A Travel into History
Uzbekistan tour TIH-1. Holidays in Uzbekistan with OrexCA.com

Tour code: TIH-1
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Kind of route: airway and motor coach tour
Best season: March - October 2008
Accommodation: single/double in hotels, overnight in yurts
Description:
Uzbekistan! It is very different - close and distant, hot and tender, windy and chilly, ancient and young...

Located in the center of Central Asia between the Amu Darya (Oxus) and Syr Darya (Jaxartes) Rivers, Uzbekistan has a long and interesting history and a great cultural heritage.

The fabled Silk Road wound its way from China to the Mediterranean and, all along the route, fabulous cities sprang up. Names like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have a mystical quality but, as we'll discover on this journey through the heart of Central Asia, their treasures are tangible.

This Uzbekistan holiday takes in the best sites & off-the-beaten-track places along the Great Silk Road, from modern Tashkent with its nightlife to the seemingly endless desert and ruins of old fortresses of the ancient Khorezm - the territory of present Republic of Karakalpakistan.

After visiting several historical cities you will spend a wonderful time in the Ayazkala campsite that is situated in the southern territory of Karakalpakistan at a 30 km distance from the town center of the Ellikkala district. Next door, 500 meters distant, are the fortresses of Big and Small Ayazkalas. Ayazkul Lake lies to the west of the campsite and is about a 1 km distance from it. Its length is 20 km, and in width is 3-5 km. The campsite is surrounded with sands that are convenient for organizing excursions on foot around the Ayazkala Forts, riding camels, resting in the open air under the starry skies, fishing, swimming, and boating along Ayazkul Lake as well.

The tour-package consists of a combination of historical, architectural, cultural and natural components. We also advise you to look through the variety of additions that you can add to the main tour program during your free time based upon your wishes and preferences.

Tour itinerary: Tashkent - Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Bukhara - Khiva - Ayazkala (Republic of Karakalpakistan) - Urgench - Tashkent

Day 1: Evening arrival in Tashkent - the capital of Uzbekistan. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Rest after a long flight.

Day 2: Breakfast. Transfer to Samarkand (315 km, 5 hrs) and hotel accommodation. City tour: Gur Emir Mausoleum - Tamerlan's tomb (14-15^th c.) that was built for Temur's grandson Muhammad-Sultan and the tombs of three other Temurids - sons of Temur - Miranshah and Shahruh and his grandson Ulugbek, Ruhabad Mausoleum ("House of Spirit") - the legend says that under the dome there is a box with seven hairs of Prophet Muhammad (14^th c.), Registan Square ("A sandy place") - the major square of Samarkand: Ulugbeg Madrassah - Sheikh Khodja Akhrar and poet Djami were among outstanding graduates of the Madrassah (15^th c.), Sher-Dor Madrassah ("Having tigers") (17^th c.), Tillya-Kari Madrassah ("Coated by gold") - the rich gilding on the dome, walls and mihrab surpassed all other famous buildings in Central Asia (17^th c.). The mosque named after Hazret-Hyzr - an Islamic saint and eternal wanderer. He was esteemed as giving richness and good luck in far voyages and trade (19^th c.), cathedral mosque Bibi-Khanym that was named after the oldest wife of Tamerlan (14^th c.), the architectural complex Shahi-Zinda (Alive king) - necropolis on the slope of the Afrosiab hill is connected with Kusam ibn Abbas - the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (11-15^th c). Overnight in the capital of Tamerlane's Empire.

Day 3: Breakfast. This day you will visit the Siab bazaar, taste the best Samarkand bread and fruits, excavations and museum of the ancient city of Afrosiab, mausoleum of Khodja Daniyar - the legend associates him with Koran' and Biblical prophet Daniyar (Daniel) whose remains were brought here by Tamerlane, the memorial complex of outstanding Sunni theologian Imam Mukhammad al-Bukhari (died in 870) and the biggest observatory of the 15^th c. built by Ulugbeg. Free time to spend at leisure. Overnight in one of the most ancient cities in the world.

