We Love —
- Discovering the treasures of Uzbekistan as you follow the mythical Silk Road, among mosques, madrasas and history-filled bazaars.
- Exploring the cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, architectural gems that will transport you to the splendour of the Orient.
- Experiencing the country’s authenticity accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, ideal to enrich your cultural journey.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
This is the classic Silk Road itinerary, passing through the main cities, such as Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent, with must-see activities included each day and accommodation in 4-star hotels.
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on a fascinating journey through Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history, colour, and legend at the very heart of the ancient Silk Road.
During this 8 night tour, explore the cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, and discover their architectural splendour, rich traditions, and the warmth of their people.
From the golden minarets of Khiva to the turquoise mosaics of Samarkand, this journey blends culture, heritage and beauty in a truly unforgettable experience.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Urgench – Khiva
Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara
Day 3: Bukhara
Day 4: Bukhara – Samarkand
Day 5: Samarkand
Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent
Day 7: Tashkent
Day 8: Departure from Tashkent
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 URGENCH – KHIVA
Upon arrival in Urgench, an airport representative will greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. At 10am, meet your local English-speaking guide in the lobby and begin your visit to Ichan-Kala, the old town of Khiva, a walled city that serves today as a State Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. The visit includes:
Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, the largest in Central Asia, built between 1851 and 1854 by order of Muhammad Amin Khan.
Kalta Minor Minaret, standing 26 metres high before the main façade of the madrasa.
Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa, commissioned by Khan Said Muhammad Rahim II.
Kunya Ark Fortress, the former citadel and residence of Khiva’s khans prior to the Bolshevik era.
Mausoleum of Said Allauddin (16th century), one of the oldest monuments in Khiva, built over the tomb of the Sufi sheikh Sayyid Alauddin.
Juma Mosque, Ichan-Kala’s Friday mosque, funded by Khan Abdurakhman Mehtar.
Tash Hovli Palace, composed of three main sections: the harem, the mekhmonkhonas (the khan’s reception and banquet halls), and the arzkhonas (administrative offices).
Allakuli Khan Madrasa and Caravanserai (1834–1835), richly decorated and once home to the city’s library, used by students from all of Khiva’s madrasas.
- Overnight in Khiva
DAY 2: BUKHARA (approx. 6–7 hours)
After breakfast, depart at 9 am for Bukhara. Travel comfortably by luxury coach through the vast desert landscape between Khiva and Bukhara, pausing along the way to appreciate the tranquillity of the scenery and the majestic Amu Darya River that accompanies your route.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Bukhara
DAY 3: BUKHARA
After breakfast, begin a tour of Bukhara’s historical treasures:
Samanid Mausoleum, built during the reign of Ismail Samani (892–907) as a family burial site.
Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, with its distinctive conical dome and multiple cupolas, dating from the 12th century.
Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel that once housed the ruling elite.
Bolo Hauz Mosque (1712), which served as the Emir’s main and Friday mosque.
Poi-Kalyan Complex, home to the Miri-Arab Madrasa, Kalyan Mosque, and the iconic Kalyan Minaret (46 m), a revered symbol of the city built in 1127.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bukhara’s domed bazaars, including Tagi Zargaron, Tagi Telpak Furushon, and Tagi Saraffon. Explore the charming Lyabi-Hauz Complex, which includes the Nodir Devon Begi Madrasa and Chonako. Finally, marvel at the Chor Minor Madrasa, with its Indian-inspired architecture.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Bukhara
DAY 4: BUKHARA – SAMARKAND
After breakfast, embark on a captivating tour of Bukhara. Explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter, visiting the synagogue and learning about the rich history and culture of the local Jewish community. Continue to the Nakshbandi Complex, where you can admire the intricate mausoleum and mosque. After lunch, transfer to the railway station for your train to Samarkand at 15:44/17:30.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Samarkand
DAY 5: SAMARKAND
Kick-start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a fascinating tour of Samarkand’s highlights:
Gur-Emir Mausoleum (14th–15th centuries), the family tomb of Tamerlane and the Timurid dynasty, is one of Central Asia’s finest architectural masterpieces. Its elegance, perfect proportions, and exquisite interior decoration place it among the world’s architectural treasures.
Registan Square, the vibrant heart of Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanim Mosque (15th century), commissioned by Timur in 1404 as the city’s main Friday mosque and one of the largest in the East. Restored in 2004 after centuries of decay, it remains a spectacular sight.
Siab Bazaar (closed Mondays), where you can explore the lively market atmosphere and shop for Samarkand cakes, oriental sweets, dried fruits, traditional souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
Shahi-Zinda Ensemble (12th–15th centuries), developed from the 11th century and completed in the early 19th century. Its 25 structures, mausoleums, mosques, and madrasas — showcase the evolution of architectural forms and decorative ceramics, earning it the nickname "creative laboratory" of Central Asia.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Samarkand
DAY 6: SAMARKAND – TASHKENT
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your tour of Samarkand’s outskirts:
Ulugh Beg Observatory: Built in the 1420s by Ulugh Beg, Timur’s grandson and ruler of Samarkand, this was the largest observatory in the East. Astronomical observations conducted here were compiled in the Zij-i Gurkani catalogue.
Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar: A revered shrine visited by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Legends link Khoja Daniyar to the biblical Daniel.
Meros Paper Factory in Konigil Village: Discover traditional craftsmanship in action, producing exquisite handmade silk paper.
After the tour, transfer to the train station for your evening train to Tashkent.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Tashkent
DAY 7: TASHKENT
At 10am, meet your professional guide in the lobby and begin your Tashkent city tour with Khast-Imam (Hast-Imam) Square. Known as the spiritual heart of the capital, this complex includes the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.
In the afternoon, continue the tour with the Amir Timur Square (the former Russian district), exterior of the Alisher Navoi Ballet and Opera House, Independence Square, Tashkent Clock Tower and The Forum Palace, the city’s "Broadway" district, TV Tower, a Metro ride, and Chorsu Bazaar.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Tashkent
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM TASHKENT
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
- Breakfast included
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:
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected 3* or 4* hotels.
3* hotels:
- Khiva: Annex Hotel (or similar)
- Bukhara: Iman Hotel (or similar)
- Samarkand: Al-Tohir Hotel (or similar)
- Tashkent: Stayinn Hotel (or similar)
4* hotels:
- Khiva: Orient Star Khiva Hotel (or similar)
- Bukhara: Orient Star Varaxsha Hotel (or similar)
- Samarkand: Hilton Garden Inn Sogd Hotel (or similar)
- Tashkent: Baden-Baden Hotel (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.
You can also upgrade to half board or full board (in standard or luxury local restaurants).
Included extras —
Local English-speaking guide
Benefit from an English-speaking guide as per the itinerary to dive deeper into the history, culture, and hidden stories behind each site you visit.
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.
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.
