Exploring Uzbekistan: A Journey with iBestTravel

There’s no better feeling than checking the trip of a lifetime off your bucket list – which I got to do last summer when I explored Uzbekistan.

Central Asia and the cities that made up the Silk Road had fascinated me ever since I heard the 1977 Roberto Vecchioni recording of the Italian song “Samarcanda.” So, when an Italian travel project aimed exclusively at women and girls announced a trip to Uzbekistan, I knew I had to be a part of it.

Pre-trip Spending

My payment for this trip was €2250, which covered everything from airfare – a direct flight from Milan Malpensa to Urgench, and another back from Tashkent’s Karimov Airport – to the entrance tickets for pretty much all major tourist attractions.

On the Ground

Friday: Khiva

Lunch: The first occasion to spend my newly exchanged Uzbek currency came when we stopped for lunch after a morning exploring the incredible Ichon-Qala, the old citadel of Khiva.

Activities: During our action-packed day in Khiva, we explored the old Juma Mosque and the blue-tiled courtyards of the Kuhna Ark fortress. My favorite activity was climbing the walls around the West Gate late in the afternoon to watch the sunset.

Dinner: For dinner, we sat down at Tapas Restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the Kalta Minor Minaret. I ordered Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov rice, plus a couple of beef skewers. My share of the bill came to €8.

Subtotal: €13.40

Saturday: Kyzylkum Desert and Bukhara

Lunch: The drive from Khiva to Bukhara across the Kyzylkum Desert took about seven hours. We stopped at Zahratun Restaurant, where we enjoyed freshly grilled skewers.

Dinner: After arriving in Bukhara, we sat down at another terrace restaurant. I had delicious dolma rolls and a salad; my share came to €5.35.

Subtotal: €7.75

Sunday: Bukhara

Lunch: When we dined at Anor Restaurant, we ordered soups and samsa stuffed buns. My share was €4.95.

Extras: At the bazaar, we indulged in local delights, where I ended up purchasing three boxes of halvah for €9.50.

Subtotal: €17.45

Monday: Shahrisabz, on the Road to Samarkand

Lunch: We stopped at Chorus Milliy Taomlar Restaurant, where I enjoyed three manti and other dishes for €2.35.

Dinner: In Samarkand, we dined at Samarkand Restaurant and each paid €6 for a delightful meal.

Subtotal: €8.50

Tuesday: Samarkand

Lunch: We stopped at Samarqand Osh Markazi, known for its plov in the Samarkand style, for €3.70.

Subtotal: €15.20

Wednesday: On the Road and Tashkent

Lunch: At Karimbek Restaurant, we had a light meal for €4.20.

Dinner: We enjoyed a delightful dinner at Restaurant Soy, totaling €4.10.

Subtotal: €9.20

Thursday: Tashkent, Then the Airport

Lunch: I had a pre-flight snack of a Caesar salad sandwich for €5.

Subtotal: €15

The Final Tally: €2337

Cost vs Value

Getting to Uzbekistan isn’t cheap – but once you arrive, you’ll find it very easy to stay on budget while enjoying the delicious local cuisine. While I might have paid a premium for my peak-season group trip, there’s definitely a more affordable DIY version available.