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, where ancient Silk Road cities whisper tales of grandeur and cultural richness. Join us on this 10-day guided tour of Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history, vibrant traditions and breathtaking architecture, from the bustling capital of Tashkent to the architectural marvels of Samarkand.
In Tashkent, the modern meets the old as we explore Chorsu Bazaar and ascend the Tashkent Tower for panoramic city views. Venture to Urgench, the ancient capital of Khorezm, home to the enigmatic Kunya Ark fortress, before continuing to Bukhara, a labyrinthine city of ancient mosques, minarets and caravanserais.
In Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road, we explore Registan Square, the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque – a rich tapestry of architectural wonders you will never forget. Uzbekistan is a land of contrasts and captivating beauty that, once visited, will forever hold a special place in your heart.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Uzbekistan
On arrival in Tashkent, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel to relax and freshen up. A guided city tour follows, taking in Khast Imam Square, the holy heart of Tashkent, the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrassah, and Chorsu Bazaar, a crucial point along the Great Silk Road. Also visit the Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square, plus a ride on the ornately decorated Tashkent Metro.
Overnight in Mir Luxe Plaza or similar, Tashkent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 2
Urgench
An early flight to Urgench, then a drive to explore ancient fortresses – Toprak-Kala, an ancient capital of Khorezm dubbed "the museum of fine arts of Ancient Khorezm," and Ayaz-Kala, a 4th-century BC fortress atop a 60-metre hill. 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
A walking tour of Ichan Kala, a UNESCO-protected open-air museum enclosed by a fortress wall with four gates, showcasing over sixty monuments including the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan madrassah, the Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya-Ark fortress and Tash-Khauli palace. 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, featuring the 12th-century Big Minaret, the Miri-Arab Madrassah, Kalyan Minaret and Djuma Mosque, with tea breaks along the way. Join a hands-on miniature painting masterclass led by renowned artist Mr Davlat Toshev, a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage craft.
Overnight in Omar Khayam or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Bukhara
Visit the Zindan (Bukhara's 18th-century prison), the Ark Fortress, the Bolo-Khauz mosque, the Chashma-Ayub shrine, the 9th-century Samanids Mausoleum, and Chor Minor, a distinctive four-minaret madrassah. 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
A morning at leisure (no guide or transport included), before transferring 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, and Registan Square, surrounded by Ulugbek's, Sher-Dor's and Tilla-Kori's madrassahs. 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
Visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, an ensemble of mausoleums from the 11th to 19th centuries, the Afrosiab Museum, and the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the largest observatories of the Middle Ages. 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
At a suitable time, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
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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, and 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: 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 – 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 from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor, with badly-equipped and unhygienic hospitals – 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 – respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. You must carry your passport at all times, as this is a legal requirement. Possession of drugs is illegal, carrying lengthy prison sentences, and there is a ban on selling alcohol and tobacco to under-20s. Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law. 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 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; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle and 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, so US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money at official exchange booths, as 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. Internet access can be slow and limited outside 4-5 star hotels, with the best wifi found only at the highest-rated properties.
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