Uzbekistan Classical Tour

On Day 1, you'll depart from London Heathrow on flight HY-202, which is scheduled to take off at 16:20. After a long overnight journey, you'll arrive in Tashkent at 03:10 the following day, marking the exciting start of your adventure in Uzbekistan. 

Upon arriving in Tashkent, you'll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for immediate check-in and some much-needed rest. With a history spanning nearly 2000 years, Tashkent has evolved from a modest settlement into a major metropolitan hub, now standing as a crucial industrial, financial, and cultural centre in Central Asia. Your exploration begins with a meeting with a local guide and a tour of the city's highlights. You'll visit Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of Tashkent, home to the immense Osman Koran, reputedly the world's oldest. The tour includes an exterior visit to the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrassah, a stop at Chorsu Bazaar—one of the largest and historically significant markets on the Great Silk Road—and a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a 19th-century building crafted by local artisans. A panoramic tour of Tashkent will take you to Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square, the Earthquake Memorial, and Independence Square. If time allows, you might even take a ride on the Tashkent metro. Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Tashkent. 

Transfer to the train station for your high-speed journey to Samarkand, departing at 08:00 and arriving at 10:08 (schedule subject to change). Samarkand, a pivotal Silk Road city, has been a melting pot of cultures shaped by the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Arabic expansion, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane. Its rich cultural heritage reflects a unique blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and both Western and Eastern influences. Upon arrival, you'll meet your local guide to begin your city tour. Explore the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants from the 15th century; the Afrosiab Museum, which delves into the city's ancient origins; and the remains of the largest medieval observatory, established by the renowned astronomer Ulugh Beg, Timur's grandson, in the 15th century. You'll also visit the Silk Paper Centre “Meros,” where local artisans have revived the ancient tradition of Samarkand papermaking. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Samarkand. 

Next, continue your exploration with a visit to Registan Square, which has served as the heart of Samarkand since the era of Tamerlane the Great. This historic square is flanked by three grand madrassahs: Ulugh Beg Madrassah (1417-1420), Sher-Dor Madrassah (1619-1636), and Tilla-Kori Madrassah (1646-1660). You'll also visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, dedicated to Timur’s beloved eldest wife, and wander through Siab Bazaar, a vibrant farmers’ market known for its lively atmosphere (closed on Mondays). Conclude your tour with a visit to the Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda, a striking ensemble of mausoleums dating from the 11th to 19th centuries, built around the legendary grave of Kussam, a son of Abbas and cousin of Mohammed. Breakfast is included, and you'll spend the night in Samarkand. 

Transfer to the train station and board the high-speed train to Bukhara, departing Samarkand at 10:46 and arriving at 12:29 (schedule subject to change). Upon reaching Kagan Train Station, a short 30-minute drive will bring you to the heart of Bukhara.
Bukhara is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, showcasing an array of historical marvels including caravanserais, trading domes, public baths, grand pools, defensive walls, and city gates. The city’s khanakas, mausoleums, mosques, and madrassahs, along with their intricate designs and grandeur, offer a striking display of architectural brilliance.
Meet your local guide to begin your exploration of Bukhara. Start with the Fortress Ark, a historic citadel and former residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Continue to the 18th-century Bolo-Khauz Mosque, the Chashma-Ayub Shrine known for its curative waters, and the Samanids Mausoleum, a 9th-century masterpiece revered as a gem of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Bukhara. 

Enjoy another day of discovery in Bukhara, beginning with a visit to the renowned Poi-Kalyan Ensemble. This impressive complex features the Kalyan Minaret, a 12th-century icon of the city, as well as the Miri-Arab Madrassah (16th century) and the Djuma Mosque (15th century). Continue to the Kosh Madrassahs of Ulugh Beg (15th century) and Abdulaziz-Khan (17th century) and explore the historic trading domes: Tok-i-Sarrafon (Moneychanger’s Bazaar), Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon (Cap Maker’s Bazaar), and Tok-i-Zargaron (Jeweller’s Bazaar, 1570). Visit the Magoki-Attari Mosque (12th and 16th centuries) and the Liabi-Khauz Complex, which includes the Nodir-Divan-Begi Madrassah (17th century), Kukeldash Madrassah (16th century), and Khonako (17th century). Explore a local puppet workshop and see Chor Minor, a vibrant madrassah known for its distinctive four towers. Throughout your explorations, enjoy traditional teas infused with aromatic spices.
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Bukhara. 

Embark on a countryside excursion to the Bahautdin Nakshbandi Necropolis, the revered burial site of the renowned Sufi leader Nakshbandi, a significant holy place in the Muslim world. Explore the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the elegant summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. After returning to Bukhara, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure for personal exploration and last-minute shopping.
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Bukhara. 

Today’s journey takes you across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, offering a unique chance to experience this vast, arid landscape and spot local sheep farmers tending their flocks. The drive covers approximately 450 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours.
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Khiva. 

Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Ichan Kala, an open-air museum protected by UNESCO. This architectural complex is enclosed by a massive fortress wall with four gates and houses over sixty historical monuments, including palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets, and mausoleums. Explore the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah (19th century), the Kalta Minor Minaret (19th century), the Kunya-Ark Fortress (19th-20th centuries), the Djuma Mosque (18th century), the Tash-Khauli Palace and its harem (19th century), the Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret (20th century), and the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (19th century).
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Khiva. 

Transfer to Urgench Airport, located 40 km away, for your flight to Tashkent (HY52, departing at 09:20 and arriving at 10:50—schedule subject to change). Upon arrival in Tashkent, enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your leisure.
Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in Tashkent. 

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight HY-201 to London Heathrow, departing at 11:10 and arriving at 14:50. Breakfast is included.