Highlights of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva (SR-04)

Khush Kelibsiz - welcome to Uzbekistan! Transfer to your hotel in Tashkent.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to embark on your Tashkent sightseeing adventure. Discover the historic Old Town, Khast-Imam architectural complex, and explore highlights like Amir Timur Square, Courage Monument, Opera and Ballet Theater, and Mustaqillik (Independence) Square. Dive into the vibrant "Chorsu" Eastern Bazaar, known for its rich collection of Uzbekistan's craftsmen's artistry.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer you to the train station for your journey from Tashkent to Samarkand on the "Afrosiab" train departing at 08:30 and arriving at 10:40. Upon arrival in Samarkand, we'll take you to your hotel.

Your Samarkand exploration begins at the iconic Registan Square, featuring three majestic madrassahs (XIV-XVI centuries): Sherdor, Ulugbek, and Tillya Qory. You'll also visit Bibi-Khanum Mosque (XV century), Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Ulugbek's observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis (XI-XVIII centuries), and the bustling Siab Bazaar.

After breakfast at the hotel until 09:00, we'll transfer you to the train station for your journey from Samarkand to Bukhara on the "Afrosiab" train, departing at 10:50 and arriving at 12:15. Upon your arrival in Bukhara, we'll take you to your hotel.

At 14:00, your guided tour of Bukhara begins with a visit to the historic and architectural complex of Lyabi-Khauz. This includes Central Asia's oldest pool (XIV-XVII centuries) surrounded by medieval structures, like the Nadira Divan-begi madrasah and khanaka (XV-XVI centuries) with stunning mosaic facades. You'll also explore the Kukeldash madrasah (XV century), the largest in Bukhara. Later, you'll visit the Poi-Kalyan Complex, featuring the iconic Kalyan minaret (XII century), the Kalyan Friday mosque (XV century), and the active Miri-Arab madrasah (XVI century).

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 09:00 to resume your Bukhara sightseeing adventure. Explore the historical sites, including the Samanids Mausoleum (IX-X centuries), the Ark Citadel (IV-XX centuries), which served as the oldest Emir's residence, the distinctive Chor-Minor with its four minarets (XIX century), and the Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace (XIX-XX centuries), the Bukhara Emirs' country summer retreat.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00 or 10:00, embark on a transfer from Bukhara to Khiva, crossing the Kyzyl-Kum desert (480 km; 300 miles, approximately 7-8 hours). Along the way, take a brief break to stroll through the Kyzyl-Kum desert and enjoy the scenic views along the Amudarya river.

Upon reaching Khiva, check in at your hotel and have some free time to relax.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a Khiva sightseeing tour, exploring the wonders of Ichan Kala, a museum preserved under the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Highlights include the Kalta-Minor Minaret (1855), a remarkable but incomplete structure with a height of 26 meters and a base diameter of 16 meters, originally planned to be the tallest minaret in Central Asia. You'll also visit Kunya-Ark (XVII-XIX centuries), the first palace of Khiva's khans, Pahlovan Mahmud Mausoleum (XIV-XIX centuries), Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret (1908), and the unique Juma Mosque (1789) known for its flat roof supported by 218 intricately carved wooden columns (X-XIX centuries) with exceptional acoustics.

Your Silk Road journey has come to an end. We'll arrange your transfer to Urgench Airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, you have the option to return to Tashkent and catch your international flight from there.

Accommodation Options

Here is a selection of example hotels used during the tour. Comparable accommodations can be provided based on hotel availability.

City	Hotels 3*	Hotels 4*
Tashkent	Gabrielle International Hotel	City Palace / Hampton by Hilton
Samarkand	City Samarkand / Malika Prime	Dilimah / Emir Han / Alexandr
Bukhara	Fatima / Volida / Kavsar	Sahid Zarafshon
Khiva	Malika Khiva / Khorezm / Kheivak / Arkanchi	Asia Khiva / Bek Khiva