Explore more curated experiences in Samarkand
View all Samarkand tours7-Day Uzbekistan Grand Tour: Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva Tour
7-day trip from Samarkand visiting Optional Evening Registan Square Tour with Lazer Show, Evening Samarkand, optional activities and third-party event and Lunch and Afternoon Free time. Operated by Visit Kharezm & Khiva.
Highlights
- Explore all of Samarkand's Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Shahi-Zinda and Siyob Bazaar
7-Day Uzbekistan Grand Tour: Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva Tour: Key Facts
| Price | From $1560 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
7-Day Uzbekistan Grand Tour: Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva Tour
Full description
A 7-day trip out of Samarkand taking in Optional Evening Registan Square Tour with Lazer Show, Evening Samarkand, optional activities and third-party event, Lunch and Afternoon Free time and Evening Tour through Shakhi Zinda, Ulubek and Afrosiyob. There are 16 stops in all.
The running order is Optional Evening Registan Square Tour with Lazer Show, then Evening Samarkand, optional activities and third-party event, then Lunch and Afternoon Free time, then Evening Tour through Shakhi Zinda, Ulubek and Afrosiyob., then Lunch in Gijduvan and Gijduvan Ceramic Workshop, and on from there.
The price covers private transportation for your group throughout the journey, Samarkand Airport/Railway pickup, Hotel pickups/drop-offs throughout the journey and Intercity transfers. It does not cover hotels/Accommodation or guesthouses, Entrance tickets to monuments, archeological sites, and historical places and Meals/drinks, so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $1560 together rather than $1560 each, because this is priced per party and not per head.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Arrival in Samarkand and Hotel Drop-off
Your journey begins with a private pickup from either: Samarkand International Airport Samarkand Railway Station Your driver will meet you according to your confirmed arrival time, assist with luggage and transfer you to your Samarkand hotel. If you arrive early enough, the sightseeing program begins the same day. If your train or flight arrives later, the sightseeing sequence can be adjusted.
Optional Evening Registan Square Tour with Lazer Show
Your first major introduction to Samarkand is Registan Square. The ensemble consists of three monumental madrasas. Ulugbek Madrasa: Built during the Timurid period and associated with the scholar-ruler Ulugbek. Sher-Dor Madrasa: Recognizable for its distinctive facade and richly decorated architectural elements. Tilla-Kari Madrasa: Explore its courtyard and richly ornamented prayer hall.
Evening Samarkand, optional activities and third-party event
After Registan, the evening remains flexible. Possible activities include: Sunset photography Evening Registan illumination Traditional dinner Local tea house Independent walking Shopping For travelers arriving later, Registan can instead be moved to Day 2. Overnight: Samarkand
Hotel Pickup and Morning Historical Monuments City Tour
09:00 — Hotel Pickup: Meet your professional local guide for a full-day exploration of Samarkand. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: Begin at Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum associated with Amir Timur and the Timurid dynasty. Bibi-Khanum Mosque: The enormous scale of the complex reflects the ambitions of Timurid Samarkand. Siyob Bazaar: This is an opportunity to experience contemporary Samarkand rather than only its monuments. Travelers can taste or purchase traditional Samarkand bread.
Lunch and Afternoon Free time
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free time for travelers to rest in their hotels because of the high temperature in the city.
Evening Tour through Shakhi Zinda, Ulubek and Afrosiyob.
Shahi-Zinda: The historic necropolis contains a succession of mausoleums and religious structures decorated with extraordinary ceramic tilework. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours. Afrosiab Museum: The museum introduces the much older history of Samarkand and provides context for the city's development before the Timurid period. Ulugbek Observatory: Learn about Ulugbek's achievements in astronomy and the scientific traditions of Timurid Samarkand. Overnight: Samarkand
Hotel pickup and drive from Samarkand to Gijduvan
08:30–09:00 — Hotel Pickup & Check-Out: Load luggage into the private vehicle and begin the westward journey. Depending on the exact hotel and previous-day itinerary, an additional Samarkand stop can be added during the morning if desired. Travel westward through the Uzbek countryside toward Gijduvan. The journey allows travelers to observe landscapes outside the country's major tourist centers.
Lunch in Gijduvan and Gijduvan Ceramic Workshop
Visit a local artisan workshop and meet craftspeople who continue techniques passed through generations. Depending on the workshop, observe: Clay preparation Pottery shaping Wheel throwing Hand painting Glazing Firing Finished ceramic production Where available, travelers can participate in a simple hands-on pottery activity. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or family-style establishment.
Arrival in Bukhara and Evening tour around Lyabi-Hauz
The drive is relatively short compared with the longer intercity journeys later in the itinerary. Arrive in Bukhara in the afternoon. Transfer directly to the hotel and check in. Walk around Lyabi-Hauz and the surrounding historic streets. This is intentionally a light program. Possible activities include: Evening photography Traditional tea Dinner Craft shopping Relaxing in the Old City Overnight: Bukhara
Morning Hotel pick-up and Bukhara Old City Tour
09:00 — Hotel Pickup: Meet your professional local Bukhara guide. Samanid Mausoleum: Learn about the Samanid dynasty and Bukhara's emergence as a major center of Islamic civilization. The monument's brickwork provides an excellent introduction to the architectural traditions of Central Asia. Bolo Haouz Mosque: Continue to Bolo Haouz Mosque, known for its elegant wooden columns and traditional design. Ark Fortress: The Ark functioned as Bukhara's fortified political center for centuries.
