Uzbekistan Tours
Explore Uzbekistan Tour
Discover Uzbekistan on this 10 day exploration of one of the Silk Road's great destinations.
Explore Uzbekistan Escorted Tour
Embark on an unforgettable escorted tour through the heart of Central Asia. Here, ancient Silk Road cities whisper tales of grandeur and cultural richness. Join us on this 10-day guided tour of Uzbekistan. This is a land steeped in history, vibrant traditions and breathtaking architecture. For example, you travel from the bustling capital of Tashkent to the architectural marvels of Samarkand.
In Tashkent, the modern meets the old as we explore Chorsu Bazaar. We also ascend the Tashkent Tower for panoramic city views. Then venture to Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm, home to the enigmatic Kunya Ark fortress. After that, continue to Bukhara, a labyrinthine city of ancient mosques, minarets and caravanserais.
Samarkand is the jewel of the Silk Road. Here we explore Registan Square, the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. In short, it is a rich tapestry of architectural wonders you will never forget. Uzbekistan is also a land of contrasts and captivating beauty. Once visited, it will forever hold a special place in your heart.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Uzbekistan
On arrival in Tashkent, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel to relax and freshen up. A guided city tour then follows, starting at Khast Imam Square, the holy heart of Tashkent. It also takes in the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrassah and Chorsu Bazaar, a crucial point along the Great Silk Road. After that, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square. Finally, ride the ornately decorated Tashkent Metro.
Overnight in Mir Luxe Plaza or similar, Tashkent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 2
Urgench
Take an early flight to Urgench, then drive to explore ancient fortresses. First comes Toprak-Kala, an ancient capital of Khorezm dubbed "the museum of fine arts of Ancient Khorezm". Then see Ayaz-Kala, a 4th-century BC fortress atop a 60-metre hill. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the desert at a traditional nomadic dwelling before transferring to Khiva.
Overnight in Orient Star Khiva or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Khiva
Take a walking tour of Ichan Kala, a UNESCO-protected open-air museum enclosed by a fortress wall with four gates. It showcases over sixty monuments. For example, you see the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan madrassah, the Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya-Ark fortress and Tash-Khauli palace. Afterwards, try your hand at traditional Khorezmian bread baking.
Overnight in Orient Star Khiva or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4
Kyzylkum Desert
A journey through the vast Kyzylkum Desert (around 450km, 7-8 hours) to Bukhara, an ancient Silk Road city.
Overnight in Omar Khayam or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 5
Bukhara
Explore the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, with tea breaks along the way. It features the 12th-century Big Minaret, the Miri-Arab Madrassah, Kalyan Minaret and Djuma Mosque. Then join a hands-on miniature painting masterclass led by renowned artist Mr Davlat Toshev. This craft is a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage.
Overnight in Omar Khayam or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Bukhara
First, visit the Zindan (Bukhara's 18th-century prison), the Ark Fortress and the Bolo-Khauz mosque. Then see the Chashma-Ayub shrine, the 9th-century Samanids Mausoleum and Chor Minor, a distinctive four-minaret madrassah. Afterwards, enjoy a home-hosted lunch with a presentation on cooking the national dish, Plov.
Overnight in Omar Khayam or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 7
Samarkand
Enjoy a morning at leisure (no guide or transport included). Then transfer to Kagan train station for the high-speed train to Samarkand.
Overnight in Orient Star or similar, Samarkand · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Samarkand
Explore the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, resting place of Tamerlane. Then see Registan Square, surrounded by Ulugbek's, Sher-Dor's and Tilla-Kori's madrassahs. Finally, discover the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, named for Timur's favourite wife, and the vibrant Siab Bazaar.
Overnight in Orient Star or similar, Samarkand · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9
Samarkand and Tashkent
First, visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, an ensemble of mausoleums from the 11th to 19th centuries. Then see the Afrosiab Museum and the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the largest observatories of the Middle Ages. Finally, visit the Silk Paper Centre before taking the high-speed train back to Tashkent.
Overnight in Mir Luxe Plaza or similar, Tashkent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 10
The End of the Explore Uzbekistan Tour
Finally, at a suitable time, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
Interested in this tour?
Enquire About the Explore Uzbekistan Tour
Tell us a little about what you’re looking for and one of our travel experts will get back to you.
Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Air-conditioned sedan vehicle for all airport and train station transfers, drives and city tours
Economy class flight from Tashkent to Urgench on Day 2
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of local (station) English-speaking guides in each city for excursions
Train tickets for Bukhara to Samarkand and Samarkand to Tashkent in economy class
Entrance fees to cultural places and nature parks
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Tourist tax in Uzbekistan (50 USD per person per tour)
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This tour is available as a private departure. Our recommended travel period is from the end of March to the middle of June. Alternatively, travel from the end of August to early November.
£1,795 per person, based on two people sharing
Single Supplement – £265
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Uzbekistan.
Your passport should be valid for three months from your date of entry into Uzbekistan. British citizen passport holders can enter as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. If entering with medicines, check in advance the list of prohibited medicines and legal import quantities. For example, some UK non-prescription medicines, including codeine, can cause problems on entry without a doctor's prescription.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor, with badly-equipped and unhygienic hospitals. Therefore, avoid all but basic or essential treatment in an emergency. In an emergency, dial 103 for an ambulance.
Uzbekistan has a secular constitution with a predominantly Muslim population. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. You must also carry your passport at all times, because this is a legal requirement. Possession of drugs is illegal, carrying lengthy prison sentences. In addition, there is a ban on selling alcohol and tobacco to under-20s. Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law. Finally, be cautious photographing government buildings, airports, border checkpoints and metro stations.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable, alongside general warm clothing and a light raincoat. Laundry is also available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and/or walking boots are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, we recommend a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Uzbekistan's currency is the sum (also som/soum). Credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Therefore, US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money at official exchange booths, because black-market exchange is illegal and carries harsh penalties.
Uzbekistan uses type C and F plugs on a 220V/50Hz supply, and is on GMT+5. However, internet access can be slow and limited outside 4-5 star hotels. In fact, you find the best wifi only at the highest-rated properties.
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
Get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailor-made options, best times to travel and much more.