We meet in Tashkent at 09:00 on Day 1. The exact point is given in your written confirmation.
Uzbekistan Small Group Tour: 5 Days
Updated:
Five days in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand
A short first visit to Uzbekistan with city sightseeing and travel arranged together. Local English-speaking guides lead the visits; you travel between cities without a permanent escort.
USD 700 per person sharing a double or twin room; USD 800 in a single room. These fares apply to the published departures starting in 2026 and are valid until 31 December 2026. International flights are separate.
Your five days at a glance
- Route: Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent. Five days, four nights.
- Guides: local English-speaking guides lead the city visits.
- Transport: two Afrosiyob journeys; car or train between Bukhara and Samarkand.
- Pace: several hours on foot in Bukhara over paving stones and uneven streets. Day 1 may finish after midnight. See walking and weather.
- Main sights: Po-i-Kalyan, Registan and Samarkand’s mausoleums. Hands-on experience: cook plov and share dinner with a local family on Day 2.
- Price and inclusions: USD 700 per person sharing, USD 800 in a single room. The package covers four nights, four breakfasts, four dinners and the services listed below. Separate costs: flights, lunches, insurance, any visa fees, personal spending, the pre-tour night and arrival transfer.
- Group: 2–12 travellers on every departure, including New Year. Confirmation requires two fully paid participants. If the group falls short, read the Tour No. 2 special conditions.
Before your trip
If your flight arrives the day before, arrange your hotel in advance. A pre-tour night and arrival transfer are not included.
Bring stable shoes for Bukhara. For 29 December, pack a warm winter coat, hat and gloves, and check the forecast before leaving. Order form · Purchase terms
Give CAJ your international arrival and departure times. For Day 5, check the pickup time and early-breakfast arrangements in your voucher.
What makes each city different
The pace changes from capital-city landmarks to a full day on foot in Bukhara, then two parts of Samarkand. The plov evening gives you a different way to take part.
Start with the capital
Day 1 links city squares, Alay Bazaar and the Museum of Applied Arts. After dinner, we continue by train.
Stay for two nights
The late arrival is followed by a full old-town day. There is no hotel change between the walk and the family dinner.
Explore over two days
Registan and the mausoleums come first. The following day continues through other monuments, Afrasiab Museum and the observatory.
Join the cooking
On the evening of Day 2, we take part in a plov workshop. We then share the included dinner with a local family.




Will this pace suit you?
- you have five days for an introduction to three cities;
- you are happy to travel in a small group on a fixed date;
- you want local-guided visits with hotels and tickets coordinated for you;
- you are comfortable with full days and a late arrival in Bukhara.
- you want several free days in each city;
- hours of walking over paving stones and uneven surfaces would be difficult;
- you need one escort throughout the intercity journeys;
- you want a private vehicle and a flexible timetable. Other options are in the CAJ tour catalogue.
- each traveller’s nationality and passport details;
- international arrival and departure times;
- single, double or twin room preference;
- dietary needs, health considerations and walking difficulties.
Choose your date and room
USD 700 per person
The price for a traveller sharing a room with another guest.
USD 800 per person
The full tour price for one guest in a room alone, subject to availability. It is not a supplement added to USD 700.
2–12 travellers
The same limit applies at New Year. Confirmation requires two participants who have paid in full.
Choose your departure date
Choose a departure below. Its button opens an order for that date. Accepting an order does not confirm the tour; if the minimum group is not reached, the applicable rules are in the Tour No. 2 special conditions.
October 2026
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
November 2026
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
—
Friday → Tuesday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 travellers
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
New Year 2026–2027
—
Tuesday → Saturday · 5 days / 4 nights · maximum 12 participants
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
Need a different trip? Browse the CAJ tour catalogue or email us.
