Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures (Alternative Routing)

Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures (Alternative Routing)

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10 Days From

$2688

Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures (Alternative Routing)

10 Days Starting and ending in TASHKENT

Visiting: Tashkent, Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

LST

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Shopping, Sightseeing

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$2688 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

A destination whose very name conjures up the dark and bloody history of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has lain at the crossroads of cultures and customs for over two millennia. A product of war and commerce since ancient times, its cities and monuments offer up glorious testament to a historical pedigree that can boast some of the finest mosques and mausoleums anywhere in the region.This stunning adventure begins in Tashkent, where we’ll have time to explore some of the highlights of the Uzbek capital before we take a flight to Urgench, where we will visit the vast Kyzyl-kum Desert. Moving on to Khiva from here, we then take time to discover the madrasahs and monuments of its historic heart, before following the ancient Silk Road on to Bukhara, considered to be the most complete medieval city in Central Asia.After taking in Bukhara’s UNESCO treasures we then turn our attentions towards the final leg of our adventure the magnificent Samarkand, a fitting end to a journey steeped in the legends and legacy of the Silk Road.

Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO treasures of magnificent Samarkand and see the Registan lit up at night

  • Admire mesmerising mosaics and glittering minarets in Khiva and Bukhara

  • Follow in the footsteps of silk road tradesmen as you haggle your way through colourful bazaars

  • Admire the world’s finest collection of Soviet art in the heart of the Uzbek desert

  • Soak up the natural beauty and rural hospitality in the Nuratau Mountains and Eco Reserve

  • Compare ancient madrassahs with modern-day metro stations in Tashkent

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Tour Starts In Tashkent

Location: Tashkent

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City Palace or similar

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

The tour starts mid-morning in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital which sat at the heart of the old Central Asian trading routes, gaining prominence under the Mongols and the Shabanids, before finally being absorbed by the expansionist policies of the Russian empire during the 19th century. Flattened by a devastating earthquake in the mid-1960s, the city was reinvented by the Kremlin to represent the very epitome of the socialist ideal. This afternoon provides with an opportunity to discover a little more of the Uzbek capital, with a tour of some of its highlights. including the Khast Imam Complex, the stunning edifice of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Chorsu Bazaar, a vast open-air market that sits in the heart of the old part of the city.

Day 2 : Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

Location: Tashkent, Urgench, Khiva

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Orient Star Khiva hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take an early flight to Urgench, and then drive to the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, to explore Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala. Ayaz Kala, an impressing mud-walled hilltop fortress dating from the 6th-7th centuries has magnificent views over the nearby lake. Then we continue to Toprak Kala which flourished in the 3rd century AD as the capital of the Khoresmshah Dynasty. Later this afternoon we'll travel by road to Khiva where we can enjoy an evening walk around the incredibly well-preserved old town.

Day 3 : Khiva

Location: Khiva

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Orient Star Khiva hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Considered a pearl of eastern architecture, Khiva is one of the oldest cities of ancient Khorezm. Legend has it that is was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, and archaeological records can trace its origins back to the 4th or 5th century BC. We will spend today exploring its madrasahs and museums, wandering the narrow streets of the Ichan Kala (inner city) and enjoying the atmosphere and sights of a city that can boast some 50 historic monuments. We'll also get an brief introduction into the local traditional bread-making process.

Day 4 : Khiva - Bukhara (New Year's Eve)

Location: Khiva, Bukhara

Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing our journey down the old Silk Road we depart Khiva this morning and take a full day's drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, whose historic centre has been described by UNESCO as the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. More than 2,000 years old and home to some 140 architectural monuments, we will arrive in the late afternoon, affording us time hopefully for a late stroll around the old city before dinner.

Day 5 : Bukhara (New Year's Day)

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Considered to be Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara is liberally sprinkled with an architectural legacy that spans a thousand years of history. A centre of trade, culture and scholarship for centuries, under the Samanids the city became a major intellectual centre of the Islamic world. Today we’ll take in some of its highlights, with visits planned to the imposing Ark of Bukhara, the Kunya Ark Complex and the Samanids Mausoleum, the Friday Mosque and Lab-i Hauz, home to the 16th century Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest in the city.

Day 6 : Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

On our second full day in Bukhara, we will head just outside of the city and visit the Emir's Summer Palace with its eclectic mix of Oriental and European design. For our lunch today we'll have a cookery demonstration in a local house before allowing ample free-time for exploring the bazaars of this Central Asian gem.

Day 7 : Bukhara - Samarkand

Location: Bukhara, Samarkand

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Malika Classic or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning there will be free time for further exploration of Bukhara before we head south-east to Samarkand; Alexander the Great was moved by its beauty, Marco Polo lavished it with praise and Tamerlane made it the capital of his empire. One of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet, Samarkand was centrally located along the old trading routes between China and the west and possessed some of the finest centres of learning anywhere. We will aim to arrive by evening at the Registan, a sublime combination of three magnificent madrassahs overlooking a square for which this ancient city is so famous, before checking in at our hotel.

Day 8 : Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Malika Classic or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our tour of the city continues today with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Empire. We’ll also take in the Shah-i Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a chance to explore the bustling Siyob Bazaar, there will be some free-time before we set out for a wine-tasting at the Khovreno Winery.

Day 9 : Samarkand - Tashkent

Location: Samarkand, Tashkent

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City Palace or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our tour of the city continues today with a visit to Konigil Meros paper mill to see the famous Samarkand paper production process. Later this afternoon we will take a train back to Tashkent for the last night of the tour.

Day 10 : Tashkent

Location: Tashkent

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning the tour ends in Tashkent.

Day 11: Tour Finishes In Tashkent

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends this morning after breakfast.

What's Included

  • TRANSPORT

    Buses, domestic flights and trains.

  • MEALS

    9 x Breakfasts, 9 x Lunches, 8 x Dinners

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

Before departure UK passport holders do not currently require visas for Uzbekistan in advance; your passport is simply stamped on arrival at the airport.

If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/ embassy for up to date visa information.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. In the Nuratau Mountains the walks will be optional and can be opted out if you would prefer to focus your attention on village life. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Before departure UK passport holders do not currently require visas for Uzbekistan in advance; your passport is simply stamped on arrival at the airport.

    If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/ embassy for up to date visa information.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025
$2688 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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