12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour is an ideal itinerary for discovering the country’s main highlights within a well-balanced timeframe. Travelers begin in Tashkent, the modern capital of Uzbekistan, before continuing by the high-speed Afrosiyob train to the legendary city of Samarkand. In Samarkand, guests explore the city’s famous historical sites and take part in a cooking class with a local family, offering an authentic insight into Uzbek culture and daily life. A day trip to Shakhrisabz, the hometown of Amir Temur, allows travelers to experience the mountainous landscapes, small villages, and countryside beyond Samarkand. The journey then continues by comfortable high-speed train to Bukhara, renowned for its well-preserved old town, where accommodation is arranged in the historic center, enabling evening walks and the enjoyment of Bukhara’s unique atmosphere at night. After Bukhara, travelers cross the Kyzylkum Desert by car to reach the UNESCO World Heritage city of Khiva, often compared to a city from One Thousand and One Nights, where sightseeing is done at a relaxed pace with a local guide. Following the visit to Khiva, a safe and comfortable domestic flight returns travelers to Tashkent. This tour offers an excellent overview of Uzbekistan in 12 days, combining high-speed train travel, comfortable centrally located hotels with breakfast and Wi-Fi, meaningful cultural experiences, and expert local guidance. Travelers are invited to choose this comprehensive Silk Road journey with the local travel company Samaria Travel.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
Day 1: Tashkent arrival
Arrival in Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent on the first day, allowing travelers to settle in and rest after their flight. Welcome to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, the driver will meet you outside of the airport with sign of your name and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free start to your journey.
Day 2: Tashkent city tour
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and has approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city is located in the north eastern part of the republic, in the valley where the river Chirchik is located. In the North of Tashkent the snow-covered tops of Big and Small Chimgan mountain can be seen. Tashkent is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Independent States after Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev.
The sightseeing in Tashkent city of 12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour. Earthquake Memorial— this memorial is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26th of 1966 and is erected in the approximate spot of the earthquake epicenter. Center for Islamic Civilization — situated in the historic Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent, is a major cultural and research institution dedicated to preserving the nation’s Islamic heritage. Featuring a grand 65-meter dome, it combines traditional design with modern architecture and includes a museum, a rich library of manuscripts, and research facilities. The center highlights Uzbekistan’s significant contributions to Islamic science, culture, and spirituality, serving as a symbol of national pride and intellectual legacy. (visiting from outside) Khazrati Imom Complex (XVI-XX centuries) the historical spiritual heart of the city (consists of functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from XVI-XVIII centuries—present-day serving as shopping place, Tellya Sheikh Mosque from XIX century, Muyi Moborak Library— holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection. The market Chorsu (“four roads” in Uzbek, the commercial heart of the city and has been for hundreds of years). Metro riding (the only Central Asian Underground, built in 1977). Amir Timur Square—the centre of the modern city, is green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. The square covers the most important buildings both political and cultural. In the middle of the square is the statue of Amir Timur (known in Europe as Tamerlane) on horseback, hotel “Uzbekistan” which was built in 1974, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), Museum of Amir Timur, well-known Tashkent Clock Towers (the first tower was constructed in 1947 to house the clock mechanism from Eastern Prussia, a war trophy brought back to Tashkent by watchmaker Ayzenshteyn), and Uzbekistan Forums Palace.
Day 3: Tashkent—Samarkand (by train 08:00-10:30 train time might change)
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station of Tashkent. Take the train to Samarkand.
Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities of the world, a contemporary of the Rome, Athens and Babylon, has a 2750-year-old history. “The Mirror of the World”, “The Garden of the Soul”, “The Jewel of Islam”, “The Precious Pearl of the Moslem World” are some the names given to this unique city. In ancient Greece, this city was known as Marakanda.
Firstly, travelers will visit the main sights, and after lunch, they will check in to the hotel.
The sightseeing in Samarkand city of 12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour. Samarkand Handmade Paper Centre— for centuries Samarkand was famous for its mulberry paper and famed for its durability and resistance to insects. Production died out in the 18th century and this UNESCO backed project in the eastern suburbs aims to revive the 2000-year-old tradition. Guests can see process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark. The Ulugbek Observatory, built in the 15th century by Ulugbek—the distinguished astronomer-king and grandson of Amir Temur—is a remarkable historical and scientific site. Travelers can explore the remaining structures of the observatory, view the original astronomical instrument known as the sextant, and visit a small museum dedicated to the life and achievements of the scientists who worked there. Bibi Hanim mosque XV century. The mosque was built in honour of Temur’s chief wife, Saray Mulk Khanum. Local Siab market (“black river” in Uzbek). Travelers can find in this market spices, fresh and dry fruits and different souvenirs.
Day 4: Samarkand
The sightseeing in Samarkand city:
Gur-Amir mausoleum (“the tomb of the king” in Uzbek) must see sight in Samarkand from XV century the final resting place of Temir. The mausoleum was originally planned for Temur’s favourite grandson, Muhammad Sultan but Samarkand was deemed a more fitting resting place. Registan square (“sandy place” in Uzbek) from XV-XVIIcenturies. A spectacular architectural ensembles, with fantastic Islamic designs and calligraphy etched into the facades of its mosques and madrassahs. Ulugbek Madrasah built between 1417 and 1420 is the oldest madrasa in Registan square. This construction work was carried on under Ulugbeg (the Astronomer King, the author of astronomic tables known throughout the world), Temur’s grandson, who was both an eminent ruler and scholar. Tilya-Kori Madrasah means Gold-covered madrasa was built in XVII century in Registan square. This is the one madrasa the travelers must go inside: the golden ceiling of the mosque, to the left of the courtyard, is utterly enthralling, and it is this gilt that gives the madrasa its name. Sher Dor Madrasah means the tiger or lion madrasa built between 1619 and 1636 by Yalangtush Biy, must be one of the most-photographed buildings in existence. The complex Shahi Zinda (“alive king” in Uzbek) from XII-XX centuries. Burial place of royal persons and nobles. One of the most spiritual places in Uzbekistan.
Day 5: Samarkand—Shakhrisabz—Samarkand
Transfer from your hotel in Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, located approximately 90 km away, traveling through a scenic mountain pass. Several stops will be made along the way, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to observe the rural landscapes of the Samarkand region. The sightseeing in Shakhrisabz city of 12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour.
Ak Saray Palace (“a white palace” in Uzbek) built in 1380-1404. Amir Temur gathered its craftsmen to his hometown to build his greatest palace, similar in structure to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque. The name Ak-Serai (White Palace) symbolizes his noble descent, not the dominant colour, for blue, green and gold patterned the vast mosaics. Statue of Amir Temur— there are three huge statues of Temur: one is in Samarkand, one is in Tashkent and the third is in his hometown Shakhrisabz in standing position. The bronze statue weighs 20 tons and 9 meters high built after the Independence (1991). Complex of Dor-us Siyadat (“place of sadness” in Uzbek) from XIV century. It arose on the death of his eldest and favorite son Jahangir, killed in 1375 (aged only 22). When another son, Umar Sheikh, joined Jahangir in 1394, Temur even built himself a crypt. Dor-ut Tilavat (“place of praying” In Uzbek) from XIV-XV centuries, contains the Kok Gumbaz Mosque (1435) built by grandson of Temur Mirzo Ulugbek, the mausoleum constructed by Amir Temur in 1373-1374 for Sheikh Shamseddin Kulyal, a Sufic leader and spiritual advisor of Temur’s father , Taraghay.
Day 6: Samarkand—Bukhara (by train 09:53-11:42. Time might change)
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station of Samarkand. Take the train to Bukhara.
Upon arrival in Bukhara, travelers will be met by the local guide and driver holding a sign with their name and will be transferred to the Old Town. Hotel check-in is available after 14:00. Guests will have lunch first and then proceed with check-in. After a short rest, the city tour of Bukhara’s Old Town will begin.
