Following the Caravan Steps

Details
Photos

8 days / 7 nights

Duration

Hotels

Day 1: TASHKENT
(-/-/-)

Flight / Transfer

Arrival in Tashkent

Late-night arrival in Tashkent. Upon arrival at the airport, guests will be met by the tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation. Time to rest and relax after the journey.

Day 2: TASHKENT
(B/-/-)

Tashkent City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, guests will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the old part of Tashkent, offering insight into the city’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to:

Hazrati Imam Complex – the religious center of Tashkent, home to ancient manuscripts and Islamic monuments,

Kukeldash Madrasah – one of the largest and best-preserved madrasahs in Central Asia,

Chorsu Bazaar – a vibrant traditional market reflecting local life and centuries-old trading traditions.

In the afternoon, the program continues with a tour (or a leisurely walking tour, if preferred, approximately 5 km) of the modern part of the city, featuring:

Independence Square – the main ceremonial square of Uzbekistan,

Amir Temur Monument and Park – a symbol of national history and pride,

Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre (viewed from the outside),

Tashkent Metro (Underground) – renowned for its beautifully decorated stations, each reflecting unique architectural themes.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Tashkent.

OPTIONAL: Tickets for the opera or ballet at Uzbekistan’s leading music theater (depending on the program).

Day 3: TASHKENT-SAMARKAND
(B/-/-)

Train

Transfer to Samarkand.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, the sightseeing tour will begin.

Samarkand City Tour

Samarkand, the second-largest city in Uzbekistan, has been a radiant center of culture, science, and trade since ancient times. In the 14th century, the great conqueror Amir Timur (Tamerlane) transformed Samarkand into one of the most magnificent capitals of the world.

The guided tour will start at the iconic Registan Square Complex, the historical heart of Samarkand and one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Central Asia. The square is paved with ancient burnt bricks and cobblestones and is framed by three monumental madrasahs, which once formed one of the most important centers of education and science in the medieval East.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – the majestic dynastic tomb complex originally built for Muhammad Sultan, the grandson of Amir Timur, and later becoming the burial place of Amir Timur himself and his descendants.

The tour continues with visits to:

During the tour, guests will also view the magnificent Bibi-Khanum Mosque, commissioned by Amir Timur and renowned for its monumental scale and distinctive architectural design, reflecting the grandeur of his reign.

Siyab Bazaar – a lively traditional market where guests can experience local flavors and everyday life,

Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis – a remarkable ensemble of mausoleums forming a sacred pilgrimage site.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

OPTIONAL: Registan laser show

Day 4: SAMARKAND
(B/-/-)

Samarkand – Continued Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel.

The third day of the tour will be dedicated to further exploration of Samarkand and its surroundings.

In the morning, guests will visit the Ulugbek Observatory (15th century) – the remains of the famous astronomical observatory founded by Ulugbek, a renowned ruler and outstanding astronomer of his time.

Afrosiyob Museum and Archaeological Site, once the heart of ancient Samarkand. Today, it is a unique archaeological complex showcasing the remains of the early settlement, along with museum exhibits illustrating the city’s origins and development over centuries.

The tour then continues to the Koni Ghil Meros Paper Factory, where guests can observe the traditional handmade paper production process. This workshop preserves ancient techniques used since the Silk Road era, offering insight into one of Samarkand’s historic crafts.

At the evening time walking through Samarkand Eternal City.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

OPTIONAL: Wine tasting in Samarkand

Day 5: SAMARKAND – NURATA – YURT CAMP
(B/-/D)

Breakfast. Transfer to Nurata (approx. 186 km, approx. 3 hours), visit to the Chashma complex and ruins of the fortress built by Alexander the Great in 327 BC.

Continue to the yurt camp. In the evening, enjoy songs by nomadic singers Akyn around the campfire under the starry sky.

Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt (4-6 people per yurt).

