From CAD 3,380
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.
Highlights
- Travel with a local leader who will share the magic of Uzbekistan's ‘holiest city’ in Bukhara, tell the ancient tales of historic Khiva and guide you through the extraordinary architecture of Samarkand.
- Uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy and its contemporary culture. Explore the vast Chorsu Bazaar and embrace the hustle and bustle of one of Asia's oldest markets.
- Stay within the walls of Uzbekistan’s history during a historical Feature Stay in an old Jewish house converted into a boutique hotel in Bukhara.
- Understand local life through food by joining a local family in Samarkand for a cooking class, where you’ll learn about the popular Central Asian rice dish of plov. Then, enjoy a taste of Khorezmian culture during a family cooking class in Khiva.
- Dig into Samarkand’s cultural heritage on a visit with a local artisan – one of the few people in Central Asia who continues to produce paper using a 1000-year-old method. Then, indulge in a few drops at the Bagizagan winery, considered the best wine producer in Uzbekistan.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2206
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Metro,High-speed train,Plane
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: KFPU
Starts: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Finishes: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3380 (CAD 338 /day)
Itinerary
Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. Your adventure begins in the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent. The mix of Russian and Uzbek style is an indication that for many years, it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and new, sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe take a walk to see some of the contemporary architecture that sets this city apart from many other Silk Road destinations. After your meeting, join your group for a welcome dinner at an excellent local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek food such as laghman noodles, norin noodles and fried dumplings.
Included Activities:
- Tashkent - welcome dinner
Optional Activities:
- Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (50000 UZS)
- Tashkent - Art Gallery of Uzbekistan (20000 UZS)
- Tashkent - Museum of Applied Arts (25000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Inspira-S or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore Tashkent on a city tour with your leader. First, make your way to the Khast Imom Complex, which includes the Barak Khan medressa (a college for Islamic instruction), the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, the Quran Library and the Mosque, which holds one of the oldest and holiest Korans in the world. Then, leave behind the spiritual world and venture into the Chorsu Bazzar – one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and with your leader on hand to bridge any language gaps, you’ll soon find yourself chatting to many locals. Your leader will show you some of Tashkent’s beautiful metro stations, then you’ll finish the tour at Amir Temur Square. With your free afternoon, you may like to visit the striking Kukeldash medressa.
Included Activities:
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
- Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Metro tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel Inspira-S or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Early this morning, take a high-speed Afrosiab train to the ancient Silk Road hub of Samarkand. The city has long been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army, leaving behind a rich and complex history. When you arrive, stop by the gorgeous remains of the Ulugbek Observatory – built by a Muslim prince, your leader will explain how this unpopular ruler had a controversial passion for astronomy. After, explore the Afrosiab Museum – home to a treasured 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman. Then, head to the workshop of a local artisan in Konigil to discover one of the few people in Central Asia who continues to produce paper using a 1000-year-old method. This village is home to the Meros paper mill, founded by well-known masters, the Mukhtarov brothers. Thanks to their efforts, the local factory revived an ancient tradition based on old Samarkand technologies. You'll also see a ceramics workshop, then you can enjoy a free evening to explore Samarkand at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Samarkand - Handmade paper workshop
- Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum
- Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
- Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory
Accommodation:
- Hotel Royal Samarkand or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll dig deeper into Samarkand’s fascinating cultural heritage with your leader. First, visit the holy Shah-i-Zinda complex – the so-called ‘Town of the Dead’ necropolis, with more than 20 beautifully decorated unique buildings. Then, head to the Gur Amir Mausoleum. Your leader will tell you all about the mighty ruler Timur, as this is his final resting place. Stand on the iconic Registan Square with three mosaic-adorned madrassas towering over you, then explore the Siob Bazaar, full of bustling stalls and friendly local traders. This afternoon, head out of the city to the Bagizagan winery, considered the best wine producer in Uzbekistan. Get a special insight into the production of Uzbek wine and try a few drops for yourself. In the evening, you’ll have the intimate Uzbek experience of joining a local family for a cooking demonstration on the traditional meal ‘plov’. Uzbek men pride themselves on their ability to prepare the most unique and delicious plov (a tasty rice dish cooked over an open flame in a traditional cauldron) and you’ll sit down to share some over dinner.