The sightseeing in Bukhara city (walking tour. All historical sites are located in close proximity to one another in old town Bukhara; therefore, the sightseeing will be conducted as a walking tour, and no transportation will be used on that day) Labi Hauz Complex (“The edge of the pond” from Persian) constructed by Nadir Divan Begi, The Grand Vizier of Bukhara, around 1620. XVI century Synagogue— to the south of Labi Hauz Square spreads the Jewish Quarter of the old town. Jews have been an important minority in Bukhara since their forced migration from Merv and Shiraz in the 14th century (the majority having emigrated to Israel and the US since 1970s). (Note: most of the time it is closed if it is open travelers can visit inside and see old Torah) Statue of Hodja Nasruddin— the homespun philosopher and humourist on his donkey. Elsewhere in the world he is generally accepted as Turkish, but Uzbeks claim he was born in Bukhara and is one of their own. Trading domes—Tok-i-Zargaron (1570, Jewellers’ Bazaar), which once cornered the local market in lapis and rubies from Badakhsan. Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, or Cap Makers’ Bazaar, which once specialized in gold-embroired skullcaps, fur hats and illustrated manuscripts, all of which had to be protected from the glare of the sun. Tak-i-Sarrafon—money changers’ dome.
Day 7: Bukhara walking tour of 12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour
Abdulazizkhon Madrassa, constructed in 1652, was commissioned to commemorate the ruler’s victory over the Mughal army in Balkh. Occupying a footprint of 60 by 48 meters, the complex is distinguished by its sumptuous decorative programme, featuring vibrant mosaic work in a profusion of colours and complemented by equally striking ganch stalactites that enhance the architectural splendour of the site. Minorai Kalon— Minorai Kalon, or Kalyan Minaret, is a 12th-century architectural masterpiece in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, built in 1127 by Qarakhanid ruler Mohammad Arslan Khan. Standing 46 meters tall, it was used for the call to prayer and watchtower. Part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex, it survived the Mongol invasion and has been restored several times. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Bukhara’s historic and cultural legacy. Mir Arab Madrassah— in Bukhara, built in the 16th century under Ubaydullah Khan, is a historic center of Islamic education. Funded by Sheikh Abdullah Yamani, known as Mir Arab, it features traditional Islamic architecture with domes, a central courtyard, and ornate tilework. Despite Soviet restrictions, it remained active and continues to function as a religious school today. Located opposite the Kalyan Mosque, it is part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex and symbolizes Bukhara’s enduring spiritual heritage. The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)— (visit from outside) the construction of the citadel is dated to beginning of the 1st millennium BC. During the history the fortress has been destroyed several times but has been restored again. All buildings of the citadel have been reconstructed mainly during the XVIII-XX centuries. Bolo Hauz mosque (XVIII century)— it is a functioning Friday mosque from XVIII century and consists of reservoir, mosque and minaret.
Day 8: Bukhara (with transport)
Bukhara city tour outside of the old town:
Chor Minor— an unusual madrassah in Bukhara. The name means “Four Minarets”. Each tower has a different decoration. Naqshbandi Sufism complex— Islamic saint Bakhauddin Naqshband, the famous Asian philosopher and Sufi, the founder of a Sufi order which was later named Naqshbandi, lived in XIV century. He became patron saint and the complex is the holiest site in Bukhara. He made 32 times the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and local people consider this place as little Mecca. The summer palace of Bukhara’s emirs— the palace was built in 1911 for the last emir, Amir Alim Khan, the building compound elements of both Russian and traditional Bukharan architecture. Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (IX-X centuries)— the oldest, best preserved and most breathtakingly original building in Bukhara.
Day 9: Bukhara—Khiva by car
Transfer to Khiva by car crossing the river Amu Darya (in the antique called Oxus) and the desert Kizilkum.
Arrive to Khiva and check in to hotel.
Day 10: Khiva city tour
Khiva, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Khizauv “Fort”, Kheykanik (the name of canal which run in the area), Kheykanik, Kheyvak and Khiva are some the names given to this unique city.
The sightseeing in Ichan Qala Fort Khiva city walking tour of 12-day Uzbekistan and Silk Road Tour
Ichan Qala Fort— is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Present day Ichan Qala is open-air museum. It represents the old part of the city, surrounded with wall and turned into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. The area of Ichan Qala is 26 hectares. The feeling in Inner Fortress transfers people into the past in a city with narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs (Quran or Koran schools).
Day 11: Khiva—Urgench transfer to the airport—Tashkent
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to international airport called Urgench.
When you reach Tashkent transfer to hotel in Tashkent (check in is 14:00)
Day 12: Tashkent. Departure to international airport
