Highlights of Uzbekistan

Begin our adventure in Khiva, a UNESCO-listed oasis city whose mud-brick walls once protected a key Silk Road trading hub. After arriving at Urgench airport, we transfer (around one hour) to Khiva, stopping en route to visit Ulli Khovli, a fine example of local domestic architecture. Early check-in is included, giving us time to rest after our flights. Around 2pm, we meet our tour leader for a welcome briefing - a great chance to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. This is followed by an afternoon walking tour inside Khiva's compact old town.

We explore landmarks including the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, Kunya Ark fortress, Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum and the slender Islam Khodja Minaret, with our tour leader unpacking the political and religious past of the city. Finish the day with a relaxed welcome dinner at a local restaurant, our first taste of Uzbek cuisine. Want more time in Khiva? Secure extra hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Accommodation 2026: Farovon Hotel (October) / Darvaza Hotel (November) Accommodation 2027: Kamil Palace (or similar) (D).

Continue exploring Khiva this morning, focusing on buildings that reveal how the city functioned day to day. Inside the Juma Mosque, its forest of wooden columns shows centuries of reuse and repair, while the Tash Hauli Palace offers insight into court life behind richly decorated walls. We also visit Nurullabay Palace, built in the early 20th century as Khiva responded to changing political influences.

Late morning, we join a shivit oshi masterclass, learning how this regional noodle dish gets its distinctive green colour from dill, before sitting down to lunch. The afternoon is left free to wander the old town independently, revisit favourite sites or enjoy the shifting light on Khiva's walls as the day cools. Stay: Accommodation 2026: Farovon Hotel (October) / Darvaza Hotel (November) Accommodation 2027: Kamil Palace (or similar) (B/L).

Leaving Khiva, we drive (two hours) into the surrounding desert to visit Ayaz Kala, one of several ancient Khorezmian fortresses rising from the plains. We then continue (1hr 30min) to Urgench to board a Soviet-era train bound for Bukhara. Travelling in four-berth compartments, we pass through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert as daylight fades, a fitting way to experience the distances that once defined Silk Road travel. Boxed snacks are provided for dinner, and we arrive late evening. Stay: Zargaron Boutique (or similar) (B/D).

Today is dedicated to Bukhara, long regarded as one of Central Asia's great centres of learning. Our guided walk takes us from the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a landmark of early Islamic architecture, to the Ark fortress, which served as the seat of power for centuries. We continue through the Poi Kalyan ensemble, where the 12th-century minaret once guided caravans across the desert, before visiting Ulugbek's Madrasah and the lively Lyab-i-Hauz area, historically a social and commercial meeting point.

After free time for lunch, we explore further monuments including Magok-i-Attari Mosque and the Nadir Divanbegi complex.

In the evening, we attend a traditional folk performance staged within a historic madrasah courtyard. Stay: Zargaron Boutique (or similar) (B/D).

Leave the city this morning to visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Ensemble, an important pilgrimage site linked to the influential Sufi order. Nearby, we are welcomed into Davron Toshev's miniature workshop, where the artist introduces us to the techniques and symbolism behind this delicate art form. Lunch is included at the workshop. Mid-afternoon, we transfer to Bukhara railway station and board the bullet train (1hr 45min) to Samarkand, arriving early evening. Stay: Zarafshon Parkside (October 2026: Samaria Hotel and Spa) (B/L).

Samarkand reveals the ambition of empire, and today we explore the most celebrated sites. Begin at Gur-e Amir, the mausoleum of Timur, before stepping onto Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasahs that once formed the intellectual heart of the city.

Later, we visit the Hudjum Silk Carpet Factory, where master weavers demonstrate time-intensive techniques passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, we continue to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a processional avenue of mausoleums, and Ulugbek's Observatory, linking Samarkand to major advances in medieval astronomy.

This evening, we share dinner at Antica B&B, often joined by host Diyora Rafieva, who offers personal insight into heritage protection in Uzbekistan. Stay: Zarafshon Parkside (October 2026: Samaria Hotel and Spa) (B/D).

A short drive takes us to Konigil village, where we visit the Meros paper workshop. Here, mulberry bark is still transformed into paper using techniques recorded over a thousand years ago, and we have time to try the process ourselves.

After free time for lunch, we board the afternoon bullet train (2hr 30min) to Tashkent, watching the landscape flatten as we approach the capital. Stay: Manor Hotel (or similar) (B).

Today we focus on Tashkent's Soviet and post-Soviet identity. Our city tour includes a ride on the metro, where each station reflects a distinct architectural theme, along with Amir Temur Square and the Monument of Courage, commemorating the 1966 earthquake that reshaped the city. Then, enjoy a guided visit inside the Alisher Navoi Theatre, gaining access rarely available to independent travellers.

In the afternoon, we travel (one hour) to the Tashkent region to visit Uzumfermer winery. After lunch, we tour the vineyard and cellars before a tasting, then return to the city. Stay: Manor Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

We've traced the Silk Road across Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, travelled Uzbekistan by rail and met artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, but now it's time to begin our return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options (B).