Luxury Travel To Uzbekistan
Duration of this Trip 10 Days Priced From $530 per day per person
Experience thousands years of history; from the earliest settlements through the great empires of Alexander the Great and Tamerlane, the remnants of Soviet influence and the transformation of independent Uzbekistan. Knowledgeable private guides help you explore the palaces, fortresses and monuments from by-gone eras, and the bazaars, caravanserais, blue cupolas, soaring minarets, and brilliant ceramics of medieval style architecture in Uzbekistan. The heart of the Silk Road still beats strongly here with luxury and boutique accommodations and shopping, signature experiences and the tempting cuisine of the rich cultures and warm hospitality of Central Asia in your custom itinerary for the ancient cites of Tashkent, Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. These are the lands of the Great Silk Road – of desert caravans and oases, fearless horsemen on windswept steppes and the very essence of civilization. Silk Road Treasure Tours offers you the luxury trip of a lifetime in Uzbekistan!
At a Glance
Duration
10 DaysPriced From
$530 per day per personDepartures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in the capital city of Tashkent
Days 2-3: Tashkent-Samarkand
Days 4-6: Bukhara
Days 7-8: Samarkand
Day 9: Tashkent
Day 10: Departure
Itinerary
Day 1 Tashkent
Arrival at Tashkent International Airport. You will be met by your personal guide and driver and transfer to your hotel.
Tashkent is the cultural and economic center of Uzbekistan. It glitters in the sunshine and lights up at night. One of the oldest cities on the Silk Road, much of it was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1966, allowing for wide boulevards, classic examples of Soviet architecture, show-stopping fountains, and fabulous green and public spaces like the Alisher Navoi Park. Even the stations of the metro are works of art in themselves. There is still enough of the old city left or reconstructed to indulge in exploring its ancient heritage. On our visit today we'll see the Khasret Imam, a 16th century square surrounded by gems of Islamic architecture, and the Sheik Tellya Mosque which displays one of the oldest Korans in the world. At the center of the old town is the blue dome of the Chorsu Bazaar, famous for the variety of unique handicrafts available there, the colorful displays of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, the mountains of bread and cascades of fruits and vegetables. It's just as busy today as it was when it was the crossroads of the Silk Road route from China to Iran! We will finish at Independence Square, heart of the city and pride of this vibrant and modern capital. Accommodation will be at the 4-Star Lotte Tashkent Palace or the 5-Star Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Day 2 Tashkent - Khiva
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Urgench /Khiva
The city of Khiva is living history; thousands of years of civilization rising from the desert with its unique fortifications, monuments, and the remains of palaces, harems and caravansaries to explore. Much of it restored by the Soviets, there are no vehicles here and its a true paradise for photographers and shoppers alike. Once ruled by the Khan's iron fist, it was also a haven for pirates and slave traders. We'll see the old Ichan–Kala or Inner City where original fortifications have survived intact since the 16th century and incorporated into later additions from the 18th and 19th century. Embellishing the sand-colored bricks of the city are the jade tiles of the Tash Khauli Stone Palace, the turquoise domes of the serene Friday mosque, and the jigsaw puzzle-like geometry of tile work on the short, squat Kalta Minor minaret. The Juma Mosque is unique in the Islamic world for its low flat ceiling supported by over 200 intricately hand-carved pillars. Lit only by skylight its a peaceful oasis in the city.
In Khiva the setting sun glows pink on the ancient adobe walls, and talented chefs here will create a menu for dinner by moonlight.
Day 3 Khiva - Bukhara
The Outer Town or Dishan-Kala of Khiva has several surviving gates, summer residences, and gardens which belonged to the royal family to explore. After dinner this evening we will take a flight to Bukhara where we will transfer to our charming boutique hotel which incorporates traditional décor with modern amenities. Dinner tonight will be at a traditional Uzbek style restaurant
Days 4 & 5 Bukhara
Bukhara, once the intellectual center of the Islamic world can trace its origins to the 6th century BCE. Follow tradition here and relax on a divan, sip your green tea and enjoy the social life at one of the many chaikhanas in the city. Under the shady mulberry trees which surround the reflecting pool at the Lyabi Khaus complex, the traditional heart of the city, tea and gossip reign, artisans sell their handicrafts and at night the colored lights give a festive air to the local dance troupe. Beside the Lyabi Khaus pool is the largest Koranic school in Central Asia, the medieval Kulkeldash Medresseh. The Kalyan Minaret, part of the Poi-Kalyon complex dates back to 1127, a fitting symbol of old Bukhara. When Genghis Khan invaded he left only the minaret standing, legend says that he was struck by its beauty. The city's subdued desert hues lend centuries-old buildings their own exotic air in Uzbekistan's holy city.
