Do I need a visa?
Dutch, EU, UK and US passport holders can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. No paperwork needed beforehand. Most other nationalities can get an e-visa online in a few days at e-visa.gov.uz.
What are the trains actually like?
The Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara legs run on the Afrosiyob, a modern Spanish-built high-speed train with assigned, air-conditioned seating: closer to a European intercity than anything else. The Bukhara–Khiva leg is a slower regional service across the desert.
What currency do I need, and can I pay by card?
The Uzbekistani som (UZS). Cards work fine in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara's bigger hotels and restaurants, but bazaars, teahouses and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We'll tell you roughly how much som to carry once your dates are set.
How can I pay for my trip?
PayPal, bank transfer, or cash, whichever's easiest. A 30% deposit secures your spot, due regardless of payment method. The balance is due two months before departure (the same date booking closes), except cash, which can wait until your trip starts. We'll send the details and your booking confirmation via WhatsApp or email once your dates and group are confirmed, your choice.
Bank transfer
PayPal
Cash
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 3 months before departure and you get a full refund, deposit included. Cancel within 3 months of departure and the 30% deposit is non-refundable, but anything you've paid beyond that deposit is still refunded to you.
When's the best time to go?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spot. Summer regularly hits 40°C in the desert cities, and winter nights can be near freezing.
Is transport included?
Everything in the itinerary, yes: every train ticket and station transfer, plus the return flight from Urgench to Tashkent and the airport pickup on arrival. Not included: getting yourself around a city on your own time, or a taxi to a cafe on a free evening, that's on you, same as at home. International flights to and from Uzbekistan aren't included either.
Is food included?
Breakfast, yes: every morning wherever you're staying, whatever the kitchen has cooked that day. Lunch and dinner aren't included, but the day always has a stop for them: a restaurant or a family-run teahouse along the way. Want them included instead? Tell us before you book and we'll arrange it.
Will I have phone signal?
In Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, yes: city signal is solid throughout. The one gap is the desert crossing between Bukhara and Khiva, where you can lose signal for a few hours at a stretch.
How fit do I need to be?
Low. This trip is built around trains and walking city streets, not trekking: the most physical it gets is a few hours on foot around a bazaar or old town in the heat. If you can handle a full day on your feet and a train journey, you're set.
What languages do you speak?
English, Turkish, Dutch, Russian and Uzbek: between the guides and the team behind the trips, we've got all five covered, so book and travel in whichever you're most comfortable in.