomy. You’ll also visit the Old Paper Mill near Samarkand, where you’ll learn about the lost art of paper-making that was once famous throughout the East. After a morning of exploring, you’ll hop on the train to Tashkent, which is around a 2.5 hour journey. Enjoy your final evening in Uzbekistan – why not head out for a traditional meal, your guide will be able to recommend somewhere fantastic, where you can toast to a wonderful holiday in Uzbekistan.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, train tickets, 4* hotels     

Day 8: Fly to Phuket

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport for your flight to Phuket. On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, check in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 5* hotel                

Days 9 & 10: Phuket 

The next few days are free for you to spend as you choose. You’ll be staying at The Slate Hotel, right on the beach so you’ll be able to spend most of your time relaxing on the sands or snorkelling in the warm water. If you do fancy straying from the comfort of your hotel, why not hop in a taxi down to one of the busy beaches for a dinner of fresh seafood under the stars?

On Day 5, we’ve included a boat tour of the surrounding islands. You’ll be picked up at 8am and head off to discover the quiet and natural beauty of southern Thailand. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, jetting past spectacular limestone karsts that jut from the blue seas. Sit back and relax while you sail past Maya Bay, famous for the setting of the Hollywood film ‘The Beach’.

Continuing around the islands, you’ll visit Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach, with wide stretches of sand with swaying palm trees and colourful fish filling the water. During the day you’ll enjoy lunch at Tonsei Bay before spending the afternoon cruising around Bamboo Island, leaping from the boat to snorkel in the Andaman Sea.

Included: Breakfast, Phi Phi Islands day tour, 5* hotel                   

Day 11: Boat to Koh Lanta

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the pier to catch a ferry to Koh Lanta. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel and check in for four nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, ferry, 5* hotel     

Days 12 - 14: Koh Lanta

Spend your days enjoying one of Thailand’s unspoilt and laid-back islands. Whilst the nightlife here is quiet, the days are endlessly filled with delight. Taste delicious fresh seafood and spicy southern Thai cuisine at one of the many rustic beachfront bars located along the beach, or simply lie in a hammock with a book and smoothie in hand. You could hire a moped to get between the beaches and explore the old town, not to mention the island’s fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities.

You’ll be staying at Pimilai Resort, a spectacular hotel with nearly a kilometre of beachfront, set amongst a lush forest with wonderful views over the bay. Looking west, the hotel is blessed with vibrant sunsets, particularly beautiful from the Seven Seas restaurant looking over the water. Spend your time relaxing by the infinity pool, enjoying yoga classes or paddleboarding on the calm waters. We can even book a private dinner on the beach under the stars.                              

Included: Breakfast, 5* hotel     

Day 15: Depart Phuket

Today, you’ll enjoy your final breakfast in Koh Lanta before heading back to the mainland to Phuket Airport for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 5* hotel                 

Days 16: Arrive UK