Travel Type
Guided Tours
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Country
Uzbekistan
Exotik Experiences by Intrepid Travel
Since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been redefining the way we explore the world, creating meaningful, positive change through unforgettable small group journeys. From active adventures to comfort and premium experiences, there’s a style (and budget) for every type of traveler. Imagine immersive travel in over 100 countries, intimate groups of 12–14 participants and the insight of a passionate English-speaking local leader bringing each destination to life. Authentic. Responsible. Unforgettable. Now you may contact your travel advisor to arrange your Intrepid departure while benefiting from the full range of Exotik Journeys services. These include personalized assistance, flight arrangements with stopover options, and the possibility to combine additional destinations or countries. We can also help you create a private group experience tailored to you, your family, or your friends.
Tour Specifications
– Group size: 1 to 12
– Minimum age: 15 years old
– Style: Premium (Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders)
– Theme: Explorer
– Physical rating: 2/5 (Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey)
Inclusions
– 9-night accommodation in double occupancy
– 14 meals: 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners
– English-speaking guide
– All transfers in private vehicle or metro in the cities
– High-speed trains: Tashkent-Samarkand and Samarkand-Bukhara
– Domestic flight: Khiva-Tashkent
– Round-trip transfer between the airport and the hotel
– Guided group visits as per the itinerary
– Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
– 24/7 on-ground support
Exclusions
International flights and airport taxes – Visa if required – Beverages – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TASHKENT
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.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Tashkent for 2 nights
Optional Excursions :
Tashkent - Art Gallery of Uzbekistan ($)
Tashkent - Museum of Applied Arts ($)
2
DAY 2 TASHKENT
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. Then, leave behind the spiritual world and venture into the Chorsu Bazaar – 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 Timur Square. With your free afternoon, you may like to visit the striking Kukeldash medressa.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 TASHKENT - SAMARKAND
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.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Samarkand for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 SAMARKAND
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
5
DAY 5 SAMARKAND - BUKHARA
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Bukhara for 2 nights
6
DAY 6 BUKHARA
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.
Meals : Breakfast
7
DAY 7 BUKHARA - KHIVA
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. Arrive in Khiva in the evening, where you’re free to rest and recharge after a long travel day.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Khiva for 2 nights
8
DAY 8 KHIVA
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
9
DAY 9 KHIVA - TASHKENT
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 travelers for a final dinner and say farewell to this spectacular Silk Road country.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Tashkent for 1 night
10
DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM TASHKENT
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 travel agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Tashkent
Hotel Inspira-S
Samarkand
Hotel Royal Samarkand
Bukhara
Converted Jewish House – Feature Stay
Khiva
Arkanchi Hotel
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package |
| Fixed departures 2026-2027 ** Up to 4 departures weekly please contact your travel agent for more details** | Double occupancy |
| June, 2026 | 4190 |
| August, 2026 | 4245 |
| September, 2026 | 4440 |
| October-November, 2026 | 4120 |
| December, 2026 | 4075 |
| January-April, 2027 | 4785 |
| Supplements | |
| Single occupancy or solo traveler | On request |
| Optional excursions | On request |
Product Code: Intrepid (KFPU)
*These are standard rates; however, promotions are available throughout the year. Please contact your travel agent for the latest offers and special deal.
Special Notes
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
Booking Conditions:
– Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due at the moment of reservation.
– Non-refundable final payment due 60 days prior to departure.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Premium Uzbekistan – Detailed itinerary
Premium Uzbekistan – Detailed itinerary
