Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Uzbekistan, beginning in the legendary city of Samarkand. Here, the stunning Registan Square and the majestic Bibi Khanym Mosque evoke the grandeur of the Silk Road. Continue to Bukhara, a city steeped in history, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and bustling bazaars. Finally, step into the timeless charm of Khiva, a living museum with its ancient walls and the magnificent Tosh Hovli Palace. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Uzbekistan’s rich heritage and enduring allure.
Highlights:
Tashkent, Registan Square, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Bukhara, Poi Kalyan complex, Khiva, Tosh Hovli Palace, Kalta Minar
Major Cities/Towns/Islands:
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Urgench
Variety of Transport:
Bus/Van, trains
Activity:
Easy: Walks in the towns and bazaars. Short walks through world heritage sites and monuments.
Unique Local Experiences:Learn from the stunning architecture and intricate tile work of the three madrasahs in Registan Square. Explore the remains of one of the greatest astronomical observatories of the medieval period. Take a guided tour through the living museum of Khiva, with its well-preserved monuments and fortified walls. Discover the rich history and culture of this land, guided by locals.
Day-01 Arrive Taskent
Day-02 Tashkent – Samarkand by Train
Day-03 Samarkand
Day-04 Samarkand – Bukhara by Train
Day-05 Bukhara
Day-06 Bukhara – Khiva
Day-07 Khiva
Day-08 Khiva – Departure
Details
Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent
Upon arrival in Tashkent, receive a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel for an immediate check-in. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, starting with the Applied Arts Museum, housed in the former residence of Imperial Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev. Visit the Khast Imam Complex, which includes the Barak Khan Madrassah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Kaffal Shashiy Mausoleum, and the revered Holy Koran. Stroll through Chorsu Bazaar, one of the most authentic markets in Uzbekistan, before exploring Kukaldosh Madrassah, the largest in Tashkent. Conclude the day with a visit to the city's ornate metro stations. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent to Samarkand (By Train)
Board the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand and embark on a city tour upon arrival. Stand in awe at Registan Square, once a bustling medieval commercial hub, and enjoy a mini concert and lecture on national musical instruments at Sherdor Madrassah. Visit the Happy Bird Craft Center to meet local artisans before exploring the impressive Bibi Khanym Mosque. Experience the vibrant Siyob Bazaar, then continue to Shah-i-Zinda, an avenue of mausoleums known for its rich tile work. The day ends with visits to the Afrosiyob Museum and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane). Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 3: Samarkand
Begin the day at the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the finest in the Islamic world. Explore the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum, believed to be the resting place of Saint Daniel, and admire the Hazrat Hizr Mosque. At Khudjum Carpet Factory, witness the intricate process of silk carpet weaving. Visit the historic Kalantarov House Museum before enjoying an optional wine tasting at Khovrenko Wine Factory. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4: Samarkand to Bukhara (By Train)
Take the morning Afrosiyob train to Bukhara and start exploring upon arrival. Wander through the Labi Hauz complex, featuring an architectural ensemble of madrassahs surrounding a historic reservoir. Visit the city's Jewish Synagogue, a testament to Bukhara’s multicultural heritage, before exploring Magoki Attori Mosque, an ancient pre-Islamic temple. Discover the lively Trade Domes and visit the traditional Bozori Kord Khammam (a 14th-century sauna). Admire the grandeur of the Poi Kalyan complex, which includes the towering Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Miri Arab Madrassah. In the evening, attend a folk show at Nodir Devon Begi (subject to availability). Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 5: Bukhara
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara’s historical sites, beginning at the Naqshbandiy Complex, a revered Sufi center. Visit the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khossa, the summer palace of Bukhara’s last emir. Explore the Chor Bakr Necropolis and the grand Kogon Palace, built to honor a visit by the Russian Tsar. Gain insight into traditional Bukharian life at the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum. Enjoy free time to further explore the city’s ancient alleys before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara to Ayaz Kala and Khiva
Travel through the Kyzylkum Desert to visit the ancient fortresses of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala, remnants of the once-mighty Khorezm civilization. Take a photo stop at the Amudaryo River before continuing to Khiva. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest for the night. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 7: Khiva
Explore the breathtaking Ichan Kala, a well-preserved inner fortress. Enter through Ata Darvaza, one of its four grand gates, and admire the 19th-century Madrasah of Allakuli Khan. Visit the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and gaze at the unfinished yet stunning Kalta Minar. Step inside the Kunya Ark, the residence of Khiva’s rulers, and visit the Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah. Walk through the Juma Mosque, supported by 213 intricately carved wooden pillars. Experience the grandeur of Tosh Hovli Palace before admiring the Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah. Conclude with a visit to the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, dedicated to a famous poet and wrestler of the 14th century. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 8: Khiva to Urgench – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Urgench airport for departure. If time permits, take one last stroll through the historic streets of Khiva before bidding farewell to Uzbekistan.
This immersive journey through Uzbekistan offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable local experiences, making it a truly enriching travel adventure.
