The 6 Best Guided Tours in Samarkand

1.Samarkand: Historical Monuments Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 446 reviews · 5 hours · from $20Our pick

Walk Samarkand’s grand monuments with an English-speaking guide, from Gur-e-Amir and Registan to Shah-i-Zinda and Siyob Bazaar.

“The tour in Samarkand was a great experience and very well organized. Our guide Shah was knowledgeable and explained the history and cultural context in a clear and engaging way, which made the visit much more interesting. She was also very attentive and flexible, answering questions and adjusting the pace of the tour so everything felt comfortable and enjoyable. Overall, it was a smooth and insightful way to explore Samarkand, and I would definitely recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Samarkand: Shahrisabz Day Trip with Optional Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 81 reviews · 7 hours · from $65

Visit Shahrisabz from Samarkand by private car, crossing mountain roads, ancient Timurid sites, and quiet rural scenery with an optional guide.

“The private day tour to Shahrisabz was amazing, a wonderful combination of visting the stunning palace complex and a tour through the mountains. Zarshed was an amazing guide and driver, very knowledgeable about all historic facts and I learned a lot from him about the region and about Uzbekistan during the tour. He perfectly tailored the tour for me and he had great recommendations ( I loved the stop in the mountains at Katta Tosh Tandir, the best lamb I ever had, a great place with a phantastic view).”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Guide / excursion service in Samarkand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $25Top rated

Walk Samarkand’s great monuments with an English or French-speaking guide, from Gur Emir to Shah-i-Zinda, for $25 plus entry fees.

“All other tours on the site are 50+ USD per person. This one is 20 USD. They take you to the same places. I got a private tour since no one else signed up. I appreciate them for not cancelling. Can I complain about a private tour for $20? Of course not. My guide, Alyor, even gave me a ride in his car between the sites. I would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Samarkand Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $24

Walk Samarkand’s top Silk Road monuments with an English-speaking guide, from Gur-i Amir and Registan to Shah-i-Zinda and Siab Bazaar.

“Ou guide Charos was well prepared and seemed to know a lot about not only Samarcand also about Uzbek history, highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Guided Tour Samarkand city history and culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $65

Explore Samarkand with a private guide, from Registan and Gur Emir to Bibi Khanym, with history, transport, and flexible pacing.

“The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, but late. I did get to see everything I wanted to see in Samarkand, and then some. It's quite a packed tour. We went to a restaurant, but I didn't realize that I would be picking up the tab for the two of us and the driver as well. I would have liked to have known that in advance.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Samarkand Private Guided Tour (options avail)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $29

Explore Samarkand’s grand monuments, market, and sacred necropolis with Olimjon on a flexible private tour lasting five to six hours.

“The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were really able to spend our time in Samarkand efficiently and effectively. He also shared useful tips on how to take beautiful photos. I highly recommend him.”

Check availability →Read our full review