Wanderlusting Style Uzbekistan
A Journey of Soul, Style & Story
An intimate voyage into the art, soul, and sensuality of Uzbekistan.
March 6 – 15, 2027
Each time I return to Uzbekistan, the land draws me in more deeply. There is a quiet enchantment here—in the warmth and grace of its people, in the soulful patience of its traditions, in the way daily life still moves to the rhythms of centuries past. It is a place that does not so much reveal itself as unfold, layer by luminous layer, with every visit.
Now, I invite you to come with me.
Together, we will wander ancient cities and storied Silk Road landscapes, lose ourselves in domed bazaars and golden courtyards, and meet artisans who carry forward generations of craftsmanship. We will linger over long, generous meals; uncover the quiet poetry of design, both traditional and contemporary; and let the slow magic of this country settle into us.
Along the way, there will be laughter, conversation, and the spontaneous moments that so often become the most meaningful—genuine bonds forged with fellow travelers who, like you, are drawn to beauty, meaning, and discovery.
This is an intimate journey blending culture, craftsmanship, cuisine, and connection—luxuriously unhurried, soulfully curated, and beautifully human. One that, like Uzbekistan itself, continues to reveal more with time.
— Denise Alexandra Spencer
Step into a living tapestry of silk, stone, and spirit. This immersive journey traces the storied Silk Road through Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent – where timeless craft meets contemporary creativity. Expect exquisite design, soulful encounters, generous tables, and the easy camaraderie of fellow travelers drawn to beauty and meaning.
GUESTS: We intentionally keep our group to just 10 guests, creating the intimate feeling of traveling with friends rather than joining a tour. Because places are so few, they tend to fill quickly—early reservations are encouraged. Should the journey reach capacity, we are happy to add your name to a waitlist.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 · Sat, Mar 6
Day 2 · Sun, Mar 7
Day 3 · Mon, Mar 8
Day 4 · Tue, Mar 9
Day 5 · Wed, Mar 10
Day 6 · Thu, Mar 11
Day 7 · Fri, Mar 12
Day 8 · Sat, Mar 13
Day 9 · Sun, Mar 14
Day 10 · Mon, Mar 15
Arrive Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara
Bukhara
Bukhara • Samarkand
Samarkand
Samarkand
Samarkand • Tashkent
Tashkent
Tashkent
Depart Tashkent
The Journey at a Glance
10 Days | Bukhara • Samarkand • Tashkent
The Days, Unfolded
-
Arrive in the desert oasis of Bukhara, a UNESCO treasure steeped in Silk Road legend. Settle into our boutique hotel before easing into the rhythm of the city with an introductory stroll through its storied lanes. Gather for a relaxed welcome lunch with wine as first conversations turn fellow travelers into friends. The afternoon unfolds at your own pace, with time to browse the bazaars, wander quietly, or explore further with our local guide nearby for suggestions and support. As evening falls, light fare awaits at the hotel, allowing space to rest, exhale, and settle into the days ahead.
Hotel: Alexia Suite Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Welcome Lunch* (with wine); light evening fare at the hotel -
Step into the vibrant rhythm of Bukhara, where daily life unfolds in color, texture, and movement. Wander beneath the city’s historic trading domes and discover the artistry still carried forward through textiles, embroidery, and craftsmanship passed between generations. Throughout the day, we move between lively bazaars, quiet courtyards, and beautifully preserved spaces that offer glimpses into the elegance of old Bukhara. In the evening, gather for a traditional plov experience shared with music, laughter, and wine.
Hotel: Alexia Suite Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner* (with wine) -
Travel into the countryside outside Bukhara to spend time with a family of suzani embroiderers, gaining insight into one of Uzbekistan’s most cherished artistic traditions. Share an unhurried meal drawn from local recipes and the warmth of village hospitality, with time to slow down and experience a different rhythm of life. Return to Bukhara in the late afternoon and enjoy time to rest before gathering for a wine reception and a relaxed dinner in town.
Hotel: Alexia Suite Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Reception*, Dinner -
Enjoy a final morning in Bukhara at your own pace before boarding the high-speed train to Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s most storied cities. Settle into our boutique hotel and ease into the atmosphere of this legendary crossroads of culture and history. As evening falls, experience the grandeur of the illuminated Registan, where the city’s architectural beauty reveals itself against the night sky.
Hotel: Kosh Havuz Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Spend the day immersed in Samarkand’s enduring culture of craftsmanship, where long-held traditions continue to evolve through the hands of contemporary artisans. Visit workshops dedicated to heritage techniques and experience the artistry behind textiles, natural dyes, and handmade objects that reflect the region’s creative spirit. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are left open to wander, revisit favorite places, or enjoy the city at your own pace.
Hotel: Kosh Havuz Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (evening on own) -
Travel into the hills outside Samarkand for a day shaped by local hospitality and the quiet rhythms of village life. Spend time with a welcoming family, sharing in traditional food, conversation, and the simple beauty of the surrounding landscape. Return to Samarkand in the afternoon to explore some of the city’s most iconic sites, where grand architecture, lively bazaars, and centuries of history continue to shape daily life. Gather in the evening for an unhurried dinner shared over conversation and wine.
Hotel: Kosh Havuz Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Begin the morning exploring some of Samarkand’s most storied landmarks, from monumental architecture to sacred spaces adorned with intricate mosaics and centuries of devotion. After time for an independent lunch, continue deeper into the city’s layered history before boarding the high-speed train to Tashkent in the late afternoon. Arrive in the capital and settle into our hotel for a quiet evening of rest to be ready to explore our final city for this journey.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Begin the day immersed in the artistry of one of Uzbekistan’s most celebrated ceramic traditions, with the opportunity to experience the process firsthand. Continue to an intimate cultural space offering meaningful perspectives on the lives and voices of Uzbek women, followed by lunch and an afternoon exploring design, craftsmanship, and the city’s evolving creative spirit. As evening falls, gather for a special surprise, with the remainder of the night left open to enjoy as you wish.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (evening on own) -
Spend the day exploring the many layers of Tashkent, from lively bazaars and beautifully curated textile ateliers to remarkable public spaces and contemporary cultural landmarks. Additional visits throughout the day offer further glimpses into the city’s creative energy and evolving identity. In the evening, gather one final time for a spirited farewell filled with music, wine, laughter, and a joyful toast to creativity, connection, and shared discovery.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner* (with wine) -
Transfers to the airport are arranged based on your individual flight time. Bid farewell to newfound friends and to a country whose warmth and artistry will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Meals: Breakfast
**A note on the schedule: Travel- especially with a group-can require flexibility. To help create the best experience for everyone, we may adjust the itinerary as needed before or during the trip.
• $6,500 per person in a shared double-occupancy room. (When registering for this room type, please include the name of your roommate.)
• $7,600 per person in a private room.
Deposit: $1,500 USD non-refundable deposit is due at registration to secure your spot.
2nd payment due September 1, 2026: $2,500 USD.
3rd payment due December 1, 2026: Remaining balance.
Registering on or after September 1, 2026: If you register on or after the second payment due date, both the $1,500 deposit and the $2,500 second payment are due together at the time of registration.
Registration deadline: Registration for this journey closes on November 15, 2026.
Most of our travelers prefer a private room therefore these are the bulk of the rooms we have available. The number of shared rooms are limited so if you want a shared room you should secure your reservation as soon as possible.
Payments by Zelle are preferred. We also accept bank transfers (with an added $15 per transfer fee) and credit card (with an added 3.5% processing fee).
Full payment and cancellation terms are detailed below.
Cancellation Terms
Our journeys are intentionally small, and cancellations have a significant impact on our ability to plan and execute. For this reason, all payments are required, non-refundable, and non-transferable. Because of this, travel insurance is mandatory. We strongly recommend coverage for the full trip amount. To cover pre-existing conditions and secure preferred rates, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. If you need suggestions on where to purchase travel insurance, we are happy to provide recommendations.
What’s Included
9 nights of boutique and signature hotel accommodations, with daily breakfast
6 lunches (including the welcome lunch) and 5 dinners (including the farewell dinner), plus a light evening snack on arrival day and two wine & hors d’oeuvres receptions
Wine with select lunches, dinners, and receptions; these are marked with an * in the day-by-day schedule above.
Bottled/purified water with meals
All transportation within Uzbekistan by private vehicle, plus high-speed train tickets (Bukhara–Samarkand and Samarkand–Tashkent, economy class)
Group arrival and departure airport transfers
All sightseeing, excursions, and entrance fees as listed
Local English-speaking guides throughout
Signature cultural experiences and artisan encounters as outlined in the itinerary
Services of a dedicated tour manager throughout the land program
Baggage handling between cities
Not Included
International airfare to and from Uzbekistan
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Gratuities for the tour manager, local guides, and drivers
Visa or passport fees when required
Beverages other than water except where noted.
Meals and beverages not specified as included
Photo/video fees inside museums where applicable
Personal expenses such as laundry, alcohol & other beverages not listed as included, meals not listed as included, telephone, and excess baggage
Pricing & Payment Schedule
An Important Note on Food & Dietary Restrictions
Food, in Uzbekistan, is its own kind of poetry—an act of welcome, a ritual of belonging. From the first slow lunch in Bukhara to the final festive table on our last evening, we will share meals the way Uzbekistan shares them: generously, warmly, and in good company. Along the way, we will gather around plov simmering over open fire, taste pastries shaped by family hands, raise glasses at quiet receptions, and close the journey with music, wine, and laughter.
