Historical heritage of Uzbekistan
Itinerary name: Historical heritage of Uzbekistan
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Tashkent
City tour of Tashkent is waiting for you today. Embark to city tour from Independent Square, which is central square of the country. The Square symbolize the victory over fascism during the World War II. Then take a walk to Amir Timur Square via main Broadway. Further, you will have chance to take Tashkent metro, which was established in 1977. It is considered as one of the amazing subways in the world. The significant part of the city tour is old city. walk in the colorful Chorsu bazar, explore old Kukaldash Madrasah and complex of Hast Imam which has many madrasah, mausoleum and mosque. The significant artefact of Hast Imam is Othman Quran, the world’s oldest copy of Quran. It is dating to 8th century. According to historical sources, it was a possession of the Third Caliph Othman Ibn Affan. He was killed by his non-muslim enemy. Even now, you can see blood stains on the pages of holy book of Quran. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand city tour
In the morning, transfer you to the Tashkent-Samarkand train. Samarkand is the second biggest city of the country and located in the Zarefshan river valley. According to the historical researches, the city is old as other ancient cities like Rome and Babylon. The city tour of Samarkand will start from wonderful Registan Square, and followed by Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan is located between three fantastic madrasahs of 15th -17th centuries. Its mesmerizing beauty charm everybody. Next is complex Shakhi-Zindeh, historical monument including a large assemble of mausoleums built in 11th-15th centuries. This significant declared as a heritage of UNESCO. Today’s tour will end in Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was constructed by the great ruler Tamerlane. He built it for the honor of his wife, when he came back from Indian invasion. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand
Today you will drive to Urgut village, which located Samarkand surroundings. Fast moving and oriental national bazaar of Urgut is the most popular place of the village. In the second half of the day, you will drive to city and continue to historical site in countryside of Samarkand. It is Al Bukhary memorial complex. Al Bukhary was the famous Islam scholar for his unique collection of hadith named “Sahih al-Bukhari”. According to the Sunni Muslim, it is the most authentic Hadith assemble. In addition, he was author of other religious books like Al-Adab al-Mufrad. Night at the hotel.
Day 4: Samarkand – Shahrisabs – Bukhara
In the morning, we will continue to another significant town – Shahrisabs. It was the birthplace of great ruler Amir Timur. Today will be dedicated to city tour of Shahrisabs. The first site will be Ak Saray Palace; no other sites can compete with its beauty and majesty. Amir Timur constructed this magnificent building. On its the main front, it was written: “If you would like to know about our power, look at our buildings”. Further, you will visit the Mausoleum of Jahongir. Jahongir was the eldest son of Amir Timur and died in the fight at the age of twenty. His death touched Amir Timur deeply, even some said that his grief lasted for next 30 years. The concluding site will be memorial complexes of Dorus Siadat and Dorus Tillavat. These are the burial mounds of all relatives and generation of great ruler. Go on driving to Bukhara and overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara city tour
After breakfast, you will start an exciting city tour of fantastic Bukhara. First site is oldest citadel, which is called Citadel Ark dating back to 4th century. Many dynasties of Bukhara Emirate used this place as a residence palace. Next will be the fine masterpiece of 9th-10th century architecture –Samanids mausoleum. Then tour will take you to the extraordinary Chashma Ayub (Spring of Job) and Bolo-Hauz mosque, also famous as a mosque of forty columns constructed for the honor of Abu-Fayud Khan, the city’s governor. Further, you will have plenty of time to explore outstanding madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi under the Lyabi House Ensemble, the remarkable site of Bukhara. The shopping domes will be part of the tour. In the end of the tour, you will see Poi Kalon complex consist of three constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. These are unusual examples of artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries. Night in a hotel.
Day 6: Bukhara
Today is devoted to explore the area around Bukhara. Visit famous Gijduvan village. You will have an opportunity to see outstanding pottery workshop there. Ceramic school of this village is one of the oldest. The tradition of making comes from ancestors, passing from father to son. This valuable skill continued until this time. Nowadays there are six generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. The family makes famous Gijduvan School of ceramic throughout the world. The extraordinary fact about the ceramic in Gijduvan is in its unusual ornaments and patterns. The main paints are green and blue, which gives graceful effect to the products. Later continue to Varahsha village, which was once capital of Bukhara region. Visit Vabkent, popular for its ancient minaret constructed in 1196-1198 during the rule of Ala ad-Din Tekish reign. Drive back to Bukhara and rest in a hotel.
Day 7: Bukhara – Tashkent
From the morning, discover Bukhara outskirts. Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex will be the first stop today, not far from the city. It is a memorial complex of outstanding Sufi leader and philosopher Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, who was also a spiritual advisor of the legendary ruler Amir Timur. Nowadays, this complex became a pilgrimage place for Muslim community. This site represents Kushbegi and Muzafarohana mosques, inner garden with pool, madrasah, and Bukhara rulers’ burial vault of and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi himself. Next is going to be the owner of the beautiful name Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. It was named for the honor of the emir’s wife young death. Sitorai Mohi Hosa means “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. After enjoyable tour, drive to airport of Bukhara to take a flight to Tashkent. Spend night in a hotel.
Day 8: Tashkent – Flight
In the morning, transfer to airport to start new adventures.