Silk Road: Tashkent - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand

Departure: March 20, 2027

8 Days / 7 Nights
+
Print

Circuit details

  • International flights with Turkish Airlines in economy class.
  • Domestic flight Tashkent-Urgench in economy class.
  • Airport/hotel/airport transfers.
  • Air-conditioned transportation.
  • 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast.
  • 6 lunches.
  • Local Spanish-speaking guide during visits.
  • Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and historical sites (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary).
  • Travel assistance insurance.

-Visa processing (currently free for tourists with Spanish nationality).

-Tour guide from Spain.

-Drinks during lunches.

-Personal expenses.

-Service tax (€50 per person, payable locally).

-Optional insurance.

-Permits and taxes at historical sites for taking photographs (payable locally).

-Any other service not specified as included.

-International flights: once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Name change not permitted.

-Domestic flight: 100% penalty if cancellation occurs less than 65 days prior.

-Land services:

*From the moment of confirmation, €30 per booking.

*Up to 46 days prior to tour departure: Free cancellation.

*Between 45 and 31 days prior to tour departure: 30% penalty of the total amount.

*Between 30 and 21 days prior to tour departure: 60% penalty of the total amount.

*Between 20 and 3 days prior to tour departure: 70% penalty of the total amount Total.

*Within 48 hours prior to the start of the circuit: 100% penalty.

*In case of NO SHOW: 100% penalty.

-Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 25 passengers. If this minimum is not reached, please consult your Travel Agency regarding any applicable supplements.

-The order of visits may vary, but the itinerary will always remain the same.

-Possible changes to accommodations: If it is not possible to confirm the planned hotels, an alternative will be offered to the client in the same category booked.

-Hotels: Hotels in Uzbekistan are very basic, almost all low-rise buildings without elevators. Hotel categories are based on Uzbek regulations, and most hotels are privately managed and have no star rating. Hotel quality does not correspond to European standards. As a general rule, hotel rooms will be available from 2:00 PM and must be vacated by 12:00 PM on the day of departure. Triple rooms: Triple rooms are practically nonexistent in Uzbekistan. They will always be double rooms and at most will have a rollaway bed or sofa bed for the third person, so we do not recommend them for three adults. Packing tips: We recommend light and comfortable clothing, such as shirts, cotton suits, sun hats, and comfortable shoes for walking in summer. Sunscreen is also recommended. When visiting certain monuments and places of worship, we recommend that tourists wear clothing that covers the head, legs, and arms, especially women.

-Luggage: In case of delay or loss of luggage by the airlines, it is the passenger's responsibility to manage the claim and contact the airline directly to arrange for delivery or any applicable compensation. In Uzbekistan, you must go to the airport to retrieve delayed or lost luggage (unlike in Europe, where the airline takes care of delivering it to the passenger's hotel). Luxotour will not be responsible for any claims related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage.

-People with reduced mobility: Many places, hotels, and transportation options are not wheelchair accessible. Please check and notify us before making your reservation. Any additional expenses for assistance required during the tour will be the responsibility of the client. Special Dietary Requirements: Food intolerances (allergies, celiac disease, vegetarian, etc.) must be communicated before arrival in Uzbekistan. However, it is not possible to guarantee any special diet or menu, as the variety of menus is not very extensive. If such a request is received, the restaurants will be notified so they can try to adapt the agreed-upon menu as much as possible. If the passenger wants something different from what is offered on the menus, they will be responsible for any additional costs that the restaurants may charge. In these cases, the guide will assist passengers whenever possible in finding the best menu options for meals, but it is important to keep in mind that the final responsibility lies with the passengers themselves.

-Tips: We know this is a very sensitive issue, but due to the high demand for the destination and the limited supply of Spanish-speaking guides, professional guides only work with groups where tips are guaranteed. Therefore, to avoid any problems, please note that each passenger will need to tip €45 (per person) upon arrival in the country for the guide, drivers, and porters in hotels without elevators.

-Consumer Withdrawal: The tour is sold as a fixed package, so there will be no refunds or discounts for services that clients choose not to use or cannot participate in due to personal or medical reasons, flight schedules, or other events.

-Conduct During the Trip: In the event of If a passenger's behavior jeopardizes the tour's operation and/or causes inconvenience to the rest of the group or the hotels, they will be forced to leave the tour without any discount or refund for services they are unable to enjoy.

-Credit Card: Hotels generally require a credit card or cash deposit as a guarantee to provide services such as phone calls, extras in bars and restaurants, minibar, laundry, room service charges, etc.

-Personal Documentation and Entry Requirements for Uzbekistan: It is the client's responsibility to be informed about the current entry and exit regulations for the country they are traveling to, as well as to carry the personal documents required by the authorities. Luxotour assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please note that visa, transit, and entry regulations vary from country to country and may be subject to change at short notice.

