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No Single Supplement Solo Groups Rail Journeys

The Golden Road to Samarkand

Uzbekistan

11 nights 44 Departures Available

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Experience Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, from metropolitan Tashkent to Old Khiva’s towers and cupolas, across the Kyzylkum Desert to beautiful Bukhara, and into exotic Samarkand

Overview

Start in Tashkent, at once a multi-ethnic metropolis, commercial hub, farmers’ market town and exporter of textiles; in short, Uzbekistan in microcosm. Khiva’s afficionados wax lyrical about the UNESCO listed ‘old town’, where 300 houses and monuments huddle within fortress walls. Travel from Khiva to Bukhara into the timeless, tranquil landscape of the Kyzylkum Desert; its red sand ridges punctuated with small oasis settlements. Bukhara’s entire medieval masterpiece forms its core, complete with labyrinthine lanes, azure onion domes and bastions of the Ark Fortress. At the crossroads of cultures and trade routes, Samarkand reflects exotic architectural styles, where monuments hem huge squares, intricately paved alleys run between mosaicked façades, and silks and spices spill scent and colour through the city’s bazaar.

Highlights

  • 3 UNESCO Sites
  • Enjoy Itchan Kala / Khiva walled city
  • Visit the delights of Bukhara
  • Samarkand and Registan Square
  • Optional visit to Shakhrisabz
  • Optional performance in Tashkent
The Golden Road To Samarkand Map

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Tashkent

 Overnight flight from your chosen airport to Tashkent.

Day 2 - Enjoy a tour of Tashkent and an optional evening performance

Early morning transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour of the Navoi Theatre, Chorsu market and Independence Square. Optional evening performance at the Navoi Theatre (pre-bookable). Overnight at the 4-star Hampton by Hilton Tashkent.
(B, D)

Day 3 - Fly to Urgench for a walking tour of Khiva

Fly to Urgench and transfer to your hotel in Khiva. Afternoon walking tour of the city includes Old Khiva’s city walls, the Kunya Ark, minarets, a mausoleum and Tash-Khauli Palace. Two nights at the 3-star Asia Khiva Hotel or similar.
(B, D)

Day 4 - Enjoy a day to relax or explore on an optional tour

 Day at leisure in Khiva, perhaps stroll in the atmospheric Old Town; or take an optional tour of its ancient fortresses (bookable locally, approx. $60).
(B, D)

Day 5 - Travel to Bukhara with a barbecue lunch stop

Travel by road to Bukhara (8 ½ hrs, including barbecue lunch stop) across the Kyzylkum (‘Red Sand’) Desert. Three nights at the 3-star Devon Begi Hotel, Latifa Begim Hotel or similar.
(B, L)

Day 6 - Explore the landmarks of Bukhara

Walking tour of the madrasahs, Maghoki Arrar Mosque, and tea houses of Lyabi-Khauz Square; and through the Trading Domes to Poi Kalyan Square and the Mir-i-Arab madrasah. A short drive in the afternoon takes you to Ismail Samani Mausoleum, stroll to Prophet Job’s Well and Bukhara’s old citadel, the Ark Fortress.
(B, D)

Day 7 - Enjoy a visit to the Palace with the afternoon at leisure

Morning tour to the 19th-century Emir’s Palace, continuing to Char Minar. Afternoon free to explore medieval Bukhara, perhaps finding the 15th-century Silk Road caravanserai courtyard.
(B, D)

Day 8 - Transfer to Samarkand for an afternoon tour

Travel by road (5 hrs) to Samarkand. Afternoon tour of Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the three madrasahs which frame Registan Square, an amazing ensemble of ornately tiled arches, domes, and pillars. Three nights at the 3-star Grand Samarkand Superior, Zarafshan Parkside or similar.
(B, D)

Day 9 - Enjoy a morning mausoleum tour before a special event dinner

Morning tour to Gur Emir mausoleum (Tamerlane’s tomb), the Ulug Beg Observatory – the work of his grandson, and the Shah-i-Zinda (Living King) complex. Afternoon free. Evening Special Event dinner
(B, D)

Day 10 - Visit a local factory and workshop

An intriguing introduction to local speciality products, with morning visits to see the Khujum factory’s hand-crafting of silk carpets, and the Meros workshop’s mulberry tree paper-making. Afternoon free.
(B, D)

Day 11 - Relax or take an optional palace tour before transferring to Tashkent

 Morning at leisure or take an optional tour to the palaces of Shakhirsabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (bookable locally, approx. $60). Afternoon transfer to board the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. Overnight at the Hampton by Hilton Tashkent.
(B, D)

Day 12 - Fly home from Tashkent

Return flight (arriving later the same day).
(B)

Notes:

Shah-I-Zinda (Day 9) monument involves many steps.

Travel between the cities by road, whilst being a classic way to experience the country, involves some long journeys with only limited opportunities for comfort breaks.

The order of sightseeing tours may vary in accordance with local conditions.

On Day 11 - due to limited luggage capacity on the high-speed train, luggage will travel by road to Tashkent and will be waiting at the hotel upon arrival. 

Uzbekistan Airways offer a ‘no frills’ service, they do include a meal though you may notice a difference in their standards compared to other airlines.

Reviews

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hampton By Hilton, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Lobby

Hampton by Hilton - Tashkent

A 4-star hotel in central Tashkent. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 175 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee-making facilities and satellite TV.

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Asia Hotel, Fergana, Uzbekistan, Exterior

Asia Hotel - Khiva

A quiet 3-star hotel well-located in the old town just outside the city walls. Restaurant, bar, pool (seasonal) and WiFi (free). 129 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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Devon Begi, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, Exterior

Devon Begi Hotel - Bukhara

A 3-star hotel within walking distance of the Lyabi-Khauz. Restaurants, bar, pool and 20 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

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Latifa Begim Hotel, Bukara, Uzbekistan, Hallway

Latifa Begim Hotel - Bukhara

A 3-star hotel within walking distance of the Lyabi-Khauz. WiFi (free) and air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, kettle, fridge and satellite TV.

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Kosh Havuz, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Reception

Kosh Havuz - Samarkand

Within walking distance of Registan Square, this 3-star hotel has a restaurant, bar, rooftop jacuzzi and WiFi (free). 32 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, kettle and TV.

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Dilimah Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Exterior

Dilimah Hotel - Samarkand

A 4-star hotel with restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 41 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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Zarafshon Parkside Hotel Uzebkistan Exterior

Zarafshon Parkside - Samarkand

A 4-star hotel, in the heart of Samarkand close to the old town with restaurant, pool (seasonal), gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, fridge, kettle, safe and satellite TV.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Optional Excursions

Opera and Ballet Theater of Alisher Navoi

Navoi Theatre Performance

Enjoy an opera, ballet or theatre performance in a state-of-the-Art historical Navoi theatre. The repertoire includes both national Uzbek and European classic opera and ballet carefully cherishing the cultural heritage developed and obtained locally from the previous epoch and developing it into modern trends.

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Extension Options

Khans Palace In Kokand, Uzbekistan

Ferghana Extension

Travel by road to this scenic and fertile valley for one night hotel in Ferghana, one night in Kokand and one night in Tashkent with breakfast and dinner daily.

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Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guide -

You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.

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