Historical Spots of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan tour HSU-1. Historical & architectural tourism in Uzbekistan with OrexCA.com

Tour code: HSU-1
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Kind of route: airway and motor coach tour
Season: year-round
Accommodation: single/double in hotels
Description: Tour around Uzbekistan - the crossroad of The Great Silk Road, a land of ancient culture and the great historical value. Many of its cities are centuries and millennia old. Tashkent, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Bukhara, Khiva. These are five of the ten main cities of the ancient yet eternally young land of Moveraunnahr ("The country between two rivers").

In ancient times these cities were a part of large state entities and were significant places of caravan trade along the Silk Road, bright spots in the development of various arts and crafts, with a high level of town-planning, science and culture. More than 4000 architectural and archaeological monuments are located on the territory of Uzbekistan, and four of them are listed in the directory of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This tour-package is specially designed for academics and intellectually-minded people interested in the rich history, grandiose architecture and colorful culture of the different nationalities living on the territory of Uzbekistan.

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

Tour itinerary: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva - Bukhara - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand - Tashkent

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

Day 2: Early breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to airport at 05:50. Departure to Urgench by flight HY1051 at 07:00. 08:40 arrival in Urgench - the administrative centre of the Khorezm region. Transfer to Khiva - the only "Museum under the open sky" in Central Asia that has been completely preserved up to the present day (35 km, 30 min). Accommodation in a hotel, located inside or nearby "Ichan-Qala" - the historical center of Khiva which has been inscribed into UNESCO World Heritage List. City tour around 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 medressa in Khiva (1845-1855), "Djuma Mosque" with 220 wooden columns and a minaret 32,5 m in height (10^th c), "Tash-Hauli" ("Stone courtyard") palace which looks like a fortress with 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 cc), residence of Islam Khodja (1910 y) - the vizier of last khan. Ensemble consists of the smallest medressa in Khiva and a minaret whose top platform has a height of 45 m and is the highest observation point in town. Free time. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 3: Breakfast. Transfer to Bukhara via the Kizil-Kum desert along Caravan road (480 km, 5-7 hrs). Arrival to Sacred Bukhara - one of the most esteemed cities of Islamic civilization. Hotel accommodation. Free time for rest and walking through the old streets of Bukhara. One of the "1000 & 1 nights" in Bukhara.

Day 4: Breakfast. City tour: mausoleum of the Samanids - the most ancient brick building in Central Asia, a masterpiece of world architecture (9-10^th c), the mausoleum of Chashma Ayub that belongs to 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 BC), silk carpet shops, complex "Poi Kalon" ("Beneath the Great"): "Kalyan Minaret" - the main symbol of sacred Bukhara that symbolized 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" - 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 grandson of Tamerlan - Ulugbeg (15^th c), "Abdulaziz-khan Madrassah" - a 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 in 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). Overnight in a quiet and cozy Bukhara hotel.

Day 5: Breakfast. Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz - a unique monument of town-planning and architecture (270 km, 3.5 hrs). Shakhrisabz tour: ruins of "Ak-Saray Palace" - Tamerlan's summer residence that shocked the imagination of his contemporaries (14-15^th c), "Jahongir Mausoleum"- mausoleum of Tamerlan's eldest and favorite son (14^th c), complex "Dor-ut Saodat": "Khazratiy Imam Mosque" - the 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") - built by Ulugbek on behalf of his father Shahruh (15^th c). The Golden Road to the historical town of Samarkand - a crossroad of the world's cultures, one of the most ancient cities in the world (90 km, 1.5 hrs). Hotel accommodation and free time. Overnight in the city that is a contemporary of ancient Rome and has a history of more than 2500-years.

Day 6: Breakfast. City tour: "Gur Emir Mausoleum" - Tamerlan's tomb (14-15^th c) that was built for Temur's grandson Muhammad-Sultan and 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 Medressa" - Sheikh Khodja Akhrar and poet Djami were among outstanding graduates of the medressa (15^th c), "Sher-Dor Medressa" ("Having tigers") (17^th c.), "Tillya-Kari Medressa" ("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), Siab bazaar. Free time to spend at leisure. Overnight in the capital of Tamerlane's Empire.

