Explore Uzbekistan: A 16-Day Journey Through Time and Culture
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey across Uzbekistan — from the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to the vibrant modern pulse of Tashkent. This in-depth tour offers a rich blend of ancient history, breathtaking architecture, and authentic cultural experiences. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wander through colorful bazaars, visit majestic mosques and madrasas, and witness local life in charming villages.
Whether you're gazing at the Registan under the stars, tasting traditional plov with a local family, or crossing the vast Kyzylkum Desert, every moment is designed to immerse you in the timeless soul of Central Asia.
Available year-round for private groups, this tour includes comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and carefully selected accommodations — offering you the perfect balance between discovery and comfort.
Day 1: EUROPE – FERGHANA Flight from Europe to Fergana via Istanbul, with in-flight service. Arrival at 13:55, immigration formalities, and transfer to the hotel. Short evening walk followed by dinner. 2 nights at a hotel in Fergana.
Day 2: FERGHANA – MARGILAN – FERGHANA Excursion to Margilan, which was the medieval trade center of the Kokand Kingdom. Visit to a local silk factory, followed by a stroll through the city’s largest bazaar. Experience the atmosphere of a traditional oriental market and observe farmers’ products and artisan goods. Return to Fergana and sightseeing tour of the city. Overnight in Fergana.
Day 3: FERGHANA – RISHTAN – KOKAND – TASHKENT Departure for Tashkent. En route, visit Rishtan, known for its ceramic traditions, and get an introduction to its unique pottery techniques. Continue to Kokand to visit the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan — the last stronghold of the once-powerful Central Asian empire. Also on the program: the Juma Mosque, built in the 18th century and formerly the city’s central Friday mosque. Journey continues through scenic mountain landscapes to Tashkent, arriving in the evening. 3 nights at a hotel in Tashkent.
Day 4: TASHKENT Tashkent developed into a renowned crafts center in the 16th century thanks to its dynamic history and flourishing trade connections. Today’s program includes the Khast Imam Complex — home to the oldest Quran in the world — and a visit to Chorsu Bazaar. You’ll also explore the modern part of the city: Independence Square, the Romanov Palace, the White Mosque (Minor), Amir Timur Park, and the Tashkent Metro. If the schedule allows, enjoy an opera or ballet performance at the theater. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 5: TASHKENT – PARKENT – TASHKENT Excursion to the PHYSICS SUN Institute in Parkent, one of the world’s only two functioning solar furnaces. Learn about the unique technology, why this specific site was chosen, and see heliostats up close — mirrors that focus sunlight onto a massive concentrator of 10,700 reflective elements. The focal point reaches 3,000°C. A staircase leads to the top floor, where breathtaking views of the western Tien Shan mountains and nearby villages await. Lunch at a local teahouse featuring famous Parkent shashlik and samsa (baked pastries). Return to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 6: TASHKENT – SAMARKAND After breakfast, train ride to Samarkand. Along the journey, enjoy views of vast fruit and vegetable plantations. One of the world’s oldest cities, Samarkand flourished as a major medieval trade hub and was the capital of the Timurid Empire. On this first day of exploration, your guide will take you to Ulugh Beg’s Observatory, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the Registan — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 3 nights at a hotel in Samarkand.
Day 7: SAMARKAND Sightseeing continues with a visit to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the Afrasiyab Museum of Samarkand’s ancient history, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Bazaar, and a walk through modern Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 8: SAMARKAND – SHAKHRISABZ – SAMARKAND Day trip to Shakhrisabz via mountain roads. Visit the Aksaray Summer Palace, the Kok Gumbaz Mosque (with Timur’s father’s mausoleum), and the Dorut Siyadat complex. On the return, stop in the mountains for a late lunch. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 9: SAMARKAND – BUKHARA Departure for Bukhara. En route, stop at a medieval caravanserai in Rabati Malik, the Vobkent Minaret, and the Emir’s Summer Palace. Optional: train ride from Samarkand to Bukhara. Upon arrival, enjoy a first stroll through the old town. 3 nights at a hotel in Bukhara.
Day 10: BUKHARA Full-day tour: Samanid Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ark Fortress, Labi Hauz Ensemble (with historic water basin), Magoki Attori Mosque, domed trading halls, Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Madrasahs, the famous Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 11: BUKHARA & SURROUNDINGS Excursion to the pilgrimage site of Bahauddin Naqshband, the home of Fayzulla Khojaev (a merchant and first president of Bukhara), and the Chor Minor Madrasah. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 12: BUKHARA – KHIVA Journey to Khiva with photo stops in the Kyzylkum Desert (“Red Sands”) to capture views of the Amu Darya River — the second-longest in Central Asia. Observe the unique desert vegetation during the trip. 2 nights at a hotel in Khiva.
Day 13: KHIVA Full-day city tour: Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark Fortress, Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah, Caravanserai, Tash Khauli Palace, Allakuli Khan Madrasah, Ok Mosque, and Anusha Khan Hammam. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 14: KHIVA – NUKUS Drive to Nukus. Visit the Savitsky Museum — home to the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art. Overnight in Nukus.
Day 15: NUKUS – URGENCH Excursion to the ancient mud fortresses of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala. Stop for tea at a yurt camp before continuing on to Urgench. Overnight in Urgench.
Day 16: URGENCH – ISTANBUL – EUROPE Transfer to the airport and return flight to Europe via Istanbul.
We offer transfers with the following vehicles: Passenger Cars: Leapmotor, Chevrolet Lacetti, Cobalt, BYD, Skyworth
Minibuses: Toyota Hiace or Hyundai Staria (up to 5–8 seats)
Mid-size Buses: Mitsubishi Rosa or Mercedes Sprinter (up to 15 seats)
Large Buses: Golden Dragon, Yutong, or Higer (up to 45 seats)