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Discover Samarkand's ornate mosques and mausoleums - In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Uzbekistan
Discover Samarkand's ornate mosques and mausoleums  | Lachlan Gardiner
Our guides will show you Samarkand from a different angle - In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Uzbekistan
Our guides will show you Samarkand from a different angle  | Lachlan Gardiner
Enjoying Samarkand's famous sites - In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Uzbekistan
Enjoying Samarkand's famous sites  | Lachlan Gardiner
Citadel Wall in Bukhara - In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Uzbekistan
Citadel Wall in Bukhara  | Maria Visconti

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

Journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on a guided adventure across ancient cities and trade routes.

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
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 5 reviews

15 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: IFA
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 15 Days
Activities
  • 14 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 13 nights hotel
  • 1 night homestay
Meals
  • 14 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 14 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

49kg of CO2-e PP per day

(681kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Connect with local life in comfort, with warm hospitality, and expert local guides in both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
  • Follow the legacy of Alexander the Great across Central Asia, with insights into the conquests that shaped history
  • Step into the Silk Road story, where ornate Islamic schools (madrassahs), lively bazaars, and caravanserais recall centuries of trade in silk, spices, and ideas
  • Journey through diverse landscapes, from Uzbekistan’s desert cities to Tajikistan’s alpine lakes, lush valleys and high mountain passes

Overview

Step into the heart of Central Asia on this in-depth journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, two historically rich countries shaped by centuries of conquest and trade. Trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great, whose empire once spanned from Greece to India. And follow the ancient Silk Road, where caravans carried silk, spices, ideas and cultures between China and the Mediterranean.

With expert local guides in each country, explore some of the oldest cities in the world including Samarkand and Bukhara, where minarets, mosques, and bazaars evoke the splendour of empires past. And venture beyond the well-trodden path to discover Tajikistan’s alpine lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Stay in a traditional village homestay, experiencing the warmth of Central Asian hospitality, with comfortable accommodations throughout.

Whether you’re captivated by ancient history, drawn to the romance of the Silk Road, or simply seek to explore this fascinating crossroads of civilisations, this guided journey offers an unforgettable window into Central Asia.

Itinerary

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On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for dinner. Overnight: Hotel Milan or similar Note the hotel check-in time is 14:00 (2pm). Should you require an earlier check-in before 7:00am - you can book a pre-tour hotel night. Or you can book for the day room rate from 7:00-14:00 which is 50% of the room cost.