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Uzbek Bagizagan winery visit and tasting
- Samarkand - City tour
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Registan Square
- Samarkand - Siob Bazaar
Accommodation:
- Hotel Royal Samarkand or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll make your way to the holy and historic city of Bukhara on a high-speed train. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city and is home to monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD. When you arrive, you’ll take a tour of some of the sites with your leader. Head out to see some of the monuments – the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations gives you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum and the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. After, head to your Feature Stay in a converted Jewish House. Historic and authentic, these houses are interestingly decorated and there’s much to explore here. This evening, head out to dinner at a local restaurant, then you’ll enjoy an Uzbek folklore and music performance at one of the city’s madrasses.
Included Activities:
- Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop
- Shofirkon - Uzbek village and silk suzane making family visit
- Bukhara - Folklore & music performance
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Complex
- Bukhara - Chashma Ayub Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Accommodation:
- Converted Jewish House (feature stay) or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll continue to explore Bukhara with your leader. After breakfast, visit the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress and the imposing Poikalon complex. Taki Zargaron and the trading domes near here still offer a colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills and share a joke or two with local craftsman and merchants. Visit the central Lyabi-Hauz complex and its surrounding areas, which you may want to revisit during twilight hours. Then, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore at your own pace – your leader will always be on hand with great recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque
- Bukhara - Chor Minor
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque
- Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
- Bukhara - Lyabi Khauz Complex
- Bukhara - City tour
Accommodation:
- Converted Jewish House (feature stay) or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely morning in Bukhara, visit Sitorai Mohi Hosa – the summer Palace of Alim Khan, Uzbekistan’s last emir. Your leader will share stories of the emir’s extravagant lifestyle as you explore the luxuriously decorated compound. Then, say your goodbyes and drive to Khiva. You’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert) – the largest desert area in Central Asia that has long been inhabited by various nomadic people. Along the way, you’ll stop for photos, lunch and a walk in the desert to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. Stop at a few viewpoints along the way, then arrive in Khiva in the evening, where you’re free to rest and recharge after a long travel day.
Included Activities:
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
Accommodation:
- Arkanchi Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a full day to explore Khiva with your leader. This city is well preserved and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the Old City. Your leader will guide you through the ancient monuments, including the turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret, the Khan museum, the 17th-century Juma Mosque and the Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa. Visit the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress, and look over the city from the hill of the Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform. Finish with the tranquil 19th-century Tosh-Hovli Palace. Later, head to one of the city’s roof terraces for a glass of champagne as you watch the sunset. Tonight, join a cooking class and learn the secrets of Khorezmian cuisine. Make traditional dishes like shivit oshi (green noodles) and tuhum-barak (egg dumplings) then tuck into your creations for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
- Khiva - Juma Mosque
- Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
- Khiva - Kunya Ark
- Khiva - Kalta Minor Minaret
- Khiva - Sunset drinks
- Khiva - Muhammad Rahim-khan Medressa
- Khiva - Muhammad Amin-khan Medressa
- Khiva - Khorezmian cuisine cooking class
Accommodation:
- Arkanchi Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Transfer to the airport in the morning for a flight to Tashkent. Admire the facade of the Navoi Theatre, named for one of the nom de plume’s of Ali-Shir Nava’I – a 16th-century writer and mystic. The multi-arched building was partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Next, take a walk down the buzzing Broadway Alley, where there’s always something happening. Take some time to wander the street lined by shady trees and works from local artists. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a final dinner and say farewell to this spectacular Silk Road country.
