Samarkand Uzbekistan 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Registan Square

  • Morning: Arrive in Samarkand and check-in at Hotel Shahi Zinda, a beautifully restored medieval caravanserai.
  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to Registan Square, a stunning complex of three ornate madrasahs (Islamic schools). The square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and bustling street performers.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Madrasa Cafe, which serves delicious Uzbek cuisine in a tranquil courtyard setting.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his family. Explore the complex’s intricate stone carvings and ornate tilework.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Uzbek dinner at CafĂ© Charvak, which offers stunning views of the city.

Day 2: Historic Sites and Local Markets

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a beautiful complex of mausoleums and madrasahs. Be sure to see the stunning turquoise tilework on the tombs.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Karavan Restaurant, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the local market (bazaar) to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Samarkand. Be sure to haggle for souvenirs and try some local snacks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Navruz, which serves delicious Uzbek cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Explore the Ancient Settlement of Afrosiab

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the remains of an ancient city and explore the nearby archaeological museum.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Restaurant Sogdiana, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Afrosiab Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of ancient Samarkand.

Day 4: Relaxation Day

  • 9:00 AM: Take a break from sightseeing and spend the day relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local area.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Khorezm, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby botanical garden, which features a stunning collection of plants and flowers.

Day 5: Explore the Mausoleums and Madrasahs

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Tilya-Kari Madrasah, one of the most beautiful madrasahs in Samarkand. See its stunning tilework and intricate carvings.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Khodja Akhrar Mausoleum, a small but beautiful example of Islamic architecture.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Restaurant Gur-e-Amir, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Madrasah of Khodja Ulughbek, one of the most beautiful madrasahs in Samarkand.

Day 6: Local Life and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Explore the local market (bazaar) to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Samarkand.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Restaurant Plovdiv, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby shopping street, where you can find a wide range of souvenirs and local products.

Day 7: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring the local area.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Khorezm, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly back home.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit Samarkand is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.
  • The city has a relatively low crime rate, but it’s still important to take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Uzbekistan uses the Uzbek som (UZS) as its official currency. While some businesses may accept US dollars or euros, it’s always best to have local currency on hand.
  • Don’t drink tap water, as it’s not safe for consumption.

Transportation:

  • The easiest way to get around Samarkand is by taxi or minibus (marshrutka). These are widely available and relatively affordable.
  • You can also take a walk or bike ride through the city, which is a great way to see the sights at your own pace.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the marketplaces and shopping streets. It’s all part of the fun!
  • Try to learn some basic Uzbek phrases, such as “hello” (salom) and “thank you” (rakhmat).
  • Don’t be afraid to haggle when buying souvenirs or local products.
  • Take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery.