Day 1 : Tashkent – Arrival (B)
Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel.
Rest and overnight.
Day 2 : Tashkent (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. We will meet with the local guide.Today we begin our first acquaintance with the “stone city” - that is how the name of Uzbekistan’s capital city is translated from the Turkic language. The architecture and atmosphere of the old and the new city reveals the appearance of Tashkent from different sides.
A city tour in Tashkent includes the ancient Khast Imam Square with adjoining madrasah and mosque, Medrese Kukeldash, the vast Chorsu oriental bazaar, Dzhuma-mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali, the Independence Arch, theatrical square adorned with a great Alisher Navoi theater building, State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan. There will also be an opportunity to ride the local metro and see some of the most beautiful stations in Central Asia, additional visit of Shastri memorial.
Rest and overnight in the hotel.
Day 3 : Tashkent-Samarkand (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the railway station for further transfer to Samarkand by a high-speed train.
Arrival in Samarkand and transfer to the hotel.
We will visit the Registan Square. From the buildings of the XV century, a madrasah bearing the name of Ulugbek has been preserved. About two hundred years separates it from two other madrasahs — Sher-Dor and Tillya-Kari (XVII century), but, thanks to the skill of the architects, they are very harmoniously combined, represent a wonderful single architectural ensemble.
Walking along the famous Tashkent street. This street starts almost from Registan and goes to the Siab market. The length is just over 2 km, but it is made perfectly: wide and clean sidewalks, lots of greenery, neat lawns. The street is closed to the movement of any transport, except for excursion electric cars. Souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, grocery stores are located on the street.
The Bibi-Khanim Mosque (XV century), built by order of Timur in 1404, became the main Friday mosque of Samarkand and the largest in the East. By the XVIII century. the mosque was already in ruins. In 2004, the grandiose structure was restored. Visit to the oriental bazaar "Siab" (Monday is a day off), where you can buy famous Samarkand cakes, oriental sweets, dried fruits, traditional souvenirs and works of local artisans.
The Shahi-Zinda ensemble (XII-XV centuries), which began to form an ensemble in the middle of the XI century, the construction of the complex was completed at the beginning of the XIX century. 25 buildings of the ensemble – mausoleums, mosques, madrasas – give an idea not only about the development of architectural forms, but also about the evolution of facing ceramics. Therefore, many researchers call the ensemble a "creative laboratory".
Day 4 : Samarkand - Shahrisabz - Samarkand (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.Meeting with a local English-speaking guide at the hotel reception and in Shakhrisabz (90 km / 1.5 hours) through the Kitab pass, aka Takhtakaracha (1640 m). Kitab Pass is one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan, it is part of the Amankutan tract. This is a tract of magnificent beauty, where you can see majestic mountains and fascinating valleys of ancient Kesh (Shakhrisabz). Arrival in Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, and the beginning of the excursion program :
The Ak-Sarai Palace ("White Palace") is an outstanding monument of medieval architecture in Central Asia. Now only two powerful pillars of the huge entrance portal have been preserved from it. But Eastern authors testify to its original appearance. The architectural decor of the palace reflected the highest school of Central Asian architecture, using a variety of techniques: tile and brick mosaics, majolica, painting with stylized floral ornaments, etc.
Indeed, the palace shocked the imagination of contemporaries with its volume and richness of decoration. It is not by chance that an inscription in Arabic has been preserved on the entrance portal, which reads: "If you doubt our strength, then look at our buildings.“The complex of Dor-us Saodat, ("Receptacle of Power"), conceived by Tamerlane as a dynastic tomb for himself and his descendants (XIV-XVI centuries).Architectural ensemble Dor-ut Tilovat ("Place of contemplation") consisting of the mausoleum of spiritual mentor Tamerlane and his father, as well as the Kok-Gumbaz cathedral mosque ("Blue Dome"). Return to Samarkand.
Rest and overnight in the hotel.
Day 5 : Samarkand (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the excursion program in Samarkand: Ulugbek Observatory: in the 20s of the XV century, the ruler of Samarkand, grandson of Timur, Mirzo Ulugbek built the largest observatory in the East. Astronomical observations were carried out in it, the results of which were summarized in the Zij Guragani catalog. Only the underground part of the observatory's main astronomical instrument, the sextant, and the remains of the building's foundations have survived to this day.
The mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar is one of the most revered mazars by believers – a "place of worship". Legends associate Khoja Daniyar with the names of the Jewish prophet Daniel and the Christian Daniel. The mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar is visited by Jews and Christians along with Muslims. Visit the carpet factory "Khujum", where you will have a unique opportunity to track the full process of carpet creation, from unwinding cocoons and dyeing silk threads, to trimming the pile of the finished product, using old technologies and exclusively by hand.
Transfer to the eco-village of Koni Kiel (8 km) and visit the ancient paper mill "Meros". A unique opportunity to see firsthand the process of making the famous Samarkand paper using the technology of the VIII century. After visiting the factory, you will be able to walk around the picturesque territory, see the traditional watermill and drink hot green tea with dried fruits. The mausoleum of Gur-Emir (XIV-XV centuries) is one of the best architectural monuments of Central Asia, the family tomb of Tamerlane and the Timurid dynasty on the male line. The elegance, clarity of proportions, and beauty of the interior decoration put this mausoleum on a par with the masterpieces of world architecture.
Sightseeing tour of "Colonial Samarkand": Roman Catholic Church (1916) University Boulevard, founded in the XIX century by Governor-General Konstantin Kaufman and planted with plane trees (plane trees), separating the old and new city; the current Cathedral of St. Alexy (1912), built by Architect Smirnov, the building was conceived as the main military cathedral of the city and eventually became the last building in a series of Orthodox churches of the tsarist period erected in Turkestan.
Rest and overnight in the hotel.
Day 6 : Samarkand - Bukhara (B)
Meeting with the driver at the hotel reception.
Transfer to the railway station and departure by highspeed railway train "Afrosiab" (economy class) to Bukhara (09:51/11:34).
Arrival at the Kagan railway station, meeting at the station with an English-speaking guide and the start of the excursion program to the suburban monuments of Bukhara :
The Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble (XVI-XVII centuries), an architectural ensemble that was considered a trading square in the Middle Ages, including the Nodir Divan Begi madrasah (XVII century) – part of an architectural ensemble located around Lyabi-Hausa and Honako (a place of rest and solitude of Sufis) and Kukeldash madrasah – the largest madrasah of Bukhara of the XVI century and the well-known monument to Khoja Nasreddin.
The Magoki-Attari Mosque (IX century), or the Mokh Mosque ("Deep Mosque"), considered one of the first mosques of the pre-Islamic era. Next, a passage through the first shopping dome passage Toki Sarrafon ("The Dome of the Money Changers"), an entertaining passage through the "Dome of the Shapochnikov", otherwise Toki Tilpak Furushon (XVI century.), where you will again be able to plunge into the atmosphere of the ancient oriental bazaar with its silks, carpets and exquisite suzanes in the national style.
Kosh Ensemble: Abdullaziz Khan Madrasah (XVII century), built by order of the Ashtarkhanid ruler Abdulaziz Khan and Ulugbek Madrasah (XV century), which is one of the oldest madrasahs of the architectural ensemble of Registan Square.
The architectural ensemble of Poi-Kalon ("Pedestal of the Great"), the religious heart of Sacred Bukhara, consisting of the Kalon minaret (XII century), the Kalyan mosque and the Miri-Arab madrasah (XII — XVI centuries). Toki Zargaron Shopping Dome Passage ("Jewelers' Dome") is an indoor market located at the intersection of the once busy shopping streets of Bukhara. The shopping arcade was built at the end of the XVI century . Abudullah was Khan II of the Sheibanid dynasty and was intended for the jewelry trade.
Sayfiddin's caravanserai (XIX century), the center of crafts of Bukhara at present and Tim Abdullakhan (XVI century), a traditional covered bazaar built during the reign of the Sheibanid dynasty.
Rest and overnight in the hotel.
Day 7 : Bukhara (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
The Mausoleum of the Samanids (IX-X centuries) is one of the oldest monuments of Central Asian architecture. The mausoleum is one of the first surviving structures built of burnt brick and decorated with elaborate carvings. The mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub (XII—XVI centuries) is one of the most mysterious buildings in Bukhara, a traditionally revered place, a well with a spring, according to legend, originated by the will of the biblical Job. Bolo-Hauz complex (XVIII—XX centuries): unusual in its beauty, a Friday mosque for the nobility who lived in the Ark fortress.
