Classic Uzbekistan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Once a part of the Samanid and Timurid Empires, Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most compelling republics. The only one of the ‘Stans’ that borders the other four, it also enjoys the reputation of being one of only two ‘double landlocked’ countries in the world. Lying at the cultural and geographic crossroads of the region, it was one of the Silk Road’s most important links.
This remarkable journey through the development and history of the old ...
Once a part of the Samanid and Timurid Empires, Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most compelling republics. The only one of the ‘Stans’ that borders the other four, it also enjoys the reputation of being one of only two ‘double landlocked’ countries in the world. Lying at the cultural and geographic crossroads of the region, it was one of the Silk Road’s most important links.
This remarkable journey through the development and history of the old trading routes that once traversed the vast distances between the East and the West begins in Tashkent. Here, you have an opportunity to explore some of the main sights of the old city before moving on to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Khiva.
Then, a scenic train ride through the haunting Kyzylkum Desert brings you to Bukhara and Samarkand where you’ll explore the winding alleyways, tiled madrassahs and beautiful palaces of two of the most iconic and enthralling cities ever to grace the vast, meandering course of the historic Silk Road.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TASHKENT: CITY TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVE TASHKENT: CITY TOUR
Upon arrival into the capital your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, this afternoon may be spent visiting Tashkent’s main sights with your guide including the central square (Amir Timur or Tamerlane's Square), the Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the Chorsu Bazaar and the old town's mosques and madrassahs.
DAY 2: TASHKENT - NUKUS - DESERT CITADELS - KHIVA
DAY 2: TASHKENT - NUKUS - DESERT CITADELS - KHIVA
Today, fly to Nukus and travel 80km into the Kyzyl-Kum Desert to visit the now abandoned 'desert citadels'. First explore the imposing Toprak Kala, which was settled in the 1st century BC and later flourished in the 3rd century AD as the capital of the Khoresmshah Dynasty. The still visible plan helps to picture how the fort would have looked all those centuries ago. Then, continue to Ayaz Kala, an impressive mud-walled hilltop fortress dating to the 6th-7th centuries that offers magnificent views over the nearby lake. The drive to Khiva takes you through rural Uzbekistan providing glimpses of its farms and villages.
DAY 3: KHIVA: CITY TOUR
DAY 3: KHIVA: CITY TOUR
Today enjoy a full day's excursion to Medieval Khiva. With your guide you will be able to wander through the maze of twisting alleyways and visit the "Kunya Ark", or old citadel, the Emir's Palace and the magnificent Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars.
DAY 4: KHIVA - BUKHARA
DAY 4: KHIVA - BUKHARA
This morning you will be transferred to the train station to board your train to Bukhara (approximately five hours). The journey evokes a moment of reflection on the journeys of the past as you pass through the vast Kyzyl Kum, or Red Sand, Desert to the magical city of Bukhara. Your guide will be waiting at the train station to take you on a tour through the narrow streets of Old Town dotted with mosques and mausoleums.
DAY 5: BUKHARA: CITY TOUR
DAY 5: BUKHARA: CITY TOUR
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day, guided tour of Bukhara, visiting the most important sites of this fabulous city that weren’t explored yesterday. See the massive Ark Citadel as well as the Zindan Prison, in which two British officers were kept during the "Great Game" in the 19th century before being executed in the Registan Square. There will also be the opportunity to stop at a typical tea house for a break, lesson in its history and a demonstration. Later this evening, you will be taken to a local Bukharan’s home for a plov cooking demonstration where you will learn how this iconic dish is made before tucking into it for dinner.
DAY 6: BUKHARA: LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION
DAY 6: BUKHARA: LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION
This morning, visit the last Emir's Summer Palace, an eclectic mix of European and Oriental design containing a good collection of suzanes (traditional Uzbek embroidery) and Chinese porcelain brought to Bukhara by camel caravan in the 19th century. This afternoon is free to wander the old town’s cafes and trading domes.
