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 combining 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 bear witness to the cultural heritage and history of the great empires of Central Asia. Through your visits, you also discover artisanal know-how, local traditions and Uzbek hospitality, for an authentic and human experience at the heart of a still-preserved country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight to Tashkent
You join the airport for check-in and boarding formalities. A dedicated assistance accompanies you through these final steps before your flight to Tashkent.
Dinner and night on board.
Welcome to Ouzbékistan!
Airport reception and transfer to your hotel.
You arrive in the morning in Tashkent, where historical heritage and contemporary neighborhoods stand side by side. Your discovery begins in the old town, then continues to the Victory Park, a place of remembrance, and to Independence Square. You then visit the Kukeldash Madrasah before exploring the aisles of the Chorsu Bazaar.
In the afternoon, you discover the Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent and its collections of decorative arts, ceramics and traditional costumes. You head to the Abdul Kasim Madrasah, today dedicated to local craftsmanship, then to Amir Timur Square. The day ends with a discovery of the Tashkent Metro and its decorated stations.
Flight to Urgench
To Urgentch
You discover Itchan Kala, the inner city surrounded by brick ramparts. The visit takes you to Ota Darvosa, one of its access gates, then to the Mohammed Amin Khan madrasah and the Kalta Minor minaret, recognizable by its decoration.
Through the Kyzylkoum Desert
Departure at 8:30 AM, you take the road from Khiva to Boukhara. You first cross the villages of the Khorezm region, then the landscapes open onto the expanses of the Kyzylkoum desert, whose name means "red sand", and the Aral Sea region. These horizons evoke the caravans that once traveled the Silk Road.
A photo stop allows you to enjoy the desert landscapes. You then have lunch in a chaykhana, traditional café in the heart of the steppe, before resuming your journey. Arrival in Boukhara in late afternoon.
Exploration of the old city of Bukhara
You spend the day discovering the old city of Bukhara, a former stop on the Silk Road. The visits take place on foot, mainly in the Chakhristan, in the heart of the city. You start with the Ismail Samani mausoleum, built between the 9th and 10th centuries and considered the oldest preserved monument in Bukhara. You then visit the Chashma Ayub mausoleum, a pilgrimage site associated with a sacred spring, then the Bola Khaouz complex, composed of a mosque and a basin. The discovery ends at the Ark citadel. Overlooking Registan square, this former residence of the emirs was the center of Bukhara's political and administrative power.
Route to Samarkand
After breakfast, you leave Bukhara at 8 a.m. to reach the village of Abou-Abdulloh-Guijdovani-Guijdovan, renowned for its artisanal ceramics and traditional craftsmanship.
You then continue your journey to Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane's empire and a stop on the Silk Road. Upon your arrival in the afternoon, you discover the Gour Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane rests, then the Registan Square. At the heart of this architectural complex stand three madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Sher Dor, and Tilya Kori.
Exploration of Samarkand and return to Tashkent
Former capital of Tamerlane, Samarkand is located at the crossroads of the Silk Roads that connected Persia, China and India. You continue your discovery of the city at the Ulugh Beg Observatory, dedicated to astronomy, then at the Shahi Zinda necropolis, a collection of mausoleums decorated with blue mosaics. You then visit a silk carpet workshop to discover weaving techniques, before exploring the Syab market and heading to the Bibi Khanum Mosque. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic center or discover its craft shops at your own pace.
Around 4 p.m., you are transferred to the station to take the high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon your arrival at 7:15 p.m., transfer and check-in at the hotel.
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.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Uzbekistan for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned exit date from the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Uzbekistan.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry to the territory. Beyond this duration, a visa must be obtained in advance, in particular via the official online visa application portal of the Uzbek authorities.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or an invitation from a private individual or registered establishment.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Uzbekistan is required to register with the local authorities within three business days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation facility. In the case of staying with a private individual, the traveler must ensure that the host completes this procedure with the competent registration office.
keep the registration documents issued by each accommodation throughout your stay,
present these documents when crossing the border upon exit from the territory.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland and Canada. However, health authorities recommend updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) and consulting with a doctor or international vaccination center before departure regarding any specific recommendations (hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.).
It is advisable to take out repatriation and medical assistance insurance before departure, as medical facilities may be limited in certain regions of the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be informed, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
