After the Tashkent visits, board the train to Samarkand. A driver meets you at the station and takes you to your hotel; both the meeting and transfer are included.
Private 8-Day Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
Updated:
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in 8 days
A private 8-day Uzbekistan tour through four cities takes your party from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Local guides lead the city visits; the route combines a train, road journeys and a domestic flight. Visit Samarkand’s museums, try a ceramics class in Gijduvan and prepare kazan-kebab in a private home.
From USD 1353 per person for Standard accommodation with exactly 6 adults sharing double/twin rooms. Prices for 2 or 4 adults and Comfort accommodation are below. Urgench–Tashkent airfare and international flights are excluded. CAJ adds no card payment fee.
Your trip at a glance
- Route: Tashkent → Samarkand → Rabat-i-Malik → Gijduvan → Vabkent → Bukhara → Khiva → Urgench → Tashkent.
- Arrival and departure: transfers from Tashkent Airport on the first day and back on the last day are included.
- Travel: train to Samarkand, then a vehicle via Gijduvan and Vabkent. Fly back from Urgench to Tashkent; airfare is extra.
- Pace: active city walks and a long drive across the Kyzylkum. See practical details for walking and road conditions.
- Highlights: the observatory, Afrasiab, Registan Square and the old towns of Bukhara and Khiva. Hands-on craft: a ceramics class in Gijduvan.
- Included: 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, local English-speaking guides and scheduled admissions. Extra: flights, lunches, insurance, visa fees and additional services.
- Rooms: Standard or Comfort, with one double bed or two separate beds. Single rooms are quoted separately. Price options.
Why the route follows this order
Rabat-i-Malik, Gijduvan and Vabkent lie on the way to Bukhara. Stop at the monuments and workshop, then continue in the same direction.
Spend two nights each in Samarkand and Bukhara. Leave your luggage at the hotel for the main city touring day. Samarkand · Bukhara
Fly from Urgench back to Tashkent, avoiding another long drive across the desert. The departure time matters for a full day exploring Khiva.
Museums, old towns and local crafts
Samarkand brings together science and architecture, Bukhara the monuments of its old town, and Khiva a walk inside Ichan Kala. Between the cities, take part in ceramics and cooking classes.
From Ulugbek to the Registan
Explore the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda and the main monuments on Day 3. Ulugbek Observatory, Afrasiab Museum and Khoja Daniyar follow on the morning of Day 4 before the road to Bukhara.
A ceramics class
Visit a workshop in Gijduvan and take part in a ceramics class. This stop falls on the drive from Samarkand to Bukhara.
Walking through the old towns
In Bukhara, walk from the Samanid Mausoleum to the Ark, Poi Kalyan and Lyabi Hauz. In Khiva, connect mosques, madrasahs and palaces within the fortress walls.
Prepare kazan-kebab
Prepare kazan-kebab in a private home during the planned 15:00–19:00 session on Day 3. Transfers, a market visit and an early dinner are included.




Who is this trip for?
- this is your first Uzbekistan visit and you want to see four main cities;
- you are travelling as a private party of at least two and want to choose your date;
- you want local guides, tickets and transfers in one itinerary;
- you enjoy museums, architecture, ceramics and local food;
- Day 3 combines substantial walking and the 15:00–19:00 cooking session; Day 4 adds morning museums before the long road with craft stops;
- Day 6 combines the palace with a long drive to Khiva;
- city walks involve stone paving, steps and open areas;
- for a different pace or a fixed group departure, compare other CAJ.UZ tours.
- share your preferred dates and international flight details;
- give your party size, children’s ages and preferred room type;
- tell us if you want a guide to accompany you between cities;
- mention any walking or dietary requirements.
Prices for your private party
Standard: USD 1906
Per person. Comfort: USD 2108 per person.
Standard: USD 1516
Per person. Comfort: USD 1718 per person.
Standard: USD 1353
Per person. Comfort: USD 1555 per person.