Day 4: Breakfast. Transfer to Shakhrisabz - a unique monument of town-planning and architecture (90 km, 1.5 hrs). Shakhrisabz tour: ruins of "Ak-Saray Palace" - Tamerlane's summer residence that shocked the imagination of his contemporaries (14-15^th c.), "Jahongir Mausoleum" - the mausoleum of Tamerlane's eldest and favourite son (14^th c.), complex "Dor-ut Saodat": "Khazratiy Imam Mosque" - a multi-stage mosque with domical hall with decorated ayvans (14^th c.), "Gumbazi-Seiidan" - mausoleum of possible offspring of Temur, "Kok Gumbaz Mosque" ("Blue dome") - which was built by Ulugbek on behalf of his father Shahruh (15^th c.). Drive to Bukhara (270 km, 3.5 hrs). Late afternoon arrival in Bukhara and hotel accommodation. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 5: Breakfast. City tour: mausoleum of the Samanids - the most ancient brick building in Central Asia, a masterpiece of world architecture (9-10^th c.), mausoleum Chashma Ayub, that belongs to the esteemed "places of trace" left by saints (14^th c.). The legend says that once the bible prophet Job (Ayub) visited this place. Visit to the museums of Imam Al Bukhari and "The Museum of Water". "Bolo-Houz Mosque" - the only monument of medieval Bukhara (beg. of 20^th c.), Ark - the center of Bukhara statehood (4^th c. B.C.), silk carpet shops, complex "Poi Kalon" ("Beneath the Great"): "Kalyan Minaret" - the main symbol of sacred Bukhara that symbolized the authority and power of spiritual governors. (12^th c.), "Kalyan Mosque"- its area of 130x80 m surpasses Bibi-Khanym mosque in Samarkand, "Miri Arab Madrassah" - an active madrassah is one of the most esteemed spiritual Islamic universities (16^th c.), "Taki Zargaron" - the dome of jewelers (15-16^th cc.), "Ulugbeg Madrassah" - one of the 3 madrassahs constructed by the grandson of Tamerlane - Ulugbeg (15^th c.), "Abdulaziz-khan Madrassah" - traditional madrassah with 2 floors of hudjras and a mosque on the central axis ( mid. of 17^th c.), Tim of Abdullah-Khan madrassah (1588-1590), atlas shops, "Magoki-Attari Mosque" - the most ancient mosque of Bukhara (12^th c.) is considered a masterpiece of Bukhara architecture, "Khanaka and madrassah of Nadir Divan-Beghi" - a massive rectangular structure that was a place for the refuge and meditation of Sufis (17^th c.), "Kukeldash Madrassah" (16^th c.) - one of the biggest Bukhara madrassah, "Lyabi-Hauz" ensemble - the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara - is very popular among tourists (14-17^th cc.), "Chor Minor" ("Four minarets") is an unusual madrassah built by Caliph Niyazkul (18^th c.). One of "1000 & 1 nights" in Bukhara.

Day 6: Breakfast. Tour outside the city: Emir's Summer Residence "Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa" (19^th c.), memorial necropolises "Chor Bakr" (10^th c.), visit to the Bakhouddin Nakshbandi mausoleum (16-19^th cc.), to the sepulchers of his mother and his preceptor (14^th c.). Return to Bukhara. Free time for rest and walking through the old streets of Bukhara. Overnight in a quiet and cozy Bukhara hotel.

Day 7: Breakfast. Transfer to Khiva via the Kizil-Kum desert along the Caravan road (480 km, 8 hrs). Arrival in Khiva - the only "Museum under the open sky" in Central Asia that has been completely preserved up to the present day. Accommodation at a hotel located inside or nearby "Ichan-Qala" - the historical center of Khiva which has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Free time. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 8: Breakfast. City tour around the architectural complex Ichan-Qala" - the historical center of Khiva which has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. City tour around the architectural complex "Ichan-Qala" (12-19^th cc.): Kunya-Ark khan's castle - the inner citadel of Ichan-Qala (16-17^th cc.), Kalta Minor Tower (Short minaret) that would have become the biggest and tallest minaret in Central Asia (19^th c.), Muhammad Amin-Khan - the biggest medieval Madrassah in Khiva (1845-1855 yy.), Djuma Mosque with 220 wooden columns and a minaret 32,5 m height (10^th c.), Tash-Hauli (Stone courtyard) palace looking like a fortress with a high battlements, towers and fortified gates (19^th c.), Ak-Mosque (White Mosque) - a small quarter mosque by the gates of Palvan-Darvaza (1838-1842), necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud - the cultic center of Ichan-Qala (1810-1913 yy.), residence of Islam Khodja (1910 y.) - the vizier of the last khan. Ensemble consists of the smallest Madrassah in Khiva and a minaret whose top platform has a height of 45 m and is the highest observation point in town. Afternoon transfer to Ayazkala campsite via the Amu Daria pontoon bridge and Tuprakkala ancient fortress (2-3^rd cc). Accommodation in yurts. Walking excursion on foot around the Ayazkala 1 and Ayazkala 2 forts. Dinner around the fire with folklore concert. Resting in the open air under starry skies. Overnight in the Silk Road's traditional style.

Day 9: Breakfast. In the morning, learn how to ride camels. Excursion to Ayazkul Lake. Fishing, swimming, and boating. Lunch. Return to the yurts. Transfer to Urgench airport (80 km, 1.5 hrs) for evening flight HY 1058 to Tashkent at 21:10. Arrival to Tashkent at 23:15 and hotel accommodation. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 10: Breakfast. Transfer to Tashkent Airport for morning flight to next destination, good bye to the wonderful land, back to monotony with the intention of returning.

Group	Price for 1 person US$ Tourist class accommodation	Price for 1 person US$ Deluxe accommodation
1	1279	1641
2	789	985
3	753	949
4	644	840
5	591	793
6	582	782
7	570	777
8	566	762
9	539	734
Single supplement	149	213

Prices include:

Price does not include:

Breakfasts in the hotels; Double accommodation as per the list provided; All transfers by A/C Daewoo "Nexia" - 4 seats up to 2 pax, Ssang Young "Istana" - 11 seats or Hyundai "Starex" - up to 4 - 9 pax; Local tour guide in every city; Full board in Ayazkala yurt camp; Excursions and sightseeing tours programs; Entrance fees for the museums and monuments indicated in the main program; Camel riding around Ayazkala yurt camp; Mineral water during the transfers.

International Airfare; Insurance; Airfare for domestic flight HY Urgench - Tashkent; Lunches and dinners; Uzbekistan Tourist visa support; Uzbekistan visa consular fee; Alcoholic and soft drinks; Camera/Video fees.

Tourist class accommodation
City	Hotel
Tashkent	Uzbekistan / Poytaht
Samarkand	Malika Samarkand / Sherdor / Kamila
Bukhara	Amelia / K.Komil / Malika Bukhara
Khiva	Malika Khiva / Islambek
Ayazkala	Traditional nomad yurts

Deluxe accommodation
City	Hotel
Tashkent	Tashkent Palace
Samarkand	Samarkand Plaza
Bukhara	Bukhara Palace
Urgench*/Khiva	Khorezm Palace */ Azia Khiva
Ayazkala	Traditional nomad yurts

Additional fees:

- Uzbekistan Tourist visa support - US$ 25 per 1 pax (up to 2 weeks);
- Air ticket for a domestic flight Urgench-Tashkent - US$ 85 per 1 pax;
- Lunches and dinners - US$ 8-10 per meal;
- Escort guide during the trip (if required) - US$ 288;
- Folklore concert in every city with national dancers and singers (if required) - US$ 40 per show (up to 9 persons).

Samarkand:	- An unforgettable performance in The Theatre of Historical Costume El Merosi (we need to check in advance if this performance is available on the date of your visit) (US$ 10 p/person for groups only or upon concert availability on a certain date); - Interesting options to see the processing of, and to purchase, souvenirs: 1. Famous Silk carpet factory (visit free); 2. Small Silk Processing factory Aiesha (27 US$ for 2 persons, for groups more than 2 persons visit free).
On the way from Nurata to Bukhara:	- A visit to Vabkent minaret - one of the highest in Uzbekistan - 39 m (12th c). (free); - A visit to the creative workshop of Abdullo Narzullayev in Gizhduvan Town (free); - A visit to Rabat-i-Malik - an old caravanserai on Silk Road (12th c) (free);
Bukhara:	- Wine tasting in the charming Caravansarai Nughai (US$ 8 p/person); - Beer tasting in the beer production factory "AZIA" (US$ 10 p/person); - We offer a few options for dinner: 1. Dinner in Madarihon Madrassah with violin concert (US$ 10 p/person). 2. Nodir Divan Begim Madrassah with folklore show (US$ 17 p/person). 3. Traditional Uzbek dinner in Doston House (US$ 8 p/person) - Splendid herbal teas in Silk Road Spices tea house.
Khiva:	- Evening visit to the Eshon Rabat Yurt Camp near Khiva to visit national yurts, camel back riding, fishing, folklore concert, enjoying of the sunset in Yurt Camp, located near the village of Chinabad 11 km from Khiva (US$ 17 p/person).
Tashkent:	- Visiting to the famous Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre (US$ 5 p/person); - 1 hour tour of the Tashkent Metro - one of the most beautiful in the world (US$ 3 p/person); - Dinner in an Uzbek national house (US$ 8 p/person).

Important notes!!!
- Please note that the first and the last days of above itinerary are made-up in accordance with the flight schedule of Uzbekistan Airways (evening-arrival & morning-departure times) from the following cities: Almaty, Astana, Baku, Birmingham, Delhi, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rome and Tel-Aviv. In the case of inconvenience of the flight schedule please refer here... (early arrival or later departure will involve extra costs for accommodation and additional excursions);
- Prices in the rate grid starting from 1 pax up to 9 pax do not include Single supplement;
- We do recommend purchasing a lunch box in one of the Bukhara cafes or in a hotel to feel comfortable on the way from Bukhara to Khiva;
- In case of Deluxe accommodation option please note, that the hotel Khoresm Palace (the only 4 star hotel in Khoresm region) locates in Urgench city, 35 km from Khiva;
- Vegetarian cuisine is not wide spread in Uzbekistan. If you require vegetarian we can recommend the most appropriate places;
- Tour cost is subject to change, factoring increase in airline fare, timing, peak periods surcharges etc;
- Group rates (10 & more pax) are offered upon request.

We hope you like the program and assure you that we are absolutely open to any suggestions to increase the range of our services for the complete satisfaction of our clients and are happy to meet your special requirements.

You can alter the duration of your tour and places of visit by adding one of our extensions. Our tour operator will work closely with you or your travel agent to carefully prepare an itinerary based on your stated interests.

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