The Fortress Ark defended its rulers and their servants over the centuries while some sixty caravanserais could be found within the city for traders and travelers. Try on traditional outfits at the national costume exhibit in the former merchant's house of Fayzullo Khokjaev. Wind your way through the 17th century trade domes of the money changers, hat, jewelry and puppet sellers, as well as carpet and embroidery merchants. Visit the Magoki Attari, originally a Zoroastrian temple and the oldest surviving mosque in Central Asia which now hosts a carpet museum displaying examples of the distinctive colors and patterns of the region. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner with a folklore show at the Nadir Divan Begi Khanaka. Originally designed as a caravanserai in the 1600's it was then hastily converted to a medresseh to cover for an Imam's mistake! The show tonight features local dancers and singers and a fashion show displaying gorgeous costumes handcrafted by Uzbek designers well-known for incorporating the country's rich fabrics and intricate designs.
Day 6 Bukhara
The Tales of 1001 Nights are never complete without a palace. Today the magnificent summer residence of last Emirs of Bukhara, the Sitorai Mohi-Khossa - Palace of the Moon and Stars will provide the setting. A blend of European and Oriental architecture and decor, the palace makes lavish use of mirrors and incorporates a myriad of reception rooms, a minaret, and guest quarters. Today part of the harem houses the Museum of Arts and Crafts, including displays of traditional suzani embroidery.
A visit to the four unique minarets of the Chor Minor medresseh precedes a tour of the one of the oldest monuments of Bukhara, the mausoleum of Ismail Samoni, founder of the ancient Samanid Dynasty. The delicate terra-cotta brickwork seems to change its design with the movement of the sun and shadows of the day.
Day 7 Bukhara – Samarkand
We travel not for trafficking alone;
By hotter winds our fiery hearts are fanned:
For lust of knowing what should not be known
We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.
James Elroy Flecker
Today we travel our own Golden Road to Samarkand through the Silk Road villages and ancient towns of Uzbekistan. The small town of Vabkent is famous for its minaret, a double to the Kalyan minaret, built in the 12th century. The twisting staircase inside rises 40 feet into up to the fine archways of its lantern.
We will stop along the way in Gijduvan, a center of traditional regional ceramics, to enjoy lunch and local Uzbek Hospitality at the family-owned ceramics works there. We'll arrive in Samarkand as the sun begins to set over the splendors of this legendary city.
Day 8 & 9 Samarkand
The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva all hold treasures of UNESCO World Heritage sites behind sun-kissed adobe walls, soaring minarets and glittering turquoise domes. Registan Square in Samarkand, however, is one of the most recognized landmarks of the ancient world. Surrounded on three sides by the majestic porticoes of its medressehs it's the site of world-class music festivals and national celebrations for Navruz, the Persian New Year in March when it seems that the whole country breaks out in celebration.
We'll begin a full day of "monumental" exploration here in Registan Square, including the gloriously gilded Tilla-Kori. The Shah I Zinda Ensemble is the ancient necropolis, a veritable museum of tile artistry under the open sky. A series of 11 mausoleums line a medieval street, offering a first-hand, up-close lesson in Islamic decoration, near what was ancient Afrosiab. The nearby Bibi Khanum mosque was built by the ruler Tamerlane to honor his favorite wife and the scale is considerable, meant originally to outshine all of the mosques of the East. The splendid decoration of the Gur I Emir mausoleum, built for Tamerlane and his descendants competes with the best of the architectural gems of this city; glazed, gilded, and painted, incorporating tracery, marble, onyx, and semi-precious stones. Situated along the route from China to the west, Samarkand was not only the capital of Tamerlane's empire, it was a center of trade for goods, culture and intellect.
A visit to one of the oldest wineries of Uzbekistan will fortify us for an exploration of Samarkand's handicraft center, traditional bazaar, and a few sites just outside of the main city before we are whisked back to Tashkent on the new high speed Afrosyab train for our farewell dinner.
Day 10 Tashkent
Early morning departure from Tashkent International airport
Land Tour Costs
From $530 per day for 6-10 travelersSingle Supplement
Please CallScheduled Departures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule
Trip Highlights
- Experience Silk Road Treasure Tours' best adventures; hands-on cultural experiences, local exploration, participation at seasonal and traditional festivals, and travel to some of the world's most beautiful and rarely visited locations with local, experienced Silk Road experts
- Enjoy a champagne picnic between Bukhara and Samarkand, or a traditional Uzbek meal on an overnight adventure in an exotic luxury yurt.
- Visit one of the oldest wineries in the world or enjoy tasting smooth local vodkas – a legacy from the Soviet era.
- Explore Uzbekistan's UNESCO World Heritage sites that have inspired imagination through the ages with outstanding archaeologists and historians
- Tour the magnificent mosques, medressehs, medieval caravansarai with the graceful arched portals and glittering tile work of bygone eras.
