Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara & the Ancient Silk Road

From the wide boulevards and buzzing cafés of Tashkent to the storybook skyline of Khiva, Uzbekistan unfolds like a living Silk Road manuscript — layered, intricate, and impossible to rush. Along the way, the mosaic-clad majesty of Samarkand and the timeless alleyways of Bukhara invite you to step beyond the present and into centuries of trade, scholarship, and cultural exchange. Begin your adventure with a transfer to your hotel, followed by a welcome dinner where you can immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of Uzbek hospitality.

Today, begin your journey to Samarkand. Embark on a high-speed Afrosiyob train ride to Samarkand, a journey that covers 344 km in just under 2 hours. Start at the Afrosiab Museum, home to remarkable archaeological finds from ancient Afrasiab—the original settlement of Samarkand—offering insight into the city’s pre-Mongol grandeur. After time for lunch at leisure, continue to the breathtaking Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums adorned with intricate tilework and vibrant blue mosaics, one of the most sacred and photogenic sites in the region. Later, join a hands-on experience: a home-hosted plov cooking class and dinner, where you’ll learn to prepare Uzbekistan’s national dish and share the meal with your hosts. A day of history, color, and culinary tradition comes to a delicious close.

Get ready for your OMG day in Samarkand! Start with a guided tour of the city’s must-see treasures: the stunning Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, final resting place of Timur, followed by the iconic Registan Square, and the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Wander through the lively Siyob Bazaar before heading to Konigil Village for lunch and a workshop on traditional Samarkand silk paper-making. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to customize your experience with a hands-on artisan activity at Traditions Square—choose between leather-making or embroidery—and then enjoy free time to relax or continue exploring this incredible city.

Today, travel from Samarkand to Bukhara, one of Uzbekistan’s most captivating Silk Road cities. Along the way, visit the Al Bukhari Complex to see the remains from the 11th-century Rabat-i Malik Caravanserai, and a traditional pottery workshop in Gijduvan, where artisans continue centuries-old ceramic traditions. Enjoy lunch at the pottery workshop before continuing your journey. Arrive in Bukhara and check in to your hotel. Visit the beautiful Lyabi Khauz ensemble, a historic plaza framed by madrasahs and a serene pond before a free evening to explore Bukhara at your leisure.

Explore the heart of Bukhara on foot, beginning at the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest and most revered monuments in Central Asia. Fun fact: it’s considered one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture in the region, built entirely of baked bricks without any wood or stone. Continue to Chashma Ayub, the legendary “Job’s Well,” believed to have sprung from the ground when the prophet struck it with his staff, then visit the elegant Bolo-Khauz Mosque, known for its beautifully painted wooden columns reflected in the tranquil pool before it. From there, step into history at the Ark Fortress, Bukhara’s ancient citadel and seat of power for centuries, before concluding at the magnificent Po-i-Kalyan Complex, a breathtaking ensemble of mosque, minaret, and madrasa that defines the city’s skyline. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Bukhara at your own pace, soaking in the city’s timeless charm and vibrant streets. In the evening, savor a traditional dinner accompanied by a lively folklore performance, rounding out a day of history, culture, and local flavor.

Travel by train from Bukhara to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its perfectly preserved medieval walls and historic architecture. Upon arrival, take an orientation walking tour inside Itchan-Qala, the walled old town filled with minarets, madrassahs, and charming streets. Spend the evening at leisure to explore Khiva on your own, soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere and timeless charm.

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Khiva, exploring the UNESCO-listed Itchan-Kala and its architectural treasures, including the wooden-columned Juma Mosque, the striking turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor, and the historic Kunya Ark. Enjoy some free time before transferring to Urgench International Airport for your flight back to Tashkent, where you can soak up more of the capital’s vibrant atmosphere this evening.

Discover Tashkent, a dynamic capital shaped by both Silk Road heritage and striking Soviet-era design. Begin by exploring the city’s Soviet side at Amir Temur Square, the symbolic heart of modern Tashkent. From here, stroll along lively Tashkent Broadway to Independence Square, one of the country’s most important civic spaces, reflecting Uzbekistan’s post-independence identity. Then, descend into the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro, renowned for its ornate stations, and ride to Chorsu Bazaar. From here, enjoy free time to explore the bustling bazaar at your own pace—soaking in the colors, aromas, and flavors of local life. You may choose to walk back to the hotel or connect with your CEO for assistance with optional activities tailored to your interests.

Your journey comes to an end with an transfer from your hotel to Tashkent International Airport. Depart at your leisure, taking with you memories of turquoise domes, ancient Silk Road cities, and the warm hospitality of Uzbekistan.