Ark Fortress is the so–called "city within a city", which for centuries served as the residence of the Bukhara emirs, in which the whole family of the emir lived without leaving, the official apparatus was located, as well as the zindan, harem and treasury. If you look at the fortress from a bird's-eye view, then in shape it resembles the constellation of the big dipper, the same intricate bucket that Bukharans and guests of the city can observe every day in the night sky.
The country residence of the last emir of Bukhara Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa (XIX-XX centuries), located 4 km north of Bukhara. The Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace perfectly combines European style with elements of local architecture. Today, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts is located on the territory of the palace.
The Chor-Minor Madrasah ("Four Minarets") is the most unusual and interesting structure in Bukhara, built in 1807 with the money of a rich Turkmen merchant and traveler, Caliph Niyaz–Kula, who visited India and was very impressed by the famous Taj Mahal mausoleum.
Day 8 : Bukhara - Khiva (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the driver at the hotel reception. Transfer from Bukhara to Khiva (450 km / 6-7 hours). The modern highway crosses the Kyzylkum desert, repeating the ancient route of the Great Silk Road. A stop on the way, during which you will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the desert and the Amu Darya River.
Arrival in Khiva at the end of the day, transfer and accommodation at the hotel.
Rest and free time.
Day 9 : Khiva (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with a local English-speaking guide at the hotel reception. The beginning of the excursion program in Khiva. Visit to Ichan-Kala, the old part of the city, surrounded by a fortress wall and turned into a state historical and archaeological museum-reserve :
Muhammad Aminkhana Madrasah is the largest madrasah in Central Asia, built by order of Muhammad Amin Khan in 1851-1854. The two-storey building covers an area of 72 by 60 meters, and has 125 hujras (rooms) designed for 260 students.
Kalta Minor ("shortened minaret") is a minaret located in front of the main facade of the madrasah of Muhammad Amin Khan, 26 meters high. According to history, the minaret was to become the tallest minaret in Central Asia, reaching a height of 70 meters. However, the minaret remained unfinished due to the death of the khan during a military campaign in Turkmenistan.
The Madrasah of Muhammad Rahim Khan, built by order of Khan Said Muhammad Rahim II, known as the patron saint of literature and music. He was an educated and enlightened ruler and wrote poetry under the pseudonym Feruz. Kunya Ark Fortress ("old fortress") is a citadel that served as one of the residences of the Khans before the arrival of the Bolsheviks. The citadel housed the khan's residence, mosque, supreme court, reception hall, mint, harem, arsenal and stable.The Mausoleum of Said Allauddin (XVI century) is one of the ancient architectural monuments of Khiva, erected over the burial of the famous Sufi Sheikh Sayyid Alauddin.
Juma Mosque is the Friday mosque of Ichan Kala, built with money donated by Khan Abdurakhman Mehtar. The Juma mosque is unique in structure, it does not have portals, domes, galleries and an inner courtyard. The prayer hall is supported by 212 columns with a height of four to five meters, dating from the X–XVIII centuries.
Tash Hovli Palace (Tash Hovli Palace ("stone palace"), built on the initiative of Allakuli Khan in the XIX century. The palace consists of three main parts: harems, mekhmonkhons (a room for khan's receptions and feasts) and arzans (officially an administrative room).Madrasah and caravanserai of Allakuli Khan (1834-1835) Madrasah is one of the richest in decoration, where the city library was once located, which was used by students of all Khiva madrasahs.
Islam Khoja complex, consisting of the smallest madrasah and the highest minaret (57 m), built on the initiative of the chief vizier and father-in–law of the ruler of the Khiva Khanate Asfandiyar Khan - Islam Khoja.The mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, the patron saint of the city, which is one of the best works of Khiva architecture of the mid-XIX century, made in the traditions of Khorezm architecture before the Timur period.
Day 10 : Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel at 12:00. Free time in Khiva to buy souvenirs and independent walks. Meeting with the driver at the hotel reception and transfer to Urgench International Airport (30 km / 45 min). Departure to Tashkent (HY 56: 15:35 / 16:55).
Arrival in Tashkent, meeting with the driver and transfer to the hotel.
Day 11 : Tashkent (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel at 12:00.
Transfer to the Tashkent International Airport
END OF OUR SERVICES
Our services include :
- Transfer to and from airport
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included
- Meals : All breakfasts
- Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides & transportation
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary
- Ticket for train Tashkent-Samarkand-Tashkent (on rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, we will replace this with the most comfortable class of regular train)
Our services do not include :
- International flight
- Domestic flight tickets Urgench -Tashkent will be provided upon request 112$ per pax
- Tour leader to accompany the travelers for the whole period of the tour
- Early check-in and Late check-out
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- Hotel charges for additional services
- Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated
- Personal travel insurance
- Transfer to dinner
- Master classes
- Touristic tax 4,5$ per pax/per night
SUPPLEMENT :
- HALF BOARD : USD 269
- FULL BOARD : USD 442
City |
Hotels |
Nights |
TASHKENT |
The Elements 4* or Wyndham Garden |
3 Nights |
SAMARKAND |
Hilton Garden inn 4* or similar |
3 Nights |
BUKHARA |
Sahid Zarafshan or similar |
2 Nights |
KHIVA |
Orient Star Khiva 4* /Zarafshan Boutique |
2 Nights |
Uzbekistan is a fascinating country in Central Asia, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you explore this beautiful destination :
Overview :
Location : Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest.
Capital : Tashkent
Currency : Uzbekistani soʻm (UZS)
Language : Uzbek is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Visa : Most travelers require a visa to enter Uzbekistan, which can be obtained from Uzbek embassies or consulates abroad. However, some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, so it's best to check the latest requirements before planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit :
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Uzbekistan when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Summer (July to August) can be hot, especially in the desert regions, while winter (December to February) can be cold, particularly in mountainous areas.
Places to Visit :
Tashkent :
Must-See : Amir Timur Square, Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrasah, Independence Square.
Highlights : State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Tashkent Metro (known for its stunning stations).
Samarkand :
Must-See : Registan Square (with its iconic madrasahs), Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Highlights : Afrosiab Museum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Bukhara :
Must-See : Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Ark Fortress, Samanid Mausoleum, Lyab-i-Hauz complex.
Highlights : Chor Minor, Magoki Attori Mosque, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace.
Khiva :
Must-See : Itchan Kala (the inner city), Kunya-Ark Citadel, Islam Khodja Minaret, Tash-Hauli Palace.
Highlights : Juma Mosque, Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah.
Fergana Valley :
Must-See : Rishtan (known for its ceramics), Kokand (Jami Mosque, Khudayar Khan Palace), Andijan (Bobur Park, Chorsu Bazaar).
Nukus (Karakalpakstan) :
Must-See : Savitsky Museum (houses an extensive collection of Soviet avant-garde art), Mizdakhan necropolis.
Tashkent Region :
Must-See : Charvak Reservoir, Chimgan Mountains (popular for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing).
Things to Do :
Explore Silk Road Heritage : Uzbekistan was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, and you can explore numerous historical sites and monuments along this route.
Culinary Exploration : Try Uzbek cuisine, which includes delicious dishes like plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and samsa (baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables).
Shopping : Visit bustling bazaars to shop for traditional crafts, textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.
Attend Festivals : Experience Uzbek culture by attending festivals like Navruz (Persian New Year), which is celebrated with lively music, dance, and traditional games.
Enjoy Nature : Uzbekistan boasts diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and fertile valleys. Take scenic drives, go trekking in the mountains, or enjoy a desert safari.
Practical Tips :
Respect Local Customs : Uzbekistan is a conservative country, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Transportation : Public transportation is limited outside major cities, so consider hiring a driver or joining a tour to explore remote areas.
Currency : While credit cards are accepted in major cities, it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
Health and Safety : Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, drink bottled water, and take precautions against foodborne illnesses.
Language : Learn a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian to facilitate communication with locals.
Uzbekistan offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient cities along the Silk Road, savoring traditional cuisine, or immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes, Uzbekistan has something to offer every traveler. Prepare to be enchanted by this hidden gem of Central Asia!
DISCOVER UZBEKISTAN
Reference #: WTP0625
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