Samarkand One Day Tour - Departure From Tashkent
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- 9 to 14 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Ideal for busy travelers short on time, this small-group, full-day excursion from Tashkent covers the highlights of Samarkand in a single day. Travel by high-speed train between stations, with train tickets and door-to-door vehicle transfers included. Visit blockbuster attractions like the Registan, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and Gur-Emir Mausoleum with a guide. Lunch and admission tickets are provided.
- A full-day, small-group trip to Samarkand from Tashkent by train
- Travel comfortably by chauffeured vehicle and high-speed train
- Enjoy a personalized experience within a group capped at 10 people
- Tick off the city’s main Silk Era- sights, with time for an all-inclusive lunch
What's Included
- LunchLunch at local restaurant
- Entrance Tickets
- All transportation
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up all travelers from hotels, airport and train stations in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Gur Emir Mausoleum
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Registan
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Ulugbek Madrasah
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Ulugbek Madrasah
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Tillya Kori Madrasah
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Bibi Khanym Mosque
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
7
Shah-i-Zinda
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
8
Siab Bazaar
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- The tour starts at 7-8am. We pick up all travelers from hotels in Tashkent and transfer to Tashkent Railway Station departure to Samarkand by high speed train. You will meet the driver and guide in Samarkand Railway Station. Tour ends around 5-7 pm and you will be transferred back to Samarkand railway station departure to Tashkent by high speed train. We will pick you up from Tashkent Railway Station and transfer to your hotel.
- Note: On rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, we will replace this with the most-comfortable class of regular train or ther mean of land transportation like car or mini bus.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Alexynne_V
My day trip to Samarkand was truly unforgettable, thanks to the amazing team at GOTOUZBEKISTAN. From start to finish, everything was smooth and thoughtfully organized.
The experience began in Tashkent, where Izzatullo, the coordinator, ensured I had a seamless pick-up from my hotel and drop-off at the train station. Every detail was taken care of, which made the journey stress-free and comfortable.
In Samarkand, I was warmly welcomed by my guide Mokhigul and her wonderful son Arif. Mokhigul was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about her city’s history and culture. She brought Samarkand’s iconic landmarks to life with her stories, and even added personal touches that made the tour feel more like spending the day with a local friend than a traditional guided experience. Arif’s cheerful presence made the day even more enjoyable, he helped me get the most picturesque spots in town. They also made me enjoy Samsa and Manti for lunch which was incredible.
If you're planning to explore Samarkand, I highly recommend booking with GOTOUZBEKISTAN. This team goes above and beyond to deliver a meaningful, hassle-free, and memorable experience.
Reviews
4.7
based on 338 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Jacqueline_Z, Jul 2026
Mokhigul was an incredibly informative guide! The day was pretty nonstop- but she was also happy to let me stop & take pictures or shop if I wanted to as well. Yes, you are on your own for the train- but it is very straightforward & explained well by guides
fmroczka, Jun 2026
Overall pre trip communication was good and transport worked well in Tashkent and in Samarkand (hotel pick up and drop off and train tickets). Saw all the main sights in Samarkand. However, the guide was very disappointing. he was the 16 year old son of the driver. He tried his best but he was not able to provide much information like the other guides. So, missed a lot of contextual information which would have explained better about the importance of Samarkand and the beautiful buildings I saw during the tour as well as the historical context. Did not have a professional guide and indeed the tour highlights do not mention a professional guide, just a guide. So if you are looking for a tour of the main sights of Smarkand without much context then this tour is fine. If you are looking for more context, probably select another tour.
Joseph_V, Jun 2026
Stunning architecture. Tour guide was an expert in the history of the Silk Road as well as the evolving artistic elements that constitute Islam design.
Madhu_S, May 2026
Choose better more reliable tour operator till 15-18 hours before tour no one was taking my call till I frantically emailed viator then things moved local operator very low grade. Horrible restaurant fr lunch which tour operator owns with very bad hygiene in a dingy basement no menu 2/3 dishes whether u like it or not prepared in morning stale and tasteless no earphones like normally viator arranges we have to make sure we stick to guide to hear and understand very very unprofessional
Totally not viator standard I shud have researched more and chosen better and cheaper guide.
Totally ignorable and avoidable. Choose better agency read reviews and Uzbekistan has different standards fr different people
Jay_M, May 2026
Great trip, picked up on time, train was fast. Met at the station by Hakeem, who did a great job explaining his city. Finished early as it was a private tour. The true value of a tour is the help you get when something goes wrong. The company bought me the return train ticket and texted it to me. I took my seat on the train and the conductor rudely told me to “ get off the train, you don’t have a ticket “. I called the company and they assured me I had a ticket. The train company was terrible, took my phone and passport and demanded I get off the train. The tour company stayed informed and finally convinced the conductor that I had a ticket. When I returned to Tashkent, I was met by a representative and driven back to my hotel. I highly recommend this company.
Rachel_N, Dec 2025
My day trip to Samarkand was seamless from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organised - from collecting me at my hotel, getting me onto the train, to meeting me again on my return to Tashkent. I accidentally exited from a different entrance at the Tashkent station, but the driver remained calm, patient, and went out of his way to locate me and ensure I got safely back to my hotel. That level of care made a real difference.
In Samarkand, my guide Mokhigul was outstanding: knowledgeable, friendly, curious, and incredibly generous with her insights. We exchanged reflections on cultural influences, and she intuitively gave me space to explore some of the city’s most spiritual and awe-inspiring sites on my own, which I truly appreciated.
The local food was delicious, and everywhere we went, people were warm, welcoming, and curious. My guide also kindly helped me negotiate at the local market in Samarkand - a small gesture that made the experience even more enjoyable.
I highly recommend this team. They made my first trip to Uzbekistan not only smooth and stress-free, but truly memorable and inspiring.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank You! We are always ready to provide best travel experience across the Uzbekistan
James_E, Nov 2025
The history and the experience is quite captivating, with knowledgeable guides who communicate with ease.
Kahweng_C, Aug 2025
The tour and the guide were great. Lunch was delicious! However the A/C in the car was not working in Samarkand and it was really hot.
Another issue was that they don't buy the tickets until an hour or two before departure. If you are traveling with someone or in my case with children, it's likely that you won't be able to sit together. You may also have to wait a couple of hours for the train going back to Tashkent.
Overall the tour itself was informational and the sights were amazing.
Alexynne_V, Jul 2025
My day trip to Samarkand was truly unforgettable, thanks to the amazing team at GOTOUZBEKISTAN. From start to finish, everything was smooth and thoughtfully organized.
The experience began in Tashkent, where Izzatullo, the coordinator, ensured I had a seamless pick-up from my hotel and drop-off at the train station. Every detail was taken care of, which made the journey stress-free and comfortable.
In Samarkand, I was warmly welcomed by my guide Mokhigul and her wonderful son Arif. Mokhigul was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about her city’s history and culture. She brought Samarkand’s iconic landmarks to life with her stories, and even added personal touches that made the tour feel more like spending the day with a local friend than a traditional guided experience. Arif’s cheerful presence made the day even more enjoyable, he helped me get the most picturesque spots in town. They also made me enjoy Samsa and Manti for lunch which was incredible.
If you're planning to explore Samarkand, I highly recommend booking with GOTOUZBEKISTAN. This team goes above and beyond to deliver a meaningful, hassle-free, and memorable experience.
Elizabeth_b, Jun 2025
This was a true learning experience. Our guide, Mokhigul, patiently answered all of our questions. She was able to talk about history, religion and the culture of Uzbekistan. She was kind and thoughtful, always looking out for our needs.
Anonymous, Jun 2025
Great tour, tour guide was very informative and accommodating. Easy to contact and quick replies. 100% recommend!
Mark_K, Jun 2025
I was a little stressed because the return to Tashkent train tickets were not issued until 90 minutes before departure.
Hellena_L, May 2025
If you don’t want to be stranded and then miss two first class trains and end up on a four hour train back to Tashkent then don’t take this tour. Total shambles … The only good thing about it was the driver at the beginning and end of tour. This company is a disgrace
Karen_M, May 2025
A great guide in Samarkand. Pick up to high speed train no problems. Unfortunately, this tour company must wait until last minute to book return train tickets, so my husband and I were seated in different sections of the train. Also, when we returned to Tashkent, there was no one holding sign for Go Uzbekistan like they said for our return to our hotel. Another member of our tour group just happened to recognize her morning driver. For these reasons, I am giving 3 stars.
Zack_W, Apr 2025
well organized by the supporter, friendly random group mates, 2 well-educated tour guides. Eeverything was memorable and fantastic except the extremely hot weather (35ºC in Samarkand in late April).
yeeling_Y, Apr 2025
A well organised trip. Turns out I was the only person in the tour. Several days before the tour, I was contacted on whatsapp by the tour agency who later confirmed the pick up time the day before. A local guide and driver picked me up in Tashkent and drove me to the train station and escorted me to the train. A little over 2 hours later, I arrived in Samarkand and was greeted by another guide outside the station. I forgot her name, but she was very knowledgeable and we visited several sights before lunch break. Had a wonderful lunch in a local restaurant and we resumed our tour that ended with a trip to the bazaar. Overall, it was well paced but as I was alone, the trip concluded earlier than anticipated. Ended up waiting for about an hour in the train station for the ride back to Tashkent.
Kate_G, Apr 2025
This one-day tour to Samarkand from Tashkent was an absolute highlight! Everything ran smoothly from start to finish—the high-speed train was fast and comfortable, and the small group size made the experience feel more personal. All transfers were well-coordinated, and our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the history of Samarkand.
We explored all the major landmarks like the Registan, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Bibi Khanym Mosque, and Shah-i-Zinda. Each site was full of history and stunning architecture, and we had just the right amount of time at each stop to take it all in.
Lunch was served at a local restaurant, where we got to try traditional Uzbek plov—a real treat! It added a nice cultural touch to the experience. I would recommend offering a vegetarian option for lunch as well, to accommodate different dietary needs.
Overall, a well-organized, enriching tour that I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to experience the magic of Samarkand in just one day!
James_L, Dec 2024
From start to finish, a must-do and jam-packed day trip experience. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time to explore the incredible city of Samarkand. The team had great communication, coordination, and execution. Never once was I waiting for anyone or anything, they were always a step ahead which was well appreciated. Our guide, Shohrux, was a class act, very knowledgeable and an expert photographer. Other travelers on tour were also very enjoyable. 10/10, highly recc, will be back. Rahmut to the team!
Vong_D, Nov 2024
The tour was run by gotouzbekistan and they really did a great job. We were kept well informed from the start about the pick up and drop offs. Everything ran very smoothly. Our guide in Samarkand was Moha. She really was a great guide so much interesting knowledge and very engaging. She also takes great pictures and was patient giving us time for souvenirs. The lunch provided was at a local eatery and delicious. Definitely recommend this tour if you want a great experience visiting Samarkand.
Analise_M, Nov 2024
This was a wonderful and very well organized tour! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Samarkand and the region. The pacing of the tour was excellent with enough time for storytelling, photography, and short rests for coffee. Lunch was delicious, especially the fresh somsa! Highly recommend this tour and Mokhigul as a guide.
