5-Day Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand Tour by High-Speed Train

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the oriental-style Charsu Bazaar in Tashkent
• 02 Visit the historic Ark of Bukhara, residence of the rulers of Bukhara
• 03 Discover the elegant architecture of the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs
• 04 Explore Registan Square, the ancient international trade centre of the Great Silk Road

Explore the beautiful cities of Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand on this 5-day trip through Uzbekistan's historic landmarks and lively bazaars. Visit the Khasti Imam Ensemble and shop at Charsu Bazaar, the colourful oriental-style domed bazaar of Tashkent city. In Bukhara, discover the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs, the Samanids Mausoleum, and the Ark of Bukhara, the historical castle-town monument that was once the residence of Bukhara's rulers. Continue to Samarkand to explore Registan Square, an international trade centre of the Great Silk Road, and discover the findings of the famous Timurid astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek at the Observatory of Ulugbek.

This shrine has a special place in the Islamic world, where the Holy Kur'an, written by Caliph 'Uthman, is preserved in almost complete and original form.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival and Exploration of Tashkent

• Meet your tour guide at Tashkent International Airport and travel to your hotel.
• Explore the following places on your visit to Tashkent:
  • Khasti Imam Ensemble, consisting of the Kaffal Shashi tomb, Barakhan and Muyi Muborak madrasahs, and the Namazgah and Juma mosques. This shrine has a special place in the Islamic world, where the Holy Kur'an, written by Caliph 'Uthman, is preserved in almost complete and original form.
  • Charsu Bazaar, the beautiful oriental-style domed bazaar of Tashkent city.
  • Tashkent Underground, a magical world beneath the city, where each station is designed around a special artwork.
  • Have lunch at a national Uzbek restaurant.
  • Broadway, located in the centre of Tashkent city, is a favourite place for Tashkent's youth. While walking through Broadway, you will come across local artists, street singers, and much more.
  • Discover the Amir Temur and Timurids Museum.
• Retire to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

2

Day 02

High-Speed Train to Bukhara and City Tour

• After having breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel to Bukhara on the Talgo-Afrosiyob high-speed train.
• Check in at the hotel and begin your city tour of Bukhara by visiting the following:
  • Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, consisting of the Lyabi Havuz pool, Nadir Divan-begi khanakah and madrasah, and Kukaldash Madrasah, which is one of the most well-liked places for local and foreign tourists, as its ancient eye-catching buildings leave a positive impression on everyone.
  • Have lunch at a national Uzbek restaurant.
  • The ancient oriental domed markets, including Toqi Sarrafon, previously the main mall for exchanging currency; Toqi Telpakfurushon, a domed building for the manufacture and sale of hats; Tim Abdulla Khan trading dome, the largest trading dome in Bukhara; and Toqi Zargaron, a jewellery trading dome that is the largest and most complex among the domes in Bukhara.
  • Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs, architectural monuments created with high art and artisanship. Their large portals are adorned with elegant and rare tile patterns.
  • Poi Kalon Ensemble, comprising the Poi Kalon Mosque and Minaret, and the Miri Arab Madrasah.
• Have dinner at a national Uzbek restaurant and travel to your hotel for an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Bukhara Landmarks and Train to Samarkand

• After having breakfast, start your day tour of Bukhara and visit the following places:
  • Samanids Mausoleum, the world's first brick building and a mausoleum preserved in good condition.
  • Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, whose prophet Ayub is well known in several religions.
  • Bolo Hauz Mosque, famous for its tall carved columns.
  • Ark of Bukhara, a historical castle-town monument that was the residence of the rulers of Bukhara.
  • Have lunch at a national Uzbek restaurant.
• Travel to Bukhara railway station and make your way to Samarkand.
• Have dinner at a national Uzbek restaurant and travel to your hotel for an overnight stay.

4

Day 04

Samarkand City Tour and Return to Tashkent

• Have a hearty breakfast and start your city tour of Samarkand.
• Visit the following sites in Samarkand:
  • Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, one of the masterpieces of Samarkand, built during the reign of Amir Temur and the Temurids.
  • Registan Square, comprising the Ulugbek, Tillya-kori, and Sherdor Madrasahs. On the ancient Great Silk Road, it became an international trade centre.
  • Bibi Khanym Mosque, named after Queen Bibi Khanym by Amir Temur.
  • Siab Bazaar, the ancient bazaar in Samarkand, famous for oriental sweets and dried fruits.
  • Have lunch at a national Uzbek restaurant.
  • Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, one of the holiest shrines for Muslims.
  • The Observatory of Ulugbek, known for the discoveries of the famous Timurid astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek.
  • After completing the tour, travel to Samarkand railway station and make your way to Tashkent.
• Have dinner at a national Uzbek restaurant and travel to your hotel for an overnight stay.

5

Day 05

Departure from Tashkent

• After having a hearty breakfast, check out of the hotel.
• Make your way to Tashkent International Airport in the morning for departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel accommodation
• Tourist vehicle with air conditioning and driver during the tour, including transfers
• Full pension: all meals
• English-speaking tour guide
• All entrance tickets for the objects specified in the travel program
• High-speed train tickets on the "Talgo-Afrosiyob" for Tashkent-Bukhara, Bukhara-Samarkand, and Samarkand-Tashkent, economy class tariffs
• Touristic maps of the cities
• Twenty-four hours of agency support
• 1 L bottle of water per person per day

What's Not Included

The price does NOT include the following:

• Personal expenses and additional services
• Camera and photo camera charges (the total amount of charges per camera in Uzbekistan's touristic cities might be up to $5)
• Visa (currently there is a visa-free regime for about 100 countries worldwide)
• International round-trip air tickets

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tour start

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.