10-Day Cultural and Historical Journey Through Uzbekistan

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Caravan

Start your morning with a traditional Uzbek breakfast at Caravan, known for its delicious samsa and fresh green tea.
UZS30000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Khast Imam Complex

Explore this significant religious site featuring beautiful madrasahs and the famous Uthman Quran, the world's oldest Quran manuscript.
UZS10000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Plov Center

Enjoy a hearty traditional Uzbek plov, the national dish, served in a casual and lively setting.
UZS40000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Tashkent Metro

Tour the intricately decorated stations of the Tashkent Metro, a unique blend of Soviet architecture and Uzbek art.
UZS3000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Amir Timur Museum

Learn about the history of Tamerlane and his empire through impressive exhibits housed in an ornate building.
UZS15000, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Afsona

Dine on contemporary Uzbek cuisine at Afsona, praised for its elegant atmosphere and fusion flavors.
UZS70000, 1.5h

Day 2: Travel to Samarkand and City Tour

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Samarkand by high-speed train

Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand, a comfortable 2-hour trip.
UZS80000, 2h

10:30am

Check-in and refresh

Check into your hotel and prepare for the afternoon tour.
Included, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bibikhanum Teahouse

Savor traditional Uzbek dishes in a historical setting next to the famous Bibikhanum Mosque.
UZS45000, 1h

1:30pm

Registan Square

Visit the iconic heart of Samarkand, featuring three majestic madrasahs with exquisite tilework and mosaics.
UZS40000, 2h

4:00pm

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Explore the tomb of Tamerlane and admire the stunning architecture and intricate blue domes.
UZS30000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Samarkand Courtyard

Enjoy an evening meal in a charming courtyard setting with traditional music and local specialties.
UZS60000, 1.5h

Day 3: Samarkand Cultural Sights

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Wander through this awe-inspiring burial site with its elaborate tilework and rich history dating back to the 9th century.
UZS35000, 2h

12:00pm

Ulugbek Observatory

Visit one of the oldest observatories in Central Asia, built by the astronomer Ulugbek in the 15th century.
UZS25000, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Old Samarkand Restaurant

Experience authentic Uzbek cuisine in a traditional setting within the city.
UZS40000, 1h

3:00pm

Siab Bazaar

Explore the bustling local market, perfect for buying spices, fresh fruit, and handmade crafts.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Museum of History of Samarkand

Discover artifacts and exhibits detailing the rich history and culture of the city.
UZS20000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Platan

Enjoy a blend of Uzbek and European dishes in a modern restaurant with a garden terrace.
UZS55000, 1.5h

Day 4: Travel to Bukhara and Initial Tour

Bukhara, Uzbekistan on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Bukhara.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Bukhara by train

Take a morning train from Samarkand to Bukhara, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
UZS85000, 3h

11:30am

Hotel check-in and relax

Check into your hotel and freshen up before the afternoon tour.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Minzifa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional dishes such as grilled meats and fresh salads in a cozy atmosphere.
UZS45000, 1h

2:00pm

Lyabi Hauz Ensemble

Explore the charming pool area surrounded by historical buildings including madrasahs and a khanqah.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ark Fortress

Tour the ancient citadel that served as a royal residence and military structure for centuries.
UZS30000, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Dine on traditional Uzbek fare with a modern twist in an ambient setting.
UZS65000, 1.5h

Day 5: Bukhara Heritage Tour

Bukhara, Uzbekistan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Poi Kalon Complex

Visit the iconic minaret, mosque, and madrasah complex, the spiritual heart of Bukhara.
UZS35000, 2h

12:00pm

Madrasa Mir-i-Arab

Admire one of the best-preserved madrasahs in Central Asia, still functioning as an Islamic university.
UZS15000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Old Bukhara Restaurant

Try local specialties such as shashlik and lagman in a warm traditional environment.
UZS40000, 1h

2:30pm

Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum

Visit this beautiful mausoleum reputed to have a holy spring with healing powers.
UZS20000, 1h