Accommodation:
- Hotel Inspira-S or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to spend some more time in Tashkent, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sigrid - Traveled, April 2024
I loved Uzbekistan! I found out so much about this part of the world, I has no Idea how thriving and modern Tashkent is , its safe and so clean and the people just get on with their life. Just book you will love it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Virginia - Traveled, March 2024
This is an excellent trip. There are some long days but what you get to see and hear about Uzbekistans history is fabulous. Uzbek people are very welcoming and helpful. I really enjoyed the food as well. The wine tasting was heaps of fun with our group as we all connected really well. Our guide Farhoud was very helpful, easy going and very knowledgeable about Uzbekistan and explained its history that was easy to understand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Anush - Traveled, March 2024
Our guide Farhod made our trip both excellent and memorable with his extensive historical and contemporary knowledge of Uzbekistan. The history and current context of this place is both fascinating and nuanced, and often complicated, and he made that all easy to digest, which added to every site that we saw. AND the sites were SUPERB. The architecture and culture is awe-inspiring and well worth visiting for. The only draw back was some of the accommodations were not up to a premium standard, maybe something to consider if you are leaning heavily into that aspect of the trip, otherwise Uzbekistan is very much worth traveling to!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Rosalyn - Traveled, November 2023
A fascinating country brought to life by our very informative guide, Lochin. This tour is very varied in terms of cities visited and accommodation, don’t expect luxury or spacious rooms but the locations are wonderful. Group meals were authentic and tasty. Make sure to dip out of freetime group lunches if you want to have some precious free time as otherwise the guide has arranged lunch for everyone. Go now before the tourists start coming, it was a joy to travel without crowds.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Jessica - Traveled, November 2023
Uzbekistan is a wonderful destination that exceeded all my expectations. Incredible architectural gems and the friendliest people I have encountered traveling. Lochin was a fantastic guide and made our trip so smooth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Angie - Traveled, October 2023
This was our first trip with intrepid and it won’t be our last. Our guide was first class and the sights were incredible. The cultural immersion added an extra dimension.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Colleen - Traveled, October 2023
The premium tour of Uzbekistan was excellent. Our guide, Lochin, was knowledgeable, organised and supportive of all tour participants. He made everything easy. The tour itself was fast-paced and interesting and there were a number of awe-inspiring sites on the itinerary. While there were some long travelling days, overall the tour was great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Jane - Traveled, October 2023
A fantastic trip in every way. Uzbekistan is extraordinarily beautiful, and our tour leader Lochin absolutely made the trip - extremely knowledgeable and endlessly enthusiastic, he went above and beyond for us every single day, and made an already great adventure an unforgettable one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Julianne - Traveled, October 2023
Uzbekistan is an amazing country. However, this trip is not a premium trip at all. I do not believe that it is tailored to the interests or values of Intrepid travellers at any price point. I’ll go back on my own and have a much better time - for less than half the price. Intrepid should go back to its roots and spend more time assuring quality and consistency amongst what it is selling versus what it is delivering via operators. I do not recommend this tour at all because the quality control and oversight are too poor at the moment to guarantee that you will receive that “4.9 star” offering that you were sold. Uzbekistan is friendly, safe, and beautiful. You don’t need a fake premium offering to unlock it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Lisa - Traveled, October 2023
I cannot recommend Uzbekistan as a destination enough, but if you go there, go with with Jonny from Intrepid, and you won’t be disappointed. Being in a small group was just the best way ever to see such an amazing place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Diana - Traveled, October 2023
Fantastic and comprehensive overview of a storied land, so many awe inspiring sights. Our guide was the best I've ever had for a multi-day trip, and I'll be reflecting on this journey for a long time to come!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Nicholas - Traveled, October 2023
Uzbekistan is a must-visit destination! So many historical sites to see; warm, friendly and hospitable people; and delicious food (bread, salads, soups, grilled meat, plov) served both in restaurants and private homes (a unique experience!). Our tour guide (Lochin) provided us with just the right balance of historical information and stories and with a great sense of humour as well. Lots of opportunities for handicraft shopping as each city has unique items to purchase to add to the memories of a wonderful destination. This trip will live long in my memory!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Helen - Traveled, October 2023
Super interesting place to visit. The trip was made easy by our wonderful guide. Lots of included activities and my knowledge of this place has grown massively thanks to our experienced tour leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Andrew - Traveled, October 2023
Terrific guide generally managed to expertly balance visiting a lot of sites, with ensuring that clients had a meaningful and unhurried experienced. Generally, clean, modern and well-staffed accommodation, though could have been better located in Tashkent and Khiva.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Lura - Traveled, October 2023
Not a premium trip but an interesting one. Be prepared for grueling days with little free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Justin - Traveled, October 2023
Uzbekistan is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. If you love photography, architecture, meat, and carbs, Uzbekistan is the place for you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, September 2023
Uzbekistan is a wonderful trip full of history and culture. Beautiful architecture and colours and friendly people. The country is changing at phenomenal speed with new hotels being built so go now before it changes beyond recognition.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Dennis - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent well organised holiday. Tour guide very, knowledgeable and imparted a great love of his country's history and culture. The country has much to offer and people very welcoming.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, September 2023
Premium Uzbekistan took us into the heartland of Central Asia and dazzled us with incredible beauty, delicious food, friendly local people, art, craft, culture and history. We were welcomed and immersed into the magic of Uzbekistan. A truly unforgettable experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Kathy - Traveled, September 2023
Great country to visit and would highly recommend Lochin our Tour Director was outstanding and went above and beyond on numerous occasions. Just a fabulous fellow Sorry to say some on the accommodations are not really up to the Premium level.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
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