Poi-Kalyan Ensemble and Trading domes of local craftsmanship
Poi-Kalyan Ensemble: Continue to one of Bukhara's most recognizable architectural groups. Kalyan Minaret: The minaret dominates the historic skyline. Kalyan Mosque: Explore its large courtyard and monumental architecture. Mir-i-Arab Madrasa: Learn about the madrasa's continuing historical importance. Trading Domes: These covered commercial spaces once connected merchants, craftsmen and travelers along the Silk Road. Shopping is optional.
Lunch in the Old city and Afternoon free time for resting
Enjoy lunch in or around the Old City. Spend the afternoon around Lyabi-Hauz and the surrounding historic lanes. This part of the tour is intentionally slower. Travelers can explore craft workshops, drink tea, take photographs or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Optional Cultural Experience and Free Evening
Depending on availability, arrange: Traditional music performance Cooking class Craft demonstration Carpet workshop Suzani workshop Miniature painting Traditional hammam Optional experiences are quoted separately. Free evening in Bukhara. Overnight: Bukhara
Sitorai Mohi-Khosa and Hotel Pick-up from Bukhara
08:30 — Hotel Pickup & Check-Out: After breakfast, check out and load luggage into the private vehicle. Before leaving the Bukhara region, visit Sitorai Mohi-Khosa. Explore the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. The palace demonstrates a mixture of Central Asian traditions and European-inspired design. Allow approximately 45–60 minutes.
Drive from Bukhara to Khiva through Desert Landscape
Begin the long westward journey toward Khiva. The road distance is approximately 420–430 km. Actual driving time is typically around 6–7 hours, but the operational schedule should allow additional time for: The journey crosses arid landscapes and provides an opportunity to observe the geography separating the Bukhara and Khorezm regions. Stop at a suitable restaurant along the route. A restaurant such as Zakhratun may be considered depending on the route and operating conditions.
Arrival in Khiva and First Evening Walk in Ichan Kala
Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Transfer to the hotel. If time permits, take an informal evening walk inside Ichan Kala. No major guided sightseeing is required. Instead, travelers can experience Khiva after the day's long journey. Possible activities: Sunset photography Rooftop dinner Tea house Independent walking Shopping Overnight: Khiva
Hotel Pickup and Morning tour inside of Ichan Kala of Khiva
09:00 — Hotel Pickup / Meeting Point: Meet your professional Khiva guide. Today's program focuses on Ichan Kala. Because the majority of attractions are concentrated inside the historic walls, much of the tour is conducted on foot. Visit the famous Kalta Minor, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Kunya Ark, Juma Mosque Friday Mosque, Tash Hauli Palace, Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, and Islam Khoja Complex.
Free Afternoon and Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant inside or near Ichan Kala. After the formal guided program, the remainder of the afternoon is flexible.
Optional Evening workshops and independent exploration
Spend part of the afternoon exploring traditional Khivan crafts. Possible workshops include: Wood carving Ceramics Embroidery Carpet weaving Textile work Metalwork After the formal guided program, the remainder of the evening is flexible. Options include: Photography Rooftop café Shopping Independent exploration Rest Optional minaret climb Traditional tea Sunset in Ichan Kala Overnight: Khiva
Hotel Check-out and drive to Ancient Khorezm and fortresses
Early Morning — Hotel Check-Out: Today's schedule is built around your confirmed international flight from Urgench. Because the airport departure is a fixed deadline, the exact start time must be calculated backward from the confirmed flight departure. For an afternoon/evening flight, an early morning departure is recommended. Leave Khiva with luggage and travel toward the archaeological sites of ancient Khorezm.
Kyzyl Kala, Toprak kala, and Ayaz kala exploration in desert
Begin with Kyzyl Kala: Explore the surviving defensive structures and learn about Khorezm's ancient settlement system. Suggested visit: 30–45 minutes. Toprak Kala: Explore the extensive remains of the ancient settlement and administrative complex. Suggested visit: 45–60 minutes. Ayaz Kala: This is the final and most dramatic fortress experience. Allow approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traveler interest and the airport schedule.
Lunch and Urgench International Airport transportation
Depending on the flight departure time, lunch can be arranged near the fortress area or during the return journey. For travelers with an earlier flight, a lighter takeaway meal may be preferable. Arrive at Urgench International Airport with sufficient time for: Luggage unloading Terminal entry Check-in Security Immigration Boarding The driver assists with luggage at the airport entrance. The seven-day tour officially ends at Urgench International Airport.
Includes
- Private transportation for your group throughout the journey
- Samarkand Airport/Railway pickup
- Hotel pickups/drop-offs throughout the journey
- Intercity transfers
- Urgench International Airport drop-off
- Professional guide
- Flexible itinerary adjustments
- Lunch stops throughout the tour (Lunches, meals, and drinks are not included)
- Recommendations for hotels/guesthouses, restaurants, and optional activities by third parties throughout the tour
Excludes
- Hotels/Accommodation or guesthouses
- Entrance tickets to monuments, archeological sites, and historical places
- Meals/drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs and optional activities
- Third-party activity costs, which are paid directly by you
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts