- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
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- FAQ
Experience the ancient Silk Road in dazzling Uzbekistan.
Marvel at turquoise domes in Samarkand, wonder inside the Kalon Mosque in Bukhara, explore some of the most well-preserved madrasahs and mausoleums covered with colorful mosaics, religious symbols and abstract geometric patterns.
This is where Genghis Khan left its soul, where the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg was killed and astronomy doomed as witchery, where Islam collided with Orthodox Russia, where 90% of the cars are Chevrolet, where the best melons in the world grow and where eating plov is a ritual in itself.
Join us on a tour to a place like no other.
Read more on Uzbekistan in Carol Vorvain's latest book: Omsaruz. Humorous tales from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Arrive at Samarkand International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide. Banish your jet lag with a delicious traditional buffet-style breakfast at the amazing ... hotel. To keep the element of surprise, we won't tell you its name, but trust us, you won't be disappointed.
The rest of day is free for you to relax and gather your strength. There will be a lot of exploring in the next few days.
Day 2: Explore Samarkand
Today, we'll kick things off with a visit to Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, Ak sarai mausoleum, Bibi Khanym Mosque and mausoleum.
Lunch is on us, at an epic restaurant that takes ‘meal with a view’ to the next level.
Day 3: Explore Registan square
Step inside a beautiful courtyard surrounded by trees and benches. Explore the three madrasah and lose the sense of time in these well-preserved places of utmost beauty. Shop for souvenirs or just listen to merchants' stories of the old times.
Photographers, you’re welcome!
Day 4: Last day in Samarkand
Rise and shine. Unfortunately, today is the last day in Samarkand so we'll make the most of it.
Walk to Shah-i-Zinda Complex and pay your respects to the most beautiful tomb: the Shodi Mulk Oko Mausoleum, the resting place of the sister and the niece of Timur the Great.
Continue to Hazrat-Khizr Mosque and the President tomb.
Marvel at Ulugbek Observatory and Museum, the finest observatory in the islamic world built in 1420.
Day 5: Take a high speed train to Bukhara
Today, we make our way to the ancient Bukhara. We hop on the high speed trains of Uzbekistan, enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks and imagine we are in Japan. Yes, these Uzbekistan trains are as clean and as fast as the ones in Japan.
Once we arrive, you will relax in a beautiful traditional hotel situated right in the heart of the old city.
Day 6: Explore Bukhara
Today we'll walk to Yab-i-Hauz Ensemble. This ensemble consists of three 17th-century complexes surrounded by the Lyabi Khause pool.
- Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi
- A Khanaka or lodging-house
- The Kukeldash Madrasah
Madrasah means ‘school’ or ‘college’ for Islamic education.
Lunch is included and we'll be served at the amazing restaurant Old Bukhara.
After lunch, we'll continue to Po-i Kalyan Complex.
Marvel at:
- Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, still an active school for which reason it can only be admired from the outside.
- Kalyan Minaret with its 45 meters minarets towering high above the city.
- Kalyan Mosque, serving as the Friday mosque.
Day 7: Continue exploring Bukhara
Today we have a lot of ground to cover.
Some of the highlights:
The Ark of Bukhara, a massive fortress dating all the way back to the 5th century
Bolo Hauz Mosque also known as the 40-pillar mosque
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa
Chor Minor
Abdulloxon and Modarixon madrasahs, two 16th-century madrasahs.
Day 8: Shopping time in Bukhara
Today we shop for traditional, unique souvenirs inside ancient trading domes. This is an unforgettable experience you won't easily forget.
If you want to taste some traditional spices that were traded on the Silk Road, we'll stop by Silk Road Tea House. Located in the heart of the historic center, this restaurant is owned by a family that has been making tea and trading spices for over 600 years.
We'll continue to Ismail Samani Mausoleum (also known as the Samanid Mausoleum), one of the most ancient buildings in Bukhara and the oldest Islamic monument in Central Asia. This amazing piece of ararchitecture remained undiscovered for almost a thousand years and even survived Genghis Khan’s invasion because it was buried in mud and sand from landslides and floods. It was only discovered in 1934 by Soviet researchers. It’s located inside a park and makes a nice 30-minute stroll from the city center.
Day 9: Travel to Tashkent
In the morning, after breakfast, we'll take the high speed train to the capital city of Tashkent.
Day 10&11&12: Explore Tashkent
3 days is not much in this green, charming capital city modeled after Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev. Here, the large boulevards and the massive, grey Government buildings are a permanent reminder of the Soviet times, while the mosques and bazaars are proof that this is very much a Muslim country.
A few places that we will visit:
Hazrat Imam Complex, also known as the Hast-Imam Ensemble or Khast Imam, the religious heart of Tashkent. It is home to the Muyi Mubarak Library, a library with oriental manuscripts and the Uthman Koran, which is claimed to be the world’s oldest Koran.
Chorsu Bazaar
Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent.
Dzuma Mosque
Minor Mosque, a striking new mosque built in 2014 on the banks of the Ankhor Canal. Locals call it the “Snow Mosque” because it’s completely made out of white marble.
Amir Timur Museum, opened in 1996 in honor of the 660th anniversary of the outstanding commander Amir Timur, also known worldwide as Tamerlane.
And, many others....
In the evening, we'll watch the stunning singing fountains at Independence Square.
On Day 10, we'll have lunch at The Asian Plov Center, the most famous place to try the signature dish of Uzbekistan, plov.
Day 13: Fairwell, Uzbekistan
Today is your last day in Uzbekistan. But, we are sure that you will come back and explore more of this beautiful country.
For now, your guide will take you to the airport.
Trip Includes
Accommodation (twin sharing basis). REST easy.
Our hand-picked 3 and 4 stars hotels offer excellent service and are set in beautiful locations.
Breakfast every day and lunch, only where mentioned. FEAST on local specialties.
If you have any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerance, please let us know and we'll try our best to accommodate you.
Guide, Driver and Transportation. Just RELAX!
The services of an Expert English-speaking guide and driver tending to your every need. Private airport transfer and private transportation in an AC deluxe vehicle throughout.
Exclusive Insider Experience
A unique trip without the price tag.
Peace of Mind
- We have an office in Melbourne, Australia, staffed by a professional and passionate team. With us your money and your holiday is safe.
- All our itineraries are designed by us, not bought 'off the shelf' from local companies.
- Our founder, Carol Vorvain is a travel writer, photographer and a publishing speaker.
Additional services
- All museum, entry fees and train tickets.
- Mineral bottled water throughout your tour.
- There will be sweat, laughter and plenty of “aha” moments.
Trip Excludes
International Flights
Personal Expenses
- Laundry, gifts, telephone calls, etc.
Lunch (where not mentioned), Dinner and Drinks
Travel Insurance
- Mandatory
Depending on what country you are coming from you will need a visa. Please let us know and we will check for you.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips.
When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
We will need a copy of your policy showing the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
You must be over 18 years to travel on our tours.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Swimming and other water based activities are always at your own risk.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana or the exploitation of prostitutes is not acceptable for our travellers. Our group leader or local representative has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.
If, for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us, leaving a detailed message and contact information so that we could assist you as soon as possible.
Your airport arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this.
Don’t be shy. Reach out. We are here for you! If you have any questions about the tours, then please don't hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you latest within 24 hours!
We can arrange a holiday based on any of our itineraries or create a bespoke itinerary for you according to your requirements.
You will have complete flexibility over dates of travelling, standard of accommodation and sightseeing.
You will use services of Qupido Travel' experienced Guides.
Full Qupido Travel expertise and support, both before and during the trip. We'll help you plan your dream holiday.
Contact us.