Day 7: Breakfast. On the way to Tashkent (315 km, 5 hrs) you can visit the biggest observatory of the 15^th c. built by Ulugbeg. Arrival to the capital of Uzbekistan and hotel accommodation. City tour around Tashkent: "New Tashkent Television Tower" - the highest in Central Asia and the eighth in the world - 375 m, "Memorial to the Victims of Repression" - the memorial complex and museum, "Monument of Courage" - the epicenter of Tashkent earthquake of 1966 (1976 y). Old part of the city: the architectural complex "Khazret-Imam" incl. necropolis of imam Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Kaffal Shashi who was one of the first Muslim imams and a famous divine and poet (16^th c), "Barak-khan Medressa" - built by Suyunidj-khan - the first ruler of the Uzbek dynasty of the Sheibanid's (16^th c), "Tellya Sheikh Medressa" also called "Khast Imom Mosque" where Osman Quran - the world's oldest is kept (19^th c), "Mui-Mubarak Medressa (19^th c)", "Juma Mosque" (15-19^th cc), Imam Ismail al Bukhari Islamic Institute - a two year post-medressa academy, "Hadra" square, "Kukeldash Medressa" ("Foster brother") - was built by Kukekdash - the vizier of Tashkent khans (16^th c), "Jami Mosque"- the third biggest mosque in Uzbekistan, "Chorsu" - oriental bazaar, "Friendship of the People" square, "National park", "Abdulkasim Medressa" which now is the centre for traditional arts with attractive souvenirs by local artisans (19^th c). Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 8: 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	1113	1302
2	638	780
3	615	757
4	530	672
5	500	637
6	493	623
7	481	612
8	470	608
9	448	587
Single supplement	110	182

Price include:	Price does not include:
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; Breakfast in the hotels; Entrance fees for the museums and monuments indicated in the main program; Mineral water during the transfers.	International Airfare; Airfare for internal flight HY Tashkent - Urgench; Lunches and dinners; Personal expenses for souvenirs etc.; Fees for additional services in the hotels; Alcoholic and soft drinks; Tips to local staff; Camera/Video fees.

Tourist class accommodation
City	Hotel
Tashkent	Uzbekistan / Poytaht
Khiva	Malika Khiva / Shaherezada / Isakhodja
Bukhara	Amelia / K.Komil / Malika Bukhara
Samarkand	Sherdor / Orient Star Samarkand

Deluxe accommodation
City	Hotel
Tashkent	Tashkent Palace
Urgench*/Khiva	Khorezm Palace */ Azia Khiva
Bukhara	Bukhara Palace
Samarkand	Samarkand Plaza / Panorama Grand

Additional fees:

- Uzbekistan Tourist visa support - US$ 25 per 1 pax (up to 2 weeks);
- Airticket for a domestic flight Tashkent-Urgench - US$ 70 per 1 pax;
- Lunches and dinners - US$ 8-10 per person;
- Escort guide during the trip (if required) - US$ 275;
- Folklore concert in every city with national dancers and singers (if required) - US$ 40 per show (up to 9 persons).

Khiva:	- An 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$ 20 p/person); - Khorezmian folklore concert US$ 45 per concert.
Bukhara:	- Wine tasting in the charming Caravansarai Nughai (US$ 8 p/person); - Beer tasting in the beer production factory "AZIA" (US$ 10 p/person); - A visit to an old Bozori Kord Hammam - Oriental spa (Hammam) for men and women (from US$ 3 to 15 p/person); - We offer a few options for dinner: 1. Dinner in Madarihon Medressa with violin concert (US$ 10 p/person); 2. Dinner in Nodir Divan Begim Medressa 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; - Fayzulla Hodjaev house-museum, where you can see the daily life of a Bukhara merchant at the beg.of the 20th c (US$ 2 p/person).
On the way from Bukhara to Samarkand:	- A visit to Vabkent minaret - one of the highest in Uzbekistan - 39 m (12th c) (free); - A visit to creative workshop of Abdullo Narzullayev in Gizhduvan Town (free); - A visit to Rabat-i-Malik - an old caravanserai on Silk Road (12th c) (free).
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); - There is an option to see the magical light show on "Registan" square (order should be completed beforehand) (US$ 40 for show, up to 40 persons); - Visit to an old water mill in a Samarkand suburb (US$ 15 p/person); - Interesting options to see the processing of and purchase souvenir: 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).
Tashkent:	- A visit to the famous Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre (US$ 5 p/person); - 1 hour tour of the "Tashkent Metro" - one of most beautiful in the world (US$ 3 p/person); - Dinner in 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 flight schedule of Uzbekistan Airways (evening-arrival & morning-departure times) from the following cities: Almaty, Astana, Baku, Bishkek, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kiev, Milan, Moscow, New York, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Osaka, Riga, Rome, St Petersburg, Sharjah, Tokyo and Tel-Aviv. In case of inconvenience of the flight schedule please refer here... (early arrival or later departure will involve extra costs for accommodation and additional excursions);
- We do recommend purchasing a lunch box in one of the Khiva cafes to feel comfortable on the way from Khiva to Bukhara;
- Prices in the rate grid starting from 1 pax up to 9 pax do not include Single supplement;
- *In case of Deluxe accommodation option please note, that the hotel Khorezm Palace (the only 4 star hotel in Khorezm 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;
- Prices for the tour are valid through the year 2008;
- Group rates (10 & more pax) are available 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 visits by adding one of the 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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