8-day Classic Uzbekistan Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we start our city tour around Tashkent and we will visit the following places in OLD PART of the city: Khast Imam Complex: The spiritual heart of Tashkent, this complex includes mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums. Home to the Uthman Quran, considered the world’s oldest Quran from the 7th century. It is believed to have belonged to Caliph Uthman, the third Caliph of Islam. Visits: Barak Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Saint Kaffal Shashi. Chorsu Bazaar – A bustling traditional market under a stunning blue-domed structure. Dating back to the Silk Road era, it remains a key trading spot where you can find spices, textiles, and local crafts. Fresh produce, vibrant spices, and traditional Uzbek street food.

Lunch time.

We continue to the MODERN PART of the city: Independence Square, formerly known as Lenin Square, spans twelve hectares and includes the Monument of Independence and Humanism, inaugurated in 1991. Next, we visit the Romanov Palace (exterior visit), designed by architects Heinzelman and Benois and built in 1891. It is also known as the Palace of Grand Duke Nikolai Romanov, who was exiled there in 1874 after being accused of stealing several jewels from the Russian royal family. We continue to the Opera and Ballet Square, home to the Navoi Opera Theater, designed by Soviet architect Aleksei Shchusev and built between 1942 and 1947. The theater has a seating capacity of 1,400 spectators. We conclude our day with visits to Amir Timur Square and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant.

Overnight: Tashkent

Early breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the Airport for morning flight to Urgench (depending of flight schedule). Transfer to Khiva (30 min drive). Check-in at the hotel in the heart of Ichan Kala (inner city).

Today we have full Day excursion in Khiva – Ichan Kala (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The walled inner city of Khiva, an open-air museum of Islamic architecture. Once a prominent stop on the Silk Road, it served as the last resting place of caravans before crossing the desert to Persia.

Kalta Minor Minaret – An unfinished yet stunningly beautiful turquoise minaret. Its unique design with intricate glazed tiles makes it a symbol of Khiva.

Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah – The largest madrasah in Khiva, now a hotel and museum. Built in the mid-19th century, reflecting the grandeur of the Khivan Khanate’s educational traditions.

Kunya Ark Citadel – A fortress containing the Khan’s palace, mosque, and prison cells. Established in the 17th century as the royal residence, it was the center of political power. Climb the watchtower for panoramic views of Ichan Kala.

Tash Hauli Palace – A labyrinthine palace with courtyards and harem quarters. Built by Allakuli Khan in the 19th century, showcasing traditional Khorezm architecture with carved wooden columns and vibrant tile work. Intricate blue and white ceramic mosaics.

OPTIONAL: We will sit on a terrace to feel the spirit of the city of the Thousand and One Nights while we savor a glass of wine with fruits and cheese (subject to weather conditions) +15 USD p/p

Evening: Dinner at local restaurant in the ancient courtyard.

Evening free after dinner: Free time to explore Khiva’s ancient ambiance as the sun sets, casting golden hues on the mudbrick walls.

Overnight: Khiva

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Bukhara, passing through the vast Kyzylkum Desert, capturing the timeless landscapes of the Silk Road. Scenic Journey Across the Kyzylkum Desert. Arrival in Bukhara. Check-in at a charming hotel near the historical old town.

Noble Bukhara – the sacred pillar of Asia. The legendary city of the Great Silk Road. The origin of the name Bukhara has many versions, but the most interesting is “bukharak” meaning Place of Fortune. The only city in Central Asia that has almost 2,000 UNESCO World Heritage monuments and you can still feel the ancient atmosphere when walking through the old town.

Evening: Leisure time around Lyabi Hauz, a serene pond surrounded by centuries-old mulberry trees and bustling teahouses.

Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight: Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we have a full day excursion around the beautiful Bukhara, where you will visit: Ismail Samani Mausoleum – A 10th-century brick mausoleum with a unique geometric design. One of the oldest Muslim monuments in Central Asia, built as the family tomb of the Samanid dynasty. Masterful brickwork creating stunning light and shadow patterns. Mausoleum and Holy Spring Chasmai Ayub (14th century), also known as “the Fountain of Saint Job”, it is a sacred place believed to have been visited by the prophet Job. Bolo Haouz Mosque – A beautiful mosque with intricately carved wooden pillars. Built in the 18th century, it served as the Emir’s official mosque. Reflective pool enhancing its architectural elegance. Ark Fortress – An ancient citadel overlooking Bukhara’s old city. The residence of Bukhara’s Emirs, dating back to the 5th century. It served as a military structure, palace, and treasury. Museums displaying royal artifacts, historic manuscripts, and ancient weaponry.

