All Around Uzbekistan: In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors, Along the Heart of the Silk Road Route

Tour details

EXAMPLE (ETC.) HOTELS

KHIVA

Arslon Boutique Hotel etc.

Turon Khiva Hotel etc.

Art Minor Hotel etc.

 

BUKHARA

Rangrez Bukhara Hotel etc.

Dunyo Palace etc.

 

SAMARKAND

City Samarkand Hotel etc.

Boulevard Palace Hotel etc.

Marokand Spa Hotel etc.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT

This tour is organized on the condition that at least 20 people participate.  If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the start of the tour. A tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

 

VISA

Uzbekistan does not require visas for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye.

 

Ordinary Passport            Visa not required                         

Green Passport                 Visa not required

Service Passport          Visa not required          

 

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the end date of the trip and must not be more than 10 years old.

 

For destinations requiring a visa, the visa application must be submitted with the documents specified in the “Documents Required for a Visa” list that your agency will provide to you.

 

To avoid problems with customs police at the border crossing of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet and/or similarly damaged passports, such passports must be renewed, and if the country applies a visa requirement to citizens of the Republic of Türkiye, the relevant visa must be in the new passport. Otherwise, responsibility belongs to the passenger.

 

As there is a possibility that guests under the age of 18 traveling alone or accompanied by only one of their parents may be asked by the police officer at the country’s entry and exit points for a document showing the joint consent of both parents, we recommend that our guests under 18 and their parents pay attention to this matter.

 

HEALTH  Those who regularly take medication are advised to bring more medication than they need. This is because not all types of medication are available in the country. In addition, if you have a serious health problem (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it would be useful to carry a document signed by your doctor. We also recommend that you do not drink tap water and drink bottled water that you open for the first time yourself.

 

FLIGHT DURATIONS             

Istanbul              Urgench              03 hr 50 min

Samarkand         Istanbul              05 hr 10 min

 

OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES            

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency we work with on the condition that at least 20 people participate, and participation is not mandatory. If sufficient numbers are not reached, the excursions may not take place, or the prices, content and vehicles to be used for optional tours / activities may vary according to the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of optional tours / activities may be changed by the guide depending on whether the museums, archaeological sites or venues at the destinations are open or closed and on weather conditions.

 

ACCOMMODATION   

During periods such as fairs, conventions, concerts, events and sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances greater than the specified kilometers.

 

Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed offered to the third person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Since extra beds consist of beds referred to as folding beds and coach beds, participants making reservations for the third person and/or children are deemed to have declared that they accept the possible crowding in the rooms and the bed type.

Child discounts are valid for one (1) child staying with 2 adults and belonging to the age group specified in the pricing section.

Breakfasts included in the tour program and served at the hotel are offered in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country visited and generally consist of a limited menu of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, referred to as a continental breakfast, and may be served in a separate room allocated to the group.

 

CURRENCY

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS).

Dollars and euros can be exchanged easily. Although credit card use is not very widespread, caution should be exercised against credit card fraud.

 

TIME ZONE

Uzbekistan is + 2; when it is 12:00 in Türkiye, it is 14:00 in Uzbekistan.

 

USE OF TELEPHONES

All mobile phone operators can be used if your phone is enabled for international roaming. However, there may be no network coverage in some parts of the country.

 

CLOTHING AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS

We recommend that you bring T-shirts, short- and long-sleeved shirts, shorts and cotton trousers that you can easily put on and take off, comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for the evenings. In addition, you may bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs in case of possible noise, a camera, a video camera, their chargers and spare memory cards.

 

FOOD CULTURE

Uzbek cuisine is close to our taste. Since we will have our meals at our hotel and in the best restaurants, you will not encounter any problems, and we will also be able to obtain sealed bottled water wherever we go. We must never consume food sold in the open or tap water. Since the hotels where we will stay are high-standard facilities in terms of health and hygiene, these risks are minimal

 

ELECTRICITY

Generally, 200-220 V is used.

Our two-pin plugs fit many types of sockets. To avoid problems where the sockets are incompatible, universal plug adapters sold in electronics stores can be purchased.

