Review: Your Tashkent, Samarkand & Bukhara 4-Day Tour

Planning a trip to Uzbekistan? You might be looking at one of those whirlwind tours that promise to pack in as much as possible, like the “From Tashkent: 4 Days Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent Tour.” Very likely, this particular tour zips you between these three old places, all while trying to show you what makes each place special. I looked into the details, read reviews, and thought about what this trip might be like so you can decide if it’s the trip for you. Maybe this review assists you in making up your mind!

First Impressions: What’s Included, so to Speak?

The thing is, first up, let’s check out what you generally get with a deal like this. The Uzbekistan trip usually covers your transport between places—think high-speed trains or comfy cars. Often, they arrange your hotels (three- or four-star type places, perhaps), so that part’s easy. They definitely set you up with guides in each location who speak your language, like they are the people who bring the old spots and stories to life. Usually, some meals are included; still, always confirm what’s part of the package! Arguably, it’s those little extras (entrance fees to old places or a fancy dinner) that can make or break how good you think the value happens to be. As a matter of fact, most Uzbekistan tours don’t include plane tickets. Keep that in mind!

Day 1: Kicking off in Tashkent, in Other Words.

Okay, you usually start in Tashkent! The trip might get going with a visit to Khast Imam Complex, home to ancient Islamic manuscripts; very impressive indeed. Most tours also take you to Chorsu Bazaar. This happens to be a giant market with all kinds of interesting things that are locally made. These trips often add a ride on the Tashkent Metro, the fact that it has stations decorated with fancy designs kind of makes them tourist spots too! You will then go eat some delicious plov, a rice dish with meat, vegetables, and you know, plenty of flavor, or so you might do.

Day 2: All Aboard to Samarkand, Just a Little Bit.

Day two involves heading to Samarkand. The main event may include Registan Square, which most folks call the heart of Samarkand! It’s really, really a collection of beautiful madrassahs (that is, schools) covered in eye-catching tilework. That makes it picture-perfect. It’s almost always a highlight. Then, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is another usual stop, Arguably, it’s where Timur (also known as Tamerlane) rests, plus it is known for its awesome architecture. A trip to the Siab Bazaar and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is a likely thing too, for example.

Day 3: Exploring Ancient Bukhara, very Likely.

Bukhara often dominates Day 3, that’s just what usually occurs. The Poi Kalyan Complex takes center stage. Also, the Kalyan Minaret kind of gives you views for days. There’s the Samanid Mausoleum that features the oldest brickwork patterns around; some tours also take you through the old city, wandering through the trading domes where local crafts are sold! Lunch generally is at a local spot. You then get to learn more about the region’s culinary style too, I mean who doesn’t like delicious food? It’s like that across much of Asia.

Day 4: Back to Tashkent (Very Sadly!)

The last day very often consists of a train trip back to Tashkent, perhaps! You may do some last-minute shopping. Plus, there may be any places you didn’t get to see the first time. So, you check them out before they cart you to the airport. Or, that’s the way it usually plays out. Maybe you get one last good helping of plov too; in some respects it seems possible!

Things That Might Bug You. (Hopefully Not!)

A big consideration would be that a tour like this is pretty fast paced. The idea is you’re traveling and sightseeing one right after another, so that doesn’t give you much time to casually wander or sit in parks and take stuff in. It’s also good to know these trips attract groups with lots of people, and that tends to make the whole thing a bit less personal, too. In some respects that could get to some travelers. Uzbekistan, though it’s changed fast, can still be difficult if you don’t know Russian or Uzbek; a translator is always ideal!

Things That Might Delight You. (In some Respects!)

The high-speed train makes getting between towns very fast and cozy; so you don’t need to use internal flights, so to speak! A tour handles a ton, like booking hotels, organizing drivers, and grabbing those guides; that means zero stress for you. The Uzbekistan guides are actually very cool too! They really know these cities backward and forward, also their historical expertise, anyway, adds so much to what you see. By the way, don’t worry if they speak too fast for you.

Is This Whirlwind Tour the Right One for You Then?

These trips are great. What if you are low on vacation time. What if you’re eager to glimpse what these cities have to offer and like someone else doing all the organization? Just a little! But the thing is, perhaps you should think about slowing the pace a bit if you’re more into taking things easy! If you happen to love wandering around to get a feel for an area, then possibly consider taking extra time in one spot.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck.

Look at how those flights factor in, that’s just how it has to be. Many deals don’t wrap flights in. To know the total cost, be sure to check the deals’ fine print and tally all that up. You will need to see what others said concerning the tour groups themselves, you know. Reading up might highlight if things generally ran like clockwork, or not, yet that will prove helpful, naturally! Consider when you intend going, I mean things can get pretty hot there during the summer. Springtime (think April/May) or fall months (like Sept/Oct) can supply temperatures which are far nicer, after all.

Other Tour Options?

Maybe you might find something better by shopping. Find what is more inline with what you hope for in that perfect adventure. You might even extend an Uzbekistan trip. Spend a little more time out there, so it doesn’t feel rushed. See what kind of Uzbekistan treasures await. Who knows?

Frequently Asked Questions