Uzbekistan with Khiva

Early in the morning, we will transfer to the fascinating city of Bukhara. With more than 140 architectural monuments, Bukhara is a “town museum” dating back to the middle Ages. The city consists of narrow streets, green parks and gardens, and historical and architectural monuments that belong to different epochs but are located very close to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara goes through the famous Kizilkum desert. On the way, we will enjoy the view of the Amu Darya River, the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan and flowing into the Aral Sea. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you will have free time. Overnight is at the hotel.

Today you will have a full-day city tour of this fascinating city. At first, you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara, dating back to the 4th century, named Citadel Ark, which served as a palace for several dynasties of the Bukhara Empire. Then you will see the Samanids’ mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of the 9th–10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job’s well, and Bolo-Hauz mosque, also known as the mosque of forty columns, built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you have a chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs in Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi, which is also a part of the Lyabi House Ensemble, the famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. The tour will end with a visit to the Poi Kalon complex, a unique example of the architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of three structures built in the 12th–16th centuries: the Kalon minaret, the Kalon mosque, and the Mir Arab Madrasah. Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will start our way to Samarkand. On the way, we will stop over at Gijduvan village to visit a famous private pottery workshop. The Gijduvan ceramics school has deep roots. The skills have been passed from father to son, from generation to generation. Today, Gizhduvan is home to the sixth generation of potters from the Narzullayev family, which has glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. The Gijduvan School of ceramics is distinguished by a geometric pattern. Green and blue colors prevail in the decoration of products. Afterwards, we continued driving to Bukhara. Overnight is at the hotel.

Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the cities of Babylon and Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights, such as Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum of Guri Emir and national bazaar. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand and no one can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. The architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a large collection of mausoleums dating back to the 11th–15th centuries, being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, you can walk along the local Broadway, surrounded by souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets, and workshops. Then you can visit the national bazaar, Siab, an oriental bazaar, where it is easy to find Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. Evening transfer to Tashkent is by train. Overnight is at the hotel.

Breakfast is at the hotel. Today you will visit Independence Square, which is the main square in the country and was erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. Furthermore, you can take a ride on the famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. The first line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city, which includes Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah, and the Hast Imam complex, which consists of several madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleums. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran, which is the world’s oldest Quran copy, dating back to the 8th century. The Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Late evening transfer to Tashkent airport and flight home.