Uzbekistan in 6 Days for Seniors - Explore the walled Itchan-Kala in Khiva
In Collaboration with Sogda Tour. Updated on February 26, 2026.
A six-day classic circuit visiting Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand to see Uzbekistan’s major Silk Road monuments. Accommodation, breakfasts, trains (economy), guides and museum entrances are included. Note: train seats are limited during peak season; allow advance notice.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Sogda Tour, inspired by the tour Six Day Classical Tour of Uzbekistan. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Explore the walled Itchan-Kala in Khiva
- Historic monuments of Bukhara including the Samanid Mausoleum and Ark
- Timurid masterpieces at Registan and Gur-Emir in Samarkand
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Urgench Airport, transfer to Khiva and introductory visit of Ichan-Kala (Itchan-Kala).
Arrival to Urgench and transfer to Khiva — introduction to Ichan-Kala
Meet-and-greet at Urgench Airport, 40-minute drive to Khiva. After hotel check-in, a guided, paced walk through Ichan-Kala to see Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Friday Mosque, Tash Hauli (Stone Palace) and Islam Khodja complex. The walk includes short rests and seating breaks suited for guests preferring limited walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small day bag and a light jacket — evenings in the desert can be cool in autumn.
- Carry any necessary medications and request help from your guide for short stair sections inside monuments.
- Ask the guide to point out accessible entry points; many courtyards have level thresholds and places to sit.
Day 2
Morning at leisure in Khiva then transfer to Khiva train station and train journey to Bukhara; arrival and hotel check-in in Bukhara.
Khiva morning and train transfer to Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel and morning free time to continue exploring the old city at an unhurried pace. In the afternoon transfer to Khiva railway station for the scheduled economy-class train to Bukhara. On arrival in Bukhara transfer to your hotel and check-in. Overnight in Bukhara.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm train departure time with your guide the evening before to allow comfortable arrival at the station.
- Keep travel documents and a bottle of water easily accessible during the transfer and train ride.
- Request a lower-step seat or assistance boarding the train if mobility is a concern; guides can provide help.
Day 3
Full-day guided sightseeing in Bukhara covering the Samanid Mausoleum, Ark, Poi Kalyan complex, Lyab-i Hauz and traditional trading domes.
Bukhara city tour — Samanid Mausoleum, Ark, Poi Kalyan and Lyab-i Hauz
After breakfast meet your local guide for a paced walking tour and short drives around Bukhara’s key sites: the Samanid Mausoleum, Chashma Ayyub, Ark Fortress, Po-i-Kalyan complex (minaret and mosque), Bolo Hauz, Maghoki Attori site, the Trading Domes and Lyab-i Hauz ensemble. Frequent rest stops and seated breaks are scheduled.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, closed shoes for walking on cobbles and uneven surfaces in historic areas.
- Use sunscreen and a hat for exposed squares; guides will schedule shaded/rest breaks near Lyab-i Hauz.
- If you prefer avoiding stairs, tell the guide in advance—many sites have alternate, shorter routes.
Day 4
Morning visits outside Bukhara’s old quarter (Naqshbandi complex, Sitora Mohi Khosa, Chor Minor) then afternoon/evening train to Samarkand.
Bukhara outskirts: Naqshbandi, Sitora Mohi Khosa and Chor Minor; evening train to Samarkand
Breakfast and morning guided visits to the Bahouddin Naqshbandi complex, Sitora Mohi Khosa Palace and the Chor Minor monument with managed walking distances. In the late afternoon transfer to Bukhara station for the high-speed/economy train to Samarkand. On arrival in Samarkand transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small cushion if you prefer extra back support for the train ride; staff can often assist with seating.
- Photograph entry times on the guide’s itinerary to help track departures and meeting points.
- If you have limited mobility, request the lowest-step carriage and assistance when boarding the train.
Day 5
Full-day Samarkand sightseeing including Gur-Emir, Registan, Bibi-Khanym, Siab Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda and Ulugh Beg observatory foundations.
Samarkand full-day tour — Registan, Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanym and Shah-i-Zinda
After breakfast a guided, paced tour of Samarkand’s principal Timurid sites: Registan ensemble, Gur-Emir mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the lively Siab Bazaar and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, finishing with the Ulugh Beg observatory site. The schedule includes seated breaks and short transfers between sites.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for short walks between monuments; request a shaded rest spot at busy sites like Registan.
- Buy fruit or bottled drinks at Siab Bazaar if you need a quick energy boost; avoid crowded aisles at peak hours.
- Ask the guide to schedule the busiest monuments in the early morning to reduce standing/queue times.
Day 6
Departure day — transfer to Samarkand airport or train station according to your onward journey.
Transfer to Samarkand airport or train station for departure
After breakfast and hotel check-out, a scheduled transfer to Samarkand International Airport or Samarkand train station timed to your outbound flight or train. The guide will confirm pickup time in advance and assist with luggage and check-out formalities.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your departure time with the front desk and guide the evening before to ensure timely transfer.
- Keep passports and travel documents in an easily accessible place for check-in and immigration.
- If your flight or train is early morning, request a wake-up call and have luggage ready the night before.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 6 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction |