What can BT&T Travellers expect on their tour of Uzbekistan?

Many layers of a long and fascinating history and a rich culture of the Silk Road and the melting pot of people.We learn the history of invasion from before Kublai Khan to more recent time when Russia dominated the area.Now, it is developing and changing while hanging on to cultural traditions that include a wonderful array of handcrafts.

Step out your door and you are in the midst of thriving market places, old trading domes, mosques, squares, madrassas and minarets covered in blue and turquoise tiles reflecting the light and life of the area.

 

 

What can BT&T Travellers expect on a textile tour of Uzbekistan?

We meet many wonderful Master artisans (in weaving, suzani and ceramics), some of whom have travelled and presented at the famous Sante Fe Folk Art Market.

Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the quality and volume of the work and leave caution behind – you will not be able to resist!

 

Can you tell me more about the style of tours BT&T offer?

Our small group travel is a perfect option for travellers keen to explore beyond the tourist track, and many are like minded in their dreams to travel this part of the Silk Road.

 

Accommodation is in boutique hotels throughout the trip, treating ourselves to a luxury hotel at the beginning and end.

Most meals are included in the tour.

 

In your opinion, what are the absolute ‘must-sees’ for a first time traveller to Uzbekistan?

Our guests tell us that our whole tour is complete with ‘must-see’ and must-do’s’ starting with the Fergana Valley with its embracing hospitality and fabulous textiles. Also the ancient walled city of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.

Is there anything travellers need to be aware of when travelling to Uzbekistan?

There are many WOW moments along the way, it is truly wonderful.

 

When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

Autumn is wonderful, the weather is constantly warm but can get a little cool towards the end of the season. Spring time! The flowers are beautiful and the pastures are greener after winter rain and snow.

 

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I recently returned from the Greek Islands – not Mykonos or Santorini, but a couple of islands in the Saronic archipelago which I had previously never heard of!

Click on the link below to listen to me chatting to Tim Webster on 2UE radio, about these authentic Greek islands.

https://omny.fm/shows/talking-travel/talking-travel-rosie-richardson-on-the-greek-islan

Spending 10 days on these relaxed Greek islands was just a dream. We spent our days swimming, reading, exploring on walking tracks, and eating fresh seafood and produce. Just heaven!

Agistri Beach

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Question: What happens when you take nine women to Croatia for a three week holiday?

Answer: Lots of walking, laughing, wine-drinking, boating, some singing and dancing… and a lot of fun!!!

Mosaic Travel doesn’t specifically operate women-only tours yet this one just turned out this way, and what a hoot we had! Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Venice, the tour lasted three weeks. Here are our highlights from the trip.

1. Walking through the Plitvice National Park

We changed the itinerary this year to avoid the tourist crush at the famous Plitvice Lakes, and we’re glad we did. Getting started early, we had the paths almost to ourselves and were treated with spectacular views of the lakes and waterfalls.

2. Pag Island

What a strange place! When we drove across the bridge to Pag, everyone was wondering why I was taking them here – it looked barren, dry and inhospitable! However the winery hotel where we spent two nights is like an oasis. Set amongst vineyards, with a pool, and not too far from a small beach, we enjoyed a very pleasant few days here. The food and wine at the on-site restaurant are top notch too.

3. Boating

A lot of people ask why this tour isn’t done by boat, and the reason is because we think it’s fantastic to enjoy different accommodation along the way, and have the freedom to explore local towns and villages on your own, rather than being stuck on a boat. Having said that, we certainly don’t miss out on boating, and spend plenty of time on the water!

Our favourite boating experience on the trip would have to be our day on the Elaphiti Islands with a huge wooden gulet which would hold 50 people, all to ourselves! We spent the morning exploring the small islands, before anchoring at a small but exquisite seafood restaurant for lunch with the Adriatic as our view.

On our last night in Croatia, we did a sunset cruise from Rovinj. We watched the spectacular sunset while tucking into a picnic feast, fresh from the markets. Now I’m not sure what was in the wine, but the evening ended in lots of dancing on the deck! A very quiet drive to Venice the following day, that’s for sure!

4. Food

If you’ve been on a Mosaic Tour, you know that food is a big part of our tours! Croatia is mostly on the coast so the seafood is fresh and abundant. They’re also well known for their cheese, cured meats (Istra ham) and truffles. Meal highlights would definitely include our 4 course truffle lunch near the Motovun truffle forest, and our Peka, meaning ‘cooked under the iron bell’ at Mr Dubokovic’s family home in Hvar. All washed down with local, light summer wines.

5. Dubrovnik

We start our tour in Dubrovnik, and yes, it is touristy, but it is very popular for a reason! Dubrovnik’s old town really is spectacular, with dramatic high walls surrounding it, the fortress looming overhead, and the narrow, cobbled laneways down below. We loved walking the city walls and exploring the back streets.

The tour this year was loved by all the women – you can read some of their reviews here . I will be leading this fabulous tour again in June and Sue will be leading it in September. Click here to check out the itinerary, or visit our tour page!

Rosie

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