Tashkent

Gateway city and capital of Uzbekistan, this fine metropolis offers visitors an easy-going yet sophisticated entry-point to the region, where a thriving restaurant, bar and café culture is set amongst nods to its silk road past and impressive neighboring sky-scrappers. Spend several days here to soak in its pleasant, well-kept surroundings, as city life passes by into the evenings before giving way to tranquil crickets chirping peacefully at night. And don’t forget to find the time to wander through the picturesque old town to the authentic Chorsu Bazaar and sample some excellent street-food or take what must be the world’s most beautiful metro to visit the presidential palace, opera house or famous squares, because in Tashkent you will start your visit with a delightful first stop.