This program does not have a discount for children.

Day 1: MADRID - TASHKENT

Departure on a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, where you will connect to another flight to Tashkent. Overnight on board.

Day 2: TASHKENT

Arrival at Tashkent International Airport, customs and passport control, and transfer to the hotel (the local guide will be waiting for you outside the airport; you will need to go outside to meet him). Early morning arrival at the hotel for breakfast and to leave your luggage in your room. Afterwards, we depart for our first glimpse of the city, beginning our panoramic tour of the old town: Earthquake Monument, Khasti Imam Architectural Complex (16th-17th centuries), Barak Khan Madrasa, Kafal Shohi Madrasa, and Tilla Mosque. Next, we will visit Chorsu Bazaar, the city's most traditional market, famous for its turquoise dome and lively atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, the panoramic tour will take us to the Soviet-era part of Tashkent: Amir Timur Square, dedicated to the great conqueror and national symbol of Uzbekistan; Opera and Ballet Square, home to the Navoi Theatre, designed by Soviet architect Alexei Shchusev and built between 1942 and 1947. The theatre seats 1,400 and is one of the country's leading cultural centers. Romanov Palace (exterior visit), built in 1891 by architects Geyntselman and Benois, also known as the Palace of Grand Duke Nikolai Romanov, who was exiled there in 1874 after being accused of stealing jewels from the Russian imperial family. We continue to Independence Square (formerly Lenin Square), a 12-hectare esplanade that represents the country's new identity. Here stands the Monument to Independence and Humanitarianism, inaugurated after independence in 1991. Return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 3: TASHKENT - URGENCH - KHIVA

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your local flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, transfer to Khiva, an oasis city nestled in the Kyzylkum Desert, a city with over 2,500 years of history that has witnessed both brutal battles and glorious rebirths. Once in the city of the "Arabian Nights," our panoramic tour begins: the Kalta Minor Minaret, which was intended to be the tallest in the Islamic world at the time, but was left unfinished after the death of Khan Mohamed Amin Khan; the Mohamed Amin Khan Madrasa, built between 1845 and 1855 next to the Kalta Minor Minaret, the largest madrasa in Khiva, which once housed over 250 students. It now operates as a local hotel. Afterwards, we visit Kunya Ark Castle, a 17th-century fortress-palace surrounded by a wall built to protect the khans; Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa, built by a khan passionate about the arts, poetry, and science; Juma Mosque (“Friday Mosque”), whose original construction dates back to the 10th century, although it was rebuilt in 1788. It is one of the oldest mosques in Khiva. Lunch at a local restaurant where we will taste the emblematic Shivit Oshi, a traditional dish that reflects the essence and flavor of the khans' cuisine (included). In the afternoon, we continue with the visits: Islom Khodja Madrasa and Minaret (exterior visit), the tallest minaret in Khiva, an imposing symbol that dominates the cityscape and stands out for its elegant tile decoration; Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, an architectural gem from the 18th-19th centuries, built in honor of the famous poet, craftsman, and invincible warrior Pakhlavan Mahmud (1247-1326). He was venerated as the Pir (patron saint) of Khiva, and his tomb has become a place of worship for the faithful and visitors. Afterwards, we visit the Allakuli Khan Madrasa and Caravanserai: a historical complex that reflects Khiva's commercial and educational importance, where religious instruction and lodging for merchants on the Silk Road were combined. We then visit the Tash Hovli (harem) architectural complex: a second palace commissioned by Allakuli Khan, where we explore the courtyards, the concubines' quarters, and the khan's private chamber, offering an intimate glimpse into court life. After the visit, weather permitting, we will enjoy a magical sunset experience, sitting on a charming terrace to feel the spirit of the city of One Thousand and One Nights while enjoying a glass of wine accompanied by fruit and cheese. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 4: KHIVA - BUKHARA

Breakfast and departure by road to Bukhara. Today we will travel 450 km, a journey of 7 to 8 hours. The trip crosses the Kyzyl Kum Desert (“Red Sands”), one of the largest in Central Asia, where you can observe the arid landscapes characteristic of the ancient Silk Road. The journey offers the opportunity to imagine how the ancient caravans traveled between Khiva and Bukhara, crossing these immense plains. Lunch en route at a simple cafe with a basic local menu. Arrival at the hotel in Bukhara in the afternoon. After a rest following the long journey along the Silk Road, we will depart for a pleasant evening stroll through the charming city of Bukhara, enjoying its magical atmosphere and illuminated monuments. Overnight stay.

Bukhara: Noble, the sacred pillar of Asia. The legendary city of the Great Silk Road.