Options if the minimum group is not reached
- Another date Transfer your full payment to an available Tour No. 2 departure
- Private tour Your full payment is credited towards a separately quoted price
- 100% refund No deductions by CAJ.UZ or its suppliers
Tour No. 2 special procedure
Minimum group and your options. Minimum group: two fully paid participants. If, 30 calendar days before departure, fewer than two participants have paid in full and CAJ.UZ cannot confirm the departure solely because the minimum group has not been reached, the customer may choose in writing to: 1) transfer the entire payment to another available Tour No. 2 departure; 2) book a private version at a separately calculated final price provided in writing, with the full amount already paid credited towards that price; or 3) cancel and receive 100% of the amount actually paid for the tour, with no deductions by CAJ.UZ or its suppliers.
- Orders close to departure and no written choice. If CAJ.UZ receives no written choice, the order is cancelled and 100% of the amount actually paid for the tour is refunded. Orders placed fewer than 30 calendar days before departure are checked before written confirmation; if CAJ.UZ cannot confirm an order solely because the minimum group has not been reached, the same three options are offered. Without written acceptance of a transfer or private option, the order is cancelled and the amount actually paid for the tour is refunded in full.
- Refund arrangements. Any refund is made to the original payer using the original payment method. CAJ.UZ processes the refund within five business days after the order is cancelled. Bank posting times, exchange-rate differences and any fees charged by a bank, payment provider or other third party are outside CAJ.UZ’s control.
- After payment, CAJ.UZ sends the exact wording of this special condition by email. The customer must reply: “I accept the Tour No. 2 Minimum-Group Special Conditions, version 1 dated 1 September 2026.”
- After receiving this acceptance, CAJ.UZ verifies the group minimum and service availability. If the requirements are met, CAJ.UZ confirms the booking in writing and then secures services subject to non-refundable terms. If CAJ.UZ does not receive acceptance within two business days after sending the message, the order is cancelled and the amount actually paid for the tour is refunded in full.
- Tour No. 2 special terms: version 1 dated 1 September 2026.
- This special condition forms part of the order for Tour No. 2 and prevails over any conflicting general provision only when CAJ.UZ cannot confirm the departure because the minimum group has not been reached. Voluntary cancellation by the customer remains subject to the general booking terms and cancellation and refund policy .
What the price covers
- 4 nights: 2 in Bukhara, 1 in Samarkand and 1 in Tashkent;
- 4 breakfasts after the included nights;
- 4 dinners, including the plov workshop;
- 1.5 litres of drinking water per person per day.
- Afrosiyob from Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent;
- car or train from Bukhara to Samarkand, as confirmed;
- the listed station, hotel and Tashkent airport transfers;
- transport during the specified sightseeing.
- local English-speaking city guides;
- standard entrance tickets to the listed monuments;
- coordination of hotels, tickets and meetings;
- no permanent escort between cities.
Meals along the way
| Day | City | Included or separate |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tashkent | We have dinner before the station transfer. |
| Day 2 | Bukhara | We cook plov and dine with a local family. |
| Day 3 | Samarkand | We have dinner after the first part of the city visits. |
| Day 4 | Tashkent | We go to the farewell dinner after the train arrives. |
| Days 2–5 | Hotels | Breakfast follows each of the four included nights. |
| During the day | Lunch breaks | We choose and pay for lunch separately. |
Dietary needs: tell us when ordering. Lunches and drinks outside the confirmed menu are paid for locally.
What to budget for separately
- international flights;
- travel insurance;
- any consular or visa fees.
- lunches during the planned breaks;
- alcohol and extra drinks;
- shopping, souvenirs and tips.
- a pre-tour night and arrival transfer;
- upgrades, extra nights, early check-in or late check-out;
- other services requested outside the published itinerary.
Package limits: the price covers the listed services. Any additions outside the programme require written agreement and a separate price.
How we travel between cities
The map shows the order of cities and overnight stops. It is schematic; use the issued tickets and written confirmation for train times and the agreed transport.
Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand
After dinner, we board the evening train to Bukhara.
Arrival may be after midnight.On Day 3, we continue to Samarkand: about 4 hours by car or around 2 hours by train.
The transport and time are confirmed in writing.Samarkand → Tashkent → airport
We finish Day 4 with the train to Tashkent.
The arrival transfer is included.The driver collects us from the hotel according to the international flight time.
Check the pickup time in the voucher.