Day 6: YURT CAMP – AYDARKUL – BUKHARA
(B/-/-)

Breakfast. Transfer to Lake Aydarkul (approx. 4.5 km). If desired, this route can be traveled by camel. Picnic on the shore of the lake. If the weather is good, there will be an opportunity to swim. Afternoon drive to Bukhara (approx. 230-260 km, approx. 4 hours).

Overnight stay in Bukhara.

OPTIONAL: Camel ride from yurt camp to Lake Aydarkul

Day 7: BUKHARA
(B/-/-)

Bukhara City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

Bukhara, often referred to as “Noble Bukhara” and the “City of Pilgrims,” is one of the most spiritually significant cities of Central Asia. An ancient saying reflects its sacred status: “Everywhere else in the world, light descends from the sky, but in Bukhara, it rises from the earth,” symbolizing the presence of great Sufi sheikhs whose final resting places are found here.

Guests will enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Bukhara, including visits to:

Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble – a harmonious architectural complex centered around a historic pond,

Maggoki Attori Mosque – one of the oldest mosques in the region, dating back to pre-Islamic times,

Historic Trading Domes, once key commercial centers along the Silk Road:

Sarrafon – the money changers’ dome,

Telpak Furushon – traders of traditional Astrakhan hats,

Toki Zargaron – the goldsmiths’ trading dome,

Kosh Madrasah Complex, comprising the Ulugbek Madrasah and the Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, standing opposite each other as masterpieces of Islamic architecture.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to:

Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, including the Kalyan Mosque, the iconic Kalyan Minaret, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (active),

Ark Citadel – the ancient fortress and former residence of the rulers of Bukhara,

Samanid Mausoleum – a unique example of early Islamic architecture,

Chashma Ayub Mausoleum – a sacred site associated with legends of the prophet Job.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Optional: Tea break at a traditional teahouse during the sightseeing tour.

Day 8: BUKHARA
(B/-/-)

Bukhara – Suburban Excursions

Breakfast at the hotel.

The first half of the day will be dedicated to a visit to the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara – Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace (19th century), located outside the city. This elegant complex combines traditional Eastern architectural elements with European influences and offers insight into the lifestyle and court culture of the Bukharan emirs.

Later, guests will proceed to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Uzbekistan. The ensemble houses the burial place of Khazrati Mohammad Baha-ad-Din Naqshbandi, the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, and remains a place of deep spiritual significance for Muslims from around the world.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own.

Overnight stay in Bukhara (or continue with onward travel).

OPTIONAL: Folklore show in Nadir Devan Begi Madrasah.

Day 9: BUKHARA- KHIVA
(B/-/-)

Breakfast.
Early start and long drive to Khiva through the Kizilkum Desert (approx. 500 km, approx. 8 hours). Photo stop at the Amudarya River. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Overnight stay in Khiva.

Day 10: KHIVA – URGENCH – TASHKENT
(B/-/-)

Khiva City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

Khiva, with its well-preserved Ichan-Kala (Inner City), is a remarkable open-air museum that enchants visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and timeless beauty. Surrounded by ancient walls, the city offers a unique journey into the past, where daily life unfolds amid centuries-old monuments.

Guests will enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Khiva, including visits to:

Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah – the largest madrasah in Khiva and a striking example of Khorezm architecture,

Kalta Minor Minaret – the iconic unfinished minaret, instantly recognizable by its glazed turquoise tiles,

Kunya Ark Fortress – the former citadel of Khiva’s rulers, serving as the political and administrative center of the city,

Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud – a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Khiva’s patron saint,

Said Alauddin Mausoleum – one of the oldest monuments in Khiva.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to:

Juma Mosque – famous for its forest of intricately carved wooden columns,

Tash-Hauli Palace and Harem – the richly decorated residence of the Khivan khans,

Islam Khoja Ensemble – featuring Khiva’s tallest minaret and madrasah,

Allakuli Khan Madrasah – an important educational center of the 19th century.

Transfer to Urgench airport by evening time.