DURATION: 11 or 15 nights

BEST FOR: Cultural immersion

PACE: Moderate

Explore Uzbekistan

Journey through the heart of Uzbekistan, where the legendary Silk Road once connected East and West, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of grand cities, magnificent Islamic architecture and centuries-old traditions. From the lively bazaars of Tashkent to the dazzling blue domes of Samarkand, the medieval streets of Bukhara and the fairy-tale citadel of Khiva, every stop reveals another chapter of one of the world's oldest civilisations.

Travelling by high-speed train and private vehicle, this carefully curated journey combines fascinating history, authentic local culture and unforgettable landscapes for an extraordinary adventure through one of Central Asia's most captivating destinations. 

Choose the itinerary that suits you best:

11-night tour: 

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent

Day 2: Tashkent

Day 3: Tashkent → Samarkand

Days 4-5: Samarkand

Day 6: Samarkand → Bukhara

Days 7-8: Bukhara

Day 9: Bukhara → Khiva

Days 10-11: Khiva

Day 12: Departure from Urgench

15-night tour: 

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent

Day 2: Tashkent → Fergana Valley

Days 3-4: Fergana Valley

Day 5: Fergana Valley → Tashkent

Day 6: Tashkent → Samarkand

Days 7-8: Samarkand

Day 9: Samarkand → Bukhara

Days 10-12: Bukhara

Day 13: Bukhara → Khiva

Days 14-15: Khiva

Day 16: Departure from Urgench

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TASHKENT

Welcome to Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, where broad boulevards, leafy parks and centuries of history create a fascinating introduction to Central Asia. After your private transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or begin discovering the city's unique blend of Soviet architecture, Islamic heritage and contemporary life

Included:

• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for all transfers and excursions
• Night in Tashkent

DAY 2: TASHKENT

Discover the many faces of Tashkent during a full-day guided tour of Uzbekistan's fascinating capital. Wander through historic madrasas and traditional neighbourhoods, admire the elegant Romanov Palace, visit the Holy Assumption Cathedral, browse the colourful stalls of Chorsu Bazaar and discover Independence Square, where modern Uzbekistan meets its rich past.

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Night in Tashkent

DAY 3: TASHKENT → SAMARKAND

This morning, board the high-speed Afrosiyob train and travel comfortably to the legendary city of Samarkand, one of the greatest jewels of the Silk Road. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

Included:

• Breakfast
• High-speed Afrosiyob train between Tashkent and Samarkand
• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for transfers
• Night in Samarkand

DAY 4: SAMARKAND

Today, delve into the remarkable legacy of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road and the former capital of the Timurid Empire. Explore the magnificent Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where intricately decorated mausoleums create one of Uzbekistan's most breathtaking architectural ensembles. Continue to the Afrasiab Museum before visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a testament to the city's extraordinary scientific achievements during the 15th century.

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Night in Samarkand

DAY 5: SAMARKAND

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TASHKENT

Welcome to Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, where broad boulevards, leafy parks and centuries of history create a fascinating introduction to Central Asia. After your private transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or begin discovering the city's unique blend of Soviet architecture, Islamic heritage and contemporary life

Included:

• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for all transfers and excursions
• Night in Tashkent

DAY 2: TASHKENT → FERGANA VALLEY

Begin the day with a guided exploration of Tashkent, discovering the city's fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life. Visit historic madrasas, admire the elegant Romanov Palace, browse the colourful Chorsu Bazaar and explore the city's principal landmarks before heading to the railway station. This afternoon, board the train to the Fergana Valley, a region celebrated for its fertile landscapes, craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening.

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for transfers
• Night in Fergana Valley

DAY 3: FERGANA VALLEY

Today, travel to Kokand, once the flourishing capital of the Kokand Khanate. Accompanied by your guide, discover the magnificent Khudayar Khan Palace, admire the historic Juma Mosque and wander through the atmospheric old town, where centuries of Silk Road history still echo through its streets. Return to Fergana for the evening

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Night in Fergana Valley

DAY 4: FERGANA VALLEY

Continue exploring the fascinating Fergana Valley with an excursion to Andijan, birthplace of the legendary ruler Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. Continue to Khouva, where traces of ancient Silk Road civilisations and early Buddhist heritage reveal another side of Uzbekistan's remarkable cultural history before returning to your hotel

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Night in Fergana Valley

DAY 5: FERGANA VALLEY → TASHKENT

Your final day in the Fergana Valley is dedicated to its renowned artisan traditions. Visit Rishtan, famous throughout Central Asia for its distinctive blue-glazed ceramics, before continuing to Margilan, where master craftsmen continue the centuries-old art of silk weaving. After visiting local workshops, board the train back to Tashkent, where you'll spend the night.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for transfers
• Night in Fergana Valley

DAY 6: TASHKENT → SAMARKAND

This morning, board the high-speed Afrosiyob train and travel comfortably to the legendary city of Samarkand, one of the greatest jewels of the Silk Road. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

Included:

• Breakfast
• High-speed Afrosiyob train between Tashkent and Samarkand
• Private driver and air-conditioned sedan for transfers
• Night in Samarkand

DAY 7: SAMARKAND

Today, delve into the remarkable legacy of Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road and the former capital of the Timurid Empire. Explore the magnificent Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where intricately decorated mausoleums create one of Uzbekistan's most breathtaking architectural ensembles. Continue to the Afrasiab Museum before visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a testament to the city's extraordinary scientific achievements during the 15th century.

Included:

• Breakfast
• English-speaking guide during excursions
• Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments included
• Night in Samarkand

DAY 8: SAMARKAND

Throughout your journey, you will stay in carefully selected 4* hotels, combining comfort, authentic local character and convenient locations for exploring Uzbekistan's legendary Silk Road cities.

Your 4* hotels (or similar):

Tashkent: The Elements, Median Town

Samarkand: Zilol Baxt Hotel, Emir Han or Medina Hotel

Bukhara: Ramada Encore Bukhara

Khiva: Arda Turan or Lazgi Hotel

Fergana Valley (15-night itinerary only): Grand Fergana

If any of the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be accommodated in hotels of a similar standard. Local standards apply.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Add an unlimited mobile data plan to stay connected with complete freedom, without any risk of exceeding your allowance. Activate your eSIM and enjoy continuous connectivity wherever you go: share the internet with your loved ones, find the best places around you, use your GPS without stress and enjoy your favourite apps to the full, without worrying about your usage.

Tashkent is where ancient Silk Road charm meets modern Central Asian dynamism. As Uzbekistan’s capital, this vibrant city surprises visitors with its unique fusion of Soviet-era architecture, gleaming new developments, and quiet traditional neighbourhoods. Tree-lined avenues, bustling bazaars, and cultural treasures coexist in a compelling contrast that makes Tashkent a destination like no other.

 
Must-sees:

• Chorsu Bazaar – Wander through this colourful market under its iconic blue dome and browse fresh produce, fragrant spices, and handmade textiles.
• Museum of Applied Arts – A treasure trove of Uzbek craftsmanship, housed in a former palace with intricate carved ceilings and mosaic detailing.
• Khast Imam Complex – A spiritual and architectural highlight, this historic religious site is home to the world’s oldest known Quran.
• Tashkent Metro – Not just transport, but a subterranean art gallery, with each station showcasing elaborate Soviet and Uzbek designs.
• Broadway Street (Sailgokh) – A popular pedestrian avenue perfect for evening strolls, street performances, and local street food.

 
Culinary culture:

Tashkent’s food scene is hearty and generous. Start your day with non, the round Uzbek bread baked in clay ovens, or savour plov, the national rice dish simmered with lamb and carrots. Don’t miss out on manti, juicy steamed dumplings, or shashlik, skewered meat grilled to perfection. Tea culture is strong here — settle in at a local chaikhana for green tea and sweet halva.

Dive deeper:

Beyond the city’s bustle lies a more tranquil Tashkent. Traditional mahallas (neighbourhoods) still preserve a slower pace of life, where elders gather under mulberry trees and children play in cobbled courtyards. For those craving adventure, Ugam-Chatkal National Park is a short drive away — a paradise of alpine lakes, pine forests, and snowy peaks, ideal for hiking, rafting, or skiing depending on the season. Back in town, attend a performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, a grand Soviet-era venue with world-class productions.

Good to know:

Tashkent is a year-round destination with a dry, continental climate — spring and autumn are especially pleasant. The Uzbek som (UZS) is the local currency, and metro rides cost mere pennies. The city is very safe and walkable, and English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas. Respect for local customs, especially in older districts, goes a long way — modest dress and a friendly “Salom!” are always appreciated.

