The evening train connects Tashkent with Bukhara. Two nights there allow a full old-town day; Samarkand then forms the final sightseeing stop before the return train to Tashkent.
Uzbekistan Small Group Tour — 5 Days: Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand
Updated:
Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand in five days
This five-day Uzbekistan small group tour follows a clear route from Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand, then back to Tashkent. Four hotel nights, local English-speaking guides, standard entrance tickets, transfers and the listed intercity journeys are included.
The price is USD 700 per person sharing a double or twin room, or USD 800 per person in a single room. Regular groups have 2–12 travellers; the New Year departure has a maximum of 6. International flights are not included.
CAJ’s honest route — your tour in 30 seconds
- Route and duration: Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent, 5 days / 4 nights.
- Start and finish: meet the guide at 09:00 on Day 1 at the Tashkent meeting point stated in the written confirmation; on Day 5, transfer from the hotel to Tashkent airport according to the flight time.
- Group and guiding: 2–12 travellers, maximum 6 at New Year; sightseeing with local English-speaking guides. A permanent escort between cities is not included.
- Transport: Afrosiyob from Tashkent to Bukhara and from Samarkand to Tashkent; Bukhara–Samarkand is about 4 hours by road or around 2 hours by train, according to the confirmed arrangement.
- Pace: several hours on foot in Bukhara over paving stones and sometimes uneven streets; Day 1 may finish after midnight in Bukhara.
- Highlights: Po-i-Kalyan, Registan and Timurid heritage. Special moment: the included plov workshop and dinner with a local family on Day 2.
- Price: USD 700 per person sharing; USD 800 per person in a single room. Includes 4 nights, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, guides, regular entrance tickets, listed transport, transfers and water.
- Not included: international flights, lunches, insurance, tips, any visa fees, the pre-tour night and arrival transfer. Payment creates an order; CAJ.UZ confirms the booking in writing only after verifying that two participants have paid in full, checking the required services and receiving acceptance of the special Tour No. 2 condition.
The route through the eyes of a local operator
The first night follows the late train arrival. The second avoids a hotel change on the longest walking day and leaves enough time for the evening activity.
Bukhara’s old town looks compact on a map, but the route takes several hours on paving stones and uneven streets. Stable shoes matter more than extra short vehicle rides.
The two Afrosiyob journeys are part of the route. Train numbers, seats and departure times can be fixed in the travel documents only after tickets are issued.
Three cities, two trains and a plov workshop
The programme combines the capital’s main landmarks with the historic centres of Bukhara and Samarkand. The four experiences below are built into the published itinerary.
Capital city and applied arts
Day 1 covers the main city landmarks, Alay Bazaar and the Museum of Applied Arts before the train to Bukhara.
Old town on foot
A full day links the Samanids, the Ark, Po-i-Kalyan, the trading domes, Chor Minor and Lyabi-Hauz.
Registan and Timurid heritage
Days 3 and 4 cover the Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi-Khanum, Shah-i-Zinda, Afrasiab and Ulugbek Observatory.
Plov workshop with a local family
On the evening of Day 2, the group helps prepare plov and then shares dinner. This activity is included in the price.




Is this the right route for you?
- you want to discover three major cities in five days;
- a fixed-date small group suits you;
- you enjoy an organised cultural programme with local guides;
- you prefer trains, hotels, transfers and sightseeing to be coordinated.
- you want several free days or a very slow pace;
- a long walking day on paving stones in an old town would be difficult;
- you do not want a late arrival in Bukhara on Day 1;
- you want a private vehicle and a fully flexible schedule.
- each participant’s nationality and passport details;
- international flight times;
- single, double or twin room;
- walking, health and dietary requirements.
Dates, prices and room arrangements
USD 700 per person
Price per traveller sharing a double or twin room.
USD 800 per person
Final price for one traveller occupying a room alone, subject to room availability; this is not a supplement added to USD 700.
2–12 travellers
The minimum is 2 participants. The New Year departure has a maximum of 6 people.
