Classic adventure in Uzbekistan

 

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

In Tashkent, you will be met by your guide and fly to Urgench. Upon arrival drive to Khiva. Today you will have a wonderful city tour in the most ancient city of Uzbekistan. The most interesting is city museum - Ichan-Qala, which is the central part, protected with thick walls. Admirable beauty of Ichan-Qala is centuries old sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses. It boasts with more than 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. Nowadays the territory of Ichan-Qala considered as a historically and architecturally protected area since 1969. The most significant monument in it is Kunya-Ark fortress. Once ruler of Khiva Muhammad Arang Khan constructed it in 17^th century. Other incredible sites to travel are Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace – amazing examples of 1830s Khorezm architecture. Check into a hotel.

 

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara

Today you will start your tour to Bukhara early in the morning to go on with your travelling. Bukhara hosts more than 140 historically important buildings of Middle Ages. The unusual fact about Bukhara is that includes diversity of architectural styles belonged to different epochs in one place. On the way from Khiva to Bukhara, you will drive through the famous Kizilkum desert. In addition, you will have a chance to see the biggest river of Central Asia- Amu Darya. It comes from Tajikistan, joint of Panj And Vakhsh river. Amu Darya is one of the tributary of Aral Sea. Night in a hotel.

 

Day 3: Bukhara

Today Bukhara will offer fantastic city tour among its narrow streets full of beautiful buildings and park, gardens in Uzbekistan. The first sightseeing will be Citadel Ark - the oldest citadel of Bukhara dating back to 4^th century. It was a residence of dynasties of Bukhara Emirates. Next is the perfect form of 9^th-10^th century architecture –Samanids Mausoleum. Then you will see Chashma Ayub, known as Job’s spring. Next place to travel to is Bolo-Houz mosque, famous as a 40-column mosque. It was constructed for the honor of city governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Later, you will take some time for exploring the vibrant streets of shopping and visit Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah in the most remarkable site of Bukhara - Lyabi House Ensemble. In the end of the day, you will see Poi Kalon Complex. Which represents three unusual constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. All are the fruits of 12^th-16^th century art. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 4: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand

Next destination on your tour is Samarkand. En route, you will have opportunity to visit Gijduvan village, where the famous pottery workshop of Uzbekistan is located. The history of the ceramic school of Gijduvan goes for centuries in Uzbekistan. Traditional skill of making ceramic products was passed from one generation to the next generation and amaze travelers. Nowadays Gijduvan hosts six-generation of potters of Narzullayevs family that make Gijduvan School of ceramic worldly known. Gijduvan ceramics are popular for its geometric ornaments. Beautiful blue and green colors also used in decoration. Continue driving to Samarkand. Stay in a hotel.

 

Day 5: Samarkand

In the morning, you will embark on city tour of Samarkand. It is situated in the Zarefshan river valley in Uzbekistan. Samarkand is the second largest city of the country and coeval with world’s ancient cities like Babylon and Rome. Sightseeing tour  will include Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main square surrounded by magnificent buildings of Madrasah, dating back to 15^th-17^th century. These glorious masterpieces of art will definitely surprise every visitor with its beauty. Next is the heritage of UNESCO, 11^th-15^th century art- Shakhi-Zindeh Complex. It has the largest assemble of mausoleums to travel. Next is Bibi Khanum mosque, which was constructed for the memory of legendary ruler Tamerlane’s wife, when he came back from his Indian invasion. Night in a hotel.

 

Day 6: Samarkand

Today you will continue on sightseeing tours in Samarkand. It begins from Ulughbek Observatory. The local leader and scientist Ulughbek built this observatory in 15^th century. In 1437, Ulughbek created his catalogue called “Zidji Guragoni”, in this work he tells more about 1018 celestial bodies. However, his own son of organized his death. Later, you will visit souvenir and sweets shops, teahouses and workshops on the main local street. Then you will visit Siab National Bazaar, this colorful bazaar offers beautiful handicrafts and sweets. You will also see the extraordinary traditional carpet factory. There are more than 400 women work to produce a carpet without using traditional methods. You will also have an opportunity to travel in Uzbekistan and visit the workshop of silk paper producers of Samarkand.  Night in a hotel.

 

Day 7: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have train or car to Tashkent to have a tour and continue travelling. City tour will begin at the central square –Independent Square. It was devoted for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during World War II. After you will enjoy walking on the main Broadway leading to the Amir Timur Square. Next sightseeing is old part of the capital: Chorsu Bazaar, Madrasah of Kukaldash and famous Hast Imam Complex, including many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most valuable exhibit of Hast Imam is Othman Quran. 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 righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad. Later in 8^th century he was murdered by non-muslims and nowadays you can still see his blood stains on the papers of book in Uzbekistan. You will stay in a hotel.

 

Day 8: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent

The last day, you will drive out of the city, to relax in the arms of nature. After breakfast, drive to Chimgan Mountains to have a tour in nature. Upon arrival, in order to climb to Beldersay peak, you will ride 30-minute chair lift. On the top, you will have some free time to enjoy the natureon your own. On the way back, you make a break along the Charvak Reservoir. Charvak is an artificial lake, popular among local holidaymakers of Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. Especially in summer time, people come to swim and just rest from city life. Travel back to Tashkent. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 9: Flight

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