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 UZBEKISTAN

Tashkent, Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, Gijduvan and Samarkand

ISRAEL

PETRA

ISTANBUL

TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN

A journey back in time through the Silk Route.

The former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan is considered by many as Central Asia’s hidden gem. With ancient sites linked to the Silk Route – the trade routes between the Mediterranean and China, the remnants of its past can be found in the exceptional architectural styles and proud traditions that remain to this day. It has been the cradle of culture for over two thousand years, and is truly one of the world’s rising stars for travel photographers. From walking in the footsteps of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great, to remnants of its Soviet past, visiting modern-day Uzbekistan is a journey back in time.

Being a relatively unknown country for tourism, one may wonder how safe it is to travel in Uzbekistan. The 2018 Global Law and Order Report listed Uzbekistan as the 5th safest country in the world, which makes it more safer to visit than Switzerland or Canada.

Likewise, the portrait and street photographer will quickly discover that photographing its people is a real joy. Such is the warmth and hospitality of the local population, which you will experience on our 11-day Uzbekistan Photo Tour & Cultural Adventure. Visiting Uzbekistan with your camera will give you the opportunity to capture this exotic and fascinating land, from its magnificent architecture, beautifully rugged landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality.

You will be guided to the most photogenic sites specifically selected for maximizing your time available in this marvelous country. The tour is designed for beginners, enthusiasts and advanced amateurs, with an emphasis on creative travel photography techniques.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. Uzbekistan, with all it has to offer, is a wonderful backdrop to learn and expand on your photographic skills.

Being a relatively unknown country for tourism, one may wonder how safe it is to travel in Uzbekistan. The 2018 Global Law and Order Report listed Uzbekistan as the 5th safest country in the world, which makes it more safer to visit than Switzerland or Canada.

Likewise, the portrait and street photographer will quickly discover that photographing its people is a real joy. Such is the warmth and hospitality of the local population, which you will experience on our 11-day Uzbekistan Photo Tour & Cultural Adventure. Visiting Uzbekistan with your camera will give you the opportunity to capture this exotic and fascinating land, from its magnificent architecture, beautifully rugged landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality.

You will be guided to the most photogenic sites specifically selected for maximizing your time available in this marvelous country. The tour is designed for beginners, enthusiasts and advanced amateurs, with an emphasis on creative travel photography techniques.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. Uzbekistan, with all it has to offer, is a wonderful backdrop to learn and expand on your photographic skills.

TOUR OVERVIEW

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR or mirrorless cameras
  • Active and nicely paced schedule
  • Travel by private vehicle
  • Limited elevation changes and lots of walking

Weather | Sun

May – Temps 87/63 F | 31/17 C Sunrise 5:10 | Sunset 7:21 (19:21)
September – Temps 77/52 F | 25/12 C Sunrise 6:05 | Sunset 6:23 (18:23)

Includes

  • 11 Days
  • Travel, landscape, architecture and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Local Guides and Fixers
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star accommodations
  • Breakfasts
  • 8 meals
  • Airport transfers
  • Local transportation – Modern A/C van
  • Entry Fees

Travel Information

Arrival and Departure Airport: Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Our adventure begins at 2 PM on the first day and ends in the morning on the last day.
Travel Visa: A few visas may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

 

Accommodations

Tashkent – Hyatt Regency or similar
Khiva – Erkin Palace or similar
Bukhara – Zaragon Plaza or similar
Samarkand – Platan or similar

Uzbekistan Prices & Dates


AdventurePriceREGISTER
From: $10,795
Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Laurie Cohen

May 3-13, 2025

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

UZBEKISTAN 11 DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Tashkent

We meet in our hotel lobby in the morning, where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. After some informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques, we will discuss the days ahead. Our workshop starts in Tashkent, the nation’s capital. As the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent is surprisingly modern for a city that dates back to the 4th century B.C. Beautifully intricate Mosques dotted around the city, contrast with Soviet architecture, such as the huge Independence Square and Hotel Uzbekistan.

During the Soviet rule, one of the world’s most beautiful subways was built under the city. Fortunately, the regulations against photography in the metro have recently been lifted, and we will capture some of the metro stations before heading to the Central Asian Plov Centre to sample Central Asia’s most loved dish – Plov. The Samarkand Kufic Qur’an (also termed the Othmanic codex or Othmanic recension, amongst others] is a manuscript Qur’an (Koran) preserved in the library of the Telyashayakh Mosque in the Hast-Imam complex, and is believed to be one of the original five manuscripts of the Qur’an – a primary source of the Islamic holy book that was written in the middle of the 7th century and is one of the most sacred relics of the entire Muslim faith.

Today we will also visit Chorsu Bazar for Street Photography, where the residents trade just about anything and everything. In the evening we will enjoy our “Welcome Dinner” where we will enjoy some local Uzbek cuisine. (D)

Day 2 | Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

Today we leave Tashkent and take a short early morning flight to Urgench, then transfer to our hotel in Khiva. Leaving the modern hub of Tashkent, we will prepare for a truly Oriental experience in the days ahead, starting in the picturesque town of Khiva. Today we set off from our hotel by foot, discovering the beautiful Old Town with its mud brick walls in muted colors of ochre, contrasting with stark tones of navy blue, deep indigo and turquoise colored ceramic.

Despite its small size, Khiva has many photographic opportunities. The fairytale-style architecture of Itchan Kala including the Djuma Mosque, madrasas, mausoleums and palaces are an outstanding example of Islamic art and architecture. Khiva has so much to offer for the photographer, we will take advantage of the best light according to each location, as well as head out with our tripods during evening blue hour, before enjoying a well-deserved meal and rest from a great day’s shooting. (B, L)

Day 3 | Khiva

Making use of the warm directional lighting during morning golden hour, we will spend time exploring Khiva with our cameras before returning to our hotel for breakfast. Capturing the ceramic tiles embedded in the facades and arches in the early morning light makes them appear like royal jewels. One of the most photogenic spots in Uzbekistan are the pillars of the Djuma Mosque, dating back to the 10th Century. We will also enjoy shooting some of Uzbekistan’s most respected music and theatrical performers in traditional dress.

After, we will practice shooting environmental portraits of local woodworking artisans at work, elderly men wearing their traditional hats, brightly colored clothing adorned by women, and children playing in the maze of narrow streets. In the afternoon golden hour, we will photograph the fortified walls which are particularly beautiful at this time of day, before climbing the watchtower to photograph the Old City from above during sunset. (B)

Day 4 | Khiva - Bukhara

Today we leave Khiva and take a high-speed train heading southeast to our next destination – Bukhara. One of the most important hubs on the ancient Silk Route, the entire centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason.

One might expect Aladdin to fly in on his magic carpet, such is the air of untouched authenticity that exits here. Bukhara holds many religious monuments of outstanding beauty, and architectural masterpieces that were ahead of their time in their ingenuity. Just one example of the architecture found here is the 47m high Kalyan Minaret, built in the 12th Century. During its time, it was the highest minaret in Central Asia, which acted as a lighthouse to show the way for trade caravans and pilgrims.

Today we will have a full day of driving to arrive to Bukhara, so on arrival to our hotel we will head out in the late afternoon armed with our cameras and tripods to stretch our legs, explore some of Bukhara and get an overview of the next 3 days spent here. Just before sunset, we will enjoy a delightful dinner overlooking the illuminated Poi Kalon Ensemble, the most beautiful part of the Old City, and an unforgettable sight at this time of day. (B, D)

Day 5 | Bukhara

Today, we begin a delightful day of photography in Bukhara. With around 140 medieval structures, many decorated with intricate ornaments, turquoise and emerald ceramics, magnificent arches, doors and domes, the architectural photographer will be in their element here. Apart from photographing the architecture and practicing street photography of the locals, we will also enjoy the technical and creative skills needed when shooting portraits of people in ambient light. With excellent backgrounds of color and texture, and avoiding harsh lighting, we will have a planned photoshoot of folklore performers in their traditional clothing and headwear with contextual surroundings.

