Arrival in Tashkent

Tashkent - Relish the sights of Tashkent upon arrival as transportation takes you to your hotel.

Fly Tashkent-Urgench, transfer Urgench-Khiva, sightseeing Khiva

Urgench - Transfer to Tashkent Airport Domestic Terminal, fly from Tashkent to Urgench.

Itchan Kala - Upon reaching Urgench, transfer to the ancient city of Khiva (Itchan Kala), which boasts a history spanning over two thousand years. The inner city covers 26 hectares and was constructed following the ancient Central Asian town-building traditions, forming a regular rectangle (650 by 400 meters) stretching from south to north, enclosed by brick fortification walls up to ten meters high. Ichan Kala was the site of the khan’s palace, where high officials, clergy, and wealthy merchants resided. The common people, small merchants, craftsmen, and peasants lived in Dishan Kala.

Citadel Kunya-ark - The Kunya Ark is a fortified citadel at the heart of Khiva, nestled against the western ramparts of the Ichan Kala, just north of the city’s west gate. Originally built as early as the 12th century, the core of its current layout was first constructed by Arang Khan (r. 1688-94). The Ark is the largest of Khiva’s numerous buildings.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - Pahlavan Mahmud was a local poet and philosopher renowned for his heroic strength and healing abilities. Initially, the mausoleum’s construction was modest, but soon a khanaka and mosque were added for pilgrims to pray. Later, the building was transformed into a magnificent structure with the city’s largest dome, adorned with blue tiles.

Juma Mosque - Khiva’s Juma, or Friday Mosque, is located near the center of the Ichan Kala (old city)—a fitting location as the ruling Khan’s name would have been proclaimed here during Friday prayers.

Islam Khoja Minaret - The Islam-Khodja complex is situated southeast of the main east-west street in Khiva’s Ichan-Kala (old city) and includes a madrasa and minaret. The site is named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier (and first cousin) of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli) - Located in the eastern part of Ichan-Kala, Tash-Khauli Palace, built between 1830 and 1838, exemplifies the architectural grandeur of Khorezm from that era. The palace was constructed by order of Allakuli-Khan.

Kalta Minor Minaret - The minaret is highly regarded for its unique decor and incompleteness. The Kalta-minor is a distinctive minaret entirely covered with glazed tile and majolica. It was commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, as an architectural marvel intended to rise over 70 meters. However, construction halted at a height of 29 meters, leading to its name, the Kalta-minor (or Short minaret).

Khiva-Bukhara by car or train (you choose)

Bukhara - Enjoy free time in Khiva, then take an afternoon train from Khiva to Bukhara (6 hours), or opt for a car transfer from Khiva to Bukhara (6 hours), with free time in Bukhara (your choice).

Sightseeing Bukhara, Afternoon train to Samarkand

Lyab-i-Hauz - Constructed in the 16th - 17th centuries, the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble remains one of Bukhara’s major squares. It is likely the most popular tourist attraction in Bukhara, often serving as a rest stop due to its grandeur, tranquility, and historical significance. Lyab-i Hauz is located in the southeast shakhristan near the main Bukhara trade street.

Great Minaret of the Kalon - The Kalyan Minaret is the last surviving fragment of the Kara-khanid era mosque built by Mohammad Arslan Khan in 1127, predating the Mongol conquests. Standing tall at 45.6 meters, this remarkable survivor of the city’s early days—so impressive that Genghis Khan spared it from destruction—continues to serve as the centerpiece of the city at the Po-i-Kalyan square.

Moschea Bolo-khauz - The Bolo Hauz stands opposite the Ark Fortress in a Kosh arrangement with the resistance between them. Its name means “above the pool,” referring to the octagonal hauz, or artificial pond, located directly in front of it. Begun in 1712, early in the reign of Abu’l-Faiz Khan (r. 1711-47), it is one of the last and finest of Bukhara’s major buildings before the modern era.

