Explore five ancient cities of Uzbekistan on this 10-day tour of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Nurata, and Samarkand. Learn about the history of trade along the Silk Road and about the rise and fall of powerful empires; experience the rich and fascinating Uzbek culture and traditions; and taste the delicious local cuisine. In addition to visiting many famous historical monuments and admiring impressive architecture, the itinerary includes: riding a camel through the vast Kyzylkum Desert, enjoying supper by the fire while listening to a Kazakh akyn (folk singer), staying overnight in a yurt, participating in a pottery master-class, and other activities that showcase Uzbek culture and nature.
Tour itinerary:
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
*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.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Meals: dinner**
*The drive on vans and buses is on average an hour longer.
**Though meals are included, based on the experience and tips of our guests, we advise to take some food in advance, as there are no shops around yurts.
Extras to do in the area:
Option 1. Camel ride to Aydarkul Lake through the desert (8.5 km, 3 h). Enjoy your time on the lake and have lunch. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand.
Cost: $30 per person for a camel and cameleer service.
Option 2. Take a short camel ride to a nearby village Dungalak (1.5 km, 30 min). Participate in baking traditional bread “non”. Take a short walk in the village to see life of locals and return to the camp.
Cost: $20 per person for a camel and cameleer service.
In the afternoon depart the yurt camp and drive to Samarkand (270 km, 5 h). Arrival in Samarkand, check in to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch or picnic
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Price includes:
- All transfers 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-7 pax by minivan type car; 8-13 pax by 30 seat bus, 14 pax and more by 40-50 seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Economy class ticket for flight Tashkent-Urgench;
- Ticket for train Samarkand-Tashkent (on rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, we will replace it with the most-comfortable class of regular train).
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;
- Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Travel insurance.
Prices, per person
Accommodation
Ateca / Inspira-S / Milan / Ramada Encore / Aster / Europe / Praga / Navruz / Moderno
Comfort:
Hampton by Hilton / Wyndham Tashkent / Courtyard by Marriot / Mercure Tashkent / Panarams
Deluxe:
Hyatt Regency / Hilton
Zarafshan Boutique / Asia Khiva / Erkin Palace / Minor Boutique / Bankir / Muso Tura / Orient Star
Comfort:
Zarafshan Boutique / Asia Khiva / Erkin Palace / Minor Boutique / Bankir / Muso Tura / Orient Star
Deluxe:
Farovon
Minzifa / Marhaba / Bibikhanum / K.Komil / Fatima / As-Salom / Volida / Devon Begi / Sasha & Son / Kavsar
Comfort:
Paradise Plaza / Omar Khayam / Minorai-Kalon / Latifa Begim / Asia Bukhara
Deluxe:
Shahriston / Mercure Old Town Bukhara / Wyndham Bukhara
Safari Yurt Camp / Aidar Yurt Camp (in a shared yurt)
Comfort:
Safari Yurt Camp / Aidar Yurt Camp (in a shared yurt)
Deluxe:
Safari Yurt Camp / Aidar Yurt Camp (in a shared yurt)
Wellfort / Shohjahon Palace / Samaria Hotel and Spa / East Star / Jakhongir Premium / Bibikhanum / Silk Road Empire
Comfort:
Platan / Royal / Dilimah / Grand Samarkand Superior / Arka Boutique / Emirhan
Deluxe:
Movenpick / Hilton Garden Inn / Zarafshon Parkside
Tour Request
Amazing Ancient Cities (Uz-6) Reviews
Visited September 2017
Visited August 2017
Visited August 2017
The guide in Tashkent Vadim was a bit too quick, but good explanation. Bekhruz in Bukhara is super, knowledgeable. He really took care. Very good to talk to him. Laura in Samarkand is very friendly; it was lovely to spend time with her and she is good at explaining. Saida is nice, super and friendly.
Visited June 2017
Vadim, guide, very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. I learned a lot. Mukhammad Yunusov from Ayaz Kala to Khiva very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Sergey in Termez extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Visited April 2017