Me in Registan Square, Samarkand

So! I have just got back from 2 x 2 week tours of Uzbekistan with Isha Sharma and Aahilya Holidays. Well, I have been back 2 weeks. It has taken me that long to settle back in after such a remarkable time with 2 fabulous groups. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed . . 

It is a weird feeling. I couldn't believe I was there, standing in front of those beautiful buildings. And when I got home I couldn't really believe I had been. To travel to a place you have always dreamed of visiting, but never, ever thought you would, it really was a dream come true.

And it looks as though a few more dreams will be coming true - Isha (owner of Aahilya Holidays) and I have planned all my trips from November 2025 to November 2026. Having spent the last month traveling together, we managed to get everything finalised. Istanbul, India, Morocco, Uzbekistan and Turkey. You can find all the links to the itineraries for all the trips on my new 'Travel' webpage on my website. Travel with Kim

I think the best way forward for me to write up these beautifully planned trips is to take them day by day. So starting next week I will be writing a weekly post on this blog. I should have all my images in order by then . . .

Here are a few images from both trips - 

Classic blue tile designs at Tash Khauli Palace in Khiva

Just one of the beautifully painted ceilings at Khudoyar Khan Palace in Kokand

Inspiring designs and colour ways on a suzani 

The Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent was one of the highlights of the tour for many of us. To see so many ancient artifacts in one place was a real privilege. 

We had so many great meals out as a group

All the restaurants we ate out in in the evenings were well chosen

Beautiful tile work and Islamic design
The beautiful repeat patterns of the arches

There was usually time for shopping, 4 of the group with their hats on!

Our guide Khursid made a perfectly planned tour even better. His knowledge of all things Islamic design, colour, history and so much more . . helped put everything we saw into context

Overlooking Khiva while we ate dinner on a rooftop terrace and watched the sun go down. Sigh!

The first group posing in the sunshine at Toprak Kala Fortress

How many excited girls can you get in a lift?

Girls just want to have fun - in Khiva!

***
 

My next trip is 7 nights in Istanbul November 2025. There are now 2 trips as the first one sold out.
One place that has become available on the original tour 3 - 10 November. If you are interested in snapping up the place, contact Aahilya holidays stating the dates and stating it is the first group.
The trip that is currently on the Aahilya Holiday website 10 - 17 November has 8 places left - so if you are tempted, don't leave it too long. Here is the link to the itinerary, as you can see, it will be a fascinating trip. https://www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/7921/-a-craft,-culture-&-architecture-tour-of-istanbul-with-kim-thittichai


More next week
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