Explore Samarkand’s heritage of monumental squares, turquoise domes, and historic mausoleums with a private guide.
Away from the bustle of modern streets and traffic, Samarkand reveals itself as a city of extraordinary scale and ambition, where centuries of Silk Road wealth and culture are etched into every façade and minaret. Its monuments, spread across the city, reflect the vision of conquerors, scholars, and artisans who transformed this crossroads into one of the most dazzling cities in Central Asia.
With your private guide, you’ll spend the day exploring the city’s sights, beginning at the Mosque of Bibi-Khanym, once the largest mosque in the world. Here, you can admire the partially restored grandeur, explore the enormous Qur’an stand, and hear stories of local traditions tied to fertility and devotion.
From there, your journey continues west to the jewel of Samarkand — Registan Square. The majolica-covered madrasas, including the Sher Dor Madrasa with its defiant lion motifs, offer an insight into the city’s esthetic and religious history. Heading west, you’ll find Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of the 14th century ruler, Timur, whose golden tiles and monumental jade headstone convey the power and prestige of the conqueror entombed within.
Heading east into the Old Town, you’ll navigate winding alleyways and hidden courtyards before discovering the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, where intricately tiled mausoleums line a preserved medieval street. The tour concludes with a glimpse of Samarkand’s far-reaching past: the open-air ruins of Marakanda, the original city that was conquered here over 2,000 years ago, and the tomb of Daniel, he of the biblical lion’s den. Your tour will end at the Ulugbek observatory, where the stars were meticulously charted in the 15th century.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Uzbekistan specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Urgut town visit
With a local guide, you’ll journey to Urgut, a traditional town near the Tajik border. Exploring bustling markets, artisans’ workshops, and narrow streets, you’ll gain a vivid insight into the enduring traditions and daily life of rural Uzbekistan, framed by scenic Fann Mountain views.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
