A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
At The Ultimate Travel Company, every holiday is tailor-made to suit your individual preferences. The Silk Road in Uzbekistan itinerary is designed as inspiration, or as a starting point for planning your own journey through Central Asia. Whether you’d like a different style of accommodation, more time in a particular city, or additional excursions beyond the Silk Road, our specialists will create an itinerary that is entirely unique to you.
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
This 14-day journey offers an in-depth exploration of Uzbekistan, travelling along the Silk Road through its most storied cities. Starting in the capital, Tashkent, you’ll uncover ancient mosques, bustling bazaars and Soviet-era squares before continuing by high-speed train to Samarkand. Here, the turquoise domes of Registan Square and the mausoleums of Timur’s dynasty reveal centuries of cultural exchange. Excursions take you to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace, and across the border into Tajikistan’s Fan Mountains, where the Seven Lakes shimmer in alpine valleys.
From Samarkand, travel on to Bukhara, home to more than 140 protected monuments including caravanserais, madrassahs and the soaring Kalyan Minaret. Crossing the Kyzylkum Desert, the journey ends in Khiva, a UNESCO-listed walled city of palaces, mosques and minarets, and the nearby desert fortresses of Khorezm. Throughout, you’ll stay in well-located hotels, with expert local guides bringing to life the history, legends and artistry of Central Asia.
LONDON TO TASHKENT
Fly overnight via Istanbul to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Stay: Three nights at Hyatt Regency Tashkent in a King Room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
TASHKENT
Explore Uzbekistan’s capital with your guide, from Khast Imam Square – home to the world’s oldest known Koran – to the bustling Chorsu bazaar. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square, and, if time allows, take a ride on the Soviet-era metro.
SAMARKAND
Travel by high-speed train to Samarkand, one of the Silk Road’s most celebrated cities. Discover the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, the vast Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the colourful Siab bazaar. Excursions take you to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace, and across the border into Tajikistan to admire the Seven Lakes, shimmering in the Fan Mountains.
Stay: Four nights at Mövenpick Samarkand in a Standard Room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
BUKHARA
Continue by train to Bukhara, a living museum with more than 140 protected monuments. Highlights include the Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum, the elegant Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, and the trading domes once central to Silk Road commerce. There’s also time to enjoy a folklore concert or explore at leisure.
Stay: Three nights at Mercure Bukhara Old Town in a Classic Room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
KHIVA
Journey across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, a UNESCO-listed walled city where minarets, madrassahs and palaces line narrow lanes. Explore the Ichan Kala, visit the Djuma Mosque and Tash-Khauli Palace, and take a day trip into the desert to see the ruined fortresses of Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala, with lunch in a traditional yurt.
Stay: Three nights at Farovon Khiva in a Superior Room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
FLY HOME
Transfer to Urgench for your flight home via Istanbul.
14 days from £4,750 per person
PRICE INCLUDES
- International flights in economy class
- Train tickets Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara in economy
- Airport transfers in private vehicles (unless otherwise stated)
- Accommodation, meals and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums listed in the itinerary
- Pre-paid airport taxes
- Tourist tax
- Tajikistan visa cost
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal gratuities