4:00pm

Bukhara Carpet Workshop Visit

Observe traditional rug weaving and purchase handmade carpets directly from artisans.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Silk Road Tea House

Enjoy dinner accompanied by live traditional music and tea ceremonies in a quaint setting.
UZS60000, 1.5h

Day 6: Travel to Khiva, Old Town Visit

Khiva, Uzbekistan on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Khiva.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Khiva by road

Embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Khiva through the Kyzylkum Desert with several stops for photos and breaks.
USD50 (private transfer approx.), 6h

2:30pm

Hotel check-in and relaxation

Check into your Khiva hotel and rest after your journey.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Itchan Kala (Old Town)

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by fortified walls, with stunning madrasahs, minarets, and traditional houses.
UZS40000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Terrassa

Dine al fresco with views over the old town, sampling local Khorezm cuisine specialties.
UZS60000, 1.5h

Day 7: Khiva Historical Sites

Khiva, Uzbekistan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring more historical sites.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Kalta Minor Minaret

Visit this striking, unfinished turquoise minaret known for its decorative tile work.
UZS15000, 0.5h

10:30am

Kunya-Ark Citadel

Explore the former Khiva ruler’s fortress with its historic museum and panoramic views from the towers.
UZS35000, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chinar

Experience traditional Uzbek dishes with fresh ingredients and delightful presentation.
UZS40000, 1h

2:00pm

Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum

Visit the mausoleum dedicated to the city's patron saint and renowned poet with elaborate tile designs.
UZS15000, 1h

3:30pm

Museum of Woodcarving and Applied Arts

Discover Khiva's artistic heritage through intricate woodwork and exhibits on local crafts.
UZS25000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Old City Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy traditional dinner with live local music inside the old city walls.
UZS60000, 1.5h

Day 8: Travel to Nurata Region

Nurata, Uzbekistan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel to prepare for the travel day.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Nurata

Travel approx. 4 hours by road to Nurata, a town located near the Nuratau Mountains.
USD40 (private transfer approx.), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at local guesthouse

Sample home-cooked Uzbek dishes typical to the Nurata area in an authentic local setting.
UZS30000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Chashma Spring and Nurata Fortress

Visit the natural spring with reputed healing powers and the nearby ancient ruins of Nurata Fortress.
UZS15000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit village and local market

Experience rural Uzbek life by exploring local craft shops and markets in Nurata town.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a traditional dinner with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and hearty Uzbek recipes.
Included, 1.5h

Day 9: Excursion to Aral Sea Area

Nurata/Aral Sea, Uzbekistan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at guesthouse

Fuel up early with a prepared breakfast for a full day of adventure.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Aral Sea region

Travel approximately 4 hours to reach the Aral Sea area for an environmental and cultural excursion.
USD60 (private transfer approx.), 4h

12:00pm

Visit Mo‘ynoq Ship Graveyard

Explore the haunting ship graveyard, a powerful reminder of the Aral Sea's ecological disaster.
UZS20000, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch picnic near Aral Sea

Enjoy a packed lunch with views of the desert and the remnants of the sea.
USD10, 1h

3:00pm

Tour local museum

Visit the local museum to learn about the Aral Sea’s history, environmental impact, and local communities.
UZS15000, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Nurata

Drive back to Nurata after the excursion, approx. 4 hours.
Included in transfer, 4h

8:30pm

Light dinner at guesthouse

Have a light, simple dinner to end a long day.
Included, 1h

Day 10: Return to Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before departing Nurata.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive back to Tashkent

Embark on the approximately 4 to 5-hour drive back to Tashkent for your departure or onward travel plans.
USD50 (private transfer approx.), 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Tashkent

Have a farewell lunch at a popular local restaurant celebrating Uzbek flavors.
UZS50000, 1h

2:00pm

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Spend your last afternoon picking up souvenirs or visiting any missed Tashkent attractions like the Broadway Alley arts promenade.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Hotel rest or airport transfer

Prepare for your departure with either some rest or head to the airport depending on your flight schedule.
Varies, Variable