- Private, curated visits to museums and historical sites. Indulge your interests and learn from the experts
- Create your own 1001 nights in the lively bazaars of Central Asia! Its master craftsmen are famous for jewelry in silver, gold and semi-precious stones, embossed silver, brass and copper; luxurious silks and intricate gold and silk embroideries
- Exclusive visits to the fabulous collections of the carpet and applied arts museums in Uzbekistan. Lose yourself amidst the geometric harmony and sumptuous colors of masterpieces collectively known as Bukhara, the lavish ornamentation of local suzani, and enjoy a relaxed visit to top quality vendors of new and antique pieces
- Premium seating is yours for an evening of traditional music and dance. Be delighted by the flash and swirl of regional dancers and the haunting melodies of the flute, doira, and two-stringed dotar
- Find yourself in some of the most pristine natural environments on Earth, and explore them with local naturalists
Visited Countries
UzbekistanVisited Cities & Places
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, KhivaSuggested Extensions
Nukus and the Museum of Forbidden Art in the Desert
Visit the art museum in the desert – the Savitsky collection at the Karakalpak Museum in Nukus. Tour this little known cultural treasure with an expert and learn about the daring artist who braved Soviet reprisal to rescue banned Russian avant-garde works http://www.desertofforbiddenart.com/ is the award winning film based on the story
The Fergana Valley
Once outside the cities, unusual and off-the-beaten-path destinations abound in Uzbekistan, like the cities of the fertile Fergana Valley. The flood plain of the Syr Darya River, this bowl-shaped valley sweeps down from the snow capped Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. It's the agricultural heart of Uzbekistan, with picturesque plains, lush pastures and a rich handicraft tradition. Rishtan is the ceramic center here with its red clay and natural mineral glazes. Kohlkand has its medresseh, mosques and the royal palace of the last khan. In Margilan, shop at the colorful local bazaar and tour the workshop of a silk master, where thread is prepared and and woven in the tradi¬tional patterns of the Fergana Valley.
Camels and Yurts in the Desert
In the Kyzyl-kum desert there is an ancient fortress - Ayaz-Kala. Near that fortress is a lake - Ayaz, which rises like a mirage from the sands. On your camel join in the expeditions, then head back to hearty meal, a night sky full of stars and folk songs at the camp fire, before a peaceful night in a cozy traditional yurt.
Trekking the Chimgan Mountains
The Tien Shans hold some of the highest peaks in the world and just out of Tashkent, you can start your ascent. From 1 day in the Gulkam Canyon to 5 days across the peaks.
Winter time? Then try heli-skiing on the abundant pristine powder here.
Golf
Tashkent has it all, including an 18-hole golf course! The Tashkent Lakeside Golf Club is an International Championship Golf Course, the first one in Central Asia and just 15 minutes from the city center. There is also a tennis court, swimming pool, restaurant and hotel on site.
Djeyran Eco Centre
Located just 40 km outside of Bukhara in the Kyzyl-kum desert, the Djeyran Eco Centre shelters a number of rare and endangered animals. The desert may seem to be harsh and uninhabitable, but a wide range of flora and fauna make it their home. At Djeyran, the hoofed mammals include the Onager and Saiga deer, Asiatic wild ass, Bukhara wild sheep, Przhevalsky's horse and of course the Djeyran itself – the Persian gazelle. Visitors learn how plants and animals adapt to the desert and the oases of fresh and salt lake habitats here. It's a haven for migratory birds as well as resident flocks of ducks, herons, kingfishers and plovers and visiting white-tailed eagles. Over 250 species of plants including the Lehmann tulip and Eremurus (desert candle) can be found here. In the spring visitors are invited to feed the young animals, prepare winter fodder in the fall or even help the scientists with the herd and flock counts!As always, any of our Silk Road destination tours are available to extend your trip
Reading Lists
Calum Macleod, Bradley Mayhew "Golden Road To Samarkand"
Anvar Madrahimov: "Uzbek Cuisine" -2008
What's Included
- Visa support/ letter of invitation
- Guide and driver will meet you at all airports
- Welcome cocktails in the suite
- A la carte catered dinner by the hotel's chef at each arriving city
- Local air tickets from Tashkent to Khiva and from Khiva to Bukhara
- All Ground Transportation in private, climate-controlled vehicles
- VIP High-Speed train tickets
- English-speaking guide/escort
- Accommodation in double room at 4 and 5 hotels where available
- Dinner
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
- Folklore Show in Bukhara
- Wine tasting
- Unlimited travel counseling
- Pre-Departure Travel Packages along with Welcome Silk Road Gifts
What's Not Included
- International Flights
- Costs for private chartered flights if requested
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Consular fees
- Room upgrades where available
- Vehicle upgrades where available.
