Silk Road Adventure: Khiva, Bukhara & Samarkand – 10 Days
Overview:
Embark on a fascinating 10-day journey through Uzbekistan, following the footsteps of ancient traders along the Silk Road. This adventure takes you to three of Uzbekistan’s most enchanting cities: Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Khiva, explore the grandiose monuments of Bukhara, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Samarkand. Each city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning architecture, offering a unique glimpse into the rich past of Central Asia. Experience the traditions, landscapes, and hospitality of Uzbekistan on this once-in-a-lifetime tour.
Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Tashkent | Arrival, City Orientation |
| Day 2 | Tashkent | Museum of Applied Arts, Metro Tour |
| Day 3 | Khiva | Ichan Kala, Islam Khoja Minaret |
| Day 4 | Khiva | Juma Mosque, Tosh-Hovli Palace |
| Day 5 | Bukhara | Kalon Mosque, Ark Fortress |
| Day 6 | Bukhara | Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace |
| Day 7 | Samarkand | Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque |
| Day 8 | Samarkand | Ulugh Beg Observatory |
| Day 9 | Tashkent | Return to Tashkent, Free Day |
| Day 10 | Tashkent | Departure |
Itinerary
- Arrival: Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
- Afternoon: After check-in, explore Khast Imam Complex, home to the famous Uthman Quran. Visit the Barak-Khan Madrasah and take a stroll through Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar for a first taste of Uzbek culture.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring classic Uzbek dishes like plov (pilaf) and shashlik (grilled skewers).
- Morning: After breakfast, take a flight to Khiva, an ancient oasis city along the Silk Road. Check into your hotel and begin exploring.
- Afternoon: Wander through Itchan Kala, Khiva’s well-preserved inner city, where you can visit the Kalta Minor Minaret and the impressive Kunya-Ark Fortress.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties like samsa (savory pastries) and shurpa (soup).
- Morning: Visit Juma Mosque, known for its stunning wooden pillars, and the Tash Khauli Palace, which boasts beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work.
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Uzbek lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the Khovli Palace and the Islam Khodja Minaret, the tallest structure in Khiva. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Khiva Bazaar, where you can purchase traditional handicrafts.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and experience the charm of Khiva at night when the city’s monuments are beautifully lit up.
- Morning: After breakfast, travel to Bukhara (approximately 6-7 hours by car). Along the way, admire the rural landscapes of Uzbekistan.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Bukhara, check into your hotel and start your exploration of this historical city with a visit to the Bukhara Fortress (Ark of Bukhara), an ancient royal residence that once housed emirs.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can try dishes like lagman (noodle soup) and shashlik.
- Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Kalon Minaret, one of the most iconic landmarks in Uzbekistan, followed by the Kalon Mosque. Explore the ancient Samanid Mausoleum, known for its unique architecture.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the Chor-Minor, a charming madrasa with four distinct minarets, and the Lyab-i-Hauz complex, surrounded by beautiful pools and historical structures.
- Evening: Dinner in Bukhara at a local eatery, where you can enjoy more Uzbek culinary delights.
- Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive or high-speed train to Samarkand (approximately 4-5 hours by car or 2 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Samarkand and begin your exploration with a visit to Registan Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by majestic madrasas.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner in Samarkand, tasting local specialties such as manti (steamed dumplings) and samsa.
- Morning: Visit Shah-i-Zinda, a complex of tombs with stunning mosaics, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the burial site of Tamerlane. Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
- Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Continue your tour with a visit to the Ulugh Beg Observatory, where you’ll learn about the astronomical achievements of the 15th century. End the day with a visit to Afrosiab Museum, dedicated to Samarkand’s ancient history.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy an evening walk around Registan Square.
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- Morning: After breakfast, visit the Samarkand Bazaar for souvenirs and local goods before heading back to Tashkent by train or car (approximately 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Tashkent, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time for shopping or exploring the city at your leisure.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can enjoy your last meal in Uzbekistan.
- Morning & Afternoon: Spend the day at leisure. You may visit local attractions such as the Independence Square, Amir Timur Museum, or the Tashkent Zoo, or simply enjoy a relaxing day in the city.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Tashkent, reflecting on your journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities.
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions
- 3-4 star accommodations.
- All domestic flights.
- Entrance fees and permits.
Exclusions
- Visa fees.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
