Journey through the storied landscapes of Uzbekistan where history and culture intertwine.
From the grand avenues of Tashkent to the ancient walled city of Khiva, the sacred mosques of Bukhara to the dazzling blue domes of Samarkand, this immersive journey takes you deep into the heart of the Silk Road.
Delve into centuries-old traditions with local artisans, uncover the legacies of fearless rulers, and embrace the warmth of Uzbek hospitality. Whether exploring bustling bazaars, marvelling at architectural wonders, or sharing stories over freshly baked bread, this is more than a journey, it’s an opportunity to connect, discover, and experience the magic of Central Asia.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Uzbekistan. Upon landing at Tashkent International Airport, you’ll be met with a warm welcome and transferred to your hotel. Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding infusion of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply intertwined with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. This evening, meet the rest of your travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Overnight – Inspira S Hotel or similar
Today, explore Tashkent’s deep-rooted history and vibrant culture. Start at the Khast Imam Complex, home to the revered Quran of Caliph Uthman, believed to be the world’s oldest, dating back to the 7th century. Then, immerse yourself in the energy of Chorsu Bazaar, a marketplace thriving since the Middle Ages, where stalls overflow with spices, fresh produce, and intricate handicrafts. Pause at People’s Friendship Square, a lively gathering place woven into the city’s daily rhythm.
This afternoon, discover Lali Fashion House, where designer Lali Fazilova blends contemporary style with Uzbekistan’s rich textile heritage. Visit the workshop of Madina Kassymbaeva, a master of Uzbek embroidery. Observe artisans at work on suzani and clothing, then browse a showroom of exquisite, handcrafted pieces. After a fascinating day, return to your hotel for a restful evening. (B,D)
Overnight – Inspira S Hotel or similar
Today, step into the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the elegant former residence of a Tsarist diplomat, where Uzbekistan’s most exquisite craftsmanship comes to life. Admire intricate ceramics, vibrant textiles, and masterful wood carvings that tell the story of the nation’s artistic heritage. Then, set out on a panoramic journey through Tashkent’s iconic landmarks. Stroll through Theatre Square, where history and culture converge, stand beneath the towering statue of Amir Temur, reflect at the Earthquake Monument, and experience the grandeur of Independence Square.
Descend into the Tashkent Metro, a masterpiece in itself, where each station unfolds like a subterranean palace adorned with mosaics, chandeliers, and elaborate murals. With the afternoon at your leisure, embrace the rhythm of the city, perhaps by wandering its bustling bazaars, indulging in aromatic Uzbek cuisine, or simply soaking in the fusion of tradition and modernity that defines Tashkent. (B,L)
Overnight – Inspira S Hotel or similar
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight from Tashkent to Urgench. On arrival, drive to Khiva.
Step into Khiva, a masterpiece of desert architecture and a former capital of ancient Khorezm. A UNESCO-listed gem, the walled city of Ichan Kala is home to over 60 historical monuments. Spend the day delving into the soul of Khiva, where history unfolds through towering minarets, intricate tilework, and ancient courtyards. Stand before the Muhammed Aminkhan Minaret, explore the fortified Kunya Ark, and wander through the Juma Mosque, where 218 carved pillars cast shifting patterns of light. Marvel at the splendour of Tash Khauli Palace, pay homage at the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, and admire the elegance of the Islam Khodja Complex. Later, take part in a traditional bread-baking session, learning the secrets behind Khorezmian bread before sitting down to lunch.
Your home for the next two nights is a converted Madrasah within the historic city walls of Ichan Kala. This stunning former educational institution features simple but comfortable rooms set around an expansive inner courtyard. (B,L)
Overnight – Orient Star Khiva or similar
After breakfast, visit Nurillaboy Palace, the recently restored summer residence of Khiva’s khans. Located just outside Ichan Kala, this palace blends traditional Khorezm architectural elements with regal design. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. (B,D)
Overnight – Orient Star Khiva or similar
This morning you will begin your journey to Bukhara, traversing the striking landscape of the Kyzylkum Desert. En route, enjoy a photo stop at the Amudaryo riverbank, where the scenic beauty of the river offers a perfect backdrop. Upon arrival in Bukhara, check in and for those keen to stretch their legs, you are in the prime location to explore on foot independently. (B,L)
Overnight – Safiya Boutique or similar
Following breakfast, set off on a full-day city tour of Bukhara. Step into the timeless charm of Bukhara, once a thriving Silk Road hub. Begin at the Poi Kalyan Ensemble, the city’s crown jewel, before exploring Ulugbek’s Madrassah and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrassah. Wander through the local bazaars, set beneath restored 14th–17th-century trading domes, Toki-Sarafon (money changers), Toki-Telpak Furushon (hat sellers), and Toki-Zargaron (jewellers). Visit the Magoki-Attari Mosque and Liabi-Khauz Square, where historic structures surround a tranquil pond. Along the way, pause at a local tea house to taste locally spiced tea or coffee.
Visit a local workshop to explore the art of miniature painting, a tradition dating back to Tamerlane’s reign (1370–1405) and now recognized by UNESCO. Meet master artist Davlat Toshev, who will guide you through the process. As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset drink on a rooftop terrace, followed by dinner. (B,D)
Overnight – Safiya Boutique or similar
Often called a museum city for its wealth of Silk Road monuments, caravanserais, and vibrant bazaars, Bukhara offers layers of history to uncover. Explore this UNESCO-listed city in depth, starting with the Ark Fortress, Bukhara’s ancient stronghold dating back over two millennia. Visit Bolo-Khauz Mosque and the Chashma-Ayub Shrine, a revered pilgrimage site linked to the prophet Job. Admire the Samanid Mausoleum, a 9th-century masterpiece with intricate brickwork in more than sixteen distinct patterns.
Venture just outside the city for a visit to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the summer palace of Bukhara’s last emir, blending European and Central Asian influences. Conclude the day at Chor Minor, a striking madrassah with its four unusual towers, each with its own unique design. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Overnight – Safiya Boutique or similar
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast. Afterward, transfer to Kagan train station (30 minutes) to catch the high-speed train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Overnight – Orient Star or similar
After breakfast, depart for a full day tour of Samarkand. Samarkand’s history is rich with upheavals, from the time of Alexander the Great and the Arab Conquest to Genghis Khan’s invasion and, most notably, the reign of Tamerlane. As a result, Samarkand’s culture is a unique blend of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian, and influences from both Western and Eastern worlds.
This legendary UNESCO city has long enchanted travellers. Marvel at the iconic Registan Square, a true highlight of Uzbekistan, before visiting the stunning Bibi-Khanum Mosque, said to be a gift from Timur’s wife. Next, explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar (closed on Mondays), where local life comes alive. Continue your journey with a visit to Shakhi-Zinda, the Timurid dynasty’s family necropolis, known for its extraordinary tilework. (B,L)
Overnight – Orient Star or similar
Today you will delve deeper into Samarkand’s masterpieces. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur, and uncover the fascinating stories of his life and the grandeur of the city at its peak. Explore the Afrosiab Museum, which holds a unique wall painting dating back to the 7th century, shedding light on the city’s early foundation.
Next, visit the Tomb of St. Daniel, the resting place of the Old Testament prophet known as Daniiel or Doniyar. It’s a rare site where Muslims, Christians, and Jews come to pray. Then, step into the Ulugbek Observatory, where the Timurid dynasty’s groundbreaking understanding of astronomy will leave you in awe.
Continue to the Old Paper Mill near Samarkand, where you’ll discover the lost art of paper-making, once famed throughout the East, and gain insight into the meticulous traditional methods. End the day with a visit to the illuminated Registan Square, where the night lights up the historic beauty of this iconic landmark. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Overnight – Orient Star or similar
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day with no scheduled activities. Transfer to the train station to catch the high-speed “Afrosiab” train to Tashkent (16:51/19:17 – schedule subject to change). Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to your hotel for check-in. (B,D)
Overnight – Inspira S or similar
This morning is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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