Mysterious Uzbekistan
Itinerary name: Mysterious Uzbekistan
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Tashkent
Upon arrival, you will drive to the capital city Tashkent. City tour will start Independent Square, which was constructed for the honor of the victory over fascism during World War II. A walk on the main Broadway to the Square of Amir Timur will show you real life of the city. Later you will have a chance to travel on the Tashkent subway, which is considered to be one of the beautiful metros in the world. It has been serving to city residents since 1977. Next remarkable places are Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex, which includes many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most important site of the day is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of the holy Quran dating back to 8th century. The owner of the book was Othman Ibn Affan, one of the four Caliphs succeeded prophed Muhammad. He was murdered by non-muslim community. Nowaday, you can see his blood stains spread on the paper of the book. Night in a hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent – Termez
You will take a morning flight to Termez, which is one of the ancient cities of Central Asia, whose roots are going to back to 1st century BC. According to the ruins found in the modern territory of the city, during its existence, it witnessed many civilizations and different states. In the 13th century, the history of the city from its establishment was totally disappeared after Genghis-Khan’s invasion. Later it was founded new city of Termez to the east of old town. The city tour will show you Archeological museum, Fayaztepa, Mausoleum of Hakim at Termezi, Buddhist Stupa Zurmala, Mausoleum Sultan Saodat, Honako Kokaldor Ota and Nunnery Kirk Kiz. After Jarkurgan's Minaret, you will visit Dalverzintepa archeological dig (sometimes because of the military trainings, some sights can be closed). After tight excursion, check in to hotel and have a rest.
Day 3: Termez – Shahrisabs – Samarkand
In the morning, we will continue tour to historically important town – Shahrisabs. It was the motherland of great ruler Amir Timur. Today will be amazing city tour of Shahrisabs. The first site will be definitely 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 pun 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 Samarkand. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Bukhara
After breakfast, you will start an exciting city tour of fantastic Bukhara. Today’s 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 extraordinary artworks dating back to 12th-16th centuries. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara – Samarkand
In the morning, explore outskirts of Bukhara. In the beginning, you will take a short drive to Complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi. It is the memorial complex 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 continue tour to another amazing city Samarkand and rest in a hotel.
Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent
Today you will discover another fascinating city Samarkand. It is located in the Zarefshan river valley 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. Take evening train to capital city Tashkent. Stay in a hotel.
Day 7: Tashkent – Flight
Drive to airport according to flight schedule.