Golden treasures of Uzbekistan

 

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

First, arrive to Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. After you will meet your guide, and take a flight to Urgench. Upon arrival transfer to Khiva to start your travelling. You will start fascinating sightseeing tour in the most ancient city of the country. The most interesting part is Ichan-Qala, which is the inside of Khiva, surrounded by thick walls. Old sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses make Ichan-Qala fairytale city. It boasts with more than 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments of historical importance. Nowadays the territory of Ichan-Qala known as a historically and architecturally protected area since 1969. The most important site in it is Kunya-Ark fortress. Muhammad Arang Khan constructed it in 17^th century. Other incredible monuments are amazing examples of Khorezm architecture in 1830s: Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. Stay in a hotel.

 

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara

Today you will continue your journey to fantastic city Bukhara where you will travel for two days. Bukhara is rich in historical monuments in Uzbekistan; there are more than 140 architecturally important buildings of Middle Ages which you will see during your tour. Here you can see the variety of architectural styles belonged to different epochs. On the way from Khiva to Bukhara, you will drive through the famous Kizilkum desert. Moreover, 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. You will spend night in a hotel.

 

Day 3: Bukhara

In the morning, you will go for a city tour of Bukhara. The first sightseeing to travel will be the oldest citadel of Bukhara - Citadel Ark, dating back to 4^th century. For many years, it was used as a residence of Bukhara Emirates dynasties. Next is Samanids Mausoleum, the masterpiece of 9^th-10^th century architecture. Then you will visit Chashma Ayub, known as Job’s spring. Next is Bolo-Houz mosque, famous as a 40-column mosque. It was founded for the honor of city governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Later, you will take some time for exploring the colorful shopping domes and visit outstanding Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah in the most remarkable site of Bukhara - Lyabi House Ensemble. In the end of the tour, you will see Poi Kalon Complex, which represents three unusual constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah, belongs to 12^th-16^th century art. Stay in a hotel.

 

Day 4: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand

Today, you will travel to another amazing city Samarkand to continue your tours. En route, you will have opportunity to visit famous pottery workshop at the Gijduvan village in Uzbekistan. The history of the Gijduvan ceramic school goes back for centuries. This valuable skill of making ceramic products was passed from one generation to the next. Today Gijduvan hosts the oldest family of potters - Narzullayevs family. Sixth generation of this family makes Gijduvan School of ceramic worldly known. The pride of Gijduvan ceramics is its geometric ornaments. Artist mostly use blue and green colors in decoration. Continue driving to Samarkand. Spend night in a hotel.

 

Day 5: Samarkand

Today’s city tour goes through the second largest city of the country and coeval with world’s ancient cities like Babylon and Rome. Samarkand is situated in the Zarefshan river valley in Uzbekistan. Sightseeing of your travelling will include Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main site of the city, found between three 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 owner of the largest assemble of mausoleums-Shakhi-Zindeh Complex, the heritage of UNESCO dating back to 11^th-15^th century. Bibi Khanum mosque was constructed for the memory of legendary Tamerlane’s wife, when he came back from his victorious Indian invasion. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)

Today morning travel to Tashkent. Upon arrival city tour of capital city. It will begin from Independent Square, which was devoted for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during World War II. It also the main city square, where all major events in Uzbekistan take place. Then you will enjoy walking on the main Broadway leading to the Amir Timur Square. Along with modern sites, Tashkent has old part of the town. It includes Chorsu Bazaar, Madrasah of Kukaldash and famous Hast Imam Complex, which comprise from several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most significant heritage 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 decent 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. Night in a hotel.

 

Day 7: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent

Today you will spend time in the arms of nature and discover countryside of Tashkent region to finish your tour.  In the morning, travel to Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan. 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 nature around. 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. Return to Tashkent. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 8: Flight

In the morning , drive to the airport for another adventures.