Meals: D

This morning we board the high speed train from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand. We won't be able to check in to our rooms until 14:00 but we will leave our main luggage at the hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to sightseeing of Samarkand’s major attractions such as Registan Square considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Being the "heart" of Samarkand and city’s main square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with quite inner courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming azure blue glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Cathedral Mosque Bibi-Khanum, nearby Siab Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Timurid royal family. Train: ~2hrs Overnight: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we head out for more Samarkand sightseeing, covering the remains of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg’ observatory which allowed Samarkand's astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars position. Their outstanding body of work comprised "Zidj -e - Kuragoni", astronomic tables featuring the most exact coordinates of 1018 stars; Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, the resting place of princesses and princes of the Timurid dynasty and aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colors. Both sights are located on the ancient hill from which the city of Marakanda, once conquered by Alexander the Great, majestically dominated the area. We will also get acquainted with the Hellenistic period in the history of Samarkand exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. Overnight: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we check out and head to the train station to board the high speed train once again, this time to Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed to have been founded in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years before the arrival of Alexander the Great. The name Bukhara originates from the Sanskrit word “vihara” which stands for “Buddhist monastery”. The city with its 140 architectural monuments was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow streets, busy bazars and colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age. Train: ~1½hrs Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue our exploration of the ancient walled city of Bukhara. During our two days in Bukhara we'll visit the mausoleum of the founder of the Samanid dynasty the plans of which are based on the geometric pattern of a Buddhist mandala, Bukhara’s citadel belted by massive defensive walls and overlooking the Old City. We will also visit ancient mosques, madrassah and ancient domed bazaars as well as the Summer Residence of the last rulers of Bukhara located in the city’s suburb. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we drive to Shakhrisabz. Along the way we will visit the sights of Nautaka (present day Karshi) located on the banks of the Limpid River (Kashkadarya). In Nautaka, Alexander the Great and his army passed two winters and planned his Indian campaign. Here we will visit Odina Madrassah, the oldest female educational establishment of the region once erected on the sight of Khan’s residence. It is now converted in little local museum. The biggest and the most beautiful mosque of the city, Kok-Gumbaz, built in XVI c. in the basement of the older Namosgokh Mosque and adorned with majolica glazed tiles. upon arrival in Shakhrisabz, we will venture out to explore the burial places of Timurid royalty in their hometown - Shakhrisabz and will explore the ruins of Tamerlan’s summer residence, the Ak-Sarai Palace (1380-1404). Drive: ~4hrs, 265km Overnight: Miraki resort or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we travel to the village of Gilan (50 km via mountain road, 2 hours). The scenic route winds up to the dam and the Gissarak Reservoir, then continues through the grand canyon of the Aksay River. Gilan is located at an altitude of 2000m above sea level and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. According to legend (or perhaps historical fact), part of the population of Kesh (Shakhrisabz) fled here, refusing to submit to the troops of Alexander the Great. The hardworking locals cultivate small plots on steep mountain slopes using donkeys and oxen, plant orchards, grow potatoes, raise bees, and have built extensive gravity- fed irrigation canals. We’ll explore the lifestyle and traditions of the local people, visit a village blacksmith, a watermill, the home of a local artist, and stroll through the exotic settlement. After lunch with a local family, we transfer to Samarkand (170 km, 4 hours). Drive: ~5-6 hrs, 230km Overnight: Malika Prime Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we depart early for Tajikistan (40 km, 1 hour). After completing border formalities, you’ll be met by a local guide on the Tajik side. On the way to Panjakent, we stop at Sarazm – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the earliest proto- cities in Central Asia (approx. 5000 years old). After the tour, we head to the Shing River Valley to visit the famous Seven Marguzor Lakes, also known as the Seven Sisters. These picturesque lakes change color depending on the light. Equally fascinating are the exotic villages located on steep banks and in small valleys between the lakes. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a local resident’s home. By evening, we return to Panjakent – a small town on the banks of the Zeravshan River, the ancient capital of Sogdiana, often called the “Eastern Pompeii,” which was burned during the Arab invasion in the 7th century. Drive: ~3hrs, 120km Overnight: Panjakent Plaza or similar Please note: Border crossings in these regions can be different to what you are used to, and can often have delays. While we do what we can to ensure a smooth crossing our authority in this regard is limited, you will cross on foot between borders, and at times it can be uncomfortable, but necessary to be patient and your guides will be in communication throughout on both sides.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we depart for Dushanbe. We’ll visit the Rudaki Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from various eras, including the famous Afrasiab frescoes. We’ll also stroll through the local bazaar. Then we transfer to the capital of Tajikistan – Dushanbe (250 km, 4.5 hours). Our route follows a scenic mountain road above the valleys of the Zeravshan and Fandarya rivers. We’ll cross the Zeravshan Range via a tunnel and descend into the Varzob Valley. Upon arrival in Dushanbe, the afternoon will be at leisure. Drive: ~4.5hrs, 250km Overnight: Rumi Hotel Dushanbe or similar

Meals: B,L,D

With a rural hinterland of grassy pastures and snow-capped mountains visible from downtown, Dushanbe is a delightful city built around parks, lakes and fountains. Dushanbe's origins stretch back some 3,000 years though the city grew from a village into a city under Soviet rule as the capital for the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, a part of the Uzbek USSR. Today we will spend the day in the Tajik capital and enjoy a city tour taking in Dousti Square, the Samany Monument (to the founder of the Tajik Government), Rudaki Avenue and a historical museum. This evening we’ll enjoy a dinner with traditional folklore show. Overnight: Rumi Hotel Dushanbe or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we leave the city behind and transfer to the legendary Lake Iskanderkul (Alexander's lake) via the picturesque Varzob gorge and Anzob tunnel. Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan's Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195m on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. Today we will hike around the lake and to the “Fann Niagara”, a 40m high waterfall. Picnic by the lake. After lunch we will drive to Saritag village where we will be acquainted with traditions and the daily life of local people. Drive: ~3hrs, 135km Overnight: Local village homestay

