Itchan Kala Khiva

Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of Khiva, an oasis city in the desert of western Uzbekistan. Inside its mud-brick ramparts are dozens of mosques, madrasahs, palaces and houses, most from the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was the first place in Uzbekistan to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its emblem is the Kalta Minor, a broad, unfinished minaret wrapped in turquoise and green tiles. Walk the walls at sunset, climb the Islam Khoja Minaret for a view over the rooftops, and step into the Tash Hauli palace to see its carved wooden columns and blue-tiled courtyards.

Khiva is a long way from the other cities, reached by a short flight to Urgench or by train, so allow at least one night. Staying inside the walls lets you see the town quiet in the early morning and evening.