- Optional Tours*
Image Gallery
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Celebration of Navruz in Bukhara, Uzbekistan Celebration of Navruz in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
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Luxury restaurant Olmos in Uzbekistan, where authentic Uzbekistan meals are served Luxury restaurant Olmos in Uzbekistan, where authentic Uzbekistan meals are served
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Legendary Khiva, Uzbekistan Legendary Khiva, Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan Shopper's Paradise. Travel for silk or embroidery, carpets or ceramics in Bukhara, Samarkand or Tashkent Uzbekistan Shopper's Paradise. Travel for silk or embroidery, carpets or ceramics in Bukhara, Samarkand or Tashkent
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Zulya Rajabova and Silk Road Treasure Tours welcome you to Uzbekistan Zulya Rajabova and Silk Road Treasure Tours welcome you to Uzbekistan
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Ismail Samani mausoleum, the pearl of the East from the 9th century, located in Bukhara, Uzbekistan Ismail Samani mausoleum, the pearl of the East from the 9th century, located in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
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Magic Khiva travel on sunset Magic Khiva travel on sunset
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Welcome to our homeland Uzbekistan Welcome to our homeland Uzbekistan
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Your Uzbek chef will travel with you around the country Your Uzbek chef will travel with you around the country
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Uzbekistan Pilaf and traditional cuisine will be served Uzbekistan Pilaf and traditional cuisine will be served
https://www.silkroadtreasuretours.com/luxury-travel-to-uzbekistan#sigProId1d7ebc7f2c
Visited Countries
UzbekistanVisited Cities & Places
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, KhivaSuggested Extentions
Nukus and the Museum of Forbidden Art in the Desert
Visit the art museum in the desert – the Savitsky collection at the Karakalpak Museum in Nukus. Tour this little known cultural treasure with an expert and learn about the daring artist who braved Soviet reprisal to rescue banned Russian avant-garde works http://www.desertofforbiddenart.com/ is the award winning film based on the story
The Fergana Valley
Once outside the cities, unusual and off-the-beaten-path destinations abound in Uzbekistan, like the cities of the fertile Fergana Valley. The flood plain of the Syr Darya River, this bowl-shaped valley sweeps down from the snow capped Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. It's the agricultural heart of Uzbekistan, with picturesque plains, lush pastures and a rich handicraft tradition. Rishtan is the ceramic center here with its red clay and natural mineral glazes. Kohlkand has its medresseh, mosques and the royal palace of the last khan. In Margilan, shop at the colorful local bazaar and tour the workshop of a silk master, where thread is prepared and and woven in the tradi¬tional patterns of the Fergana Valley.
Camels and Yurts in the Desert
In the Kyzyl-kum desert there is an ancient fortress - Ayaz-Kala. Near that fortress is a lake - Ayaz, which rises like a mirage from the sands. On your camel join in the expeditions, then head back to hearty meal, a night sky full of stars and folk songs at the camp fire, before a peaceful night in a cozy traditional yurt.
Trekking the Chimgan Mountains
The Tien Shans hold some of the highest peaks in the world and just out of Tashkent, you can start your ascent. From 1 day in the Gulkam Canyon to 5 days across the peaks.
Winter time? Then try heli-skiing on the abundant pristine powder here.
Golf
Tashkent has it all, including an 18-hole golf course! The Tashkent Lakeside Golf Club is an International Championship Golf Course, the first one in Central Asia and just 15 minutes from the city center. There is also a tennis court, swimming pool, restaurant and hotel on site.
Djeyran Eco Centre
Located just 40 km outside of Bukhara in the Kyzyl-kum desert, the Djeyran Eco Centre shelters a number of rare and endangered animals. The desert may seem to be harsh and uninhabitable, but a wide range of flora and fauna make it their home. At Djeyran, the hoofed mammals include the Onager and Saiga deer, Asiatic wild ass, Bukhara wild sheep, Przhevalsky's horse and of course the Djeyran itself – the Persian gazelle. Visitors learn how plants and animals adapt to the desert and the oases of fresh and salt lake habitats here. It's a haven for migratory birds as well as resident flocks of ducks, herons, kingfishers and plovers and visiting white-tailed eagles. Over 250 species of plants including the Lehmann tulip and Eremurus (desert candle) can be found here. In the spring visitors are invited to feed the young animals, prepare winter fodder in the fall or even help the scientists with the herd and flock counts!As always, any of our Silk Road destination tours are available to extend your trip
Reading Lists
Calum Macleod, Bradley Mayhew "Golden Road To Samarkand"
Anvar Madrahimov: "Uzbek Cuisine" -2008
Scheduled Departures
- Choose your dates based on your schedule