Title of tour: Treasures of Uzbekistan
Days / Nights: 9/8
Overnights: Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand
Day 1: Tashkent
After arrival to Tashkent international airport you will get acquainted with the driver with signboard at meeting area. He will accompany you to the city and you will have highlight tour. You will start with the first destination Independence square that is the main square of the country. This square erected as a symbol of victory in World War II. Then you will lead to the local Broadway where you can see Independence square and Amir Timur square. You will have a chance to enjoy driving in the popular Tashkent metro. It is one of the most interesting and fabulous metro in the world which started to work in 1977. You will also explore the old part of the city. In course of the tour you will visit Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. Hast Imam complex consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. Today you will also see the holy Othman Quran. It is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th c. The overnight is in the hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent – Nukus (domestic flight)
Today you will have a morning flight to Nukus. This day is dedicated to a city tour where you will explore the outstanding Museum of Savitsky. The rich collection of valuable exhibits of paintings by Russian and local artists and objects of applied art is the second most important in the CIS. The Museum presents items that tell about the planned development of the history of Karakalpakstan, and the collection of paintings is truly the main Treasury of the Museum. Walking in the museum you will fascinate masterpieces of forbidden art. It stores 20th century Russian avant-garde paintings, works of Sokolov, Komarovskiy and Amaravella group. Then you will transfer to outside of Nukus to see Mizdakhan necropolis. Before there was an ancient city. This is a complex of historical and archaeological monuments located on three hills and a plain between them. You will also explore today a 2200 years-old Zoroastrian ancient monument called Chilpyk. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 3: Nukus – Khiva
This day you will travel to Khiva. This day you will have a city tour where you will explore amazing sites. You will explore the most ancient city. The tour starts with exploring the inner city of Khiva - Ichan-Qala rounded with magnificent walls. There you can amaze old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses distorted Ichan-Qala into exclusive city-monument. It is important to note that Ichan-Qala has over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was a historical and architectural conservation area. You will have a chance to explore the outstanding landmarks as the Kunya-Ark fortress found in the 17th century by Muhammad Arang Khan. Moving on we will visit Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace. It is incredible sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara (440 km, 7 hours)
After breakfast you will transfer to sacred city Bukhara. There are located more than 140 architectural monuments. Bukhara city is a "town museum" found in the middle Ages. There are situated amazing mosques, mausoleums, madrasah, narrow streets, green parks and gardens. You will have a chance to marvel historical and architectural monuments that were built in different ages. Travelling to Bukhara from Khiva you will via amazing Kizilkum desert. Today you will also admire the fascinating views of Amu Darya River which is the deepest river in Central Asia. After arrival to Bukhara, you will have free time. The night is in the hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara
After breakfast you will have a city tour in amazing Bukhara. You will begin with exploring the most ancient citadel in Bukhara called Citadel Ark dating back to the 4th century. It was a place for several dynasties of Bukhara Emirs. Then you will continue tour with visiting Samanids mausoleum of 9th -10th century that has the fabulous architecture and amaze by its art. Then you will explore Chashma Ayub that means as Job's well. And then you will see Bolo-Hauz mosque. This is the magnificent mosque of forty columns erected in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan.The tour route will take you along the shopping domes where you can buy souvenirs. Further you can explore Nodir Divan Begi the amazing madrasah that is the part of Lyabi House Ensemble. This is one of the outstanding sites of Bukhara. You will finish the excursion with visiting Poi Kalon complex. There you will see the gorgeous sample of architectural art of Bukhara where are located three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 6: Bukhara – Samarkand (Evening train)
This day you will start with exploring the outskirts of Bukhara. You are going to explore Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex that is situated not far Bukhara. This complex is dedicated in honor of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher. This complex is the Muslim pilgrimage places for all people of Islamic world. Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the famous mentors of Amir Timur. There are located Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. After that you will lead to the spectacular countryside residence of Bukhara Emirs named Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. It was built in different outstanding styles and combination of architecture. It is important to note that the residence was named in honor of Emir’s wife who died young “Star − like and moon − like Palace”. Then you will transfer to Sumiton village where you will visit Chor Bakr memorial complex. This place is known as the town of the dead. This site shows the four sides of the earth and infers that all people are equal. The complex was built in the Samanids reign until the 16th century. Then you will be transferred to Samarkand. The night will be in the hotel.
Day 7: Samarkand
We are happy to present you the next day of the tour where you will explore the ancient city Samarkand. The city is about 25000 years and has outstanding history. The location of the city is on the valley of Zerafshan river. And this is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. Today you will have a highlight tour where you will see the amazing attractions as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. You will be impressed by the unique three madrasah that date back to 15-17th centuries that are standing on the grand Registan Square. Then you will follow the route and explore architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh, that is declared in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are located a large collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries. You will explore the majestic site of Samarkand called Bibi Khanum Mosque that will marvel you with its size and it was erected in honor of beloved wife of Tamerlane. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand – Tashkent (Evening train)
You will explore today also the attractions of Samarkand. The first landmark of the tour will be Ulughbek observatory. This site was erected in 15th century by Ulughbek. He was one of the most powerful leaders and scientists. The observatory started to work in 1437. He created the “Zidji Guragoni” catalog, where people could find the information about 1018 spiritual bodies. Unfortunately he was murdered by his son. After the tour will show you the local Broadway where you will find souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets and workshops. You can also buy souvenirs here. The tour will offer you to visit National bazaar Siab, oriental bazaar. You can walk along the colorful rows and buy some fresh fruits. You will finish the tour with visiting a carpet factory where over 400 women sew carpets without using traditional techniques. In the evening you are going to transfer to Tashkent by train. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 9: Tashkent – Departure
Breakfast. Transfer to Tashkent international airport. Flight for next destination.
Hotels 3*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 745 $
04 pax – 645 $
06 pax – 555 $
08 pax – 590 $
10 pax – 545 $
Single – 105 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 45 $
Hotels 4*,
Price per person:
02 pax – 930 $
04 pax – 830 $
06 pax – 740 $
08 pax – 770 $
10 pax – 725 $
Single – 210 $
Early check-in – 65 $
Single early check-in – 95 $9
English speaking local guides in Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara – 270 $ per group
English speaking escort guide – 550 $ per group
All dinners – 70 $
All lunches and dinners – 120 $
Entrance fees – 70 $ (*with escort guide only)
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*/ “Ramada” Hotel 4*
Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*/ “Diyora” Hotel 4*
Bukhara – “Porso” Hotel 3*/ “Omar Khayyam” Hotel 4*
Nukus – “Jipek Jo’li” Hotel 3*
Khiva – “Old Khiva” Hotel 3* / “Bek Khiva” 4*
- Train tickets
- Mineral water during the tour
Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums