- Destinations
- Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
- Duration
- Multi-day (customizable — typically 5 to 7 days)
- Format
- Private tour
- Transport
- Comfortable minivan + high-speed Afrosiab train between cities
- Price
- Available on request — contact us for a custom quote
- Children
- Welcome
- Languages
- English, Russian, Spanish
What This Tour Is
Three cities, each completely different from the others, connected by the story of the Silk Road and the centuries of civilization that made this region one of the most culturally rich on earth.
This is a private tour. Your guide travels with you from Tashkent through Samarkand and on to Bukhara, giving you continuity, personal service, and the kind of insider knowledge you simply cannot get from a public tour group.
Tashkent — Days 1 & 2
- Hazrati Imam Complex (Khast Imam) — the spiritual heart of Tashkent, home to one of the oldest Qurans in the world
- Kukeldash Madrasah — a 16th century theological school still active today
- Chorsu Bazaar — the great domed market where Tashkent comes alive
- Mustaqillik Square — independence square and the Soviet-era cityscape
- Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater — a landmark of Soviet-era orientalist architecture
- Ankhor Embankment — the canal-side promenade for evening walks
Where we eat: Besh Kazan Plov Center (plov in giant cauldrons over open fire) · Ulfatlar · Navrutz Teahouse.
Samarkand — Days 3 & 4
- Registan Square — three madrasahs facing each other, covered in tile and mosaic
- Gur-Emir Mausoleum — resting place of Timur (Tamerlane)
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis — a street of mausoleums in the most intense shades of blue tile
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque — once the largest mosque in the Islamic world
- Siab Bazaar — spices, dried fruit and local bread
“Every stone in Samarkand is like a page from an ancient book.” — Sarvinoz, guide
Where we stay: Guesthouse Musavvir — rated 9.5, in the old city, 10 minutes' walk to Registan, filled with antiques from the Imperial through the Soviet era.
Bukhara — Days 5 & 6
- The Ark Fortress — the ancient citadel, standing for over 1,500 years
- Kalon Minaret & Mosque — the minaret even Genghis Khan reportedly refused to destroy
- Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble — a pool surrounded by mulberry trees, madrasahs and a caravanserai
- Chor Minor — the four-towered gateway madrasah
- Trading Domes — the ancient covered bazaars
Where we stay: in the old city, so you can walk the mahallas at night when it feels medieval again — K. Khorezm Plaza and Orient Star are both good choices.
Transport Between Cities
Tashkent to Samarkand by Afrosiab high-speed train (about 2–2.5 hours), Samarkand to Bukhara by high-speed train (about 2.5 hours). Your guide books the tickets as part of the tour.
What Is Included
- All ground transport within cities in an air-conditioned minivan
- Train tickets between cities (economy class)
- Professional guide throughout the full journey
- All museum and monument entrance fees
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Tashkent
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- 24/7 guide support
What Is Not Included
- International flights to and from Tashkent
- Hotel accommodation (we recommend and help you book)
- Lunches and dinners (we take you to the best places — you pay on the day)
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips for guides and drivers
Souvenirs — What to Buy and Where
Ceramics: the blue ceramics of Rishtan — cobalt glazes on red clay, patterns unchanged since the 9th century.
Textiles: suzani embroidery, ikat silk and handwoven carpets — best in Samarkand and Bukhara; vintage pieces at Tashkent's Yangiabad Bazaar.
Knives: handmade pchak knives from Kokand and Chust.
Spices & dried fruit: Chorsu Bazaar and Siab Bazaar — saffron, dried apricots, pistachios and walnuts.
Antique items and archaeological artifacts require government export permits. Always buy from registered shops.
