Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
11 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Visiting: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98381
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan's ancient cities along the legendary Silk Road. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, starting in Tashkent with its stunning medieval landmarks and vibrant new town. Stay in luxury hotels as you explore the diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to expansive deserts. Discover the rich Timurid history of Samarkand, and delve into the Islamic heritage of UNESCO-listed Bukhara and Khiva. Experience traditional Uzbek culture with a culinary masterclass and a visit to the Konigil Tourism Village. Enjoy optional excursions, including a cable car ride in the Chimgan Mountains and a folk performance under the stars. With guided tours, comfortable travel, and a friendly tour manager, this adventure promises memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Begin your adventures in Central Asia with an overnight flight from London to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.
Day Two – Included Tour Of Tashkent’S Old Town And Welcome Dinner
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Touching down in Tashkent in the early morning, you’ll be greeted by your friendly tour manager who’ll accompany you to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Enjoy a late start with breakfast before an afternoon of sightseeing around Tashkent’s old town.
Your first stop this morning, the Khazrati Imam Complex, offers a glimpse into Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage. Built around the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (the plaza’s namesake), the Tillya-Sheykh Mosque is an architectural marvel with pillared facades and domed roofs. Also of interest is the Madrasa Barakhon which houses a storied Muslim relic, the Osman Koran, amongst its library of ancient manuscripts.
The next our tour will take you to the very centre of Tashkent, the Chorsu Bazaar. Translating as ‘four waters’, this market area acted as the meeting point of the Uzbek capital’s original four districts and reflects nods of the Silk Road’s golden age to this day. Pause for lunch in one of the area’s local eateries before an afternoon exploring the bustling shopfronts beneath the bazaar’s blue-tiled dome.
As the sun sets on the Uzbek capital, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with included wine tasting.
Day Three – Included Morning Tour Of Tashkent And Afternoon At Leisure With Optional Excursion To The Chimgan Mountains
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll enjoy an escorted tour of the Uzbek capital’s new town, starting with a walk along Tashkent’s Broadway Street, which boldly showcases the city’s artistic flair. You’ll witness monuments to the revival of traditional Uzbek culture from the Mustaqilik Maydoni (translating as ‘Independence Square’) to the Monument of Courage, which celebrates the men and women who rebuilt Tashkent after it was devasted by an earthquake in 1966.
After exploring Tashkent’s metropolitan areas, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Why not refresh yourself with a plunge in the hotel’s swimming pool, unwind in its luxury hammam (Turkish bath) or take a treatment in the spa?
If you’d prefer a more active afternoon, you can join an optional trip into the Chimgan Mountains. Your tour will take you deep into the heart of the Western Tian Shan Mountain range, stretching from northern China to Uzbekistan. Witness the range’s striking landscapes, from the Charvak Reservoir to the Chimgan mountains, with a cable car ride up to the Chinorkent Complex.
Whether you’re returning from the mountains or the poolside, settle into the hotel’s restaurant this evening for dinner (on your account).
Day Four – Transfer To Khiva And Included City Tour With Optional Dinner At Nadir Devon-Begi Madrasah
Location: Khiva
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early this morning for a domestic flight from Tashkent to Urgench. Upon arrival, you’ll have time for a packed breakfast on the move before travelling by coach to Khiva. You’ll then set out with your tour manager for a guided excursion of the ancient city.
Khiva’s vibrant history will take centre stage today, the UNESCO-listed Ichan Kala, offering a unique insight into the region’s Islamic and Khanate heritage. Visit the Ismail Khodja complex which memorialises its namesake, the Grand Vizier to one of Khiva’s last Khans, with impressive madrasas and a towering minaret. Moving eastward, discover the fortified walls and blue-tiled audience chambers of the city’s ancient citadel, Konya Ark. Round out your tour of Ichan Kala with a celebration of Uzbek craftsmanship. Explore the unique Juma Mosque, suspended by a web of carved wooden pillars, and Toshholvi Palace, which chronicles public life in Khiva throughout the centuries.
