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Samarkand Classical Tour: Explore Historic Sites & Cuisine
4.9
56 Ratings
Samarkand
On this classic tour of Samarkand, you’ll explore all the key sites and have the opportunity to sample traditional dishes.
On this classic tour of Samarkand, you’ll explore all the key sites and have the opportunity to sample traditional dishes.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gur Emir Mausoleum - Constructed in 1404, Timur’s tomb is renowned for its magnificent and elaborate design, showcasing the splendor of Timur’s empire. It also houses the graves of Timur’s family members, including his sons and grandsons. This mausoleum is a quintessential example of Timurid architecture and has significantly influenced the…
- Gur Emir Mausoleum - Constructed in 1404, Timur’s tomb is renowned for its magnificent and elaborate design, showcasing the splendor of Timur’s empire. It also houses the graves of Timur’s family members, including his sons and grandsons. This mausoleum is a quintessential example of Timurid architecture and has significantly influenced the evolution of Islamic architecture in the area.
- Registan - The Registan is a historic square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, celebrated for its breathtaking Islamic architecture and rich cultural heritage. The term “Registan” translates to “sandy place” in Persian, indicating its origins as a marketplace. The square is encircled by three splendid madrasahs (Islamic schools) constructed during the Timurid Empire.
- Ulugbek Madrasah - Built by the astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg in the 15th century, this madrasah is renowned for its remarkable tile work and expansive courtyard.
- Sherdor Madrassah - Erected in the early 17th century, Sher-Dor Madrasah is distinguished by its unique tile decorations featuring tigers and other motifs.
- Tilya-Kori Madrasah - Completed in the mid-17th century, Tilla-Kori Madrasah was the last of the three to be built and is notable for its opulent gold-covered interior.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque - The Bibikhanum Mosque is a significant historical mosque situated in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane) during the Timurid Empire, it was constructed between 1399 and 1404 and is named after Timur’s wife, Bibikhanum.
- Siyob Bozor - Siyab Bazaar in Samarkand is a lively and dynamic market offering an intriguing insight into local life and culture. Located in the heart of one of Uzbekistan’s most historic cities, Siyab Bazaar is famous for its diverse range of goods, from fresh produce and spices to textiles and traditional crafts.
- Shah-i-Zinda - “Shakhi Zinda” is a historic site in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It is a necropolis or burial complex dating back to the 11th century, renowned for its exquisitely decorated mausoleums and tombs. The name “Shakhi Zinda” means “Living King” or “Royal Alive,” reflecting the site’s importance and reverence.
- Statue of Amir Temur - The Statue of Amir Timur in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a majestic monument honoring Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the 14th-century conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire. The statue symbolizes Uzbekistan’s national pride, strength, and historical heritage.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/15/40/b9/c6.jpg)
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Bottled water
- Professional Local Guide
- Private transportation
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Bottled water
- Professional Local Guide
What's Not Included
- Entranec Tickets to the monuments
- Lunch
- Entranec Tickets to the monuments
- Lunch
Location
Gur Emir Mausoleum
Oksaroi St. 1,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(56 Ratings)
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F8828tk_
Feb 9, 2025
An Unforgettable Experience – The Perfect Guid - We had the pleasure of exploring Samarkand and Shahrisabz with Amin as our private tour guide, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the moment we met, Amin's deep knowledge, passion for history, and friendly personality made the tour both informative and enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ayas4
Dec 31, 2024
Fantastic day trip with the knowledgeable guide. - We had an excellent day trip with Amin in Samarkand. Amin was incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful throughout the tour. In addition to visiting the various locations, he shared a wealth of cultural and historical information about Uzbekistan, which aligned perfectly with our interests.
We joined the tour on the New Year’s Eve and while many restaurants were closed, Amin went out of his way to help us find one that was open for dinner. He even followed up with additional information after the tour, which we truly appreciated. (Also the restaurant he recommended was so good! ) Overall, it was a fabulous experience, and we highly recommend the tour guides by Amin!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jean_t
Dec 31, 2024
Amin is very... - Amin is very knowledgeable with the history and great places for nice pictures.
Had a great time with him as my guide
Review provided by Viator
Mohammed_a
Dec 28, 2024
An amazing experience to discover Samarkand - We had an amazing trip, and it was truly enhanced by our fantastic tour guide. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. The guide (Hilala) was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, sharing interesting insights and stories that really brought the destinations to life. They were also attentive to our needs, making sure we were comfortable and well taken care of throughout the trip.
The sights we visited were beautiful, and having such an experienced guide made all the difference. It was an unforgettable experience, and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the area with a knowledgeable and personable guide.
Review provided by Viator
Excursion62925955829
Dec 24, 2024
Awesome tour!! - One of the best tours I’ve been on. Amin knew the city very well and shared Samarkand’s interesting culture and history in a fun and engaging manner. Never once was I bored during the tour. Please find him when you go to Uzbekistan (he does tours all around Uzbekistan as well not just in Samarkand)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z6637vnhenrya
Dec 22, 2024
An extremely knowledgeable guide that adjusts the tour based on your preferences and interests - I am a 21 year old solo traveller who had two days in Samarkand. Amin guided me around for both full days and it was immediately clear that this guy is the best. His knowledge of the Timurid Empire and King Timur (Tamerlane) himself brings the city to the life, and illustrates the meanings of artefacts and monuments and minor features you would other walk past none-the-wiser.
For example, there is a large unmarked headstone on the ground, in the front right corner of Registan Square which Amin told me was the Tomb of a businessman who feared history would forget him. So the Timurids’ built him a tomb in exchange for 10 years of free meat supply. These kinds of stories are ones you only get from great guides like Amin.
The convenience of being driven around allows you to focus on the many magnificent details of Samarkand. What i really enjoyed about Amin was that he is receptive to your wishes. He will adjust the tour based off how much information you want, how many sites you want to visit. He is patient if you’d just like to take photos or also willing to go faster if needed. The lunches we had on both days were very memorable and absolutely fantastic.
Solo travelling can be a scary thing sometimes but i guarantee to other solo travellers that Amin is trustworthy, and a very decent person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fatima_s
Dec 21, 2024
A pleasant & helpful guide - Amin is a very pleasant and well-mannered guide whose services I enjoyed for two days. He showed me everywhere in Samarkand and was super patient and helpful even suggesting best photo spots. He welcomes all types of questions, and I like how he leaves it to the tourist’s preference when it comes to chatting; he can be both quiet and vibrant, so feel free to lead the chat to the direction you prefer. Thanks, Amin! :)
Review provided by Viator
Seaside17164211950
Nov 24, 2024
A Wonderful Tour with an Excellent Guide - I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this tour. My guide, Amin, was knowledgeable, polite, and very easy to communicate with. I requested a personalized version of the private tour and Amin was very willing to accommodate my schedule. Samarkand is an amazing city and it was fantastic to see it though the eyes of such a professional and friendly guide. I highly recommend hiring Amin if you want to get the most out of your visit to Samarkand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zbswrysqk2
Nov 17, 2024
Emir Timur .. what more does one say - To start with the architecture is the star .. we were staying next to the main monument Regestan so spent the earlier night also there to watch the light show ( I would say not worth paying for it ) and to be honest I think a lot more could have been done … that apart .., the architecture is gob smacking … the sheer size of the madrasas and mosque speak a lot of the man that was Emir Taimur .. larger than life .. we had a superb guide Alab …who knew everything there was to know and then some … have to mention the super polite driver too ( sorry didn’t get his name ) … me and my wife absolutely loved the tour and the experience was made even better that the weather was perfect too .. loved Samarkand .., would def recommend this as a must do city
Review provided by Viator
Shilpamgupta
Nov 9, 2024
Good experience - Our guide Bek was very good and knowledgeable .
A good photographer too😁.
Didn't rush us...good relaxed pace.
Nice day overall
Review provided by Tripadvisor