Uzbekistan: A Tailor-Made Journey along the Silk Road

Arrive at Urgench Airport, where your private driver and guide will greet you for the short journey to Khiva. Enclosed within formidable walls, Khiva’s old town—Ichon-Qala—is a living museum of Islamic architecture and Silk Road history. Settle into your accommodations and begin absorbing the atmosphere of this ancient desert outpost.

Spend the day exploring Khiva’s labyrinthine alleyways and sun-drenched courtyards with your private guide. Marvel at the turquoise-tiled Kalta-Minor Minaret, the elegant Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden columns, and the richly decorated madrassahs that once welcomed scholars and merchants from across Central Asia. (B)

Enjoy a day at leisure to continue your exploration of Khiva. Smithsonian Journeys recommendations include visiting artisan workshops, climbing the city walls for panoramic views, or simply soaking in the timeless ambiance of this UNESCO-listed site. (B)

Depart Khiva for a full-day drive across the Kyzylkum Desert, tracing the path once traveled by caravans. En route, cross the mighty Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia’s great waterways. Arrive in Bukhara, the “Holy City,” and settle into your accommodations in the heart of the old town. (B)

Explore Bukhara’s storied monuments with your guide, including the Ark Fortress—where British envoys met a tragic fate in 1848—and the serene Kalyan Minaret, which has stood watch over the city for nearly a millennium. Discover the city’s role as a center of Islamic learning and Sufi mysticism. (B)

Depart Bukhara for Samarkand, stopping en route in Shakhrisabz, birthplace of the great conqueror Amir Timur. Visit the ruins of his Ak-Saray Palace and learn about his legacy as a patron of architecture and empire-building. Arrive in Samarkand later this afternoon and settle into your hotel. (B)

Spend the day exploring Samarkand’s architectural wonders with your guide. Highlights include the majestic Registan Square, the Shah-i Zinda necropolis, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. With its grand boulevards and monumental scale, Samarkand offers a distinct contrast to Uzbekistan’s other cities. (B)

Enjoy a day to explore Samarkand at your own pace. Browse the city’s bustling bazaar, admire intricate tilework, or visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a testament to the region’s scientific achievements during the Timurid era. (B)

Board Uzbekistan’s efficient high-speed train for the journey to Tashkent. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided afternoon tour of the capital’s highlights, including Independence Square, the Khast Imam complex, and the Museum of Applied Arts. (B)

Your private driver will escort you to Tashkent Airport for your onward flight, concluding your journey through the cultural and historical heart of Central Asia. (B)

Consider adding to your trip with additional nights in or Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan. Please call for details.