Cities of the Silk Road

Arrive at the international airport of Tashkent, the country’s capital and cultural center. You will go through customs and transfer to the hotel for check-in*. If time permits, take part in our optional activities, like the city tour** or The Best of Tashkent's History and Modernity tour***. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

*You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

**Optional Midday Tashkent Tour: Embark on a city tour of Tashkent to see its most emblematic landmarks including an outside visit of the White Mosque and the TV Tower and the Park of Repressions.

***The Best of Tashkent's History and Modernity: Immerse yourself in the essence of a city where the legacy of the Timurid Empire intertwines with the energy of modernity. Admire the treasures of the Museum of the Timurids, explore its impressive metro network with beautifully decorated stations that resemble underground galleries, and experience the unique Flying Uzbekistan, a 360° immersive show combining projections, surround sound, and special effects to take you on a journey through the country’s history, landscapes, and culture. Note: this activity is available starting in January 2026. 

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off to visit Tashkent Old Town. In the old part, you will stop by the Earthquake Monument as well as the the Khast Imam Architectural Complex where you will visit the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Kafal Shohi Madrasah and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque.

Later, the modern part of the city tour includes stops at the Independence and Eternity Square, where you will visit the World War II Memorial, an exterior visit of the Romanov Palace built in 1891, the Opera and Ballet Square and the Amir Temur Square. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in Tashkent.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Urgench*. Once you have arrived at your destination you will transfer to Khiva (approx. 30 km), a lost oasis city in Kyzyl-Kum desert. With over 2500 years of history, it is a must-see when visiting Uzbekistan.

From here you will take part in a comprehensive visit of the Architectural Complex Ichan-Kala where you will stop by all its most emblematic buildings, including the Kalta Minor Minaret, the hotel converted Mokhamed Amin-Khan Madrasa, the Kunya Ark Castle and more. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in Khiva.

*The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the airline.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by car to Bukhara (approx. 500 km). En route, you will cross the beautiful Kizil-Kum desert, known for its picturesque crimson-hued sand as well as the historic Amu Darya River. Upon arriving at your destination, check-in to your hotel and overnight stay in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to Samarkand (approx. 290 km, 5 hours). Upon arrival, take part in a guided tour of this legendary city of Central Asia where you will gaze in awe at its most stunning landmarks, including the Ulugbek Observatory and its museum, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, containing the tomb of King Tamerlane and his family.

You will end your visit at the iconic Registan Square, one of the most recognizable sites of the city, where you will stop by three great madrasas; the Tilla-Kari Madrasa (XVII century), Ulugbek Madrasa (XV century) and Sher-Dor Madrasa (XVII century). Return to your hotel and overnight stay in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the ‘Meros’ factory of ancient paper production. From here, make your way to the Shakhi-Zinda Architectural Complex, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and finally the Siab Bazaar.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to the station to take the AFROSIAB/SHARQ train* to return back to the capital. Upon arriving at Tashkent, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

*The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the railway company.

Breakfast* at the hotel. It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Uzbekistan, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland and end your trip. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Arrive back in the UK/Ireland and end of your trip.