Uzbekistan, the hidden jewel in Central Asia, invites travellers to explore its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once a pivotal hub on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan boasts breathtaking architectural wonders like Samarkand's Registan Square, Bukhara's Ark Fortress, and Khiva's Itchan Kala.

The country's diverse landscapes, from the expansive Kyzylkum Desert to the lush Fergana Valley, offer unique natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Uzbek culture, with visitors often treated to generous servings of traditional dishes like plov (a flavourful rice dish), samsa (savoury pastries), and fresh fruits. Music and dance are integral to social gatherings, with the sounds of the dutar and the energetic rhythms of traditional dances captivating audiences. Handicrafts such as intricate silk embroidery, ceramics, and ikat textiles showcase the artistic talents passed down through generations.

Highlights:

• Ancient Silk Road cities: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
• Culinary delights: Plov, Lagman, Manty, Samsa and pastries
• Artisanal handicrafts: Intricate textiles, ceramics, and woodwork
• Diverse landscapes: Fergana Valley, Kyzylkum Desert, Nuratau Mountains
• Warm hospitality: Welcoming locals and vibrant festivals

With its rich heritage, warm-hearted people, and stunning natural beauty, Uzbekistan offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Central Asia.

Explore the heart of Central Asia with this immersive tour, crafted to showcase Uzbekistan's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Tashkent, the vibrant political and cultural hub, before venturing to Samarkand, the fabled Silk Road city and Tamerlane's magnificent capital.

From there, escape to the serene village of Hayat, tucked amidst stunning mountains and valleys, and round off your adventure in Bukhara, a UNESCO-listed gem brimming with history.

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
Day 2: Tashkent - Samarkand
Day 3 & 4: Samarkand
Day 5: Samarkand - Hayat village
Day 6: Hayat village - Bukhara
Day 7: Bukhara
Day 8: Bukhara - Tashkent
Day 9: Departure from Tashkent

The order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme

Arrive in Tashkent early in the morning and transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to begin your discovery of Uzbekistan’s capital—the largest city in Central Asia.

Start with a visit to the Old City, where you’ll explore the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the revered Quran of Caliph Uthman. Highlights include the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Abubakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute. Explore Chorsu Bazaar.

• Breakfast and lunch included
• Night at Hotel Samir

DAY 2: TASHKENT - SAMARKAND

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the train station for departure to Samarkand at 9.07am. Arrive at lunchtime and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world, renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture, vibrant history, and UNESCO-listed landmarks like Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

• Breakfast and dinner included
• Night at Dilshoda Hotel

DAY 3: SAMARKAND

After breakfast, spend the day touring Samarkand with a local guide beginning with the iconic Registan Square, featuring three madrasahs: Ulugh Beg (15th century), Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kari (17th century). Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the elegant tomb of Tamerlane, and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once the largest Friday mosque in the Orient. Explore Siab Bazaar (closed Mondays) for local bread, sweets, and crafts. Conclude at Shakhi-Zinda, a stunning complex of 25 mausoleums and mosques (12th-15th century). 

• Breakfast and lunch included
• Night at Dilshoda Hotel

After breakfast, explore Bukhara on foot with a local guide. Visit the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, Magoki-Attari Mosque, and bustling domed bazaars like Toki Sarrafon and Toki Tilpak Furushon.

Discover the Kosh Madrasahs and Poi-Kalon Complex, featuring the iconic Kalon Minaret and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Conclude with the Toki Zargaron jewellery market and the artisan centre at Sayfiddin Caravanserai.

• Breakfast and lunch included
• Night at Hotel Shams

DAY 8: BUKHARA - TASHKENT

After breakfast, enjoy a morning to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for departure to Tashkent. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. 

• Breakfast included
• Night at Hotel Samir 

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM TASHKENT

After breakfast, check out by 12:00 PM. Transfer to the international airport for your return flight.

• Breakfast included

During your tour, you will stay in the following carefully selected hotels: 

Tashkent: Hotel Samir (or similar)
Samarkand: Dilshoda (or similar)
Hayat: Traditional house (or similar)
Bukhara: Hotel Shams (or similar)

If the hotels mentioned in the programme are not available, you will be accommodated in establishments of an equivalent category.

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.

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.