An overnight stay lets you split the historic centre and more distant stops across two days.
2-Day Samarkand Tour from Tashkent
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Tours in Russian
Choose a date from the calendar
2 days / 1 night
Starts and ends in Tashkent
2-day Samarkand tour from Tashkent
Private tour by Afrosiyob train takes you to Samarkand's historic ensembles, ancient Afrasiab and the Konigil paper workshop. The price includes return train tickets, one hotel night, a local guide, two lunches and one dinner.
From USD 375 per person when at least two guests book together and share a 3-star double room. Choose your preferred date in the form; CAJ will check service availability for that date and send a separate confirmation.
The Samarkand tour at a glance
- Route: The trip starts and ends at Tashkent railway station.
- Guests: the tour is for at least two guests and runs privately for your party.
- Transport: a private vehicle covers the longer transfers within Samarkand.
- Pace: expect some walking and steps inside the historic complexes; see “Comfort”.
- Before you travel: prepare the identity document needed for your named train ticket. Preferences: add meal and bed preferences when booking.
- Included: admission tickets and the meals listed in the programme; see the full list below. Extra: transfers between your Tashkent hotel and the station, insurance and personal expenses.
- Arrangements: train tickets and the hotel are arranged for your chosen date; rates are in “Prices and dates”.
Practical trip details
You will be met outside Samarkand railway station for the city programme. Luggage can be taken to the hotel or kept in the vehicle under the agreed plan.
Check the daily itinerary and included services to choose the right option. Hourly itinerary · What's in the package
Day one covers the historic centre. Day two takes in Konigil, the observatory and Afrasiab before the return train.
Samarkand: monuments and craftsmanship
Registan and Shah-i-Zinda reveal different sides of historic Samarkand; Afrasiab and Konigil add archaeology and a working craft tradition.
Day one
Registan Square
Three madrasahs from different periods stand around the square. Your guide will explain their history and mosaic details.
Day one
Shah-i-Zinda
This historic ensemble involves an uphill walk and deserves time for a careful visit.
Day two
Afrasiab and the observatory
The Afrasiab Museum displays finds from the ancient city; the observatory tells the story of Ulugh Beg's astronomy.
Craftsmanship
Konigil paper
The Meros workshop demonstrates traditional papermaking; demonstration availability is checked for your chosen date.
Is this trip right for you?
- this is your first visit to Samarkand and you want to see its main monuments;
- you prefer a private trip with one hotel night and an English-speaking guide;
- you want to combine monuments with Afrasiab and Konigil;
- you are comfortable walking within the historic complexes.
- you need to avoid an early departure or a late return;
- steps and uneven ground make sightseeing difficult for you;
- you need an escort from Tashkent: this is not included in the standard package;
- you have only one free day — see our one-day tour from Tashkent.
- your preferred date and number of travellers;
- your hotel category and room type;
- the document details needed for named train tickets;
- any dietary or mobility needs and your preferred guide language.
Prices and dates
USD 375 · shared double room
Price per person with at least two guests; a single room is USD 405 per person.
USD 415 · shared double room
Price per person; a single room is USD 475 per person.
until 31 December 2026
Choose your hotel category and room type in the booking form.
Choose your travel date
Select any date currently available in the booking calendar. Dates in 2027 will be opened later. Date conditions.
Your travel day
Calendar selectionDate in the form
—
After selecting a date, enter the guests, hotel category and room type.
Date from the booking calendar · Order total for all guests before payment
Choose a date and bookCheck your selections before paying
Need a different format? If you are already in Samarkand, compare this package with a Samarkand city tour and, before buying, check the included services.
Price and date conditions
- Your chosen date: Selecting a calendar date does not guarantee train seats, a hotel room or a guide.
- If a service is unavailable: CAJ will tell you which services need to change.
- Your order: A replacement or cancellation will be agreed with you; any refund is governed by the applicable terms below.
Additional conditions
Travelling alone: If you wish to travel without a second guest, request a custom quote before paying.
- A separate room: The single-room rate for your chosen hotel category applies to a guest in a separate room.
- Order of stops: The guide may adjust the order to suit train times and museum opening hours.
- An escort from Tashkent can be requested separately.
- Train tickets and special fares may have separate refund conditions.
- Read the terms before paying for your order.
- Read more: Refund policy and ask CAJ about the terms.
Included in the price
- one night in a room in the chosen 3-star or 4-star category;
- one hotel breakfast;
- two lunches and one dinner under the agreed programme;
- mineral water, 1.5 litres per person per day.
- economy-class Afrosiyob train tickets Tashkent–Samarkand and Samarkand–Tashkent;
- pick-up and drop-off at Samarkand railway station;
- a private vehicle for the longer transfers within Samarkand;
- transfers in Samarkand listed in the itinerary.
