Uzbekistan cultural tour - 10 days

Arrive at Tashkent Airport in the afternoon, where our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to go out for dinner or relax at the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Tashkent, starting with Independence Square and the History Museum. Continue to the Khast Imam Complex, which houses the world’s oldest known Quran. Next, take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its beautifully designed stations, to reach the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. Nearby, visit the 16th-century Kukaldosh Madrasa and the 15th-century Juma Mosque, both important historical landmarks.

An early flight from Tashkent takes you to Urgench (1 hour 40 minutes), followed by a 30-minute drive to Khiva. Once a key Silk Road trading hub and the capital of the Khiva Khanate, Khiva is now a well-preserved ancient city. After breakfast at the hotel, begin exploring Ichon-Qala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stops at Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa, Kalta Minor, Kuhna-Ark, Juma Mosque, Tosh-Hovli Palace, Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, and more. After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore this magical town.

After breakfast, take a full-day trip to the ancient fortresses of Karakalpakstan. Built over 2,000 years ago to defend against nomadic invasions, these fortresses are located near the Sultan Uiz Dag Mountains. Travel 100 km from Khiva to visit Toprak Qala, a 2nd-century fortress with temples and gardens. Explore the nearby Kizil Qala, possibly an army base, and Ayaz Qala, a stunning fortress complex overlooking the desert and Ayaz Lake. Enjoy lunch at the Ayaz Qala yurt camp, then visit Jonbos Qala before returning to Khiva.

Today, embark on a 6-hour (480 km) journey to Bukhara through the vast Kyzyl-Kum Desert, passing nomadic camps, shepherds' huts, and camel herds. The route follows the scenic Amu Darya River, with planned stops to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon exploring Bukhara’s bustling trading domes filled with crafts and spices, or relax with tea by the Lyabi-Hauz pool under ancient mulberry trees.

With over a hundred unique monuments, Bukhara is known as the “Bastion of Islam” and Central Asia's holiest city. Spend two days here, with the first day dedicated to sightseeing and the second featuring a half-day tour followed by a free afternoon. Highlights include Lyabi-Hauz, the Maghoki-Attar Mosque, Nadir Divanbegi Madrasa, the Kalon Ensemble with its 47-meter “Tower of Death” minaret, the operational Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, and the ancient Ark Fortress. You will also visit the Ismail Samani and Chashma Ayub Mausoleums. The evening is free to explore Bukhara at your leisure.

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Begin the day at Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer palace of the last emir, showcasing a blend of Russian and local designs. Continue to the Kasri Orifon village, stopping at the Chor-Bakr necropolis. Visit the Bakhautdin Naqshband complex, a significant Sufi pilgrimage site featuring mosques, a minaret, and the mausoleum. Return to Bukhara for a free afternoon to explore artisan shops, wander narrow streets, or enjoy a puppet show (min. 10 pax) in an old caravanserai or a medieval Hammam.

In the morning, depart from Bukhara and drive to Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a centerpiece of the Silk Road. Arrive by lunchtime and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, begin a guided tour with a visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur and his descendants. Then, proceed to Samarkand’s most iconic site, Registan Square, featuring three magnificent madrasas from the 15th to 17th centuries: Ulugbek Madrasa, Sher-Dor Madrasa, and Tilla-Kari Madrasa. End the day with a visit to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, an architectural marvel built by Timur’s wife, and explore the nearby bustling Siyob Bazaar, a hub of local culture and vibrant trade.

­ After breakfast, continue your Samarkand tour with visits to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the Afrosiab Museum, and Ulugbek’s Observatory. Begin with the stunning Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, where Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, is buried. Then, visit the Afrosiab Museum to explore Samarkand's ancient history and Ulugbek’s Observatory, a testament to Timur’s grandson's astronomical brilliance. If time permits, visit Konigil village to observe the traditional production of famous silk paper. In the late afternoon, take the train to Tashkent and settle into your hotel.

Check out from the hotel by noon and transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

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