Your travel dates
Prices are valid through December 31, 2027. They apply to the included programme and your selected Standard or Comfort category. Urgench–Tashkent airfare is required and charged separately. Check hotel and ticket availability for your dates and agree the full total before payment. CAJ charges no additional card payment fee. What affects the price.
8 days on your chosen dates
/
Private tour for 2 or more guests
Standard or Comfort · double/twin sharing. Single rooms are quoted separately.
Would you like to adjust the trip? Add your preferences in the tour 6 form or send an email.
What affects the price
- Date. Prices are valid through December 31, 2027 for the published package. Requested dates depend on hotel, train and guide availability; this private tour has no fixed group calendar.
- Accommodation. Choose Standard or Comfort, with one double bed or twin beds. Your proposal names the individual hotels.
- Your party. Prices are per person for exactly 2, 4 or 6 adults, all sharing double or twin rooms. Solo travellers, parties of 3 or 5, children, single rooms and mixed room arrangements require an individual quotation before payment. A single room does not mean a solo departure.
If you would like to change the itinerary
Your own trip. You can request extra nights, another accommodation category or a guide accompanying you between cities. These services are outside the base package prices.
- Stay longer. An extra night before or after the tour gives you more time in your chosen city. Accommodation and transfers are quoted separately.
- Travel with one guide. Local guides lead the core city visits. A guide accompanying you between cities is an additional service.
- Single rooms, children’s accommodation and extra beds have separate prices.
- Airfare follows the selected flight and baggage fare.
- CAJ covers its card payment processing costs; no additional cardholder fee is added.
- Cancellation deductions are set out in the purchase terms and refund policy; tickets also follow the carrier’s conditions.
What the tour includes
- 7 nights in your chosen category;
- 7 breakfasts;
- 7 dinners, including a kazan-kebab class;
- water on sightseeing days: 1.5 litres per person;
- Tashkent–Samarkand train, economy class;
- road transport Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva;
- airport and station transfers;
- air-conditioned transport on excursions;
- local English-speaking guides in the cities;
- scheduled admissions and a ceramics class;
- itinerary coordination and a Khiva folklore performance;
- visa support when required; visa fee extra.
Breakfasts and dinners along the route
| Day | City | Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Tashkent / Samarkand | Dinner after sightseeing and arrival; breakfasts start on Day 2. |
| Day 3 | Samarkand | Dinner in a private home with a kazan-kebab cooking class. |
| Day 4 | Bukhara | Dinner after arriving from Samarkand. |
| Day 5 | Bukhara | Dinner after the city tour. |
| Day 6 | Khiva | Dinner after the drive and hotel check-in. |
| Day 7 | Khiva / Tashkent | Dinner is arranged around the return flight; the final breakfast is on Day 8. |
Meals. Lunches and drinks outside the menu are extra. Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
What is paid separately
- international flights and Urgench–Tashkent airfare;
- insurance;
- visa or consular fees;
- lunches and drinks outside the menu;
- personal purchases, tips and excess baggage;
- optional minaret and viewing-platform climbs;
- single rooms;
- an accompanying guide and additional excursions;
- upgrades, extra nights and late check-out.
Special access. Minaret climbs and separate viewing platforms are not automatically included. Mention them when choosing your programme if they matter to you.
How we travel between the cities
Take the train to Samarkand, then continue by vehicle to Bukhara with stops at Rabat-i-Malik, Gijduvan and Vabkent. After Khiva, return to Tashkent on a domestic flight from Urgench.
Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara
After the Tashkent visits, transfer to the station and board the train. A driver meets you in Samarkand.
Economy train ticket includedStop at Rabat-i-Malik, work with ceramics in Gijduvan and visit Vabkent Minaret on the way.
Driver and agreed stopsBukhara → Khiva → Urgench → Tashkent
Visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa in the morning, then cross the Kyzylkum. Comfort stops and a lunch break punctuate the drive.
Air-conditioned transportAfter Ichan Kala, transfer to Urgench Airport. A full Khiva walk needs a suitable departure time. Airfare is extra.