- a local English-speaking guide in Samarkand;
- admission tickets to sites in the agreed itinerary;
- coordination of the trains, station meetings, hotel and return journey;
- photography permits if required and specified in the order documents.
Meals in the itinerary
| Meal | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 1 | The menu is agreed before the trip. |
| Dinner | 1 | In Samarkand after sightseeing. |
| Breakfast | 2 | At the chosen hotel. |
| Lunch | 2 | During the second day's sightseeing. |
| Drinks | 1–2 | Mineral water: 1.5 litres per person per day; other drinks are extra. |
| Dietary needs | 1–2 | Preferences are agreed before payment. |
Meals: tell us about allergies and other restrictions when booking so the menu can be agreed before the trip.
What costs extra
- transfers between your Tashkent hotel and the railway station;
- travel insurance;
- personal documents and any services outside the itinerary.
- meals beyond the two lunches, dinner and breakfast;
- alcohol and additional drinks;
- souvenirs, personal purchases and tips.
- an escorting guide from Tashkent;
- tastings, theatre and workshops beyond the itinerary;
- early check-in, late check-out and a room upgrade.
Want to add an activity? You can request a tasting, theatre visit or workshop separately; its price is not included in the published rate.
Route and transport
Two train journeys connect Tashkent and Samarkand. A vehicle covers the more distant city stops; visits inside the historic complexes are on foot. The map shows the stops across two days; their order can change with the train timetable.
2 days / 1 nightStarts and ends at Tashkent railway station
1 city visitedSamarkand, including Konigil
Train and vehicleAfrosiyob both ways; vehicle in the city
To Samarkand
Day 1
Tashkent → Samarkand
1
Tashkent → SamarkandAfrosiyob · time on your ticket
After arrival, meet your local team outside the station and start the city tour.
Times on your ticket
2
Station → historic centreprivate vehicle in Samarkand
Luggage and check-in are arranged with the hotel; first-day visits depend on available time.
Meeting point sent in advance
Day two and return
Day 2
Samarkand → Tashkent
3
Hotel → Konigil and sitesprivate vehicle
Konigil, the observatory and Afrasiab; their sequence depends on opening hours and the return train.
Walking within the sites
4
Samarkand → TashkentAfrosiyob · time on your ticket
Transfer to Samarkand station and train to Tashkent; the trip ends at Tashkent station.
Carriage and seat are on your ticket
Please note: the order of visits and indicative times appear in the itinerary below.
Two-day tour itinerary
How to read the itinerary: the times below are indicative programme windows. Your actual train and travel times depend on the ticket for your chosen date. If delayed, the photo break and optional Hazrat Khizr stop are shortened first; time is still allowed for the station transfer.
Day 1 — Tashkent → historic Samarkand
| Indicative time | Itinerary | Practical details |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00–10:00 | Arrive at Tashkent railway station, board and take the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. | Your exact station and meeting time are in the ticket and CAJ travel documents; transfer from a Tashkent hotel is not included in the standard package. |
| 10:00–10:30 | Meet your local team outside Samarkand railway station. | Luggage storage and check-in time are arranged with the hotel. |
| 10:30–12:30 | Gur-e-Amir and Registan Square. | Expect walking and steps within the complexes. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch from the agreed menu. | The menu takes into account dietary restrictions you have reported in advance. |
| 13:30–14:00 | Drive to Bibi-Khanym Mosque. | The journey time depends on traffic in the centre. |
| 14:00–15:10 | Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar. | The bazaar visit depends on its opening hours. |
| 15:10–16:20 | Shah-i-Zinda ensemble. | Expect an uphill walk and uneven ground. |
| 16:20–16:40 | An extra break for photographs. | If the train is delayed, this break is shortened first. |
| 16:40–17:30 | Check in at the hotel. | Accommodation category follows your chosen rate. |
| 18:30–20:00 | Dinner, then free time. | The rest of the evening is yours to spend independently. |
End of the day: after dinner · Walking: includes steps and uneven surfaces.
Day 2 — crafts, astronomy and return
| Indicative time | Itinerary | Practical details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:30 | Breakfast and hotel check-out. | Luggage stays at the agreed location. |
| 08:30–10:00 | Drive to Konigil and learn how Samarkand paper is made. | A demonstration depends on the workshop's schedule on your chosen day. |
| 10:00–12:30 | Drive to Ulugh Beg Observatory, then visit the Afrasiab Museum. | Museum opening is checked for the travel date. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch from the agreed menu. | Time for lunch is kept before the next stops. |
| 13:30–15:00 | Khoja Daniyar Mausoleum; Hazrat Khizr if time allows. | The priority is to leave for the station in good time. |
| 15:00–16:30 | Collect luggage and transfer to Samarkand railway station. | Time is allowed for boarding; actual hours depend on your ticket. |
| 16:30–17:30 | Time at the station and train boarding. | Check your ticket and CAJ documents for the actual boarding time. |
| 17:30–20:30 | Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. | Actual departure and arrival times are on your ticket. |
Trip ends: at Tashkent railway station · Walking: there are uneven surfaces inside some sites.
