Uzbekistan Exploration

Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Destination: Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a beautiful country located in Central Asia, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the stunning landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert and the Tien Shan Mountains, Uzbekistan offers a unique travel experience that combines history, culture, and adventure.

One of the highlights of traveling to Uzbekistan is exploring the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Samarkand is famous for its beautiful Registan Square, which features three stunning madrasas with intricate tilework and beautiful domes. Bukhara, on the other hand, is home to over 140 architectural monuments, including the Kalyan Minaret, the Ark Fortress, and the Poi-Kalyan Complex.

Aside from its historical sites, Uzbekistan is also known for its delicious cuisine. The country's traditional dishes are a fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences, featuring savory meat dishes, hearty soups, and delicate pastries. Some of the must-try dishes include plov, a rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions, and shashlik, skewered and grilled meats served with fresh vegetables and bread.

For adventure seekers, Uzbekistan offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping in the Tien Shan Mountains to exploring the Kyzylkum Desert on camelback. The Nuratau Mountains, located in the south of the country, are also a popular destination for trekking and birdwatching, with its lush valleys and diverse wildlife.

Uzbekistan's culture is also reflected in its colorful festivals and traditions, such as Navruz, the Persian New Year celebrated in March, and the Silk and Spice Festival, which takes place in May in Bukhara. The country's traditional crafts, such as ceramics, textiles, and embroidery, are also a must-see, with many workshops and markets offering handmade souvenirs.

Overall, Uzbekistan is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Day 1: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Transfer to Tashkent airport, registration and first morning flight to Urgench. Arrival and transfer to Khiva. Today you will have a wonderful sightseeing tour in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. It will be inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva rounded with strong walls. Centuries old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses transformed Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. Ichan-Qala 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 most remarkable sites in it are 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. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara (440 km, 7 hours)
Early in the morning we will have transfer to a fascinating city of Bukhara. With its more than 140 architectural monuments Bukhara is a "town museum" dating back to the Middle Ages. The city consists of narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belong to different epochs, but locate very close to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara goes through famous Kizilkum desert. On the way 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 Bukhara you will have free time. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Bukhara
Today you will have a full day of sightseeing tour in the fascinating city of Bukhara. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara dating back to the 4th century named Citadel Ark which served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see Samanids mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of 9th -10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque, known also as the mosque of forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you have a 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. The tour will end with visiting 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. Night is in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand (290 km, 4 hours)
After breakfast we will start our way to Samarkand. On the way, 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 father to son from generation to generation. Today Gizhduvan is home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. Gijduvan School of ceramics is distinguished by a geometric pattern. Green and blue colors prevail in decoration of products. Afterwards we continue driving to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Samarkand
Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand that no person 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. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent
Breakfast is at the hotel. Morning drive to Tashkent (350 km, 4.5 hrs drive). Today you will visit Independence square which is the main square of the country, erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between independence square and Amir Timur square. Further you can take a ride in famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. First line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran which is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th c. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Tashkent – Departure
Breakfast is at the hotel. Transfer to Tashkent airport, flight for next destination.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Transport
• Accommodation: “Said Islam Hodja” Hotel 4*, Bukhara “Garden Plaza” Hotel 4*, Samarkand “Diyora” Hotel 4*, Tashkent – “Noyza Palace” Hotel 4*
• Uzbek visa support (if required)
• Entrances to all museums
• Mineral water during the tour
• Local English / German / French / Spanish speaking guides in Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent

Exclusions:
• Visa
• Full board
• Single rooms
• Early check-in
• Travel insurance
• Flight Tashkent-Urgench

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.