 

SHOPPING

Pushkin Street in Tashkent is one of the city’s important shopping areas. The best way to find items unique to Uzbekistan is through the neighborhood markets that are set up.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Having a valid passport and/or having obtained a visa (for a destination/passport where a visa is required) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. Passport police have the authority to deny you entry into the country. Bin Rota is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the passenger.

 

BinRota is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and charter flights, or flight times may change before the current tour and flight. BinRota is obliged to notify passengers of these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change. Children between 0-2 years of age do not pay airport taxes and airport service fees

 

The panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours lasting no more than 2-3 hours, organized for a general introduction to the cities and conducted panoramically with a guide’s narration from inside the vehicle, without including museum or archaeological site entrances. If panoramic tours, including the other tours specified in the program, cannot take place because local authorities do not permit visiting or entering the relevant places on the day and at the time scheduled for the tour, because roads are closed due to any event, or when weather conditions make it impossible to conduct the tour, Bin Rota is not responsible for the inability to carry out these tours. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot, where possible, on closed roads or at points where vehicle access is not permitted.

 

What's included
  • Economy-class flight ticket on a Turkish Airlines scheduled flight from Istanbul to Urgench and return from Samarkand to Istanbul
  • Airport taxes
  • High-speed train ticket between Bukhara and Samarkand, all intercity passages and transfers
  • 5 nights’ accommodation including breakfast in boutique hotels
  • Khiva City Tour
  • Bukhara City Tour
  • Samarkand City Tour
  • All tours specified in the program
  • Entrance fees to the specified museums and archaeological sites (Registan Square, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Itchan Kala Complex, Poi Kalon Complex, Lyabi Hauz Complex, Mausoleum of Bahauddin Naqshband, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory, Tomb of Prophet Daniel, Afrasiab Archaeological Museum and Shah-i-Zinda Complex)
  • Professional Turkish-speaking guide and assistant services (airport welcome upon arrival)
  • Hotel and tourist city taxes
  • Travel & Health Insurance
  • TURSAB compulsory professional liability insurance
Not included
  • Foreign departure tax stamps, visa fees, etc. for personal and official expenses
  • All personal expenses and hotel extras
  • All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites not explicitly stated as “visited” in the program
  • Optional excursions and activities, if included in the program
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed with included meals, if applicable in the program
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation costs
  • Tips and driver gratuities
Tour Program
Istanbul – Urgench – Khiva
After meeting your guide at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport, we proceed to the Turkish Airlines counter for baggage check-in and ticketing formalities, followed by our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, we transfer by our waiting vehicle to Khiva, one of the most impressive cities in Central Asia. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour to discover Khiva. We first enter Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by high walls and resembling an open-air museum with its narrow streets, madrasas, mosques, palaces, and traditional adobe buildings. Forming the historic core of Khiva, this area brings together important examples of Central Asian Islamic architecture. We continue our tour with the Kunya Ark (Old Fortress), which served as the administrative and residential center of the khans of Khiva and reflects the city’s political history with its courtyards and traditional architecture. We then visit the Juma Mosque, one of Khiva’s most important religious structures, distinguished by its intricately carved wooden columns and unique interior atmosphere. Afterwards, we see the Islam Khoja Madrasa, renowned for its elegant tile decorations, and the Islam Khoja Minaret, one of the most prominent landmarks on Khiva’s skyline. We continue our tour with the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, built in the 19th century and one of Khiva’s most magnificent educational buildings. We then see the Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa, notable for its richly decorated façade and traditional courtyard architecture, and the Shirgazi Khan Madrasa, which reflects Khiva’s long-standing tradition of religious education. These madrasas are among the most important architectural elements forming the historic fabric of Ichan Kala. We continue our visit with the Tash Hauli Palace, one of the most impressive examples of 19th-century Khivan palace architecture, distinguished by its courtyards and rich decorative details. We then see the Tash Caravanserai, which bears traces of the city’s commercial past along the Silk Road, and the Allahquli Khan Madrasa, renowned for its magnificent portal and tilework. In the final part of our tour, we see the Pehlivan Darvaza Gate, one of the historic entrances to Ichan Kala, and conclude our visit among the characteristic walls of Khiva, through which caravans and travelers have passed for centuries. Following the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Hive – Bukhara