Tonight, find dinner locally or choose to join an optional excursion to a local restaurant, set in the inner courtyard of the impressive Nadir Devon-Begi Madrasah, for dinner and a traditional Uzbek folk performance under the stars.
Day Five – Scenic Drive Through Kyzyl-Kum And Travel To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start the day with breakfast ahead of today’s scenic journey through Uzbekistan’s red desert, Kyzyl-Kum. Aboard your coach, you can admire the exotic vistas in comfort as you pass between charming oasis settlements. Keep an eye out as you glide past rolling dunes, and you may catch a glimpse of the region’s native Bactrian camels!
Enjoy time at leisure and a packed lunch en route with a stop by the Amudarya River before arriving in Bukhara – nicknamed the ‘Copper City’. Freshen up this evening and have dinner at either the hotel restaurant or one of the local eateries.
Day Six – Included Tour Of Bukhara With Lunch
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, discover Bukhara’s most exciting landmarks after breakfast. You’ll start by paying homage to the city’s celebrated dead as you visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the resting place of the Samanid and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, a religious site believed to have been visited by the prophet Job. Next on your excursion will be a walking tour of the 5th-cenutry Ark of Bukhara, known as the ‘city within a city’. Within the citadel walls, you’ll find a wealth of history, from the beautifully restored throne room and court mosque to its archaeological museums.
Pause at midday as you visit a local house for an authentic Uzbek lunch. Here, you’ll enjoy a masterclass in making plov (a traditional Uzbek rice dish similar to pilaf). Having had your fill of a hearty meal, you can observe local customs by running your hand over your face as a sign of appreciation for your hosts’ hospitality.
This afternoon, you’ll explore the Po-i Kalon Complex, the religious heart of Bukhara which houses several 12th-century Islamic landmarks. Originally destroyed by Genghis Khan amidst the sacking of Bukhara, the complex was rebuilt, and you can observe Muslim culture in person with visits to its mosque, complete with its original minaret (tower), and madrasa.
Spend the evening at leisure and enjoy dinner (on your own account) in the city or at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day Seven – Included Visit To Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum And Guided Tour Of Coumpol Bazaar
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll explore the Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum, an important Sufi shrine and a popular place of pilgrimage. As the tomb of Khazreti Mohammed Bakhauddin Nakhshbandi, the unofficial patron saint of Bukhara, this impressive monument promises exploration rife with tradition and superstition. Long-held beliefs, popularised by visiting pilgrims, maintain that those who circle Bakhaudtin’s tomb three times enjoy blessings and good fortune.
The stop along the tour will see you enter Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last Emir (ruler). Divided into its original compound and the newer 12th-century additions, this palatial landmark offers an eclectic blend of European and Islamic design. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions celebrating local folk art, music and craftsmanship alongside the palace’s opulent furniture and décor.
Complete the day with a visit to the Coumpol Bazaar, a domed marketplace which has remained amongst traders since the golden age of the Silk Road. Experience this bustling commercial hub, and perhaps enjoy a spot of retail therapy, as you meander through the area’s famous trading domes.
In the evening, you’ll have the choice to return to the hotel or join an optional trip to the Nadir Devon-Begi Madrasah for a traditional Uzbeki folk dance. Set in the open-air courtyard of this grand seventeenth-century building, this folk-dance features dances and styles varying by region. Experience colour, music and tradition as the sun sets on Bukhara. Finally, enjoy dinner (own your account) in a city restaurant before settling in for the night.
Day Eight – Included Tour Of Shakhrisabz And Travel To Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast this morning, board your coach for Samarkand, one of the Silk Road’s most iconic cities. Along the way, stop in for an escorted walk around colourful Shakrisabz. Once home to legendary figures from Amir Timur to Alexander the Great, this ancient city has no shortage of imperial wonders to behold.