Nestled in the heart of Uzbekistan, Samarkand is one of the most legendary cities of the Silk Road, where history, myth, and architectural grandeur converge. Once a flourishing hub of trade and culture, it became the glittering capital of Timur (Tamerlane), whose legacy still defines the city’s breathtaking skyline. Today, Samarkand blends a modern urban rhythm with an ancient soul, offering a journey through some of Central Asia’s most awe-inspiring monuments.

Must-sees / Must-do:

• Registan Square: The city’s iconic centrepiece, framed by three monumental madrasahs adorned with intricate turquoise mosaics.
• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: The final resting place of Timur, known for its striking azure dome and opulent interiors.
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque: Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, it is still commanding in scale and beauty.
• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis: A mesmerising avenue of richly decorated mausoleums, often considered the jewel of Islamic architecture.
• Siab Bazaar: A lively local market offering spices, dried fruits, bread, and everyday Samarkand life.

Culinary culture:

Samarkand’s cuisine reflects its Silk Road heritage, with generous, aromatic dishes designed for sharing. Expect richly flavoured plov, grilled shashlik, lagman noodles, and freshly baked naan from traditional tandoor ovens. Local teahouses provide a relaxed setting to experience Uzbek hospitality at its most authentic.

Dive deeper:

Beyond its headline monuments, Samarkand reveals layers of living history. Wander between grand squares and quiet neighbourhoods where daily life unfolds against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture. As the sun sets, Registan Square becomes particularly magical, its illuminated madrasahs glowing against the night sky, evoking the city’s former glory as a crossroads of empires.

Good to know:

Samarkand is easily explored over two to three days, with most major sights close together. The city is well connected by high-speed rail and is often combined with Bukhara and Khiva on classic Silk Road itineraries. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing.

A living museum wrapped in desert light, Bukhara is Central Asia’s spiritual heart and one of the region’s most enchanting destinations. With more than two millennia of history beneath its feet, this city of domes and minarets offers a glimpse into a time when caravans crossed great empires and scholars debated beneath mosaic-clad arches. Revered for its Islamic architecture and timeless atmosphere, Bukhara is where Uzbekistan’s soul quietly whispers through its sandstone streets.

Must-sees:

• Ark Fortress – Once the royal residence of Bukhara’s emirs, this colossal citadel stands as a symbol of the city’s might and grandeur.
• Po-i-Kalyan Ensemble – A majestic complex featuring the iconic Kalyan Minaret, so beautiful it was spared by Genghis Khan.
• Lyab-i Hauz – A leafy square built around a tranquil pool, framed by elegant madrasas and buzzing with cafés and craft stalls.
• Samanid Mausoleum – One of Central Asia’s oldest Islamic monuments, this 10th-century marvel is built entirely of baked brick.
• Trading Domes (Toki Sarrafon, Toki Telpak Furushon, Toki Zargaron) – Atmospheric remnants of a once-thriving Silk Road bazaar.

Culinary culture:

Bukhara’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition. Start with shurpa, a rich lamb soup with root vegetables, before sampling bukhara plov, a local variation of the famed rice dish made with raisins and chickpeas. Sip chay under mulberry trees at a teahouse, accompanied by samsa — flaky pastries stuffed with spiced meat or pumpkin. Many old caravanserais now house elegant restaurants where ancient recipes meet refined presentation.

Dive deeper:

The magic of Bukhara lies in its stillness. Wake early to wander its quiet lanes, where turquoise domes catch the rising sun and the call to prayer echoes softly through the air. Stay in a restored caravanserai or a family-run guesthouse with carved wooden ceilings and leafy courtyards, and you’ll find the hospitality here as memorable as the history. Don’t miss the chance to meet local artisans — from silk weavers and metalworkers to miniature painters — whose crafts have been passed down through generations. In the evening, head to Lyab-i Hauz to watch the city wind down, with locals gathered over tea, laughter, and stories that stretch across centuries.

Good to know:

Bukhara is best explored on foot — the old city is compact and full of hidden gems. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. Local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS), and while English is less common than in Tashkent, a warm smile and a few words in Russian or Uzbek will go far. Be sure to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and prepare to be transported — Bukhara isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.