The only city in Central Asia with nearly 2,000 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you can still feel the ancient atmosphere wandering through the old town.

What will you see today?

Day 5: BUKHARA

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a panoramic tour of the city, beginning with the Samanid Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), where Ismail Samani, the emir who converted to Islam after renouncing Zoroastrianism and making Bukhara one of the great religious and cultural centers, is buried; the Chasmai Ayub Mausoleum and Sacred Spring (14th century), also known as "the Spring of Saint Job," a sacred site believed to have been visited by the prophet Job; the Bolo-Hauz Mosque (19th century, exterior visit), built by order of Emir (King) Shah Murad outside the Citadel Ark for his exclusive use as a Friday mosque; and the Citadel Ark (5th-19th centuries), the residence of the emirs (kings) of Bukhara, a fortress of power and strength. It is the oldest architectural and archaeological monument in the city. The fortress is situated on a 20-meter-high hill. Its surface area is 4.2 hectares. According to popular legends, the epic hero Siyavush, who was treacherously murdered and resurrected, is the founder of the citadel. Lunch at a local house where we will eat the festive national dish, "PLOV." Afterwards, the panoramic tour continues to the Three Markets, this 16th-century domed complex known as the First (Toki-Sarrafon), Second (Toki-Telpakfurushon), and Third Domes (Toki-Zargaron), vaulted enclosures connected to numerous galleries for trade and artisan workshops; Ulugbek Madrasa (15th century, exterior visit) and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasa (17th century, exterior visit); and the Poi-Kalon Architectural Complex, the city's most emblematic complex, which includes the Kalon Minaret, erected in 1127 and representing the history of Bukhara in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Poi Kalon Mosque (12th century) is one of the largest in Central Asia, and the Miri Arab Madrasa (15th century, exterior visit only), which still functions as a Koranic school, is also worth a visit. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 6: BUKHARA - SAMARKAND

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to conclude the visit to the Lyabi Hauz Architectural Complex (16th-17th centuries), the heart of the city, which includes the Kukeldash Madrasa (exterior visit) and the Nodir Devon Begi Madrasa, built around the city's largest pond. Afterward, we visit Bukhara's oldest mosque – the Magoki Attory Mosque (12th century) (exterior visit). Lunch at a local restaurant and departure by road to Samarkand. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy the magic of the Registan night (from the viewpoint), a nighttime visit to Registan Square to enjoy its spectacular music and light show. Overnight stay.

Samarkand, the birthplace of Tamerlane. For more than two thousand years, this city was a key point on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe, as well as one of the main centers of science and culture in the medieval East.

In the 14th century, Samarkand became the capital of Timur's empire and the Timurid dynasty. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its impressive material and spiritual legacy, magnificent monuments of ancient architecture, heritage of important schools of science and art, and national craft centers that have given Samarkand worldwide renown.

What will you see today?

Day 7: SAMARKAND

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a panoramic tour of legendary Samarkand, including the country's most iconic square, Registan Square, and its three grand madrasas: Ulughbek Madrasa (15th century), Shir-Dor Madrasa (17th century), and Tilla-Kori Madrasa (17th century); and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque (15th century), built by order of Timur's favorite wife, Bibi Khanum, to surprise him upon his return from a long military campaign in India. She commissioned the best experts from Central Asia to create the largest and most beautiful temple in the Islamic world. Afterward, we will stroll through the famous oriental bazaar, Siab Bazaar. Lunch at a local restaurant. The city tour continues with a visit to the Ulughbek Observatory (15th century) and its museum. Ulughbek was the governor of Samarkand, Timur's grandson, and renowned worldwide as an eminent astronomer. European astronomers only became aware of Ulughbek's star catalog after its publication in 1648. Considered one of the most influential astronomers and mathematicians of his time, his enormous contribution to astronomy is still recognized today; a lunar crater and an asteroid discovered in the last century have even been named after him. The Shakhi-Zinda Architectural Complex (9th-15th centuries), where the tomb of Qusam Ibn Abbas, Muhammad's cousin who brought Islam to the lands of present-day Central Asia, is located, is a famous pilgrimage site for the Uzbek people. This explains why it is perfectly preserved despite the thousands of worshippers who visit it every day. The Guri-Emir Mausoleum (Tamerlane's tomb, 14th-15th centuries), which means "Tomb of the King" in Persian, contains the tomb of Timur and his family. Amir Timur or Tamerlane (14th century), one of the world's great conquerors, played a significant role in the history of Central Asia and the Caucasus, creating a vast empire with its capital in Samarkand, and founding the Timurid dynasty. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 8: SAMARKAND - MADRID

In the early morning, transfer to Samarkand airport for your Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, where you will connect with your return flight to your city of origin.