The treasures at the crossroads of the Silk Road
From the caravan cities of Khiva to the domes of Samarkand, the thousand-year heritage of the Silk Road.
Duration
8 days
From
€790/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Discover Uzbekistan, at the heart of the great civilizations of the Silk Road. This cultural journey invites you to explore historic cities steeped in history, through a balanced itinerary between heritage, traditions and immersion in local life.
From the capital Tashkent to the caravan cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, you traverse varied landscapes, between urban oases, villages of Khorezm and expanses of the Kizil Kum desert. Mosques, madrasas, mausoleums and bustling markets testify to the cultural heritage and history of the great empires of Central Asia.
Throughout your visits, you also discover traditional craftsmanship, local traditions and Uzbek hospitality, for an authentic and human experience at the heart of a still unspoiled country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Tashkent and Discovery of the Capital
Morning arrival in Tashkent. You begin your discovery of the Uzbek capital, a city where historical heritage and contemporary urban planning coexist.
Morning visits:
The old town, the historic heart of Tashkent,
The Victory Park, a space of memory and reflection,
The Independence Square, the symbolic center of the country,
The Kukeldash Madrasa, a testament to religious and cultural history,
The Chorsu Bazar, a lively and colorful bazaar, a prime location to observe the daily life of locals.
Afternoon visits:
The Museum of Applied Arts of Tashkent, which features an extensive collection of decorative arts, icons, ceramics and traditional costumes,
The Abdul Kasim Madrasa, now dedicated to local craftsmanship,
The Amir Temur Square (Tamerlane), enlivened by the presence of artists and craftsmen,
The Tashkent Metro, known for the careful architecture and decoration of its stations.
Flight to Urgench
Tachkent → Urgentch
⏰ 07h30 : Transfer to the local airport for your flight to Ourguentch (approximately 1 hour flight).
Urgentch → Khiva
On arrival, you join Khiva by air-conditioned minibus (40 km). This historically significant city, remarkably well-preserved, constitutes one of the major stops on the Silk Road in Central Asia.
Discovery of Itchan Kala, the inner city surrounded by high brick walls. Listed and preserved, it forms a true architectural complex where the main historical monuments are concentrated:
Ota Darvosa, one of the monumental gates providing access to the city,
The Kalta Minor minaret (19th century), recognizable by its richly decorated ornamental work and its imposing silhouette.
Route to Bukhara through the Kizil Koum Desert
⏰ 08:30 AM: Departure by road towards Bukhara (470 km – approximately 7 to 8 hours of travel).
You will first cross the villages of the Khorezm region, then the landscape gradually opens onto the expanses of the Kyzylkum Desert and Aral Sea, whose name means "red sand".
These desert horizons evoke the ancient caravans that once traveled the Silk Road on camelback.
Stops planned along the way:
Photo stop to enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere of the desert,
Lunch in a Chaykhana, traditional cafe-oasis in the heart of the steppe.
Arrival in Bukhara in the late afternoon.
Exploration of the Old Town of Bukhara
A day dedicated to discovering the old city of Bukhara, one of the major historical centers of the Silk Road. Most of the monuments are located in the Chakhristan, the ancient heart of the city.
Visits take place on foot, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of this city steeped in history and traditions.
Sites on the itinerary:
The Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th–10th century), the oldest preserved monument in Bukhara and a remarkable testimony to medieval Central Asian architecture.
The Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (12th–14th century), a pilgrimage site associated with a sacred spring.
The Bola Khaouz complex (18th century), composed of a mosque and a traditional basin.
The Ark Citadel, former residence of the emirs, which overlooks Reghistan Square and symbolizes the power of the Bukhara emirate.
This latter building, linked to the Manguit dynasty, was the center of political and administrative power. Its history dates back to the very origins of the city.
Route to Samarkand
Boukhara → Guijdouvan
⏰ 08h00 : After breakfast, departure for the village of Abou-Abdulloh-Guijdovani-Guijdovan (70 km), renowned for the quality of its handcrafted ceramics and its traditional craftsmanship.
Continue towards Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane's empire and an emblematic stop on the Silk Road.
Guijdouvan → Samarcande
Arrival in Samarkand in the afternoon, followed by the discovery of its iconic sites. Former crossroads of the Silk Road, the city bears witness to the splendor of the Timurid era.
On the program:
The Gour Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane and remarkable example of the architecture of this period.
The Registan Square, historic heart of the city, surrounded by three madrasahs forming one of the major complexes of Central Asia.
The Ulugh Beg Madrasah,
The Sher-Dor Madrasah,
The Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
This first exploration gives you an overview of Samarkand, an emblematic city of the Silk Road.
Exploration of Samarkand and return to Tashkent
Former capital of Tamerlane, Samarkand occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of the Silk Routes connecting Persia, China and India.
Marked by the passages of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, the city seduces today by the harmony of its great architectural ensembles, its monumental domes and its mosaics in shades of blue.
Visit schedule:
The Ulugh Beg Observatory, 15th-century scientific center dedicated to astronomy.
The Chakhi Zinda Necropolis, remarkable ensemble of decorated mausoleums.
A visit to a silk carpet workshop (suzani), to discover traditional weaving techniques.
The Syab market, a lively place where local products and daily life mix.
The Bibi Khanum Mosque, one of the major monuments of Samarkand.
Free time in the afternoon to enjoy Samarkand at your own pace. You can stroll through the streets of the historic center, discover craft shops or simply soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Around 4:00 PM, transfer to the station.
High-speed train connecting Samarkand to Tashkent.
🕖 Arrival in Tashkent at 7:15 PM, then transfer and check-in.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Uzbekistan for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned exit date from the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Uzbekistan.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry to the territory. Beyond this duration, a visa must be obtained in advance, in particular via the official online visa application portal of the Uzbek authorities.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or an invitation from a private individual or registered establishment.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Uzbekistan is required to register with the local authorities within three business days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation facility. In the case of staying with a private individual, the traveler must ensure that the host completes this procedure with the competent registration office.
keep the registration documents issued by each accommodation throughout your stay,
present these documents when crossing the border upon exit from the territory.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland and Canada. However, health authorities recommend updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) and consulting with a doctor or international vaccination center before departure regarding any specific recommendations (hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.).
It is advisable to take out repatriation and medical assistance insurance before departure, as medical facilities may be limited in certain regions of the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be informed, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Uzbekistan, a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry is required. No visa is needed for short tourist visits. This destination has become much more accessible in recent years. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality: check with the Uzbek consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-800 euros round trip) are additional. Uzbekistan is one of the most affordable destinations along the Silk Road.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Historic Golden Triangle
Expert in Uzbek Silk Road routes, based in Tachkent
Uzbekistan is more than just its monuments. It's also the conversations over tea, the markets, the villages, and the way locals welcome travelers.
— Nurridin
