Along the Silk Road sites

 

Day 1: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva (morning flight)

Your guide will wait you at the airport and then fly to Urgench. Further, drive to Khiva, the most ancient city of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival start a fascinating city tour. The incredible part sightseeing is Ichan-Qala, which is the inner part of the Khiva, surrounded by thick strong walls. Ancient sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses turn Ichan-Qala into magical city-museum. It is proud of about 60 architectural monuments and more than 400 traditional dwelling houses that amaze travelers. In 1969, the territory of Ichan-Qala was declared as a historical and architectural protected area. The Kunya-Ark fortress is the most important site of Ichan-Qala, which was constructed by Muhammad Arang Khan in 17^th century. Other beautiful monuments are examples of Khorezm art in 1830s: Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. Check in to a hotel.

 

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara

Today’s destination is fascinating city of Bukhara to have a tour. Bukhara is rich in historical monuments; there are more than 140 architecturally important buildings of Middle Ages. Here you will come across the variety of architectural styles belonged to different epochs.  They are narrow streets, beautiful parks and gardens, historical buildings which are agood to travel to. On the way from Khiva, you will drive within the famous Kizilkum desert. You will also have a chance to see the Central Asian deepest river -Amu Darya. It is the joint of Panj and Vakhsh River flowing from Tajikistan. Amu Darya runs into the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan.  Arrive to Bukhara and rest in a hotel.

 

Day 3: Bukhara

The entire day will be full of interesting sightseeing in Bukhara. You will travel from the oldest citadel of Bukhara - Citadel Ark, dating back to 4^th century. It was used as a residence of Bukhara Emirates dynasties for centuries. Next architectural masterpiece of 9^th-10^th century is Samanids Mausoleum. Then you will visit Chashma Ayub, famous as Job’s spring and Bolo-Hauz mosque, popular as a 40-column mosque. Bolo-Hauz was constructed for the honor of city governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Later, you will find yourself in the colorful shopping domes and visit outstanding Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah in the Lyabi House Ensemble. It is the most popular sightseeing of Bukhara. Your tour ends with visiting Poi Kalon Complex, which represents three unusual constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. All belongs to 12^th-16^th century architecture in Uzbekistan. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 4: Bukhara – Samarkand

You will take quick morning train magical Samarkand. It is situated in the Zarefshan river valley of Uzbekistan. Samarkand is the second largest city of the country. Furthermore, it is coeval with Babylon and Rome. City tour will make you travel to the most attractive places like Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main site of the city, dating back to 15^th-17^th century. It is located among three magnificent Madrasah buildings, which surprise every visitor with its glorious beauty. Next is Shakhi-Zindeh Complex, it has the largest assemble of mausoleums, dating back to 11^th-15^th century. It was included into the list of UNESCO heritage. The last sightseeing Bibi Khanum mosque, which was constructed for the memory of legendary Tamerlane’s wife, after his victorious conquer to India. Night in a hotel.

 

Day 5: Samarkand

Today you will go on city tour of Samarkand.  Ulughbek Observatory, which was founded by the local leader and scientist Ulughbek will be first site of the day. The history of the observatory begins in 15^th century. In 1437, Ulughbek created a catalogue called “Zidji Guragoni”, where he tells more about 1018 celestial bodies. Unluckily, his own son arranged his death. Later, you will wonder on the local street of souvenir and sweets shops, teahouses and workshops and meet friendly locals offering to taste sweets of Uzbekistan. Then you will explore Siab National Bazaar, which offers beautiful handicrafts and handmade sweets. You will also visit the extraordinary traditional carpet factory, where more than 400 women produce a carpet without using traditional methods. You will also have an opportunity to visit the local workshop, where the original silk paper during your travel. You will spend night in a hotel.

 

Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)

In the morning, transfer to Tashkent via train or car. Upon arrival, you will go for a city tour, which merges modern Uzbekistan with ancient and soviet architecture. The first is Independent Square, which was built for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during World War II. Then you will take a short walk on the main Broadway, which connects Independent Square with Amir Timur Square. the highlight of the day will be the old part if the city including Chorsu Bazaar, Madrasah of Kukaldash and famous Hast Imam Complex, which comprises of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most important heritage of it is Othman Quran in Uzbekistan. It the world’s oldest copy of Quran. The owner of holy book was Othman Ibn Affan,who was the Third Caliph of the four decent Caliphs who came after the prophet Muhammad. Later in 8^th century he was murdered by non-muslims and even today you can see his blood stains on the papers of book. Night in a hotel.

 

Day 7: Flight

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick up you to the airport.