One night in Samarkand
Choose a 3-star or 4-star category. The hotels below are examples; CAJ will name the hotel for your date in its confirmation.
Samarkand · 3-star
Sangzor
An example hotel for the 3-star rate. You can state your bed preference when booking.
- One night with breakfast
- Double or single room
- Address in your travel documents
- Early check-in not included
Samarkand · 4-star
Shohjahon Palace
An example hotel for the 4-star rate. Spa and pool access are not included in the tour price.
- One night with breakfast
- Category and room type according to your rate
- Address in your travel documents
- Additional services are extra
Accommodation choices
| Package | Nights | Example accommodation | Details to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-star | 1 | Sangzor or an agreed equivalent | Address and check-in time are in your travel documents. |
| 4-star | 1 | Shohjahon Palace or an agreed equivalent | Additional hotel services are charged separately. |
| Double | 1 | One shared room for two guests | Shared room; the per-person price is in your chosen rate. |
| Single | 1 | A separate room for one guest | The single-room rate applies to this guest. |
Choosing a room
One room for two guests; say when booking if you need twin beds.
A separate room for one guest when the booking includes at least two guests; specify the room combination in the form.
If the hotel shown is unavailable, CAJ will agree an alternative in the same category with you.
Check-in: the exact time depends on the hotel and booking. Early check-in and late check-out must be arranged separately.
Weather, clothing and walking
Mornings and evenings can be cool. Check the forecast and bring comfortable shoes.
Short daylight hours and cold weather can change the order of outdoor visits; warm clothing is essential.
Conditions and sunshine vary by season. Bring sun and rain protection.
Before departure: check the forecast to choose your clothing. Plan evening illuminations and optional activities separately.
| Things to consider | Physical demands |
|---|---|
| Historic complexes | There are steps, paving and uneven surfaces within the sites. A vehicle is used between the more distant districts. |
| Konigil and other sites | Visiting times: the workshop and museum follow their own schedules; if time is limited, included stops take priority. |
| Railway stations | Arrive at the stated meeting point before your train departs. The itinerary allows time to board. |
What to bring
- comfortable closed shoes;
- clothing suited to the forecast and season;
- sun and rain protection;
- any personal medication you need;
- the identity document used to issue your train ticket.
What depends on the train
If the train arrives later or leaves earlier than the indicative window, the guide will adjust the sightseeing pace.
- First: the free photo break is shortened;
- Then: the optional stop is omitted;
- In all cases: time is allowed to reach the station.
Any change to the included services will be agreed with you separately.
Who guides the tour
A local English-speaking guide works with you in Samarkand. An escort from Tashkent is not included in the standard package and can be ordered separately.
How to book and pay for the Samarkand tour
Enter a date available in the calendar, at least two guests, the hotel category and room type on the tour booking page; check the total and order details. The form asks for a passport scan at the next step, so have it ready before paying.
Pay for the tour on the website by Visa or Mastercard. Successful payment does not yet confirm that all services are available.
After payment, CAJ receives your order, checks services for the chosen date and sends a separate confirmation with the agreed details. Price and date conditions.
After confirmation: keep your travel documents and check every guest's details.
Before departure: check the station, train time and meeting point against the ticket you receive.
Before paying
- Check that each name matches the passport: train tickets are issued in a passenger's name. Have all guests' details ready.
- Choose your date and accommodation on the tour checkout page.
- Before paying, read the refund policy and ask CAJ about the terms.
Your trip with CAJ
Before booking, read published reviews of CAJ's service using the link below the cards.
Information about the organiser and ways to contact CAJ are on the linked pages below.
If you cancel, your refund depends on when you contact CAJ and which services, including train tickets, have already been booked.
Questions before buying
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Requirements depend on your citizenship. Check the applicable official rules before buying and tell CAJ your nationality. The visa support page provides general information but does not replace a check of your documents.
Can I book alone?
The published rates apply to bookings for at least two guests. Request a separate quote before paying if you want to travel alone.
Is there a child rate or a triple room?
Request a separate quote before paying for a child or a triple room.
Who travels with us on the train?
A local guide joins you in Samarkand; no separate escort is included on the train. See the guiding section.
How do cancellation and refunds work?
The amount depends on when you contact CAJ and which services have already been booked. See the date conditions and refund policy. For a custom order ask CAJ about the terms.
Useful links for this route
City guides
Tickets and terms
Choose a trip
Book the 2-day Samarkand tour
Before booking: have a passport scan ready and check the refund terms.
Go to checkout
Choose your trip options; the full total will appear before payment.
Have dietary or accommodation requests? Write to CAJ
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