Itinerary
Seven days in Uzbekistan: planning your cities and journeys
For a first seven-day trip, we suggest using three cities as your main stops: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. The plan below is our sample recommendation, not a packaged tour or a confirmed transport timetable. Adjust the order of days to suit your flights and tickets.
On this page
Days 1–2: arrive in Tashkent and get to know the cityDays 3–4: travel to Samarkand and spread out your sightseeingDays 5–6: continue to Bukhara and explore the historic areaDay 7: your return journey and a time bufferShould you add Khiva?Days 1–2: arrive in Tashkent and get to know the city
On the first day, leave room for getting from the airport to your accommodation, settling in and resting. We recommend not making a long intercity journey an essential part of the plan after a late flight. Check the addresses and tickets for the next day's transport without rushing.
On the second day, depending on your interests, you could plan a walk around Chorsu, Khazrati Imam or Amir Temur Square. These places appear on Tashkent's official tourism page. Rather than fitting everything into one short period, choose places that work together in your plan.
Days 3–4: travel to Samarkand and spread out your sightseeing
Allow part of the third day for travelling from Tashkent to Samarkand. Check the official railway system for options on your date, and include getting to the station and reaching your hotel on arrival. Leave only a short sightseeing outing that comfortably fits into your arrival day.
For the fourth day, choose the places that interest you among Registan, Shah-i-Zinda and Gur Emir. You can check these destinations on the official tourism page. Confirm admission arrangements and opening hours separately before visiting: this itinerary does not verify them.
Days 5–6: continue to Bukhara and explore the historic area
Plan to continue to your next city, Bukhara, on the fifth day. Find suitable transport first, then tell your accommodation when you expect to arrive. Avoid treating an intercity travel day as a full sightseeing day; that leaves a buffer in your itinerary.
For the sixth day, consider visits around Lyabi-Hauz, Poi-Kalon or the Ark. These sites are listed on Bukhara's official tourism page. Choose a comfortable pace and include meals and rest in the plan; this article does not confirm admission prices or that every attraction will be open.
Day 7: your return journey and a time buffer
Plan the last day around your next international or domestic flight. If you fly home from a different city, arrange the journey there in advance. Separately purchased tickets do not automatically protect your connection: leave a buffer you are comfortable with between the journey and the flight.
Instead of combining a long journey with several visits on your final day, identify what is essential. Write down how you would notify your hotel or next service provider if transport changes. A plan's ability to cope with disruption matters more than how tightly it is packed.
Should you add Khiva?
If Ichan-Kala in Khiva is a main interest, consider extending the trip or reallocating days from one of the cities above. Ichan-Kala is listed on the official tourism page. Simply adding a fourth city also adds another journey and another place to settle into.
In September 2026, the Tourism Committee reported additional trains on the Khiva–Bukhara and Bukhara–Tashkent routes. Do not treat that announcement as a suitable connection for your particular day. Check current tickets and flights first, then finalise the sequence of accommodation stays.
Before you travel
- Set your arrival and departure cities and dates.
- Check the least flexible transport part of your trip first.
- Allow time to settle in after each journey.
- Save hotel entrance details and station names.
- If Khiva is a priority, choose between adding days and replacing a city.
- Check change and cancellation conditions with each service provider.
Questions and answers
Is this seven-day itinerary a confirmed tour?
No. It is a sample recommendation for independent travel. Transport, accommodation, visits and payments are not included or booked.
Can I include Khiva within seven days?
That depends on your actual transport and flights. We suggest considering a longer trip or replacing one city; we do not present a very tight connection as a guaranteed option.
What should I book first?
Start with your fixed arrival and departure dates. Then check available transport between cities and fit your accommodation and daily plans around it.
Sources and checks
Sources checked on 22 October 2026. Tickets and service availability for a travel date must be checked separately.
This is an information guide. Transport bookings and payments are not accepted on this page.