Uncover Uzbekistan: An 11-Day Tour through History, Architecture and Ancient Cities Along the Silk Road

Welcome to Uzbekistan – an enchanting destination home to a spellbinding collection of ancient cities, turquoise buildings and impressive mausoleums, all tied together by the rich history of the Silk Road. Be inspired as you travel through its main cities, marvelling at the unsung treasures of this unique country.

What You’ll Love…

The Sights – Explore the Silk Road heritage, fascinating cities and desert landscapes

Your Uzbekistan adventure starts in Tashkent, the country’s sprawling capital city. Boasting an eclectic combination of Soviet buildings and exquisite monuments dating back to the 15th century, this city is truly unique. Enjoy a cultural tour taking you to some of the most iconic sights, including the blue-domed Barak-Khan Madrasa, where you will lay eyes on the oldest copy of the Koran in the world.

A quick flight takes you to the medieval town of Khiva, once a major trading post on the Silk Road. Wander the ancient streets within the walled city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pause to admire the domes and minarets of the elegant Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, and embrace the beauty of this jewel in the wild.

Experience a full day amid the Kyzylkum Desert, admiring the moon-like scenery and getting a true taste of the nomad life with a traditional lunch in a yurt camp, where you will learn the secrets of the yurt – a round tent that is easily assembled and disassembled.

Discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in the country, a maze of colourful buildings, spectacular madras and beautifully adorned mosques. With over 100 architectural monuments throughout the city, there’s plenty to see in this well-preserved ancient town. Get to know the local traditions with an exquisite dinner hosted by a local family – the perfect way to experience modern Uzbek culture. Indulge in traditional food and learn how to prepare Pilaf rice, one of the country’s most popular dishes.

Stand in awe in front of the breathtaking beauty of Samarkand – described by Marco Polo as a ‘splendid city’. Conjuring ancient splendour, the city is home to the most well-known monument in Central Asia: Registan square, with its colourful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches.

Your Package Includes:

• Ten nights of accommodation including three nights in Tashkent, two nights in Khiva, three nights in Bukhara and two nights in Samarkand
• An internal flight from Tashkent to Urgench
• Train transfer from Khiva to Bukhara and a high-speed train transfer from Samarkand to Tashkent
• Daily breakfast, nine lunches and six dinners, including a welcome and farewell dinner, a traditional lunch in a yurt camp and a dinner hosted by a local family in Bukhara
• Small group size to experience the best of the destination
• Discover Tashkent and its beautiful mosques, monuments, madras and metro
• Travel to Ayaz Kala, an archaeological site built on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert and experience a day in a yurt camp
• Discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan
• Tour Samarkand, brimming with history, the most romantic of the Silk Road cities
• Walk to iconic Registan square with its colourful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of English-speaking tour manager and local guides throughout
• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
• All gratuities

Your tour starts and ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (TAS). International flights are not included in your package. Getting to Tashkent is easy with regular flights available with Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, Uzbekistan Airways and more.

Airport transfers are not included in your package, please plan accordingly. Airport transfers are available for a surcharge of A$200 per person.

Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.

Day 1: Monday - Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Welcome to Uzbekistan with its ancient cities accented by turquoise domes, desert landscape and towering minarets. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your tour manager before tonight’s welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Tuesday - Khast Imam Square, Visit Chorsu Bazaar

The cultural tour of Tashkent begins at Khast Imam Square, religious centre of the city and home to many exquisite mosques, monuments and madrasas (centres of Islamic learning), dating back to the 15th century. View the blue-domed Barak-Khan Madrassah with its imposing gateway and the Muyi Muborak Madrasah housing elaborate ancient manuscripts, including the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Passing the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Tillya Sheikh Mosque you arrive at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar with its bright green dome – acres of spices, sweets, freshly baked bread and crafts await you. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Museum of Applied Arts, with bright carvings and decorative ceramics. Proceed to the Alisher Navoi Theater built in neoclassical style, the Forum Palace and Amir Temur Square, once dominated by a huge statue of Karl Marx, and view the massive Monument of Courage Earthquake Memorial. Ride the Tashkent metro and admire the lavish decorations, a legacy of the former Soviet Union. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Wednesday - Flight to Urgench, Medieval Old Town of Khiva

Depart Tashkent by flight to Urgench. From here, drive past Goybu villages with their traditional homes to medieval Khiva. Upon arrival in this once major trading post on the Silk Road, take a walking tour along the ancient streets within the walled city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause at the elegant Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah with its five domes and minaret decorated with bright geometric patterns of glazed bricks and the distinctive turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, one of the iconic symbols of Khiva. Then to the Kunya Ark, the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence first built in the 12th century; remnants of the khans’ harem, stables, arsenal, barracks, mosque and jail can still be seen. Continue to Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasah, one of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia. After a traditional lunch, on to the grand Djuma Mosque and the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum with its courtyards and intricate tilework, built in honour of the legendary poet and philosopher who became Khiva’s patron saint. Here, in the historical complex of Ichan Kala in the medieval Old Town, visit the Islam Khodja Mosque with its striking minaret, one of the jewels of Khiva. Tour the palace of Tash Khauli, with its sumptuous interior decor including ceramic tiles, carved stone and wood; there are more than 150 rooms off nine different courtyards.

Overnight: Khiva

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Thursday - Toprak Kala, Ayaz Kala, Lunch in a Yurt Camp

Today, travel to the magnificent fortress of Toprak Kala, surrounded by a brick wall. View the King’s Palace rising above the town with its three monumental towers that dominate the landscape. Next, to Ayaz Kala; view the towering mud-brick walls rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. Built on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert, between the 4th century BC and 7th century AD, these forts are the remains of regal palaces. At a nearby yurt camp, see traditional housing of Central Asian nomads made of rope that’s easily assembled and disassembled. Gather for a meal, wash with water from copper jugs and perhaps even ride a camel. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Khiva

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Friday - Travel to the Holy City of Bukhara by Train, Visit Ismail Samani & Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum

This morning, transfer to the train station for your journey to Bukhara. During the trip, packed lunch will be provided. As you travel through the Kyzylkum Desert, witness the depth of Uzbekistan’s natural terrain. Upon arrival in Bukhara, check in to your hotel. Later, visit splendid Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a world-famous architectural masterpiece that was built for the founder of the Samanid dynasty at the end of the 9th century. Next, proceed to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum that dates from the 12th century. Legend has it that the prophet Job struck his staff on the ground here, causing a spring to appear.

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Saturday - Bukhara’s Treasures

Today, discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan, dating back nearly 1,000 years before Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia. Begin with an excursion to Sitorai Mohi Hosa palace, the country residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan. Return to Bukhara and continue your city tour with the Bolo Haouz Mosque followed by the 5th century Ark Fortress, former residence of the emirs of Bukhara. After lunch at a local restaurant continue to the architectural complex of Poyi-Kalon that includes the Kalon Mosque, large enough to hold 10,000 people. Pass the Madrasas of Abdulaziz Khan and Mir-I-Arab. Conclude with a local folk show in the yard of a madrasa with traditional music and dance.

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Sunday - Bukhara City Tour, Home-Hosted Dinner

This morning, head to the Necropolis of Chor Bakr and the Bakhaouddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex. Afterwards, visit the Chor Minor, the monumental gatehouse of a now destroyed madrasa. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Liab-I Khaouz Square that encompasses the Nadir Devon Begi Madrasa and the Kukeldash Madrasa. Next, visit the city’s buzzing bazaar, offering rows of shops selling jewellery, carpets, and carved wood. Cap your day with a traditional dinner with a local family. Experience modern Uzbek culture, home-cooked food, and learn the secrets of how to prepare Pilav, a traditional rice dish.

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Monday - Travel to Samarkand, Registan Square

Depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand. Along the way, stop at the delightful town of Gijduvan, the centre of the ancient craft of ceramics. A special visit has been arranged to the home and shop of a skilled ceramicist. View some of the beautiful works displayed that reflect the culture of different regions of Uzbekistan, before continuing your journey to Samarkand. The city, steeped in history that grew prosperous at the crossroads between East and West. Samarkand, considered the most romantic of the Silk Road cities, is adorned by decorative domes and minarets and is a melting pot of many different cultures and traditions. Upon arrival, have lunch and later begin your exploration of this remarkable city. See iconic Registan Square, the world-famous symbol of Central Asia with its colourful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches. This plaza is surrounded by three impressively-decorated madrasas of the 15th to 17th centuries; Ulugbek Madrasa, Sherdor Madrasa and Tilya Kori Madrasa. Tonight, join your group for dinner.

