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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Ouzbékistan dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Ouzbékistan, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum trois mois après la date de sortie prévue du pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Ouzbékistan.
À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. Au-delà de cette durée, un visa devra être obtenu préalablement, notamment via le portail officiel de demande de visa en ligne des autorités ouzbèkes.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement ou une invitation d'un particulier ou d'un établissement enregistré.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout voyageur séjournant en Ouzbékistan est tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les trois jours ouvrables suivant son arrivée.
Dans la pratique, cet enregistrement est généralement effectué automatiquement par l'hôtel ou la structure d'hébergement. En cas de logement chez un particulier, le voyageur doit veiller à ce que l'hôte effectue cette démarche auprès du bureau d'enregistrement compétent.
conserver les fiches d'enregistrement remises par chaque hébergement tout au long du séjour,
présenter ces documents lors du passage à la frontière à la sortie du territoire.
Santé
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Ouzbékistan pour les ressortissants de l'EEE, de la Suisse et du Canada. Toutefois, les autorités sanitaires recommandent de mettre à jour les vaccinations courantes (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite) et de se renseigner auprès d'un médecin ou d'un centre de vaccination international avant le départ concernant d'éventuelles recommandations spécifiques (hépatite A, typhoïde, etc.).
Il est conseillé de souscrire une assurance rapatriement et assistance médicale avant le départ, les infrastructures médicales pouvant être limitées dans certaines régions du pays.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Ouzbékistan de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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
