This easy-paced itinerary focuses on Samarkand and Bukhara, two of Uzbekistan’s most memorable historic cities. You’ll have time to enjoy the major sights without rushing, with short journeys within each area and a high-speed train linking the cities.
Budget
About 1,000,000–1,800,000 UZS per person, excluding accommodation and international flights; costs vary by train class, meals and attraction fees.
Best time to visit
April–May or September–October, when days are generally pleasant for walking.
Samarkand: Registan and the old city
Settle into Samarkand and explore its central historic sights at a gentle pace.
Morning
Visit Square
Take time to admire the three madrasahs and their detailed tilework. If you’re staying near the centre, allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi to get here.
About 60,000 UZSAfternoon
See
From , it’s about a 15-minute walk or 5 minutes by taxi to this monumental mosque. Leave room for a relaxed lunch nearby.
About 40,000 UZSEvening
Stroll through
The bazaar is just beside the mosque, around a 3-minute walk. Browse dried fruit, nuts and local bread before heading back to your hotel.
Samarkand: Shah-i-Zinda and Gur-e-Amir
Visit the city’s striking mausoleums, keeping the day to Samarkand’s historic centre and northeast quarter.
Morning
Explore
Wander the tiled mausoleum avenue at an unhurried pace; its steps and uneven surfaces are worth taking slowly. From central Samarkand, allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi.
About 50,000 UZSAfternoon
Visit the
A taxi from takes around 10 minutes. See the remains of the observatory and its small museum, then take a proper lunch break.
About 50,000 UZSEvening
See
Return to the centre by taxi in about 15–20 minutes. The mausoleum is especially atmospheric near sunset; check closing times before you go.
About 50,000 UZS
Travel to Bukhara and explore Lyabi-Hauz
Take the train west and spend the evening around Bukhara’s calm, walkable old-town square.
Morning
Travel from Samarkand to Bukhara
Take an Afrosiyob or other available train from Samarkand to Bukhara. The ride is roughly 1.5–2 hours; allow another 15–25 minutes by taxi between Bukhara station and the old town.
About 200,000–400,000 UZSAfternoon
Check in and take a restful break
Stay in or near the old town to keep later outings short. From the station, a taxi to the Lyabi-Hauz area usually takes about 15–25 minutes.
Evening
Enjoy Lyabi-Hauz and dinner nearby
The old-town square is a relaxed place to start exploring, with historic buildings and restaurants close together. From a nearby guesthouse, expect a 5–10-minute walk.
About 80,000–150,000 UZS
Bukhara: old-town landmarks
Explore Bukhara’s central monuments on foot, with plenty of time for tea and a leisurely lunch.
Morning
Visit the
From Lyabi-Hauz, walk about 15 minutes through the old town or take a short taxi ride. The citadel and its museum displays make a good unhurried morning visit.
About 60,000 UZSAfternoon
See the Poi Kalon complex
It’s around a 10-minute walk from the Ark. Visit the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah area, then pause for lunch nearby.
About 50,000 UZSEvening
Browse the trading domes
The covered bazaars are about a 5–10-minute walk from Poi Kalon. Browse crafts at a relaxed pace and return to Lyabi-Hauz in roughly 10 minutes on foot.
Bukhara: quiet corners and final evening
Keep the last day flexible with a peaceful site visit, a long lunch and one more wander through the old town.
Morning
Visit
From Lyabi-Hauz, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot through the old town. This small, distinctive madrasa is a relaxed stop and a lovely change of scale from the grand monuments.
About 20,000 UZSAfternoon
Take a long lunch and rest
Return to Lyabi-Hauz in about 10 minutes on foot, then enjoy a leisurely meal and downtime. Staying close by avoids unnecessary travel on your final full day.
About 80,000–150,000 UZSEvening
Take a final old-town stroll
Enjoy the lanes around Lyabi-Hauz and revisit a favourite spot; most nearby sights and restaurants are within a 5–15-minute walk. This is a nice evening to keep unscheduled.
Good to know
Train tickets
Book the Samarkand–Bukhara train ahead, especially for Afrosiyob services. Schedules and fares can change, so confirm them before your trip.
Getting around
Samarkand’s sights are spread out, so use taxis between areas; Bukhara’s old town is best explored on foot. Agree on a taxi fare or use a ride-hailing app where available.
Cash and entry fees
Carry some Uzbek som for small purchases and entrance fees. Fees listed here are rough estimates and may change.
Pace and opening times
Start early to avoid the strongest heat, and check attraction opening hours locally. Keep the arrival day flexible in case of train delays.