Discover the wonders beyond Samarkand’s historic city limits with our guide to the best Samarkand tours and day trips.
Whether you’re looking for a city tour of Samarkand, a spot of wine tasting, or a day trip to the historical city of Shahrisabz, here we list some of the best options for your trip to Uzbekistan.
Perhaps you’re seeking something more adventurous like an overnight stay in a yurt in the Nurata mountains or an excursion to the seven lakes in the Khaftkul Valley of Tajikistan. In this guide, we share all of our best picks for the perfect trip.
Best Samarkand Tours and Day Trips
Samarkand City Tours
A city tour of Samarkand will cover all of the city’s UNESCO heritage sites including the famous Registan; the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, resting place of infamous conqueror Amir Temur; and Shah-i-Zinda, the most beautiful necropolis in Central Asia.
Samarkand Guided Tour
With 7 stops, this day tour visits the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym mosque and then the lesser visited spots including the Ulugbek Observatory and paper mill factory.
Includes expert guide plus pickup and drop off to and from your desired locations with private air-conditioned vehicle.
“We covered all tourist attractions in Samarkand at our own pace, in the comfort of a premium car. They have set the bar quite high in terms of service standards.” – More Reviews…
Samarkand One Day Tour (From Tashkent)
This premium tour is the perfect trip for busy travelers wanting a one day tour of Samarkand from Tashkent. Including tickets for travel by high-speed train, visitors will be picked up from their preferred location in Tashkent and dropped off at the end of the day.
This tour includes all Samarkand highlights plus a visit to Siab bazaar, Samarkand’s largest traditional marketplace. Lunch and all entrance tickets are included in the price.
“Perfect tour! Perfect organization And perfect guide (Sevinch) she was calm and patient and very interesting to hear. It is a perfect day trip to Samarkand if you have only 1 day.” – More Reviews…
Wine Tasting
For the perfect end to a day of sightseeing, try this wine tasting session and learn all about locally produced wines and cognacs.
Including a museum tour and plenty of red and white wines (plus snacks) to sample. Relax as your host explains the nuances of Uzbek wine. Includes pickup and drop off from your hotel.
“Fun wine tasting of 9 different Uzbek wines, 2 cognacs, and 1 liqueur! Would definitely recommend!!!” – More Reviews…
Day Trips and Excursions From samarkand
If you have the time to explore beyond Samarkand city there are some excellent day trips from the city including historical, cultural and archeological UNESCO sites plus breathtaking scenery including mountains and lakes.
Day Trip to Shahrisabz
The most popular day trip from Samarkand is Shahrisabz, the birth place of Amir Temur and home to the ruins of Ak-Saray (the white palace) whose construction began in 1380.
The 90 minute drive to Shahrisabz is particularly picturesque as you pass through villages, farms, vineyards, and mountains in an air-conditioned car.
“The drive was scenic, we made 2 stops with stunning views. We reached Shahrisabz and met the tour guide Fayrooza and her student Asal. She was wonderful, informative and genuinely passionate about the history and culture of her country.” – More Reviews…
Yurt Stay and Hiking in the Nurata Mountains (2 Days)
Indulge in an all-inclusive mountain tour with round-trip transfers, traditional music, and delectable meals. Spend a serene night in a yurt camp amid the desert’s tranquility. This excursion will pick you up in Samarkand and drop you off in Bukhara, ready for your next adventure.
On Day 1 you’ll be taken to the yurt camp in the Nuratau mountains where you can go on a guided hike, enjoy the swimming pool, and enjoy stargazing by a campfire before sleeping in a traditional yurt.
On Day 2 continue hiking and bird spotting before being transferred to the pilgrimage site of Nurata with the Juma mosque and the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress.
Your comprehensive package includes 1 night in a yurt, all meals, pickup and drop-off, and hiking guide.
Rating: 5 .0| Duration: 2 days | Check Prices
Review: “The hospitality and facilities were peaceful and of a really high quality. The food was great, the trekking was amazing, and everyone was just very nice.” Read More Reviews…
Seven Lakes Day Excursion (Tajikistan)
Embark on an immersive journey through Tajikistan’s stunning Seven Lakes with our one day tour from Samarkand. Begin with a seamless border crossing and venture into the stunning landscapes of Marghuzor, Soya, and Gushor lakes.
Hike to “one thousand springs” Hazorchashma lake for panoramic views and conclude with a visit to the archaeological site of Sarazm before returning to Samarkand. Enjoy hassle-free transfers, admission, and expert guidance throughout.
“Such an amazing trip with breathtaking views! I really recommend it. The entire trip was well organised, communication was easy, and the tour guides were super friendly and interesting.” – More Reviews…
More Tours
Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is growing at a fast pace and new tours and activities are constantly appearing. For an up-to-date list of all of Samarkand’s best tours click below.
Related Tours
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