Chris Bradley and our two local guides made a fantastically informative team and taught us a huge amount about the history, politics and culture of the region. The architecture was dazzling, the desert scenery wonderful and the people friendly and hospitable.  Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara were as beautiful and as romantic as their names suggest, but the revelation for me was Turkmenistan, an intriguing country at a political and economic crossroads. Altogether, it was an unforgettable experience, one of my top favourites of all the Explore trips I've done, despite the tedium of the border crossings and the upset stomachs. My advice is to take extra passport photos and Immodium; you'll probably need them.  And be prepared to use your elbows when you arrive at Tashkent Airport, a chaotic place where queuing is an alien concept. (SUZ - 1st October 2010)

There were many many highlights. In particular the beautiful mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs. The stunning architecture and beautiful decorations of many Islamic buildings. I also enjoyed the overnight train journey.  Unexpected: that so many people in my group got sick.  The long delays getting in and out of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - the bureaucracy.  Advice: be prepared for the long drives through uninspiring countryside. Be aware of the costs for the visas. Check on the temperatures BEFORE you go! (SUZ -1st October 2010)