Uzbekistan the land of blue domes
Highlights:
- Tashkent: Walking in the street of craftsmen and explore traditional household goods.
- Khiva: is an ancient oasis city in western Uzbekistan with a history spanning over 2,500 years.
- Bukhara: The historical and architectural ensemble of Poi-Kalyan, which can be called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.
- Samarkand: Participate in the production of hand-made silk paper made of mulberry tree in Samarkand Paper Mill, located in serene nature.
- Shakhrisabz: Shakhrisabz is one of the ancient and beautiful cities of Uzbekistan.
- Accommodation in a double room in hotels with breakfast;
- Transportation and all transfers according to the program in an air-conditioned vehicle;
- Entrance tickets to sites and museums;
- An economy-class ticket for the Tashkent–Urgench flight;
- An economy-class ticket for the Samarkand–Tashkent train;
- A gift for each participant;
- 1 liter of mineral water per person per day;
- 24/7 support.
- International flight tickets;
- Full board;
- Half board;
- Tour guide services;
- Travel insurance;
- Photography and video permissions at sites;
- Tips for guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses.
Tour Highlights
Detailed program
Flight to Tashkent! Today marks the beginning of your journey to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will be greeted by your driver who will transport you to the hotel. After checking in, you’ll have the day off to relax and explore on your own.
Included meals: None
Morning: Begin your city tour with a visit to the Hast Imom Religious Complex, dating back to the 16th century. Explore the Kaffal Ash Shashaiy Mausoleum and the Barakhan Madrasah, which currently houses an art workshop.
Visit the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the “Medrese Muyi Mubarak,” where you can see the 7th-century Qur’an of Khalif Usman and many other ancient Qur’ans. Conclude your visit to the complex at the Hazrat Imam Mosque.
Afternoon:
Head to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s largest market, known for its spices and fresh fruits, where you can enjoy the vibrant oriental atmosphere.
Visit the Kukeldash Madrasah located near the bazaar.
Explore the Museum of Applied Art to experience Uzbek art, traditions, and customs.
Continue to Independence Square and Amir Temur Square.
Included meals: Breakfast
Early Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Urgench. Upon arrival, continue to Khiva, approximately 35 km away.
Upon Arrival: Check in at the hotel and leave your luggage before beginning your exploration of Khiva. Start with the iconic Kalta Minor Minaret and Tash Hauli (Tanga Yard), followed by a visit to the Kunya Ark Fortress, the former residence and seat of the Khiva Khans. Continue to the Muhammad Rakhim Khan II Madrasah, where you can discover the history of Khiva’s final centuries. Visit the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, an important pilgrimage site famous for its sacred water.
Afternoon:
Explore the Juma Mosque, renowned for its remarkable forest of 213 wooden columns. Continue to Tash Hauli Palace, including its reception courtyard, palace chambers, and harem.
End the day at the Islam Khoja Minaret and Ak-Sheikh Bobo Tower, offering beautiful panoramic views over the historic city and excellent opportunities for photography.
Included meals: Breakfast (or Lunchbox)
Morning: After breakfast, embark on a drive to Bukhara. Traverse the historic trade routes as you journey through the Kisil Kum Desert and cross the Amu Darya River.
Afternoon:
Arrive in the oasis city of Bukhara.
Included meals: Breakfast
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Bukhara’s historic old town with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a remarkable 9th-century monument and resting place of the founder of the Samani dynasty. Continue to the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, known for its sacred spring, and the Bolo Haouz Mosque, famous for its elegant 40-column wooden porch. Before lunch, visit the former Emir’s Palace, an important reminder of Bukhara’s royal history.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing tea break before continuing to the Kalon Tower and the magnificent Poi Kalon Complex, home to the Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasa. Continue your tour with the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasas, showcasing Bukhara’s rich architectural heritage.
Late Afternoon: End the day at the lively Labi Hauz Complex, one of Bukhara’s most popular gathering places. If time permits, visit the Jewish Synagogue and a local doll workshop for a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural traditions.
Included meals: Breakfast
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Samarkand.
En route, visit the workshop of master potter Alisher Narzullayev to witness traditional pottery techniques.
Mid-Morning:
Continue your journey with a stop to explore the remains of an 11th-century caravansary and ancient reservoirs used by caravans.
Arrival:
Arrive in Samarkand around lunchtime. Free time.
Included meals: Breakfast
Morning: After breakfast, begin your city tour with a visit to the Amir Timur Mausoleum, where Timur and his family members are buried.
Explore Registan Square, a historic landmark featuring three prominent madrasas from the 15th to 17th centuries. Registan Square has long been the heart of Samarkand.
Mid-Morning:
Visit the Bibikhanim Mosque, a grand structure from Timur’s reign, and the adjacent Bazaar.
Explore the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, including the 10th-century Mausoleum of Kussam ibn Abbas and other mausoleums from the Timur and Ulugbek eras.
Afternoon:
Continue to the Ulugh Beg Observatory, renowned for being the first observatory built in the East.
Evening:
Free time at the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast
Depart Samarkand in the morning for Shakhrisabz, the historic birthplace of Amir Timur, with a scenic journey through the Zarafshan and Kashkadarya landscapes.
Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing at the impressive Ak-Saray Palace, known for its monumental entrance and magnificent blue tilework. Continue to the Dorus Saodat Complex, where Amir Timur’s family tombs are located, followed by the Kok Gumbaz Mosque and the historic Dorus Tilavat Memorial Complex.
Lunch time. Take some time to explore Shakhrisabz at your own pace.
In the afternoon, return to Samarkand by vehicle, arriving in the evening.
Included meals: Breakfast
Morning: After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Konigil and Doniyar Prophet Mausoleum.
Explore the Afrasiab History Museum to learn about the rich history of Samarkand.
Visit the Meros Paper Fabric, where traditional paper-making techniques using mulberry tree branches are demonstrated. Afternoon:
Free time at the hotel.
Transfer to the train station for your onward journey to Tashkent.
Included meals: Breakfast
Early Morning:
Transfer to the airport. Return homeland.
Wishing you a safe flight and looking forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Included meals: Breakfast (or Lunchbox)
