samarkand
5-Day Uzbekistan Tour by High-Speed Train: Samarkand — Khiva — Bukhara
Discover three of Uzbekistan's most celebrated historic cities in one carefully arranged journey — Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara. Over five days, the itinerary reveals different chapters of the Great Silk Road, from the monumental architecture of Samarkand to the medieval streets of Ichan-Kala and the remarkable heritage of ancient Bukhara.
One of the main advantages of this journey is its convenient logistics. Modern high-speed trains connect the principal destinations, reducing the need for long road journeys. Private transfers are arranged throughout the itinerary, while sightseeing is accompanied by professional licensed guides. Comfortable hotel accommodation, breakfasts, lunches at traditional teahouses and entrance tickets are included.
DAY 1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF SAMARKAND
Upon arrival at Samarkand International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred privately to your hotel. Time is provided to settle in and rest after the flight.
In the evening, enjoy a private walking and driving tour of Samarkand. Together with a professional licensed guide, visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, see Registan Square beautifully illuminated at night and explore the historic center of the city.
After the evening sightseeing, private transfer returns you to the hotel. Overnight in Samarkand.
DAY 2. SAMARKAND — ARCHITECTURE AND SILK ROAD HERITAGE
At 10:00, continue exploring historic Samarkand on a private walking and driving tour. A professional licensed guide accompanies you throughout the program.
The day's route features Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Siab Bazaar and a traditional artisans' village. Lunch is included at a local Uzbek teahouse, with dishes representing Samarkand cuisine.
After the sightseeing program, the guide accompanies travelers back to the hotel. The evening is free for relaxation. Overnight in Samarkand.
DAY 3. SAMARKAND — KHIVA BY HIGH-SPEED TRAIN
In the morning, a private transfer takes you from the hotel to Samarkand railway station. The next stage of the journey is completed by modern high-speed train.
Arrival in Khiva takes place after lunch. Travelers are met at the railway station and transferred privately to the hotel. After check-in, the evening is free with no scheduled activities, giving you time to explore the ancient city independently and walk through its historic streets.
Overnight in Khiva.
DAY 4. KHIVA — ICHAN-KALA AND KHOREZM HERITAGE
At 09:00, begin a private walking tour of Khiva with a professional licensed guide. The main sightseeing program takes place inside Ichan-Kala, the historic walled city containing many of the most important monuments of Khorezm architecture.
During the tour, visit Kalta Minor Minaret, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Tash-Hauli Palace, Juma Mosque and Islam Khoja Minaret.
Lunch is included at a traditional Khorezm teahouse, featuring regional national cuisine. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to continue discovering Khiva at your own pace. Free evening and overnight in Khiva.
DAY 5. KHIVA — BUKHARA BY HIGH-SPEED TRAIN
Early in the morning, a private transfer takes you to Khiva railway station. The journey to Bukhara continues aboard a modern high-speed train.
Arrival in Bukhara is expected around 11:00. A driver meets travelers at the railway station, followed by a private walking tour of Bukhara's historic center with a professional licensed guide.
The sightseeing program includes the Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrasa, Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble and the historic domed trading areas that preserve the atmosphere of one of Central Asia's important commercial centers.
Lunch is included at a traditional Bukhara teahouse featuring local cuisine. After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time.
At the agreed time, a private transfer takes you from the hotel to Bukhara International Airport.
This five-day Uzbekistan journey concludes after connecting Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara through a combination of high-speed railway travel, private transportation and professional guided sightseeing. The carefully organized itinerary allows travelers to experience the country's major historic centers comfortably and efficiently.
What you'll see
- Samarkand — Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, historic center, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Siab Bazaar, traditional artisans' village
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- Khiva — Ichan-Kala, Kalta Minor Minaret, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Tash-Hauli Palace, Juma Mosque, Islam Khoja Minaret
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- Bukhara — Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrasa, Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, historic domed trading areas
Itinerary
Day 1 — Samarkand: international airport pickup, private hotel transfer, evening walking and driving tour, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, historic center, transfer back to the hotel
Day 2 — Samarkand: tour starts at 10:00, Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Siab Bazaar, traditional artisans' village, lunch at a local Uzbek teahouse, return to the hotel
Day 3 — Samarkand — Khiva: morning transfer to the railway station, high-speed train, afternoon arrival in Khiva, railway station pickup, private hotel transfer, free evening
Day 4 — Khiva: tour starts at 09:00, Ichan-Kala, Kalta Minor Minaret, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Tash-Hauli Palace, Juma Mosque, Islam Khoja Minaret, lunch at a traditional Khorezm teahouse, free time
Day 5 — Khiva — Bukhara: early railway station transfer, high-speed train, arrival in Bukhara around 11:00, driver pickup, historic center tour, Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrasa, Lyabi-Hauz, historic domed trading areas, lunch, hotel check-in, free time, transfer to Bukhara International Airport
What's included
- Airport pickup
- Private airport — hotel — airport transfers
- Hotel — railway station — hotel transfers
- Modern high-speed train tickets
- Private transportation according to the itinerary
- Professional licensed guide services
- Accommodation in comfortable double rooms at carefully selected hotels
- Daily breakfasts
- Daily lunches at traditional teahouses
- All entrance tickets to attractions included throughout the itinerary
- All excursions included in the program
- 24/7 traveler support
- Private transfer from the hotel to Bukhara International Airport
What's not included
- International flights
- Dinners
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Services not specified in the itinerary