Golden tour of Uzbekistan

Golden tour of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Tours
Itinerary name: Golden tour of Uzbekistan

Day-by-day program:

Day 1: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva (morning flight)
After arrival to Tashkent, your guide will meet you, and then you will fly to Urgench. Further, drive to Khiva. Khiva is the most ancient city of Uzbekistan, today you will have amazing sightseeing. The must be part of the tour to travel will be Ichan-Qala, which is the central part protected with thick walls. Ancient sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses inside Ichan –Qala make it surprisingly interesting. Moreover, there are more than 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. Since 1969, the territory of Ichan-Qala considered as a historically and architecturally protected area. The most significant monument there is Kunya-Ark fortress. It was constructed by Muhammad Arang Khan in 17th century. Other glorious buildings like Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace – perfect representatives of 1830s Khorezm architecture. Check-in to hotel.

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara
Today you will start your sightseeing tour to Bukhara early. Bukhara is home for more than 140 historically important buildings of Middle Ages to travel in Uzbekistan. The uniqueness of Bukhara is that includes diversity of architectural styles belonged to different epochs. There are green parks and gardens, which make narrow street unusually beautiful. On the way from Khiva to Bukhara, you will drive through the famous sand dunes of 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.

Day 3: Bukhara
Today you will enjoy fantastic city tour in “town museum” Bukhara. You will begin sightseeing in the oldest citadel of Bukhara, the Citadel Ark. This place was a residence of Bukhara Emirates dynasties for many centuries. The history of the palace goes to 4th century. Next is the fine example of 9th-10th century architecture –Samanids Mausoleum. Then you will find yourself in Chashma Ayub, known as a spring of Job in Uzbekistan. Bolo-Houz mosque is also another important site of the city. It was built for the glory of city leader Abu-Fayud Khan. Further, you will have a chance to explore the busy street of shopping and visit the most remarkable Lyabi House Ensemble. Here you will see Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah, which is famous site of Bukhara. The concluding site will be peculiar Poi Kalon Complex, represents three unusual constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah which are great monuments to travel to. All are the fruits of 12th-16th century art. Night in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara
Entire day will be devoted to a tour of exploring the outskirts of Bukhara. In the beginning, you will take a short drive to Complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi. It is the memorial complex in Uzbekistan of the Islam Leader and Wiseman. Nowadays, many Muslim people from different part of the world come to worship here. Furthermore, Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the religious masters of great ruler Amir Timur.  Complex covers mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Later you will explore the residence palace of legendary Bukhara Emirs. The Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex was called as a memory of Emir’s wife you death. It means Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. In the end of the day, you will drive to Sumiton village, where the Chor Bakr memorial is located. This complex has deep meaning, is symbolize four side of the Globe and represents the equality of people. Drive back to the city and rest in a hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
Today continue your Uzbekistan adventurous tours to Samarkand city. En route, we will have a break to travel to Gijduvan village in order to learn more about famous pottery house of the country. The history of the ceramic school of Gijduvan goes back to old times. This valuable skill was passed from one generation to the next generation over centuries. Nowadays Gijduvan hosts six-generation of potters of Narzullayevs family that make it known to the world. The uniqueness of Gijduvan ceramic is in its geometric ornaments. Moreover, masters prevail blue and green colors in decorating. Continue driving to Samarkand. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Samarkand
Today you will discover another fascinating city Samarkand. It is located in the Zarefshan river valley, famous in Uzbekistan, and the second largest city of the country. It is also the old city as world’s ancient cities like Babylon and Rome. The city tour starts from Registan Square. It is the main square surrounded by magnificent buildings of Madrasah, dating back to 15th017th century.  These marvelous works of art will definitely charm you. Next is the heritage of UNESCO, the example of 11th-15th century art Shakhi-Zindeh Complex. It includes the largest assemble of mausoleums. Next are Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Bibi Khanum mosque was constructed for the memory of legendary ruler Tamerlane’s wife, when he came back from his Indian invasion. Stay in a hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand
Continue exploring Samarkand city. The first site of the day will be Observatory of Ulughbek, popular in Uzbekistan. It was founded by the local leader and researcher Ulughbek in 15th century. In 1437, Ulughbek wrote his catalogue called “Zidji Guragoni”, it his work he describes about 1018 celestial bodies. Later his own son ordered to kill him. Following the observatory during our travel, you will enjoy visiting souvenir shops, sweets, teahouses and workshops of local Broadway. Then you will visit Siab National Bazaar, this colorful bazar offers beautiful Uzbek style crafts and sweets. Moreover, you will see the extraordinary handicraft carpet factory. There are more than 400 women work to produce a carpet. You will also have an opportunity to visit the house of silk paper producers of Samarkand. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 8: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)
In the morning, you will take Samarkand-Tashkent train, fastest train in Uzbekistan. Today you will have city tour in the capital and continue your travelling. Tashkent combines different architectural monuments: starting from ancient ones to modern skyscrapers. You will begin from the central square –Independent Square. It was built for the honor of the victory over fascism during World War II. Then you will walk on the beautiful street leading to the Square of Amir Timur. Afternoon, time to explore the old part of the Tashkent. Fast-moving Chorsu Bazaar, Madrasah of Kukaldash and famous Hast Imam Complex. Hast Imam complex represents many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Furthermore, the most valuable exhibit of Hast Imam is Othman Quran. It the world’s most ancient copy of Quran, which was owned by Othman Ibn Affan. He was the Third Caliph of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad. Later in 8th century he was murdered by his enemies. Nowadays you can see his blood stains on the holy book. Night in a hotel.

Day 9: Flight
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you to the airport. End of travelling in Uzbekistan.