Overview
This immersive 9-day cultural journey through Uzbekistan offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s historical and architectural treasures. From the modern charm of Tashkent to the ancient walled city of Khiva, the tour traces the footsteps of Silk Road traders through desert landscapes, traditional village life in Shirin, and the spiritual and scholarly legacy of Bukhara and Samarkand. The itinerary includes guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling bazaars, cultural workshops, and a scenic high-speed train ride. The journey concludes with a cross-border transition to Tajikistan, seamlessly connecting two storied Central Asian cultures.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Tashkent
- Pick-up from the airport by your local guide.
- Transfer and accommodation at a 4* hotel – The Manor Hotel or similar.
- Free time to rest and explore the surroundings at leisure.
Overnight in Tashkent (4 Hotel).*
Day 2 :
Tashkent City Tour
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Explore the capital of Uzbekistan, a city blending ancient culture and modern vibes:
- Khast-Imam Square
- Barak-Khan Madrassah and Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum
- Kukeldash Madrasah
- Chorsu Bazaar – the oldest market in Tashkent
- Independence Square and Amir Temur Square
Overnight in Tashkent (4 Hotel).*
Day 3 :
Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
- Early morning flight: Tashkent – Urgench (07:00–08:30)
- Transfer to Khiva (30 minutes). Begin the city tour in this UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Ichan-Kala Fortress
- Kunya-Ark Citadel
- Tash-Khovli Palace
- Muhammad-Aminkhan & Muhammad-Rahimkhan Madrasahs
- Kalta-Minor Minaret
- Juma Mosque
- Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
- Islam-Khoja Minaret
Overnight in Khiva at Asia Khiva or Orient Asia Star (4).*
Day 4 :
Khiva – Ethno House "Shirin"
- Scenic drive (460 km) through the Kyzylkum Desert along the historic Silk Road.
- En route stop: panoramic view of the Amu Darya River.
- Arrival in the village of Shirin – experience Uzbek village life:
- Stay in a charming Ethno House
- Enjoy nature walks, traditional cooking, and donkey rides
- Relax under the starry sky and enjoy local hospitality
Overnight in Shirin at the Ethno House.
Day 05 :
Shirin – Bukhara
- Morning transfer to Bukhara (approx. 25 km).
- Full-day guided city tour:
- Lyabi-Hauz Complex
- Historic Trade Domes (Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpak Furushon, Toki Sarrafon)
- Magoki Attari Mosque
- Poikalyan Complex (Kalyan Mosque & Miri-Arab Madrasah)
- The Ark Fortress
- Bolo Hauz Mosque
- Mausoleum of the Samanids
Overnight in Bukhara at Umar Khayyam Hotel (4).*
Day 06 :
Bukhara (Continued Exploration)
- Visit the stunning summer residence of Bukhara emirs:
- Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace
- Chor-Bakr Necropolis
- Chor-Minor Madrasah – iconic for its four minarets
Overnight in Bukhara at Umar Khayyam Hotel (4).*
Day 07 :
Bukhara – Samarkand
- Early morning high-speed train Afrosiab: Bukhara (04:55) – Samarkand (06:27)
- Explore the architectural wonders of Samarkand:
- Registan Square (Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, Tilya-Kori Madrasahs)
- Gur Emir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s resting place)
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque
- Siyab Bazaar
- Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis
Overnight in Samarkand at Malika Prime or Continental Hotel (4).*
Day 08 :
Samarkand – Cultural Immersion
- Visit historic and cultural gems on the outskirts of Samarkand:
- Ulughbek Observatory
- Afrosiab Ancient Settlement
- Konigil Meros Paper Mill – watch Samarkand paper making
- "Eternal City" modern tourist complex
Overnight in Samarkand at Malika Prime or Continental Hotel (4).*
Day 09 :
Samarkand – Jartepa Border – Penjikent (Tajikistan)
- Morning transfer to Jartepa border crossing (approx. 1 hour).
- Cross into Tajikistan and continue your journey in Penjikent.
(Optional sightseeing in Penjikent: ancient ruins, Rudaki Museum, and local bazaar.)
End of Services in Uzbekistan.
Cost
Tour Includes
- • All accommodations in 4* hotels (or similar) with breakfast
- • All transfers (private vehicles, domestic flight, train)
- • Professional English-speaking guides
- • Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- • Support with border crossing formalities