And then there are the markets! There are 3 undercover bazaars known as Trade Domes – the dome of money-changers, dome of hat-makers and the dome of jewelers. At the end of the day, we will photograph the Chor Minor Madrasa, with its four turquoise minarets – a stunning sight during sunset, and a great ending to our day. (B, D)

Day 6 | Bukhara

Today our photo adventure starts early, as we head out to capture the light illuminating the city. Part of Bukhara’s charm is that it feels untouched by time. While restoration is evident, it is more subtle than efforts made to repair Khiva for example. It simply feels more lived in, and this will reflect in your images. Weaving through the monuments and labyrinths of the city, we will stumble upon master craftsmen from a variety of trades – silk weavers, hatters, blacksmiths, potters, woodworkers and more will make for great spontaneous environmental portraits.

Throughout the day we will likely to be approached by students who are curious about foreign travelers and simply want to chat and practice their English, or by locals who will welcome us into their homes to share some tea. While many consider Bukhara to be all about architecture and history, the people of Uzbekistan are what make the country such a delight to explore and photograph. In the late afternoon we will capture the last light in the Ark Fortress, and photograph the sunset over the city from the top of the fortified walls. (B)

Day 7 | Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand

In the morning of Day 7, we will check out of our hotel in Bukhara and head towards Samarkand. En route, we will visit the potters of Gijduvan. The amazing skills of the potters have been handed down from father to son over 6 generations. Apart from photographing the intricate details of the finished ceramic, this is a good opportunity to capture environmental portraits of the potters at work. Gijduvan is famous for having the best Shashlik [meat shish kebabs] in all of Uzbekistan, so stopping here for lunch is a must.

Continuing on to our next destination, we arrive to the city of Samarkand, the crown jewel of Central Asia. One of the oldest cities in the world, no other city evokes the mysterious wonder of the ancient Silk Route like Samarkand. Before checking in to our hotel, we will capture the last light at sunset of the Registan Plaza – one of the most iconic sites of Uzbekistan. With 3 stunningly beautiful Madrasas facing each other, the smallest details found on the interior and exterior walls are as worthy to capture as the buildings in their entirety. (B, L)

Day 8 | Samarkand

On Day 8 we head out for a great day of photography around the town. Being of such importance at the crossroads of East and West, and due to its long and turbulent history, over the years Samarkand and its masterpieces of architecture and design have suffered at the hands of man and nature. Numerous earthquakes occurred here, but over the years the city has returned to its former splendor. You will see depictions of the conqueror Timur all over town. He worked tirelessly to turn the city into the cultural heart of Central Asia. As well as a regional hub of culture, teachings in philosophy and science was also prominent in Samarkand. One of the holiest monuments of the city, the Necropolis marks the final resting place of many of Timur’s relatives, and has an alleyway of Mausoleums covered with brightly colored tiles.

We will also explore the interior courtyards, marveling at the tiles and mosaics, and examples of some of the best Islamic art found anywhere in the world. Viewing all of the intricate details created by master craftsmen, and the sheer scale of the buildings, it is easy to forget that the city was built in the 7th Century BC, making Samarkand even older than Rome. (B, L)

Day 9 | Samarkand

Today we head out early to photograph Registan Plaza at sunrise for one last photo session here, before heading back to the hotel to have breakfast. Today we will also visit a mill that has revived the ancient art of paper-making. The process of creating hand-made paper using bark of the mulberry tree was lost due to newer technologies, but thanks to the efforts of the Mukhtarov brothers, visitors can see the entire process in this picturesque spot outside of the city.

We will also plan to spend some time going over some of your favorite selected images to date on a group critique. This process is invaluable in assessing the photographer’s skills in composition, use of light and creativity. We will also discuss the editing process to create drama and give your images impact. On our final evening in Samarkand, we will take advantage of the colors in the sky at dusk as the city starts to light up. (B, L)

Day 10 | Samarkand - Tashkent

After we check out of our hotel in Samarkand, we will drive back to Tashkent. After we settle in, we can once again explore the city for more photo opportunities. In the evening we celebrate with our “Farewell Dinner” and share all of our experiences while exploring Uzbekistan. (B, D)

Day 11 | Tashkent

As we come to our final day, we urge you to extend your stay in Uzbekistan or elsewhere in Central Asia and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

Uzbekistan Photoworkshopadventures

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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