Tashkent

Tashkent is a surprising city. Wide tree-lined boulevards sit side by side with imposing Soviet-era architecture. The city’s charms may not be immediately obvious, but spend a bit of time here and there are treasures to be discovered, such as the Khast Imam Complex which houses what is said to be the world oldest Qur’an. The lavishly decorated Soviet-era metro system is absolutely not to be missed, with each station modelled on a different theme, such as space. Tashkent also offers a great opportunity to take a break from the ubiquitous plov and manti, as there are some excellent restaurants offering more variety than in many smaller towns and cities.