The itinerary, day by day
About timing: The fixed meeting is at 09:00 on Day 1. Otherwise, the tables give the sequence and parts of the day. Exact train times follow ticket issuance. Opening hours, holidays, traffic and the group’s pace may affect the order while retaining the main stops.
Day 1 — explore Tashkent, then travel to Bukhara
| Time | Itinerary | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 — start | We meet the guide and begin at Independence Square. | Come to the Tashkent meeting point given in your written confirmation. |
| Morning | We continue to the Monument of Courage. | The memorial recalls the 1966 earthquake. |
| Next | We visit Alay Bazaar to look around the local-produce stalls. | Spices and dried fruit are on display. Purchases are optional. |
| During the day | We pause for lunch. | Choose your meal locally and pay for it separately. |
| After lunch | We explore Amir Temur Square. | In Tashkent’s city centre. |
| Next | We stop at the Alisher Navoi Theatre. | We view the opera house from outside. |
| Afternoon | We visit the Museum of Applied Arts. | The exhibits show decorative arts and local craftwork. |
| After the visits | We leave free time before the evening meeting. | Check the gathering time against the issued train ticket and travel documents. |
| Evening | We have dinner in Tashkent before travelling on. | This dinner is included. |
| Before departure | We transfer to the station, pass security and prepare to board. | A separate allowance covers transfer, checks and boarding; use the driver meeting instructions in your documents. |
| As ticketed | We take Afrosiyob to Bukhara, then transfer to the hotel. | Arrival may be after midnight. Meet the driver at the point and time stated in the voucher. |
Before Day 1: a pre-tour night and arrival transfer are separate. Arrange them in advance if you fly in the day before. Walking: city sections between transfers.
Day 2 — walk through Bukhara and cook plov
| Time | Itinerary | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | We begin our walk at the Samanid Mausoleum. | 10th-century brick architecture. |
| Next | We continue to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. | The monument is linked to the legend of Job’s Well. |
| Next | We visit Bolo-Hauz Mosque. | The portico has wooden columns. |
| Before lunch | We explore the Ark Citadel. | Former residence of Bukhara’s emirs. |
| During the day | We pause for lunch in the old town. | Lunch is not included. |
| After lunch | After lunch, we reach the Po-i-Kalyan complex. | We see the minaret, mosque and madrasah. |
| Afternoon | We pass Toki Zargaron and the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs. We then see Tim Abdullah Khan, Toki Telpakfurushon and Magoki-Attari Mosque. | We cover this section mainly on foot. Buying anything in the trading rows is optional. |
| Later | We walk through the Jewish quarter to the synagogue, then visit Chor Minor and Lyabi-Hauz. | Synagogue entry depends on access on the day; the visit order is checked in advance. |
| Evening | We join the plov workshop and share dinner with a local family. | The activity and dinner are included. |
Keep in mind: we spend much of the day on foot, stopping at monuments. Underfoot: paving stones and some uneven old streets.
Day 3 — travel to Samarkand and visit Registan
| Time | Itinerary | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | We leave Bukhara for Samarkand by car or train. | Allow about 4 hours by car or around 2 hours by train; the mode and time are confirmed in writing. |
| On arrival | We leave our luggage, break for lunch and check in when the room is available. | Lunch is separate. Sightseeing follows the confirmed arrival; check-in depends on the hotel’s rules. |
| After lunch | We enter Registan Square. | We visit the ensemble’s three madrasahs. |
| Next | We visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. | The dynastic mausoleum of the Timurids. |
| Next | We stop to see Rukhobod Mausoleum. | The monument is in the historic centre. |
| Next | We see Ak-Saray Mausoleum. | A funerary building from the Timurid period. |
| Evening | We have dinner and return to the hotel. | Dinner is included; we stay overnight in Samarkand. |
Before leaving: check the confirmed transport and departure time from Bukhara. Walking: around Registan and between monuments.
