Tashkent in 8 Days for Seniors - Hazrat Imam complex and Applied Arts Museum, Tashkent
In Collaboration with Steppe Journeys. Updated on February 23, 2026.
Explore Uzbekistan's culture, history and traditions on this 8 days tour. On this tour, you will discover Uzbekistan's history, culture, and traditions. Enjoy Uzbek food, folk music, and ancient historical sites except for Islamic religious monuments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Steppe Journeys, inspired by the tour 8-Day Private Tour in Uzbekistan with Pick Up. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hazrat Imam complex and Applied Arts Museum, Tashkent
- High-speed train Afrosiyob to Samarkand and Registan Square
- Gur-e-Amir and Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand
- Historic Lyab-i Hauz, Ark and Kalyan complex, Bukhara
- Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa palace and Naqshband mausoleum, Bukhara
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tashkent, pick up from airport. Sightseeing in old Tashkent: Barak-Khan Madrasah and Muyi Muborak Library, Applied Arts Museum. Return to hotel for rest and Welcome Dinner at Navruz Hotel.
Airport pick up and transfer to hotel
Meet-and-greet at Tashkent International Airport and private transfer to hotel in central Tashkent. Luggage assistance and short orientation on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passport and arrival card handy for the driver; present the tour voucher at pickup.
- Ask driver for help with luggage; most vehicles used on this tour have trunk access and step assistance.
- If your flight is delayed, notify the operator in advance so pickup can be adjusted.
Hazrat Imam (Barak-Khan Madrasah & Muyi Muborak Library)
Visit the historic Hazrat Imam complex (Old Tashkent) to see Barak-Khan Madrasah's tilework and the Muyi Muborak (Moy Muborak) library with its historic Qur'an manuscript.
Tips from local experts:
- There are steps and some uneven paving; move at a gentle pace and use benches in the complex for regular rests.
- If you require step-free access ask your guide in advance — some parts of the complex have ramps or alternative routes.
- Photography of some manuscripts or inside certain museum rooms may be restricted; follow signage and guide instructions.
Lunch at a local restaurant (central Tashkent)
Lunch at a central Tashkent restaurant selected for accessible seating and local Uzbek dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Request seating with back support and near an aisle if mobility is a concern.
- Ask staff for milder spice levels and clarification about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
- Carry a small hand sanitizer and tissues — public restrooms vary in facilities across sites.
Applied Arts Museum (Polovtsev House)
Visit the Applied Arts Museum in the former Polovtsev mansion to view Uzbek handicrafts, ceramics, wood carvings and textiles.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum has indoor seating and climate control — useful for a comfortable visit in spring.
- Allow time to view displays at bench-level height if standing for long periods is difficult.
- Small bags may need to be left at a cloakroom; keep valuables with you and follow staff instructions.
Hotel check-in and rest
Return to hotel for check-in (subject to room availability) and rest before the evening welcome dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask hotel staff for a low-floor room or elevator access if stairs are a concern.
- Confirm wake-up service or bedside contact numbers with reception if you need assistance in the night.
- Request extra pillows or mobility aids in advance to make the rest period more comfortable.
Welcome dinner at hotel
Group welcome dinner at the hotel's dining room — relaxed seating and a selection of Uzbek dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose lighter options if you are concerned about new cuisine; traditional rice and stewed dishes are common.
- Seat near exits or aisles for easier access and to reduce time standing in queues.
- If you require lower-sodium dishes, mention this to the server — staff are typically able to accommodate.
Day 2
Tashkent to Samarkand by high-speed train (Afrosiyob). Sightseeing in Samarkand: Gur-e-Amir, Registan Square, Siab Bazaar, Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Evening free to explore local chayhanas.
Breakfast and transfer to Tashkent railway station
Early breakfast at the hotel and private transfer to Tashkent railway station for the Afrosiyob high-speed train.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your train ticket and passport accessible; station boarding requires ID checks.
- Trains in Uzbekistan have assigned seating; confirm your seat number before boarding for a comfortable journey.
- Bring a light layer for the train — air conditioning can be cool even in spring.
High-speed train: Afrosiyob to Samarkand
Board the Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand (08:00–10:10). Reserved seats; luggage storage onboard.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small bag with essential items and medication in the carriage; luggage goes in overhead racks or dedicated storage.
- Use the onboard restroom before arrival to avoid queues at busy station exits.
