Let Central Asia leave an impression in your memory with this trip to the most entrancing sights of the region. Start with the best sights in Uzbekistan, with a trip from Khiva through Bukhara to Samarkand. Each of these cities has a long and storied past, tying together civilizations that crossed along the Silk Road. The large architectural monuments and historic atmospheres have made these cities excellent inclusions into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Penjikent, in Tajikistan, is an excellent extension of the historical part of the tour, as the city has lots of historical and cultural significance, while Iskanderkul, as one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, is a must for Central Asia’s best tours. Continue on through Dushanbe, Almaty, and Bishkek, which are the three biggest cities in their respective countries (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). Don’t miss this opportunity to take the best tour of Central Asia and visit all the main sights of the region.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by Advantour driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia.
Begin at the Courage Monument, which commemorates the 1966 earthquake and honours the resilience of the people of Tashkent, before continuing to the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, walk past the Khast-Imam Complex, view the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center, and stroll along the newly developed Zarkaynar Street. Next, explore Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery, then ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro to the modern city centre. Enjoy free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, known for its lively dining scene, then continue to the State Museum of Applied Arts and admire the elegant facade of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, concluding the tour at Amir Timur Square, where your captivating Tashkent City Tour comes to an end.
Overnight at the hotel.
Lunch break 13:00-14:00
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Begin at the Courage Monument, which commemorates the 1966 earthquake and honours the resilience of the people of Tashkent, before continuing to the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, walk past the Khast-Imam Complex, view the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center, and stroll along the newly developed Zarkaynar Street. Next, explore Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery, then ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro to the modern city centre. Enjoy free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, known for its lively dining scene, then continue to the State Museum of Applied Arts and admire the elegant facade of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, concluding the tour at Amir Timur Square, where your captivating Tashkent City Tour comes to an end.
Overnight at the hotel.
Lunch break 13:00-14:00
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Early breakfast. Transfer to the local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
After breakfast depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*). Today we will have an overland transfer from Khiva to Bukhara through Kyzylkum desert**. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Breakfast. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
After breakfast continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Head to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore a traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with the car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Tajik guide and driver will meet you and drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Lunch at the guest house at the Lake #4. In the afternoon, drive back to Penjikent and visit Rudaki Museum and a local bazaar. Continue to ancient Penjikent archaeological site which takes you back to the times when Penjikent was a major Sogdian city before it was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Overnight at the hotel in Penjikent.
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities – it's all part of the adventure!
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities – it's all part of the adventure!
After breakfast depart Penjikent and drive to Dushanbe (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). Upon arrival in Dushanbe visiting Rudaki park and Ismoili Somoni Square. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit Hissar Fortress where you can see Madrasah Kuhna, Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum, Mehrgon Bazaar, Botanical Garden. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast. Free time till transfer to the International Airport for flight to Almaty. Arrival in Almaty. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum (closed on Tuesday) and Republic Square. Enjoy panoramic view at Kok-Tobe Hill , visit Medeo Gorge. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
After breakfast depart Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway, enjoy nature landscapes on the way (250 km, 4 h). Cross Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Arrive in Bishkek, check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
In the afternoon start sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas; National Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays), Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
After breakfast transfer to see Burana Tower (85 km, 1 h 15 min), the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th century). Return to Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel
Price includes:
- All transfers: 1-2 pax on sedan economy type car, 3-8 pax on minivan/van;
- Accommodation with breakfast: standard double/twin room for Standard, Comfort and Premium options;
- Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides (in Uzbekistan, different guides in each city);
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visas;
- Economy class tickets for Standard and Comfort options and business for Premium option for flights Tashkent-Urgench and Dushanbe-Almaty;
Price doesn't include:
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Comfort car supplement total – 690USD;
- All costs associated with visas;
