Classic Uzbekistan Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport, a flight and 2 train journeys included.
Classic Uzbekistan Tour Highlights
Discover the classic Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan on this private tour from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. In Tashkent, the lively capital, modern boulevards meet the old town around the Khast-Imam complex and the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. The morning train takes you to Samarkand, once the heart of Tamerlane's empire, with the Registan, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and a road trip across the mountains leads to Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace.
In Bukhara you stroll through winding streets full of centuries-old mosques, madrasahs and bazaars, from the Poi Kalyan complex to the Ark fortress, and visit the emir's summer palace and the shrine of Bahouddin Naqshband outside the city. A long drive across the Kyzylkum Desert brings you to the walled city of Khiva, a perfectly preserved open-air museum, before an evening flight from Urgench takes you back to Tashkent – the perfect way to experience the essence of Uzbekistan, a land where history and legend live side by side.
Difficulty: Easy Guided city walks on mostly flat ground in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva; a day trip of 90 km each way over the mountains to Shakhrisabz, one long road day of 440 km across the Kyzylkum Desert from Bukhara to Khiva, two train rides and an evening domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent.
Tour Itinerary
You arrive early in the morning in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After the transfer to the hotel, check-in and some rest, you begin exploring this city of contrasts, where wide modern boulevards coexist with the cozy old town. The sightseeing starts at Khast-Imam Square, home to ancient mosques and madrasahs, including the Barak-Khan Madrasah and the Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, a revered shrine. You also visit the Kukeldash Madrasah and stroll through Chorsu Bazaar, the city's oldest and most colorful market. After lunch you continue to the Museum of Applied Arts, admire the grandeur of Independence Square and finish the day at Amir Temur Square, surrounded by Soviet-era and modern architecture. In the evening you return to the hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.
Tashkent, Hazrati Imam complex, Kukeldash Madrasah, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Independence Square, Amir Temur Square
- Tashkent International Airport → Tashkent (9 km)
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
After breakfast you take the morning train to Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities of the Silk Road, and dive into its treasures right on arrival. Stand in awe at the Registan, the city's heart, framed by three monumental madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. Continue to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane and his descendants rest beneath a jade tombstone. After lunch you visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the sacred Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the most advanced scientific centers of the 15th century. In the evening you enjoy dinner in a local family home with a culinary master class, learning to cook and taste manti, the traditional Uzbek dumplings. Overnight in Samarkand.
Samarkand, Registan, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum, Shah i Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory
- Tashkent → Samarkand (344 km)
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you travel 90 km by road across the mountains to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Temur (Tamerlane). The city is filled with monuments to the glory of his reign: you visit the ruins of the grand Ak-Saray Palace, the solemn Dorus-Saodat complex, the Dorut-Tillavat ensemble and the beautiful Kok-Gumbaz Mosque. After lunch you return to Samarkand. Here you have some free time to stroll through the lively Siyob Bazaar, where locals trade spices, sweets and dried fruit, and to visit the Tomb of Saint Daniel, a sacred site for Muslims, Christians and Jews alike. In the evening you take the train to Bukhara. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.
Shahrisabz, Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Saodat Complex, Dorut Tillavat Complex, Kok Gumbaz Mosque (Shahrisabz), Siyob Bazaar, Tomb of Saint Daniel (Khoja Daniyar)
- Samarkand → Shahrisabz (90 km)
- Shahrisabz → Samarkand (90 km)
- Samarkand → Bukhara (255 km)
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast you begin a full day of exploring Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric Silk Road cities. You start with the elegant Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the unusual Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, known as “Job's Spring”. At the local bazaar you feel the trading spirit that has thrived here for centuries. Next, you visit the graceful Bolo-Hauz Mosque before entering the mighty Ark citadel, the former residence of Bukhara's emirs, complete with its notorious Zindan prison. Later you explore the Poi Kalyan complex, dominated by the soaring Kalyan Minaret, together with the Miri-Arab Madrasah, and finish with the Magoki-Attori Mosque and the Ulugbek Madrasah. In the evening you enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant with a lively folklore show. Overnight in Bukhara.