Lyabi Hauz Ensemble – A tranquil architectural complex around a large pool. Built in the 16th–17th centuries, it served as a social and cultural hub for poets and scholars. Kukeldash Madrasah and Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka.

Lunch time.

Continue our excursion around Bukhara and visit: Three markets. Historic bazaars under domed arches, interconnected by narrow alleyways. Established in the 16th century along the Silk Road, they were bustling centers for trading silk, spices, jewelry, and carpets. Three main domes – Toki Zargaron (Jewelry Bazaar), Toki Telpak Furushon (Hat Makers’ Bazaar), and Toki Sarrafon (Money Changers’ Bazaar). A perfect place to shop for authentic souvenirs and crafts.

We end our visits for today with Poi-Kalon Architectural Complex, the most emblematic complex of the city that includes Kalon Minaret was erected in 1127 and represents the history of Bukhara from the 11th to the 12th centuries; Poi Kalon Mosque (12th century), is one of the largest in Central Asia and Miri Arab Madrasa (15th century, exterior visit) which is still in operation today as a Koranic school.

And the last sight will be:

Chor Minor – A charming building with four distinctive blue-domed towers. Once a gateway to a long-lost madrasah, its unique architecture reflects Indian influences.

Evening: Dinner at local guest house with PLOV cooking master class.

Overnight: Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

PM transfer to the train station for the Afrosiyob high-speed train (14.58-16.41).

*The itinerary is subject to changes depending on changes that UZBEKISTAN RAILWAYS may make to its schedules and days of operation of the trains
*Due to the regulation, train tickets must be nominative, that is why we require having the passenger data at least 62 days before the operation of the train
*There are no reservations, only purchase of tickets 60 days before the operation of the train

Scenic journey through the Uzbek countryside. Arrival in Samarkand, the jewel of the Timurid Empire. Check-in at the hotel.

Evening walk to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum beautifully illuminated at night.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – The final resting place of the great conqueror Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Built in the 15th century, this architectural masterpiece set the precedent for later Mughal architecture, influencing the design of the Taj Mahal. Majestic blue dome, intricate tile mosaics, and the grand sarcophagus of Timur surrounded by his descendants’ tombs.

OPTIONAL: PM visit Plaza Registan at night to attend the lighting and music show (with entrance) +15 USD p/p

Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight: Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

Samarkand is the birthplace of Timur. For more than two thousand years, the city was a key point on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe, as well as one of the main centres of medieval Eastern science. In the 14th century, it became the capital of the empire of Timur and the dynasty of the Timurids. Samarkand is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its wealth of material and spiritual values: magnificent monuments of ancient architecture, the legacy of schools of science and art, and centres of national crafts have glorified the city throughout the world.

For today we have a wonderful tour around Samarkand city:

Registan Square – The heart of ancient Samarkand, surrounded by three grand madrasahs. A cultural and educational hub during the Timurid Empire, it served as a public square and royal court. Ulugh Beg Madrasah (15th century): Built by Timur’s grandson, Ulugh Beg, a renowned astronomer and mathematician. Sher Dor Madrasah (17th century): Notable for its tiger mosaics, symbolizing power and courage. Tillya-Kori Madrasah (17th century): Served as both a madrasah and a mosque, famous for its gold-decorated inner hall. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis – A sacred pilgrimage site and one of the most important religious complexes in Central Asia. A series of mausoleums built between the 9th and 14th centuries, believed to contain the grave of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of Prophet Muhammad. Unique turquoise and blue tile work, intricate mosaics, and calligraphy. Bibi-Khanym Mosque – One of the largest and most magnificent mosques of the Islamic world. Built by Amir Timur in the 14th century to honor his favorite wife, Bibi-Khanym, after his victorious campaign in India. Grand archways, massive dome, and beautifully carved marble columns.

Siab Bazaar – A bustling traditional market adjacent to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Continuously operating since the Silk Road era, it remains a hub for local trade and commerce. Fresh produce, dried fruits, spices, and traditional Samarkand sweets.

Afternoon departure on the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent (17.35-20.08).

*The itinerary is subject to changes depending on changes that UZBEKISTAN RAILWAYS may make to its schedules and days of operation of the trains
*Due to the regulation, train tickets must be nominative, that is why we require having the passenger data at least 62 days before the operation of the train
*There are no reservations, only purchase of tickets 60 days before the operation of the train

Evening: Farewell dinner at one of Tashkent’s finest traditional restaurants, enjoying live Uzbek music.

Overnight: Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight.