Description

Best of Uzbekistan (6D5N)

 

At a Glance

• Tashkent, 1 night
• Bukhara, 1 night
• Samarkand, 2 nights
• Tashkent, 1 night

Day 1. Arrival in Tashkent

Welcome to Uzbekistan!

A Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic, landlocked Uzbekistan is the proud home to spellbinding architecture and ancient cities that have been overlooked for many years.

Its centuries-long history under Persian rule and as a key stop on the Silk Road left a rich cultural and architectural legacy, made all the more fascinating by the country’s time as an enclave of the Soviet Union.

Upon clearing immigration and customs, the representative will be waiting at the airport meeting area for your transfer to the hotel.

After a break, we’ll have a short city tour in Tashkent – a charming mish mash of austere Soviet-style buildings and classical Russian architecture, has a long history of 2,200 years and has been the capital of Uzbekistan since 1930.

We’ll start by exploring the narrow winding streets of the Old Town. This area is home to Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya Shaykh Mosque, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Library of Islamic Literature.

Under a giant dome, we’ll find a delightful slice of city life in the traditional Chor-Su Bazaar. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs, watch Uzbek bread baking and taste many national dishes in between the numerous food rows. 

In the modern part of the city we’ll visit Mustakillik Square. We’ll even take a ride on the vibrant, arty Tashkent Metro. The tour of Tashkent ends at Amir Temur Square, established on the intersection of two ancient trade roads in the heart of the city. 

Today’s Highlights: Metro, walk through Chor-Su Bazaar. 

Overnight in Tashkent

Meal(s): –

 

Day 2. Tashkent – Bukhara  

After an early breakfast, we`ll proceed to the train station for the four-hour ride to Bukhara. 

Today we’ll explore Bukhara, Central Asia’s holiest city. It is home to buildings spanning a thousand years of history, and a thoroughly lived-in and cohesive old centre that hasn’t changed much in two centuries. It is one of the best places in Central Asia for a glimpse of pre-Russian Turkestan.

We’ll visit the Ark Fortress – the residence of Bukhara khans, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Samanids Mausoleum, the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum and some beautiful madrassahs. 

At the Poi-Kalyan complex we can see the Kalyan Minaret, also known as the ‘Tower of Death’. We’ll also visit the Lyabi Hauz complex, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city containing several impressive Islamic monuments.

Today’s Highlight: Walk in the Old Town.

Overnight in Bukhara

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 3. Bukhara – Samarkand 

The City of the Dead – this is one of the sights we will see today. Located just outside Bukhara, Chor Bakr Necropolis, as it is officially known, is an unusual and mysterious burial place for the Dzhuibar sheikhs. 

We’ll also visit the Chor Minor Mosque; Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara; and the Baghautdin Nakhshbandi Mausoleum – an important Muslim shrine and pilgrimage site. 

In the afternoon, we’ll board the train for the 1.5 hour ride to Samarkand.

Today’s Highlight: Exploring the life of the last rulers of Bukhara.

Overnight in Samarkand

Meals(s): Breakfast

 

Day 4. Samarkand 

No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand, which lies at the crossroads of the silk trading route through Europe and Asia.

We’ll visit the awe-inspiring restored madrassas standing on three sides of the iconic Registan Square: Ulughbek Madrassah, Sher-Dor Madrassah and the gold-covered Tillya-Kari Madrassah.

Other highlights include the Bibi Khanym Mosque with its ocean-blue domes and exquisite carvings and the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, which contains monuments dating back between 500 to 1000 years. We’ll also visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum and the Ulughbek Observatory with its interesting underground passages.

In the evening, we’ll visit Khovrenko Winery and have degustation of wine produced there.  

Overnight in Samarkand

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 5. Samarkand – Tashkent  

We’ll continue seeing the sights of Samarkand today. There’s the ancient settlement and museum of Afrosiab, and the Tombstone of Saint Daniyar – the restored tomb of the Old Testament prophet Daniyar (Daniel).

At Konigil village there’s time to visit the local paper mill which offers a fantastic insight into how traditional paper is still made using old-fashioned techniques.

We’ll then catch the evening train to Tashkent.

Overnight in Tashkent

Meal(s): Breakfast

 

Day 6. Departure from Tashkent 

Sadly it’s our last day and time to say goodbye. Enjoy a final breakfast before the transfer back to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast