Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Tashkent - Upon arrival in Tashkent, travelers should collect their luggage and proceed outside the airport to meet their driver. Follow these directions to locate your driver:

1. After clearing customs, exit the airport building and turn left (there is only one exit).
2. Follow the white arrow on the ground outside the airport.
3. Walk past the official taxi stand on your right and continue.
4. From the airport exit, walk approximately 30 meters until you see an iron fence on your right where people are waiting.
   Your driver will be waiting for you behind the fence, holding a sign with your name, ready to transfer you to your hotel in Tashkent city.

Tashkent city tour and fly to Urgench

Tashkent - Check out from your hotel in Tashkent and begin the city tour. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has a population of about 3 million. It is situated in the northeastern part of the republic, in the valley of the Chirchik River. To the north of Tashkent, the snow-capped peaks of the Big and Small Chimgan mountains are visible. Tashkent is the fourth largest city in the Commonwealth of Independent States, following Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kiev.

Uzbekistan State Museum of Applied Art - Founded in 1997, this museum houses over 7,000 rare works of applied art created by master craftsmen from the first half of the 19th century to the present.

Monument of Courage Earthquake Memorial - This memorial is dedicated to the tragic earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected near the earthquake’s epicenter.

Ensemble Hazrati Imam - The Khazrati Imom Complex (16th-20th centuries) is the historical spiritual heart of the city. It includes the functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from the 16th-18th centuries (now a shopping area), Tellya Sheikh Mosque from the 19th century, and the Muyi Moborak Library, which holds a rare collection of Oriental manuscripts, including the world-famous Caliph Osman-Koran from the 7th century. The mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi, one of the first Koran preachers of Central Asia and a renowned scientist, is also located here.

Chorsu Bazaar - Chorsu, meaning “four roads” in Uzbek, is the commercial heart of the city and has been for centuries.

Metro Tashkent - Experience a ride on the Tashkent Metro, the only underground system in Central Asia, built in 1977.

Urgench - Fly from Tashkent to Urgench. Your driver will be waiting for you outside the airport building, holding a sign with your name, to transfer you to your hotel in Khiva.

Khiva - Check into your hotel in Khiva city.

Khiva city tour

Khiva - Khiva, one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia, boasts a 2,500-year history. It has been known by various names, including Khizauv “Fort,” Kheykanik (the name of a canal in the area), Kheykanik, Kheyvak, and Khiva.

Itchan Kala - Ichan Qala Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, is an open-air museum representing the old part of the city. It is surrounded by walls and has been transformed into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. Covering 26 hectares, the Inner Fortress transports visitors to the past with its narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums, and madrassahs (Quran schools).

Kalta Minor Minaret - Kalta Minor, part of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa, was intended to be the world’s tallest minaret but was abandoned due to high costs after the khan was murdered three years later.

Citadel Kunya-ark - Kunya Ark, or “Kuhna Ark” in Uzbek, is a fortified palace built in the 17th century by Arang Khan, son of Anusha Khan. It was a town within a town, with its own defensive walls, mosques, offices, stables, arsenal, mint, and residential areas. (Note: There is a watchtower offering the best view of the entire inner fortress—Ichan Kala. Climbing the tower costs 100,000 sum per person and is not included in the tour price.)

Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah - Muhammad Rakhim Khan Madrassa, established in 1871, is a museum dedicated to the khan, who was also known for his poetry under the name Feruz Shah.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - The Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum is one of the holiest sites in Khiva, commemorating the poet, wrestler, and patron saint of Khiva, who died here in 1325. The 19th-century tomb features some of the city’s finest tile work and the largest cupola in Khiva.

Islam Khodja Complex - The Islam Khoja Madrassa is named after the enlightened early 20th-century grand vizier who established a public school and modern hospital. Built in 1908, it is the last Islamic monument constructed in the city before the Soviet era. The Islam Khoja Minaret is the tallest in the city. (Note: Climbing the minaret costs 100,000 sum per person and is not included in the tour price.)

Juma Mosque - The Juma Mosque, built in 1788, is supported by a dense forest of 213 wooden pillars, cleverly arranged to provide the entire congregation with a view of the mihrab (niche pointing towards Mecca). The mosque also features an exhibition of carved karagach (elm) wood.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli) - Tash Hauli Palace, or “Stone Palace” in Uzbek, was constructed between 1832 and 1838 as the court of Allah Kuli Khan (1826-42) and is a highlight of the city. A secret corridor connects the beautifully decorated inner harem (Note: separate entrance) to the reception court (ishrat hauli) and law courts. The intricately carved columns and the majolica tiles in the harem’s inner courtyard are particularly impressive.

Transfer from Khiva to Bukhara by car

Khiva - Check out from the hotel and transfer from Khiva by car, crossing the Amu Darya River (historically known as Oxus) and the Kizilkum desert.

Bukhara - Arrive in Bukhara and check into your hotel.

Bukhara city tour

Bukhara - Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia, has a 2,500-year history. It has been known by various names, including Bumichkat “New Castle,” Al Madina as-sufriyya “Copper City,” Madinat at-tujjor “City of Traders,” and Foxira “Honorable City.”

Lyab-i-Hauz - The Labi Hauz Complex, meaning “The edge of the pond” in Persian, was constructed by Nadir Divan Begi, the Grand Vizier of Bukhara, around 1620.

Trading Domes - The Trading Domes include Tok-i-Zargaron (1570, Jewellers’ Bazaar), which once dominated the local market in lapis and rubies from Badakhshan. Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, or Cap Makers’ Bazaar, specialized in gold-embroidered skullcaps, fur hats, and illustrated manuscripts, all of which needed protection from the sun’s glare. Tak-i-Sarrafon is the money changers’ dome.

Poi Kalyan Mosque - The Poi Kalon complex, meaning “The foot of tall” in Uzbek, dates from the 12th to 16th centuries. It consists of a mosque, madrassah, and minaret, and was a major center of trade and scholarship along the Silk Road. The beauty of the minaret amazed Genghis Khan (Temuchin or Temujin).

Ark of Bukhara - The Citadel Ark, dating from the 1st to 20th centuries, was constructed at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. Throughout history, the fortress has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Most of the citadel’s buildings were reconstructed during the 18th to 20th centuries.

Moschea Bolo-khauz - The Bolo Hauz mosque, a functioning Friday mosque from the 18th century, consists of a reservoir, mosque, and minaret.

Bukhara free time (or optional tour) and take the train to Samarkand

Bukhara - Explore the city on your own or opt for an optional tour to the Bukhara countryside:

1. The Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (9th-10th centuries) is the oldest, best-preserved, and most breathtakingly original building in Bukhara.
2. The summer palace of Bukhara’s emirs, built in 1911 for the last emir, Amir Alim Khan, combines elements of both Russian and traditional Bukharan architecture.
3. The Naqshbandi Sufism complex is dedicated to Islamic saint Bakhauddin Naqshband, a famous Asian philosopher and Sufi who founded a Sufi order later named Naqshbandi. He lived in the 14th century and became a patron saint. The complex is the holiest site in Bukhara, and locals consider it a “little Mecca” due to his 32 Hajj pilgrimages to Mecca.

Samarkand - Transfer to the Bukhara railway station and take the train to Samarkand. Your driver will be waiting for you outside the Samarkand train station, holding a sign with your name, to transfer you to your hotel in Samarkand city.

Samarkand city tour

Samarkand - Samarkand, one of the world’s most ancient cities, is a contemporary of Rome, Athens, and Babylon, with a 2,750-year history. It has been called “The Mirror of the World,” “The Garden of the Soul,” “The Jewel of Islam,” and “The Precious Pearl of the Moslem World.” In ancient Greece, it was known as Marakanda.

Registan - Registan Square, meaning “sandy place” in Uzbek, dates from the 15th to 17th centuries. It is a spectacular architectural ensemble with stunning Islamic designs and calligraphy etched into the facades of its mosques and madrassahs. Ulugbek Madrasah, built between 1417 and 1420, is the oldest madrasa in Registan Square. The construction was overseen by Ulugbek, the Astronomer King and grandson of Temur, who was both a prominent ruler and scholar. Tilya-Kori Madrasah, meaning Gold-covered madrasa, was built in the 17th century in Registan Square. Visitors must see the golden ceiling of the mosque, located to the left of the courtyard, which gives the madrasa its name. Sher Dor Madrasah, meaning the tiger or lion madrasa, was built between 1619 and 1636 by Yalangtush Biy and is one of the most-photographed buildings in existence.

Gur Emir Mausoleum - The Gur-Amir mausoleum, meaning “the tomb of the king” in Uzbek, is a must-see sight in Samarkand from the 15th century. It is the final resting place of Temur. The mausoleum was originally planned for Temur’s favorite grandson, Muhammad Sultan, but Samarkand was deemed a more fitting resting place.

Shah-i-Zinda - The Shahi Zinda complex, meaning “alive king” in Uzbek, dates from the 12th to 20th centuries. It is the burial place of royal persons and nobles and is one of the most spiritual places in Uzbekistan.

Bibi Khanym Mosque - The Bibi Hanim mosque, from the 15th century, was built in honor of Temur’s chief wife, Saray Mulk Khanum.

Siab Bazaar - The local Siab market, meaning “black river” in Uzbek, offers travelers a variety of spices, fresh and dried fruits, and souvenirs.

Samarkand free time (or optional tour)

Samarkand - Explore the city on your own or choose an optional tour to the Samarkand countryside or a day tour to Shakhrisabz from Samarkand:

1. The Samarkand Handmade Paper Centre—Samarkand was renowned for its mulberry paper, known for its durability and resistance to insects. Production ceased in the 18th century, but this UNESCO-backed project in the eastern suburbs aims to revive the 2,000-year-old tradition. Guests can observe the process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark.
2. The Ulugbek Observatory, built by Amir Temur’s grandson, the astronomer-king Ulugbek, in the 15th century.
3. The museum of Afrasiab, the history museum of Samarkand, features original frescoes of the Turk Khanate “Turk kingdom” from the 7th century.
4. The Mausoleum of Daniyar—known for the story of Daniel and the lion’s den, this site is considered his final resting place. He is regarded as a patron saint and protector of Samarkand, bringing wealth and prosperity to the city.

Farewell. Until next time, dear friends!

Samarkand - Check out from the hotel and transfer to the International airport of Samarkand. Until next time, dear friends!

• Accommodation in a nice tourist-class Hotel 3* or a central located boutique hotel
• Entrance tickets to the monuments per itinerary
• Visa support if needed
• Transfer from Khiva to Bukhara in a private vehicle
• Domestic air ticket from Tashkent to Urgench
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Train ticket from Bukhara to Samarkand
• Breakfast
• English speaking local tour guide for sightseeing in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
• 24 hours customer service

• Lunch and Dinner
• Photo and video charges (for photography cameras. It is free if travelers use phone cameras)
• Single room supplement 20 usd per night/single room
• Personal travel insurance
• Hotel extra services
• Gratuity/Tips for guide/drivers

Discover Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia, ranking as the fourth-largest in the former USSR.
Khiva resembles an open-air museum, with every corner offering breathtaking views.
In 329 BC, Alexander the Great visited Samarkand and remarked, “Everything I have heard about Samarkand is true, except it is even more beautiful than I had imagined.”
Experience Bukhoro-i-sharif (Bukhara the Noble), a city that feels like one expansive bazaar.
Enjoy a guided tour in Samarkand, a prominent gem along the Silk Road.
This tour allows travelers the flexibility to explore cities at their own pace.

• Accommodation in a nice tourist-class Hotel 3* or a central located boutique hotel (toilet and bath are in the room). However, the level of service, interiors including beds and cleaning at the hotels is not quite as European standard.
• Check in to the hotels is after 14:00
• It is recommended to have some extra cash in US dollars to buy the souvenirs, food, tipping and for other expenses. There are many ATMs but you can’t withdraw US dollars they always give you cash in local currency and there is a limit
• On this tour you visit architectural marvels which have a rich history and important religious sites. It’s recommended to follow a specific dress code when visiting these iconic landmarks. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight, revealing, or transparent clothing. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf or shawl when they enter to holy places
• There may be changes in the program along the way. Attractions may be under restoration or temporarily closed for other reasons. These are conditions that we cannot take into account, and which we therefore ask for a certain tolerance towards.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.