10-day Uzbekistan Relaxed Tour10 Days | Private | Spring, summer, autumn | Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Gijduvan, Samarkand

We spent 11 days in Uzbekistan at the end of March, drawn by our fascination with the history of the Silk Road. We visited Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand each city offering a unique blend of ancient grandeur and vibrant modern life. No number of photos can prepare you for the breathtaking experience of seeing these places in person.
Having traveled extensively across Latin America, Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, I can honestly say that Uzbekistan surprises you in the best possible ways at every turn. The country feels exceptionally safe, immaculately clean, and full of warm, welcoming people who are genuinely interested in connecting with visitors. We walked freely even late at night and saw families and friends out enjoying their cities.
The historical sites are remarkably preserved or reconstructed, and the infrastructure is worldclass from highspeed trains and wide boulevards to modern amenities and excellent hotels. Uzbekistan combines the ancient and the contemporary, offering travelers a uniquely rich and comfortable journey.
We chose Advantour after reading multiple positive reviews online, and they exceeded every expectation. From our first inquiry, their team (Munirshoh Isoqulov was our point of contact) was responsive, courteous, and professional. He helped us craft a customized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests, offering guidance while always respecting our preferences. Throughout the trip, communication was smooth, our guides were deeply knowledgeable, and our drivers were punctual, polite, and we never felt rushed. The vehicles were spotless and comfortable. As independent travelers, we especially appreciated that their service struck the perfect balance supportive but never intrusive.
Advantour also arranged special experiences that enriched our trip, including a dinner with a local family in Samarkand, a visit to a ceramic workshop, and a charming folklore show in Bukhara. These thoughtful touches complemented our sightseeing beautifully and gave us a deeper sense of connection with the country. There was also ample free time to explore on our own.
The food in Uzbekistan deserves its own praise: flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. We loved the somsa and tasted many delicious versions of lagman. And if you want some comfort, you can enjoy excellent Italian food, pizza, hamburgers, and even tacos when you want something different.
In short, Uzbekistan exceeded every expectation. It’s a country that deserves a place on everyone’s travel bucket list, a destination that will surprise, delight, and stay with you long after you return home. Value for money is a bargain. Five stars, without hesitation.
Unrelated, we read some mixed reviews about Uzbekistan Airways. We flew from New York to Tashkent and their service was excellent. Their service level was better than any US based carrier and most European ones, slightly below or comparable to the best Asian carriers for a better price