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for Bukhara. Following a pleasant journey along the ancient Silk Road route of Central Asia, we arrive in Bukhara. Upon arrival, free time will be provided, allowing our guests to make their first individual discoveries in this historic city. In the evening, transfer to our hotel followed by free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Bukhara
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our city tour to discover Bukhara’s historical and cultural heritage. Our first stop will be the Ark Fortress, one of the city’s most important landmarks, with its magnificent walls and monumental structures, which served for centuries as the administrative center and residence of the khans of Bukhara. We then proceed to the Poi Kalon Complex, which most powerfully reflects Bukhara’s religious and architectural identity. Within the complex, we will see the magnificent Kalon Minaret, which dominates the city skyline; the Kalon Mosque, with its spacious courtyard and elegant architecture; and the Mir-i Arab Madrasa, one of the most important Islamic educational centers in Central Asia. Continuing our tour, we visit the Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa, notable for its elegant façade and traditional Central Asian architecture. Afterwards, we see the Lyabi Hauz Complex, one of Bukhara’s most characteristic meeting places, with its surrounding historical buildings, shady trees, and tranquil atmosphere. We then visit the Maggoki Attori Mosque, dating back centuries, which bears architectural traces from different periods and is considered one of Bukhara’s oldest religious structures. In the final part of our tour, we head to the Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, built in memory of Bahauddin Naqshband, the founder of the Naqshbandi order and one of the most important mystics of the Islamic world. Following our visit to this sacred site, one of Bukhara’s most important destinations due to its spiritual atmosphere and historical significance, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Bukhara – Samarkand
After breakfast, we transfer to Bukhara Railway Station to travel to Samarkand by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Samarkand. Our first stop is Registan Square, one of the most magnificent squares in Central Asia. The first of the three monumental madrasas surrounding the square is the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, built in the 15th century during the reign of Ulugh Beg and later becoming one of the era’s major centers of science and education. We then visit the Sher-Dor Madrasa, renowned for the striking lion figures on its entrance façade and its rich mosaic decorations, followed by the Tilla-Kari Madrasa, distinguished by its magnificent interior decoration and blue-and-gold embellishments. The unique architectural harmony created by these three madrasas makes Registan Square one of Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour continues with a visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where the tombs of Timur, the founder of the Timurid Empire, and members of his dynasty are located. One of the finest examples of 15th-century Timurid architecture, the mausoleum attracts attention with its high entrance portal, turquoise ribbed dome, tile and mosaic decorations, and magnificent interior. This monumental structure, which houses the tombs of Timur, Ulugh Beg, and other members of the dynasty, reflects Samarkand’s historical heritage in the most powerful way. Following the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Samarkand
After breakfast at our hotel, we continue our Samarkand city tour. First, we visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, one of the most magnificent structures from the Timurid period and one of Samarkand’s iconic landmarks, with its monumental entrance gate, spacious courtyard, and impressive architecture. We then proceed to the Shah-i-Zinda Complex, a collection of monumental mausoleums adorned with blue and turquoise tiles, and one of the finest examples of the elegant architecture of the Timurid era. Continuing our tour, we visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, founded in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg, which shed light on the scientific studies of its time. We then visit a special paper workshop where paper is still produced using traditional methods, and learn about Samarkand’s centuries-old paper-making tradition. Afterwards, we have the opportunity to observe the production stages at a handwoven carpet factory, where region-specific patterns and colors are skillfully incorporated. We continue our tour with a visit to the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel, a site respected by people of different faiths and cultures. We then proceed to the Afrosiyab Archaeological Museum, where archaeological finds reflecting Samarkand’s ancient past, as well as the famous Afrosiyab murals, are exhibited. In the final part of the day, we have free time at Siyob Local Market, one of the city’s most colorful spots, known for its fresh fruits, nuts, spices, traditional products, and lively local atmosphere. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Samarkand – Istanbul
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport in the early morning with a packed breakfast from our hotel. We depart for Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our unforgettable Uzbekistan tour comes to an end.