Marina_S, Oct 2024
Took this day tour on a Friday in October. The organization of the way there was great - pickup and the train ride worked well. The tour guide in Samarkand was good, can‘t say she was great. A lot of breaks and „self time“ - seems like she only spoke as much as she had to. The lunch they offered was really weird. The vegetarian option was a plate of four generic carbs, and some salad, even though most of us wanted to eat something vegetarian. And I know, it’s Uzbekistan, but we had some amazing vegetarian options before, so… The lunch bistro did not feel too authentic. Very few options in general, even for meat eaters. I think the organizers tried to save money on the lunch. All in all we liked the locations included in the tour. But the market at the end was super rushed and not necessary in my opinion. The most annoying part came at the end where we had 1,5h to kill at the train station. The others from our group took an earlier train (30mins earlier - still an hour to kill) and we had to stay back and wait. Thanks to that I had time and inspiration to write this review. Would not recommend this tour. Costs too much and brought too little. Pick another one or try to come to Samarkand yourself.
Tanya_W, Oct 2024
I would like to acknowledge the owners of the tour company. The stars are solely for them. Although I did not have the best experience with my tour guide the owners made up for it and ensured my experience was memorable as they treated me to a lovely traditional meal. It was a lovely experience and a generous gesture. Thank you!
James_B, Sep 2024
This tour was well organized from the time we were picked up from our apartment to the time that we returned in Tashkent. The guides had the train tickets ready for us and walked us right into our train car to our reserved seats. Everyone we dealt with was very friendly and seemed dedicated to our satisfaction with their performance. Mohigul was our guide in Samarkand. She did an excellent job showing us all of the major attractions that bring people to the city. She was a wealth of knowledge on the history, culture, and architecture of Samarkand and Uzbekistan in general. I highly recommend Mohigul as a guide.
Ali worked with us on our departure and return in Tashkent. He was an enthusiastic guide and was eager to give us any assistance that we might need.
Everyone involved with this tour worked seamlessly together from start to finish. I highly recommend them.
Reem_M, Sep 2024
We had an amazing time together, and the tour guide is very friendly. We had an authentic launch which was very delicious.
Parvati_B, Aug 2024
Terrible travel agent - wouldn’t recommend. Asked me to travel without a ticket to Samarkand
He messed my plans during my holiday
Only good thing was he returned my money
Arthur_B, Aug 2024
Easy pace, good timing, and not rushed. Guide was very personable and informative. VERY pleased with this booking. There was no way I could have been able to accomplish this on my own with scheduling time constraints.
Fiona_M, Jul 2024
First of all GotoUzbekistan refused to acknowledge my booking and ticket from Viator and wouldn't take me on Monday 27th.They'd take me following day if I paid cash. Confused, but desperate to see Samarkand I got local currency from ATM. Nothing said next morning and I hoped they'd realised their mistake (also wouldn't acknowledge my Bukhara ticket initially). Samarkand itself is wonderful and I loved seeing it, though tour guide obviously does this trip every day and was keen to get it over. We were left back at railway station 90 mins early. Then GotoUzbekistan hassled me again for payment and I again showed proof of payment from Viator and my ticket. He was still not happy and said we'd discuss again following day. We didn't as he failed to collect me from airport at correct time. Horrendously badly organised and horrible to have hanging over me. I then had hassle of finding a way to change all that local currency back which of course cost me.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Please pay your Samarkand tour , you cancelled your Samarkand tour but We managed the tour but you didn't pay
Kempton_C, Jul 2024
We had a fantastic experience and learned so much. Both our tour coordinator in Tashkent (Ibrahim) and our tour guide in Samarqand (Mohigul) were excellent. Ibrahim was accommodating and easy to communicate with. Mohigul is highly educated and professional. Both speak great English.
Steve_M, Jun 2024
Picked up from hotel. Driven to train station. High speed train to Samarkand. Had a Day tour and lunch in Samarkand. The lunch was authentic Uzbekistan food. High speed train back to Tashkent and car was there for last drive of tour
Sherif_A, Jun 2024
Mokhigul was a very knowledgeable and patient guide, taking the time to explain and answer questions in both English and Russian. All in all great trip and would recommend again.
Thanks Ali for the coordination. In the future, more notice is better for the train tickets etc.
From $229.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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