- If you need assistance boarding with luggage, ask station staff — they commonly assist senior travellers.
Arrival and transfer to Gur-e-Amir mausoleum
Arrival in Samarkand and short transfer to Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Amir Timur.
Tips from local experts:
- There are areas with steps at Gur-e-Amir; take the guide's suggested routes for easier access.
- Indoor areas have seating; pause at shaded spots and hydrate — spring sun can feel warm.
- Follow signage for museum ticketing and keep your ticket for re-entry to adjoining sites.
Lunch and visit Siab Bazaar
Lunch near Siab Bazaar and time to explore the market stalls and local food stands.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose cooked food stalls and bottled drinks if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Market areas can be uneven and busy; keep to the edges and avoid peak crowds.
- Use restroom facilities at designated cafes rather than public market stalls for comfort.
Registan Square visit (Ulughbek, Sher-Dor, Tilya-Kori madrasas)
Visit Samarkand's Registan ensemble and walk the square to view the three historic madrasas.
Tips from local experts:
- Registan has wide open areas for resting — benches and shaded spots are limited, so plan short circuits.
- Peak sun hours can be bright; wear a hat and sunscreen and take water on the short walk.
- Some areas have steps; your guide will offer step-free viewpoints if required.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and evening at leisure
Visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque before finishing the day's sightseeing. Evening free to dine at a local chaykhana.
Tips from local experts:
- The mosque complex has some uneven stone surfaces — wear comfortable shoes and take short breaks.
- If you plan to enter religious buildings, a light scarf is useful for modesty and sun protection.
- For dinner, choose quieter side streets for calmer chayhanas with easier seating access.
Day 3
Full day Samarkand sightseeing: Ulughbek observatory, Afrosiyab Museum, Shah-i-Zinda, silk/silk-paper workshop. Optional evening sound-and-light show at Registan (if available).
Hotel buffet breakfast
Buffet breakfast at the hotel with time to prepare for a full day of walking (short distances but with steps at some sites).
Tips from local experts:
- Choose easy-to-digest options and stay hydrated before starting the day's walking.
- Ask staff for boiled or filtered water if you avoid tap water for drinking.
- Confirm meeting time with your guide at breakfast to avoid delays.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Visit the historic site of Ulugh Beg's observatory and learn about medieval Central Asian astronomy.
Tips from local experts:
- The observatory ruins are mostly open-air and include uneven surfaces; walk slowly and use shaded areas when needed.
- Seating is limited; consider bringing a small foldable cushion if prolonged sitting is uncomfortable.
- Combine photo stops with short rests — the guide will pace the visit to allow regular pauses.
Afrosiyab Museum (Frescoes & artifacts)
Visit Afrosiyab Museum to view fresco fragments and artifacts from the ancient settlement.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum is compact with seated viewing areas; move at your own pace and use benches to rest.
- Photography policies may restrict flash photography to protect frescoes — follow museum rules.
- If you have mobility needs, notify the guide to use accessible entrances where available.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
Visit the holy necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda with a sequence of ornate mausoleums and tilework.
Tips from local experts:
- Shah-i-Zinda involves short uphill walking and steps between mausoleums — take breaks frequently.
- There are shaded niches and benches along the route; use these to rest and avoid crowding.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; some pathways are narrow and uneven.
Lunch and short rest
Lunch at a local restaurant with time to rest before the afternoon visit to the silk-paper workshop.
Tips from local experts:
- Select steamed or grilled dishes if you prefer lighter meals mid-day.
- Confirm seating near the entrance for easier access to restrooms and departure.
- Keep medication and a water bottle with you during the break.
Samarkand silk/silk-paper workshop visit
Visit a local paper/silk workshop to see traditional techniques of making Samarkand paper and textiles.
Tips from local experts:
- Workshops can be compact and busy; stay close to the guide and request seating if needed.
- Avoid touching raw materials unless invited by the artisan to do so.
- If you wish to purchase handcrafted items, ask the guide about packaging for safe transport.
Optional: Registan Sound & Light show (if available)
Evening sound-and-light show at Registan Square — availability varies by schedule and season.
Tips from local experts:
- If attending the sound & light show, arrive early to secure seating and allow time for restroom visits.
- Evenings can be cooler; bring a warm layer and sit near an aisle for easier movement.
- Shows may involve stairs or temporary seating — request assistance from staff if needed.
Day 4
Samarkand to Bukhara by fast train (11:45–13:25) or optional road route via Shahrisabz with stops. Arrival and evening walking tour of Bukhara's historic centre including Lyab-i Hauz, trade domes, Ark, Kalyan complex, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub.
Morning hotel breakfast and transfer to Samarkand station
Breakfast and transfer to Samarkand Railway Station for the fast train to Bukhara (train at 11:45).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your train carriage and seat number before leaving the hotel to avoid delays at the platform.
- Use the station elevators or staff assistance if you have difficulty with steps.
- Carry a printed copy or image of your train ticket and passport for verification.
Fast train Samarkand to Bukhara
Board the high-speed train to Bukhara (scheduled 11:45–13:25). Arrival and transfer to hotel for check-in when available.
Tips from local experts:
- Trains have reserved seating; keep small essentials in the carriage for convenience.
- Train stations have short walking distances between platform and exit but verify assistance if needed.
- Expect a short taxi or vehicle transfer from Bukhara station to the hotel; drivers can help with luggage.
Hotel check-in and short rest (Bukhara)
Arrival in Bukhara, transfer to hotel for check-in (early check-in subject to availability) and a short rest before the walking tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a ground-floor room or elevator access if stairs are a concern.
- Ask reception for a map of the Lyab-i Hauz area and nearest accessible routes.
- Keep a small day bag with water and any medication for the afternoon walk.
Walking tour: Lyab-i Hauz, Trade Domes, Jewish Quarter, Ark, Kalyan complex, Ismail Samani & Chashma-Ayub
Guided walking tour of central Bukhara focusing on Lyab-i Hauz, historic trade domes, the Ark Citadel, Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, and the Ismail Samani mausoleum.
Tips from local experts:
- The walking tour includes short stretches of cobbled streets; use low-heeled shoes and take frequent breaks.
- Benches around Lyab-i Hauz are ideal for resting — inform the guide if you prefer to stop more often.
- Some interior sections may have steps; guides will point out accessible routes where available.
Day 5
Full day in Bukhara: Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace, Bahauddin Naqshband mausoleum (Naqshbandiyah), afternoon free with optional hammam or evening folk music and dance at Nadir Divan Begi.
Breakfast at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel before departing to visit the summer palace and the Naqshband mausoleum.
Tips from local experts:
- Select a hearty but light breakfast to prepare for the morning visits.
- Confirm with staff about breakfast timing if you have an early start for the palace visit.
- Bring bottled water and any daily medication before departing the hotel.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (Summer Palace)
Visit the ornate Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa palace with its gardens and mixed local and Russian-European architectural influences.
Tips from local experts:
- The palace grounds include garden paths and shaded benches — use them to rest frequently.
- Some rooms may have narrow thresholds; staff can help with alternative access if needed.
- Photography is generally allowed in the gardens; indoor rooms may have restrictions.
Bahauddin Naqshband mausoleum and necropolis visit
Visit the Naqshbandi spiritual complex, an important Sufi site in the Bukhara region.
Tips from local experts:
- The site is quiet and reflective; seating is available near the entrance for short rests.
- Respect site customs: dress modestly and avoid loud conversation inside enclosed areas.
- Bring a lightweight scarf for modesty or sun protection when moving between open and indoor areas.
Afternoon rest at hotel
Free time in the afternoon to rest, enjoy hotel facilities, or optional short activities (hammam, light shopping).
Tips from local experts:
- Consider a short hammam visit for relaxation; confirm accessibility and step-free options beforehand.
- Avoid long walks in the hottest hours — use the hotel's lounge or garden for shade and rest.
- If you plan to shop, ask the hotel for recommended nearby shops with easy access and seating.
Optional evening: Folk music & dance at Nadir Divan Begi madrasah (or private dinner)
Optional evening program with local folk music and dance at the historic Nadir Divan Begi madrasah, or a quieter private dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening events may involve steps and uneven courtyard surfaces; request seating near an entrance for easier access.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to be shown to accessible seating and avoid stairs if present.
- If you prefer a quiet dinner, request a table with space for easy movement and staff assistance.
Day 6
Transfer from Bukhara to Khiva by private van (preferred) with scheduled stops en route (Rabbati Malik caravanserai, Gijduvan ceramics) — alternative train if timetable and seats permit. Option to stay overnight in a yurt camp (Ayazkala) off-route — coordinate separately.
