Discover the timeless beauty of Uzbekistan as you journey through the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Marvel at magnificent Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars and centuries of history while experiencing the warm hospitality that has welcomed travelers for generations.
Itinerary: Khiva – Bukhara – Aydarkul – Asraf – Samarkand – Tashkent
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Meet and greet at Urgench Airport, followed by a transfer to Khiva (30 km).
After breakfast and some time to rest, begin your exploration of the city. Visit Itchan Kala, the historic inner town, a remarkable open-air museum that offers a vivid picture of what a Central Asian city looked like in the 19th century.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Excursion to Ayaz Kala, Kyzyl Kala, and Toprak Kala, impressive pre-Islamic Zoroastrian fortresses located on the banks of the Amu Darya River (90 km).
Return to Khiva.
Visit Nurullabay Palace, the former residence of the Khivan khans.
Dinner accompanied by a traditional folklore performance.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Bukhara, the legendary city of the Orient, boasting more than 2,500 years of history.
Drive across the vast Kyzylkum Desert, with a stop along the banks of the Amu Darya River.
Continue to Bukhara. Lunch en route.
Arrival in Bukhara in the evening and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day of sightseeing:
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by continued sightseeing:
Overnight at the hotel.
Depart for Nurata via Gijduvan, where you will visit the workshop of renowned master ceramicist Abdullo Nurullayev. Explore the Ceramics Museum and pottery workshop, followed by a demonstration of the traditional silk embroidery crafted by the women of his family.
Continue towards Nurata, stopping en route to visit the historic Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai and the Sardoba water reservoir.
Upon arrival in Nurata, visit the remains of Alexander the Great’s Fortress and the sacred spring, home to its famous holy fish.
Continue to the yurt camp.
Enjoy a camel ride before heading to Lake Aydarkul. Depending on the weather, there will be an opportunity to swim in the lake’s warm waters. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore to discover the unique flora and fauna of this beautiful natural setting.
Outdoor dinner followed by traditional Kazakh songs performed around the campfire.
Overnight at the yurt camp.
Breakfast.
Drive to the mountain village of Asraf. Enjoy a short hike through the surrounding countryside, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life and the region’s natural landscapes. Visit the ruins of an ancient settlement nearby.
Take part in a cooking masterclass and learn how to prepare Plov, Uzbekistan’s iconic national dish.
Overnight in a local homestay.
Breakfast.
Depart for Samarkand, with a stop in Jizzakh to sample the city’s famous Jizzakh Samsa, a beloved local specialty.
Arrival in Samarkand and check-in at the hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
As the writer Amin Maalouf once described it, “Samarkand is the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned towards the sun.”
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day of sightseeing:
Overnight at the hotel.
Continue exploring Samarkand with visits to:
Late afternoon transfer to the railway station to board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent (departure at approximately 5:00 p.m.; 280 km, about 2 hours).
Arrival in Tashkent and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast.
Discover the highlights of Uzbekistan’s capital:
Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
End of the tour.
Meet and greet service upon arrival at the airport.
Accommodation in B&B hotels in double or twin rooms, as per the itinerary.
Half-board meal plan (dinner), according to the selected option.
One bottle of still water per person, per day throughout the tour.
All transportation as specified in the itinerary.
Guided sightseeing tours in the cities and villages.
Entrance fees to museums and historical monuments.
High-speed train ticket (Samarkand – Tashkent).
Services of a professional tour guide throughout the journey (English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking).
All applicable taxes and service charges.
International flights.
Domestic flight: Tashkent – Urgench.
Travel insurance.
Alcoholic beverages during meals.
Personal expenses and gratuities.
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