Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva → Tashkent
Silk Road Essentials
Journey overview
This is Classic Uzbekistan trimmed to its essentials — the same three legendary cities, a slightly brisker pace, and a small-group format for travelers who like meeting fellow travelers along the way.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Format
- Small group
- Group size
- 4–14 travelers
- Route
- Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva → Tashkent
Highlights
- Small-group format, capped at 14 travelers
- The same three UNESCO-listed old towns as our full route
- A leaner seven-day pace for shorter trips
- Fixed group departure dates published as they're confirmed
The route
Day by day
Sample itinerary — final details are confirmed with our team before booking.
Day 1Arrival in Tashkent
Group welcome and airport transfer. Evening free to rest after your flight.
- Overnight:
- Tashkent
Day 2Train to Samarkand
Morning high-speed train to Samarkand, afternoon first look at the Registan.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Samarkand
Day 3Samarkand in depth
Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Ulugh Beg's observatory, with free time at Siab Bazaar.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Samarkand
Day 4On to Bukhara
Morning drive to Bukhara, afternoon first walk through the old town to Lyab-i Hauz.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Bukhara
Day 5Bukhara's monuments
The Ark fortress, Kalyan Minaret and the domed bazaars, with time for a craft workshop visit.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Bukhara
Day 6Desert crossing to Khiva
A full day's drive across the Kyzylkum Desert, arriving in Khiva in the evening.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Khiva
Day 7Khiva and departure
Morning inside the walled city of Itchan Kala, then a flight back to Tashkent for onward connections.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A closer look
The route on the map
Included
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Private, air-conditioned transport with driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport and train-station transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Uzbekistan visa fees, if applicable
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless noted
- Personal expenses and tips
Accommodation
3★ centrally located hotels, shared on a group basis, confirmed at booking.
Transport
Shared group vehicle, the Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed train and one domestic flight.
Meals
Daily breakfast; lunches and dinners at your own choice, with group recommendations.
Practical information
- Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa or enter visa-free — check current rules for your passport before booking.
- Local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS); cards are accepted in cities, cash is useful in bazaars and smaller towns.
- Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) have the most comfortable travel temperatures.
- Modest dress is appreciated at religious sites — shoulders and knees covered.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms depend on how far ahead of departure you cancel. Full terms are set out in our Cancellation Policy; nothing is charged until you confirm a booking.
Questions
How many people will be in the group?
Between 4 and 14 travelers. If a departure doesn't reach the minimum, we'll contact you with alternatives well ahead of time.
Are single rooms available?
Yes, for a supplement — let us know your room preference when requesting the tour.
