Best of Uzbekistan Tour

Upon your arrival in the historic town of Samarkand, the very heart of Tamerlane's ancient empire and a vibrant crossroads of diverse cultures, you'll be transferred to your hotel, with check-in available from noon onwards.

Your Samarkand adventure kicks off with a private city tour expertly guided by a knowledgeable local guide. This immersive tour will take you to some of the city's most iconic and historically significant sites, including:

• Begin at Shakhi-Zinda, a remarkable burial complex dating back to the 11th-15th centuries. Ascend the azure-domed path and wander through more than 20 small mausoleums that flank the expansive alleyway.
• Next, visit Gur Emir, an imposing mausoleum that serves as the resting place of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek, both of whom played pivotal roles in the region's history.
• Discover the historic Registan Square, the former bustling commercial center of Samarkand, which remains the city's most renowned site. The square features three stunning madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century), and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (17th century).
• Pay a visit to the Bibi Khanum Mosque, a majestic architectural marvel commissioned by Tamerlane in honor of his beloved wife.
• Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Siab Bazaar, a multi-level complex where you can shop for souvenirs and indulge in local delights, including sweets, fruits, and the renowned Samarkand bread.

After this enriching tour, spend the night in the enchanting city of Samarkand.
Tour duration: 6 hours.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel on your Best of Uzbekistan Tour, continue the sightseeing tour of the Samarkand. This day's itinerary unfolds as follows:

• Begin your day by exploring the Ulugbek Observatory, where you'll encounter the remnants of a 15th century sextant and have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Ulugbek Museum.
• Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the excavation site and museum of the ancient city Afrasiab, where layers of civilization tell tales of times long past.
• Journey to the mausoleum of Khodja Daniyar, a revered site believed to be the resting place of the prophet Daniel, whose sacred relics were brought here by Tamerlane.
• Gain firsthand insight into the artistry of crafting top-quality carpets with a visit to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory, where you can witness the meticulous process of carpet creation.
• Venture to Konigil Village and witness the traditional method of producing Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase these unique and authentic souvenirs.

This captivating tour spans approximately 6 hours, allowing you to delve into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Samarkand. Afterward, retire for the night in the enchanting city of Samarkand.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then catch the morning train to Bukhara (280 km, 3h). Arrive in Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and transfer to your hotel in the Old City. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of Bukhara, a city that seamlessly blends the past and the present.

With your private local guide, enjoy a walking tour of the most impressive sights of Bukhara:

• Explore the Ark Fortress, a historical gem dating back to the 4th century, which served as the ancient center of Bukharan statehood and now houses a fascinating small museum.
• Be captivated by the Poi Kalyan Ensemble, a treasure trove spanning the 12th to 16th centuries. It includes the impressive Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Amir-Alimkhan Madrasah, and Miri-Arab Madrasah.
• Discover the relatively untouched yet awe-inspiring religious schools, Ulugbek Madrasah from the 15th century and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah from the 17th century.
• Explore the 16th century Four Trade Domes, which still serve as vibrant hubs for local handicrafts and unique souvenirs.
• Visit the venerable Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara, with origins dating back to the 12th century.
• Admire Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara, dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. Within this ensemble, discover some of the city's grandest madrasahs, including the Khanaka Madrasah, Kukeldash Madrasah, and Nadir Divan Beghi Madrasah, which constructed in the 16th-17th century.

Tour duration: 6 hours.
This immersive tour will leave you enchanted by Bukhara's rich history and architectural wonders. Afterward, enjoy a restful overnight stay in Bukhara.

Have breakfast and check out from the hotel by noon. Enjoy free time before continuing your tour of Bukhara to the following locations:

• Samanids Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), believed to be the most ancient brick building in Central Asia, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.
• Chor Minor ("Four Minarets") built by various estimates in the 17th and 19th centuries, whose four minarets are said to reflect the four major world religions of that period.
• Emir's Summer Residence, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century), a unique site boasting of a blend of Oriental and Russian architecture.
• Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, an ensemble dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Order "Naqshbandia"; the site includes a mausoleum, mosque, pond, and museum.
• Visit to the house-museum of Faizulla Khodjaev, a building located in the famous Bukhara neighborhood of Goziyon.

Tour duration: 5-6 hours.
Proceed to the railway station for your afternoon train journey to Tashkent, covering a distance of 580 kilometers (5-6h). Upon reaching Tashkent, we will arrange a transfer to your hotel. Rest and unwind as you settle in for an overnight stay in Tashkent.

Your exploration of Tashkent begins as your guide and driver warmly welcome you and pick you up from your hotel. Keep in mind that hotel check-out is at noon. During your private tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the following attractions:

• Excursion to the Old City, including the Khazret-Imam Architectural Complex, which holds the oldest known Quran in the world. Also on site are the Madrasah of Barak-Khan (16th century), Tillya-Sheykh Mosque, Juma Mosque and Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (16th century).
• Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s most well-established bazaar that includes a large selection of traditional Uzbek ceramics, jewelry, handbags, garments and more.
• Ride on the Tashkent Metro, where each station decorated in colored mosaics and ceramics to depict a specific theme.
• Walk through Amir Timur Square, with a massive statue of none other than Tamerlane himself at the center and Independence Square, including the moving Mourning Mother Monument and the Eternal Flame.
• Tour of the Applied Arts Museum, an informative collection of Uzbekistan’s finest handicrafts housed in an ornately decorated villa.

Tour duration: 5 hours.
Conclude your captivating city tour and proceed to Tashkent International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable journey on the Best of Uzbekistan Tour.