Uzbekistan Tour – Direct from Our Local Team

Following breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Tashkent. Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is situated in the country's northeast and, with a population exceeding two million, stands as the largest metropolis in Central Asia. While exploring the historical landmarks of the capital, visitors also have the opportunity to experience its contemporary side. Alongside modern hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, operas, discotheques, and oriental bazaars, the city looks back on a thousand-year history. During our city tour, we visit the Barak Khan Madrasah (an architectural ensemble dating from the 15th to 17th centuries), the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (built in the 16th century and reconstructed in the 19th century), the Kukeldash Madrasah (16th century), and the Khodja Ahrar Mosque (1404–1490; Khodja Ahrar was a prominent sheikh of the Naqshbandi order). We also visit the traditional Chorsu Bazaar and Independence Square. Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a return to the hotel and free time. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight from Tashkent to Urgench. Upon arrival, we drive to the fairytale city of Khiva (30 km away), one of the oldest settlements in all of Central Asia. Khiva, with a population of approximately 60,000, is located in northwestern Uzbekistan, west of the Amu Darya river along the ancient Silk Road. Khiva has been designated a museum city since 1967, and in 1997 Uzbekistan celebrated the city's 2,500th anniversary. We explore the old town of Ichan Kala, which has been under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage site since 1990. Enclosed entirely by ancient walls, the old town retains a uniquely medieval atmosphere. You will be captivated by its architectural treasures: the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah (built 1852–1855), Kalta Minor (1852), Kuna Ark (the residence of the Khans of Khiva), the Pakhlavon Mahmud Complex (1247–1325), the Islam Khodja Minaret and its madrasah (1908), and the Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque, 1788). Afterwards, we enjoy dinner accompanied by live music at a restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Following breakfast, our exploration of the fairytale city of Khiva continues. A visit to the Tash Khauli Palace, a masterpiece of oriental architecture, offers a truly singular experience. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast, we drive from Khiva to Bukhara (480 km). Journeying through the Kyzylkum Desert (Red Sand), we experience the distinctive vastness of Central Asian desert landscapes. Covering approximately 200,000 km², the Kyzylkum Desert spans parts of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, and is named after the distinct red sands found throughout the region. En route to Bukhara, we make a stop at the “Buchoro-i-Sharif” teahouse, where we can enjoy lunch, relax, and partake in tea. Upon arrival in Bukhara, we check into the hotel. Dinner is served at a local restaurant, followed by live folklore music in the courtyard of the Nodir Divan-begi Madrasah. Free time at leisure. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we tour the Ark Citadel (the former residence of the Emirs of Bukhara), which recent excavations confirm has stood on this site since the 4th century BC, as well as the Bolo Hauz Mosque (Friday Mosque, erected in 1712). With the Samanid Mausoleum (9th century), you will encounter the oldest surviving example of Islamic architecture in Central Asia and the sole remaining monument of the Samanid dynasty. We also visit the mausoleum of the founder of the Naqshbandi order, Baha-ud-Din Naqshband (14th century), one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Muslims. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur (known in the West as Tamerlane). The city was already known to Alexander the Great as Nautaca. Under Amir Timur in the 14th century, the city—then called Kesh—achieved global renown and was given the name Shakhrisabz. There we visit the ruler's summer residence, “Ak Saray” (White Palace, 1380–1405). The 65-meter-high ruins of the palace provide a vivid impression of the scale and grandeur of the original structure. “Ak Saray” has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition, we visit the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, the Darus Saodat Complex, and the Jahangir Mausoleum. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Samarkand. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Following breakfast, we tour the three madrasahs of Registan Square: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (built 1417–1420), the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619–1636), and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646–1660). We then visit the legendary Timurid mausoleum Gur-e-Amir (14th–15th centuries) and the monument to the legendary Amir Timur on University Boulevard. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast, we visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Madrasah (14th century) and delve into the legends associated with these structures. Afterwards, we visit the traditional oriental “Siyab Bazaar”. Near the Siyab Bazaar lies the Shah-i-Zinda ensemble (“the living king”, 14th–16th centuries), one of the world's most renowned groups of mausoleums, whose architecture enchants every visitor. Next, we tour the famous Ulugh Beg Observatory, built between 1428 and 1429 on one of the hills of the Chupanata ridge. In its time, this observatory was a truly unique scientific construction. In the afternoon, we transfer to the Samarkand railway station. We take the “Afrosiyob” high-speed train to Tashkent (departure at 17:00, arrival in Tashkent at 19:20). Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Following breakfast, we visit the legendary Poi Kalyan Minaret and the Poi Kalyan Complex (12th century), along with three remarkable domed bazaars: Toqi Sarrofon (Exchange Bazaar, 16th century), Toqi Telpak Furushon (Cap Makers' Bazaar, 16th century), and Toqi Zargaron (Jewelers' Bazaar, 16th century). We then visit the Lyabi-Hauz Complex (16th–17th centuries) and the Nodir Divan-begi Madrasah (1630). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.