Choose your departure date
Each button opens the booking page for that departure. “Booking open” means the date can be requested; payment creates an order, and CAJ.UZ confirms the booking in writing only after verifying the group minimum and required services and receiving acceptance of the special Tour No. 2 condition.
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 6 participants
USD 700 per person double/twin · USD 800 per person single
New Year operations: holiday opening hours, train seats and the final meal sequence are reconfirmed in writing before the booking is confirmed.
If the minimum group is not reached, you lose nothing
Choose the option that suits you:
Special minimum-group condition for Tour No. 2
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:
- transfer the entire payment to another available Tour No. 2 departure;
- book a private version at a separately calculated final price provided in writing, with the full amount already paid credited towards that price; or
- cancel and receive 100% of the amount actually paid for the tour, with no deductions by CAJ.UZ or its suppliers.
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.
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 or WhatsApp. 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.
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.
Tour No. 2 special terms: version 1 dated 1 September 2026.
What the price includes
- 4 nights in the room type paid for: 2 in Bukhara, 1 in Samarkand and 1 in Tashkent;
- 4 breakfasts served after each included night;
- 4 dinners, including the plov workshop with a local family;
- 1.5 litres of water per person per day.
- Afrosiyob trains from Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent;
- Bukhara to Samarkand by car or train, depending on the confirmed arrangements;
- programme transfers between stations, hotels and Tashkent Airport;
- transport during the listed sightseeing.
- local English-speaking guides according to the programme;
- standard entrance tickets to the named monuments;
- coordination of rooms, tickets, meetings and travel;
Where the 4 dinners are scheduled
| Day | City | Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tashkent | Dinner before the transfer to the station. |
| Day 2 | Bukhara | Plov-making workshop and dinner with a local family. |
| Day 3 | Samarkand | Dinner after the first part of the sightseeing. |
| Day 4 | Tashkent | Farewell dinner after the train arrives. |
Tell us about any dietary restrictions when booking. Lunches and drinks not listed in the confirmed menu are paid for directly.
What you pay for separately
- international flights;
- travel insurance;
- any consular or visa fees.
- lunches during the scheduled breaks;
- alcohol and additional drinks;
- personal purchases, souvenirs and gratuities.
- accommodation and transfer before the tour starts;
- upgrades, additional nights, early check-in or late check-out;
- services requested outside the published programme.
Inclusion rule: the published price includes the services listed above. Additional services outside the programme are supplied only after written agreement and are priced separately.
Route and transport between cities
The tour follows Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent. Exact times and the selected mode for Bukhara–Samarkand are confirmed after availability is checked.
Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand
Evening departure after dinner; arrival in Bukhara may be after midnight.
Exact time in the voucherAround four hours by car or around two hours by train, depending on the confirmed arrangements.
Mode of transport confirmed in writingSamarkand → Tashkent
Evening train after the second part of the sightseeing, followed by a transfer and farewell dinner in Tashkent.
Arrival transfer includedTransfer arranged according to the international flight time provided in the booking.
Pickup time will be confirmed
Tour itinerary, day by day and hour by hour
How to read the itinerary: sightseeing and meal times show the planned schedule. Final train numbers and times are provided after tickets are issued.
Traffic, opening hours and the group’s pace may change the order of visits without removing the main stops. Each traveller pays for their own lunch during the scheduled breaks.
Day 1 — Tashkent and evening train to Bukhara
| Time | Programme | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–09:45 | Independence Square. | Meet the guide at 09:00 at the Tashkent meeting point stated in the written confirmation. |
| 10:00–10:30 | Monument of Courage. | Memorial to the 1966 earthquake. |
| 11:00–12:00 | Alay Bazaar. | Spices, dried fruit and local produce. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch break. | Meal not included; pay locally. |
| 13:15–14:15 | Amir Temur Square. | Explore the monumental city centre. |
| 14:30–15:15 | Alisher Navoi Theatre. | Exterior stop at the opera house. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Museum of Applied Arts. | Decorative arts, crafts and interiors. |
| From 16:30 | Free time. | The evening meeting time follows the issued train ticket. |
| According to ticket | Dinner, transfer to the station, Afrosiyob train to Bukhara and transfer to the hotel. | Arrival may be after midnight; the driver waits at the station’s main exit. |
A pre-tour night in Tashkent is not included; it can be added on request if your flight arrives the day before.
Day 2 — Old Bukhara on foot and plov workshop
| Time | Programme | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:00 | Samanid Mausoleum. | 10th-century brick architecture. |
| 10:10–10:40 | Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. | Monument associated with the legend of “Job’s Well”. |
| 10:45–11:15 | Bolo-Hauz Mosque. | Portico and wooden columns. |
| 11:20–12:20 | Ark Citadel. | Former residence of the emirs of Bukhara. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch break in the old town. | Meal not included. |
| 13:30–14:30 | Po-i-Kalyan complex. | Minaret, mosque and madrasah. |
| 14:30–17:30 | Toki Zargaron, Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs, Tim Abdullah Khan, Toki Telpakfurushon and Magoki-Attari Mosque. | This part is mainly on foot; no purchases are required. |
| 17:30–19:15 | Jewish quarter and synagogue, with interior access subject to the site’s opening hours, then Chor Minor and Lyabi-Hauz. | All regular departures reach Bukhara on Saturday; the confirmed sequence reflects access conditions. |
| 19:30–21:00 | Plov-making workshop and dinner with a local family. | Activity and meal included. |
Most of the day is on foot over paving stones and sometimes uneven old streets.
Day 3 — Bukhara → Samarkand and first visits
| Time | Programme | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Depart Bukhara for Samarkand. | By car, approximately 272 km / 4 hours, or by train, around 2 hours, according to the confirmation. |
| On arrival | Leave luggage, take a lunch break and check in when available. | Lunch is not included; sightseeing starts according to the confirmed arrival time. Usual check-in is 14:00. |
| After lunch | Registan Square. | Visit the three iconic madrasahs. |
| Next | Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. | Dynastic necropolis of the Timurids. |
| Next | Rukhobod Mausoleum. | Monument in the historic centre. |
| Next | Ak-Saray Mausoleum. | Funerary building from the Timurid period. |
| Evening | Dinner, then return to the hotel. | Dinner included. |
The Bukhara–Samarkand mode of transport and departure time are stated in the final confirmation.
Day 4 — Samarkand and evening train to Tashkent
| Time | Programme | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:00 | Bibi-Khanum Mosque. | Monumental 15th-century architecture. |
| 10:10–10:40 | Siab Bazaar. | Dried fruit, bread and local specialities. |
| 10:50–11:20 | Hazrat Khizr Mosque. | Terrace and panorama over the ancient city. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. | Avenue of mausoleums with glazed-tile decoration. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch break. | Meal not included. |
| 13:30–14:00 | Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum. | Pilgrimage site associated with the prophet Daniel. |
| 14:10–15:10 | Afrasiab Museum. | Remains and frescoes of ancient Samarkand. |
| 15:20–16:20 | Ulugbek Observatory. | History of Timurid astronomy. |
| 16:30–17:00 | Break before the station transfer. | Luggage storage and transport are stated in the travel documents. |
| Evening | Afrosiyob to Tashkent, transfer, included dinner and check-in. | The order of the evening services depends on the confirmed train time. |
The exact train time is provided after the ticket is issued.
Day 5 — Departure from Tashkent
| Time | Programme | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| According to flight | Breakfast during the hotel’s service hours and meet the driver in the lobby. | For an early departure, breakfast availability and pickup time are stated in the travel documents. |
| Before departure | Transfer to Tashkent International Airport. | For an international flight, plan to arrive at the airport approximately 2½–3 hours before departure. |
| On request | A private transfer to a land border can be considered on request. | Route, feasibility and price are checked separately; this service is not included. |
Any alternative land-border transfer must be requested, priced and confirmed in writing in advance.
Accommodation along the route
The cards show the planned hotels. The final properties and room type are stated in the written confirmation or voucher. If a planned hotel is unavailable, CAJ.UZ proposes a comparable alternative in the same city.
