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 remnants of the Silk Road, from majestic mosques to bustling bazaars, admire intricate tiles and grandiose monuments that showcase centuries of craftsmanship...

These two ancient cities, Samarkand and Bukhara, are treasures to be discovered, and thanks to this tour you can delve into their wonderful culture and history on your own or by choosing the optional excursions we propose.

Your itineraries :

7-night tour :

Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand

Day 2: Samarkand

Day 3: Samarkand - Bukhara

Day 4-5: Bukhara

Day 6: Bukhara - Samarkand

Day 7: Samarkand

Day 8: Departure from Samarkand

Tour lasting 8 to 11 nights (1 to 4 extra nights in Samarkand):

Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand

• Arrive in Samarkand and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Breakfast included.

Day 2: Samarkand

If you opt for the 8, 9, 10 or 11 night tour, your extra days will be spent in Samarkand at the beggining of the trip.

You will stay in a Standard room in the following Standard, Superior or Deluxe category accommodation, according to your choice:

Superior category hotels:

• Samarcand: Savitsky Plaza (or similar)
• Bukhara: Sahid Zarafshan Hotel Bukhara (or similar)

Deluxe Category Hotels:

• Samarcand: Silk Road by Minyoun (or similar)
• Bukhara: Mercure Bukhara (or similar)
  
  

*Hotels provided in the programme; in case of unavailability, accommodation in similar hotels.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand (Samarqand). On the ground the sublime, larger-than-life monuments of Timur (Tamerlane) and the city’s long, rich history are enchanting. You can visit most of Samarkand’s high-profile attractions in two or three days. The Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Shah-i-Zinda are undoubtedly some of the finest attractions.

Samarkand is a modern city, that still retains its old town and plenty of grandeur to ensure it’s a breathtaking place to visit.

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.