Uzbekistan in a week

Itinerary in brief: 

• 1 night Tashkent
• 2 nights Bukhara
• 2 nights Samarkand
• 1 night Tashkent 

Day 1: Arrive Tashkent 

On arrival in Tashkent, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for one night. In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a city tour of Tashkent, exploring the old and least Soviet part of the city, the Khast Imam Complex, which dates back to the seventh century. It is home to the Quran of Caliph Uthman, one of the oldest in the world. You’ll explore the bustling Chorsu Market, which has been selling spices and handicrafts to locals since the Middle Ages, before heading to the Museum of Applied Arts, the Amir Temur Square and the Earthquake Monument. You’ll explore on the Tashkent Metro, which is famous for it’s ornately decorated stations. 

Days 2 & 3: Bukhara 

After breakfast in Tashkent, you'll hop on the train to Bukhara, which will take around 3 hours. Spend these two days soaking up the architectural heritage of Bukhara, with public baths, mausoleums, trading domes, mosques and madrassahs just waiting to be explored. It’s an enchanting city that really takes you back in time; spend your time strolling between the local bazaars, learning about the history of the Silk Route and trading domes and soaking up different museums, mosques and madrassahs with your guide. As you explore the city, you’ll stop in a local tea houses to enjoy fresh tea and coffee flavoured with different spices. 

Day 4: Train to Samarkand

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a morning at leisure to do some shopping or explore on your own, before heading to the train station for the fast train to Samarkand, around 2 hours away. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel and check in for two nights.

Day 5: Samarkand

Spend the day learning about the architectural history of Samarkand. The city has witnessed a lot of upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic conquest and the Ghengis-Khan conquest. This has allowed Samarkand’s culture to develop and mix together with Iranian, Indian, Mongolian and Eastern cultures. Marvel at the spectacular Registan Square, one of the most iconic views in Uzbekistan, before admiring the incredible mosaics of Bibi-Khanum Mosque. You'll learn from your guide about the history of Timur and his presence in the region, finishing the day at the Siab Bazaar, where you can try local street food and get lost amongst the colourful stalls.

Day 6: Train to Tashkent

Today you’ll continue to enjoy the masterpieces of Samarkand, including the Ulugbek's Observatory, where you will be amazed by the Timurid dynasty's advanced understanding of astronomy. You’ll also visit the Old Paper Mill near Samarkand, where you’ll learn about the lost art of paper-making that was once famous throughout the East. After a morning of exploring, you’ll hop on the train to Tashkent, which is around a 2.5 hour journey. Enjoy your final evening in Uzbekistan – why not head out for a traditional meal, your guide will be able to recommend somewhere fantastic, where you can toast to a wonderful holiday in Uzbekistan.

Day 7: Depart Tashkent

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport in time for your onwards flight.