Discover the cradle of Uzbekistan with a visit to the birthplace of Amir Timur, the country’s founder and most iconic ruler. The Ak-Saray Palace, although ruined over the centuries, was once the crown jewel of the Timurid empire and remains no less impressive. You’ll also call at the Dorus Saodat complex, which houses the ancestral tomb of the Timurid dynasty before refuelling with lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you’ll continue on to Samarkand. Having checked into your final hotel, spend the afternoon as you please. Perhaps take a gentle stroll through this historic city’s winding streets or relax by the poolside amidst the hotel’s wellness facilities. Take dinner at your leisure at a restaurant of your choice in the city.
Day Nine – Included Tour Of Samarkand With An Excursion To Shakhi-Zinda Architectural Complex
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on your final city tour with sightseeing around historic Samarkand. Witness the breath-taking Registan Square, home to the exquisite iwans (decorative main halls) of its three madrasas. Continue to the Guri Amir Mausoleum, where you’ll be immersed in the opulent Timurid design of legendary Timur’s final resting place. At noon, take the time to walk around the Siyob Bazaar, the biggest marketplace in Samarkand.
After finding lunch, you'll experience the rich academic history of this Silk Road city with a tour of the Afrosiyab Museum, a frescoed excavation site set in the ruins of Samarkand’s original city. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Ulugbek Observatory, the last building of its kind of the Islamic medieval period.
Concluding your city tour, return to your central hotel for an overnight stay with dinner at your own account.
Day 10 – Included Day Trip To Konigil Tourism Village And Rail Journey Back To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a late start this morning with time spent at leisure and a hotel breakfast. After checking out, you’ll travel to Konigil Tourism Village where you’ll experience truly authentic village life in Uzbekistan. Located on a large reserve, and boasting several workshops and market stalls, Konigil offers plenty of artisanal gift options to make the perfect souvenir.
Return to Samarkand’s centre and to Tashkent aboard the ‘Afrosiyob’ high-speed train. After a short time aboard, you’ll arrive back in the Uzbek capital and head to your first hotel. With memories to last a lifetime, join your fellow travellers for your final dinner and reminisce on this unforgettable adventure.
Day 11 – Return Flight To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast early this morning ahead of your flight back to the UK as you reach the end of your Uzbek adventure.
What's Included
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Nine night’s accommodation in Tashkent (3 nights), Khiva (1), Bukhara (3) and Samarkand (2)
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Ten breakfasts, six lunches and four dinners
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Two tours around Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent
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Guided tour of Khiva
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Drive through the red desert “Kyzyl-Kum”
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Excursion to Bukhara
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Lunch at a local house with a culinary cooking class on Bukharan plov
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Visit to Bahouddin Nakshbandi Mausoleum and Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex
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Visit to the Coumpol Bazaar, Toki Saraffon (the Dome of Moneychangers), Toki-Telpak Furushon (the Dome of Cap makers), Toki Zargaron (the Dome of jewellers) and Tim Abdullakhan (the Center of silk).
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Day trips around Shakhrisabz and Samarkand
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with air-conditioned coach travel throughout, an internal flight between Tashkent and Urgench, and a high-speed train journey from Samarkand to Tashkent.
Accommodation
Enjoy nine nights of luxury accommodation in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, offering comfort and relaxation after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in luxury hotels throughout the tour, with nine nights of accommodation in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes ten breakfasts, six lunches, and four dinners.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there are guided tours in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, as well as visits to various historical and cultural sites.
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Is there an opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in traditional Uzbek culture with a culinary masterclass and lunch at a local house, as well as a day trip to the Konigil Tourism Village.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout, as well as an internal flight between Tashkent and Urgench and a high-speed train journey from Samarkand to Tashkent.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a cable car visit to the Chinorkent Complex in the Chimgan Mountains and a traditional Uzbek folk performance with dinner at the Nadir Devon-Begi Madrasah.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Bukhara?
In Bukhara, you will explore the Po-i Kalon Complex, visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and enjoy a culinary masterclass in making plov at a local house.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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