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Example Itinerary

Ancient Wonders of Uzbekistan by Train

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Luxury Trains
Destinations
Uzbekistan

On this once-in-a-lifetime nine-day tour, you will discover the beauty and marvels of historic Uzbekistan, the jewel of Central Asia’s Silk Road. Explore capital city, Tashkent, the center of Islamic study and home to towering minarets and porticos and the grave of Tamarlane himself. From there, enjoy the stunning countryside sweeping past the window of your carriage en route to Samarkand with its fragrant bazaars, vast squares and labyrinthine necropolis. Marvel at the architecture of World Heritage sites, Bukhara and ancient Khiva and witness Uzbekistan’s natural wonders, the deserts of Kyzl Kum and the great Amy Darya River.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Sacred Texts: Tashkent's Khast Imam Mosque Library houses the world's oldest copy of the Quran.
  • Ancient Architecture: The Kalyan Minaret of Bukhara was built in 1127 and so impressed conqueror Genghis Khan that he ruled the great minaret be spared while his armies destroyed the city around it.
  • Desert Dining: On the banks of the Amu Darya, one of the longest rivers in Central Asia, you'll stop for a traditional lunch in a local yurt.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

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Tashkent »

Spend your first day acclimating to mesmerizing Uzbekistan in the nation’s capital, Tashkent. Check in to your comfortable hotel and take to the streets to explore the bustling Chorsu Market; in the ‘cultural capital of the Muslim world’, make like a pilgrim and visit the sacred Khast Imam Mosque Library to see the world’s oldest copy of the Quran and marvel at the countless minarets, mausoleums and madrassas.

Hotel Options

Day 2

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Samarkand »

Travel aboard the Afrosiab rapid train from Tashkent to historic Samarkand, the cornerstone of Tamerlane's mighty empire. See the vast and intricately decorated, turquoise-domed Bibi-Khanym Mosque; experience local delicacies in the Sivab bazaar; wander among the fountains of Registan Square and marvel at the architecture of its three stunning madrassas, decorated with mosaics and minarets. Finally visit the final resting place of Tamerlane himself at the mausoleum where lies his entire dynasty.

Hotel Options
Samarkand
Samarkand

Day 3

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Samarkand »

Continue your tour of the wonders of Samarkand with a visit to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis formed over nine centuries; the elaborate mausoleum complex is the burial site of Kusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. Gaze at the sky from the the seat of Islamic astronomical discovery - the 15th-century Ulugbek Observatory and learn ancient paper-making methods at the old paper mill. Round off your day of culture at the theater with a traditional El-Merosi performance.

Day 4

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Bukhara »

Board the train destined for historic Bukhara and enjoy gliding through the majestic Uzbek scenery. After checking into your cosy accommodation, stroll to one of holy Bukhara’s most important sites, the Po-i-Kalyan complex. Its mosque and madrassa surround the skyscraping minaret, which has served as a lighthouse for travelers on the Silk Road and as the site of medieval executions.

Hotel Options
Bukhara
Bukhara

Day 5

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Bukhara »

Continue your exploration of the city-museum with a peaceful stroll around the shady pond at Lab-i-Hauz, framed by three beautiful buildings and take in the intricate mosaic work that covers central Asia’s biggest mosque. Experience local craftsmanship at the Dome of Jewelers and the Dome of Hatters. In Samani Park, be amazed by the architecture of the Ismail Samani Mausoleum - the final resting place of the Samanid Dynasty.

Day 6

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Bukhara »

Before you leave the UNESCO World Heritage site, visit Buhkara’s opulent royal residences, the Baha-ud-Din Naqshband memorial - a sacred site for Sufi Muslims and wander through the winding alleys of Old Mahalla, the Jewish Quarter. The afternoon is yours to relax, we recommend browsing the domed bazaars of the old town to pick up some souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy dinner aboard the comfortable sleeper train as you travel through the night.

Day 7

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Khiva »

Disembark your train at Urgench and meet your driver who will whisk you to ancient Khiva. The inner-city, known as Itchan Kala, is the first part of Uzbekistan to be deemed a World Heritage Site; your tour inside the crenellated walls will take in the 10th-century Djuma Mosque, with its hall supported by 112 columns and the mausoleum of Sayid Alauddin. After a day of wonders, enjoy dinner at Toza Bog, the last Khan’s Summer palace.

Hotel Options
Khiva
Khiva

Day 8

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Urgench

Discover the three hidden fortresses of Ayaz Kala and the crumbling citadel of Toprak Kala, amidst the red sands of the Kyzl Kum Desert, Enjoy lunch in a traditional yurt on the banks of the Amu Darya. After crossing the great river, you will head for Urgench to reboard the train for an overnight journey cross-country to Tashkent.

Hotel Options

Day 9

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Tashkent »

Arrive at your hotel in Tashkent, refreshed from your journey and spend the morning relaxing and strolling around the city. We recommend a visit to the Palace of Prince Romanov with its distinct Russian architectural style. In the afternoon, witness exhibits of authentic Uzbek workmanship in the Museum of Applied Art and plunge into the Art Deco style of Tashkent’s stations.

Hotel Options
Tashkent
Tashkent

Day 10

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Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in Tashkent ahead of check-out. Your driver will meet you at your hotel to take to you Tashkent international airport, ready for your flight home or to your next exciting destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

7 Reasons to put Uzbekistan on your “Go Now” list

7 Reasons to put Uzbekistan on your “Go Now” list

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Remote Lands

There has never been a better time to journey to the cultural centers and sweeping countrysides of Uzbekistan, and we have picked our top seven hotspots to visit before the rest of the world catches on.

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Uzbekistan is Open: Travel the Silk Road with Remote Lands

Uzbekistan is Open: Travel the Silk Road with Remote Lands

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A Silk Road wonder, untouched natural beauty, and fascinating people — Uzbekistan is an underappreciated Central Asia treasure.

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5 Historic Sights To Help You Understand Uzbekistan

5 Historic Sights To Help You Understand Uzbekistan

Author
Richard Collett

Uzbekistan was created by the Soviets in the 20th Century, but the land, the cities, and the people within this country’s borders have a history that stretches back centuries. These sites put modern Uzbekistan in perspective.

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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A Couple from California

A Couple from California

Our guide in Uzbekistan seemed to know everyone wherever we went which made us feel like locals.

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

A couple from California

A couple from California

It was everything we expected and then some. Remote Lands was great and I would definitely use your agency again for another trip

Uzbekistan

A French couple from Dubai

A French couple from Dubai

We would really like to thank the team at Remote Lands for organizing such a perfect holiday for our family

Thailand

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