We flew with Turkish Airlines to Uzbekistan, from London Heathrow to Istanbul, with a convenient connecting flight to Tashkent. We flew in the Economy cabin, but Turkish also fully flat beds in Business Class on 3 of their daily flights from Heathrow to Istanbul, using wide bodied long haul aircraft. There was a great variety of inflight entertainment including movies and games. It was also a great surprise to have a full meal service on both of our four-hour long flights, which meant we arrived at our destination refreshed and ready to explore.

The trip we took with Intrepid - Premium Uzbekistan - guarantees premium accommodation, experiences and knowledge. With many meals and all our sightseeing included, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to know that they're in safe hands throughout. Our guide had over twenty-five years’ experience, guiding visitors around his home country, using five different languages. There were no questions that he couldn't answer, going above and beyond to enhance our trip.

One of the things we appreciated was the flexibility. We managed to tailor our tour along the way with extra visits to see the metro in Tashkent and make visits to additional mosques.

Overview: Tashkent is Uzbekistan's capital city and key international gateway, and we were met with an included arrival transfer to our hotel. On our first day we visited the immense Khast Imom Complex; a part of the city with many historic mausoleums, museums, mosques and madrasas. It was our introduction to the country's beautiful brick buildings and bright blue mosaic designs. Then we were off to the market - the domed Chorsu Bazaar - to mingle with locals and taste one of Uzbekistan's most popular snacks: samsa, a tandoor-baked meat-filled pastry.

Interesting fact: This 'City of Stone' is the most populous in Central Asia!

Highlight: My personal highlight was seeing the 'Courage' monument dedicated to the city's rebuilding efforts following a major earthquake in 1966.

Overview: Our first stop in Samarkand was the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a sprawling complex of mausoleums set along a narrow, mosaic-lined pathway. As a welcome respite from city sightseeing, we also had the opportunity to visit a nearby village where we saw traditional ceramics and paper-making. A highlight for many on our trip was the visit to the Bagizagan Winery, a historic wine producer, where we learned about the process of winemaking and enjoyed a tasting. In the evening we explored Registan Square, where you're surrounded by ornate madrasas on three sides. We were even lucky enough to experience a nighttime light show projected onto the buildings.

Interesting fact: There is a brand-new high-speed Afrosiab train which allowed us to reach the ancient capital of Samarkand from Tashkent in just two hours.

Highlight: Seeing the sun hit the ceramic tiles, painted patterns and carvings in Shah-i-Zinda, their vibrant colours contrasting with the bright blue sky.

Overview: Conveniently connected to Samarkand by train, we reached Bukhara in the late morning. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we started with a walking tour, beginning with the elaborately carved Ismail Samani Mausoleum and heading towards the imposing Ark of Bukhara at the centre of the old city. A standout aspect of our time in Bukhara was our included evening meal, which took place in a former madrasa and included a folklore music and dance performance while we ate.

Interesting fact: The Ark of Bukhara fortress has its origin in the 5th Century and was inhabited until the early 20th Century when Soviet Russia invaded.

Highlight: Our ‘Feature Stay’, at Hotel Marhaba Boutique was my personal highlight. It's a 16th Century converted madrasah, lovingly refurbished with suites set around the internal courtyard.

Overview: Our journey to Khiva began with a long journey through the Kyzl-kum desert in the minibus. We were glad to find that our hotel was so close to the sights in the Old City, as it allowed for easy exploring the next day. Like Bukhara, the Old City of Khiva is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, full to the brim of historic palaces, fortresses, mosques and minarets. Most famous of them all is the imposing Kalta Minor Minaret, which is decorated all over with shades of bright blue patterned tiles.

Interesting fact: Legend has it that the city of Khiva was built around a single well called Kheyvak in the 5th Century BC.

Highlight: We loved the cooking demonstration with a local woman in Khiva, who grew up and raised her family and built their restaurant all within the same neighbourhood inside the Old City.

Uzbekistan, an increasingly popular touring destination, is a unique combination of the many cultures and peoples who have travelled through Central Asia. From Mongolia and Persia to Soviet Russia, conquests and the Silk Road trade have shaped the country's architecture, society and culture.

Overall, we found our Intrepid tour to be a well-paced introduction to our first country on the Silk Road and have returned home inspired for our next journey east. While Uzbekistan is beginning to feature more and more on travel itineraries, we still felt like we had explored a hidden gem. I highly recommended saying salom to Uzbekistan!