Overnight: Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Tuesday - Guri Amir Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Khovrenko Wine Museum

The day begins at the sumptuous Guri Amir Mausoleum, final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror; its interior is covered with elegant turquoise arabesques and inscriptions in gold. On to the Ulugbek Observatory, once known as the most advanced in the Islamic world. Continue with a visit to Afrasiab Museum, dedicated to the city’s history. After lunch, travel along the shores of the Siab to the sacred Mausoleum of Daniel, the Old Testament biblical prophet. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to worship. Continue to the Konigil Merosi silk paper factory, followed by a visit to the Khovrenko wine museum and factory for a guided tour and tasting.

Overnight: Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Wednesday - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Market, High-Speed Train to Tashkent

Welcome to Uzbekistan with its ancient cities accented by turquoise domes, desert landscape and towering minarets. Transfer to your hotel and check-in to the room that will be ready for early arrivals. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager before tonight’s Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers.city. On to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis that includes sparkling blue mausoleums, embellished with some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. These mausoleums, strategically grouped along the narrow medieval streets are an important place of pilgrimage. Lunch is followed by a drive to the train station where you board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel and relax before tonight’s Farewell Dinner. Bid goodbye to your newfound friends and to your journey through Uzbekistan..

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Thursday Depart Uzbekistan

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Friday Departure Itinerary

Day 1: Friday - Discover Tashkent

Welcome to Uzbekistan with its ancient cities accented by turquoise domes, desert landscape and towering minarets. Transfer to your hotel and check-in to the room that will be ready for early arrivals. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager before tonight’s Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 2: Saturday - Khast Imam Square, Visit Chorsu Bazaar

The cultural tour of Tashkent begins at Khast Imam Square, the religious centre of the city and home to many exquisite mosques, monuments and madrasas (centres of Islamic learning) dating back to the 15th century. View the blue-domed Barak-Khan Madrasa with its imposing gateway and the Muyi Muborak Madrasa housing elaborate ancient manuscripts, including the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Passing the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Tillya Sheih Mosque you arrive at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar with its bright green dome – acres of spices, sweets, fresh-baked bread and crafts await you! After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Museum of Applied Arts occupying a home with bright carvings and decorative ceramics. Proceed to the Alisher Navoi Theater built in neoclassical style, the Forum Palace and Amir Temur Square once dominated by a huge statue of Karl Marx, and view the massive Monument of Courage Earthquake Memorial. Ride the Tashkent metro and admire the lavish decorations, a legacy of the former Soviet Union. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Sunday - Flight to Urgench, Medieval Old Town of Khiva

Depart Tashkent by flight to Urgench. From here, drive past Goybu villages with their traditional homes to medieval Khiva. Upon arrival in this once major trading post on the Silk Road, take a walking tour along the ancient streets within the walled city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause at the elegant Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa with its five domes and minaret decorated with bright geometric patterns of glazed bricks and the distinctive turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, one of the iconic symbols of Khiva. Then to the Kunya Ark, the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence first built in the 12th century; remnants of the khans’ harem, stables, arsenal, barracks, mosque and jail can still be seen. Continue to Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasa, one of the largest madrasas in Central Asia. After a traditional lunch, on to the grand Djuma Mosque and the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum with its courtyards and intricate tilework, built in honour of the legendary poet and philosopher who became Khiva’s patron saint. Here, in the historical complex of Ichan-Kala in the medieval Old Town, visit the Islam Khodja Mosque with its striking minaret, one of the jewels of Khiva. Tour the palace of Tash Khauli, with its sumptuous interior decor including ceramic tiles, carved stone and wood; there are more than 150 rooms off nine different courtyards.

