Uzbekistan Journey – Tales from 1001 Nights - 8 Days

Arrival in Tashkent, transfer to hotel. Meals: -/-/-

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our tour in Tashkent. Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where the history of modern and old stands side by side, is located in the northeast of Uzbekistan. With around 3 million inhabitants, it is the largest city in Central Asia. Along with modern hotels, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, opera, discos, and oriental bazaars, the city also offers a thousand years of history. We visit the Khazrati Imam Complex, which includes the Barak Khan Madrasah (16^th century), the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (15^th century), the Muyi-Mubarak Mosque – home to the famous Koran of Khalif Osman and the gold hair of Prophet Muhammad, and the Djuma Mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali. Dinner at a local city restaurant and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B/-/D

After breakfast at the hotel, we fly from Tashkent to Urgench. After arriving in Urgench, we continue to Khiva (35 km). We visit the fabulous Khiva, one of the oldest cities in all of Central Asia. Khiva, with a population of about 60,000, is located in the northwest of Uzbekistan, west of the Amudarya River on the ancient Silk Road. Since 1967, Khiva has been a museum city, and in 1997 Uzbekistan celebrated the 2500th anniversary of the city. We explore the old town Ichan-Kala (Itschan-Kala), which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1990 and is part of the World Heritage of Humanity. The old town is surrounded by walls, creating a unique medieval atmosphere. You will be fascinated by its sights: the Madrasa Muhammad Amin Khan (built 1852-1855), the Kalta Minor (1852), the Kuna Ark (residence of the Khans of Khiva), the Pakhlavon Mahmud Complex (1247-1325), the Islam Khodja Minaret and its madrasa (1908), and the Juma Masjid (Friday Mosque, 1788). Afterward, enjoy dinner at the live music restaurant. Overnight in a 3-star hotel. Meals: B/-/D

After breakfast, drive from Khiva to Bukhara (480 km), passing through the Kysyl-Kum Desert (Red Sand). The Kysyl-Kum Desert spans about 200,000 km² and stretches across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. It is named after the red sand that covers its vast area. On the way to Bukhara, we make a stop at the teahouse “Bukhoro-i-Sharif”. Upon arrival in Bukhara, check-in at the hotel. We begin our sightseeing with the Poyi Kalon Ensemble, which includes the Kalon Minaret (12^th century), the Kalon Mosque (12^th century), and the Miri Arab Madrasah (16^th century). We will also explore the domed bazaars: Toqi Zargaron (15^th century), Toqi Telpak-Furushon (16^th century), and Toqi Saroffon (16^th century). Then, we visit the Lyabi-Khauz Complex (14^th–17^th centuries) and the Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah. Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by live folklore at the Medresse Nodir Devon Begi. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel. Meals: B/-/D

After breakfast, we visit the Citadel Ark (4^th century BC), the Bolo-Khauz Mosque (early 20^th century), the Samanides Mausoleum (9^th–10^th century), and Chashmai Ayub (14^th century). Lunch at a local city restaurant in Bukhara. In the afternoon, we explore the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, the Bakhouddin Naqshbandiy Memorial Complex, Chor Bakr (19^th century), and Chor Minor. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel. Meals: B/-/D

After breakfast, we drive to Samarkand. In Samarkand, we will visit the three Medressen of the Registan – the Ulugbek-Medresse (built 1417-1420), the Sher-Dor-Medresse (1619-1636), and the Tillo-Kori-Medresse (1646-1660). The legendary Timurid Mausoleum Guri Amir (XIV-XV century) enchants visitors with its golden interior decoration. You will enjoy hearing legends while visiting the Bibi-Chanum Mosque and Medresse (XIV century). We also visit the traditional oriental Siyab Bazaar. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel. Meals: B/-/D

Breakfast at the hotel. Near the Siyab Bazaar, we visit the ensemble of Shohi-Zinda (“The Living King,” IX-XIV century), one of the world’s most famous groups of mausoleums, known for its stunning architecture. Next, we will visit the famous Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429), built on one of the hills of Chupanata. The observatory was a unique design for its time. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for our journey to Tashkent (dep. 17:00 – arr. 19:20). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel. Meals: B/-/D