Courtyard by Marriott
Planned accommodation after the return from Samarkand, convenient for resting and the Day 5 transfer.
- double, twin or single room according to the price paid;
- breakfast after the included night;
- departure transfer arranged according to the programme;
- a comparable alternative only after written confirmation.




Kukaldosh Boutique
Planned hotel near the old town, suitable for the late-night arrival and the long walking day.
- two consecutive nights without changing hotels;
- room matching the type paid for;
- breakfast after each included night;
- convenient access to the historic centre.




Kamila Boutique
Planned base between the two parts of the Samarkand programme and before the evening train to Tashkent.
- one night in the middle of the Samarkand stay;
- room matching the booked rate;
- breakfast at the hotel;
- luggage arrangements for Day 4 stated in the travel documents.




Where the nights are spent
| City | Nights | Planned hotel | Role in the programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukhara | 2 | Kukaldosh Boutique or comparable alternative | The late arrival and full walking day follow one another without a hotel change. |
| Samarkand | 1 | Kamila Boutique or comparable alternative | The overnight stay separates the two parts of the sightseeing programme. |
| Tashkent | 1 | Courtyard by Marriott or comparable alternative | Rest after the train and an arranged transfer the following day. |
How the room is confirmed
The USD 700 per-person rate includes a shared room with one large bed or two separate beds. Your preference is recorded when booking and confirmed subject to availability.
The final price is USD 800 per person occupying a room alone. The room remains subject to availability for the selected departure.
The voucher gives the hotel name and room type. A comparable alternative is communicated before approval if the planned property is unavailable.
Hotel times: check-in is normally after 14:00 and check-out before 12:00 unless the confirmed hotel states otherwise. Early check-in, late check-out and additional nights are paid for separately.
Season, clothing and tour pace
Mornings and evenings can be cool. Bring layers, a windproof jacket and comfortable closed shoes.
For 29 December, bring a warm winter coat, hat and gloves. Check the weather shortly before travelling.
Bukhara has the longest walking day; some surfaces are paved or uneven and may include a few steps.
Unusual timing: Day 1 may end after midnight in Bukhara. Day 4 continues with the evening train, followed by dinner and check-in in Tashkent.
| Practical point | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Walking tours | Non-slip shoes and the ability to walk for several hours with breaks. |
| Stations and trains | Keep your passport handy and be at the meeting point shown in the voucher. |
| Weather | Protection from wind and rain, and clothing suited to the season. |
What should you pack?
- comfortable closed shoes with stable soles;
- layers and a jacket for wind and rain;
- a warm coat, hat and gloves for the New Year departure;
- personal medication and a small first-aid kit;
- your passport and useful copies for hotels and train tickets.
What depends on transport schedules
Final train times, arrival in Bukhara, the Bukhara–Samarkand mode of transport and the return time to Tashkent depend on confirmed seats. CAJ.UZ provides these details in writing after checking the tickets.
Who accompanies travellers?
Sightseeing is led by local English-speaking guides. A permanent tour escort between cities is not included: travellers take the trains according to the voucher, then meet the driver and/or guide at the stated point.
From selecting a date to written confirmation
Select a departure card, then enter the number of travellers and room type.
Check the date, traveller details, room type and total on the order page. Card payment creates an order but does not confirm the departure automatically.
After payment, CAJ.UZ sends the special condition by email or WhatsApp. Reply with the exact acceptance sentence from that message, including the version. CAJ.UZ then verifies full payment for two participants and service availability; if both requirements are met, it confirms the booking in writing before securing services subject to non-refundable terms. If the reply is still missing two business days after CAJ.UZ sent the message, CAJ.UZ cancels the order and refunds in full the amount actually paid for the tour.
Payment: Visa or Mastercard on the order page; bank transfer or cash only with CAJ.UZ’s written agreement. Payment creates an order; the booking is confirmed only after the customer accepts the special Tour No. 2 condition and CAJ.UZ sends written confirmation.