DAY 7: BUKHARA - SAMARKAND
DAY 7: BUKHARA - SAMARKAND
After a morning at leisure, you will be picked up and taken to visit the Kagan White Palace, borne from the expansion of the Russian Empire at the beginning of the 19th century, before boarding your one-and-a-half-hour train to Samarkand. The rest of the evening will be free to get a first introductory look at this historic city.
DAY 8: SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR
DAY 8: SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR
One of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane. On your full day tour you will begin by walking around the city’s ancient sites including Tamerlane's Tomb; the immense Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Tamerlane for his Chinese wife; and the most photographed site of Registan Square, an architectural masterpiece with blue tiled madrassahs on three sides. After lunch, continue to unravel the city’s history with a tour of the Shah-i-Zinada necropolis before getting in the car and heading to Ulugbek's observatory to bring the sightseeing to a close.
DAY 9: SAMARKAND: SHAKHRISABZ EXCURSION
DAY 9: SAMARKAND: SHAKHRISABZ EXCURSION
After admiring so much of Tamerlane’s legacy yesterday, today you learn more about the man’s beginnings with a full day excursion to his birthplace of Shakhrisabz. Surrounded by the Zerafshan Mountains, once in the town you can enjoy fantastic views from the top of the enormous portal of Tamerlane's Ak-Sarai Palace and visit his intended Mausoleum and the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque whilst your guide takes you through the story of his life.
DAY 10: SAMARKAND - TASHKENT: DEPART
DAY 10: SAMARKAND - TASHKENT: DEPART
After checking out of your guesthouse, you will be driven through cotton plantations and countryside back to Tashkent International Airport in time for your onward flight, where your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara
The Minzifa is a small, stylish guesthouse located in the old town. Built in traditional Uzbek style around a central courtyard, this friendly charming hotel features the most refined Bukharan. When entering the hotel, one notices the ancient wooden gates adorned by openwork carving. Throughout the building you’ll see the old decorative method of ganch carving by famous craftsmen dynasties of Uzbekistan. All twelve rooms are individually decorated and have modern private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The hotel offers personal service, and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. A recommended choice when staying in Bukhara.
Rabat Boutique Hotel, Samarkand
The Rabat Boutique Hotel has a historic yet homely atmosphere with traditional Uzbek décor and welcoming hosts. The hotel is set around an inner courtyard of a building originally built in 1906, hidden away in the heart of the old town. The air-conditioned, ensuite guest rooms open up onto the shared balcony overlooking the small garden. A continental breakfast in the morning is served in the morning in the historic dining room, adorned with beautiful Uzbek tiling. Wi-Fi is available in the guest rooms, but it is temperamental.
Miran International Hotel, Tashkent
Miran International Hotel is a five-star approximately a 20-minute drive from Tashkent airport only a 15-minute to Amir Temur Square and museum, around which many restaurants and cafes can be found. The hotel has 140 very spacious, well-appointed rooms equipped that come with luxurious amenities such as bathrobes and slippers. Decor in the rooms, and indeed the hotel, is classic decadence with antique-style furniture pieces. The hotel restaurant offers an extensive menu of cuisines ranging from traditional Uzbek and Oriental to European. The Master's Lounge bar is ideal for unwinding at the end of the day with a cocktail and live jazz music in the evening. The hotel also boasts a large indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and health club.
Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva
Contained inside the 19th century Mukhamed Aminkhan Madrassah, the Orient Star enjoys a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva. Only a short walk from the city's mosques, madrassas, palaces and hammams, the building used to be the biggest operational madrassah of the city and held up to 250 students. The traditional building now features 60 simply decorated but comfortable and clean en suite rooms. Once cells of the students who studied here, each room is a historical and architectural adventure. The restaurant and bar, situated in another madrasah next to the hotel, offers Uzbek meals and local wine.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Clem is our Uzbekistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
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