Ark of Bukhara - The Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, serving as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for over a millennium. The Ark is as ancient as Bukhara itself. The origins of the original fortress are shrouded in antiquity, but it was undoubtedly the focal point around which the medieval town developed.

Lyab-i-Hauz - Late afternoon transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan, 15 km away, then take a train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Samarkand - Late afternoon transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan, 15 km away, then take a train to Samarkand (subject to availability). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Sightseeing Samarkand

Gur Emir Mausoleum - Gur Emir Mausoleum – As a conqueror, few can match Tamerlane in terms of territory and legacy. Today, visitors can explore his tomb in the beautifully reconstructed Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries) and reflect on his life while admiring the world’s largest piece of jade (greenstone).

Registan - Registan became the city square when life in Afrosiab ceased. Since then, Registan has been reconstructed multiple times. Today, it is surrounded by the three madrasas: Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillokori.

Bibi Khanym Mosque - Bibi-Khanym Mosque, named after Temur’s wife and built between 1399-1404, is one of Central Asia’s most renowned architectural attractions. The mosque was erected on Timur’s orders following his conquest of Delhi. The mosque’s minaret was intended to be the tallest.

Siab Bazaar - Siab Bazaar in Samarkand remains as impressive as it was many years ago. Its abundant produce and handicrafts showcase Uzbekistan’s natural wealth and the talents and diligence of its people.

Shah-i-Zinda - Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble – (IX) located on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums. Shah E Zinda holds great significance as he was the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and closely resembled the Prophet.

Ulugh Beg Observatory - Ulugbek’s Observatory – the observatory of Timur’s grandson. Only the foundations remain, but it is truly extraordinary. Ulugbek was an astronomer, scientist, and architect. His scientific and astronomical discoveries significantly advanced knowledge in these fields. The only preserved part is a section of a huge sextant, the major astronomical instrument, with its lowest part in a deep trench (11 km).

Train Samarkand-Tashkent, Sightseeing Tashkent, Depart to final destination

Tashkent - Transfer to Samarkand train station, take an early morning train to Tashkent (subject to availability). Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver to begin sightseeing in Tashkent.

Navoi Opera Theater - Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the theater building was constructed between 1942-1947 and opened to the public to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth. Tours of this facility are conducted outside the building.

Hazrati Imam complex - One of Tashkent’s spiritual monuments is the Khazrati-Imam ensemble, commonly known as Khast-Imam. The square is located in the heart of the old city. The complex includes the Tillya Sheikh mosque, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan madrasah, and Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

Amir Temur Square - Central to the modern city, Amir Timur Square is a lush, green space with abundant flowers and fountains. In the center of the square stands a statue of Tamerlane on horseback.

State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, formerly known as the National Museum of Turkestan, was founded in 1876 and is one of Central Asia’s oldest museums. At the end of the 20th century, the building was restored and now serves as the Reception House of the MFA of Uzbekistan. Currently, tours are only conducted from outside.

Tashkent - Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your outbound flight.

• Accommodation twin rooms in high rated 3 star or Boutique hotels centrally located
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Train ticket Khiva - Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent
• Local licensed experienced Guide in each city
• All entrance tickets to Museums & Sites

• photo & video Museum charge to be paid cash at entrance $1-2/Museum
• single room supplement $20/single room/night
• flight ticket Tashkent-Urgench

Experience the essence of Central Asia! Explore the age-old cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Tashkent, located along the renowned silk route. Our urban tour guides will present you with the highlights of the country’s cultural, historical, and natural beauty. Savour the local food, interact with the indigenous people and admire the wonders of Eastern Bazaars. Our competent team including reservation staff, tour guides, and drivers are dedicated to ensuring you have a remarkable experience. They can accommodate last-minute requests for tailor-made tours. We can arrange pickups from the Kazakh-Uzbek or Tajik-Uzbek borders at a minimal additional charge. Electronic tickets for flights and trains will be forwarded to you beforehand. We guarantee satisfaction without any hidden charges or extra fees.

• check if you need a visa to enter Uzbekistan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan
• This tour is customizable at no or small charge, pls email us your desired changes.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.