Arrival in Tashkent

Tashkent - Relish the sights of Tashkent upon arrival as transportation takes you to your hotel.

Fly Tashkent-Urgench, transfer Urgench-Khiva, sightseeing Khiva

Itchan Kala - Upon reaching Urgench, transfer to the ancient city of Khiva (Itchan Kala), which boasts a history spanning over two thousand years. The inner city covers 26 hectares and was constructed following the ancient Central Asian town-building traditions, forming a regular rectangle (650 by 400 meters) stretching from south to north and enclosed by brick fortification walls up to ten meters high. Ichan Kala was the site of the khan’s palace, where high officials, clergy, and wealthy merchants resided. The common people, small merchants, craftsmen, and peasants lived in Dishan Kala.

Citadel Kunya-ark - The Kunya Ark is a fortified citadel at the heart of Khiva, nestled against the western ramparts of the Ichan Kala, just north of the city’s west gate. Originally built as early as the 12th century, the core of its current layout was first constructed by Arang Khan (r. 1688-94). The Ark is the largest of Khiva’s numerous buildings.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - Pahlavan Mahmud was a local poet and philosopher renowned for his heroic strength and healing abilities. Initially, the mausoleum’s construction was modest, but soon a khanaka and mosque were built where pilgrims offered prayers. Later, the building was transformed into a magnificent structure with the city’s largest dome, adorned with blue tiles.

Juma Mosque - Khiva’s Juma, or Friday Mosque, is located almost at the heart of the Ichan Kala (old city)—a fitting location as the name of the ruling Khan would have been read aloud here during Friday prayers.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli) - Situated in the eastern part of Ichan-Kala, Tash-Khauli Palace, built between 1830 and 1838, exemplifies the architectural grandeur of Khorezm from that era. The palace was constructed by order of Allakuli-Khan.

Kalta Minor Minaret - The minaret is well-regarded for its unique decor and incompleteness. The Kalta-minor is a distinctive minaret entirely covered with glazed tile and majolica. It was commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, as an architectural marvel intended to rise over 70 meters. However, construction halted at a height of 29 meters, leading to its name, the Kalta-minor (or Short minaret).

Khiva-Bukhara by train (you choose)

Bukhara - Enjoy free time in Khiva, then take an afternoon train from Khiva to Bukhara in business class.

Sightseeing Bukhara, Afternoon train to Samarkand

Lyab-i-Hauz - Constructed in the 16th - 17th centuries, the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble remains one of Bukhara’s major squares. It is likely the most popular tourist attraction in Bukhara, often serving as a rest stop due to its grandeur, tranquility, and historical significance. Lyab-i Hauz is located in the southeast shakhristan near the main Bukhara trade street.

Great Minaret of the Kalon - The Kalyan Minaret is the last surviving fragment of the Kara-khanid era mosque built by Mohammad Arslan Khan in 1127, predating the Mongol conquests. Standing tall at 45.6 meters, this remarkable survivor of the city’s early days—so impressive that Genghis Khan spared it from destruction—continues to serve as the centerpiece of the city at the Po-i-Kalyan square.

Moschea Bolo-khauz - The Bolo Hauz stands opposite the Ark Fortress in a Kosh arrangement with the resistance between them. Its name means “above the pool,” referring to the octagonal hauz, or artificial pond, located directly in front of it. Begun in 1712, early in the reign of Abu’l-Faiz Khan (r. 1711-47), it is one of the last and finest of Bukhara’s major buildings before the modern era.

Ark of Bukhara - The Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, serving as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for over a millennium. The Ark is as ancient as Bukhara itself. The origins of the original fortress are lost in antiquity, but it was certainly the focal point around which the medieval town developed.

Lyab-i-Hauz - Late afternoon transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan, 15 km away, for a train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Samarkand - Late afternoon transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan, 15 km away, for a bullet train to Samarkand in business class. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Sightseeing Samarkand

Gur Emir Mausoleum - Gur Emir Mausoleum – As a conqueror, few can match Tamerlane in terms of territory and legacy. Today, visitors can explore his tomb in the beautifully reconstructed Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries) and reflect on his life while admiring the world’s largest piece of jade (greenstone).

Registan - Registan became the city square when life in Afrosiab ceased. Since then, Registan has been reconstructed several times. Today, it is surrounded by the three madrasas: Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillokori.

Bibi Khanym Mosque - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, named after Temur’s wife and built between 1399-1404, is one of Central Asia’s most renowned architectural attractions. The mosque was erected on Timur’s orders after his conquest of Delhi. The mosque’s minaret was intended to be the tallest.

Siab Bazaar - Siab Bazaar in Samarkand remains as impressive as it was many years ago. Its abundant produce and handicrafts showcase Uzbekistan’s natural wealth and the talents and diligence of its people.

Shah-i-Zinda - Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble – (IX) located on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums. The greatest significance of Shah E Zinda is that he was the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and closely resembled the Prophet.

Ulugh Beg Observatory - Ulugbek’s Observatory – the observatory of Timur’s grandson. Only the foundations remain, but it is truly extraordinary. Ulugbek was an astronomer, scientist, and architect. His scientific and astronomical discoveries greatly advanced knowledge in these fields. The only preserved part is a section of a huge sextant—the major astronomical instrument, the lowest part of which was in a deep trench (11 km).

Train Samarkand-Tashkent, Sightseeing Tashkent, Depart to final destination

Tashkent - Transfer to Samarkand train station, take an early morning bullet train to Tashkent in business class. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver to begin Tashkent sightseeing.

Navoi Opera Theater - Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the theater building was constructed between 1942-1947 and opened to the public, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth. A tour of this facility is conducted outside the building.

Hazrati Imam complex - One of Tashkent’s spiritual monuments is the Khazrati-Imam ensemble, commonly known as Khast-Imam. The square is located in the heart of the old city. The complex includes the Tillya Sheikh mosque, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan madrasah, and Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

Amir Temur Square - Central to the modern city, Amir Timur Square is a lush, green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. In the center of the square, you will find a statue of Tamerlane on horseback.

State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, formerly known as the National Museum of Turkestan, was founded in 1876 and is one of Central Asia’s oldest museums. At the end of the 20th century, the building was restored and is now used as the Reception House of the MFA of Uzbekistan. Currently, the tour is only conducted from outside.

Tashkent - Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your outbound flight.

• Train ticket Khiva - Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent Business Class
• Accommodation twin rooms in high rated 4 star hotels centrally located
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Local licensed experienced Guide in each city
• All entrance tickets to Museums & Sites

• single room supplement $40/single room/night
• photo & video Museum charge to be paid cash at entrance $1-2/Museum

Welcome to the heart of Central Asia! Discover the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent along the great Silk Road. Our city guides will showcase the highlights of the country’s cultural, historic, and natural wonders. You will have the chance to savor local cuisine, interact with local people, and marvel at the wonders of Oriental Bazaars. Our dedicated and qualified team of reservation agents, guides, and drivers will ensure you have a memorable and positive experience, and can assist you with last-minute requests to customize your tour. Pick-up at Kazakh-Uzbek or Tajik-Uzbek border points is available for a minimal extra cost. Airplane and train tickets are electronic and will be sent to you in advance. No hidden fees or extra charges, satisfaction guaranteed.

• This tour is customizable at no or small charge, pls email us your desired changes.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.