Early breakfast and depart Bukhara
Early breakfast and depart Bukhara by private van for the drive to Khiva. The drive includes planned stops for heritage sites and artisan workshops.
Tips from local experts:
- The road journey is long; wear comfortable clothing and use a neck cushion for support.
- Keep medication and a small water bottle in the cabin for easy access during the drive.
- Notify the guide of any mobility concerns before departure so extra stops can be scheduled.
Stop: Rabati Malik caravanserai (en route)
Short visit to the 11th-century Rabati Malik caravanserai (route stop for photos and brief walk).
Tips from local experts:
- Visits here are brief; wear comfortable shoes for short uneven walks around the ruin.
- Shade is limited; bring a sunhat and a bottle of water for the stop.
- Facilities are basic at roadside heritage stops; use hotel facilities beforehand if possible.
Stop: Gijduvan ceramic master workshop (en route)
Visit a Gijduvan ceramic workshop to observe traditional pottery techniques and short demonstration.
Tips from local experts:
- Workshops can be compact and have steps; request a seated demonstration if standing is difficult.
- If you plan to purchase ceramics, ask about protective packaging for road transport.
- Avoid touching unfinished pieces unless an artisan invites you to do so.
Drive arrival in Khiva and hotel check-in
Complete the drive to Khiva, check in to the hotel (many hotels are located inside or near Ichan Kala), and rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard for quieter evenings if noise is a concern.
- Confirm dinner arrangements at the hotel as town dining options are within walking areas of Ichan Kala.
- If you prefer not to overnight in Khiva and want a yurt experience, mention this in advance to coordinate transfer to Ayazkala.
Day 7
Khiva city tour inside Ichan-Kala: mosques, minarets, caravanserais, workshops; Juma Mosque and Pahlavan Mahmud mausoleum. Evening transfer to Urgench for night flight to Tashkent (approx. 23:00–00:20). Overnight in Tashkent.
Breakfast and start Ichan-Kala tour
Breakfast at the hotel and begin the guided visit of Itchan-Kala (Ichan-Kala), the historic walled inner town of Khiva.
Tips from local experts:
- Ichan-Kala is a compact walled town with cobbles; use sturdy shoes and take frequent rests.
- Many craft workshops are inside the walls — ask your guide for quieter times to visit artisans.
- Some buildings have low doorways and steps; proceed slowly and use available handrails.
Juma Mosque and Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
Visit Juma Mosque with its wooden pillars and the nearby mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, plus other monuments inside Ichan-Kala.
Tips from local experts:
- Juma Mosque's wooden-pillared hall is shaded and cool — ideal for resting during the visit.
- Respect local customs around mausoleums: quiet tones and modest dress are appreciated.
- If you need to sit, ask your guide to point out benches or quieter courtyard areas.
Afternoon free for workshops, shopping and rest
Free time to visit woodcarving and carpet workshops, or return to the hotel to rest before the evening transfer to Urgench airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Carpet and wood workshops often have narrow walkways; if mobility is limited, ask the guide to arrange a quieter viewing.
- If buying textiles or woodwork, request protective packing suitable for the onward flight.
- Keep purchases in the hotel safe until departure to avoid carrying them on the late transfer.
Transfer to Urgench Airport for night flight to Tashkent
Private transfer to Urgench International Airport (transport time ~30–45 minutes) for the night flight to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent and hotel transfer for overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Night flights may have limited airport services; ensure you have essentials and medication in carry-on items.
- Confirm flight details with your guide and keep passport and boarding pass accessible during transfer.
- Request assistance for luggage at the airport check-in desk if you need help lifting bags.
Day 8
Departure day. Hotel check-out by 12:00 and private transfer to Tashkent International Airport. End of services.
Hotel check-out and final transfer to Tashkent International Airport
Check-out by 12:00. Private transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your international departure. End of services.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm check-out time and request any late check-out only if you have confirmed onward flights; otherwise pack the night before.
- Keep passport, visa, and boarding pass accessible during the transfer and at airport formalities.
- Allow extra time for city traffic when planning your flight check-in; inform the operator of your flight time in advance.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 8 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 29 |
| Total Places | 37 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Hotel, Culture, Event, Break, Shopping |