Uzbekistan Highlights Tour

Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation (from 14:00)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we start our city tour of Tashkent. We visit the Khast Imam Complex (16th–20th centuries), including the Mausoleum of Kaffol Shashi, Barakhan and Muyi Mubarak Madrasahs, and the Namazgoh and Jome Mosques. The complex is home to one of the oldest original manuscripts of the Holy Quran (7th century), written by order of Caliph Uthman. Next, we explore Chorsu Bazaar, a traditional domed market. We then ride the Tashkent Metro, famous for its beautifully decorated stations. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Tashkent City Park, a modern area of the capital. Accommodation at the hotel.

Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tashkent railway station for the train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, we begin our tour of the ancient and vibrant city of Samarkand, with a history of nearly 3,000 years. Visit the Mausoleum of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) (14th–15th centuries), a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and one of the city’s most impressive monuments. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Registan Square (15th–17th centuries), the former center of trade and learning on the Great Silk Road, featuring the madrasahs of Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillakori. Next, visit the Bibi Khanum Mosque (14th–15th centuries), once the largest mosque in Central Asia, built by order of Amir Temur in honor of his wife. Explore Siyob Market, the city’s oldest bazaar, where you can enjoy traditional oriental sweets and dried fruits. Transfer to the hotel, check-in and accommodation.

We continue our excursion through the “Rome of the Orient” — Samarkand. Visit the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis (9th–19th centuries), one of the most sacred Islamic sites, featuring a stunning ensemble of mausoleums. The complex is associated with Qusam ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, and includes beautifully decorated tombs of Timurid nobility, each with a unique architectural style. Next, visit the Afrosiyab Museum and the ruins of ancient Afrosiyab, the original site of Samarkand. The museum’s exhibits tell the story of the civilizations that once flourished here, from ancient Turkic and Persian peoples to Greeks, Arabs, and Mongols. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Silk Paper Workshop, where traditional handmade paper is produced using centuries-old techniques. Continue to the Samarkand Silk Carpet Factory, where you can observe the creation of exquisite handwoven silk carpets made with natural dyes and traditional methods. In the evening, transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Bukhara. Upon arrival, transfer to the city (approx. 16 km). Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Bukhara, the birthplace of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), is one of the most important historical cities of Central Asia. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we begin a walking tour of the old city. Visit the Labi Khouz Complex (16th–17th centuries), including the Labi Khouz Pond, Nodir Devonbegi Khanaka and Madrasah, and Kukaldash Madrasah — a lively and popular historic ensemble. Continue through the ancient domed trading quarters (16th–17th centuries): Toqi Sarrofon (money changers), Toqi Telpakfurushon (hat makers), Abdullaxon Timi (the largest covered market), and Toqi Zargaron (jewelers). View the Ulugbek Madrasah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (from outside). In the afternoon, visit the Poyi Kalon Complex (12th–16th centuries), including the iconic minaret, mosque, and Miri Arab Madrasah. Continue to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th–10th centuries), a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, followed by the Ark Fortress, the former residence of the rulers of Bukhara. End the day with an external visit to the Bolo Hauz Mosque (18th–20th centuries).

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Khiva by tourist vehicle (type depends on group size), with stops in route. Lunch at a local restaurant. Travel through the Kyzylkum Desert, the largest desert in Uzbekistan, known for its sand dunes and desert vegetation. Arrival in Khiva in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. We begin our visit to Ichan Qala (10th–19th centuries), a 26-hectare inner fortress known as an open-air museum and surrounded by massive walls. Visit the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and the Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its striking turquoise colors. Continue to Kohna Ark, the former residence of the Khiva khans, consisting of several courtyards and royal buildings. Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We continue exploring the beautiful city of Khiva. Visit the Muhammad Rahim Khan (Feruz) Madrasah, one of the finest madrasahs in Khiva, featuring a mosque, classrooms, library, and student cells. Next, see the Juma Mosque (10th–18th centuries), famous for its 227 unique wooden columns, making it one of the most distinctive mosques in Central Asia. Continue to the Tash Hovli Palace, including the Khan’s Harem, built by Allakuli Khan and consisting of three courtyards and richly decorated interiors. Visit the Allakuli Khan Caravanserai, an important Silk Road monument still active as a trading area. In the afternoon, view the Islam Khoja Madrasah and Minaret (no climbing), the tallest minaret in Khiva. And the tour at the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, the mausoleum of the famous poet and philosopher, and the Mennonite Museum (Oq Masjid), which tells the story of German Mennonites in Khiva. At arranged time transfer to local airport of Urgench to take a flight to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent. Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast. Today, we will visit the Applied Art Museums, the Minor Mosque, The TV Tower and Magic city. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

At the agreed time, transfer to Tashkent International Airport to take the return flight to the city of origin. End of our services.