Colorful Uzbekistan Itinerary

Overview

Uzbekistan is a country with a rich history and culture, and a 9-day tour is a great way to experience some of its most popular destinations. You will start your journey in Tashkent, the capital city, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture and visit some of its famous landmarks, including the Abdul Kassim Madrassah, Museum of Applied Arts, Mustakillik Maydoni, and Tashkent Metro Visit Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan, and explore its stunning Islamic architecture. You will visit Registan Square, Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah, and Sher-Dor Madrasah. You will also visit Bibi Khanum mosque, Silk Road bazaar, and Shahi Zinda necropolis.Head to Bukhara, another ancient city of Uzbekistan, and explore its rich history and culture. You will visit the Lyabi Hauz complex, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, and Kalyan Minaret. You will also visit the Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum.

Next, you will visit Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its stunning landmarks, including the Ichan Kala complex, Kalta Minor Minaret, and Kunya-Ark Fortress. You will also visit the Tash Khauli Palace, Juma Mosque, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the rich history and culture of Uzbekistan. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who will provide you with a wealth of information about the history and culture of the region. You will also have the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Uzbekistan.

Colorful Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive In Tashkent [D]

Your tour guide will meet you at the international airport and accompany you to your hotel. One overnight stay in Tashkent.

Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva [B, D]

Today, we will explore the old town of Tashkent and visit the historical complex of Khast Imam. The complex is home to several significant landmarks, including the Tilla-Sheikh Mosque, Barakkhan Madrasa, and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. The library in the complex houses the oldest Quran in the world, which dates to the 7th century. Afterward, we will head to the Chorsu Bazaar, which has been a bustling marketplace since the Middle Ages. The bazaar is located at the crossroads of the caravansaries of the Great Silk Road and is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. In the afternoon, we will explore the modern town of Tashkent and visit Independence Square and Amir Timur Park. Amir Timur Park is a beautiful park that features a statue of Amir Timur, a prominent figure in Uzbek history. In the evening, we will fly to Urgench and transfer to the hotel in Khiva, which is about 35 km from Urgench. We will enjoy a typical local dish for dinner and spend two nights in Khiva.

Day 3: Khiva [B, D]

An early morning departure to take the sites of Khiva. Ichan Kala, also known as the “inner town citadel” of Khiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved for centuries. It is one of the few places in Central Asia where you can experience life as it was during the time of the Khanate. The town is home to several famous landmarks, including the Tilla-Sheikh Mosque, Barakkhan Madrasa, and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. Walking around the historic center, you will admire the Oriental ornaments and turquoise tiles of the richly decorated buildings and understand why the old town of Khiva is called an “open-air museum”.

In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset over the oasis and indulge in a sumptuous dinner at the summer palace of the Khans called “Toza-Bog” (at least 8 people). Let the magical impressions of the day take effect and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Central Asia.

Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara [B, D]

Impressive trip through the vegetated „Kyzylkum “(«Red Sand») desert and the vast steppe to Bukhara (approx. 420 km). On the way, we will have lunch break in an Uzbek «Roadhouse». In the late evening we arrive in Bukhara, and you have time to explore Bukhara by yourself. Dinner in a local restaurant. Two overnight stays in Bukhara.

Day 5: Bukhara [B, D]

Excursion in the old town starts with the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani. Then we visit Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum. After we will wander around the old town where you will feel transported to the world of the stories from ‘One Thousand and One Nights’. It is hard to believe that, just like 100 years ago, teaching and learning still takes place in the mosques and madrasas, such as the Miri Arab madrasa. You will admire the

Day 6: Bukhara – Rabbati Malik – Samarkand [B, D]

We drive on to Samarkand, the town of the stories in 1001 nights (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the Middle Ages, this was one of the most beautiful towns in the world and still today it has lost none of its charm. On the way, we will visit the Rabbati Malik Caravansaray and Sardoba (water reservoir).

Then we go to one of the visiting cards of Uzbekistan, the famous Registan Square with its three unique medrasas Ulughbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. We will also visit a palace-like mausoleum Guri Emir of the ruler Timur. Dinner in the Restaurant „Samarkand “, where you can experience the culture of the country and people. Three overnight stays in Samarkand.

Day 7: Samarkand [B, D]

Excursion to the paper-making factory of Samarkand, where silk paper has been produced since 2005 using the technology of the 8th century. Then we visit Ulugbek Observatory, once the greatest research centre in Central Asia, and Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, the grave complex «living king», where today Timur’s family members are buried. We go to the largest mosque in Central Asia Bibi Khanym. Then we walk to Siyob Bazaar which is just next to the mosque. The selection of dry fruits alone is very impressive. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 8: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand [B, D]

Journey from Samarkand towards Shakhrisabz, (about 1.30h) the hometown of Amir Timur. Visit to the ruins of the Ak Saray summer palace, the mosques Khazrat Imam and Kok Gumbaz and the Dar-us-Saodat complex. Samarkand was the capital of Timur’s empire, but Shakhrisabz was his place of birth and today gives us some idea of the former might of the ruler. The ruins of the summer palace are still very imposing and are a testimony to the past greatness of Timur’s empire. In the afternoon you will go back to Samarkand. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 9:  Samarkand – Return Flight [B]

Transfer to the airport for a flight back home.

Note: All Central Asia tour prices will be updated on January 15, 2025.

Due to the high demand for this region, both hotel prices and transportation costs have been rising significantly. Central Asia tours are currently receiving strong interest from both the U.S. and Canada, leading to continuous price increases.

Daily departures available. Please call 1-800-417-3880 for more information or e-mail us at info@flotours.com . We are here to help you get the best out of your vacation.
Price:
Per person in Double or Twin rooms: $ 2,995
Single Supplement $ 995

• Round trip / excursions and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, typical for the country
• Inland flight Tashkent - Urgench
• Journey with the fast train „Afrosiyob “Samarkand - Tashkent in Economy-Class
• 8 x overnight stays in middle-class hotels (country category) in double room
• Sightseeing program including admission fees according to tour description
• Half-board according to travel program (breakfast, dinner)
• Local, English-speaking travel guide from/to Tashkent Airport

• International flights
• Photo/video fees
• Tips for travel guide and drivers
• Visa fees

CENTRAL ASIA VISA INFORMATION :

Turkmenistan’s visa process, from which no traveler is exempt, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in Central Asia. That said, Flo Tours will guide you through the entire process, and the majority of our clients who apply for a tourist visa do successfully receive approval. While the procedure requires patience, the extra effort is part of what makes visiting Turkmenistan such a unique and rewarding experience.

Flo Tours will assist with all required documentation, including the Letter of Invitation issued by the Turkmenistan government, which is mandatory for visa processing.

For detailed visa requirements and step-by-step support, please contact Flo Tours directly.

Visas for all other Central Asia countries can be applied for online through their official embassy websites using the e-visa system.

Turkmenistan Visa Application Process

All travelers, regardless of nationality, are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan. While the process is often considered one of the most complex in Central Asia, Flo Tours will guide you through every step, making it as smooth and clear as possible.

The most reliable way to obtain a Turkmenistan visa is by booking a guided tour with a tour operator that works directly with licensed local partners in Turkmenistan, as required by the government. Flo Tours cooperates with trusted and officially licensed partners inside Turkmenistan to handle this process on your behalf.

We strongly recommend planning your visit well in advance, ideally at least one month before your intended arrival, though earlier is always better.

Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)

The first and most important step in the visa process is applying for a Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.), which is issued by the Turkmenistan government.

Once your L.O.I. is approved, you may:

• Obtain the visa sticker from the Turkmenistan Embassy in your country, or
• If no embassy is available, receive the visa upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport or approved land borders.

There is no need to mail your passport during this process.

The approval of the L.O.I. typically takes 90 days, though processing times may vary. Once approved, the L.O.I. will be forwarded to the designated embassy or border point, and Flo Tours will notify you immediately.

Please note that, in rare cases and for reasons not disclosed to tour operators, the Turkmenistan authorities may reject an L.O.I. or visa application. Entry may also be denied if local laws or regulations are violated.

Timing & Planning Recommendations

Although the minimum recommended lead time is one month, Turkmenistan law allows applications for an L.O.I. up to three months in advance. We strongly encourage applying as early as possible.

We also recommend purchasing airline tickets only after your L.O.I. is approved, or choosing fully refundable tickets to avoid any inconvenience.

Flo Tours Visa Support

Flo Tours provides full visa support for all tours that include Turkmenistan. This includes:

• Coordinating the L.O.I. application
• Working directly with licensed local partners
• Providing guidance through every stage of the process

Required Documents for L.O.I. Application

To apply for the Letter of Invitation, please submit the following documents to Flo Tours by email:

1. Color copy of a valid international passport
   • Full page showing photo, personal details, signature, and barcode
   • Format: PDF or JPEG
2. One recent passport-size color photo
   • White background
   • JPEG or PNG format
   • File size up to 250 KB
3. Completed application information, including:
   • Any previous names used
   • Marital status
   • Intended travel dates and number of entries
   • Entry and exit points in Turkmenistan
   • Spouse’s full name and date of birth (if applicable)
   • Children’s full names and dates of birth (if applicable)
   • Permanent home address
   • Educational background (highest diploma, city, and country)
   • Field of study
   • Current occupation and employer details
   • Preferred place of visa issuance (embassy or border/airport)
   • Previous visits to Turkmenistan (if any)

Flo Tours will provide the required form and assist you with completion if needed.

Important Conditions for Visa Approval

Unlike many countries where hotel bookings and flight tickets are sufficient, Turkmenistan requires travelers to meet additional conditions, all of which are arranged through a licensed tour operator:

• Government-issued Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.)
• Entry travel pass
• Immigration registration
• Border or airport meeting by a local representative
• Confirmed hotel accommodation
• Transportation during the tour
• Licensed guide accompaniment

These requirements cannot be fulfilled independently. Even solo travelers must work with a licensed Turkmenistan travel agency, which Flo Tours arranges on your behalf.