Why Irene Plus Travel
Every journey has a beginning. Ours began long before travel became our profession.
The name Irène was born years before Irene Plus Travel existed as an idea. It was the name of a small but beloved handmade doll brand created by the mother of our founder. Her name was Irina, and “Irène” felt close, gentle, and slightly French in spirit, just like the delicate dolls, interior toys, and decorations she crafted with care. The brand became well known at craft fairs in Tashkent and carried her love for beauty, detail, and handmade stories.
Years later, after Irina passed away, the brand remained a quiet family memory. In 2019, when Mikhail decided to create a travel company built on his own vision, he spoke with his sister about reviving the name, not as it was, but as it could become. Thus, Irène Plus was born. “Plus” became the bridge between generations: a tribute to a mother’s creative spirit and the children’s vision of travel shaped around people, curiosity, and genuine experiences. Choosing this name also allowed us to step away from generic “Silk Road” labels and keep a name that carries memory, meaning, and individuality.
From the very beginning, Irene Plus Travel was never about selling tours. It was about creating something special: journeys crafted with the same care once given to handmade dolls. After the idea came friends who became partners, travelers who became believers, guides who became storytellers, accommodations that became long-term partners, and communities who brought the magic we now call real Uzbekistan experiences.
The road was not easy. Like many, we lived through the challenges of COVID and the years that followed. Yet those moments shaped us into what we are today: a Boutique Destination Management Company, deeply rooted in friendship, local knowledge, and sustainability in action. Our DNA is built on collaboration with people who know their home best and on creating experiences that feel personal, thoughtful, and human.
We listen: before, during, and after every journey. Over tea or coffee, through conversations and feedback, every voice matters. Reviews and suggestions are shared openly within the team, helping us constantly reshape our hospitality, routes, and venues. This is how our magic works.
We are still growing and learning, but one principle remains unchanged: we choose intimacy over scale. We do not aim to become a mass tour operator driven only by profit. We aim to stay close to our travelers, our partners, and our values.
Team Behind the Journeys
Behind every journey we create stand real people who shape ideas, manage details, solve challenges, and bring experiences to life. Irene Plus Travel is built on personalities, not departments. Each member of our team contributes their knowledge, care, and passion, ensuring that every trip runs smoothly while leaving space for spontaneity and genuine connection.
We invite you to meet the people behind the scenes and on the road, the ones who turn thoughtful planning into memorable journeys and help create the magic our travelers feel.
Mikhail
Creator of all FIT journeys, Mikhail brings MICE-level care and precision to individual travel. His experience with corporate clients inspired him to design flexible, tailor-made experiences rooted in his deep love for Central Asia, its people, stories and food.
Veronika
Mikhail’s sister and the backbone of our operations, Veronica ensures legal compliance, timely tax management and smooth internal processes, creating a respectful working environment where every detail is properly handled.
Botir
Botir joined Irene Plus Travel first as a loyal traveler and later became a partner. His strong passion for FIT travel drives continuous quality control and the ongoing improvement of our service standards.
Gulnoza
With strong experience in social and media projects, Gulnoza opens doors to new venues and partnerships while carefully managing bookings and helping expand our geographic reach and range of travel experiences.
Farrukh
A partner in our Sufi Heritage project in Hovand, Farrukhkhon supports sales, partnerships and strategic development, helping Irene Plus Travel grow thoughtfully while strengthening sustainable and long-term initiatives.
Lily
Lily is our long-term partner and representative in China, leading negotiations, developing FIT and educational groups across Central Asia, and supporting tour leadership with strong market expertise.
Gevorg
Our star guide for Chinese-speaking guests, Gevorg brings immersive, story-driven travel to life, leading our journeys across Central Asia with deep knowledge, cultural sensitivity and a genuine connection to each destination.
Lola
Lola is our leading guide, combining deep knowledge with warm personal connection. She quickly becomes a trusted friend to our travelers, intuitively understanding what guests truly want to see, hear and experience along the journey.
Kamal
Kamal is a highly knowledgeable guide from Karakalpakstan, deeply connected to his home region. With him, our journeys to Nukus and the Aral Sea are always professional, insightful and engaging for every traveler.
Nilufar
Nilufar is our star guide in Bukhara, with deep historical and local knowledge. Trained by the region’s finest senior guides, she immerses travelers not only in the city’s unique history but also in its rich Sufi heritage.
Ulugbek
Born in Kokand and now based in Tashkent, Ulugbek has deep knowledge of Fergana Valley traditions, unique venues, craft centers, and silk and ceramic production, which form the heart of our craft and heritage tours.
Shakhzoda
Shakhzoda is our star guide for the sustainable Mahalla tour in Tashkent. As a local, she knows traditions and everyday life deeply, immersing travelers into the authentic world of Old Tashkent’s living neighborhoods.
Alongside our core team, we work with an extended family of freelance guides, transport partners, skilled drivers, private hosts, selected hotels, artisans, craft makers, technical assistants, and local communities. Their dedication, professionalism, and love for their homeland turn every journey into something more than a trip – an experience of belonging.
Join us on this journey, become our guest, and, as many already have, our friend.
Welcome to Irene Plus Travel!
