Uzbekistan
Silk Road architecture as jaw-dropping as Petra, without the queues
Estimated daily budget
€25–45
Estimated 7-day budget (flights excluded)
€175–315
Why it's an alternative to Jordan (Petra)
Awe-inspiring historic monuments in a desert setting, with far fewer tour groups.
Samarkand and Bukhara have the same power to stop you in your tracks as Petra or Marrakech, with far fewer crowds and none of the entry-fee premium of the big Middle Eastern icons.
We're not saying they're identical — they share the core experience you're after, with their own differences.
Must-see spots
Registan (Samarkand)
A square framed by three tiled madrasas — one of Asia's most striking sights.
Bukhara
A near-perfectly preserved old town from the Silk Road era.
Khiva
A walled city where the entire historic core is UNESCO-listed.
Things to do
- • Photograph the Registan at sunset
- • Get lost in Bukhara's covered bazaars
- • Sleep inside the walled city of Khiva
- • Try plov (the national dish) at local markets
- • Ride the Silk Road by high-speed train
Uzbekistan vs Jordan (Petra)
Uzbekistan
Jordan (Petra) 🇯🇴
7-day cost
€175–315
7-day cost
Typically much higher (check current prices)
Crowds
Very low — barely any international tourism yet
Crowds
High during peak season
The experience
Awe-inspiring historic monuments in a desert setting, with far fewer tour groups.
The experience
The original — hence the fame, and the price tag
Estimated total incl. flights
vs Jordan (Petra)
You save approximately €1005 (~67%)
Estimated budget for 7 days
Flights not included. These are rough estimates and can vary depending on dates and travel style.
What stands out
- +Jaw-dropping Silk Road architecture
- +Very safe
- +Tasty, cheap food
Worth knowing
- –Summers get extremely hot
- –Visa requirements vary by nationality
- –English is limited outside tourist areas
Best time to visit
Continental desert climate, with very hot summers; spring and autumn are ideal for travel.
Who it's for
- 👤 Architecture and history lovers
- 👤 Travelers wanting Central Asia without the usual crowds
- 👤 Photographers
Safety
Considered very safe for tourists, with a visible police presence in tourist areas.