Uzbekistan by Train Tailormade - Treasures of the Silk Road

Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's modern capital and the largest city in Central Asia. On arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey and settle into your surroundings. No meals or local guide services.

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your exploration of Tashkent, a fascinating city where centuries-old traditions sit alongside the grand boulevards and architecture of the modern capital.

Tashkent's history stretches back more than two millennia and its location at an important crossroads made it a significant centre of trade along the Silk Road. Much of the historic city was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1966, after which Tashkent underwent extensive reconstruction.

Our sightseeing begins at the Monument of Courage, commemorating those affected by the devastating earthquake. We continue to Independence Square, one of the city's principal landmarks and an important symbol of modern Uzbekistan.

At Amir Timur Square, see the monument dedicated to Amir Timur, the powerful 14th-century ruler whose empire had its capital at Samarkand.

We then visit Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent's most colourful markets. Beneath its distinctive blue dome, stalls overflow with fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, traditional bread, sweets and local handicrafts, offering an excellent introduction to everyday Uzbek life.

Our tour continues into the Old City, where we visit the impressive Khast Imam Complex, an important centre of Islamic scholarship and one of the capital's most significant religious sites.

The day's sightseeing concludes at the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in an elegant historic building and displaying an extensive collection of Uzbekistan's traditional crafts, including textiles, ceramics, wood carving and decorative arts.

After breakfast, transfer to Tashkent Railway Station to board the high-speed train to Samarkand.

High-speed train: Tashkent – Samarkand, approximately 08:30–10:40. The journey provides a comfortable and efficient way to travel between two of Uzbekistan's most important cities. On arrival in Samarkand, transfer to your hotel, with check-in available from approximately 14:00.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring independently. Samarkand is one of the great cities of the Silk Road. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, it flourished under successive Persian, Islamic and Mongol rulers before becoming the magnificent capital of the Timurid Empire under Amir Timur. Its extraordinary monuments and richly decorated buildings reflect the city's long history as a centre of commerce, culture and scholarship.

Today is devoted to discovering the remarkable monuments of Samarkand, whose architectural treasures have made it one of Central Asia's most celebrated cities.

Begin at the Shah-i Zinda Necropolis, a remarkable avenue of mausoleums decorated with intricate turquoise, blue and green tiles. The complex developed around the traditional burial place of Qutham ibn Abbas and contains some of the finest examples of medieval Islamic tilework in Central Asia.

Continue to the monumental Bibi-Khanum Mosque, commissioned by Amir Timur and once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world.

Nearby, explore the lively Siyob Bazaar, where local residents shop for fresh bread, fruit, vegetables, nuts, spices and traditional sweets.

The highlight of the day is Registan Square, the spectacular heart of historic Samarkand. Three magnificent madrassas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya-Kori – surround the square, creating one of the most memorable architectural ensembles in Central Asia.

We continue to Ulugbek's Observatory, built in the 15th century by the Timurid ruler and renowned astronomer Ulugbek. Its sophisticated astronomical instruments demonstrate the remarkable scientific achievements of medieval Samarkand.

Our final visit is to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the richly decorated resting place of Amir Timur and several members of the Timurid dynasty.

Today is free to enjoy Samarkand at your own pace. You may wish to revisit some of yesterday's magnificent monuments, explore the city's cafés and markets, browse for traditional handicrafts or simply enjoy a leisurely day in this historic city. For those with an interest in Samarkand's ancient past, the Afrasiyab Museum provides an insight into the history of the ancient settlement that preceded the medieval city. Alternatively, simply take time to appreciate Samarkand's atmosphere and enjoy the opportunity to explore independently without a fixed sightseeing schedule.

After breakfast, transfer to Samarkand Railway Station for the train journey to Bukhara.

Train: Samarkand – Bukhara, approximately 11:00–12:40

Bukhara has stood at the heart of Central Asian trade and culture for more than two millennia. Located on an important Silk Road route, it became renowned not only as a centre of commerce but also as a major centre of Islamic learning and scholarship. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, with check-in available from approximately 14:00.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You might choose to take your first independent stroll through Bukhara's atmospheric Old Town, perhaps stopping at one of its traditional tea houses or simply relaxing at the hotel.

Today we discover Bukhara, one of the great historic cities of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Much of Bukhara's historic centre remains remarkably well preserved, with narrow lanes leading between ancient mosques, madrassas, mausoleums, bazaars and traditional courtyards.

Our sightseeing begins at the magnificent Poi Kalon Complex, dominated by the towering Kalon Minaret. Together with the Kalon Mosque and Mir-i Arab Madrassa, this forms one of Bukhara's most recognisable architectural ensembles.

We continue through the city's historic trading domes, once an important part of Bukhara's commercial life. Today, the domed bazaars remain a wonderful place to browse for traditional textiles, carpets, jewellery, ceramics and handicrafts.

The tour continues to the imposing Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel that served as the residence and administrative centre of Bukhara's rulers for centuries.

Nearby, the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque is noted for its beautifully carved and painted wooden columns.

We also visit the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest surviving Islamic monuments in Central Asia and an outstanding example of early Islamic architecture.

Throughout the day there will be opportunities to experience Bukhara's atmospheric streets and historic neighbourhoods, where the scale of the city makes it particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Bukhara independently.

Return to the Old Town to explore its bazaars and handicraft shops, relax in one of the city's traditional tea houses or revisit some of yesterday's historic landmarks at your own pace.

Those wishing to venture beyond the centre could consider a visit to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, or the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, associated with the influential Naqshbandiyya Sufi tradition.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for the journey westwards to Khiva, crossing the landscapes of western Uzbekistan towards the historic Khorezm region.

On arrival in Khiva, transfer to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is free to begin discovering this extraordinary city independently. A first walk through the narrow streets of Ichan Qala, the walled inner city, provides a wonderful introduction to Khiva, particularly in the softer light of the late afternoon.

Important note: The Bukhara–Khiva high-speed train is currently operating on a limited/test basis. Services are expected to become more regular during 2027, but operation cannot be guaranteed at the time of writing. If the train is unavailable on your travel date, an alternative rail or road transfer will be arranged.

Today we explore Khiva, one of the most atmospheric and beautifully preserved historic cities of Central Asia.

At the heart of Khiva lies Ichan Qala, the ancient walled inner city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its compact walls are more than 50 historic monuments, including mosques, madrassas, mausoleums, palaces and traditional houses.

Entering through the monumental city gates, we encounter the distinctive Kalta Minor, the brilliantly turquoise-tiled minaret that has become one of Khiva's most recognisable landmarks. We then explore the narrow lanes of Ichan Qala, discovering its remarkable concentration of historic architecture.

Among today's highlights is the Juma Mosque, famous for its atmospheric prayer hall supported by hundreds of intricately carved wooden columns, some of which date from different periods of the mosque's history.

We also visit Toshhovli Palace, the former residence of the Khans of Khiva. Its courtyards, richly decorated ceramic tiles, carved wooden columns and elaborate rooms provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the city's former rulers.

Throughout the walking tour, there will be opportunities to appreciate Khiva's distinctive architectural style and the remarkable preservation of the old city.

After breakfast, enjoy some final free time in Khiva, depending on the timing of your onward flight.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Urgench International Airport for your onward flight, bringing this fascinating journey through Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities to an end.