Uzbekistan · Culture

12-Day Uzbekistan Cultural Tour with Silk Road Cities and Crafts

12 Days Round trip from Tashkent Easy pace
Registan Square
Lyabi House Hotel
Ark of Bukhara
Islam Khoja complex, Khiva
Islam Khoja complex, Khiva
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tashkent's vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, including Amir Timur Square
  • 02 Discover Khiva's UNESCO World Heritage site, Itchan Kala, with its stunning mosques and palaces
  • 03 Visit Bukhara's iconic landmarks, including Ark Fortress and Bolo Haouz Mosque
  • 04 Experience Samarkand's grandeur at Registan Square and the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • 05 Engage with traditional crafts in the Fergana Valley's ceramic workshops and Margilan's silk factory

Embark on a 12-day immersive tour of Uzbekistan, discovering the rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes of Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and the Fergana Valley. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient Silk Road cities, and vibrant bazaars while visiting iconic landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the Savitsky Museum. Enjoy golden-hour photography, traditional craftsmanship in Rishtan and Margilan, and stunning sunsets over historic monuments.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient Silk Road cities, and vibrant bazaars while visiting iconic landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the Savitsky Museum.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Bukhara, Kokand, Margilan, Fergana, Khiva, Nukus, Samarkand, Tashkent
Languages English, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Tashkent and Historic City Highlights

Accommodation: 5-star Hyatt Regency Tashkent / Hilton Tashkent.

  • Private airport transfer.

  • Explore Amir Timur Square, Independence Square, and Minor Mosque.

  • Visit Chorsu Bazaar for vibrant market photography.

  • Sunset at Khazrati Imam Complex.

Overnight in Tashkent.

2
Day 02

Flight to Nukus and the Savitsky Museum

Accommodation: Regular Jipek Joli Hotel or similar.

  • Morning flight to Nukus.

  • Visit the Savitsky Museum, home to the world's top Soviet avant-garde collection.

  • Drive to Mizdakhan Necropolis for sunset photography.

Overnight in Nukus.

3
Day 03

Journey to Khiva through the Kyzylkum Desert

Accommodation: Regular Orient Star Khiva (inside Itchan Kala).

  • Drive through the Kyzylkum Desert with scenic stops.

  • Arrive in Khiva and check in to a charming boutique hotel.

  • Sunset at Islam Khoja Minaret.

Overnight in Khiva.

4
Day 04

Khiva and the UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala

Accommodation: Regular Orient Star Khiva.

  • Sunrise at Kunya-Ark Fortress.

  • Explore Itchan Kala's mosques, palaces, and madrasas.

  • Best photo spots: Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, and Tosh Hovli Palace.

  • Golden hour from the city walls.

Overnight in Khiva.

5
Day 05

Travel to Bukhara and Evening at Lyabi Hauz

Accommodation: 5-star Sahid Zarafshon Hotel or Komil Boutique Hotel.

  • Morning train or private drive to Bukhara.

  • Sunset at Poi Kalyan Minaret.

  • Evening walk around Lyabi Hauz.

Overnight in Bukhara.

6
Day 06

Bukhara's Ancient City Wonders

Accommodation: 5-star Sahid Zarafshon Hotel or Komil Boutique Hotel.

  • Sunrise at Chor Minor.

  • Explore Ark Fortress, Bolo Haouz Mosque, and Samanid Mausoleum.

  • Visit a local carpet-weaving workshop.

  • Golden hour at Char Minar madrasa.

Overnight in Bukhara.

7
Day 07

High-Speed Train to Samarkand

Accommodation: 5-star DiliMah Premium Hotel / Hilton Samarkand.

  • Morning train to Samarkand.

  • Sunset at Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis.

Overnight in Samarkand.

8
Day 08

Samarkand, Jewel of the Silk Road

Accommodation: 5-star DiliMah Premium Hotel / Hilton Samarkand.

  • Sunrise at Registan Square (iconic shot).

  • Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Siab Bazaar.

  • Golden hour at Ulugh Beg Observatory.

Overnight in Samarkand.

9
Day 09

Return to Tashkent and City Photography

Accommodation: 5-star Hyatt Regency Tashkent / Hilton Tashkent.

  • Morning train to Tashkent.

  • Explore the State Museum of Applied Arts and Soviet-era metro stations.

  • Free time for evening city photography.

Overnight in Tashkent.

10
Day 10

Into the Fergana Valley via Kokand

Accommodation: Regular Silk Road Kokand Hotel.

  • Morning drive or train to Kokand.

  • Visit Khudayar Khan Palace and Jami Mosque.

Overnight in Kokand.

11
Day 11

Rishtan and Margilan Craft Traditions

Accommodation: Regular Silk Road Kokand Hotel.

  • Visit Rishtan's ceramic workshops.

  • Explore Margilan's silk factory.

  • Golden hour photography in Fergana Valley villages.

  • Drive back to Tashkent.

Overnight in Tashkent.

12
Day 12

Departure from Tashkent

  • Private airport transfer.

Itchan Kala, Kalta Minor Minaret, Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Where this trip takes you

Itchan Kala, Kalta Minor Minaret, Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tashkent 8 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 5-star luxury stays in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara
  • Boutique/regular hotels for an authentic experience in Nukus, Khiva, and the Fergana Valley
  • Private car and driver for flexibility and comfort
  • Exclusive visits to craft workshops and local artisans
  • Sunrise and sunset photography at top spots across Uzbekistan
  • Flight from Tashkent to Nukus
  • All airport transfers and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local expert guides for insightful tours
  • Visits to famous UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Entry fees to museums, temples, and historical landmarks
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • Traditional local meals during the tour
  • 24/7 assistance from tour coordinators

What's Not Included

  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Photo/video charges at museums (to be paid in cash at the entrance, 1-2 USD per site)
  • Single room supplement: 20 USD per single room per night
  • Domestic airline ticket (Tashkent-Nukus) starting at 50 USD per ticket

What to bring

  • Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from the strong sun.
  • Light, breathable clothing will help keep you comfortable during the day, but be prepared for cooler evenings.
  • Be sure to pack warm clothing, including jackets, scarves, and gloves, to stay cozy during your trip.

Know before you go

  • Temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C) during the day.
  • Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures dropping below freezing in some areas, particularly in the evenings and early mornings.
  • You may experience snow, especially in regions like Samarkand or Bukhara, so make sure your outer layers are suitable for colder climates.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tour start
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Tashkent.

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Starting from

USD 2,250 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,250.00 — $2,989.00
Double Sharing $2,250.00 — $2,750.00

When

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