Uzbekistan: Treasures of the Silk Road – (1st to 9th October 2026, Mix)
From
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
Great Silk Road 2026 is an in-depth cultural and heritage journey through Uzbekistan, following the footsteps of traders, scholars and travellers who once shaped the legendary Silk Road. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers a balanced combination of history, faith, architecture and everyday local life, providing a meaningful exploration of one of Central Asia’s most fascinating regions. Travelling through the iconic cities of Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, guests will encounter centuries-old madrasahs, mosques and mausoleums alongside vibrant bazaars and modern cityscapes that reflect Uzbekistan’s evolving identity.
The journey is paced for comfort and depth, with high-speed train travel between major cities, professionally guided sightseeing, and carefully selected 4-star or equivalent accommodation throughout. From viewing one of the world’s oldest Qur’ans at the Khazrat Imam Complex to standing before the majestic Registan Square and the resting place of Amir Temur, the tour brings history to life through immersive, on-the-ground experiences. Authentic Uzbek cuisine, opportunities for cultural interaction, and time for independent exploration are thoughtfully woven into the programme, making this tour ideal for travellers seeking a rich, well-organised introduction to the Silk Road with a strong emphasis on heritage, learning and comfort.
Dates: 1st to 9th October 2026 (suggested flight arrives next day) (7 nights, 8 days)
Price: £1199 (twin room)
Solo room is an extra £230 pp
Flights: Flights are not included. We will share recommended flights that match the group schedule and included transfers. Alternative flights may be taken with prior agreement; additional transfer fees may apply. Please do not book flights until confirming with us, as departures are subject to minimum numbers. Current recommended flights are priced at around £727 subject to change.
Hotels:
KHIVA HOTEL – MINOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL or similar
BUKHARA HOTEL – SIM SIM BOUTIQUE HOTEL or similar
SAMARKAND HOTEL – DE VILLA 4* HOTEL or similar
TASHKENT HOTEL – ASL MAKON HOTEL or similar
Included/Exclude
Included
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4★ hotel accommodation (twin/double sharing)
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Daily breakfast + dinners
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Welcome drink
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Professional English-speaking guide
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All sightseeing tickets as per itinerary
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All transfers by air-conditioned luxury vehicle
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Train tickets (Tashkent–Bukhara–Samarkand–Tashkent)
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Complimentary mineral water
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24/7 local support
Excluded
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International airfare
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Visa charges & consultancy
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Travel insurance
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Tips & personal expenses
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Entrance fees where stated
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Photography/video fees at sites
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Bank charges and currency fluctuations
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Arrive in Uzbekistan’s capital early morning where you will be met at the airport by your local English-speaking guide. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, with refreshing welcome drinks served on board. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest and settle in after your journey.
If you wish, visit Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s oldest and most recognisable markets, where domed halls and open stalls offer a vivid insight into local life. Continue to Alay Market, known for its fresh produce, traditional goods, and selection of souvenirs.
Overnight: Tashkent
Begin your exploration of Tashkent with a visit to the Khazrat Imam Complex, a significant religious centre and home to one of the world’s oldest preserved Qur’ans. Continue to Independence Square and Amir Temur Square, landmarks that reflect Uzbekistan’s journey from empire to nationhood.
Experience the city from a local perspective as you travel through the Tashkent Metro, renowned for its distinctive architecture and artistic station designs. Enjoy a relaxed walk along Tashkent Broadway, where local artists, cafés, and open-air displays bring the city to life. Along the way, see key memorials that offer insight into Tashkent’s layered history.
Conclude the day with a traditional Uzbek dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Tashkent
Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel or a takeaway breakfast, depending on departure time. Transfer to the station for a high-speed train journey to Bukhara, offering a comfortable and efficient way to cross the country.
On arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in or luggage storage, subject to availability. The remainder of the day is free, allowing time to rest after the journey or take an initial stroll through the historic city at your own pace.
Overnight: Bukhara
Discover the historic heart of Bukhara on a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved old city. Visit the Abdullazizkhan Madrasah and the Lyabi-Khovuz Ensemble, where madrasahs and shaded pools reflect the city’s long-standing role as a centre of learning and trade.
Continue to the Kalyan Minaret, one of Bukhara’s most recognisable landmarks, standing as a symbol of the city’s architectural and spiritual heritage. As you walk through narrow streets, traditional courtyards, and historic squares, gain insight into daily life shaped by centuries of Silk Road history.
The day concludes with dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant, offering an authentic introduction to local cuisine.
Overnight: Bukhara
Begin the morning with continued sightseeing in Bukhara, including a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khossa Palace, the former summer residence of the Bukharan emirs, offering a glimpse into royal life beyond the city walls. Continue to the Naqshbandi Complex, an important spiritual site and place of pilgrimage, set in peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, transfer to the station for a comfortable train journey to Samarkand. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in, with time to rest after the journey.
In the evening, there is an optional visit to Registan Square to experience its atmospheric illumination, offering a striking introduction to the city’s architectural grandeur on your own.
Overnight: Samarkand
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Samarkand, one of the most celebrated cities along the Silk Road. The highlight of the day is a visit to the magnificent Imam al-Bukhari Complex, an important pilgrimage site and spiritual center dedicated to Imam al-Bukhari, the renowned 9th-century Islamic scholar and compiler of one of the most respected collections of Hadith in the Muslim world. The beautifully restored complex features elegant architecture, tranquil courtyards, and the mausoleum of the great scholar, attracting visitors and pilgrims from across the globe.
The tour continues with a visit to the splendid Gur-e-Amir, the 14th-century mausoleum of Amir Temur and a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. You will also see the exterior of the impressive Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest and most ambitious architectural projects of the Timurid era, built in honor of Amir Temur’s beloved wife. The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Registan, the historic heart of the city, renowned worldwide for its majestic ensemble of madrasas and extraordinary Islamic architecture.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Begin the day with a visit to Samarkand Eternal City, a cultural complex showcasing architectural styles and crafts inspired by the region’s historical civilisations. Continue to Konigil Village, where you will observe the traditional process of paper-making, using methods passed down through generations.
Later, explore the vibrant Siyob Bazaar, a lively local market offering insight into daily life, with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, and regional specialities.
In the evening, transfer to the station for a comfortable train journey back to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight: Tashkent
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out.
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward departure.
Please note the itinerary has early morning starts.
