CENTRAL ASIA STOPOVERS
Don’t just change planes.
There's another journey you could have along the way.
Planning a trip to Europe, China, Japan or further afield?
Depending on your route, you could spend a few days in Central Asia on the way there or back.
Imagine breaking up a long journey with two nights in Tashkent, taking the fast train to Samarkand, or spending a few days in Almaty with the mountains on your doorstep.
These are fascinating places in their own right, and you don't necessarily need another two-week holiday to experience them.
I can help you work out whether a Central Asian stop makes sense, how to fit it into your flights and what to do with the time you have.
A FEW DAYS SOMEHWERE DIFFERENT
Where could your stopover take you?
Tashkent
1 - 2 days
Explore the city's remarkable metro stations, wander through Chorsu Bazaar and enjoy an excellent dinner. If the timing works, catch a performance at the Alisher Navoi Theatre.
Tashkent + Samarkand
3 - 4 days
Take the fast train to Samarkand and spend a night among some of Central Asia's most extraordinary architecture. Return to Tashkent in time for your onward flight.
Almaty
2 - 4 days
Spend time in Almaty's leafy centre, eat extremely well and get into the mountains — or head to Charyn Canyon if your schedule allows.
Some stopovers fit naturally with your flights. Others are worth planning into the route deliberately. I can help you explore the options before you book.
A DIFFERENT WAY TO TRAVEL
You're going a long way. Why not see somewhere else as well?
A long-haul journey doesn't have to be simply about getting from one destination to another.
If you're heading to Europe, or planning time in China or Japan, it's worth considering whether you could include a few days somewhere completely different.
You might spend a couple of nights enjoying Tashkent's markets, restaurants and remarkable metro, or allow a little longer to reach Samarkand. Almaty offers another possibility, with a lively city and beautiful mountains nearby.
Sometimes it's an easy addition to your plans. Sometimes it means choosing a different flight route or allowing a few extra days.
I'll help you work out whether it's worth doing, rather than trying to make a stopover fit where it doesn't.
BUILT AROUND YOUR FLIGHTS
I work out what fits.
You might already have your flights booked, or you might still be working out how to get to Europe, China or Japan.
Either way, we can look at whether a few days in Central Asia would make sense.
I'll consider the flight connections, how much time you have, where you'd like to go and what can realistically fit.
Sometimes two nights in Tashkent will be enough. Sometimes there's time to take the fast train to Samarkand, or spend a few days in Almaty.
And sometimes the extra flights or travel time simply won't be worthwhile. I'll tell you that too.
I've travelled through these places myself, so my recommendations are based on what you can actually enjoy in the time available, not just what looks possible on a map.
What your plan can include?
I'll help you make the most of the time you have, whether that's one day in Tashkent or several days exploring further.
How much I arrange depends on the level of support you choose.
Where you’ll stay
Hotels chosen for location, comfort and convenience
Advice on which neighbourhood suits your visit
Airport transfers and arrival arrangements
Restaurant recommendations
What you'll do
A personalised itinerary
Sights and experiences worth your time
Local guides and interesting places to eat
Time to explore without a schedule
What needs booking in advance
Making it work
Flight and connection considerations
Train tickets and onward transport
Realistic travel times
Luggage arrangements
Entry requirements and other practical details
You'll receive a written plan with the information you need, and booking assistance if that's part of the service you've chosen.
HOW IT WORKS
Three simple steps.
01. Tell me where you're going
Let me know your main destination, approximate dates, who's travelling and whether you've booked your flights.
Tell me how much extra time you might have and what interests you.
02. We'll work out what's possible
I'll help you consider whether a stopover would suit your route and how much time would make it worthwhile.
We'll agree on the arrangements you'd like me to make and the planning fee before work begins.
03. I'll put it together
I'll design your stopover around the time available, with places to stay, things to do and the practical information you need.
Depending on the service you choose, I can also help with bookings and arrangements, or provide support while you're travelling.
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL OF SUPPORT
Choose how much you’d like me to handle.
Plan it for me.
From NZ$295
A personalised stopover plan, including where to stay, what to see, how to get around and what to book.
You'll receive the itinerary and booking information to make your own arrangements.
Plan it and book it.
From NZ$595
Your personalised itinerary, plus help arranging accommodation, transport, local guides and experiences.
I'll coordinate the agreed bookings so the different parts of your stopover work together.
Plan, book and support.
From NZ$995
Everything included in the booking service, with additional personal support from me during your stopover for questions or unexpected changes.
We'll agree in advance what support is included and how to contact me.
These are starting planning fees for straightforward stopovers for up to two travellers. Longer visits, more complex arrangements and larger groups are quoted individually.
Flights, accommodation, transport, activities and other supplier costs are additional. I'll confirm the planning fee and what's included before we begin.
READY TO TRAVEL FURTHER?
Let's make something of your stopover.
Perhaps you're planning a trip to Europe and wondering whether you could see Uzbekistan along the way.
Or perhaps you're coming home through Asia and have a few extra days to spend somewhere interesting.
You don't need to have your flights booked.
Tell me where you're going, roughly when you're travelling and how much time you might have. I'll help you work out whether a Central Asian stopover makes sense.