We love —
- Admiring the architectural gems of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, three cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Experiencing a full immersion in the heritage of the Silk Road.
- Taking your time with free days in Bukhara and Khiva, ideal for exploring the city at your own pace.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Follow in the footsteps of the Silk Road caravaneers and let yourself be captivated by the turquoise domes of Samarkand. Between majestic madrasas and fragrant bazaars, this legendary city immerses you in an age-old Orient. A journey beyond time, at the very heart of Uzbekistan.
Your itinerary in brief —
Explore Uzbekistan on an unforgettable 9 or 12 night tour, from the historical wonders of Samarkand to the magic of Bukhara and the timeless charm of Khiva. Discover Islamic architecture, lively oriental markets, and the legendary cities of the Silk Road. From majestic mausoleums and elegant madrasas to ancient fortresses, every stop reveals an exceptional heritage.
Choose the length of your stay:
9 night tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand
- Day 2: Samarkand
- Day 3: Samarkand
- Day 4: Samarkand – Train transfer to Bukhara
- Day 5: Bukhara
- Day 6: Bukhara
- Day 7: Bukhara – Drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva
- Days 8-9: Khiva
- Day 10: Khiva – Transfer to Urgench airport
12 night tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand
- Day 2: Samarkand
- Day 3: Samarkand
- Day 4: Samarkand
- Day 5: Samarkand – Train to Bukhara
- Day 6: Bukhara
- Day 7: Bukhara
- Day 8: Bukhara
- Day 9: Bukhara – Drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva
- Day 10: Khiva
- Day 11: Khiva
- Day 12: Khiva
- Day 13: Khiva – Transfer to Urgench airport
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAMARKAND
Upon arrival in Samarkand in the afternoon, transfer and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
- Standard check-in is at 2pm
- An additional night is required for early arrivals.
- Overnight at selected hotel
DAY 2: SAMARKAND
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided city tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a first encounter with majestic Samarkand.
Registan Square: Three stunning madrasas—Ulugh Beg (15th century), Sher-Dor and Tillya-Kari (17th century)—form a harmonious architectural ensemble.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (14th–15th centuries): Burial place of Tamerlane and the male line of the Timurids, renowned for its elegant proportions and exquisite interior.
Bibi-Khanum Mosque (15th century): Built on Tamerlane’s orders in 1404 as Samarkand’s grand Friday mosque, magnificently restored in 2004.
Siab Bazaar (closed Mondays): Sample Samarkand’s famous bread, oriental sweets, dried fruits, traditional souvenirs, and local crafts.
Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble (12th–15th centuries): A complex of 25 mausoleums, mosques, and madrasas showcasing centuries of ceramic artistry—often called a “creative laboratory.”
- Breakfast included
- Overnight at selected hotel
DAY 3: SAMARKAND
After breakfast, enjoy the day at your own pace. Relax or head out for some more exploration.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight at selected hotel
DAY 4: SAMARKAND – TRAIN TRANSFER TO BUKHARA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the railway station for your train to Bukhara. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Relax and unwind in Bukhara.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight at selected hotel
DAY 5: BUKHARA
Full-day guided walking tour of Bukhara.
Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble: A medieval commercial hub featuring Nodir Divan Begi Madrasa, the khanaka (Sufi retreat), Kukeldash Madrasa, the largest madrasa in Bukhara from the 16th century, and the famous Khoja Nasreddin monument.
Saifiddin Caravanserai and Magoki-Attari Mosque (9th century): Also known as the "Deep Mosque", one of the earliest pre-Islamic mosques.
Kosh Ensemble: Abdullaziz Khan Madrasa and Ulugh Beg Madrasa, plus the bustling trade domes such as Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Sarrafon.
Poi-Kalon Ensemble ("Pedestal of the Great"): The religious heart of Bukhara, including the Kalon Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasa.
Ark Citadel: Ancient fortress and former residence of Bukhara’s rulers.
Bolo-Khauz Mosque: Main Friday mosque of the Emir’s court.
Historical Mausoleums: Samanid Mausoleum (built under Ismail Samani, 892–907) and the distinctive Tchachma Ayoub Mausoleum (likely 12th century) with its conical roof and multiple domes.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in selected hotel
DAY 6: BUKHARA
Enjoy another day of exploring at your own pace.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in selected hotel
DAY 7: BUKHARA – DRIVE ACROSS THE KYZYLKUM DESERT TO KHIVA
Drive from Bukhara to Khiva across the Kyzylkum Desert ("Red Sand"), the 11th largest desert in the world. The journey follows the Amu Darya river along the new A-380 route (approx. 450 km, 6.5–7 hours). Along the way, observe the desert’s unique landscape and wildlife, including foxes, wolves, steppe cats, rodents, lizards, snakes, scorpions, turtles, and occasionally camels.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in selected hotel
DAY 8-9: KHIVA
Enjoy another two free days to relax or explore Khiva at your own pace.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in selected hotel
DAY 10: KHIVA – TRANSFER TO URGENCH AIRPORT
Your tour has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out before noon. Transfer to Urgench International Airport for your onward journey.
