Samarkand Cultural, religious and historic sites Trips
Great cultural, religious and historic sites trips in Samarkand in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 20+ cultural, religious and historic sites tours with 200+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 23% on Bookmundi.com!
Page 2 of 21 Cultural, religious and historic sites Trips in Samarkand with 18,775 Reviews
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Central Asia Explorer
4
Traverse landscapes of alpine lakes and mountains, only interrupted by yurts, on this 17-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Discover the ancient trading square of Registan, see the blue-tiled Madrassas in Samarkand and explore the ruins at Panjakent – once the capital of the ancient Sogdiana country on the Silk Road. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Kokomeren River, learn how Kyzyl-Oi locals cook their favourite snack and travel along the Chychkan River, which cuts through the Tien Shan Mountain Range.
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Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent
4.8
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!!
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Wonders of the Silk Road
4.8
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.
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Central Asia: Five Stans Express
To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?
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Upgraded - Treasures of Uzbekistan
4.8
Beautiful country, well thought out itinerary, great guide
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Tamerlane's Empire
Take a deeper look into Uzbekistan as we transport you from the lively capital of Tashkent to hidden villages in a remote valley, before focusing on those magical places which have besotted travellers for centuries – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
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Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Explorer
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia, exploring the cultural treasures of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital of Uzbekistan, where the spiritual serenity of the Khast-Imam Complex, the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, and the elegance of Navoi Theater Square set the tone. Escape into nature with a scenic excursion to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Next, travel to the legendary city of Samarkand, where history comes alive at the grand Registan Square, the intricately tiled Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the bustling Siyab Bazaar. Continue through the sweeping landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert to reach Bukhara, a city that feels frozen in time. Here, explore the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the towering Poi-Kalon Minaret, and the ancient Ark Fortress, once the seat of Bukhara’s emirs. In Khiva, walk through the living museum of Ichan-Kala, admiring architectural masterpieces like the Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah and the colorful, unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret. Cross into Turkmenistan and head to Dashoguz, your gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Koneurgench. Discover its timeless monuments, including the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Mausoleum of Najmitdin Kubra, and Sultan Ali’s tomb. A short domestic flight brings you to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s gleaming capital, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Nisa, the Ottoman-inspired Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque—one of Central Asia’s largest. Continue to the ancient oasis of Merv, once one of the world’s greatest cities. Marvel at the soaring Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the mysterious Kizkala towers, and the remnants of Erk Kala and Gayur Kala, echoing tales of dynasties past. Return to Ashgabat to delve deeper into Turkmen culture at the National Museum, and take in panoramic city views from the record-breaking Alem Ferris Wheel, the tallest enclosed Ferris wheel in the world. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is a celebration of ancient civilizations, living traditions, and the enduring beauty of Central Asia’s soul-stirring landscapes.
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Splendours of Uzbekistan
Embark on an unforgettable cultural journey through the heart of Uzbekistan — a land where ancient traditions meet breathtaking architecture and vibrant everyday life. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the dynamic capital where you'll explore the spiritual center of the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famed Quran of Caliph Uthman, and experience the lively rhythms of daily life at the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. Marvel at the blend of Islamic and Soviet-era architecture as you stroll through wide boulevards and charming courtyards. Next, travel to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most sacred cities, where history whispers from every brick. Walk through narrow, sun-drenched alleyways and discover masterpieces like the intricately patterned Samanid Mausoleum — one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the region — and the mighty Ark Fortress, once home to emirs and their courts. Wander through bustling market domes and peaceful madrassahs, where the scent of spices and the shimmer of handwoven textiles fill the air. In Samarkand, the fabled crossroads of the Silk Road, uncover a stunning mosaic of cultures and beliefs. Admire the soaring tile-clad minarets and turquoise domes of Registan Square, explore the Jewish Quarter with its centuries-old synagogue, and feel a sense of serenity at the Nakshbandi Sufi complex. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, where 15th-century astronomers studied the stars, and the Afrosiab Museum, which reveals layers of ancient history buried beneath this iconic city. From sacred shrines and glittering domes to vibrant bazaars and scholarly legacies, this immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into Uzbekistan’s soul. As you bid farewell, you'll carry with you unforgettable impressions of a land rich in beauty, hospitality, and timeless heritage.
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The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Almaty to Ashgabat
Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which are commonly known as the Five Stans. Among this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities, which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intricately tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.
About this trip: We have two versions of this trip. One starts in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the other runs in reverse. Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar - the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. This itinerary runs from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. The other itinerary runs from Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, includes Son Kul Lake and there are three nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan.
Both itineraries include a night in a yurt in Turkmenistan.
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Markets and Minarets
Ancient history, awe-inspiring architecture and natural wonders combine on this journey through the Silk Road and the Caucasus. Marvel in the splendour of Uzbekistan, the shimmering minarets and bustling bazaars before crossing the ancient trade routes to the mountains of Georgia and rich cultural heritage of Armenia.Â
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