Destinations Gateway Theatre

Silk Road of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Sophie highlights Central Asia’s two most popular and contrasting destinations. Whereas Uzbekistan dazzles with its magnificent monuments in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a vibrant, mostly urban contemporary culture, Kyrgyzstan’s appeal is in its pristine natural wonders and nomadic heritage. Both countries offer visa-free travel and a warm welcome to British visitors, and can be visited individually or on a twin-centre itinerary.

Sophie Ibbotson is an expert on Central Asia, who has worked in the region since 2008. She is the founder of tourism and cultural heritage consultancy Maximum Exposure, and has worked with the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to develop and promote tourism in the region. Sophie is the author of six guidebooks for Bradt Travel Guides and is a tour leader for Travel the Unknown.