San Diego City Diplomacy Council members journey to Uzbekistan, March 2026

 Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM. The remainder of the day is free for rest and relaxation after your journey. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tashkent. 

After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. Begin your exploration in the historic Old City with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the revered Quran of Caliph Uthman—one of the oldest known copies in the world.

Next, dive into the bustling atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and most colorful markets in Uzbekistan. Browse its vast selection of spices, fresh produce, and traditional crafts, and soak in the daily rhythms of local life.

Continue with a walk through the Gulbozor residential quarter, a charming area known for its traditional bakeries and local handicraft shops. Then, enjoy a ride on the architecturally unique Tashkent Metro as you head to the modern city center. Conclude the guided tour with a visit to Amir Timur Square, a prominent landmark surrounded by significant monuments and public buildings.

Lunch will be served at a traditional Uzbek restaurant. The late afternoon is free for leisure—relax at the hotel, explore more of the city at your own pace, or enjoy optional activities.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, attend a special event organized by the American Councils in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage with local initiatives and foster cross-cultural exchange.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering a taste of traditional Uzbek cuisine.

In the afternoon, take part in a dynamic meeting with UBL Alumni featuring an open discussion on the topic: “The Future of Uzbekistan Through the Eyes of the Millennial Generation.” This session will provide insightful perspectives from young leaders shaping the country’s future.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for personal activities or relaxation.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Samarkand (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).

Upon arrival, begin your guided sightseeing tour of Samarkand, one of the most storied cities of the Silk Road. Start with a visit to the majestic Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror Amir Temur (Tamerlane). Continue to Registan Square, the heart of ancient Samarkand, renowned for its stunning ensemble of three grand madrasahs.

Next, visit the impressive Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world, followed by a stroll through Siyob Bazaar, where local life and traditional crafts come alive.

Later in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Samarkand.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, visit Silk Road University, one of Central Asia’s leading institutions specializing in tourism and cultural heritage. Meet with faculty members and students for an engaging discussion on Uzbekistan’s economy, with a particular focus on the growing tourism sector and its role in national development.

For lunch, enjoy a warm and authentic Uzbek dining experience hosted by a local family in Samarkand. Savor traditional homemade dishes while gaining insight into local culinary traditions and daily life.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Samarkand with a visit to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a sacred and architecturally rich complex of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. Then, travel to Konigil village, where you'll observe the traditional method of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark—a centuries-old craft preserved by local artisans.

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Samarkand.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train ride to Bukhara (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Old Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved Islamic architecture and rich Silk Road heritage.

The guided tour includes visits to some of Bukhara’s most iconic landmarks: the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, Kalyan Square with its minaret and mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, and the atmospheric trading domes, once bustling centers of commerce.

Stop at the Silk Road Tea House to enjoy a curated tasting of traditional Uzbek herbal teas, each steeped in centuries of local tradition.

During the walking tour, you’ll also visit local artisan workshops, where master blacksmiths, embroiderers, and puppet-makers demonstrate their crafts—creating intricate knives, suzani textiles, and hand-painted papier-mâché puppets using age-old techniques.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bukhara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive to a nearby village to take part in the preparation of Sumalak, a traditional Uzbek dish made from sprouted wheat and prepared to celebrate Navruz—the spring holiday symbolizing renewal, unity, and prosperity. Sumalak is cooked only once a year in early spring and is traditionally made as a communal event, with families and neighbors gathering overnight to stir the mixture in large pots, accompanied by music, dancing, and storytelling. Join in the cooking and festivities for an authentic and joyful cultural experience.

In the afternoon, visit the gallery of renowned local miniaturist Davlat Toshev, who will introduce your group to the art of miniature painting and lead a tour of his school, where students continue the legacy of this intricate and time-honored craft.

Late afternoon is free to stroll through the historic center of Bukhara or shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
We wish you a safe journey and hope you leave Uzbekistan with unforgettable memories.

Meals: Breakfast