Highlights of Uzbekistan

Welcome to Uzbekistan, a shining jewel on the ancient Silk Road!

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you'll get a warm welcome from a local driver and then you'll head to the hotel for some rest.

Discover Tashkent's rich history on a journey through the city's most significant landmarks. Begin at the Center of Islamic Civilization, an important institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region's Islamic heritage. Here, browse remarkable exhibits, including the revered Uthman Quran. Continue to the nearby Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of Tashkent. Admire the impressive Hazrat Imam Mosque featuring a pair of soaring minarets.

Later, experience local life at Chorsu Bazaar and see its colorful displays of spices and local produce. End the day with visits to Independence Square and Amir Timur Square, and, if time and energy permits, explore the State Museum of Applied Arts to appreciate Uzbekistan's exquisite craftsmanship.

Get up early this morning for the flight to Urgench, where upon arrival you'll be transferred to Khiva, once a popular resting hub for caravans and merchants crossing the desert.

Explore Khiva's walled inner city of Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the enchanting Kuhna Ark Fortress, which showcases the life of the khans back in the day. Admire the beautiful turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, unfinished at 29 meters tall, and visit Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah to admire its impressive architecture and tilework.

Later, visit the Juma Mosque to appreciate the different woodcarving styles found in Khiva throughout history, and step into the Isfandiyar Palace (also known as Nurullabay Palace), home to lavishly decorated rooms showcasing a mixture of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

Set out from Khiva this morning and travel across the vast Kyzylkum Desert on your way to Bukhara. This overland journey, lasting around eight hours, offers a glimpse into the dramatic scenery of Uzbekistan, where sweeping desert plains stretch toward the horizon. Along the way, pause for a relaxed picnic lunch in the quiet desert surroundings.

By late afternoon, arrive in Bukhara, one of the country’s most atmospheric Silk Road destinations. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the evening is free to rest and unwind, preparing for the discoveries that await in this remarkable city of mosques, madrasas, and centuries-old trading domes.

Bukhara, another popular trading hub situated on the Silk Road, is deeply influenced by Islamic culture.

Today, you will visit the massive Ark of Bukhara, which was used as a fortress and now houses museums covering the history of this city. Sitting right opposite is the Bolo Khauz Mosque, featuring 20 wooden pillars covered with intricate carvings and decorated with colorful muqarnas.

At the Samanid Park, you will find the Samanid Mausoleum with a decorated brickwork façade, and the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum with an uncommon Khwarazm-style conical dome. Later, immerse yourself in the beautiful courtyard and tilework of the Po-i-Kalyan Complex. During the tour, take some time to browse exotic souvenirs in one of the Trading Domes in the city center.

Another day in Bukhara will be dedicated to some attractions outside the city center. At the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the former summer residence of Bukhara's last Emir, you can admire the unique architecture in both eastern and western styles and appreciate the luxurious details inside the palace. Continue to visit Bakhauddin Nakshbandi Bukhari Mausoleum and then head to the Chor Bakr Necropolis. This memorial complex, known as the "Town of the Dead", is the family tombs of Abu-Bakr-Sai. Walking around the compound, you can see lots of mausoleums richly decorated with polychromatic tiles.

Return to the city and have the rest of the day free at leisure.

The morning is free time for you to explore. Visit Bukhara's historic center again, capture beautiful photos of the landmarks, hunt for souvenirs in the bazaars, or taste traditional tea and sweets at the Silk Road Tea House (own expense). Alternatively, choose a private cooking class to learn about the secrets behind Uzbek dishes.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Samarkand. The journey usually takes around two-and-a-half-hour. Once in Samarkand, head to the hotel for a restful night, or take full advantage of your time in this fascinating city to enjoy a show featuring traditional Uzbek dances and music (extra cost).

Samarkand is a precious pearl in the Islamic world with a long history and remarkable cultural heritage. Get to know its glorious past with a full-day tour.

Admire the Mausoleum of Gur-e-Amir with breathtaking blue tiles. Followed by the Registan Square, framed by three Islamic schools. You can find the Tilya-Kori Madrasah with its stunning gold mosaics ceiling and climb to the second floor of Ulugh Beg Madrasah for spectacular views.

Afterward, stroll through the Siab Bazaar and take in the pleasant aromas of fresh bread, fruits, and vegetables. Later, walk along the avenue of the Shakhi Zinda Memorial Complex to enjoy the rich tilework, many of which date back to the 14th-century Timurid Empire. Round off the day at Ulugbek's Observatory, now a museum displaying a model of the ancient observatory.

Spend half a day discovering Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Marvel at the remaining massive walls of the Ak Saray Palace, discover the Dorut Tilovat Complex where the great spiritual leader Shamsiddin Kulal is laid to rest, and learn stories behind the Dorus Saodat Mausoleum. In front of the mausoleum is the Hazrat Imam Mosque, now the main mosque in the town.

When the tour ends, transfer to the train station of Samarkand for your high-speed train to Tashkent (around two-and-a-half-hour trip).