Uzbek cuisine is rooted deeply in tradition—centered on breads, rice-based dishes, and meat—and the country’s hospitality industry, while warm and welcoming, is still developing. Several of our most meaningful meals are shared in private homes, where dishes are prepared with care from family traditions and cannot be altered for individual needs.
For these reasons, significant dietary restrictions—including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and similar—cannot be accommodated on this journey. This is not a matter of preference; it is a practical reality of where and how we eat together, and it is not negotiable. Some lighter dietary considerations may be possible on a limited basis, and may incur an additional charge.
Any dietary needs—however small—must be brought to Denise’s attention before registering, not at the time of registration. We are unable to accept registrations from travelers whose dietary requirements have not been reviewed and confirmed with us in advance. If you have any uncertainty at all, please reach out before booking; we would much rather help you decide whether this journey is the right fit than have it become a difficulty along the way.
Activity Level & Health
Activity level: While I’ve chosen the most comfortable accommodations available, lodging in Uzbekistan ranges from superior tourist-class hotels to small, intimate boutique properties. It’s important to approach the experience with an open mind—Uzbekistan is rich in culture and soul, but services and infrastructure may not always align with North American & European expectations. You may occasionally encounter challenges such as inconsistent plumbing, slower bureaucratic processes, uneven or unpaved sidewalks, limited public restrooms, and a more modest range of locally available foods. Some of the regions we’ll explore have seen relatively few travelers, and tourism infrastructure is still evolving.
Although this journey is thoughtfully designed to be as comfortable as possible, it is an active itinerary. Due to the amount of walking involved, the length of some overland travel, and local infrastructure limitations, the tour is considered rigorous. Many of our explorations take place on foot, often along packed-dirt streets or uneven stone pathways. Certain sites are accessible only by climbing steep staircases with tall, irregular steps. In some cases, stairs may be narrow, dimly lit, and enclosed. At the Shah-i-Zinda complex in Samarkand, for example, there are staircases of roughly 40 steep steps.
To fully enjoy and participate in the experience, you should feel comfortable walking at least one mile a day and keeping pace with fellow travelers. A sense of flexibility, curiosity, humor, and a willingness to embrace local standards of comfort will go a long way toward making this journey truly rewarding. And of course, all activities are optional and you will be welcome to opt out and take time to rest should you wish.
Health: Your personal physician or a travel health clinic can advise you on recommended immunizations and medications for this journey. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is another excellent resource for international travel health guidance.
I recommend reviewing the CDC’s Uzbekistan travel page as part of your preparation.
Travel Information
International airfare is not included. The journey begins in Bukhara (BHK) and ends in Tashkent (TAS)—both cities have international airports, with convenient service via Turkish Airlines through Istanbul. Most travelers fly Istanbul–Tashkent overnight, then connect onward to Bukhara on a short morning flight. We will provide you with information on the recommended arrival flight. If you arrive on this flight, a private transfer with an English-speaking escort is included in Tashkent for your transfer from the International to the Domestic terminal. In Tashkent, these terminals are located a short car ride apart so we have arranged a private vehicle solely for the group, provided you arrive on the specified flight.
Important Things to Note
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity beyond the tour end date.
We recommend reviewing the U.S. State Department’s Country Information page on Uzbekistan for up-to-date guidance.
Consider enrolling in STEP (the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), a free service: step.state.gov.
Some prescription medications, including certain pain relievers, are restricted in Uzbekistan. Customs officers commonly inspect baggage on arrival and departure. If this may apply to you, please let us know and we will provide specific guidance.
A little about me...
Denise Alexandra Spencer
I moved to Istanbul at twenty-six and, over the past thirty years, have built a life between Turkey and the United States, now splitting my time between Istanbul and Hudson, New York.
Along the way, I founded Ichiche, a clothing line rooted in Turkish textiles, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the handmade. Working closely with artisans shaped not only my aesthetic sensibility, but also the way I travel and experience the world. I have always been drawn to places, traditions, and objects that still feel connected to themselves before they become overly polished or widely discovered.
I’ve never been especially interested in experiencing places the way visitors are typically told to. What I notice first is the feeling of a place: the rhythm of a street, the quiet of a bazaar in the morning, the way people gather, dress, create, and move through daily life.
The journeys I lead are shaped by that way of seeing. They are immersive, thoughtful, and personal, blending culture, artisanship, food, local life, and genuine connection.
“…waking up this morning, it’s clear that Uzbekistan and the group of ladies has lodged itself in my heart. I am truly grateful to you for sharing that remarkable country with us, and for all the work that you did to create such a magical set of experiences.❤️”
Liz Cole, 2026 Uzbekistan Journey Participant
Still have questions? Ready to join us?
