Ancient Cities of Uzbekistan — Private Tour – 8 Days

Ancient Cities of Uzbekistan — Private Tour – 8 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tashkent

Arrive at Tashkent International Airport. Private transfer to your boutique hotel. Afternoon private guided tour of Tashkent: Chorsu Bazaar — the city’s oldest and largest market housed under a massive blue dome, the Navoi Opera House, and the Minor Mosque with its gleaming white marble. Evening free to explore Tashkent’s emerging café culture. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent to Khiva — Morning Flight

Early morning flight to Urgench (1.5 hours). Transfer to Khiva. Full day exploring the Itchan Kala with your private guide. Visit the Kunya-Ark (Old Fortress) with its summer mosque adorned with blue-and-white tiles and the harem quarters. Climb the 57-meter Islam Khoja Minaret for sweeping views. Explore the Kalta Minor Minaret, the Juma Mosque, and the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, the patron saint of Khiva. Evening walk along the fortress walls at sunset. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 3: Khiva Desert Fortresses Excursion

Full-day excursion into the Kyzylkum Desert to explore the ancient fortresses of Khorezm. Visit Ayaz Kala, a magnificent 4th-century BC mud-brick fortress perched on a hill overlooking the desert. Continue to Toprak Kala, the 3rd-century capital of ancient Khorezm. Walk through the remains of the royal palace with its once-colorful wall paintings. Picnic lunch in the desert. Return to Khiva for the evening. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 4: Khiva to Bukhara — Caravan Route

Private transfer across the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara. Stop at desert viewpoints and small villages along the ancient caravan route. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon. Evening orientation walk around Lyabi-Hauz with its reflecting pool and ancient mulberry trees. Dinner at a traditional chaikhana. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 5: Bukhara — Sacred & Secular

Full-day private tour of Bukhara. Morning: Kalon Minaret and Mosque, the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, and the trading domes (Taqi Zargaron, Taqi Telpak Furushon, Taqi Sarrafon) where Silk Road merchants traded jewels, hats, and money. Afternoon: the Ark Fortress with its museums, including the Zindan (prison) with its infamous bug pit. Visit the Bolo Hauz Mosque with its 20 intricately carved wooden columns reflected in the pool. Evening visit to the Chor Minor with its unique four-minaret design. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6: Bukhara Hinterland — Sufi Shrines

Morning excursion outside Bukhara to the Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, one of Sufi Islam’s most important pilgrimage sites. Visit the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara — Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, a peculiar blend of Russian and Central Asian architecture. Afternoon free for shopping in Bukhara’s bazaars: Bukhara silk ikat, gold embroidery, handmade carpets, and the famous Bukhara scissors. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 7: Bukhara to Samarkand — Train of the Emperors

Morning Afrosiyab train to Samarkand. Afternoon private tour of the Registan Square — with time to explore each of the three magnificent madrasahs in detail. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Timur’s final resting place with its fluted dome and gold-leaf interior. Continue to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Evening light show at Registan — the illuminated madrasahs are breathtaking against the night sky. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 8: Samarkand to Tashkent — Departure

Morning visit to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis — the “Living King” avenue of mausoleums in every shade of blue. Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Afrosiyab Museum to see the famous 7th-century wall paintings depicting Silk Road ambassadors. Transfer to Samarkand station for the Afrosiyab train to Tashkent. Connect to Tashkent International Airport for departure.

What’s Included

• 7 nights boutique accommodation (3-4 star)
• Daily breakfast & 2 dinners
• Private English-speaking guide throughout
• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Tashkent → Urgench flight
• Afrosiyab high-speed train (Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent)
• Desert fortresses excursion (Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala)
• All monument entrance fees
• Photography permits
• Airport transfers

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Lunch & most dinners
• Tips & personal expenses