ITINERARY

DAY 1. FLIGHT … – TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN VIA ISTANBUL

Departure from … to Tashkent via Istanbul. Stopover in Istanbul. Flight schedule: ……… Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 2. ARRIVAL IN TASHKENT – CAPITAL CITY TOUR

Morning arrival at Tashkent International Airport. Outside the airport, meeting with our representative holding a sign “UZBEKISTAN DISCOVERY.” Early check-in at the hotel and breakfast. At midday, we begin our tour of the capital. Today we will discover Tashkent, a city combining beautiful modern and historical architecture. We visit the Khasti Imam Complex (12th–20th centuries), including the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Hasti Imam Mosque, Muyi Muborak and Barakhan Madrasas, where valuable manuscripts are preserved, including the original 7th-century Quran of Caliph عثمان (Osman). We also visit the Chorsu Oriental Bazaar and the famous Tashkent Metro built in the 1970s. The tour concludes with visits to Amir Temur Avenue and Independence Square. Overnight in Tashkent.

DAY 3. TASHKENT – THE MODERN CITY

Today we explore the most modern sites of the capital: the Tashkent TV Tower (375 m), one of the most impressive towers in the world; the Minor Mosque, known as the White Mosque; the Museum of Applied Arts; and the most beautiful Orthodox Cathedral in the city. In the afternoon, we visit Magic City, the “Disneyland of Tashkent,” a family-friendly entertainment area, and then Tashkent City, the modern commercial district of the capital. Overnight in Tashkent.

DAY 4. TASHKENT – KOKAND – RISHTAN – FERGANA (350 km by car)

Departure to the Fergana Valley. The road passes through the Tian Shan mountain range. At midday we arrive in Kokand, a historic city of the region. We visit the Khudoyorkhan Palace and the Friday Mosque. In the afternoon we continue to Rishtan, world-famous for its blue ceramics, and visit a local pottery workshop. By the end of the day, we arrive in Fergana and check into the hotel. Overnight in Fergana.

DAY 5. FERGANA – MARGILAN – TASHKENT (360 km by car) / FLIGHT TASHKENT – URGENCH

 Departure to the small town of Margilan to visit the famous traditional silk factory. Here we learn about the production process of national fabrics “Atlas” and “Adras,” made of silk and cotton. We also visit the Margilan Oriental Bazaar, then drive to Tashkent. In the afternoon, transfer to Tashkent Domestic Airport for the flight to Urgench. Flight schedule: 18:00–19:55. Arrival in Urgench and transfer to Khiva (30 km). Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Khiva.

DAY 6. ANCIENT FORTRESSES – KHIVA (200 km by car)

In the morning, departure to the ruins of ancient citadels (4th century BC – 4th century AD) in the Khorezm region. Visit Toprak Kala, ruins of an ancient city; Kizil Kala, a fortress built by the ancient Khorezm state; and Ayaz Kala, a complex of three ancient castles. In the afternoon, return to the fairytale city of Khiva. Today we discover the legendary city of “One Thousand and One Nights.” We enter through Ota Darvoza Gate into the Ichan-Qala (inner citadel), whose monuments date from the 10th–18th centuries and are remarkably well preserved. We see the Kalta Minar Minaret, the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, and the ancient Kuhna Ark Palace. Overnight in Khiva.

DAY 7. KHIVA – THE CITY OF “ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS”

Today we continue exploring Khiva in depth: Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa, the Juma (Friday) Mosque, the Islam Khodja Madrasa and Minaret, Tosh Khavli Palace and the Khan’s harem. We also visit the Museum of German Mennonites (19th–20th centuries), little known to most travelers, the Shergazi Khan Madrasa, and the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Overnight in Khiva.

DAY 8. KHIVA – BUKHARA (450 km by train). JOURNEY TO BUKHARA

In the morning, transfer to the railway station in Khiva to take the train to Bukhara. Train schedule: 11:10–18:04. We travel across the Kyzyl Kum Desert, once crossed by Silk Road caravans linking western cities with this region. Arrival in Bukhara in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, we begin walking visits to admire monumental buildings decorated with magnificent Islamic tiles and mosaics (9th–20th centuries). We explore the Lyabi-Hauz Complex (15th–17th centuries), then the traditional trading domes: Toki Sarrafon (jewelers and money changers), Toki Telpakfurushon (hat market), the covered Abdullakhan Tim, and the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasas. Overnight in Bukhara.

DAY 9. BUKHARA – THE “NOBLE” CITY AMONG THE SEVEN HOLY CITIES OF ISLAM

Today we visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Hauz Mosque (outside visit), and the Ark Citadel. In the afternoon, we explore the Poi Kalyan architectural complex, including the Kalyan Minaret, Mir Arab Madrasa, and Kalyan Mosque. We finish the day with a visit to the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Complex, burial place of one of the most important Sufi leaders, and the Chor Minor Madrasa. Overnight in Bukhara.

DAY 10. BUKHARA – NURATA – HAYAT MOUNTAIN VILLAGE (approx. 300 km by car)

We begin with a visit to the Summer Palace of the Emir of Bukhara – Sitorai Mohi Khosa. Then we depart toward the desert, making stops along the way. In Nurata, we visit the historic Chashma Complex and the remains of the ancient fortress of Alexander the Great. Today lunch is included at a beautiful traditional rural house. Then we continue to Aydarkul Lake, the largest lake in the country, located in the middle of the desert. Depending on the season, there is a possibility to swim in its warm waters. By evening we arrive at Hayat Village, a remote rural mountain village. Dinner included. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

DAY 11. HAYAT VILLAGE – SAMARKAND (approx. 230 km by car)

In the morning, light mountain hiking (optional ascent up to about 850 meters) and observation of local rural life in remote villages. Lunch included at a local house. Afterwards, departure to the legendary city of Samarkand. Arrival and hotel check-in. Overnight in Samarkand.

DAY 12. SAMARKAND – “THE ROME OF THE EAST”

Today we visit the splendid Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane and his descendants; the Registan Square, the symbol of Uzbekistan and the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” formed by three madrasas: Ulugbek (15th century), Sher-Dor and Tillya-Kari (17th century). Then we visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, built in the 14th–15th centuries by order of Amir Temur and his favorite wife. We walk through the traditional Siab Bazaar and proceed to the Hazrati Hizr Mosque viewpoint (outside visit) for a beautiful panorama of the old city. Then we visit the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, burial place of Tamerlane’s relatives. Overnight in Samarkand.

DAY 13. SAMARKAND – SHAHRISABZ – SAMARKAND (180 km by car)

Crossing the mountains, we travel to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). We visit the ruins of Ak Saray Palace, the Mausoleum of Timur’s eldest son, the sarcophagus of Timur, the Mausoleum of Shamsiddin Kulol, and the Kok Gumbaz Mosque. In the afternoon, return to Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand.

DAY 14. SAMARKAND – TASHKENT (300 km by high-speed train)

We start the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Astronomical Observatory (15th century), then the ruins of Afrasiab – ancient Samarkand – and the Afrasiab History Museum. We also visit traditional paper and carpet workshops, famous worldwide. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Tashkent. Train schedule: 16:59–19:27. Arrival in Tashkent and hotel check-in. Overnight in Tashkent.

DAY 15. TASHKENT – CHARVAK LAKE / CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS (180 km by car)

Today we leave the city for the Tian Shan mountain range and visit Charvak Lake. We proceed to the Amirsoy Resort, offering beautiful mountain views. Optionally, you may take the cable car to the top for stunning panoramas (ticket approximately 5–7 EUR per person depending on the season). In the afternoon, return to Tashkent. Optionally farewell dinner, then transfer to Tashkent International Airport for the return flight. No hotel overnight today.

DAY 16. RETURN HOME ON THE FLYING CARPET

Departure for … via Istanbul. Flight schedule: 02:30 – … End of our services.

Hotel categories or similar hotels: 

       PRICE INCLUDES: 

1. * Tourist vehicles for all transfers, with professional drivers.
2. * Hotel accommodation in double/twin rooms with breakfast, including accommodation in a rural guesthouse in Hayat village. All hotel taxes included.
3. * Professional Spanish-speaking guide throughout the entire trip.
4. * Three lunches (one in Nurata village and two in Hayat village) and one dinner (in Hayat village).
5. * Entrance tickets to all sites mentioned in the program.
6. * Domestic flight ticket Tashkent – Urgench in economy class.
7. * Train ticket Khiva – Bukhara on the regular train in superior class (private 4-berth cabin with side beds).
8. * High-speed train ticket Samarkand – Tashkent in economy class.
9. * 24-hour agency assistance.
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11. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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13. * Personal expenses, optional services, and tips for the guide and driver.
14. * Camera and photography fees in museums (approximately 5 EUR per camera for the whole country).
15. * Visa fees (Spanish citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days).
16. * Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the program (meals in local or tourist restaurants cost approximately 8–12 EUR).
17. * International flight tickets (round trip) with Turkish Airlines.