Premium Uzbekistan: Explore the Silk Road Cities

Comfortable, modest clothing is a good choice when travelling in Uzbekistan, particularly when visiting religious and cultural sites. Lightweight layers work well, along with comfortable walking shoes, as we spend plenty of time exploring the Silk Road cities on foot. A light warm layer is useful for cooler mornings and evenings.

April and September avoid the extremes of Uzbekistan’s hot summers and cold winters. April is generally mild to warm, around 18-25C/64-77F during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings and occasional rain. September is typically warmer and drier, with daytime temperatures around 25-32C/7790F early in the month. Layers are recommended for both departures.

We use a combination of private air-conditioned vehicles, rail and an internal flight, allowing us to cover considerable distances comfortably. The itinerary includes a flight from Tashkent to Urgench, rail from Khiva to Bukhara and the high-speed Afrosiab train from Bukhara to Samarkand.

Yes. While this is an Adventure Touring trip rather than a walking holiday, exploring Uzbekistan’s historic cities involves a good amount of walking. Khiva, Bukhara, Tashkent and Samarkand are explored extensively on foot, including old towns, bazaars, monuments and historic precincts, so comfortable walking shoes are important

Yes. Joining a small group can be a great way to experience Uzbekistan when travelling solo. If you’re happy to share, we can arrange twin-share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If we’re unable to match you, a single room is provided at no additional charge. A single supplement is also available if you prefer to guarantee your own room.

Uzbekistan is a welcoming destination with a rich Islamic and Central Asian heritage. We visit mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums and pilgrimage sites during the trip, so dressing respectfully is important. Your local guide will also help with cultural etiquette along the way, making it easy to understand what is appropriate in the places we visit.

Yes. An experienced English-speaking local guide accompanies the tour, bringing context to Uzbekistan’s history, architecture, culture and contemporary life. In Tashkent, we also spend part of the day with a specialist architecture guide, providing another perspective on the capital’s distinctive buildings and Soviet-era design.

It combines Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road sights with carefully selected boutique accommodation and experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing. Along the way there’s a cooking masterclass, lunch with an eight-generation family of ceramicists, a traditional hammam, winery visit and tasting, live performances and memorable dining, while still allowing time to enjoy the hotels and explore independently.

The trip uses a carefully selected collection of boutique and historic hotels, chosen for their location and individual character. We stay several nights in each of the major Silk Road cities rather than changing hotels every night, giving you time to settle in and enjoy each destination. Properties listed in the itinerary may be substituted with an equivalent standard if necessary.

Yes. Although there is plenty included, the itinerary has been designed with some breathing space. There are opportunities to explore independently or relax at the hotel, including free time in Khiva, as well as evenings when you can choose your own restaurant and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Uzbekistan’s currency is the Uzbek som. While cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, cash can still be useful for smaller purchases, markets and local businesses. We recommend carrying some local currency and not relying entirely on cards. Your guide can advise on accessing or exchanging money during the trip.

Wi-Fi is generally available at our hotels, although connection speeds and reliability may vary. Mobile coverage is also available in the main cities we visit. While you should be able to stay in touch during the trip, it’s worth remembering that internet access may not always be as fast or consistent as you are accustomed to at home.