Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Silk Road Cities Tour

Arrival in Urgench. Upon leaving the airport, we’ll warmly welcome you and transfer you to the enchanting city of Khiva, located just 30 km away. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have some time to relax after your flight and enjoy breakfast before we begin our journey. At 11:00, we set off to explore one of the most extraordinary cities of the Great Silk Road. Our first stop is the elegant Nurullabay Palace, the former summer residence of the Khivan Khans, where traditional Eastern luxury blends beautifully with European architectural influences of the late 19th century. Next, we step inside the magical world of Ichan Kala, Khiva’s perfectly preserved walled inner city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, we’ll discover the Kunya Ark Fortress, admire the graceful Islam Khoja Madrasa and Minaret, and visit the magnificent Tash Khauli Palace, one of the finest royal residences in Central Asia. After some free time for lunch, we continue wandering through the timeless streets of ancient Khiva. We’ll visit the Allakuli Khan Madrasa, admire the remarkable Juma Mosque with its famous forest of carved wooden columns, see the impressive Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and Minaret, and conclude our day at the beautiful Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, the city’s most revered spiritual landmark.

Khiva, Kunya-ark fortress, Islam Khoja Minaret​, Tach Khaouli Palace​, Madrasahs of Khiva, Juma mosque, Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah​, Kalta Minor Minaret, Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum​

• Urgench​ → Khiva (30 km)

Overnight: Khiva (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to experience the charm of Khiva at your own pace. Wander through its peaceful ancient streets, capture beautiful photos, browse traditional handicraft shops, or simply relax with a cup of fragrant tea in one of the hidden courtyards of the Old City. Check-out is by 12:00. In the afternoon, we head to the railway station and board a comfortable modern train (15:25–21:32) to Bukhara, one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities along the Great Silk Road. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the station, transfer you to your hotel, and assist with check-in, leaving you free to relax and prepare for another exciting day of discovery.

Khiva

• Khiva → Bukhara

Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

At 10:00, we begin discovering Bukhara, one of the oldest and most atmospheric cities of the Great Silk Road. Our journey starts at the beautiful Samanid Mausoleum, one of the finest masterpieces of early Islamic architecture. We then visit the sacred Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum before heading up to the Shukhov Tower observation deck, where we’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Old City, the Bolo-Hauz Mosque, and the imposing Ark Fortress. We continue to the magnificent Poi-Kalyan Complex, the architectural heart and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. After some free time for lunch, we travel to the elegant Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Here, traditional Eastern architecture blends beautifully with European influences, creating one of the most distinctive palaces in Central Asia. Following the tour, we return to Bukhara. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace — take a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric old town, relax at a traditional café, or unwind at your hotel.

Samanids Mausoleum​, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum​, Bolo Hauz Complex​, Ark of Bukhara, Poi Kalyan, Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace

Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we continue exploring the timeless beauty of Bukhara. At 10:00, we set off to discover one of the most picturesque corners of the Old City. We’ll visit the charming Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, a peaceful square shaded by centuries-old trees, admire the beautiful Kukeldash and Nadir Divanbegi Madrasas, and stroll through Bukhara’s famous covered trading domes, where the traditions of Silk Road commerce and craftsmanship have been preserved for centuries. After some free time for lunch, you’ll have another opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of Bukhara, browse local artisan workshops, or pick up a few special souvenirs before we continue our journey. Later, we head to the railway station and board a comfortable modern train to Samarkand — the legendary capital of the Timurid Empire and one of the most celebrated cities of the Great Silk Road. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the station, transfer you to your hotel, and assist with check-in.

Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Trading Domes of Bukhara​

• Bukhara → Samarkand

Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin exploring Samarkand, one of the greatest cities of the Great Silk Road and the magnificent capital of the Timurid Empire. At 09:30, we’ll visit the impressive Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary Amir Timur (Tamerlane). From there, we continue to the breathtaking Registan Square, the architectural jewel of Central Asia, before wandering through the lively Siab Bazaar, where the colors, aromas, and flavors of Uzbekistan come to life. We also visit the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most ambitious mosques in the Islamic world. After some free time for lunch, we continue our journey through Samarkand. We’ll explore the stunning Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, one of the city’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces, and visit the famous Ulugh Beg Observatory, where we’ll discover the remarkable scientific achievements of one of history’s greatest astronomers. In the evening, we board a comfortable train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the railway station, transfer you to your hotel, and assist with check-in.

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan, Siyob Bazaar, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum​, Shah i Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory

• Samarkand → Tashkent

Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

At 09:30, we begin exploring Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern city life. Our day starts at the Khast-Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of the city, before we immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and most colorful markets in Central Asia. We then visit the famous Besh Qozon Plov Center, where Uzbekistan’s national dish is prepared in enormous traditional cauldrons — a truly unique local experience. After some free time for lunch, we continue our city tour. We’ll see Independence Square, admire the elegant Alisher Navoi Theatre, pass by the historic Palace of Grand Duke Konstantin Romanov, and enjoy a leisurely walk through Amir Timur Square and Broadway, one of Tashkent’s favorite pedestrian streets filled with cafés, artists, and local life. After the tour, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. We highly recommend visiting Tashkent City Park, a modern urban destination featuring beautiful fountains, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment. You may also wish to explore the Planetarium, Wax Museum, or the immersive Flying Theatre. As most attractions remain open until around 11:00 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your final evening in Uzbekistan.

Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Independence Square, Amir Temur Square

Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, we depart at 08:00 for the Kaplanbek border crossing, where we’ll cross from Uzbekistan into Kazakhstan. Once border formalities are completed, we’ll be welcomed by our Kazakh guide and continue our journey to Turkestan – one of the oldest cities of the Great Silk Road and the historic capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, one of Kazakhstan’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks. Our tour includes the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest masterpieces of Timurid architecture. We’ll also visit the Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begim, the historic medieval Eastern bathhouse, the Hilvet Underground Mosque, and the fascinating remains of Turkestan’s ancient citadel and fortress walls, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. After the sightseeing, we’ll check in to our hotel and enjoy a well-deserved evening of rest.

Kaplanbek border control, Turkistan

• Tashkent → Turkistan (270 km)

Overnight: Turkistan (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we set off for the ancient city of Otrar, once one of the greatest trading centers of the Great Silk Road. For centuries, this remarkable city welcomed merchants, scholars, and travelers from across Asia and played a vital role in the cultural and scientific life of the region. Our first stop is the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, one of Kazakhstan’s most revered pilgrimage sites. We then explore the fascinating ruins of the ancient settlement of Otrar and visit the Otrar State Archaeological Museum-Reserve, where we’ll discover the rich history of this legendary Silk Road city. Following our visit, we continue to Shymkent, the vibrant gateway to southern Kazakhstan. During our city tour, we’ll stroll through the 20th Anniversary of Independence Park, visit Ordabasy Square, one of the city’s most important historical landmarks, and walk through the Arbat city park. After some free time for dinner, we transfer to the railway station at 20:00 and board our overnight train to Almaty (21:15–09:05).

Otrar, Arystan Bab Mausoleum, Shaulder, Shymkent

• Turkistan → Shymkent (235 km)
• Shymkent → Almaty

Meals: Breakfast

At 09:05, we arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural capital, where we’ll meet you at the railway station. After our overnight journey, we’ll enjoy breakfast at a cozy local café, included in the tour. Our day begins at the famous Green Bazaar, one of the city’s most vibrant and authentic landmarks, where locals have been shopping for fresh fruit, spices, dried fruits, and traditional delicacies for generations. If you wish, you can sample local specialties such as kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (fermented camel’s milk). We then set off on a city tour of Almaty. We’ll stroll through the beautiful Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, visit the magnificent Ascension Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden churches, explore the Memorial of Glory, and discover the fascinating Museum of Musical Instruments. We’ll also see the city’s impressive Central Mosque, one of the largest in Kazakhstan. Next, we’ll ride the Kok-Tobe cable car (ticket payable on site) to one of Almaty’s most beloved viewpoints, with panoramic views of the city framed by the Tian Shan Mountains. We conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along Arbat, Almaty’s pedestrian boulevard, before checking in to our hotel.

Almaty Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Kok Tobe Mountain, Almaty

Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to enjoy your final hours in Kazakhstan. Take a leisurely walk through the city, pick up a few last souvenirs, or simply relax with a cup of coffee before your journey home. Approximately three hours before your flight, we’ll provide a transfer to Almaty International Airport and assist with your departure.

Meals: Breakfast

On the 12-day option, Day 10 is spent in Almaty and in the evening we board the overnight train to Astana (16:57–09:36). At 09:36, we arrive in Astana, Kazakhstan’s dynamic capital. After breakfast at a local café, included in the tour, we begin discovering a city where bold contemporary architecture blends with a rich historical heritage. Our first stop is Astana’s historic center on the right bank of the Ishim River, where the city’s story began when it was known as Akmolinsk and later Tselinograd. We stroll through streets lined with 19th-century merchant houses, Soviet-era buildings, and quiet green avenues, see the elegant Atyrau Bridge and visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the largest Orthodox church in Central Asia. After some free time for lunch, we explore the modern face of Astana: the Nur-Astana Mosque with its white marble façade and golden domes, and the Open-Air Space Museum with full-scale models of the Proton, Soyuz, and Buran spacecraft. Our day concludes at the iconic Bayterek Tower, whose observation deck offers panoramic views over the city.

Astana

• Almaty → Astana

Overnight: Astana (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to enjoy your final hours in Kazakhstan. Take a leisurely walk through the city, pick up a few last souvenirs, or simply relax with a cup of coffee before your journey home. Approximately three hours before your flight, we’ll provide a transfer to Astana International Airport and assist with your departure.

Meals: Breakfast