What to expect

Magnificent Architecture
Marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture

Local Culture
Experience authentic Uzbek traditions

Silk Road Cities
Explore the legendary cities of the Silk Road

Timeless Traditions
Discover centuries-old arts and crafts
About this trip...
Return transfers
Room for sole use
Breakfast Daily, three lunches & four dinners
Welcome drink & Information Meeting
City tour of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
Learn about the manufacturing of carpets and silks
See the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara
Visit to the ancient ruins of Shylpyk-Kala, Zoroastrian dakhma and Toprak-Kala in the desert
Visit to Ulugbek Observatory
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- International flights are not included
- Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- Arrive into Tashkent and city tour
- Fly to Urgench and transfer to Khiva with city tour
- Visit to ancient ruins in the desert
- Drive to Bukhara
- City tour of Bukhara
- Visit to Bahouddin Nakshbandi mausoleum and Sitorai-Mokhi-Hossa
- Drive to Samarkand
- City tour of Samarkand
- Train to Tashkent
- Return flight home

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrival into Tashkent
- Breakfast & dinner included

Day Two: Transfer to Khiva for a city tour
- Breakfast Included

Day Three: Visit the ancient ruins in the desert
After breakfast this morning, we head into the vast desert to visit Shylpyk-Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence. Thought to be one of the earliest examples of traditional funeral rituals, it is believed that it was constructed somewhere between the 1st Century BCE and 1st Century CE. We also visit the ancient settlement of Toprak-Kala, dating back to the 1st and 5th Century AD. The large fortified palace was discovered in 1938, with many mysteries surrounding who and when it was built. It is known the palace was built on an elevated base, with monumental towers, a temple area with a holy fire.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
- Breakfast & dinner included

Day Four: Drive to Bukhara
This morning we drive to Bukhara after breakfast. Journey across the vast Kyzylkum Desert, following one of the ancient Silk Road trading routes to the historic city of Bukhara. Pause at the Amu Darya River before arriving in one of Central Asia's most celebrated cultural centres. During this drive, we stop off at the Amu Darya River, which supports the lives of millions of people in this land-locked country.
- Breakfast included

Day Five: City tour of Bukhara
Today we enjoy a tour of the medieval city of Bukhara, located on the Silk Road and more than 2000 years old, making it amongst one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The city is a fine example of pre-Russian Uzbekistan. On the tour, we witness the Ark - a spectacular town within a town where, for centuries, it was the residence of the emirs of Bukhara. Another prominent landmark is the Kalon Minaret, which has stood for almost nine centuries, and the Kalan Mosque - the heart of Bukhara. The minaret was built in 1127 and at the time was probably the tallest building in Central Asia.
- Breakfast & lunch Included

Day Six: Visit to Bahouddin Nakshband mausoleum and Sitori-i-Mokhi Khosa
Today we venture out of Bukhara, to the village of Kasri Orifon. We visit one of the most important shrines, the birthplace and tomb of Khazreti Mohammed Bakhauddin Nakhshbandi the founder of the most influential of many ancient Sufi orders in Central Asia, and Bukhara's unofficial 'patron saint'. The shrine is full of superstitions, and is a place pilgrims circle, kiss and pray in front of the tombstone. We will also head to Sitori-i-Mokhi Khosa Palace where the last emirs of Bukhar would reside in the summer. Here we will see European influences in the design and décor in the luxurious interiors, colourful tile work and courtyards.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Seven: Drive to Samarkand
After breakfast this morning, we transfer by coach to Samarkand (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes). On this journey, we will stop off at Gijduvan, which since ancient times, has been known as a craft and trade centre. The city has a distinct style where the craftsman apply a unique turquoise blue to the pottery they make. After visiting the ceramics museum, we will continue on our way.
- Breakfast & lunch Included

Day Eight: City tour of Samarkand
Samarkand is one of the the most important cities that lay on the Silk Road, acting as a cross road of world cultures and trade. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world, being founded around the 7th Century BC. A main reason for a visit to Samarkand is to witness the stunning Islamic architecture of its mosques and mausloeums. We will enjoy a tour of Samarkand, visiting places such as Registan Square. The awe-inspiring square was the commercial square of medieval Samarkand and back then, was more than likely wall to wall with bazaars. The three tall medressas have stood the test of time, surviving frequent earthquakes. We will also visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the beautiful resting place of Timur and other family members.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
- Breakfast & lunch included

Day Nine: Train to Tashkent
Today, we visit a carpet factory and Ulugbek Observatory, which was built in the 1420s, destroyed in 1449 but then rebuilt in 1908. We then make our way to the train station of Samarkand and board the high-speed train back to Tashkent (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes), enjoying a comfortable journey through the Uzbek countryside before your final evening in the capital. Where we will spend a final dinner with our fellow travellers and share stories and photographs of our experiences of the Silk Road.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Ten: Departure day
Today we will have our final breakfast and make our way to Tashkent international airport for our flight home
- Breakfast Included
Accommodations
(as specified or similar)Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Trip Information: As part of health & safety we do require all our guests to be able to manage the demands of the trip. This will often include early starts with long days travelling by foot and on and off minibuses/coaches. You also must be mindful that when visiting a country with different cuisine and culture, special dietary requests cannot always be made as readily available with great choice. Please see the day by day itinerary for details of the programme. The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change according to traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond control.
WhatsApp Group: Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader. If you choose to join the WhatsApp group, you’re consenting to your phone number being visible to other travellers. Photos or messages may be shared within the group. Solos may use group content for marketing purposes. You can opt out at any time by emailing: [email protected].
If you would prefer not to join the WhatsApp group, you can simply meet the group on your first day instead. Please note, if you have not received an email within 24 hours of departure, we recommend you check your email junk folder. Upon the conclusion of your holiday, please be informed that we will close your specific holiday WhatsApp group. Therefore, we recommend making personal arrangements with those you wish to stay in touch with before the holiday concludes.
Photo Permissions: At the beginning of your trip, your Tour Leader will ask if you would be happy to sign a photo permission form. This means that any photographs taken during your holiday can be used by Solos to share what the Solos experience is all about. It also means you have lots of memories to go home with! Details will be given at your welcome meeting
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