Full-Day Samarkand Tour Exploring Registan and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Registan Square

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Blue Pottery

Gur-e-Amir Masoleum

Shah-i-Zinda

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Highlights

Explore Registan Square's stunning madrassahs, perfect for early morning photography

Discover the historical Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur

Savor local flavors at a traditional Uzbek restaurant with dishes like plov and samsa

Visit the iconic Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, decorated with exquisite Central Asian tilework

Experience the history of astronomy at the 15th-century Ulugh Beg Observatory

Samarkand

architectural, photography, historical

Group Tour

1 Day

Easy

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Description

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Samarkand on a private tour. Visit iconic landmarks such as Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the breathtaking Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. Explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar, enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch, and learn about Samarkand’s significance as a key hub on the Silk Road.

Itinerary

Samarkand in a Day: Private Guided Tour Itinerary

09:00 – Hotel Pickup
- Meet your guide and driver at your hotel lobby
- Introduction to Samarkand’s rich history as the heart of the Silk Road
09:15 – Registan Square
- Explore the breathtaking complex of three madrassahs: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori
- A must-see for photography lovers, especially with the early morning light reflecting off the blue tiles
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
10:45 – Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Visit the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants
- Learn about the Timurid dynasty’s influence on Central Asian architecture
- Duration: ~45 minutes
11:45 – Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Explore one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world
- Admire its magnificent structure and rich historical significance
- Duration: ~30 minutes
12:30 – Siab Bazaar
- Wander through this vibrant local market near Bibi-Khanym
- Enjoy capturing photos and optional local snacks like dried fruit or Uzbek halva
- Duration: ~30 minutes
13:00 – Lunch at a Traditional Uzbek Restaurant
- Relax and enjoy a delicious local meal, with dishes like Plov, Samsa, and Non (bread)
- (Lunch not included in tour price unless requested)
- Duration: ~1 hour
14:30 – Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
- Visit this sacred and stunning complex of mausoleums
- Admire the intricate tilework, one of the finest in Central Asia
- Duration: ~1 hour
16:00 – Ulugh Beg Observatory
- Explore the remnants of a 15th-century observatory built by Ulugh Beg, an early astronomer and Timur's grandson
- Duration: ~45 minutes
17:00 – Drop-off at Your Hotel or City Center
- Tour concludes with an optional stop for souvenir shopping or tea at a local chaikhana (traditional teahouse)

What's Included

Private air-conditioned car with driver

English-speaking guide for the day

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Samarkand

Entrance tickets to all sites included

What's Excluded

Entrance fees to sites are usually paid separately in cash at each location

Estimate: $10–15 USD per person for all major attractions

Lunch and drinks are not included unless pre-arranged

You can choose your restaurant or ask the guide for local recommendations

Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks at the bazaar, bottled water, etc.

Tips and gratuities are optional, typically $5–10 per person if you're satisfied with the service

Travel insurance is not provided by the local tour operator—please arrange separately if desired

Know Before You Go

Bring Uzbek soum in small denominations.

ATMs are available, but not all are reliable—change money in advance at your hotel or a bank.

Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and nicer restaurants, but cash is king at most tourist spots and markets.

Ask your guide for a non-touristy restaurant—many of the best local eateries aren’t on Google Maps.

Plov – National rice dish (ask which city style they serve!).

Samsa – Clay oven-baked pastry with meat or pumpkin.

Tandir non – Fresh bread baked in a tandoor.

Locals are very warm—a smile and a "Salom" (hello) goes a long way.

Dress modestly (especially for visits to religious sites). Shoulders and knees covered is a good rule.

It’s polite to remove shoes if entering a mosque or shrine interior (not always required, but check).

Free Wi-Fi is available in some restaurants/cafes.

Consider getting a local SIM card (like UMS, Beeline, or Mobiuz) if you’ll be in Uzbekistan for a few days.

What To Bring

Comfortable shoes for cobblestone paths and lots of walking

Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as Samarkand can be very sunny, especially in summer

Water bottle to stay hydrated, as it can get hot

Camera, extra battery, and memory card for the many stunning photo opportunities

Local cash (Uzbek soum) for entrance tickets, snacks, tips, as not all places accept cards

Tissues or wet wipes since some public restrooms lack toilet paper

Copy of passport, not usually needed but helpful just in case

Lightweight scarf for women, optional but respectful when entering religious areas

Meeting Point

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -

Refund of 50% of the tour price.

Price

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Full-Day Samarkand Tour Exploring Registan and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Highlights

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Description

Itinerary

Samarkand in a Day: Private Guided Tour Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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Full-Day Samarkand Tour Exploring Registan and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Highlights

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Samarkand in a Day: Private Guided Tour Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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