Meals: B,L,D

Today we set off for Khujand our route will lay through the mountain pass “Shakhristan”. Along the way we will visit the ancient city of Kiropolis, present day Istravshan, founded by Persian King Cyrus in 7th century B.C. We will explore the old city with its bazaar Kok Gumbaz Mosque (XVI) and Mug hill. After lunch we continue the drive to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata). Drive: ~4hrs, 221km Overnight: Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will get around Khujand and visit its main sights such as Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum and Mosque (XIV-XIX c.c.), Payshambe bazaar and Country estate of Urumkhodjaev family which bears resemblance to the palace of Russian tsars in Petergof. After lunch we commence our drive to the “Oybek” border point and after completing border formalities enter into Uzbekistan. Drive: ~3hrs, 167km Overnight: Hotel Milan or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will get around Tashkent and get acquainted with its main sights: Khast-Imam( Jhazret – Imam) complex including Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Barak Khan madrassah, Muyimuborak madrassah converted in library-museum and housing the world’s oldest copy of the Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). Overnight: Hotel Milan or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today after breakfast, you will be provided with transfer to the airport where your trip concludes. Hotel check-out will be at 12:00. Luggage storage will be available at the hotel should your flight depart later in the day.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 19 Apr 2027 and 19 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 19 Apr 2027 – ends 3 May 2027 (15 days)
  • Departs 23 May 2027 – ends 6 Jun 2027 (15 days)
  • Departs 20 Jun 2027 – ends 4 Jul 2027 (15 days)
  • Departs 18 Jul 2027 – ends 1 Aug 2027 (15 days)
  • Departs 22 Aug 2027 – ends 5 Sep 2027 (15 days)
  • Departs 19 Sep 2027 – ends 3 Oct 2027 (15 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
  • Airport transfers in Tashkent
  • 13 nights in comfortable hotel accommodation on a twinshare basis
  • 1 night in homestay on a multishare basis
  • Expert bilingual guide (different in each country)
  • Entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • Transportation as indicated in the itinerary
  • Medical kit

Not included

  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc
  • Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
  • Still/video camera fees at monuments
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand | ITV
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand | ITV
David Baddiel On the Silk Road: Episode 3 - The Best Smile in Bukhara

Reviews (5)

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A fantastic trip with an opportunity to see the best of both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Our guide in Uzbekistan, Dilshod, was wonderful and really made our trip. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and really wanted us to see as much as possible. We had fabulous meals and stayed in some great hotels. We can't wait to go back and see more.

Lynnette|NSW, Australia
29 Sep 2025
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Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are amazing. The trip was full of both amazing history and landscapes.

Jane|New Jersey United States
15 Jul 2025
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The trip was wonderful overall where the history, architecture and sites were breathtaking in many of the places we visited.

However there are a many things that could have been done better to substantially improve the trip and overall experience. In particular the following areas:

1. The trip was advertised as "in the footsteps of alexander the great and the great silk road". the fact of the matter the trip hardly even addressed these 2 topics and was primarily an immersion in the ancient culture of Central Asia and too many visits to every Minaret and Mosque available. While that was very interesting in the beginning, it got old very quickly.

2. The cities of Bayson and Denau offered nothing at all and were a total waste of time. It would have been a lot more productive and valuable to exclude them and include the City of Termez instead. Whereas the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shahrisabz (to some extent), Dushanbe, Khujand, and Lake Iskanderkul were

absolutely a pleasure to have had the opportunity to visit.

3. Hotels. The hotel choices by the local tour company in Uzbekistan were awful with the exception of those in Samarkand and Bukhara which were as advertised. The rest of the hotels in Uzbekistan including Tashkent were way below par in every category with very uncomfortable beds which consisted of nothing but box springs. On the other hand, the Hotels and Homestay in Tajikistan that were chosen by the local tour company there were absolutely amazing.

4. Food: The fact that the guides had to order for everyone without us even having a choice or looking at a menu was unacceptable, and frankly the food in Uzbekistan was below par in every restaurant we went to, while the restaurants and food in Tajikistan even with the food being preordered was generally good.

4. Program: The program including evening activities in Tajikistan was very well done, while the program in Uzbekistan was definitely way below expectations.

5. Border crossing: the border crossing between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and visa versa was grueling and very painful. as we were dropped off at each border and then we had to walk for a over a mile in insane heat and going from one painful checkpoint to another and stand in what can only be called a scrum at every checkpoint rather than a queue. The experience was awful. You should have figured out a way to have the tour guides move with us from one country to another with the same tour bus rather than switching guides, drivers and busses and having to deal with a border crossing that is essentially not suited for a vacation. I would never go on a tour that would require me to do that again.

Samir|New Jersey, United States
15 Jul 2025
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It was a great trip and i would recommend Central Asia as a destination to anyone. It is a fascinating part of the world with layers of history going back over thousands of years. The local people were very friendly.

J. Allen|Lindfield, NSW
22 Sep 2018
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The sights and sounds of Sammarkand and Bukara, as well as the spectacular grandeur of the Fann mountains made this trip a great introduction to Central Asia, even with long days in the bus to get to these places.

P. Howden|Southbank, VIC

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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