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Private, on your own dates · Uzbekistan

Ancient Cities of Uzbekistan

Eight days across all four of Uzbekistan’s great historic cities, flying west to the walled town of Khiva, taking the night train across the desert to Bukhara, and finishing in Samarkand and Tashkent.

The route4 cities.
Loading map…
8 days, 7 nightsDuration
4 citiesWhere you sleep
Hotel accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, in the hotel class you chooseMeals

Twin share · land only, flights extra

Why this journey

Ancient Cities of Uzbekistan is the tour for travellers who want Khiva as well as Bukhara and Samarkand. Khiva sits far to the west, near the border with Turkmenistan, and most short itineraries leave it out; this one flies there on the second morning, so a whole afternoon can be spent inside Itchan Kala, the walled inner town that is preserved almost entire.

Getting from Khiva to Bukhara is part of the experience. The night train crosses the Kyzylkum desert in a private sleeper compartment, arriving after midnight, and the following day is given to Bukhara on foot — Lyabi-Khauz, the trading domes, the Kalyan Minaret and the Ark.

The high-speed Afrosiyob then carries you to Samarkand for two nights, with a day over the Takhta-Karacha pass to Temur’s birthplace at Shakhrisabz and a full day among the Registan, the Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanym and Shakhi-Zinda. An evening train returns you to Tashkent, where the tour began with the old city and Chorsu Bazaar.

Guides in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, the domestic flight, the night train, the high-speed trains, entrance fees and two plov lunches are all included.

Trip highlights

  • 01All four historic cities: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent
  • 02Itchan Kala, the walled inner town of Khiva
  • 03A night train across the Kyzylkum desert in a private compartment
  • 04A day trip over the mountains to Shakhrisabz
  • 05Flight, trains, guides and entrance fees included

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip13 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, in the hotel class you choose
Transport6
  • All airport and railway station transfers
  • All transport during the tour as set out in the itinerary
  • Domestic flight Tashkent–Urgench in economy class
  • Night train Urgench–Bukhara in a private sleeper compartment
  • Afrosiyob high-speed train tickets Bukhara–Samarkand and Samarkand–Tashkent in economy class
  • Private car and driver for the Shakhrisabz day
Entrance Fees1
  • Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums named in the itinerary
Guide1
  • Licensed local guides for the sightseeing named in each day
Visa1
  • Visa support: an invitation letter or e-visa assistance where needed
Meals1
  • Welcome plov lunches at the Plov Centres in Tashkent and Samarkand
Other2
  • A local prepaid SIM card with 40 GB of data per group
  • Round-the-clock assistance from the local team
Plan and pay separately8 items not covered by this fare
Not included8
  • International flights
  • Lunches and dinners other than those named as included
  • Consular visa fees where a visa is required
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance fees in Shakhrisabz, about €6 per person, paid on site
  • Excess baggage on the domestic flight

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

5 go inside0 walk through0 exterior only
On the route5 places
TashkentEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
KhivaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
BukharaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
SamarkandEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
ShakhrisabzEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Uzbekistan

IdealGoodFairAvoid
SepGood

Spring (Mar–May) is the best time — lush, not too hot. Autumn (Sep–Oct) is also excellent for sightseeing.

Samarkand
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
5mm
Tashkent
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
6mm
Bukhara
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
3mm

Private tour

  • This is a private programme for your party alone; the dates are flexible.
  • Prices are per person and fall as the party grows, with a separate rate for one, two and three or more travellers.
  • Children under five travel free and children under ten at half price, sharing with adults.

Trains

  • Intercity legs run on the Afrosiyob high-speed train in economy class unless stated otherwise.
  • Train times are set by Uzbekistan Railways and can move; the programme follows the confirmed timetable for your date.
  • Carry your passport on every train journey — tickets are issued in the passenger’s name.

Dress and etiquette

  • Mosques and mausoleums expect shoulders and knees to be covered; women may be asked to cover their hair at working shrines.
  • Photography inside some monuments carries a small separate fee payable on site.

Hotel classes

  • Standard, Comfort and Comfort Plus differ in the hotels used, not in the sightseeing.
  • Extra nights can be added at the start or end of the tour at a nightly supplement.

Common questions

What is the night train like?

You have a private compartment with berths and bedding for your party. The train leaves Urgench in the early evening and reaches Bukhara just before one in the morning, when you are met at the station and taken straight to your hotel.

What is the baggage allowance on the domestic flight?

Uzbekistan Airways economy tickets usually include 20 kg of checked baggage; the exact allowance is confirmed with the ticket. Excess baggage is paid at the airport.

Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?

Citizens of many countries, including the UK and the EU, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days; others, including Indian passport holders, apply for an e-visa, and visa support is included in the tour. Rules change, so check the current requirement for your passport before booking flights.

Which currency should I bring?

The Uzbek som. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but bazaars and small cafes are cash only; ATMs and exchange desks are easy to find in the cities.

What is the best time of year to go?

April to early June and September to October are the most comfortable. July and August are very hot in Bukhara, often above 40°C, and winters are cold but quiet.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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