Twin-centreTashkent & Samarkand
- 5★ hotels in both cities
- Direct flights from London Heathrow
- High-speed train and transfers
From£799per person · 2 sharing
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Samarkand & Bukhara
Two nights each in Samarkand and Bukhara, with a night in Tashkent at each end, 5-star hotels, breakfast, flights and trains.
- 6 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- Direct from London Heathrow
From
£949
per person · 2 sharing
About this holiday
The two cities most visitors to Uzbekistan come to see, joined by high-speed trains. Spend two nights in Samarkand for the Registan, the Shah-i-Zinda and the Gur-e-Amir, then two nights in Bukhara, whose old town of madrasas, mosques and domed bazaars is easy to explore on foot.
The package includes return flights from London Heathrow, 5-star hotels with breakfast, all your train tickets and transfers, and a night in Tashkent at each end, so you’re close to the airport for the flights.
- Duration
- 7 days, 6 nights
- Board
- Bed & breakfast
- Hotels
- 5★ in each city
- Flights
- Direct from London Heathrow
- Trains
- Afrosiyob high-speed trains
- Good for
- Couples, friends, families
5★ hotels in each city
You stay in 5-star hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. In Samarkand and Bukhara we choose hotels within walking distance or a short taxi ride of the old towns. We confirm the hotels with each quote.
Hotel features
- Breakfast at every hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- 24-hour reception
- Family rooms on request
- Mosques close by
Times from central hotels
- Registan (Samarkand)approx. 10 mins on foot
- Shah-i-Zinda (Samarkand)approx. 10 mins by road
- Lyabi-Hauz (Bukhara)a short walk
- Kalon Minaret (Bukhara)approx. 10 mins on foot
- Bukhara stationapprox. 25 mins by road
- Tashkent Airportapprox. 20 mins
Times are approximate and depend on your hotels. Bukhara’s station is outside the city.
Included in the price
Included
- Return flights from London Heathrow, with checked baggage
- 2 nights in Samarkand, 2 in Bukhara and 2 in Tashkent, all 5★
- Breakfast every morning
- High-speed train tickets: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent
- Airport and station transfers
- ATOL protection under ATOL 10416
- A UK consultant before and during your trip
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Guided tours and entry fees
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Extras such as seat selection or extra baggage
Before you go
Flight time
Approx. 7 hours direct from London Heathrow to Tashkent (TAS). By train, Samarkand is approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Tashkent and Bukhara approx. 1 hour 45 minutes further.
Time difference
Uzbekistan is 5 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 4 hours ahead in summer. It does not change its clocks.
Money
The currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger shops; carry cash for bazaars, taxis and small cafés.
Visiting mosques
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where asked. Women may be asked to cover their hair at working mosques and shrines.
Language
Uzbek is the official language and Russian is widely spoken. English is spoken at many hotels and tourist sites, less so elsewhere.
Weather
Samarkand averages around 26–32°C in May and June; Bukhara is a little warmer and reaches around 37°C in July. Winters are cold, at around 6–9°C by day.
Day by day
These are suggestions; guided tours and entry fees are not included, but we can add a guide in any city.
- Day 1
Fly to Tashkent
Fly direct from London Heathrow to Tashkent, approx. 7 hours. Flights land in the early hours, so your room is booked from tonight. Your driver takes you to your hotel, approx. 20 minutes.
- Day 2
Train to Samarkand
Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand, approx. 2 hours 15 minutes. Visit the Registan, and come back after dark when it is lit up.
- Day 3
Samarkand
Walk the Shah-i-Zinda, visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar, and finish at the Gur-e-Amir, Timur’s mausoleum.
- Day 4
Train to Bukhara
Take the train to Bukhara, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes. In the evening, walk to the Lyabi-Hauz pool and the domed trading bazaars.
- Day 5
Bukhara
See the Po-i-Kalyan, with the Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, then the Ark fortress, the Bolo Haouz Mosque and the Samanid Mausoleum.
- Day 6
Back to Tashkent
Take the high-speed train to Tashkent, approx. 4 hours, ready for your morning flight. Visit Chorsu Bazaar if there’s time.
- Day 7
Fly home
Breakfast at your hotel, then your transfer to Tashkent Airport for your flight to London.
Questions about this package
How long are the train journeys?
The Afrosiyob high-speed train takes approx. 2 hours 15 minutes from Tashkent to Samarkand, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Samarkand to Bukhara and approx. 4 hours from Bukhara back to Tashkent. All tickets are included.
Why is the last night in Tashkent?
Direct flights to London leave Tashkent in the morning, so you take the train back from Bukhara the day before and stay near the airport.
Can I add Khiva?
Yes. Our Uzbekistan Silk Road package adds two nights in Khiva, with the train from Bukhara and a domestic flight back to Tashkent from Urgench.
Are guided tours and entry fees included?
No. You’re free to explore at your own pace, and entry fees are paid at each site. We can add an English-speaking guide for a half or full day in Samarkand or Bukhara.
When is the best time for this holiday?
April to June and September to October, when Samarkand averages around 21–32°C. July and August are hot, especially in Bukhara, so sightseeing is easier in the morning and evening.
More Uzbekistan holidays
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A shorter break in Samarkand, or a longer trip with Khiva.
Twin-centre
Multi-centreUzbekistan Silk Road
- 5★ hotels in four cities
- Heathrow flights plus a domestic flight
- Trains and transfers
From£1,249per person · 2 sharing
View details
Questions about this holiday?
Talk to a UK consultant
Call us or send an enquiry, and we’ll check prices for your dates, suggest hotels and change the package to suit you.