Silk Road Highlights: Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in is available from 14:00, and early check-in can be arranged on request for an additional fee. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest after your flight. If you have energy left, you can take a walk around the nearby streets and parks. Tashkent is known for its wide tree-lined avenues, fountains and a mix of modern, Soviet and traditional architecture. You may also want to exchange some money or buy a local SIM card for the trip. The local currency is the Uzbek som, and money can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Your guide will contact you to confirm the plan for the following day. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try Uzbek specialities such as plov and samsa. Overnight at your hotel in Tashkent.

After breakfast, you will begin a full-day tour of Tashkent. Your first visit is the Khast Imam Complex, the religious centre of the city, which houses the Uthman Quran, one of the oldest Qurans in the world. The complex includes beautiful mosques and madrasahs decorated with tiles and carvings.

Next, you will visit the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and liveliest markets in Central Asia. Its huge blue dome covers a market hall full of spices, dried fruits, nuts and bread. You will then take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, where each station is decorated in its own style with chandeliers, marble and mosaics. In the afternoon, you will visit Tashkent City Park, a modern park with fountains, lakes and walking paths. You will also see Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. Your guide will tell you about the history of Tashkent and its development into a modern capital. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Tashkent.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. The journey takes about two hours and offers a comfortable way to travel. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and begin exploring the city.

Your first visit is the Amir Temur Mausoleum, known as Gur-e-Amir, the tomb of the great conqueror and his family. Next, you will visit Registan Square, surrounded by the magnificent Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori madrasahs. Their facades are covered with blue tiles and golden ornaments, creating one of the most famous views in Central Asia. You will then visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque, built by Timur in the early 15th century after his campaign in India. In the afternoon, you will visit the Siyob Market, the largest market in Samarkand. Here you can taste famous Samarkand bread, fresh fruit and local sweets. In the evening, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Samarkand.

After breakfast, you will continue exploring Samarkand. Your first visit is the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, a street of beautiful mausoleums decorated with some of the finest tilework in Central Asia. According to legend, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad is buried here.

Next, you will visit the Afrosiyab Museum, located on the site of the ancient city of Samarkand. The museum is famous for its 7th-century wall paintings, which show ambassadors from different countries visiting the ruler of Samarkand. You will then visit silk workshops, where you can see artisans weaving silk carpets and fabrics using traditional methods. Your guide will explain the history of silk production in Samarkand and its importance on the Silk Road. In the afternoon, you will have some free time for shopping or exploring the city on your own. In the evening, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a train back to Tashkent. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

Today your Silk Road Highlights tour comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping or take a final walk through the city.

Please check out of your room by the agreed time. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Tashkent International Airport. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your departure flight. Popular souvenirs from Uzbekistan include silk scarves, ceramics, embroidered suzani textiles and spices. During this tour, you have explored the modern capital of Tashkent and the ancient city of Samarkand. You have seen the magnificent Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis. We hope you have enjoyed your journey along the Silk Road. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.