Bukhara, Samanids Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Hauz Complex, Ark of Bukhara, Poi Kalyan, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Ulugbeg Madrasah Bukhara
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast you leave the old city to explore the peaceful surroundings of Bukhara. The first stop is the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara. Often called the “Palace of Moonlight and Stars”, it blends traditional oriental ornament with European architecture: inside you find shimmering mirror halls, carved ganch stucco and delicate stained glass – a glimpse into the refined life of Bukhara's royal court. Next, you visit the Mausoleum of Bahouddin Naqshband, one of Central Asia's most revered Sufi pilgrimage sites. Set amid tranquil gardens, this spiritual complex attracts pilgrims from all over the region and is a serene place to feel the deep spiritual traditions that have shaped Bukhara's identity for centuries. Back in the city, the rest of the day is free to enjoy Bukhara at your own pace – stroll through its cozy streets, shop for traditional crafts or simply relax in a local teahouse with a cup of fragrant green tea. Overnight in Bukhara.
Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace, Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum
- Bukhara → Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace (6 km)
- Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace → Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum (11 km)
- Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum → Bukhara (14 km)
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
Today you travel 440 km by road across the endless landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert, following the course of the Amu Darya River, much like the ancient caravans that once connected these two Silk Road cities. After a long but scenic drive you arrive in Khiva, a perfectly preserved medieval city. The evening is free to relax, wander through the narrow streets and visit local souvenir shops and workshops. Overnight in Khiva.
Kyzylkum Desert, Khiva
- Bukhara → Khiva (440 km)
Overnight: Khiva (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning you dive into the fairytale atmosphere of Khiva, more than 2,500 years old and often described as an open-air museum. Within the walls of the Ichan Kala you visit the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, the mighty Kunya-Ark fortress, the elegant Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah and the ornate Tash Khauli Palace, once the khan's residence. You also explore the Juma Mosque with its forest of carved wooden columns and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and Minaret. In the evening you transfer 35 km to the airport in Urgench for the flight back to Tashkent (the domestic flight ticket is not included in the tour price). On arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest. Overnight in Tashkent.
Khiva, Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum, Kunya-ark fortress, Islam Khoja Minaret, Tach Khaouli Palace, Juma mosque, Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor Minaret
- Khiva → Urgench (35 km)
- Urgench → Tashkent International Airport (720 km)
- Tashkent International Airport → Tashkent (9 km)
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, morning transfer to the international airport for your departure.
- Tashkent → Tashkent International Airport (9 km)
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $2,300 | $2,847 |
| 2–3 travelers | $1,402 | $1,713 |
| 4–5 travelers | $1,085 | $1,401 |
| 6–7 travelers | $1,024 | $1,340 |
| 8–9 travelers | $1,031 | $1,347 |
| 10–11 travelers | $1,012 | $1,330 |
Single room supplement — ★★★ $160, ★★★★ $295
Optional extras
Wine tasting in Samarkand: $40 per person
Share this tour privately
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What's included
Included
- Accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels (as listed, or similar of the same category) in double/twin rooms with daily breakfast – 7 nights: 2 in Tashkent, 1 in Samarkand, 3 in Bukhara, 1 in Khiva
- Early check-in on day 1 in Tashkent (at the other hotels check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00)
- Daily breakfast at the hotels and 2 dinners as per the program: a manti cooking master class with dinner in a family home in Samarkand (day 2) and dinner with a folklore show in Bukhara (day 4)
- English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing
- Entrance fees to all monuments and museums listed in the itinerary
- Air-conditioned transport throughout the tour, including all airport – hotel – airport transfers
- Train tickets Tashkent – Samarkand and Samarkand – Bukhara (economy class; high-speed train tickets are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance)
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flight Urgench – Tashkent (about 100 USD in economy class)
- Meals not mentioned above
- Single room supplement (160 USD per person with 3* hotels, 295 USD with 4* hotels)
- Optional wine tasting in Samarkand (40 USD per person)
- Medical expenses and travel insurance
- Porter services at railway stations and airports
- Tips
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Tashkent
Human Hotel or Panarams Hotel or similar
-
Night 2
Samarkand
Arba Hotel or Continental Hotel or similar
-
Nights 3–5
Bukhara
Rangrez Hotel or Paradise Plaza Hotel or similar
-
Night 6
Khiva
Khiva Residence Hotel or Asia Khiva Hotel or similar
-
Night 7
Tashkent
Human Hotel or Panarams Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Arrival: The tour starts early in the morning of day 1 in Tashkent; early check-in at the hotel is included, so you can rest before the city tour. At the other hotels check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00.
- Hotels: You choose between 3* and 4* hotels (or similar of the same category). 3*: Human Hotel in Tashkent, Arba Hotel in Samarkand, Rangrez Hotel in Bukhara and Khiva Residence Hotel in Khiva. 4*: Panarams Hotel in Tashkent, Continental Hotel in Samarkand, Paradise Plaza Hotel in Bukhara and Asia Khiva Hotel in Khiva.
- Trains and flight: Tashkent – Samarkand and Samarkand – Bukhara are by train in economy class (included); tickets for the high-speed trains are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance. The evening flight Urgench – Tashkent on day 7 is not included (about 100 USD in economy class).
- Long drive: Day 6 is a 440 km drive from Bukhara to Khiva across the Kyzylkum Desert.
- Vehicles: Chevrolet Lacetti or similar for 1–2 travelers, Hyundai Starex minivan (6 seats) for 3–5 travelers, King Long minivan (10 seats) or similar for 6–8 travelers and Eurise minivan (18 seats) or similar for 9 or more travelers.
- Wine tasting: An optional wine tasting in Samarkand can be added for 40 USD per person.
- Custom tours: We are happy to organize a custom tour or a modified itinerary based on this tour – just contact us.
Uzbekistan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Uzbekistan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Uzbekistan before booking.
The local currency is the Uzbek sum. Uzbekistan is still mostly a cash economy, but money is easy to exchange and ATMs are common in the larger cities.
Exchanging money
Banks exchange US dollars, euros, British pounds and Japanese yen. There are exchange offices in major cities such as Bukhara and Khiva and at Tashkent airport; elsewhere you need a bank, which often gives a better rate anyway. Your notes must be in pristine condition. Sum is hard to exchange outside Uzbekistan, but you can change it back to US dollars at a local bank.
Cards and ATMs
Cards are accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants in Tashkent and the main tourist cities, with Visa more widely recognised than Mastercard and a standard 3% commission. ATMs dispense sum and are easy to find in the larger cities; many also offer US dollars.
Uzbekistan is generally a safe destination, with little religious extremism and few crimes against foreigners.
Documents
Always carry your passport: it is a legal requirement, and police carry out routine checks.
Getting around
- Use licensed taxis. Local taxi apps are the easiest way to get a ride at local prices, and Yandex works very well in Tashkent and Samarkand. If you take a taxi on the street or at the airport, agree the price first.
- Many roads outside Tashkent, especially in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, are in poor condition. Driving standards are generally low, and rural roads are often unlit, so night driving is riskier.
- On night trains, keep valuables safe, do not leave belongings unattended and lock the compartment door from the inside.
- Watch your belongings as you would anywhere, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
Laws and customs
- Possessing narcotics is strictly illegal.
- Same-sex relationships are illegal and still socially condemned. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Drones are in practice banned. Permits can be applied for but are very rarely granted.
Photography
Be discreet near government buildings such as the Palace of Forums in Tashkent, and sometimes at local markets that see few tourists. Restrictions have eased, but check before photographing near airports, border checkpoints, military sites, bridges and police stations.
Earthquakes
Uzbekistan is prone to earthquakes, mostly tremors, though stronger ones occasionally occur.
Entering Uzbekistan is straightforward when your documents are in order. Citizens of many countries can visit visa-free, and for many others a visa is easy to get without an invitation.
Registration
Registration rules are stricter than elsewhere in Central Asia: by law you must be registered within 3 days of arrival. Hotels usually do this for you, but register yourself if you stay longer than 3 days in, for example, a rented apartment. Border officers check the registrations when you leave and may ask for the paper slips, so keep them until you exit the country.
Customs
Exporting handcrafted items older than 50 years is prohibited. At land borders, customs officers may check your phone and photos for explicit or confidential material, though this has become very rare.
The best times to visit Uzbekistan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), between the summer heat and the winter cold.
Summer
At the height of summer the land dries out, especially in the countryside, and temperatures rise well above 30°C, often up to 40°C.
Winter
From November to March it can get cold, sometimes below zero, but the skies are mostly clear and bright. Snow is occasional and usually melts within a day or two.
Medical services in Uzbekistan have improved in recent years but are still limited, so good travel insurance that includes evacuation is essential.
Food and water
To avoid traveller's diarrhoea, drink only bottled, filtered or boiled water, and do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or for ice. Choose meat and fish that are thoroughly cooked and served hot.
Medical care
Uzbekistan has a state healthcare system and a small private sector. Larger clinics serve the cities and regional hospitals the countryside. Hospitals usually ask for payment in cash up front, even if you are insured, and serious cases may need evacuation home. Contact your insurer straight away if you need urgent care, and check before you leave what your insurance covers in Uzbekistan.
Medicines
Pharmacies are private, and the range of medicines can be limited. Prescriptions generally require a doctor's consultation. If you travel with medication, check the rules with the embassy, a consulate or Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health.
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