Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This holiday was rated “full on” and it was. Not a moment was wasted! Tashkent, Khiva, Bukara and Samarkand were all amazing. Staying in a Madrasa and in a Yurt added to the authenticity and we took the extra trip to the desert castles which was well worth it. Also the silk paper making centre was interesting. Uzbekistan is a welcoming country - very clean with no litter and we were impressed with the flowers planted along grass verges for miles.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a wonderful tour in an amazing part of the world, with stunning varied scenery, friendly people, and beautiful ancient buildings. Our G Adventures tour was excellent, and this company will be the first I consider for future travels.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay, Camping
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Kŭli Iskandar
Ashgabat, Bishkek, Kŭli Iskandarkŭl, Ghazza, Khujand, Tashkent, Samarkand, Aydar Kŭl, Bukhara, Chong Kemin, Khiva, Dashoguz, Darvaza, Song Kul, Tamga Village, Karakol, Saty Village, Almaty, Dushanbe
A true adventure for those that want a unique biking experience. This guided cycling adventure takes you deep into the heart of Uzbekistan – from the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, to the remote mountain villages and desert plains.
Over 10 days of supported cycling, you’ll cover up to 450km, pedalling on a mix of sealed roads, gravel tracks and rural dirt paths. The terrain is varied – with exhilarating descents, some short climbs, and quiet backroads that weave through mountain ridges, wide valleys and remote stone villages. You’ll be supported throughout by a backup vehicle and expert local crew, with a quality hybrid or mountain bike provided.
Cycle from the foothills of the Tian Shan and Turkestan ranges, spot Severtsov sheep, and swim in the turquoise waters of Lake Aydarkul, with nights spent in yurts, village homestays and small local hotels.
Out of the saddle, uncover centuries of cultural richness: from caravanserais and madrasahs to grand mosques and mausoleums. Explore the intricate tilework of Samarkand’s Registan, wander the old quarters of Bukhara, and step inside vibrant bazaars and citadels once ruled by kings and khans.
This is a true cultural journey on two wheels, led by local experts and built on decades of experience operating immersive adventure travel across Central Asia.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, La
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Lake Tuzkan, Ortacheku Rocks, Hayat Village, Sob Gorge, Aktash Village, Chuya, Maydansay, Chinaz
My quibbles with this trip are very minor and I've told explore (update the itinerary please!) but fundamentally I loved this trip. Met lovely people. Saw amazing places and scenery. Food a bit meh but that's not why you go to either Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. I loved the differences between the countries. Kyrgyzstan was unbelievably beautiful and Uzbekistan had amazing buildings.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Os
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Osh, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikasgan, Karakol, Samarkand, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Suusamyr Valley, Toktogul Resevoir, Djalal-Abad
Very impressed and exceeded our expectations. Great group of like minded people that were on our tour and we all got on so well. With ages spanning over 30 years that’s a pretty pleasing result!!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bishkek, Ghazza, Khuja
Tashkent, Bishkek, Ghazza, Khujand, Samarkand, Aydar Kŭl, Bukhara, Chong Kemin, Khiva, Song Kul, Tamga Village, Karakol, Saty, Almaty, Dushanbe
Overall, this was an excellent trip and one of the best I have done with Explore over very many years. It was certainly helped by having a good, small group and two superb leaders (one in each country), who were extremely knowledgeable and very personable. The local guides were also outstanding. The sights were extraordinary (the Islamic architecture is simply breath-taking), the people were lovely and I did not mind the long drives (on spacious air conditioned coaches) or the 9.5 hour train journey. to Samarkand As expected, the trip’s pace was full-on. As a group we took advantage of the optional extras offered and I would recommend that others seriously consider those too, especially the spectacular Uzbek music and dance show at the Grand Hall in Samarkand. Hotel accommodation was better than I had expected and generally pretty good. If I have a criticism it is that the trip should perhaps be a day longer. It would have been nice to have spent more time in Khiva and the last day in Tashkent was too long, tiring and rushed. Thankfully, I had booked an extra day in the city, although others had early morning flights. While Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are very different, I much preferred the time we spent in the latter.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Step into the heart of Central Asia on this in-depth journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, two historically rich countries shaped by centuries of conquest and trade. Trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great, whose empire once spanned from Greece to India. And follow the ancient Silk Road, where caravans carried silk, spices, ideas and cultures between China and the Mediterranean.
With expert local guides in each country, explore some of the oldest cities in the world including Samarkand and Bukhara, where minarets, mosques, and bazaars evoke the splendour of empires past. And venture beyond the well-trodden path to discover Tajikistan’s alpine lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Stay in a traditional village homestay, experiencing the warmth of Central Asian hospitality, with comfortable accommodations throughout.
Whether you’re captivated by ancient history, drawn to the romance of the Silk Road, or simply seek to explore this fascinating crossroads of civilisations, this guided journey offers an unforgettable window into Central Asia.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A journey through the epicentre of Silk Road history. Travel back in time along the fabled Silk Road on this expertly guided adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From the dazzling Registan, Samarkand’s historic centre, the maze-like lanes of Bukhara to the crumbling mudbrick ruins of Merv and the grand marble monuments of Ashgabat, this immersive 14-day journey reveals the layered history, artistry and diversity of Central Asia.
Explore ancient desert cities, grand mosques and vibrant bazaars once vital to traders, conquerors and scholars. Cross remote borders, meet skilled artisans, and uncover archaeological treasures alongside knowledgeable local guides.
This is an unforgettable cultural journey through one of the world’s great crossroads.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers