Uzbekistan Explorer
Uzbekistan is a cultural gem, offering adventures for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist paths. While iconic sites like Registan Square in Samarkand and the Kalon Mosque in Bukhara are essential visits, the country also boasts hidden treasures
Your Uzbekistan adventure begins in Tashkent, where you'll enjoy a traditional welcome dinner. Explore the Khast Imom Complex and vibrant Chorsu Bazaar before boarding the high-speed “Afrosiab” train to Samarkand. Visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum and Registan Square, learning local crafts along the way. After a day trip to the ancient city of Shahrisabz, head to Bukhara, stopping for pottery making and silk production. Discover UNESCO sites like the Ark Fortress. In Khiva, explore the old city and enjoy sunset views with champagne. Conclude your journey in Tashkent with a farewell dinner before departing.
***Turkmenistan add on (see itinerary below)***
Turkmenistan truly is a land of contrasts, rich in history and character. From the vast, windswept deserts to the rugged mountains, every corner of the country offers something unique.
Exploring the ancient Silk Road, you’ll discover vibrant bazaars filled with aromatic spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. The bustling marketplaces provide a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals, who are known for their hospitality
| 11 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 18th October 2025 | (Saturday to Tuesday) |
|---|---|---|
| 27th October 2025 | Turkmnistan add on Total 16 days (Saturday to Sunday) | |
| 17th October 2026 | (Saturday to Tuesday) | |
| 26th October 2026 | Turkmnistan add on Total 16 days (Saturday to Sunday) | |
| Price: | Inquire | |
Day 1 - Arrive Tashkent Welcome to Uzbekistan! Your journey kicks off in Tashkent, Central Asia's largest city, where Russian and Uzbek styles blend beautifully. After landing at Tashkent Airport, meet your Intrepid representative for a hotel transfer. If time permits, take a stroll to admire the city's unique contemporary architecture. In the evening, gather with your leader and fellow travelers for a traditional Uzbek welcome dinner featuring dishes like laghman and fried dumplings
**Meals Included:** Dinner Day 2 - Tashkent After breakfast, set off to explore Tashkent. Visit the Khast Imom Complex, which includes the Barak Khan Medressa and the Quran Library, housing one of the world’s oldest Korans. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s largest markets, where you can interact with friendly locals. Your tour continues with a visit to some of Tashkent’s stunning metro stations, finishing at Amir Temur Square. Enjoy a free afternoon to perhaps explore the Kukeldash Medressa
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 3 - Tashkent to Samarkand This morning, board the high-speed “Afrosiab” train to Samarkand, a historic Silk Road city rich in culture. Join your leader for a guided city tour, starting with the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur. Stand in awe at Registan Square, surrounded by its majestic medressas, and visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque near Siob Bazaar. Explore the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a necropolis of beautifully decorated buildings. Learn about ancient paper-making techniques from a local artisan and visit the Afrosiab Museum to see remarkable frescoes. End your day at Bagizagan winery for a taste of Uzbekistan’s finest wines. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family, focusing on plov.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 - Samarkand (Shahrisabz day trip) After breakfast, embark on a day trip to Shahrisabz, one of Central Asia's ancient cities. Enjoy a guided tour before returning to Samarkand for a leisurely evening.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 5 - Samarkand to Bukhara Travel to Bukhara, stopping in Gijduvan to visit a pottery workshop and learn about local ceramic traditions. Continue to Shofirkon, where you’ll meet a local family and experience traditional silk fabric making. Enjoy a classic Uzbek lunch before heading to Bukhara. In the evening, attend a folklore performance and savor dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight, stay at the charming Minzifa Boutique Hotel.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 6 - Bukhara Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts monuments from the 8th to the 18th century. Your leader will guide you through significant sites like the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Ark Fortress, and the Poikalon complex. Explore local markets for Silk Road treasures before enjoying a free evening around the central Lyabi-Hauz area.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 7 - Bukhara to Khiva Begin with a visit to the Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace, then drive to Khiva through the stunning Kyzyl-Kum Desert. Enjoy lunch and a brief walk in the desert before arriving in Khiva for the evening.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 8 - Khiva Enjoy a full day discovering Khiva’s well-preserved old city. Your leader will guide you to notable sites such as the Kalta Minor Minaret and Juma Mosque. Take in views from the Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform and visit the Tosh-Hovli Palace. In the evening, relax on a terrace with champagne as you watch the sunset, followed by a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Khorezmian dishes.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 9 - Khiva to Nukus Depart for Nukus and check into your hotel. Visit the Savitsky Museum, home to an impressive collection of Soviet art, then explore the ancient Mizdakhan Necropolis.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 10 - Nukkus to Tashkent (fly) Fly back to Tashkent in the morning. After arriving, admire the façade of the Navoi Theatre and explore Broadway Alley, filled with local artists. Join your travel group for a chance to reflect on your fabulous journey over dinner
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 11 - Depart Tashkent Your adventure concludes after breakfast when you can depart at your own leisure. If you wish to extend your stay in Tashkent, please contact Global Drift.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast DAY 'TURKMENISTAN EXTENSION’ ADD ON TOUR - Price: AUD$XXXX Day 10 - Nukkus to Darvaza (Border Crossing) Cross the border into Turkmenistan and meet your new leader. Drive to Konye-Urgench, a UNESCO site, and explore its ancient monuments before heading to Darvaza Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.” Enjoy dinner under the stars at a nearby camp.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast, Dinner Day 11 - Darvaza to Ashgabat Travel to Ashgabat, stopping at Yerbent village to explore. Once in Ashgabat, discover its unique blend of old and new with visits to Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Enjoy a free afternoon in this remarkable city.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 12 - Ashgabat Spend the day touring Ashgabat, visiting sites like the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the Neutrality Arch. Explore the ruins of Anau before enjoying a relaxing evening at your hotel.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 13 - Ashgabat to Mary Drive to Mary, stopping to explore the archaeological site of Abiverd along the way. Settle into your hotel upon arrival.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 14 - Mary (Merv day trip) Take a day trip to Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site with numerous historical structures. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the Mary Regional Museum.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 15 - Mary to Ashgabat Drive back to Ashgabat for a free afternoon to explore the city at your leisure.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast Day 16 - Depart Ashgabat On your final day, enjoy your morning at leisure before you depart to the airport.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast |            |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.