Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Uzbekistan, Silk Road | Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara | Escorted Tour

What to expect

Magnificent Architecture

Magnificent Architecture

Marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture

Local Culture

Local Culture

Experience authentic Uzbek traditions

Silk Road Cities

Silk Road Cities

Explore the legendary cities of the Silk Road

Timeless Traditions

Timeless Traditions

Discover centuries-old arts and crafts

About this trip...

Join your fellow solo travellers as we journey through Uzbekistan - the land of the ancient Silk Road. This is where the ancient trade route connected China with Europe, and where the cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara thrived. On this tour, we witness turquoise domes, mesmerising tile designs, red deserts, busy bazaars and towering minarets. From the bustling capital of Tashkent to the immense fortresses of Samarkand and Bukhara, we travel a path which has been trodden by traders and merchants for thousands of years.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included

  • 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

What's extra:

  • 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

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
Map

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrival into Tashkent

Day One: Arrival into Tashkent

We arrive into Tashkent International airport and head to the hotel where we will check in before heading out for a city tour of Tashkent. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and was one of the main travel and trade hubs on the Silk Road that connected China and Europe. The old city of Tashkent still boasts its traditional ways. The architecture is a contrast to the modern design, a fine example being the metro system in Uzbekistan, which was the first in Central Asia, where each of the 29 stations has a different design. We also experience the Chorsu Market where we witness the varying colours and bustling atmosphere within the blue domed building. This evening, we head back to the hotel for our first dinner together.
  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Two: Transfer to Khiva for a city tour

Day Two: Transfer to Khiva for a city tour

This morning we have an early start with our transfer to Tashkent Airport to fly to Khiva. Khiva is one of the most intact Silk Road cities and is essentially an open-air museum. Its narrow streets, colourful minarets, mausoleums, carved ayvans verandas and doors have been perfectly preserved. With giant fortress walls and clay coloured houses, the city resembles a giant sandcastle and is truly a unique place. It's no surprise that this was central Asia’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. We have a tour taking us inside the fortress walls and into the Ichan-Kala, which is the inner city, where we will marvel at the architecture where the Khans resided. 
 
We also visit the unique Juma Mosque, made entirely out of wood that dates back to the 10th Century. Inside here, we will experience the bazaars which sell many handmade crafts. We then head back to the hotel for dinner and reflect upon the beauty of Khiva.
  • Breakfast Included
Day Three: Visit the ancient ruins in the desert

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. 

 
The town itself was divided into streets with several districts. After learning about this fascinating place, we head back to Khiva to further explore this historic city.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included

  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Four: Drive to Bukhara

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

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

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

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

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. 

 
The attention to detail of the tile work is something to admire. One of the highlights of the tour will be the Shah-i-Zinda, which has stunning avenues of mausoleums, with some of the best tile work in the Muslim world.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included

  • Breakfast & lunch included
Day Nine: Train to Tashkent

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

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)
  • Day 1 | Inspira-S Hotel, Tashkent
  • Day 2 - 3 | Hotel Asia Khiva, Khiva
  • Day 4 - 6 | Asia Bukhara Hotel, Bukhara
  • Day 7 - 8 | Wellfort Hotel, Samarkand
  • Day 9 | Inspira-S Hotel, Tashkent

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info
Apr 14 2027 Apr 23 2027 9
$3225
 

Essential Information

Transfer time
Transfer time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Dress code
As this is a Muslim country, foreign women should dress modestly, especially in the rural areas, and cultivate a certain coolness of manner. Women can dress in normal western-style modest clothing, although female visitors should avoid wearing short skirts (they must be below the knee) and shorts. It is also a good idea to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head and hair when visiting mosques or other religious sites. T-shirts are permitted, however they must cover your shoulders, men cannot wear shorts and must remember to remove their hats in religious buildings.
Gratuities
We suggest a group collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, hotel staff: Suggested tips for the Tour Guide is $5 per day, per person For the driver-$2-3 per day, per person For porters is usually $1 per check-in and $1 per check-out at each hotel Tipping is not mandatory and always at the discretion of the tourist Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Important 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.

Flights & Airport Transfers
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless of if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
Permissions

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

Currency
National currency of Uzbekistan is sum (also som, soum). It is easier to exchange US dollars when in Uzbekistan, it is the most common exchanged currency. There is no problem with changing dollars at the airport or banks, but it is advised to bring new banknotes, no stamps, no marks as some banks do not accept old banknotes.
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.

Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.

Health Requirements
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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Fantastic time

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos trip and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia

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Highly Recommended

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David

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Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

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Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

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