Applicable rules: see online payment, the booking terms and the cancellation and refund policy. The special minimum-group condition above prevails only when CAJ.UZ cannot confirm Tour No. 2 because the minimum group has not been reached.
Before buying other non-refundable services
- Do not buy a non-refundable international ticket specifically for this departure before receiving written confirmation from CAJ.UZ.
- Start the order only through the booking page for the five-day small group tour.
- A solo order does not replace the two-participant minimum.
Why book directly with CAJ.UZ
Central Asia Journeys has operated from Tashkent since 1996 and coordinates the confirmed hotels, tickets, guides, transfers and meetings.
The voucher brings together the available hotel, train, contact and meeting instructions for the selected departure.
Before payment, the team answers questions about arrival, rooms, guiding language, documents and additional services.
Questions before booking
What does the tour cost, and can I book alone?
The price is USD 700 per person sharing a double or twin room and USD 800 per person in a single room. A solo traveller may place an order, but the departure can be confirmed only after at least two participants have paid in full, the special Tour No. 2 condition has been accepted and the required services are available.
Is the tour confirmed immediately after payment?
No. Payment creates an order. CAJ.UZ then sends the special Tour No. 2 condition and its version by email or WhatsApp; the customer must reply with the exact acceptance sentence from that message. CAJ.UZ checks the minimum group and service availability before issuing written confirmation and then securing services subject to non-refundable terms. If no acceptance arrives within two business days after CAJ.UZ sends the message, the order is cancelled and the amount actually paid for the tour is refunded in full.
What happens if the minimum group is not reached?
Tour No. 2 requires two fully paid participants. If, 30 calendar days before departure, CAJ.UZ cannot confirm the departure solely because this minimum has not been reached, the customer may choose in writing to transfer the entire payment to another available Tour No. 2 departure, book a private version at a separately calculated final price provided in writing with the full amount already paid credited towards it, or cancel and receive 100% of the amount actually paid for the tour with no deductions by CAJ.UZ or its suppliers. Without a written choice, the order is cancelled and the full amount 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 solely because the minimum group has not been reached, the same options apply and, without written acceptance of a transfer or private option, the order is cancelled and refunded in full. Refunds are made to the original payer using the original payment method and processed by CAJ.UZ within five business days after the order is cancelled; bank posting times, exchange-rate differences and third-party fees are outside CAJ.UZ’s control. This special condition forms part of the Tour No. 2 order and prevails over conflicting general provisions only for a minimum-group shortfall; voluntary cancellation remains subject to the general rules.
Are the sightseeing tours conducted in English?
Local English-speaking guides are planned for sightseeing in each city. A permanent escort between cities is not included; travellers use the tickets and meeting instructions in their travel documents.
When are train times and hotels final?
Train numbers, seats and exact times are stated after ticket issuance. The named hotels are planned; the written confirmation or voucher identifies the final properties and room type. If necessary, CAJ.UZ proposes a comparable alternative in the same city.
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
It depends on nationality, and entry rules may change. Check the requirements for your passport before payment and see the visa information.
Which cancellation and refund rules apply?
Voluntary cancellation by the customer is governed by the cancellation and refund policy and the booking terms. The special no-deduction refund described above applies only when CAJ.UZ cannot confirm Tour No. 2 because the minimum group has not been reached.
Useful links for planning your trip
Choose a date and submit your order
Before payment: choose the departure, number of travellers and room type. On the next page, check the total and accommodation; if they differ from the date card, contact CAJ.UZ before continuing. Payment creates an order and does not by itself confirm the booking.
Ready to create your order?
Payment creates an order only. Use the exact acceptance sentence, including the version, from the email or WhatsApp message sent by CAJ.UZ. After acceptance, CAJ.UZ completes its checks and confirms the booking in writing before securing services subject to non-refundable terms. Without acceptance within two business days after CAJ.UZ sends that message, the order is cancelled and the amount actually paid for the tour is refunded in full.
Phone / WhatsApp: +998 90 922 30 73
| 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.