🏛️ Samarkand Tour — One Day Guided Excursion
Last updated: January 2026
Samarkand Tour — One-Day Guided Excursion from Tashkent
Samarkand · UNESCO World Heritage · Registan · Shah-i-Zinda · Silk Road city · Afrosiyob high-speed train
In short: a one-day guided tour from Tashkent to Samarkand by the Afrosiyob high-speed train. Visit the city’s main UNESCO-listed landmarks with a licensed local guide. Entrance tickets, transport, and lunch are included. Return to Tashkent on the same day.
- Duration: 1 day (no overnight stay)
- Guided tour: 5–6 hours with a licensed local guide
- Format: private tour
- Transport: Afrosiyob high-speed train
- Included: train tickets, guide, entrance fees, transport, lunch
- Price: from $97 per person (group of 7 people)
The ideal choice if you have only 1–2 free days in Uzbekistan.
*Train departure times are indicative and may change depending on the Uzbekistan Railways schedule.
Is it possible to visit Samarkand in one day from Tashkent?
Yes. A one-day Samarkand tour from Tashkent is fully possible thanks to the Afrosiyob high-speed train. In 2026, travelers can comfortably visit Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and other UNESCO-listed landmarks with a licensed local guide, returning to Tashkent the same day.
How long does a one-day Samarkand tour take?
The tour takes a full day — approximately 12 to 14 hours in total. This includes travel by the Afrosiyob high-speed train, 5–6 hours of guided sightseeing in Samarkand, and an evening return to Tashkent.
Who is this one-day Samarkand tour best suited for?
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Uzbekistan, travelers with limited time, and those interested in Silk Road history and UNESCO World Heritage sites, who prefer a well-organized experience without an overnight stay.
Why a one-day Samarkand tour is the best format
- 🚄 Fast travel by Afrosiyob high-speed train instead of overnight journeys
- 🏛️ All key UNESCO-listed landmarks of Samarkand in a single day
- 🛡️ Fully organized experience with a licensed local guide
One-day Samarkand tour — overview
Samarkand is one of the oldest cities along the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A one-day tour from Tashkent allows travelers to explore Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum without an overnight stay, using the Afrosiyob high-speed train.
This itinerary is often combined with a one-day Bukhara tour when planning a journey through Uzbekistan’s historic cities.
This one-day Samarkand tour from Tashkent is the most convenient way to explore Samarkand without overnight stays or complicated logistics. Thanks to the Afrosiyob high-speed train, travelers can visit the city’s main UNESCO-listed landmarks in a single day, accompanied by a licensed local guide.
Why this one-day Samarkand tour works best
- 🏛️ Samarkand is compact, allowing major landmarks to be visited in one day
- 🚄 Afrosiyob high-speed train saves up to 10 hours compared to road travel
- 🎤 Licensed local guide provides historical context of the Silk Road and Timurid heritage
- 📷 Ideal for first-time visitors and photography-focused travelers
Who this one-day Samarkand tour is designed for
- First-time visitors to Uzbekistan
- Travelers with limited time in Central Asia
- Visitors interested in Silk Road history and Timurid architecture
- Those who prefer an organized guided tour without overnight stays
Who this one-day Samarkand tour may not be suitable for
- Travelers planning to spend 2–3 full days in Samarkand
- Those who prefer a very relaxed pace with extended free time
- Visitors looking for overnight stays or slow multi-day exploration
Tour route
- 🚄 Tashkent → Samarkand by Afrosiyob high-speed train
- 🏛️ Guided sightseeing program in Samarkand (5–6 hours)
- 🚄 Samarkand → Tashkent by evening train
One-day Samarkand tour itinerary
Morning — departure from Tashkent
- Departure by Afrosiyob high-speed train (morning service).
- Comfortable direct journey without transfers.
Arrival and guided city tour
- Meeting with a licensed local guide at Samarkand railway station.
- Start of the guided Samarkand city tour.
Main sights visited
- Registan Square
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Siab Bazaar
- Shah-i-Zinda Complex
- Ulugh Beg Observatory
Lunch
- Traditional Samarkand pilaf at a local restaurant.
Return to Tashkent
- Transfer to Samarkand railway station.
- Return to Tashkent by evening Afrosiyob train.
The itinerary is designed to cover all key landmarks of Samarkand in one day without rushing.
Main sights of Samarkand in one day
During this guided Samarkand tour, visitors explore the city’s most important historical landmarks — one of the key centers along the Silk Road. Learn more about the destination on the Samarkand travel guide page.
Registan Square
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Shah-i-Zinda Complex
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Siab Bazaar
Tour summary:
This one-day Samarkand tour from Tashkent is a fully organized guided excursion by the Afrosiyob high-speed train. It includes a licensed local guide, entrance tickets to all major landmarks, private transport in Samarkand, and lunch — all completed in one day without an overnight stay.
Price of the one-day Samarkand tour
| Group size | Total price | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $209 | $209 | Book |
| 2 people | $284 | $142 | Book |
| 3 people | $389 | $130 | Book |
| 4 people | $462 | $116 | Book |
| 5 people | $534 | $107 | Book |
| 6 people | $608 | $101 | Book |
| 7 people | $680 | $97 | Book |
All prices are listed in US dollars. Online payment is available. Prices are valid for current bookings.
What is included in the tour
-
🚄 Train tickets Tashkent – Samarkand – Tashkent
Service class: economy -
🎤 Guided Samarkand city tour with a licensed local guide
Tour language: English
Other languages available on request: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese - 🎟️ Entrance tickets to all landmarks included in the itinerary
-
🚐 Private transport in Samarkand
Comfortable vehicle for the entire sightseeing route -
🍽️ Lunch in Samarkand
Traditional local cuisine, standard menu -
📸 Photography and video permits
At all historical sites included in the program
The price covers all essential services. There are no mandatory additional costs.
What is not included
- Personal expenses
- Optional services outside the itinerary
- Drinks during lunch
How intensive is the one-day Samarkand tour?
The one-day Samarkand tour is carefully balanced to cover all major landmarks without rushing. Thanks to efficient logistics, short distances between sites, and guidance by a licensed local expert, the program remains comfortable despite its rich content.
This format is ideal for first-time visitors to Uzbekistan, travelers with limited time, and those who prefer an organized sightseeing experience without overnight stays or long transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included in the one-day Samarkand tour?
Yes. The tour price includes lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek cuisine.
Is this Samarkand tour suitable for children?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families with children and follows a comfortable pace.
What happens if the Afrosiyob train is delayed?
In case of a train delay, the sightseeing program is adjusted according to the actual arrival time.
How is this tour different from a regular city tour?
This tour is conducted with a licensed local guide and covers all key historical landmarks of Samarkand within one day.
Where can I find other tours and excursions in Samarkand?
Other tours and excursions in Samarkand are available on the Samarkand tours and excursions page.
This one-day Samarkand tour is designed and operated by a licensed local tour operator in Uzbekistan with long-term experience in organizing private cultural tours across the Silk Road cities. All services are provided by certified partners and licensed guides.
Other tours in Uzbekistan
Book the one-day Samarkand tour
This tour is organized by a licensed tour operator in Uzbekistan. We work with individual travelers and small groups and have long-term experience in arranging private cultural tours across the Silk Road cities.
All services are provided in full compliance with the tourism legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Cancellation policy:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start.
- Train tickets are non-refundable (date changes may be possible subject to availability).
Your booking is confirmed immediately after payment.
Lowest price guarantee.