Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Old quarter of Tashkent
Navruz feast
Kalta-Minor Minaret
Registan square
Kyzylkum desert
Hazrati Imam Mosque and Muyi Mubarak Madrasah
New Year celebration in Bukhara
Samarkand’s architectural marvels
Savitsky Museum in Nukus
Artisan traditions in Khiva
Local markets - a feast for the senses
Beneath turquoise domes and towering minarets, Uzbekistan’s cities hum with the energy of trade, faith and craft. From market alleys to desert roads, every stop carries the spirit of the Silk Road. Step inside the madrassahs of Khiva and Bukhara, walk Registan Square in Samarkand, and join the Navruz
festivities. Along the way, meet artisans who keep ancient skills alive on a journey through the living heritage of Central Asia.
Available Departures |
From |
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| 13 - March - 2026 | £ 4555.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings London Heathrow Departing: 13th March 2026 at 18:00 Returning: 24th March 2026 at 13:10 |
Day 1: Overnight flight
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Tashkent.
Day 2: Arrival
Arrive early morning and transfer to your hotel for check-in and breakfast. Enjoy the day at leisure to rest. In the evening, gather for a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 3: Tashkent
Discover the spiritual heart of the city at Khast-Imam Square, where you will see an 8th century Koran which was brought to Central Asia by Tamerlane in the 15th century. On the square you will also see some beautiful buildings with turquoise-tiled domes. Later you will visit the Museum of Applied Arts to see magnificent suzanis (embroidered panels) and other fine crafts. In the afternoon, soak up the atmosphere at the bustling Chor-Su Market. Later you will experience the Tashkent subway (Metro), which are among the most beautiful in the world, each with their own unique architectural features and artistic elements.
Day 4: Tashkent to Nukus
Take a morning flight to Nukus and visit the renowned Savitsky Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Russian avant-garde art.
Day 5: Nukus to Khiva
Visit the ancient necropolis of Mizdakhan, one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage sites of Karakalpakstan. The fortress received its name during the Arab conquest, and means “a fortress of disbelievers”, as scientists found that the inhabitants of the fortress used to be Zoroastrians before the Arab conquest. The whole complex of monuments is located on three hills. After lunch in Nukus drive through the desert to the walled city of Khiva (220 kms, 3.5 hours).
Day 6: Khiva
Enjoy a walking tour of the architectural wonders in the UNESCO protected “open-air museum” thick clay walled city of Khiva, called the Ichan-Qala (Inner City). This ancient maze of winding alleys and clay buildings has been ideally preserved and hardly changed over the course of the centuries, as you take in the atmosphere of the old city. Khiva has retained its medieval feel, though there are people living inside its walls to this day. Visit a number of outstanding buildings including the Kalta-Minor Minaret, a stubby, unfinished minaret decorated with intricate blue tiles, and the unique Juma Mosque, whose ceiling is supported by 213 wooden columns, each carved uniquely with different designs. During your tour of Khiva you will visit a family of woodcarvers, a carpet weaving cooperative and the UNESCO silk weaving workshop. This workshop was founded in 1995 to help local craftsmen to revive old traditions of embroidering, natural dyeing and carpet weaving.
Day 7: Khiva to Bukhara
After breakfast embark on a 500 km. drive to Bukhara (7-8 hour drive). The route runs through the Kizil-Kum (Red Sands) desert. Lunch enroute. Arrival in Bukhara in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Bukhara
Explore the Lyabi-Khauz Complex, consisting of a 16th century madrassah and a mosque, and the nearby dome covered markets which sell hats, jewellery, carpets and textiles. We will visit the blacksmiths' museum situated in an old caravan-saray, where we’ll have an opportunity to see demonstration of many Uzbek crafts. Later we visit the Magoki-Attori mosque, dating from 12th century, and the madrassahs of Ulug-Bek and Abdul-Aziz Khan.
Day 9: Navruz in Bukhara
Celebrate Persian New Year with visits to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bolo-Khauz Mosque with colourful columns made of painted wood, the 2000-year old Ark Fortress, and Poi-Kalon. Enjoy an evening concert at Nodir-Divan Begi Madrassah, including Uzbek national music and dance, with a fashion show of contemporary garments made from traditional textiles.
Day 10: Bukhara to Samarkand
Drive to Samarkand (approx 4 hours). On arrival, visit the stunning Shaki-Zinda mausoleum complex which includes monuments from the 11th to the 15th centuries, reflecting the development of art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty.
Day 11: Samarkand
Tour Registan Square, the most magnificent architectural complex in Uzbekistan which was built in the 14th-16th centuries. Our tour also includes visits to Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanum Mosque - the largest in the city, and the Siyob Bazaar. Visit a traditional paper-making workshop and the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Return to Tashkent by high-speed train. Farewell dinner in Tashkent.
Day 12: Departure
Enjoy free time before your transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.
NB: Exact order of the itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Please note the maximum group size is 20 passengers.
Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of walking tours and potential uneven grounds at the sites visited. The touring days are busy and fairly long, with some long driving distances between cities. Please visit the mobility page on our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Lotte Tashkent Palace, Tashkent – 3 nights
Hotel Lotte City Tashkent Palace offers a refined and serene stay beside Tashkent’s landmark Opera House. Unwind in the spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and Finnish sauna, or enjoy a gentle massage. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic city views. With its calm elegance and central location, it’s an excellent base for leisurely cultural exploration.
Jipek Joli, Nukus – 1 night
Jipek Joli in Nukus blends traditional Karakalpak charm with welcoming modern comforts. Stylishly decorated rooms reflect local heritage, and the inner courtyard—with its yurt, national oven and peaceful pool—offers a serene spot for reflection. Positioned close to the renowned Savitsky Museum and central market, it’s a refined base for gentle cultural discovery.
Malika, Khiva – 2 nights
Malika Hotel in Khiva offers a peaceful, heritage-rich escape just steps from the West Gate of Ichan Qala. Traditional Uzbek woodcraft and a calm central courtyard invite relaxation with tea after exploring. Friendly service and classic décor create a gentle, authentic base for discovering the walled city’s treasures.
Salom Inn, Bukhara – 3 nights
Salom Inn is a peaceful, welcoming inn tucked in Bukhara's historic Jewish quarter, just steps from Lyab-i Hauz. Bright, handcrafted interiors evoke traditional Uzbek charm, while the shady courtyard offers a serene spot for evening tea. With attentive staff, free Wi‑Fi, and personalized tour assistance, it’s a refined choice for cultured, relaxed exploration of Bukhara’s ancient monuments and markets.
Diyora Hotel, Samarkand – 1 night
Diyora Hotel offers a serene and elegant base in the heart of Samarkand, just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Registan Square. This three-storey hotel harmoniously blends classic design with modern comforts, featuring 43 thoughtfully appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, unwind in the tranquil courtyard, or explore the nearby Siab Bazaar for a taste of local life. With attentive service and a peaceful atmosphere, Diyora Hotel provides a refined setting for leisurely exploration of Samarkand's rich history and culture.
