Tashkent, Bukhara & Samarkand

On arrival at Tashkent International Airport, make your own way to the hotel. After freshening up and leaving your luggage, meet your expert guide and driver to begin exploring the cultural heart of Uzbekistan’s capital – the largest city in Central Asia.

We start in the Old City with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the world-famous Quran of Caliph Uthman (Ottoman). Admire the spiritual atmosphere and intricate architecture of Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Continue to the lively Chorsu Bazaar, where daily life hums amidst colourful stalls of spices, fresh produce, and local crafts. Later, take a short journey on the elegant Tashkent Metro, renowned for its ornate Soviet-era design, to the city centre. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing exquisite examples of traditional Uzbek craftsmanship, before passing the Navoi Theatre and concluding at Amir Timur Square, a grand and bustling landmark of the capital.

After the city tour, check in at your hotel for a well-earned rest. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the rich flavours of Uzbek cuisine.

Optional: Tashkent Speaks PerformanceAn engaging theatrical performance based on the memories and stories of real Tashkent residents – perfect for those visiting the city for the first time.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed Afrosiyob Train to Bukhara (approx. 4 hours). On arrival, meet your local guide and driver for your transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the winding lanes of the old town, soaking up its timeless atmosphere. You may choose to end your day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Bukhara dishes.

Optional: Medieval Hammam Bath Experience a traditional 16th-century hammam near the ancient trading domes of Toki-Tilpak Furushon. Enjoy oriental peeling, a ginger-honey detox, and a relaxing massage, complemented by aromatic herbal tea. Transfers included.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Bukhara’s rich heritage.

We begin at the Mausoleum of the Samanids (9th–10th centuries), one of the oldest surviving monuments of Islamic architecture in Central Asia, admired for its elegant brickwork and geometric design. Visit the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (12th–16th centuries), said to mark the spot where the prophet Job brought forth a healing spring. Continue to the Bolo-Hauz Mosque (18th–20th centuries), famed for its slender wooden columns and decorative ceilings, before stepping inside the mighty Ark Fortress, once the royal residence and administrative centre of Bukhara’s emirs.

Just beyond the city lies the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the opulent summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, blending European elegance with Central Asian artistry. Today it houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. We end the day at the distinctive Chor-Minor Madrasah, built in 1807 and instantly recognisable by its four turquoise-topped towers, each representing a different cultural influence.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a leisurely morning in Bukhara or perhaps join one of the optional experiences below.

Later, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed Afrosiyob Train to Samarkand (approx. 2 hours 10 minutes). On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Optional: Tea Ceremony in BukharaVisit the traditional tea house Spices of the Silk Road for a tasting of aromatic teas and oriental sweets accompanied by gentle local music. Includes transfers. Duration: 1 hour

Optional: Miniature Painting MasterclassJoin the family of hereditary miniaturist Davron Toshev for an authentic hands-on session creating your own miniature painting on silk paper. Includes materials, guidance, and transfers.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day discovery of Samarkand – one of the Silk Road’s most magnificent cities.

We begin at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), whose vast empire once spanned much of Central Asia. Its striking azure dome and intricate tilework are masterpieces of Timurid architecture. Continue to Registan Square, Samarkand’s most iconic ensemble, framed by three splendid madrassas – Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori – each adorned with dazzling mosaics and ornate facades.

Visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world, built by Timur in honour of his wife. Immerse yourself in local life at Siyob Bazaar, where the air is filled with the aromas of spices, dried fruits, and freshly baked bread.

Later, explore the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, an avenue of mausoleums spanning from the 11th to 15th centuries, famous for its brilliant turquoise tiles and spiritual serenity.

This evening, you may wish to join a heart-warming optional dinner with a local Uzbek family, taking part in the preparation of Plov, the country’s beloved national dish.

Optional: Boat Ride on the Republican Rowing ChannelSail along Samarkand’s scenic rowing channel, enjoying views of the Eternal City, musical fountains, and elegant surroundings. Includes entrance and transfers. Duration: 1 hour

Optional: Nightly Samarkand – Illuminated Registan SquareExperience Registan Square beautifully illuminated with music and lights, capturing the atmosphere of an oriental evening. Includes transfers. Duration: 1 hour

After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the station for the high-speed Afrosiyob Train to Tashkent (approx. 2 hours 10 minutes). On arrival, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Optional: Wine Tasting at Bagizagan WineryVisit the historic Bagizagan Winery near Samarkand to learn about local viticulture and sample some of Uzbekistan’s finest wines and cognacs in a traditional tasting room. Transfers included.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you can make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.