- Visa support for Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan tourist visas;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2026 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Standard:
ATECA Hotel Suites / Inspira-S / Milan / Aster Hotel Group / Europe / Praga / Navruz
Comfort:
Swissôtel / Holiday Inn Tashkent City / Hampton by Hilton / Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace / Crowne Plaza TashkentCourtyard by Marriot / Wyndham Tashkent
Premium:
Hilton Tashkent City / Hyatt Regency
ATECA Hotel Suites / Inspira-S / Milan / Aster Hotel Group / Europe / Praga / Navruz
Comfort:
Swissôtel / Holiday Inn Tashkent City / Hampton by Hilton / Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace / Crowne Plaza TashkentCourtyard by Marriot / Wyndham Tashkent
Premium:
Hilton Tashkent City / Hyatt Regency
Standard:
Zarafshan Boutique / Kamil Palace / Annex / Grand Vizir / Isak Hoja / Muso Tura / Bibixojar / Polvon Qori / Bankir / New Star Boutique / Asia Khiva / Orient Star
Comfort:
Zarafshan Boutique / Kamil Palace / Annex / Grand Vizir / Isak Hoja / Muso Tura / Bibixojar / Polvon Qori / Bankir / New Star Boutique / Asia Khiva / Orient Star
Premium:
Farovon
Zarafshan Boutique / Kamil Palace / Annex / Grand Vizir / Isak Hoja / Muso Tura / Bibixojar / Polvon Qori / Bankir / New Star Boutique / Asia Khiva / Orient Star
Comfort:
Zarafshan Boutique / Kamil Palace / Annex / Grand Vizir / Isak Hoja / Muso Tura / Bibixojar / Polvon Qori / Bankir / New Star Boutique / Asia Khiva / Orient Star
Premium:
Farovon
Standard:
Minzifa / Marhaba Boutique / Duston Boutique / Meros Boutique / Al-Hayat / Labi Rud Boutique / Komil Boutique / Bibikhanum / Istat Boutique
Comfort:
Paradise Plaza Luxury / Mehrob / Asia Bukhara / Omar Khayam / Minorai-Kalon / Emerald
Premium:
Wyndham Bukhara / Mercure Old Town Bukhara / Shahriston
Minzifa / Marhaba Boutique / Duston Boutique / Meros Boutique / Al-Hayat / Labi Rud Boutique / Komil Boutique / Bibikhanum / Istat Boutique
Comfort:
Paradise Plaza Luxury / Mehrob / Asia Bukhara / Omar Khayam / Minorai-Kalon / Emerald
Premium:
Wyndham Bukhara / Mercure Old Town Bukhara / Shahriston
Standard:
Wellfort / Astoria Plaza / Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa / Bibikhanum / Ko’k Saroy Plaza / Silk Road Empire / Golden Samarkand / Samaria Hotel and Spa
Comfort:
Ametist Hotel Complex / Royal / Astoria Plaza / DiliMah Premium Luxury / Golden Samarkand / Emirhan
Premium:
Hilton Samarkand Regency / Mövenpick / Zarafshon Parkside / Kohinur Plaza / Kosh Havuz Boutique / Hilton Garden Inn
Wellfort / Astoria Plaza / Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa / Bibikhanum / Ko’k Saroy Plaza / Silk Road Empire / Golden Samarkand / Samaria Hotel and Spa
Comfort:
Ametist Hotel Complex / Royal / Astoria Plaza / DiliMah Premium Luxury / Golden Samarkand / Emirhan
Premium:
Hilton Samarkand Regency / Mövenpick / Zarafshon Parkside / Kohinur Plaza / Kosh Havuz Boutique / Hilton Garden Inn
Panjakent Plaza 3* / Fariz 3* / Umariyon 3* or similar
Standard:
Atlas B&B or similar
Comfort:
Dushanbe Serena / Rumi
Premium:
Crowne Plaza Dushanbe by IHG / Hilton / Hyatt Regency
Atlas B&B or similar
Comfort:
Dushanbe Serena / Rumi
Premium:
Crowne Plaza Dushanbe by IHG / Hilton / Hyatt Regency
Standard:
Grand Sapphire / Plaza / Kazzhol
Comfort:
Kazzhol Park / Garden Park / Resident City / Renion City
Premium:
Rixos / Intercontinental
Grand Sapphire / Plaza / Kazzhol
Comfort:
Kazzhol Park / Garden Park / Resident City / Renion City
Premium:
Rixos / Intercontinental
Standard:
Damas / Ambassador / Sofia
Comfort:
Orion hotel Bishkek / Novotel Bishkek City Center
Premium:
Sheraton / Hyatt Regency Bishkek
Damas / Ambassador / Sofia
Comfort:
Orion hotel Bishkek / Novotel Bishkek City Center
Premium:
Sheraton / Hyatt Regency Bishkek
Tour Enquiry
Important notes:
- If you need to obtain an Uzbekistan visa, it should be a multiple-entry e-visa.
Central Asia Destinations Reviews
Author: Suzy D | Rating: 5Visited: October 2025
The trip was well organised from start to finish with guides and drivers at every location. The guides were all excellent and the hotels were all great quality. The whole trip would have required an extensive amount of organisation but everything worked like clockwork and there was no issues at all. We even made changes on the tour and these were accommodated. We chose to fly and take the train between cities to minimise driving and this allowed us to see a lot in less time. We used the express trip as a base but then changed and added to it. The trip exceeded our expectations in every way. If you are travelling to the Stan's then Advantour is the company to use.
Author: Padi | Rating: 5Visited: May 2024
I am loving Uzbekistan so much that I want to come again. When people used to ask which country you like most out of the 92 countries I have traveled, I used to say Croatia. Now I think it is Uzbekistan. It is beautiful, people seem to be happy, it is a secular country and not overly religious and seems to be a safe country. What more would anybody want!
Author: Monica | Rating: 5
Dear Anvar, first of all I want to thank you for all your attention, it was magnificent. On the other hand our driver in Uzbekistan was lovely and was looking after us all the time, as was our guide in Bukhara, a very close and knowledgeable lady. The hotels were perfect, except the one in Samarkand which was a bit far from the centre, but even so we had a very good attention. The excursion we did in Kyrgyzstan to the Issuk-Kul Lake did not meet our expectations, it was all very improvised. The rest was fine. The important thing is that if I have to recommend a travel agency for Central Asia, it will be you. Once again thank you very much.
Author: Nandita Haksar | Rating: 5
My husband and I are senior citizens and I have mobility issues and am in a wheelchair. We have travelled all over Uzbekistan from April 3 to 28 and all through we had excellent guides and drivers. Olga was always there to respond to any queries on whatsapp. Our driver Suhrab was not only an excellent driver very professional but also took very good care of us. Our guide Sergei in Termez was like a brilliant teacher who can arouse interest in students and make them want to learn. Thank you to all our drivers and guides and Olga our guardian angel. It has been a memorable, meaningful journey.
