Welcome to Uzbekistan!

You’ll be greeted you at the airport and taken straight to your hotel to freshen up and rest a little.

In the afternoon we’ll take you to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s central market and possibly the best way to get introduced to Uzbek culture. You’ll have the chance to sample plov, somsa, lagman and so much more!

Once you’ve had the chance to explore and enjoy some authentic local food, we’ll take you around the old part of Tashkent to begin your journey of discovering Islam in Central Asia.

This morning you have an early start, as you'll be catching a bullet train to Samarkand!

Here you'll connect with the legacy of some of the most influential scholars who shaped the growth and preservation of Islam in the region.

You’ll follow in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, Mongol raiders and martyrs. Our local guide will share stories about some of the legends who lived in Samarkand, including the Mufassir and connoisseur of Fiqh, Imam al Maturidi.

You'll explore the stunning Amir Temur mausoleum, the final resting place of one of the influential rulers in Central Asia. Our local guide will then take you around Registan Square, the Shah i Zinda and Hazrat Khizr mosque, you’ll have the opportunity to experience an activity specially provided upon the request of Halal Travel Guide.

You’ll have the chance to learn traditional Islamic calligraphy from a master craftsman inside the world-famous Ulug-Beg Madrasa, and even have a go yourself.

This morning you'll check out of your hotel in Samarkand and begin the journey to Bukhara.

But first, we'll start the day by taking you to visit the burial site of Imam al Bukhari, may Allah be pleased with him. During the Soviet era, the tomb of Imam al-Bukhari was neglected in general and forgotten.  It wasn't until 1954 when President Sukarno of Indonesia was on a diplomatic visit to the USSR and requested to visit the grave of Imam al Bukhari. After this, it was rebuilt. Today it is under construction again, as the complex is being expanded to accommodate more visitors.

Once you leave Samarkand you will begin the journey to Gijduvon, where you will stop for a beautiful lunch hosted at the studio of our Master Potter. You'll enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal before having a go yourself at decorating your own pottery.

Tonight you will arrive in the very special city of Bukhara.

This morning you'll wake up inside our beautifully-designed boutique hotel in Bukhara, and begin the journey of connecting with the great history and people of this ancient city.

You'll visit the famous minaret that Genghis Khan left standing after destroying nearly everything else. You'll visit the Chor Minor madrasa and the Po i Kalyan too.

After a delicious lunch, you'll have the chance to explore the arts and crafts of Bukhara and learn more about the importance of this city on the Silk Road. By now you’ll have noticed that the Uzbeks are incredibly talented artists and craftsmen and women, ranging from weaving and embroidery to pottery, calligraphy, painting and silk rug making. You’re invited to share in this heritage today by learning more about and trying on a traditional dress in the 1500-year-old Ark Fortress.

 Today you'll enjoy a traditional Uzbek cookery experience and have the chance to try your hand at cooking! You'll get to taste Plov, a one-pot rice and meat dish typically made with long-grain rice (like basmati or Jasmine) and lamb cooked with different herbs and spices.

After lunch, you'll take a short internal flight or train back to Tashkent.  This evening is yours to explore Tashkent as you please. Check out the Telecom Tower, travel on the beautiful metro or visit Chorsu for some last-minute souvenir shopping! Overnight in Tashkent 

Option 1: Enjoy a full free day exploring Tashkent at your leisure. Do some last minute shopping at Chorsu Bazaar, perfect fuying affordable doppas, chapans and nuts. Pay a visit to the Telecom Tower for views over Tashkent. Or perhaps you'd prefer to travel underground, on Tashkent's famous metro.

Option 2: Wear some comfortable shoes and bring your sunglasses, because today you’ll be exploring some of the region’s beautiful landscapes. We’ll drive you to the Chimgan-Charvaq mountain range and enjoy the views of the Jade Lakes before heading up in a cable car to enjoy fresh mountain air and stunning panoramas. To enjoy this option, please remember to add it to your booking when checking out (£50).

Tonight, you will enjoy a farewell group meal together in Tashkent.

Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time this morning in Tashkent before we take you to the airport.

Should you wish to extend your stay in Uzbekistan, let us know, and we can assist you. Thank you for travelling with us!