Authentic Uzbekistan
Programme Overview
Duration: 11 days
An 11 day tour getting to the heart of exotic Uzbekistan
Highlights: Tashkent, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Bukhara and Khiva
Arrive Tashkent
Upon arrival in Tashkent you will enjoy fast-track entry and then transfer to your hotel in the center of this ancient city.
Tashkent is a modern capital of Uzbekistan with 2000 year-old history. Little remains of the old city because of the destructive earthquakes and Soviet reconstructions. Tashkent became a Muslim city in the 8th century AD, and was an important commercial center during the Middle Ages. The “old city” is still reminiscent as one of the centers of the Silk Road. In 1220 the city became part of the empire of Genghis Khan and later in 1865 part of the Russian empire. In 2007, Tashkent was named the cultural capital of the Islamic world as the city is home to numerous historic mosques and religious establishments.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel
Tashkent
After breakfast you will explore Tashkent, the modern capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Old Town,’ where you will find the Barak-Khan Madrasa, a late 16th century Islamic seminary which houses the Sunni Mufti of Central Asia. There you will have a chance to view a 7th century Koran - one of the two oldest Korans in the world. Then visit the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, accompanied by the specialist of the museum, and view the antique ‘suzani’ (silk embroidery).On a visit to the Museum of Oriental Art enjoy a calligraphy master class with a local artist and see your name written in calligraphy. Followed by dinner at the local ethnic restaurant “Caravan” .
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Tashkent - Samarkand
After breakfast depart on train to Samarkand. Being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Samarkand prospered a lot from its location on the trade route between China and the Mediterranean (Silk Road). At times Samarkand has been one of the greatest cities of Central Asia. Founded circa 700 BC by the Persians it was already the capital of the Sogdian satrapy under the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia when Alexander the Great conquered it in 329 BC. After lunch you will be able to experience Samarkand on a sightseeing tour of the majestic monuments of the city. The first stop is the Registan, where you will find the most breathtaking historical monuments in Central Asia. This traditional town square is surrounded by mosques and madrasas, lavishly decorated with brilliant tiles and topped with bright blue domes. Travelers have marveled at the Registan for centuries and it continues to exceed the expectations of all who make the journey to Samarkand. Following the Registan you will visit the Tomb of Tamerlane. This grand structure is laden with marble and jade cenotaphs commemorating the rulers of the Timurid Dynasty. Followed by dinner at the restaurant “Karim-bek” or “Kishlak”
Overnight: President Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Samarkand
Visit the Observatory of Ulug Bek, the grandson of Tamerlane, who was one of the most sophisticated astronomers of his time. After a brief visit to a local farmer’s market enjoy a cooking class where you shall learn to cook traditional Uzbek salads and pilaf. Afterwards, you can see Shakh-i-Zinda, a complex of grand mausoleums from the 14th century which display the various forms of well-developed craftsmanship. Then witness craftsmanship first hand by visiting the local hand-knotted carpet factory, which retains centuries-old traditions of silk and wool natural vegetable dyes. Dinner at the restaurant “Karim-bek” or “Kishlak” with a local archeologist.
Overnight: President Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Samarkand - Shahrisabz - Bukhara
After breakfast, depart by coach to Bukhara, stopping at Shahrisabz en route. The birthplace of Tamerlane, Shahrisabz reached its zenith in the 14th and 15th centuries, then declined into a provincial center. Explore the ancient buildings, including Tamerlane’s Ak-Sarai Palace and Jehongir Mausoleum, the burial place of Tamerlane’s son. Several remaining impressive monuments from the Timurid Dynasty have enabled the old part of the city are now in the UNESCO World Heritage List. After lunch continue on to Bukhara, arrive in the evening, and check-in at the hotel. Bukhara used to be one of the main centers of Persian civilization beginning from the 6th century BC. Today its architecture and archaeological sites is a great heritage of the Central Asian history and art. The last emir of Bukhara was Muhammad Alim Khan (1880-1944). The Trans-Caspian railway was built through the city in the late 19th century. The historic center of Bukhara has been listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. Dinner at the “Caravan” or “Chashma i Mirob” restaurant.
Overnight: Zargaron Plaza Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Bukhara
Today you will see the holy city of Bukhara, where images of empires past are embodied in brilliant architectural masterpieces. First you will marvel at the imposing Kalyan Minaret, also known as the Tower of Death, which is complemented by the Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, Trade Domes. Finally, explore the old city, where you will find caravanserai, public baths, and the workshops of local artisans. Stop for traditional Uzbek tea with sweets at a local tea house. The afternoon is free to explore this ancient city on your own. This evening enjoy a performance by local dancers at the 16th century Kukeldash Madrasa followed by dinner at the “Lyabi-Haus” or “Chashma i Mirob” restaurant.
Overnight: Zargaron Plaza Hotel
Meal Plan: B,D
Bukhara
Begin this day with a trip to the 1st century Ark Fortress Museum. It was at this historic site that two unlucky British officers met their deaths at the hands of the ruling Emir in the 19th century. Spend the remainder of the day visiting Bukhara’s other historic sites, including the Bolo-Hauz Mosque, Chasma Ayub Shrine, ancient city walls, and Samani Mausoleum. Dinner at the “Bella Italy” or “Chashma i Mirob” restaurant.
Overnight: Zargaron Plaza Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Bukhara - Khiva
Early morning after breakfast drive through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert to Khiva, 7 hours drive. Stop by Amu-Darya river for the view of Oxus river and enjoy picnic lunch at the desert. Arrive in Khiva, check in at the hotel.
Overnight: Asia Khiva Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L
Khiva
Today you will have an excursion in the walled city of Khiva, where you can explore the narrow, cobble-stoned streets. Khiva has been almost perfectly preserved in its original form, visit the blue-tiled Tash-Khauli Palace, and the Kunya Ark. Friday (Djuma) Mosque is a rare, flat roofed building supported by hundreds of carved columns. Enjoy other monuments of architecture, including the mosques, madrassas, minarets and mausoleum of Makhmud Pahlavan. Evening is a perfect time in Khiva to see the magnificent architecture drenched in the golden light of the setting sun. Dinner at “Toza Bog” restaurant.
Overnight: Asia Khiva Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent
After breakfast departure to Urgench for a flight to Tashkent. Transfer to Hotel Intercontinental. The afternoon is free to wonder the main street of Tashkent and enjoy your last dinner of the tour.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel
Meal Plan: B,D