Brief glance at the history of Silk Road

 

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

Your guide will welcome you at the airport of Tashkent and then you will take a flight to Urgench. Further drive to Khiva. After arrival, start sightseeing in the most ancient city of the Uzbekistan. The outstanding sightseeing of Khiva is Ichan-Qala. It is the inner part of the city surrounded by thick strong walls. Ancient sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses make Ichan-Qala magical city-museum. Ichan-Qala boasts with about 60 architectural monuments and more than 400 traditional dwelling houses. Nowadays the territory of Ichan-Qala is a historical and architectural protected area since 1969 and attracts thousands of travelers. The Kunya-Ark fortress is the most important site of Ichan-Qala. Muhammad Arang Khan constructed it in 17^th century. Your tour will end with visiting the monuments are examples of Khorezm art in 1830s: Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. You will spend night in a hotel.

 

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara

Today’s tours will take you to travel to another ancient city of Bukhara. Bukhara’ wealth is rich its historical monuments; there are more than 140 architecturally important buildings of Middle Ages in Uzbekistan. Here you will come across the variety of architectural styles in narrow streets, beautiful parks and gardens, and historical buildings. On the way from Khiva, you will drive within the famous Kizilkum desert and its sand dunes. You will also enjoy the view of the Central Asian deepest river -Amu Darya. It is the joint of Panj and Vakhsh River from Tajikistan. Amu Darya runs into the Aral Sea.  Arrive to Bukhara and check in a hotel.

 

Day 3: Bukhara

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

 

Day 4: Bukhara – Samarkand

Morning train will transfer you to Samarkand. The city is situated in the Zarefshan river valley. Samarkand is the second biggest city of the country, after Tashkent. In addition, it is coeval with Babylon and Rome. Sightseeing tour in Samarkand will take you to travel to to the most attractive places like Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main monument of the city in Uzbekistan, dating back to 15^th-17^th century. It is located among three magnificent Madrasah buildings, which charms 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 also the valuable heritage of UNESCO. The last sightseeing will be Bibi Khanum mosque, which was constructed for the memory of Tamerlane’s wife, after his victorious fight to India. Stay in a hotel.

 

Day 5: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Tashkent by train or by car. After arrival to the capital, you will go for a city tour. Tashkent is unique city including modern, ancient and soviet architecture in one place.  The Independent Square, which was built for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during World War II will be the first site on the tour. Then you will take a short walk on the main Broadway, which connects Independent Square with Amir Timur Square. the high spot 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 in Hast Imam is Othman Quran. It the world’s oldest copy of Quran,dating back to 8^th century.  The owner of holy book was Othman Ibn Affan, who was the Third Caliph of the four decent Caliphs who supervene the prophet Muhammad. In 8^th century he was murdered by non-muslims and today you can see his blood stains on the papers of book, important for people of Uzbekistan. Rest in a hotel.

 

Day 6: Flight

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