Day 4 — continue Samarkand, return to Tashkent
| Time | Itinerary | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | We visit Bibi-Khanum Mosque. | Monumental 15th-century architecture. |
| Next | We browse Siab Bazaar. | Bread, dried fruit and local produce; purchases are optional. |
| Next | We stop to see Hazrat Khizr Mosque. | From its terrace, we look towards the ancient city. |
| Before lunch | We walk through Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. | An avenue of mausoleums with glazed-tile decoration. |
| During the day | We take a lunch break. | Lunch is paid for separately. |
| After lunch | We visit Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum, associated with the prophet Daniel. | The extent of the visit depends on access rules on the day. |
| Next | At Afrasiab Museum, we learn about ancient Samarkand and its frescoes. | The visit is planned during ordinary daytime opening hours. |
| Next | At Ulugbek Observatory, we explore the history of Timurid astronomy. | Holiday access and the sequence, including 1 January, are checked before confirmation. |
| Before the train | We collect our luggage as arranged and transfer to the station. We pass security and board. | Follow the document instructions for luggage and the driver meeting; a separate station allowance is included. |
| As ticketed | We take Afrosiyob to Tashkent, meet the driver and continue to dinner and check-in. | Dinner is included. The order of evening services follows the confirmed train time. |
Train time: the exact departure is supplied after ticket issuance. Walking: between the city sights.
Day 5 — depart from Tashkent
| Time | Itinerary | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| According to flight | We have breakfast during service hours and meet the driver in the hotel lobby. | For an early departure, check breakfast availability and pickup time in the documents. |
| Before departure | We transfer to Tashkent International Airport. | For an international flight, plan to reach the airport around 2½–3 hours before departure. |
| On separate request | We discuss a land-border transfer if you need one instead of the airport transfer. | The route, feasibility and price are checked separately. This service is not included. |
Alternative transfer: request a land-border route in advance and obtain a written price and confirmation. Walking tours: none are scheduled today.
Where we spend the four nights
These are the planned properties. CAJ records the final hotel and room type in the confirmation or voucher, and agrees any comparable replacement in the same city in writing.
Courtyard by Marriott
We arrive after returning from Samarkand. The Day 5 departure transfer leaves from this hotel.
- room type matches the rate paid;
- breakfast follows the included night;
- airport transfer follows the programme;
- any comparable replacement is confirmed in writing.




Kukaldosh Boutique
We stay for two nights after the late train arrival. There is no move to another hotel after the walking day and family dinner.
- two consecutive nights in one hotel;
- room type matches your booking;
- breakfast after each included night;
- access to the historic centre for the walking day.




Kamila Boutique
We stay between the two parts of the Samarkand visits. The following day continues before the evening train.
- one night in Samarkand;
- room type matches the booked rate;
- breakfast at the hotel;
- Day 4 luggage arrangements set out in the documents.




Where the nights fall
| City | Nights | Planned hotel | When we stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukhara | 2 | Kukaldosh Boutique or comparable | After Days 1 and 2. |
| Samarkand | 1 | Kamila Boutique or comparable | After Day 3. |
| Tashkent | 1 | Courtyard by Marriott or comparable | After Day 4. |
| Total | 4 | Three planned hotels | The hotel stay ends before departure on Day 5. |
Choose and confirm your room
USD 700 per person covers a shared room. State your bed preference when ordering; it is confirmed subject to availability.
USD 800 is the full per-person single-room fare. Availability depends on the departure.
CAJ proposes a comparable property in the same city before confirmation. The voucher records the hotel name and room type.
Check-in and check-out: normally after 14:00 and before 12:00 unless the confirmed hotel states otherwise. Early check-in, late check-out and extra nights are charged separately.
What to consider before travelling
Dress in layers for cooler mornings and evenings. Bring a windproof jacket and comfortable closed shoes.
Pack a warm winter coat, hat and gloves. Check the forecast shortly before leaving.
Bukhara has the longest walking day. Expect paving stones, uneven surfaces and some steps along the route.
Late evenings: Day 1 may finish in Bukhara after midnight. On Day 4, dinner and hotel check-in follow the train to Tashkent.
| Before you leave | What to do |
|---|---|
| Walking | Consider whether several hours on foot with stops will suit you. Choose shoes with a stable, non-slip sole. |
| Trains and stations | Documents: keep your passport handy and follow the meeting point in the voucher. |
| Weather | Use the seasonal forecast to choose clothing, with protection from wind and rain. |
Bring with you
- closed shoes with a stable sole;
- layers and a jacket for wind and rain;
- a winter coat, hat and gloves for New Year;
- regular medication and a small first-aid kit;
- your passport and useful copies for hotels and rail tickets.
