Short Tour
Discovering Samarkand & Bukhara
A one-week introduction to Samarkand and Bukhara, with enough time to visit without rushing.
To explore Samarkand, Bukhara and Shakhrisabz, we recommend a minimum of 7 days. In fewer than 7 days, it would be difficult to discover the full beauty of these cities.
During this journey, you will discover the most beautiful cities of Uzbekistan at your own pace, in small groups, accompanied by your local guide throughout the trip.
Your programme can be adjusted, moved forward or modified to suit your preferences:
- Night train between Samarkand and Bukhara possible
- Option for a free day in Samarkand
Proposed 7-day Itinerary in Uzbekistan
Registan, Samarkand
Samarkand
Day 1 — Arrival & Registan
Arrival in Samarkand, welcome and check-in at the hotel. First immersion with a visit to the Registan, the most emblematic monumental complex in Central Asia. Dinner in the city.
Mosquee Bibi Khanum
Samarkand
Day 2 — Deep Samarkand
A full day exploring the city's treasures: Gur-e-Amir mausoleum (Tamerlane's tomb), Bibi-Khanym mosque and the lively Siab bazaar. In the afternoon, visit Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shohizinda
Bukhara
Day 3 — Road to Bukhara
Transfer to Bukhara (by train or car based on preference). First discovery: the Chor-Minor necropolis and silk artisan workshops. Free evening to wander the alleys of the historic centre.
Boukhara
Bukhara
Day 4 — Heart of Bukhara
A full day dedicated to Bukhara's historic centre (UNESCO listed): the Ark citadel, the Kalon mosque and its minaret, the Samanid mausoleum, and the Toq-i-Sarrafon bazaar. Encounters with local artisans — potters, weavers, embroiderers.
Bukhara, Ark
Bukhara
Day 5 — Beyond Bukhara's Walls
Excursion to the surroundings: Chor-Bakr complex (necropolis of the Prophet's brothers), Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace, and a glimpse of the desert and silk worm farms in season.
Samarkand
Samarkand
Day 6 — Return & Final Discoveries
Return journey to Samarkand. Free time to revisit favourite sites, shopping at the market and lunch with a local family. Farewell dinner with your guide.
Bibi-Khanu-Samarkand
Samarkand
Day 7 — Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your flight time. End of the trip.
What's included
- Welcome and airport/hotel transfers
- Accommodation in hotel or riad (6 nights)
- Private French-speaking guide throughout the stay
- All internal transport (train, car)
- Entrance fees to monuments in the programme
- 1 dinner with a local family
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses and tips
Practical info
No visa required for French citizens
Direct flight from Paris (~6h) or Lyon via Istanbul
Best season: April–June & Sept–Oct
Currency: Uzbek Sum (UZS) — 1 € ≈ 14,000 UZS
Start Your Silk Road Journey
This tour is a base plan. We adapt it to your dates, pace, and travel style.
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