Explore Uzbekistan Tour

Day 1 -Welcome to Uzbekistan
On arrival in Tashkent, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. As most flights arrive very early in the morning, we reserve the room for the night before, meaning you can go straight to your room o relax and freshen up after your journey.

We then take a guided tour of the city. Tashkent has a history that spans nearly 2000 years, and during this time, it evolved from a small settlement into a bustling metropolitan center. Today, Tashkent holds significant importance as an industrial, financial, and cultural hub, not only within Uzbekistan but also across Central Asia. Our tour will take you to various points of interest, including rare ancient sites.The journey begins when you meet with your local guide, who will lead you on a city tour. The highlights include Khast Imam Square, which is considered the holy heart of Tashkent and showcases the city's dynamic history through mosques, mausoleums, and other ancient architectural structures. You'll also have the opportunity to see the Kukeldash madrassah, a functioning madrassah from the 16th century, and explore Chorsu bazaar, one of the largest markets in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This market held great significance during the Middle Ages as a crucial point along the Great Silk Road.

Other stops on the tour include the Museum of Applied Arts, built in the late 19th century by local craftsmen, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square, the Earthquake Memorial, and Independence Square. Each of these places contributes to the rich tapestry of Tashkent's history and culture. You will then take a ride on the Tashkent Metro famous for its stunning decorations, including the station named after Alisher Navoi, an outstanding Uzbek poet, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world!
Overnight at the Mir Luxe Plaza or similar (BL)

Day 2 – Urgench
It is an early start as we head to the airport for a morning flight from Tashkent to Urgench. On arrival, we will embark on 70-kilometre drive, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, to explore the remains of some ancient fortresses. Our first stop is Toprak-Kala, also known as the "earth fortress" or "dusty fortress." This site served as one of the ancient capitals of Khorezm in the 3rd century AD and earned the nickname "the museum of fine arts of Ancient Khorezm." Notably, well-preserved examples of ancient Khorezm writing and numerous works of art have been discovered here. Our next destination is Ayaz-Kala, referred to as the "fortress in the wind”. This fortress, dating back to the 4th century BC, stands as one of the largest castles of ancient Khorezm and is a unique historical monument from the era of Zoroastrianism. Positioned atop a 60-metre hill, its steep slopes served as a formidable natural defence against attacks. Following our exploration, we'll enjoy lunch in the desert at a traditional nomadic dwelling, before we continue our tour of Uzbekistan with a transfer to Khiva (120 km, app. 1.5-2 hrs).
Overnight at the Orient Star Khiva or similar (BL)

Day 3 - Khiva
Meet up with a local guide and kick off your walking tour in Ichan Kala, an open-air museum protected by UNESCO. This architectural complex is enclosed by a large fortress wall with four gates, showcasing more than sixty historical monuments such as palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets, and mausoleums. Some notable stops within the inner town include Mukhammed-Amin-Khan madrassah, Kalta Minor minaret, Kunya-Ark fortress, Djuma mosque, Tash-Khauli palace (which includes a harem), the madrassah and minaret of Islam Khodja, Pakhlavan Mahmud mausoleum, and a chance to enjoy a panoramic view from the Ak Sheikh Bobo observation platform. As a special treat for the day, you'll have the opportunity to participate in bread baking. Discover the secrets of making Khorezmian bread and learn what sets it apart from bread in other regions.
Overnight at the Orient Star Khiva or similar (BL)

Day 4 – Kyzylkum Desert
Our Uzbekistan tour continues with an unforgettable journey through the vast Kyzylkum Desert, stretching across the heart of Central Asia. As you traverse this arid expanse, keep an eye out for the occasional sheep farmers or hunters navigating their way across the desolate landscape. The 450-kilometre drive will take approximately 7-8 hours, offering ample time to immerse yourself in the tranquillity and stark beauty of the desert. Upon reaching Bukhara, settle into your hotel and prepare for the adventures that await in this ancient Silk Road city.
Overnight at the Omar Khayam or similar (BL)

Day 5 – Bukhara
Bukhara boasts a rich architectural heritage, featuring a variety of structures like caravan-sarais, trading domes, public baths, defensive walls, city gates, khanakas, mausoleums, mosques, madrassahs, as well as individual buildings and expansive complexes. The decorative techniques, splendid designs, and original ideas of the architects are sure to captivate anyone's imagination.