Embark on a captivating journey through Uzbekistan, beginning in the legendary city of Samarkand. Here, the stunning Registan Square and the majestic Bibi Khanym Mosque evoke the grandeur of the Silk Road. Continue to Bukhara, a city steeped in history, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and bustling bazaars. Finally, step into the timeless charm of Khiva, a living museum with its ancient walls and the magnificent Tosh Hovli Palace. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Uzbekistan’s rich heritage and enduring allure.
Highlights:
Tashkent, Registan Square, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Bukhara, Poi Kalyan complex, Khiva, Tosh Hovli Palace, Kalta Minar
Major Cities/Towns/Islands:
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Urgench
Variety of Transport:
Bus/Van, trains
Activity:
Easy: Walks in the towns and bazaars. Short walks through world heritage sites and monuments.
Unique Local Experiences:Learn from the stunning architecture and intricate tile work of the three madrasahs in Registan Square. Explore the remains of one of the greatest astronomical observatories of the medieval period. Take a guided tour through the living museum of Khiva, with its well-preserved monuments and fortified walls. Discover the rich history and culture of this land, guided by locals.
Day-01 Arrive Taskent
Day-02 Tashkent – Samarkand by Train
Day-03 Samarkand
Day-04 Samarkand – Bukhara by Train
Day-05 Bukhara
Day-06 Bukhara – Khiva
Day-07 Khiva
Day-08 Khiva – Departure
Details
Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent
Upon arrival in Tashkent, receive a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel for an immediate check-in. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, starting with the Applied Arts Museum, housed in the former residence of Imperial Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev. Visit the Khast Imam Complex, which includes the Barak Khan Madrassah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Kaffal Shashiy Mausoleum, and the revered Holy Koran. Stroll through Chorsu Bazaar, one of the most authentic markets in Uzbekistan, before exploring Kukaldosh Madrassah, the largest in Tashkent. Conclude the day with a visit to the city's ornate metro stations. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent to Samarkand (By Train)
Board the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand and embark on a city tour upon arrival. Stand in awe at Registan Square, once a bustling medieval commercial hub, and enjoy a mini concert and lecture on national musical instruments at Sherdor Madrassah. Visit the Happy Bird Craft Center to meet local artisans before exploring the impressive Bibi Khanym Mosque. Experience the vibrant Siyob Bazaar, then continue to Shah-i-Zinda, an avenue of mausoleums known for its rich tile work. The day ends with visits to the Afrosiyob Museum and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane). Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 3: Samarkand
Begin the day at the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the finest in the Islamic world. Explore the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum, believed to be the resting place of Saint Daniel, and admire the Hazrat Hizr Mosque. At Khudjum Carpet Factory, witness the intricate process of silk carpet weaving. Visit the historic Kalantarov House Museum before enjoying an optional wine tasting at Khovrenko Wine Factory. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4: Samarkand to Bukhara (By Train)
Take the morning Afrosiyob train to Bukhara and start exploring upon arrival. Wander through the Labi Hauz complex, featuring an architectural ensemble of madrassahs surrounding a historic reservoir. Visit the city's Jewish Synagogue, a testament to Bukhara’s multicultural heritage, before exploring Magoki Attori Mosque, an ancient pre-Islamic temple. Discover the lively Trade Domes and visit the traditional Bozori Kord Khammam (a 14th-century sauna). Admire the grandeur of the Poi Kalyan complex, which includes the towering Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Miri Arab Madrassah. In the evening, attend a folk show at Nodir Devon Begi (subject to availability). Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 5: Bukhara
Spend a full day exploring Bukhara’s historical sites, beginning at the Naqshbandiy Complex, a revered Sufi center. Visit the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khossa, the summer palace of Bukhara’s last emir. Explore the Chor Bakr Necropolis and the grand Kogon Palace, built to honor a visit by the Russian Tsar. Gain insight into traditional Bukharian life at the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum. Enjoy free time to further explore the city’s ancient alleys before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara to Ayaz Kala and Khiva
Travel through the Kyzylkum Desert to visit the ancient fortresses of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala, remnants of the once-mighty Khorezm civilization. Take a photo stop at the Amudaryo River before continuing to Khiva. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest for the night. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 7: Khiva
Explore the breathtaking Ichan Kala, a well-preserved inner fortress. Enter through Ata Darvaza, one of its four grand gates, and admire the 19th-century Madrasah of Allakuli Khan. Visit the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and gaze at the unfinished yet stunning Kalta Minar. Step inside the Kunya Ark, the residence of Khiva’s rulers, and visit the Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah. Walk through the Juma Mosque, supported by 213 intricately carved wooden pillars. Experience the grandeur of Tosh Hovli Palace before admiring the Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah. Conclude with a visit to the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, dedicated to a famous poet and wrestler of the 14th century. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 8: Khiva to Urgench – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Urgench airport for departure. If time permits, take one last stroll through the historic streets of Khiva before bidding farewell to Uzbekistan.
This immersive journey through Uzbekistan offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable local experiences, making it a truly enriching travel adventure.