- Breakfast included
12 NIGHT TOUR
On this 12 night tour, enjoy one extra night in Samarkand, one in Bukhara, and one in Khiva.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected 4* or 5* hotels.
Your accommodation:
4* hotels
- Samarkand: Savitsky Plaza 4* or similar
- Bukhara: Shakhristan Hotel Bukhara 4* or similar
- Khiva: Orien Star Khiva 4* or similar
5* hotels
- Samarkand: Silk Road by Minyoun 5* or similar
- Bukhara: Mercure Bukhara 5* or similar
- Khiva: Orien Star Khiva 5* or similar
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast tour.
Choose to upgrade to half board at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Choose to upgrade to half board at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
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.
Optional excursions and extras —
Traditional Hammam Experience
Discover the Bozori Cord Hammam in Bukhara, a traditional 17th-century bathhouse where you can enjoy a sauna made of natural bricks, followed by an invigorating massage on a marble slab. Finish with a progressive shower and green tea for an authentic oriental relaxation experience.
Historic Theatre 'El Merosi' – A Journey Through the Ages
Samarkand's Historic Theatre 'El Merosi' takes you back in time with its show ‘A Moment of Eternity’, featuring authentic costumes from different historical periods. Discover 11 theatrical episodes retracing the history of the Scythian warriors, ancient Sogdiana and Tamerlane's empire.
Discover the wines of Samarkand at the Bagizagan winery
Visit the Bagizagan winery in Samarkand to discover the history of Uzbek viticulture and the secrets of regional wine production. Enjoy a tasting of the best local wines in an authentic setting.
Wine and Cognac tasting at Domaine Khovrenko
Discover the history of Uzbek wine during a tasting at Domaine Khovrenko, Central Asia's oldest wine producer, founded in 1927. Savour ten selections of wines and cognacs in a historic setting, while learning about the prestigious grape varieties used to create award-winning crus.
Tea ceremony
Discover the Silk Road Tea House in Bukhara, a historic family-run establishment offering fine teas and coffees, accompanied by local delicacies. Enjoy an enchanting setting combining tradition, heritage and authentic flavours.
Masterclass: The Art of Miniatures
Visit the workshop of Davron Toshev, a renowned master miniaturist, to discover refined works and watch demonstrations of traditional art. Immerse yourself in the history of Bukhara miniature painting, a unique skill combining elegance, meticulousness and rich colours.
Your journey to Uzbekistan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Uzbekistan
Welcome to Uzbekistan
Step into the heart of Central Asia in Uzbekistan, where timeworn caravanserais echo with the whispers of the past, and vibrant bazaars overflow with spices, silks, and intricate craftsmanship. Here, the turquoise domes of mosques sparkle beneath endless skies, and desert landscapes stretch into infinity, inviting visitors to explore their mystique.
Must-sees
- Samarkand: Marvel at the shimmering turquoise domes of Registan Square and the intricacies of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis.
- Bukhara: A living museum of Islamic architecture, with highlights including the 1,000-year-old Ark Fortress and bustling bazaars.
- Khiva: Wander the labyrinthine streets of this perfectly preserved medieval city, where every corner tells a story of a bygone past.
- Tashkent: Uzbekistan's capital blends Soviet-era architecture with modern architecture. Don’t miss Chorsu Bazaar and the timeless beauty of Kukeldash Madrasah.
Culinary culture
Uzbekistan’s cuisine is as rich as its history. Indulge in plov, a fragrant rice dish with tender lamb and golden raisins, or indulge in piping hot samsa, flaky pastries filled with spiced meat. As for the dessert, try halva, a sweet treat that melts on the tongue. Be sure to accompany your feast with a cup of green tea, a symbol of Uzbek hospitality.
Dive deeper
Beyond the iconic cities, Uzbekistan’s countryside offers a treasure trove of hidden gems. Visit the Nurata Mountains to meet semi-nomadic shepherds, or explore the Yurt Camps of Kyzylkum Desert for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Good to know
Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani som (UZS), and English isn’t widely spoken, so a phrasebook can be handy. The best time to visit is during spring (April - May) or autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild, and the landscapes burst with colour.
