Uzbekistan · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Cultural Tour of Uzbekistan with Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand

8 Days Round trip from Tachkent Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the architectural grandeur of Khiva's Itchan Kala, a UNESCO-listed inner city
02 Explore Bukhara's ancient madrasahs, mosques, and the iconic Ark Fortress
03 Wander through Samarkand's Registan Square and marvel at Timurid masterpieces
04 Stroll through Tashkent's Independence Square, Chorsu Bazaar, and ornate metro stations
05 Admire panoramic views from the Kunya-Ark citadel and Islam-Khoja Minaret
06 Visit the mausoleum of Amir Timur and the sacred Shah-i-Zinda necropolis

Embark on an 8-day cultural journey through Uzbekistan, beginning in the vibrant capital of Tashkent and continuing through the legendary Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, grand madrasahs, ancient mosques, bustling bazaars, and architectural masterpieces spanning centuries of history. Enjoy guided city tours, scenic train rides across the desert, and immersive cultural experiences in each destination.

Enjoy the journey through the Kyzylkum Desert and along the Great Silk Road.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Cities Bukhara, Urgench, Khiva, Samarkand, Tashkent

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tashkent

Arrive at Tashkent International Airport.
Meet the driver holding a sign with your name.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Rest and recover from the journey.
Spend the evening at leisure.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02

Discover Tashkent's Historic and Cultural Highlights

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the local guide at 09:00 in the hotel lobby.
Explore Independence Square and Amir Timur Square.
Visit Amir Temur Museum and Khast Imam Square.
Tour Kukeldash Madrasah and Chorsu Bazaar.
Pause at the Earthquake Memorial and visit Minor Mosque.
Explore the Museum of Applied Arts.
Experience Tashkent's artistic metro stations.
Return to the hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Tashkent.

Day 03

Fly to Urganch and Tour Khiva

Have breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer at 06:00 to the airport for the 07:00 flight to Urganch.
Arrive at 08:30 and transfer by car to Khiva.
Arrive at 09:30 and begin the full-day city tour.
Visit Itchan Kala, Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, and Kalta-Minor.
Tour Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque, and Tash-Khovli Palace.
Admire the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Islam-Khoja Minaret.
Check in to the hotel.
Spend the evening at leisure.

Stay overnight in Khiva.

Day 04

Train Journey from Khiva to Bukhara

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer at 10:00 to Khiva Railway Station.
Board the 11:10 train to Bukhara.
Enjoy the journey through the Kyzylkum Desert and along the Great Silk Road.
Arrive in Bukhara at 18:14 and meet the driver.
Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Spend the evening at leisure.

Stay overnight in Bukhara.

Day 05

Bukhara Highlights and the Ark Fortress

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the guide at 09:00 in the hotel lobby.
Explore the Lyab-i-Hauz Ensemble and Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah.
Visit Moschea Bolo-Khauz and the Ark of Bukhara.
Return to the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay overnight in Bukhara.

Day 06

More of Bukhara and Train to Samarkand

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the guide at 09:00 for another excursion.
Visit Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque, the Trading Domes, and Chasma Ayub Mausoleum.
Admire the Great Minaret of the Kalon and Poi Kalyan Mosque.
Explore Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, Chor-Minor, and Ulugbek Madrasah.
Transfer at 15:00 to Bukhara Railway Station.
Board the 15:46 train to Samarkand.
Arrive at 17:29 and transfer to the hotel.
Spend the evening at leisure.

Stay overnight in Samarkand.

Day 07

Explore Samarkand and Return to Tashkent

Have breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the guide at 09:00 in the hotel lobby.
Visit Gur Emir Mausoleum and Registan Square.
Tour Bibi-Khanym Mosque and shop at Siyob Bazaar.
Explore Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble and Afrasiyab Museum.
Admire the Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Transfer to Samarkand Railway Station at 18:00.
Board the 18:32 train to Tashkent.
Arrive at 20:47 and transfer to the hotel.

Stay overnight in Tashkent.

Day 08

Departure from Tashkent

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure or do some final shopping.
Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
Depart with memories of Uzbekistan's history and beauty.

Where this trip takes you

Itchan Kala, Registan Square, Ark of Bukhara, Shah-i-Zinda

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Tachkent 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Uzbekistan visa support (LOI or e-visa assistance)
Local English-speaking guide
All transfers and full transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance tickets to all monuments and museums listed in the program
Domestic flight from Tashkent to Urganch in economy class
High-speed train tickets from Bukhara to Samarkand and Samarkand to Tashkent (economy class)
Regular train ticket from Khiva to Bukhara (economy class)
One lunch at Besh Qozon, the largest Plov restaurant

What's Not Included

Accommodation
International airfares
Lunches and dinners (except where specified)
Travel insurance
Camera and video fees at certain sites
Visa (if required)
Personal expenses

Know before you go

Other guide languages are available upon request.
The light show with sound effects at Registan Square is subject to availability.
The folklore show in the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah is subject to availability.

Logistics