Airfare extra; baggage per ticket
Day-by-day programme
Indicative local times. This is a working timetable, adjusted to arrival, opening hours and the pace of your party. Day 1 assumes a morning arrival with time to rest. Train and flight times, museum sessions and pick-ups follow the final tickets and voucher. Lunches are extra. English-speaking local guides lead the scheduled city visits; an escort between cities is not included.
Day 1 — Your first look at Tashkent
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| On arrival | We meet you at Tashkent Airport and take you to your hotel. There is time to rest after the journey. | Early check-in is provided to the extent confirmed. A late arrival moves part of the sightseeing to Day 2. |
| 10:00–12:00 | Start in the old city at Khast Imam, then visit the neighbouring Center of Islamic Civilization. | The Center requires a ticket for an available session. Guided visits inside follow the venue’s own arrangements. |
| 12:00–13:30 | Walk through Chorsu Bazaar and towards Kukeldash Madrasah, moving from the trading rows to the district’s historic architecture. | Closed shoes suit the bazaar. Personal purchases are extra. |
| 14:30–17:00 | Explore the Tashkent metro, Mustaqillik Square and Amir Temur Square. Travel between the walks by vehicle and metro. | The first day follows your arrival time. There is a break for lunch and rest; lunch is extra. |
| 19:00–20:30 | Have dinner and return to the hotel for your first night in Tashkent. | Dinner is included. |
Day format: Arrival, rest and city sightseeing · Walking: city walks and steps
Day 2 — Tashkent and the train to Samarkand
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Leave the hotel with your luggage. Visit Friendship of Peoples Square and the Abulkasym craft centre. | The train departure determines the order of the morning stops. |
| 10:45–11:45 | Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, with displays of carving, ceramics, textiles and ornament. | The museum is part of the Tashkent itinerary; the visit time fits around the onward journey. |
| 12:00–14:30 | Continue to the Courage Monument and Alay Bazaar. Pause for lunch, then head to the station. | The Courage Monument commemorates the rebuilding of the city after the 1966 earthquake. |
| 14:30+ · as ticketed | Take the train from Tashkent to Samarkand. An economy-class ticket is included. | The train number, departure time and meeting point are listed in your voucher. |
| After train arrival | Your driver meets you in Samarkand and takes you to the hotel. Have dinner and settle in for two nights. | Both nights are spent in Samarkand. |
Day format: City sightseeing and a train journey · Walking: walking and station access
Day 3 — Samarkand monuments and a kazan-kebab class
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30–10:00 | See Hazrat Khizr from outside, then walk through Shah-i-Zinda. Your guide leads you along the avenue of mausoleums. | Shah-i-Zinda has steps and uneven paving; comfortable footwear is useful. |
| 10:00–11:15 | Visit Bibi-Khanym and nearby Siyob Bazaar, then continue to the Registan. | Siyob Bazaar sells bread, dried fruit and sweets. Personal purchases are extra. |
| 11:30–12:45 | Walk onto Registan Square and explore its ensemble of three madrasahs with your guide. | The open square calls for a sun hat and drinking water in warm weather. |
| 13:00–14:45 | Continue to Gur-e-Amir, with brief exterior stops at nearby Rukhabad and Ak-Saray. Allow 14:00–14:45 for lunch at your own expense before the cooking class. | Gur-e-Amir is Amir Temur’s burial place. Rukhabad and Ak-Saray are viewed from outside. |
| 15:00–19:00 | Join a private-home kazan-kebab cooking session with an early dinner. The planned session is 15:00–19:00, including transfers and a market visit; confirm the chosen dish and any dietary requirements in advance. | The meal is one of the seven included dinners. The final order of sightseeing follows the agreed cooking session and opening hours. |
Day format: A full sightseeing day and cooking class · Walking: substantial walking, steps and open areas
Day 4 — Samarkand museums, Gijduvan and Bukhara
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:00 | Meet your local guide and start at Ulugbek Observatory. Continue to Afrasiab Museum, dedicated to ancient Samarkand. | The observatory and Afrasiab Museum remain included. Allow about three hours for these museums and Khoja Daniyar before leaving Samarkand. |
| 11:00–12:00 | Visit Khoja Daniyar, a pilgrimage site near ancient Afrasiab. | After the pilgrimage stop, continue by road towards Rabat-i-Malik and Gijduvan. |
| 12:00–16:00 | Leave Samarkand with your luggage. Visit the surviving portal of Rabat-i-Malik and continue towards Gijduvan; allow time for lunch en route at your own expense. | See the surviving entrance portal. |
| 16:00–17:00 | Visit a ceramics workshop and take part in a class, stopping between the two cities to learn about the local craft. | The ceramics class is included. |
| 17:00–17:30 | Visit the Abdulkhaliq Al-Gijduvani memorial complex, connected with the Sufi tradition. Then continue to Vabkent. | A short stop on foot between drives. |
| 17:30–18:15 | Stop at the medieval minaret for a short visit, then continue to Bukhara. | A minaret climb is not part of the core itinerary. |
| 19:00–20:30 | Arrive in Bukhara, check into your hotel and have dinner. | Stay in Bukhara for two consecutive nights. |
Day format:A long day of about 9–11 hours with museum visits, driving, lunch and craft stops; arrival in Bukhara is in the evening. Walking: short walks between journeys
Day 5 — Bukhara: Samanid Mausoleum to Lyabi Hauz
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:15 | Start at the old city walls and gates, then visit the Samanid Mausoleum and Chashma Ayub. | The Samanid Mausoleum is known for its patterned brickwork. |
| 10:20–12:00 | Continue to Bolo Hauz and the Ark, exploring the monuments and their connection with the Bukhara emirs. | Bolo Hauz has a columned wooden veranda; the Ark was the emirs’ residence. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Pause for lunch and a rest before the second part of the walk. | Lunch is extra; cafés can be chosen near the route. |
| 13:00–15:15 | View the Poi Kalyan ensemble from outside and walk towards the trading domes through the old town. Paid mosque or madrasah interiors beyond the scheduled route are optional extras. | A visit to Bukhara’s synagogue depends on visitor access. |
| 15:25–16:20 | Reach Lyabi Hauz and the Nasreddin statue, where the main walking tour ends. | Lyabi Hauz is an ensemble around an old city pool. |
| 19:00–20:30 | Have dinner and spend a second night in Bukhara. | Return to the same hotel with your luggage already in place. |
Day format: Exploring the old town · Walking: long walks over stone paving and steps
Day 6 — The emir’s palace and the Kyzylkum
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:15 | Check out with your luggage and visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the Bukhara emir’s country palace. Explore the museum residence, then set off towards Khiva. | The long drive through the Kyzylkum begins after the palace. |
| 10:30–14:00 | Cross the desert landscapes of the Kyzylkum with comfort stops and a lunch break. | This is one of the longest days of the tour. Journey time depends on the weather, road and stops. |
| 14:00–18:30 | Continue through the Amu Darya area. Your driver chooses safe, accessible places for short stops. | Keep water and anything needed during the drive close at hand. Lunch is extra. |
| 18:30–20:30 | Check into your Khiva hotel and have dinner. A folklore performance is included; its timing fits around arrival and the next day’s return flight. | Check-in, dinner and the show timing follow the actual arrival. |
Day format: Palace visit and a long road day · Walking: long periods seated and short walks
Day 7 — Ichan Kala and back to Tashkent
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30–10:00 | Begin your Ichan Kala walk at Kalta Minor and Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, then visit Kunya Ark. | The full visit needs a suitable flight from Urgench. An early flight means a shorter programme or an extra night with a revised price. |
| 10:10–12:10 | Walk to Juma Mosque, the Pahlavan Mahmud complex and Shergazi Khan Madrasah. Cover the short distances inside the walls on foot. | The old town has steps and uneven paving. |
| 12:20–13:30 | Continue to Islam Khodja, Kutlug Murad Inak Madrasah and Anusha Khan Baths. | Some sights are viewed from outside. Minaret climbs and special platforms require separate arrangements. |
| 13:30–16:00 | Explore Tash Hauli. If time permits before the transfer, finish the walk by the city walls. | Allow 13:30–14:30 for lunch at your own expense. The confirmed flight determines the end of the walk. |
| 16:00+ · flight dependent | Have dinner at the scheduled time, then transfer to Urgench Airport and fly to Tashkent. | Urgench–Tashkent airfare is quoted separately. Baggage follows the chosen fare. |
| After landing | Your driver meets you in Tashkent and takes you to the hotel for the last night of the tour. | Dinner and transfers follow the confirmed flight schedule. |
Day format: Khiva on foot, transfer and flight · Walking: steps, stone paving and airport access
Day 8 — Tashkent: departure
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–09:00 | Have breakfast at the hotel and check out. | For a very early departure, a breakfast box depends on the hotel. Late check-out is extra. |
| 3–4 h before flight | Your driver takes you to Tashkent Airport, where the programme ends. | The airport transfer is included. Plan the pick-up roughly 3–4 hours before departure; the exact time appears in your voucher. |
Day format: Breakfast and airport transfer · Walking: minimal
Where you stay
Choose Standard or Comfort accommodation with one double bed or two separate beds. Specific hotels are selected for your date. The illustrations in this section show cities along the route, rather than hotel properties or rooms.
2 nights: Days 1 and 7
Your first night follows the international arrival; your last follows the flight back from Urgench. Transfers connect the hotel with the airport and station.
- Nights on Days 1 and 7
- Early check-in as confirmed
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfers around your flights

2 nights: Days 2 and 3
After the train journey, check in for two nights. Your luggage stays at the hotel during the main day of sightseeing.
- Nights on Days 2 and 3
- City sightseeing with a local guide
- Hotel breakfasts
- Leave with luggage on Day 4

2 nights: Days 4 and 5
Arrive from Samarkand after the road stops and stay for two nights. The following day explores the old town.
- Nights on Days 4 and 5
- Hotel breakfasts
- City tour on Day 5
- Leave via the palace on Day 6

1 night: Day 6
Spend one night after the drive across the Kyzylkum. The next morning brings Ichan Kala before your return flight.
- Night on Day 6
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Ichan Kala walk on Day 7
- Transfer to Urgench Airport

Accommodation by city
| City | Nights | Category | Why it works for this itinerary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tashkent | 2 nights: Days 1 and 7 | Standard or Comfort | Arrival transfer and the night before your international departure. |
| Samarkand | 2 nights: Days 2 and 3 | Standard or Comfort | A full sightseeing day without another hotel check-in. |
| Bukhara | 2 nights: Days 4 and 5 | Standard or Comfort | City sightseeing, followed by the desert drive the next morning. |
| Khiva | 1 night: Day 6 | Standard or Comfort | The night before Ichan Kala and the return flight. |
How your room is confirmed
A shared room may have one double bed or two separate beds. Choose your preferred arrangement when booking.
If you would like your own room, mention it with your dates. The supplement is quoted for the selected hotels.
Your written confirmation contains the hotel name, address and room type. Any proposed replacement stays within the chosen category.
Check-in and check-out. Early check-in on the first day is provided to the extent confirmed. Otherwise the chosen hotel’s rules apply. Late check-out and extra nights are additional.
Pace, seasons and packing
Bring comfortable shoes and layers for walking. Mornings and evenings can be cooler than the middle of the day.
A sun hat, water and sun protection help on open squares and desert roads. Walking breaks follow the conditions in hot weather.
Pack warm layers and shoes with a good grip. The weather affects the length of walks.
Full days. Samarkand combines museums with its principal ensembles. Day 6 starts at the palace and continues on the road to Khiva, taking most of the day.
| What to consider | Actual demands |
|---|---|
| Walking tours | City tours involve stone paving and steps. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have substantial walking. |
| Road day | Palace and road journey. After Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, drive across the Kyzylkum to Khiva. Comfort stops and a lunch break are included in the plan; arrival depends on the road. |
| Early departures | Vehicle pick-up times follow your tickets. Train and flight days may mean an early start. |
What to bring
- comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles;
- season-appropriate outerwear and several layers;
- sun and rain protection;
- personal medication and a small first-aid kit;
- your passport and copies of documents for hotels, trains and the domestic flight.
What follows a timetable
Transport and visits each have their own timing:
- Tashkent–Samarkand: finish the city visits with time for the station transfer;
- Workshop and show: the Gijduvan session and Khiva folklore performance follow their actual scheduled times;
- Urgench–Tashkent: the flight determines how much time is available for Ichan Kala on Day 7.
With an early return flight, choose a shorter Khiva programme or an extra night with a revised quotation.
Local guides and arrival meetings
Local English-speaking guides lead the city tours in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Arrival meetings at stations and airports follow your voucher. A guide accompanying you between cities is not included and can be added separately.
How to book the tour
In the tour 6 form, enter your dates, party size, accommodation and traveller details.
Tour payments on the website are accepted only by Visa or Mastercard.
After payment, CAJ receives your application and sends written confirmation of the purchased tour. Purchase terms.
The amount payable. Check the full total for the selected category, party size, separately priced flight and any requested extras before payment. CAJ adds no card payment fee.
Written confirmation. Submitting the form and making the payment are separate stages. CAJ’s confirmation contains hotels, tickets, baggage allowances and meeting points.
Tickets and conditions
- Check that the domestic flight fits your Khiva visit and international departure from Tashkent.
- Purchase takes place on the tour 6 page.
- Read the purchase terms and refund policy; individual tickets have their own cancellation conditions.
Who arranges your trip
CAJ.UZ / Central Asia Journeys brings hotels, local guides, the train and transfers into one trip. The About page contains information about the organiser.
Your confirmation brings together hotels and room type, programme, tickets, baggage allowances and meeting points. These details help you follow each stage of the journey.
The website publishes travellers’ reviews of the CAJ.UZ team. Read them while choosing your trip.
FAQ — questions before booking
Are Afrasiab Museum and the observatory included?
Yes. Ulugbek Observatory, Afrasiab Museum and Khoja Daniyar are visited on the morning of Day 4 before the Bukhara road. Day 3 combines the main Samarkand monuments with the 15:00–19:00 cooking session. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa remains on the morning of Day 6.
Who meets me after the train and domestic flight?
A driver meets you at Samarkand Station and Tashkent Airport, then takes you to your hotel. Meeting points are listed in the voucher, and these transfers are included.
How should I plan flights from the USA?
The eight days run from arrival in Tashkent to departure from Tashkent; allow additional travel time from and back to the USA. International flights are not included. On Day 7, a full Khiva visit requires a sufficiently late Urgench–Tashkent flight. Check that flight before booking your onward international journey; an early departure from Urgench means a shorter Khiva visit or an extra night.
Can I travel with a child?
Give the child’s age and required room arrangement. No separate child tariff is published here; the trip is quoted for your family. Consider the substantial walking and long Kyzylkum drive.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on citizenship. Visa support is included when required, while visa or consular fees are extra. Entry requirements are checked for the traveller’s passport.
What are the cancellation terms?
CAJ.UZ purchase terms and the conditions of individual tickets and services apply. Any cancellation charges or deductions follow your booking and depend on the selected services.
Useful for your itinerary
Cities on your route
Before you travel
Other routes and booking terms
Book a trip for your own party
For your booking: travel dates, party size and room preferences. International flight details help plan the arrival meeting and final airport transfer.
Continue to tour 6
Select the option matching your actual party size and accommodation category. Before payment, confirm the complete total including the separately priced Urgench–Tashkent airfare and requested extras. Add any trip preferences in the form or contact CAJ by email.
Email: cajourneys@gmail.com