THE ESSENCE OF UZBEKISTAN
Route: Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand
This 8-day circuit is the perfect itinerary for a first discovery of Uzbekistan. In just one week, you will visit the three legendary Silk Road cities — Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand — each inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, each with a unique personality of its own. From the labyrinthine alleyways of Khiva, an open-air museum city on the banks of the Amu Darya, to the majesty of Bukhara the Noble with its 360 mosques, and on to the dazzling Registan Square in Samarkand, this journey is an immersion into a thousand years of Eastern civilisation. Between the cities, the crossing of the Kyzylkum Desert adds a touch of adventure and complete change of scenery.
Practical Information
👟 Fitness Level: Accessible to all, no particular physical requirement. This is a cultural circuit with moderate walking during city visits. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobblestones of the old towns.
🌡️ Climate: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons, with pleasant temperatures (15–30°C / 59–86°F). Summer (June–August) can be very hot (35–45°C / 95–113°F). Samarkand is at 700 m altitude, with cooler evenings. Pack a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
🚐 Transfers: All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. The longest day is Day 3 (Khiva–Bukhara, 480 km, approximately 7 hours' drive) with the Kyzylkum Desert crossing — an experience in itself.
🍽️ Meals: Only breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are at leisure, allowing you to discover Uzbek cuisine at your own pace: plov (pilaf rice), shashlik (kebabs), lagman (noodle soup), somsa (stuffed pastries), and many more delights. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best local addresses.
📌 Please Note: The order of visits may be modified according to local conditions, without altering the content of the programme.