Check the travel documents
Match the tickets and voucher to the departure you selected.
- Before a train: check the train number, seats, departure and driver meeting.
- Bukhara–Samarkand: check whether car or train is confirmed and when it leaves.
- Before your flight: check pickup and breakfast availability for an early departure.
If the documents conflict with your flight details, contact CAJ before travelling.
How guiding works
Local English-speaking guides lead city sightseeing, included in the price. There is no permanent escort between cities; use your tickets and meeting instructions for those journeys.
How to order and confirm the tour
Open your preferred departure in the date cards, then enter the number of travellers and room type.
Check the date, traveller details, room and total. Website payments use Visa or Mastercard only. After payment, CAJ receives your request; the departure is not yet confirmed.
CAJ emails the special conditions. Reply with the exact acceptance sentence, including its version and date. After acceptance and checks of the minimum group and services, CAJ confirms in writing and then secures non-refundable services. Read the full Tour No. 2 special conditions.
Check before paying: the total and accommodation must match the selected date card. If they differ, contact CAJ first.
Acceptance deadline: if no reply arrives within two business days after CAJ sends the message, the order is cancelled and refunded in full.
International flights
- Do not buy a non-refundable international ticket specifically for this departure before written confirmation from CAJ.
- Start with the Tour No. 2 order form.
- Before ordering, read the booking terms and cancellation and refund policy , subject to the Tour No. 2 special conditions.
What CAJ confirms in writing
Central Asia Journeys states that it has operated from Tashkent since 1996. Use the company link below to check its published details.
The documents set out hotels, tickets, transfers and meeting points. Material changes are agreed with the traveller.
cancel and receive 100% of the amount actually paid for the tour, with no deductions by CAJ.UZ or its suppliers.
Before you choose a date
Can I order a place on my own?
Yes, a solo traveller can order at the single-room fare. Confirmation still requires two fully paid participants, available services and acceptance of the special conditions.
When is the booking confirmed?
When CAJ issues separate written confirmation after the required checks and acceptance of the conditions. Payment alone does not replace that message. Read the Tour No. 2 special conditions.
What are my options if the group is too small?
You can transfer the full payment to an available Tour No. 2 date, credit it towards a separately priced private tour, or receive a full refund. Without written acceptance of a transfer or private option, a refund applies; the special conditions above give the exact deadlines.
Will one guide travel with us throughout?
No. Local English-speaking guides lead the included city visits. There is no permanent escort between cities; drivers meet you according to the documents, and you travel using the issued tickets.
When are the hotels and trains final?
The confirmation or voucher records the hotels and room type. Train numbers, seats and exact times follow ticket issuance. If needed, a planned hotel is replaced by a comparable property in the same city by written agreement.
What should I check about visas?
Give your nationality when ordering and check current requirements for your passport before payment. Entry rules depend on nationality and can change; a reference link is provided in the trip-planning section below.
Which rules apply if I choose to cancel?
The general booking terms and cancellation and refund policy apply. The special Tour No. 2 procedure takes priority only when CAJ cannot confirm specifically because the minimum group has not been reached.
Useful for your itinerary
Cities on the route
Planning your trip
The company and booking terms
Choose your departure
Before payment: check the date, number of guests, room and total. Tell us about dietary, health or walking needs that affect the trip.
Go to the dates
Confirmation needs two fully paid participants. The booking takes effect after acceptance of the special conditions and a separate written message from CAJ.
Email: cajourneys@gmail.com
| Tour code | Price and date | Reserved | |
| UZ2310 |
$700
23.10.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ3010 |
$700
30.10.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ0611 |
$700
06.11.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ1311 |
$700
13.11.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ2011 |
$700
20.11.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ2711 |
$700
27.11.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
| UZ2912 |
$700
29.12.2026
|
0 pax | Buy |
Standard accommodation. This rate applies to bookings for 2 or more guests.