Overnight: Khiva

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Monday - Toprak Kala, Ayaz Kala, Lunch in a Yurt Camp

Today, travel to the magnificent fortress of Toprak Kala, surrounded by a brick wall. View the King’s Palace rising above the town with its three monumental towers that dominate the landscape. Next, to Ayaz Kala; view the towering mud-brick walls rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. Built on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert between the 4th century BC and 7th century AD, these forts are the remains of regal palaces. At a nearby yurt camp, see traditional housing of Central Asian nomads made of rope that’s easily assembled and disassembled. Gather for a meal, wash with water from copper jugs and perhaps even get to ride a camel! Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Khiva

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Tuesday - Travel to the Holy City of Bukhara by Train, Visit Ismail Samani & Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums

Today, discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan, dating back nearly 1000 years before Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia. Begin with an excursion to Sitorai Mohi Hosa palace, the country residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan. Return to Bukhara and continue your city tour with the Bolo Khauz Mosque followed by the 5th century Ark Fortress, former residence of the emirs of Bukhara. After lunch at a local restaurant continue to the architectural complex of Poyi-Kalon that includes the Kalon Mosque, large enough to hold 10,000 people. Pass the Madrasas of Abdulaziz Khan and Mir-I-Arab. Conclude with a local folk show in the yard of a madrasa with traditional music and dance.

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Wednesday - Bukhara’s Treasures

Today, discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan, dating back nearly 1000 years before Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia. Begin with an excursion to Sitorai Mohi Hosa palace, the country residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan. Return to Bukhara and continue your city tour with the Bolo Khauz Mosque followed by the 5th century Ark Fortress, former residence of the emirs of Bukhara. After lunch at a local restaurant continue to the architectural complex of Poyi-Kalon that includes the Kalon Mosque, large enough to hold 10,000 people. Pass the Madrasas of Abdulaziz Khan and Mir-I-Arab. Conclude with a local folk show in the yard of a madrasa with traditional music and dance

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Thursday - Bukhara City Tour, Home Hosted Dinner

This morning, head to the Necropolis of Chor Bakr and the Bakhaouddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex. Afterwards, visit the Chor Minor, the monumental gatehouse of a now destroyed madrasa. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Liab-I Khaouz Square that encompasses the Nadir Devon Begi Madrasa and the Kukeldash Madrasa. Next, visit the city’s buzzing bazaar, offering rows of shops selling jewellery, carpets, and carved wood. Cap your day with a traditional dinner with a local family. Experience modern Uzbek culture, home-cooked food, and learn the secrets of how to prepare Pilav, a traditional rice dish.

Overnight: Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Friday - Travel to Samarkand, Registan Square

Start the day at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque with its glistening blue domes, built as the largest mosque in the world enriched by stately minarets and carved marble décor. A jewel in Tamerlane’s empire, the mosque was constructed as a tribute to his wife. Afterwards, a walk through the energetic Siab Market, a special place where you can feel the dynamic atmosphere of this ancient city. On to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis that includes sparkling blue mausoleums, embellished with some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. These mausoleums, strategically grouped along the narrow medieval streets are an important place of pilgrimage. Lunch is followed by a drive to the train station where you board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel and relax before tonight’s Farewell Dinner. Bid goodbye to your newfound friends and to your journey through Uzbekistan. the 15th to 17th centuries; Ulugbek Madrasa, Sherdor Madrasa and Tilya Kori Madrasa. Tonight, join your group for dinner…

Overnight: Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Saturday - Guri Amir Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Khovrenko Wine Museum

The day begins at the sumptuous Guri Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror; its interior is covered with elegant turquoise arabesques and inscriptions in gold. On to the Ulugbek Observatory, once known as the most advanced in the Islamic world. Continue with a visit to Afrasiab Museum, dedicated to the city’s history. After lunch, travel along the shores of the Siab to the sacred Mausoleum of Daniel, the Old Testament biblical prophet. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to worship. Continue to the Konigil Merosi silk paper factory, followed by a visit to the Khovrenko wine museum and factory for a guided tour and tasting

Overnight: Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Sunday - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Market, High-Speed Train to Tashkent

Start the day at the Bibi-Khanym Mosque with its glistening blue domes, built as the largest mosque in the world enriched by stately minarets and carved marble décor. A jewel in Tamerlane’s empire, the mosque was constructed as a tribute to his wife. Afterwards, a walk through the energetic Siab Market, a special place where you can feel the dynamic atmosphere of this ancient city. On to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis that includes sparkling blue mausoleums, embellished with some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. These mausoleums, strategically grouped along the narrow medieval streets are an important place of pilgrimage. Lunch is followed by a drive to the train station where you board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel and relax before tonight’s Farewell Dinner. Bid goodbye to your newfound friends and to your journey through Uzbekistan

Overnight: Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Monday - Depart Uzbekistan

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast