To the heart of Tamerlane’s empire

Arrive at Tashkent.
Meeting at the airport, hotel accommodation from 14:00. Free time without transport and excursion services.
Tashkent is the multifaceted capital of modern Uzbekistan. The architecture of Tashkent is striking in its diversity: archaeological monuments from the Zoroastrian era, which are more than 2,200 years old, architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages, monumental buildings of the late 19th century, the most beautiful metro in the world and, of course, numerous new buildings.
We recommend taking a walk around the modern part of Tashkent.

 Night at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

TourTashkent (Old City): Khast-Imam Square – the spiritual center of Tashkent, where the original unique manuscript of the Koran of Usman and the hair of the Prophet Muhammad are kept; Barak Khan Madrasah, Kafal-al-Shashi Mazar Mausoleum – some of the oldest architectural monuments of the capital; Kukeldash Madrasah – one of the largest madrasahs of the 16th century, preserved in Central Asia. Visit to the most original and ancient bazaar of Tashkent – ​​Chorsu. Here, under a huge dome, you can buy local products, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. In the Old City area, in addition to traditional oriental architecture, you can see authentic old mahallas (residential quarters) with adobe houses, narrow streets and the authentic atmosphere of Old Tashkent.
Lunch at the famous Central Asian plov center “Besh Kozon“, where 10 tons of delicious plov are cooked every day in several giant cauldrons.
Moving to Samarkand, the capital of ancient Sogdiana – Marakanda.
This is one of the oldest cities in the world and the former capital of the vast empire of Tamerlane. A museum city, the heart of the Silk Road caravan trade, Samarkand has perfectly preserved the unique aura of the Asian Middle Ages to this day.

Night at the hotel.

Excursion to Samarkand:the most the famous square of Central Asia – Registan, surrounded by three monumental madrassas – Sher-Dor, Tillya-Kari and Ulugbek madrassas; Gur-Emir mausoleum – a grandiose dynastic tomb of Tamerlane, which served as a prototype for the Humayun mausoleum in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra; the largest cathedral mosque in Central Asia, full of royalty and beauty – Bibi-Khanum; the largest market in Samarkand – Siab bazaar; an architectural ensemble of 11 medieval mausoleums – Shakhi-Zinda, the Ulugbek Observatory Museum – one of the most significant observatories of the Middle Ages, where a giant goniometer (sextant) has been preserved underground.

​​Overnight at the hotel.

07:00 Breakfast

08:00 – transfer to Gijduvan. Visit to the Narzullaev family – hereditary master ceramists. Introduction to the Gijduvan pottery school, the process of making ceramicski, firing and painting.
Lunch in the house of ceramists – tasting of the famous Gijduvan shashlik.
Moving to Bukhara – another ancient city of Uzbekistan, through which the Great Silk Road also passed. Medieval Bukhara was one of the main political, cultural and religious centers of the Middle East. More than 140 architectural monuments have been perfectly preserved here, including grand madrassas, mosques and the famous symbol of the city – the Kalyan minaret, the Ark fortress, functioning medieval baths and trading domes. The historic center of Bukhara is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Upon arrival in Bukhara – check-in at the hotel.
Bukhara tour: Lyabi-Khauz ensemble is the most famous square in Bukhara with an artificial pond, around which are located Kukeldash madrasah, Nadir Divanbegi madrasah, khanaka, the famous monument to Khoja Nasreddin and many cozy cafes. Visit to the 16th century covered bazaars trading quarter, where folk craft workshops are on display.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel
Continuation of the Bukhara tour: Samanid Mausoleum – a dynastic burial vault that combines the traditions of Sogdian and Islamic architecture; an unusual mausoleum in the shape of an oblong prism, associated with biblical legends about the wandering Job – Chashma Ayub; Bolo-Khauz complex – a monument of the monumental Registan of Bukhara, consisting of a reservoir, a minaret and a mosque decorated with 20 carved columns; the citadel of ancient Bukhara, “a city within a city” – the ancient fortress Ark; the oldest building of the ceremonial square, the central ensemble and the main symbol of Bukhara – Poi-Kalyan complex; the stunningly beautiful Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, richly decorated with intricate ornaments; strict and balanced Ulugbek Madrasah.
Excursion to out-of-town sites: summer residence of the last Bukhara emir – Sitorai Mohi Khosa Palace; “Central Asian Mecca” – a memorial complex of the famous philosopher and Sufi of the East Bakhautdin Naqshbandi.►

Night at the hotel.

Group transfer to Bukhara airport. End of the tour program