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 millennia. The inner town 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, 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, a local poet and philosopher, was renowned for his heroic strength and healing abilities. Initially, the mausoleum was modest, but soon a khanaka and mosque were built for pilgrims to pray. Later, the building was transformed into a magnificent structure with the largest dome in the city, 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.

Islam Khoja Minaret - The Islam-Khodja complex, located southeast of the main east-west street in Khiva’s Ichan-Kala (old city), includes a madrasa and minaret. The site is named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier (and also first cousin) of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II.

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 highly regarded for its unique decor and incompleteness. The Kalta-minor is a distinctive minaret entirely covered with glazed tile and majolica. Commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, it was intended to rise over 70 meters. However, construction halted at 29 meters, earning it the name Kalta-minor (or Short minaret).

Khiva-Bukhara by car or train (you choose)

Bukhara - Enjoy free time in Khiva, then take an afternoon train from Khiva to Bukhara (6 hours), or opt for a car transfer from Khiva to Bukhara (6 hours), with free time in Bukhara (your choice).

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 a popular tourist attraction, often used 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 impressed Genghis Khan that he spared it from destruction. It 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 founding of the original fortress is shrouded 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 train to Samarkand (subject to availability). 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 largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the world.

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 the natural wealth of Uzbekistan and the talents and diligence of its people.

Shah-i-Zinda - Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble, situated on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab, 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, built by Timur’s grandson, is truly extraordinary, even though only the foundations remain. 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, with its lowest part in a deep trench (11 km).

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

Tashkent - Transfer to Samarkand train station for an early morning train to Tashkent (subject to availability). Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver to begin sightseeing in Tashkent.

Navoi Opera Theater - Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the theater building was constructed between 1942 and 1947 and opened to the public to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth. Tours of this facility are 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 stands 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, tours are only conducted from outside.

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

• Accommodation twin rooms in high rated 3 star or Boutique hotels centrally located
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Train ticket Khiva - Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent
• Local licensed experienced Guide in each city
• All entrance tickets to Museums & Sites

• photo & video Museum charge to be paid cash at entrance $1-2/Museum
• single room supplement $20/single room/night
• flight ticket Tashkent-Urgench

Experience the essence of Central Asia! Explore the age-old cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Tashkent, located along the renowned silk route. Our urban tour guides will present you with the highlights of the country’s cultural, historical, and natural beauty. Savour the local food, interact with the indigenous people and admire the wonders of Eastern Bazaars. Our competent team including reservation staff, tour guides, and drivers are dedicated to ensuring you have a remarkable experience. They can accommodate last-minute requests for tailor-made tours. We can arrange pickups from the Kazakh-Uzbek or Tajik-Uzbek borders at a minimal additional charge. Electronic tickets for flights and trains will be forwarded to you beforehand. We guarantee satisfaction without any hidden charges or extra fees.

• check if you need a visa to enter Uzbekistan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan
• This tour is customizable at no or small charge, pls email us your desired changes.

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