Day 1 | Arrive in Tashkent – Tashkent City Tour
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel. Enjoy lunch at the Central Asian Plov Center.
Central Asian Plov Center: A must-visit for authentic Uzbek plov (pilaf). Made with premium lamb, carrots, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques, it is both delicious and nutritious.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour (including meal)
Amir Timur Square & Amir Timur Museum: The square is a central landmark in Tashkent, surrounded by historic buildings. The museum features a striking turquoise Oriental dome and houses artifacts from the Timurid Empire, including medieval jewelry, costumes, musical instruments, and tools—an ideal starting point for your Uzbek journey.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Independence Square: The main venue for national celebrations and public gatherings. The towering Independence Column symbolizes Uzbekistan’s sovereignty and freedom. Experience the blend of historical atmosphere and modern cityscape here.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Tashkent Metro: Central Asia’s first subway system, renowned for its unique architecture and artistic decor. Riding the metro offers a glimpse into this underground art gallery.
Recommended visit time: 30 minutes
Dinner at a Russian-style restaurant, then transfer to hotel for rest.
Meals: Lunch: Central Asian Plov Center |
Day 2 | Tashkent – Samarkand (High-speed train or coach, approx. 330 km)
After breakfast, explore the Old Town:
Khast Imam Complex: The religious heart of Tashkent’s Old Town and one of Uzbekistan’s most important Islamic sites. It includes mosques, madrasahs (Islamic schools), and mausoleums of saints and scholars. The Muyi Mubarak Library Museum stands out with its sky-blue ribbed dome, a distinct Central Asian feature contrasting with Persian smooth domes.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Chorsu Bazaar: One of Tashkent’s largest open-air markets, brimming with handicrafts, daily goods, and local flavors. Immerse yourself in the vibrant street life and culture.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
After lunch, take the high-speed train (approx. 2 hours) or coach (approx. 5 hours) to Samarkand. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner and check in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 3 | Samarkand Full-Day Tour
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis: A stunning ensemble of mausoleums famous for their intricate tilework and religious significance. It is the resting place of many historical figures and a key cultural heritage site.
Recommended visit time: 1.5 hours
Afrasiab Museum: Located in central Samarkand, showcasing artifacts from the Stone Age to the Islamic era. A perfect introduction to the city’s long history.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Hazrat-i-Khizr Mosque: Renowned for its exquisite tile decorations and unique architectural style.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Siob Bazaar (Lunch): A bustling market offering local delicacies and souvenirs. A great spot to experience Samarkand’s food culture.
Recommended visit time (incl. meal): 1.5 hours
Bibi-Khanym Mosque: An iconic symbol of Samarkand, celebrated for its grand scale and majestic design.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Registan Square & Three Madrasahs: The heart of Samarkand, flanked by three magnificent madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilla Kari Madrasah, all famed for their elaborate ornamentation.
Recommended visit time: 1.5 hours
Registan Square Light Show (Evening): A spectacular multimedia show illuminating the historic square.
Recommended visit time: Approx. 1 hour (subject to schedule)
Return to hotel after the show.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 4 | Samarkand – Bukhara (High-speed train or coach, approx. 330 km)
After breakfast, visit:
Ulugh Beg Observatory: One of Central Asia’s oldest observatories, known for its precise star catalogues and astronomical instruments.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Then travel to Bukhara—the setting of One Thousand and One Nights, birthplace of Nasreddin Hodja (Afanti), and a historic Silk Road oasis. With over 2,500 years of history, Bukhara was once the capital of the Khwarezmian Empire and the Timurid Empire (known as “Kangju” in ancient Chinese records). As a living fossil of the Silk Road, it preserves its medieval layout and is often called the “Pearl of Central Asia.” Legends such as Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and Afanti’s tales originated here.
Travel time: High-speed train approx. 1.5 hours; coach approx. 4.5 hours.
Upon arrival, enjoy free time in the Old Town before transferring to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 5 | Bukhara Full-Day Tour
Kukeldash Madrasah: A 16th-century madrasah famed for its tilework and architectural details reflecting Central Asian artistry.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Magoki Attori Mosque: An ancient religious site and testament to Bukhara’s spiritual history.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Abdul Aziz Khan Madrasah: Celebrated for its distinctive blue tiles—a masterpiece of Central Asian architecture.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Ulugh Beg Madrasah: Built to honor the Timurid astronomer and mathematician Ulugh Beg. Features an observatory and classrooms highlighting his scientific contributions.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah: Famous for its exquisite woodcarvings and murals, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah: One of Bukhara’s oldest and most representative 16th-century structures, serving as both an educational and cultural center.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Nadir Divan-Begi Khanqah: Adjacent to the madrasah, this religious complex impresses with its interior decor and historical significance.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Poi Kalon Ensemble: Comprising the Kalon Minaret (47m tall), Kalon Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. The minaret dominates Bukhara’s skyline with its elegant proportions and tilework.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Ark Fortress: The ancient citadel and former royal residence, offering insights into Bukhara’s political and military history.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Bolo Haouz Mosque: Known for its graceful architecture and serene setting, especially atmospheric when lit up at night.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Dinner and return to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 6 | Bukhara – Khiva (Approx. 400 km)
After breakfast, drive to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fairytale desert fortress. As an old Silk Road saying goes: “I would gladly exchange a bag of gold just for a glimpse of Khiva.” Located in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, the walled inner city of Itchan Kala preserves its entire medieval townscape. China-Uzbekistan joint restoration efforts (2013–2019) have carefully conserved these monuments “as they were,” earning high praise from UNESCO and the Uzbek President. A miniature model of restored Khiva is among the state gifts presented by China to Uzbekistan.
Travel time: Approx. 7 hours (long drive).
Upon arrival, ascend the Kuhna Ark watchtower to witness the sunset over the golden-hued ancient city—a truly unforgettable sight.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 7 | Khiva – Tashkent (Flight)
Kuhna Ark (Old Fortress): The khan’s palace, originally built in the 12th century and expanded in the 17th. It includes a summer mosque, throne room, prison, and mint. The open-air courtyard served as the khan’s summer encampment and offers panoramic views of the city—especially stunning at sunset.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa: Opposite Kuhna Ark, this late-era madrasah now houses a museum on Khivan history. Its square was once a site of public executions.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Kalta Minor Minaret: The most iconic structure in Khiva. Construction began in 1851 with plans to reach 80m (visible from 400km away in Bukhara). After the khan’s accidental death in 1855, work ceased at 29m, leaving this stout, tiled minaret unfinished but captivating.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum: Dedicated to the poet, philosopher, and legendary wrestler Pakhlavan Makhmud. The Persian-style tomb features green-turquoise domes and intricately tiled walls.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Juma Mosque: Built in 1789, famous for its 218 wooden columns, each uniquely carved. A masterpiece of wooden architecture.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Islam Khodja Madrasah: Part of the Islam Khodja complex, blending Central Asian and Iranian styles. Now an Applied Arts Museum displaying valuable artifacts.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Tash Khauli (Stone Palace): A palatial complex showcasing Persian, Islamic, and Central Asian architectural fusion. Ornate murals, woodcarvings, and tilework adorn the halls, while courtyards feature gardens and fountains—offering a glimpse into royal life.
Recommended visit time: 0.5 hour
Transfer to Urgench Airport for an evening flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |
Day 8 | Depart Tashkent
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet |