Uzbekistan Small Group Tour 2023-2024

8
Days
Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand

Uzbekistan remains the most-visited country in Central Asia, and it’s easy to see why. The country is bursting with ancient architectural wonders, friendly people and mouth-watering food. The fact that it’s small in size makes it possible to visit all the major cities in a short period of time, and you’ll find that while Uzbekistan is growing in popularity among tourists, it has continued to retain an atmosphere of authenticity and simplicity.
On our Uzbekistan Small Group Tours 2023-2024, you’ll travel by plane, train and private car to Uzbekistan’s four most beloved cities: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, where you’ll see world-famous sights, haggle with vendors in the bazaars, and taste each city’s culinary delights. These partially escorted tours of Uzbekistan also take you off the beaten path to overnight in a yurt camp, learn pottery from a local master and travel the lonely desert sands, providing a rich week-long experience in this endearing land.

Arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, where your driver will help you to transfer to your hotel. Hotel check-in begins at noon, followed by a free day in Tashkent. Overnight in your Tashkent hotel.
Meals: none
Optional Activities:
After breakfast you’ll take a Tashkent to Urgench flight from the domestic airport (1093 km, 1 hr 40 min).
Upon arrival in Urgench your driver will meet you at the airport to take you on a tour of Ellik Kala Region (80 km, 1-1.5 hrs). This area holds the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm, historically significant fortresses built during the height of the Kushan dynasty. Your drive will include stops at three major fortresses:
  • Kyzyl Kala Fortress, a remnant of antique history from the Kushan dynasty.
  • Toprak Kala, one of the most unique monuments in all Khorezm due to its size and architecture, which served as the capital of Khorezm in the 3rd century AD.
  • Ayaz Kala, a Zoroastrian complex that holds on of the largest fortresses in Khorezm, with ruins dating from 4th century BC – 2nd century AD.
End your day at a yurt camp, where you’ll enjoy a local meal while stargazing under the desert sky. Overnight at the yurt camp.
(Note: no guide will accompany you on Day 2).
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast drive to Khiva (110 km, 2 hrs), stopping along the way for photos of sand dunes in the Kyzylkum Desert. Check-in to your Khiva hotel around noon and begin your walking tour within Khiva’s Ichan Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit its most famous places:
  • Kunya-Ark Fortress, the inner citadel of Ichan Kala.
  • Kalta Minor Tower – Had construction been completed, it would have been the tallest minaret in Central Asia, yet now its name literally means “the short tower”.
  • Muhammad Amin-Khan, the largest medieval madrassah in Khiva.
  • Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah – one of the largest madrassahs in all of Central Asia.
  • Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque), with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32.5 meters high.
  • Tash-Hauli (Stone Courtyard) Palace, resembling a fortress with high battlements, towers and fortified gates.
  • Pahlavan Mahmud Necropolis - the former religious center of Ichan Kala.
  • Residence of Islam Khodja, the vizier of the last khan. This ensemble includes a madrassah and a minaret with a viewing platform 45 meters high, the highest observation point in town. Climb the minaret yourself to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view!
Overnight at your Khiva hotel.
Tour duration: 6 hours
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, head to the railway station for your morning departure to Bukhara. Your train will take a similar route as that of the Great Silk Road, which also ran through this desert between Khiva and Bukhara. Arrive in Bukhara in the afternoon, where your driver will meet you at the station to take you to your hotel.
Enjoy down time as you explore the old streets of Bukhara, whose alleyways resemble a living depiction of “A Thousand and One Nights”.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Optional Activities:
  • The Bozori Kord Hammam (public bathhouse) was built in the 14th century and has been in regular use ever since. The hammam experience may be one of the most memorable ones of your trip! You’ll immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and, after two days in the desert, will come out cleaner than you’ve ever been. (App. 25 USD).
  • Nodir Devon Begi evening folk-show includes local dances, colorful costumes, a traditional band and even an Uzbek fashion show. (App. 10 USD)
Begin the day by exploring Bukhara on a walking tour with your local guide. Enjoy your private tour of the Old City’s most impressive sights:
  • The Lyabi-Hauz ensemble holds the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara (14-17th centuries) and includes the Khanaka and Kukeldash Madrassahs (16th century), and the Nadir Divan Beghi Madrassah (16th century).
  • Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century), is considered a masterpiece of Bukharin architecture.
  • Four Trade Domes (15-16th centuries): Toqi Zargaron, Toqi Sarrafon,Toqi Telpak Furushon and Tim Abdulla Khan, where you can join your traveling predecessors in purchasing carpets, jewelry, fabrics, ceramics and other handmade souvenirs inside these domes.
  • Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12-16th centuries), consisting of the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Includes an active madrassah, one of the most esteemed Islamic universities of ancient times and a ‘Tower of Death’ minaret where criminals were formerly executed.
  • Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century), these relatively untouched religious schools have remained crudely intact through the passing of time.
  • The Ark Fortress (4th century), the ancient center of Bukharin statehood and currently home to a small museum.
  • Bolo-Khauz Complex, consisting of an artfully decorated 18th century mosque, a minaret and reservoirs that once provided water for the entire city.
  • Samanids Mausoleum (9-10th centuries), the most ancient brick building in Central Asia.
  • Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (Saint Job’s Source, 14th century), once considered a sacred site where a prophet of old caused clear springs of healing water to burst forth from the earth.
Overnight at the hotel.
Tour duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast
Check-out of your hotel after breakfast and begin the day with an excursion to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir.
Drive to Gijduvon (50 km), a small town whose traditional crafts and ceramics have been sought after in Central Asia for centuries due to their quality and colorful, decorative style. You'll take a pottery class taught by a local master.
After lunch, continue driving to Samarkand (240 km, 3.5 hrs). Along the way, stop by the Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai ruins and Sardoba, an ancient reservoir.
Arrive in Samarkand, the capital of Tamerlane's Empire. Check in to the hotel and have a free evening to rest or explore your neighborhood.
Overnight at the hotel in Samarkand.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Optional Activity:
  • Visit the Samarkand Khovrenko Winery, which is over 150 years old and today continues to produce a range of wines, brandy and vodka. The tour includes a wine museum and a special wine tasting room. (App.15 USD)
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your private city tour of Samarkand. Led by your local, professional guide, you’ll visit:
  • Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek.
  • Registan Square, the social and commercial center of Samarkand for centuries and Samarkand’s most famous site today. The square includes three madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century) and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (17th century).
  • A boulevard lined with workshops, souvenir stores and ice cream stands.
  • Siab Bazaar, a multi-level complex where you can shop for souvenirs and sample sweets, fruits and Samarkand’s famous bread.
  • Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Tamerlane for his favorite wife.
  • Shakhi-Zinda, a burial complex built between the 9th-14th centuries. Climb the blue-domed path and explore more than 20 small mausoleums that line the broad alleyway.
  • Ulugbek Observatory, the remains of a 14th-15th century sextant, and its accompanying museum on the astronomer’s life.
After your Samarkand tour you’ll be taken to the railway station to catch your train to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent, a driver will meet you and bring you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Tashkent.
Samarkand City tour duration: 6 hours.
Meals: breakfast
Check-out from the hotel by noon. Your driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight. End of the Uzbekistan Small Group Tour.
Meals: breakfast

Download: Immerse yourself in the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan with our group tour. To assist you in planning your trip, we have prepared a detailed PDF brochure that you can easily download and browse at your leisure. By clicking on the link, you can access the Uzbekistan Small Group Tour 2023-2024 brochure and start planning your next adventure! Get ready to discover the Silk Road and UNESCO sites of Uzbekistan.

Dates & prices

Departure End Deadline Status Price
Apr 8, Sat Apr 15, Sat Completed US$ 890
Apr 22, Sat Apr 29, Sat Completed US$ 890
May 6, Sat May 13, Sat Completed US$ 890
May 20, Sat May 27, Sat Completed US$ 890
Jun 3, Sat Jun 10, Sat Sold out US$ 890
Departure End Deadline Status Price
  • Accommodation based on double/twin room in a B&B, with breakfast (6 nights);
  • Accommodation in a yurt camp, shared room, with lunch, dinner and breakfast (1 night);
  • Transportation on days 2, 3, 6, 7 and all pick-up and drop-off from airports and train stations (1-2 people in sedan, 3-8 in minivan);
  • Private, local English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the sights as per itinerary on days 3, 5 and 7;
  • Economy-class tickets for the Khiva-Bukhara, Samarkand-Tashkent train (on rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, we will replace it with tickets on the regular train);
  • Economy class flight ticket from Tashkent to Urgench (flight times subject to change based upon availability);
  • Pottery masterclass and lunch in Gijduvan;
  • 1L bottle of water per person per day.
  • Tour leader to accompany the travelers for the whole duration of the tour;
  • Full board (lunches and dinners);
  • Costs for the ‘optional activities’ listed on days 1, 4 and 6;
  • Hotel charges for additional services;
  • Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa;
  • Travel insurance;
  • All services not mentioned above as included in the Uzbekistan tour plan price.

Discounts

Experience the splendor of Uzbekistan with an incredible 10% discount! Secure your spot on our Uzbekistan Small Group Tour today and receive this exclusive offer when you invite 2 new travelers to join you on the journey. Join a community of like-minded explorers and a skilled guide to discover the diverse history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of this captivating destination. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to save and create lasting memories. Reserve your spot now and embark on an adventure with OREXCA!

Are you planning to travel to Uzbekistan? Here are some important things to keep in mind before traveling to Uzbekistan Group Tour:

  • Passport and Visa requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your trip. Visitors to Uzbekistan typically need a visa to enter the country. Check with the Uzbekistan embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application process. European countries have a visa free regime for up to 30 days. You may also get an electronic tourist visa at www.e-visa.gov.uz
  • Currency: The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som. It's recommended to exchange money at authorized exchange points or banks to avoid scams or counterfeit bills. You may also get cash from an ATM machine.
  • Climate: Uzbekistan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Travelers should pack accordingly based on the season and region they plan to visit.
  • Language: The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, although Russian is also widely spoken. English is not widely spoken, so it's a good idea to learn some basic Uzbek or Russian phrases.
  • Transportation: Taxis are a common way to get around in Uzbekistan, but travelers should negotiate the fare beforehand. Public transportation is also available, but it can be crowded and confusing for non-locals.
  • Electrical Outlets: The electrical outlets in Uzbekistan are Type C and F, with a voltage of 220V. Visitors may need a plug adapter to use their electronic devices.
  • Country Info: Capital city - Tashkent, Population - 35 million people, Time zone: + 5 hours, International dialing code: +998

Frequently Asked Questions on Uzbekistan Small Group Tour

The fastest and easiest way to arrange your trip to Uzbekistan, by booking a tour package Uzbekistan Group Tour with OREXCA. Going for a vacation to Uzbekistan means an opportunity to discover incredible UNESCO sights and come closer to the Silk Road history. Book your Uzbekistan Group Tour with us and do not waste your time on researching, organizing, and planning. The tour includes trips to top travel destinations, including Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. You’ll also be able to visit some of the best attractions, like Registan Square, Shakhi-Zinda, Lyabi-Khauz, Kalon Ensemble, Hazrat Imam complex and Itchan-Kala. Book a group tour with OREXCA to spend less time planning and more time enjoying.
Your group tour package to Uzbekistan includes everything you need for a fun and hassle-free time in the country. Tour packages normally include reservations at recommended hotels in a central location, a travel plan including visits to top attractions and arrange local guides, and the opportunity to add short tours, tickets, and activities to your daily itinerary. With a tour package you’ll also have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent.
As a general rule, you can dress as you would in your home country. However, when visiting open mosques during sightseeing, it is advisable for women to cover their heads with a light scarf and to wear shorts that extend below the knee.
Ask your guide to get a local SIM card and use mobile internet anywhere. Wi-Fi is usually available at hotels, you can also use wi-fi at a local café.
Violent crime in Uzbekistan is rare, and the country has been politically stable for many years. The most likely annoyance that you will face is merchants and taxi drivers who will try to overcharge you for their goods and services. As with any place you travel, we recommend that you keep your passport and valuables in a safe place and be particularly cautious for pickpockets in crowded areas, such as bazaars.
Uzbekistan offers not only vivid memories and beautiful photographs from your group tours, but also an abundance of inexpensive and high-quality souvenirs, oriental-style household items, and handmade arts and crafts. The variety of souvenirs available in Uzbekistan is extensive, ranging from silk scarves, dresses, and fabrics to jewelry, wooden and metal handicrafts, paintings and miniatures, hand-carved knives, ceramics, local embroidery, and even hand-woven carpets. The price of souvenirs is affordable, with the cheapest items starting at around a dollar, and the most expensive hand-woven carpets costing several thousand dollars.

 

Reviews

No tour reviews have been posted yet.

Customers Review

wonderful holiday in Uzbekistan
Thank you for organizing a wonderful holiday in Uzbekistan. We loved the country and its people. Everything went well and we were very happy with everything. We have no complaints. All the guides and drivers were excellent. Our hotels were also very good. Thank you again.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Hotels - Nukus: Pana hotel, Kala-Ayaz Yurt camp, Khiva: Orient Star, Bukhara: Amelia, Nurata: Uhum village, Samarkand: Antica, Tashkent: ATECA.
Local guides – Tashkent: Marifat, Khiva: Alimardan, Bukhara: Мironshox, Samarkand: Valentina, Fergana: Кamol.
Darvaza gas crater - Turkmenistan
I was looking for a organized tour to Turkmenistan and on google I have found this travel agency. I was a solo travel and I must say that I was a bit scared to go alone to Turkmenistan but Sultan helped all along the procedure. So, the travel agency arranged everything: from the letter of invitation till the contact with a turkmen guide. He gave me all the information I needed and everything was transparent and clear. My travel started from Khiva and I wanted to visit Darvaza gas crater. I have visited also some historic sites in Kounia-Ourguentch.
I can only recommend this travel agency and I guess they organize also different trips in Uzbekistan. Unique experience for me.
Two-Day Fergana Valley Tour
Many thanks for organizing our two trips. We were so pleased to have Khamid drive us again today - he is so friendly and we really enjoyed chatting to him. He’s like a driver and guide in one! The solar furnace was really interesting.
I just wanted to give you a little feedback on the Fergana tour. Both driver and guide were great (the guide gave us lots of detail with good English), and we enjoyed Kokand and Rishton.
View All