The best of Uzbekistan Tour
Name of the tour: The best of Uzbekistan Tour
Duration: 9 days & 8 nights
Day 1: Tashkent
Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver and he will take you to Tashkent city. For the beginning you will visit Independence square. It is the main square of the country, which was erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. After you will walk along local Broadway, between independence square and Amir Timur square streets. At your request you can take a ride in famous Tashkent metro, which is considered as one of the beautiful subways in the world. The second part of your tour includes visiting of Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The important part is visiting the Othman Quran. It is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th century. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph and was killed in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages. At the end of the tour you will come to the hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand (350 km, 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast at the hotel you will start your tour to Samarkand. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome. Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. The tour includes visits of most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque, Registan Square. It is a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries and the main highlight of Samarkand that no one can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a big collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built in honor of favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his successful campaign in India. These are what you will discover during this tour in Samarkand city. You will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 3: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand
Today you will go to a small village Urgut outside of Samarkand, which is popular for its noisy and colorful national bazaar. In the afternoon we will return to Samarkand city and go to another village where you can see memorial complex of Al Bukhary. It was an Islamic scholar, who authored the hadith collection known as Sahih al-Bukhari, regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of the most authentic Hadith collections. After that we will drive to the hotel.
Day 4: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
Today's day is dedicated to an excursion to the Bukhara. On the way to the city we will stop over at Gijduvan village to visit famous private pottery workshop. Gijduvan ceramics school has its deep roots. The skills have been passed from generation to generation and survived till nowadays. Today Gizhduvan is home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. After visiting this place, we will continue driving to Bukhara. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara
Today we will have a sightseeing tour in the fascinating Bukhara city. Firstly, we will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara named Citadel Ark. It is served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Afterwards we will go to see see Samanids mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of 9th -10th century. After visiting Chashma Ayub, Bolo-Hauz mosque you will have a chance chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. Lastly, we will visit Poi Kalon complex, the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of 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 – Khiva (440 km, 7 hours)
After having breakfast, we will start our drive to Khiva. It is the most ancient city in Uzbekistan full of history and fascinating sites. Its history is inextricably connected with the history of the legendary Khorezmshah’s State with its capital in Urgench before. Khiva is mentioned as a major trading center on the Silk Road in the 10th century. All the caravans had a stop here on their way to China and back. From dawn to dusk, until the gates were opened, an endless stream of moving string of camels with baggage passed them. Now we have most of this unique city preserved and cherished to pass to our next generation. The road from Bukhara to Khiva goes through famous Kizilkum desert. Along the way to Khiva, we will enjoy the view to Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan and flowing into Aral See. Upon arrival in Khiva you will have free time and you will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 7: Khiva
Today you will have an amazing sightseeing tour in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. It will be inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva rounded with strong walls. Ichan-Qala was transformed into unique city-monument by old buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses. It consists of over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was designated a historical and architectural conservation area. The Kunya-Ark fortress dating back to 17th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, an incredible sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s are the most remarkable sites in Ichan-Qala. After this enjoyable time, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 8: Khiva –Tuprak Qala – Ayaz Qala – Urgench – Tashkent
In the morning we will go to Nukus city, to the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. It is located in the north of Uzbekistan near the Aral Sea and surrounded by three deserts - the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum and Ustyurt. Along the way we will have a visit of two famous fortresses. The first one Ayaz Qala and the second one is Turpak Qala. Ayaz Qala is an ancient castle of Khorezm, named on behalf of legendary warrior-slave Ayaz, a Turkic folklore hero. Fortress dates back II century AD. Tuprak Qala, means ‘clay fort’, was the royal city of Khorezmian ruler Artav. You will stay at yurt camp near Ayaz Kul Lake and dinner is at fire. Camel ride will be offered as option.
Day 9: Tashkent – Flight
Today you are returning back. You will be transferred to the airport by our driver.