Start your exploration of Bukhara by meeting a local guide. The tour covers all the main attractions, including the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, which features the Big Minaret from the 12th century—a symbol of the city. This ensemble also includes Miri-Arab madrassah, Kalyan minaret, and Djuma mosque. Along the way, we'll take breaks to savor teas with different spices and flavors. As part of the experience, you'll get acquainted with the art of miniature painting. This is a hands-on master class led by the renowned artist Mr. Davlat Toshev, who hails from a family of miniature painters and learned the craft from his father. The subjects of these paintings draw inspiration from folk art and literary works. In 2020, the art of miniature painting was recognized on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Overnight at the Omar Khayam or similar (BL)

Day 6 - Bukhara
The Explore Uzbekistan tour remains in Bukhara today as we continue with visits to the Zindan (Bukhara's prison from the 18th century), the Ark Fortress (a fortified residence for the Emirs of Bukhara), the Bolo-Khauz mosque from the 18th century, and the Chashma-Ayub shrine known for its healing properties. Explore the Samanids Mausoleum, a treasure of Islamic architecture in Central Asia dating back to the 9th century. Also, discover Chor Minor, a distinctive monument in Bukhara featuring a colourful madrassah with four unique minarets, each with different shapes and decorations.We will also be treated at lunch when we break to enjoy a home-hosted lunch. Here you will welcomed with a presentation on cooking the national dish "Plov." This dish is unique as it involves frying, boiling, and steaming during the cooking process. It is also delicious!
Overnight at the Omar Khayam or similar (BL)

Day 7 - Samarkand
After a couple of busy days, this morning is at leisure. You can continue to explore on your own, relax in the hotel or do some souvenir shopping. There is no guide or transport included this morning. In the early afternoon, you will transfer to the Kagan train station to take the high-speed train from Bukhara to Samarkand. When you arrive in Samarkand, you will transfer to your hotel for the next two nights.
Overnight at the Orient Star or similar (B)

Day 8 - Samarkand
Throughout its history, Samarkand has experienced significant events, including the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic Conquest, the conquest by Genghis Khan, and finally, Tamerlane's rule. As a result, the culture of Samarkand evolved through a blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and a touch of Western and Eastern influences. Meet up with a local guide to begin your sightseeing tour. Explore the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants dating back to the 15th century and visit Registan Square, which became the official center of Samarkand during the reign of Tamerlane the Great. The square is surrounded by Ulugbek's madrassah (1417-1420), Sher-Dor madrassah (1619-1636), and Tilla-Kori madrassah (1646-1660). Discover the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, named in honour of Timur's eldest and favourite wife. Finally, explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar, the main farmers' market in the city (closed on Mondays).
Overnight at the Orient Star or similar (BL)

Day 9 - Samarkand and Tashkent
Our Uzbekistan tour continues in Samarkand as you visit to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and the ensemble of mausoleums spanning the 11th to the 19th centuries. Legend has it that this ensemble was built around the grave of Kussam, a son of Abbas and cousin of Mohammed. Explore the Afrosiab museum, showcasing the city's foundation, and then head to the largest observatory of the Middle Ages, founded in Samarkand by the great astronomer and scholar Ulugbek, who was also Timur the Great’s grandson (15th century). Our final stop is at the Silk Paper Centre, where you'll learn about the tradition of paper making and how local artisans have reintroduced Samarkand paper to the world. In the afternoon, we conclude your day by transferring to the train station and taking the high-speed train from Samarkand to Tashkent, where you are met and taken to your hotel for the night.
Overnight at the Mir Luxe Plaza or similar (BL)

Day 10 – The end of the Explore Uzbekistan Tour
At a suitable time, you will be met at your hotel and transfer to International Airport for flight back home.
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