Uzbekistan · HISTORICAL TOURS
Good historical tours fill up in spring and autumn, and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes, and where they differ.
A 5-hour guided walk through Samarkand’s top monuments, from Registan Square to Shah-i-Zinda at sunset, plus a Siyob Bozor market break.
“The Tour with Gulsanam was great! She is extremely knowledgeable, speaks very good english, and is Just a very nice Person! I highly recommend this Tour!”
4-hour guided walk in Khiva’s Itchan Kala, visiting Allakuli Khan Madrasah, Islam Khoja Minaret, Pakhlavon Makhmud, Juma Mosque.
“Iroda is a guide with a great knowledge, told interesting stories and spoke excellent English. I didn't have a better guide in two weeks in Uzbekistan. A fantastic tour with lots of history, but also simple things like tasting bread and information about the local cuisine. Highly recommended 👍👍👍”
Samarkand walking highlights: Gur-e-Amir, Registan Square, Bibi Khanym, Hazrat Khizr, Shah-i-Zinda, with an English guide and great value.
“The tour was nice and informative. The guide was patient and answered all our questions. She gave extra time and waited patiently while we were shopping in the middle of the tour. Even though it was cold, she ensured that we completed the full tour.”
A 4-hour guided walk through Bukhara’s top Islamic sights, from Lyabi Khause to the Ark fortress, with entrance tickets on top.
“Great tour and great guide. Incredibly informative and hit all the major sites in Bukhara. She was really lovely to chat to and ask questions about bits of the history. Would definitely recommend!”
4-hour guided walk through Tashkent’s Khast Imam sights, Chorsu Bazaar, and Metro palaces, plus Independence and Amir Temur squares, $19.
“The guide is very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were able to cover all the places listed in the itinerary. It is a walking our but we also took the Metro ride. The Metro is beautiful. If I have more time and luggage space, I could have shopped more in Chorzu Bazaar. Would love to go back to Uzbekistan. It is a recommended Tashkent walking tour. I also love that the last stop of the tour is my hotel. I stayed in Hotel Uzbekistan. The perfect background of Amir Timur.”
Walk Bukhara’s UNESCO old center in 5 hours with a local guide, from Poi Kalan to the Ark and Samani mausoleum for $47.
“nargiz has been an amazing and compassionate guide despite the fact she has back to back schedule. Still very accommodative and trying her best to finish the tour ! Thank you again 😘 a happy family here”
See Khiva’s top landmarks in about 4 hours on a guided walk through Itchan Kala, from Islam Khoja Minaret to Allakuli Khan Madrasah.
“A wonderful introduction to the splendour of old Khiva. Great guide and coveted all the essentials. Highly recommended.”
4h15 Samarkand monuments walk: Gur Emir, Registan, mosques and Shah-i-Zinda. English guide, car transfers, mobile ticket.
“We had a wonderful tour taking in all the major sites in this beautiful city. All were well worth seeing - it was an amazing experience. Our guide Zarnigor was lovely; so knowledgeable and engaging. Would highly recommend this tour.”
Private guided tour of Samarkand’s top landmarks, with AC pickup and Silk Road context, visiting Gur Emir, Registan, and Bibi Khanym from $65.
“Odi, the guide was so knowledgeable and witty. Cool experience to be guided by him. Definitely need a guide for a tour!”
Guided 4-hour walk in Samarkand linking Gur-i Amir, Registan, Bibi-Khanym, and Shah-i-Zinda. Admission tickets not included.
“Knowledgeable young guide who speaks good english. Long walk. Definitely better to take in the late afternoon as the heat of the sun is unbearable.”
Four-hour guided walking tour of Bukhara’s top highlights, from Lyab-i-Hauz to Kalan Minaret, with a licensed guide for $24.
“Even though only myself this time, he sincerely guided me. His English and explanation were so well that I could understand history and culture in this country. I can recommend him to everyone.”
A 4.5-hour Samarkand walking tour of Gur Emir, Registan, and Shah-i-Zinda, with a market stop and pro photo help for $28.53.
“This was both an informative and fun tour of Samarkand's main sights. Our guide, Sevinch, was exceptionally engaging, interested in explaining to us the history and context, and generous with her time. A thoroughly enjoyable tour and definitely recommended!”
Private 4-hour Bukhara tour with guide Yulduz, major landmarks, carpet and puppet culture, pickup, and bottled water, from $80 per group.
“Good experience visiting the city, the guide knew the monuments perfectly and explained the story in detail. Amena and entertaining, she answered all the questions we asked her with data about the place and culture. We saw in one day all the important sites.Auto-translated”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
