Silk Road Serenade

Upon your arrival in Tashkent, the enchanting capital of Uzbekistan, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel, with check-in commencing at noon.

At 10:00, your guide and driver will pick you from your hotel to commence your Tashkent city tour, encompassing the following highlights:

Excursion to the Old City, featuring the Khazret-Imam Architectural Complex, home to the world's oldest known Quran. The site also boasts the 16th-century Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya-Sheykh Mosque, Juma Mosque, and the 15th-century Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi.

Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent's venerable marketplace, offering a diverse array of traditional Uzbek ceramics, jewelry, handbags, garments, and more.

Ride on the Tashkent Metro, a pristine subway system adorned with colored mosaics and ceramics themed to each station.

Stroll through Amir Timur Square, dominated by a grand statue of Tamerlane at its center, Independence Square, housing the poignant Mourning Mother Monument and the Eternal Flame, honoring over half a million Uzbek soldiers who perished in World War II.

Drive to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a 20th-century Roman Catholic Church featuring exquisite stained-glass windows and Gothic-style architecture.

Tour the Applied Arts Museum, a repository of Uzbekistan's finest handicrafts displayed in a lavishly adorned villa.

Your memorable day concludes with an overnight stay in Tashkent.

The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours. 

Additionally, you have the option to enjoy a performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater (additional Cost- Approx. 10 USD, website: gabt.uz).

In the morning, you will be transferred to the local airport for a flight to Urgench (covering a distance of 1093 km in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). Upon arrival in Urgench, a driver will escort you to the hotel in Khiva (35 km, 45 minutes).

At 10:00, your guide will greet you at the hotel to commence a captivating walking tour of Khiva, often referred to as the "Museum Under the Open Sky." The tour includes: Kunya-Ark Fortress, the inner citadel of Ichan Kala (Ichan-Qala).

Kalta Minor Tower, originally intended to be one of Central Asia's tallest minarets.

Muhammad Amin-Khan, the largest medieval madrasah and educational institution in Khiva.

Muhammad Rahim-Khan Madrasah, an expansive complex that once ranked among the largest in Central Asia.

Juma Mosque, notable for its construction with 212 wooden columns and a 32.5-meter-high minaret.

Tash-Hauli Palace (Stone Courtyard Palace), resembling a fortress with high battlements, towers, and garrisoned gates.

Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the ancient religious center of Ichan Kala.

Minaret and madrasah of Islam Khodja, the vizier of the last khan. The complex includes a madrasah and a minaret with a top platform height of 45 meters.

The day concludes with an overnight stay in Khiva, and the total duration of the tour is approximately 6 hours.

Following breakfast, proceed to the railway station for your morning journey to Bukhara, a scenic 7-hour train ride. The train follows a path reminiscent of the Great Silk Road, crossing the desert that once connected Khiva and Bukhara. Upon arriving in Bukhara in the afternoon, your driver will be awaiting you at the station to transfer you to your hotel.

Take advantage of your leisure time to wander through the historic streets of Bukhara, where the narrow alleys evoke a vibrant scene reminiscent of "A Thousand and One Nights."

In the evening, savor a national folk show and dinner at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Commence your day with a captivating exploration of Bukhara on a guided walking tour starting at 09:00.

Delight in a tour of the Old City, visiting its most remarkable landmarks:

Samanids Mausoleum (9-10th centuries), the oldest brick building in Central Asia.

Bolo-Khauz Complex, featuring an intricately decorated 18th-century mosque, a minaret, and reservoirs that once supplied water to the entire city.

The Ark Fortress (4th century), the ancient focal point of Bukharan statehood, now housing a small museum.

Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century), well-preserved religious schools retaining their original character over the centuries.

Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12-16th centuries), comprising the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. The ensemble includes an active madrasah, one of the distinguished Islamic universities of ancient times, and a 'Tower of Death' minaret historically used for executions.

Four Trade Domes (15-16th centuries): Toqi Zargaron, Toqi Sarrafon, Toqi Telpak Furushon, and Tim Abdulla Khan. These domes house a variety of handmade souvenirs, offering an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of past travelers in acquiring carpets, jewelry, fabrics, and ceramics.

Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century), showcasing the brilliance of Bukharan architecture.

The Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, boasting the largest artificial reservoir in medieval Bukhara (14-17th centuries), featuring the Khanaka and Kukeldash Madrassahs (16th century), and the Nadir Divan Beghi Madrassah (16th century).

Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

The tour duration is approximately 6-7 hours. Additionally, you have the option to indulge in the centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam (public bathhouse) for an additional cost of approximately 25 USD.

Transfer to the train station for an afternoon journey to Samarkand covering 280 km in approximately 3 hours.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, the historic capital of Tamerlane's Empire, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening to either rest or explore the surroundings.

Overnight at the hotel in Samarkand.

During your free time in Bukhara, consider visiting the following recommended attractions: Chor Minor ("Four Minarets"), an unconventional madrasah constructed by Niyaz Kul in the 18th century, featuring four minarets symbolizing the major world religions of that era.

Emir's Summer Residence, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century), a distinctive site showcasing a fusion of Oriental and Russian architectural styles.

Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum, a meticulously crafted model house illustrating residential architecture in Bukhara.

Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, an ensemble dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Order "Naqshbandia," including a mausoleum, mosque, pond, and museum.

Optional Activity: In the evening, you have the opportunity to visit Registan Square, where the captivating evening lighting creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. This splendid Silk Road landmark holds a special place in the hearts of travelers.

After breakfast, your private city tour of Samarkand will commence at 09:00, guided by your local and professional guide. Explore the following iconic sites:

Gur Emir, the mausoleum housing the remains of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek.

Registan Square, the historical social and commercial hub of Samarkand, featuring three madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century), and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (17th century).

Siab Bazaar, a multi-level complex offering opportunities to shop for souvenirs and indulge in samples of sweets, fruits, and Samarkand's renowned bread.

Bibi Khanum Mosque, a structure commissioned by Tamerlane for his beloved wife.

Shakhi-Zinda, a burial complex spanning from the 9th to the 14th centuries. Ascend the blue-domed path and explore over 20 small mausoleums lining the broad alleyway.

Ulugbek Observatory, the remnants of a 14th-15th century sextant, accompanied by a museum detailing the astronomer's life.

The duration of the tour is approximately 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in Samarkand. Shakhi-Zinda, a burial complex built between the 9th-14th centuries. Climb the blue-domed path and explore more than 20 small mausoleums that line the broad alleyway.

Ulugbek Observatory, the remains of a 14th-15th century sextant, and its accompanying museum on the astronomer’s life

Tour duration: 6-7 hours.

Overnight in Samarkand.

After enjoying breakfast, take advantage of free time to explore the city of Samarkand. 

Check-out is at noon. 

Later in the afternoon, transfer from your hotel to the railway station to catch a train to Tashkent, with a journey duration of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival in Tashkent, a driver will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

During your free time in Samarkand, consider visiting the following recommended attractions:

Optional Activities:

The excavation site and museum of the ancient city Afrasiab.

The mausoleum of Khodja Daniyar, believed to be the tomb of the prophet Daniel, whose remains were brought here by Tamerlane.

Konigil Village to observe the traditional method of making Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves.

An excursion to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory, providing an opportunity to witness the meticulous process of creating top-quality carpets.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out by noon.

Your designated driver will then transport you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the conclusion of the Silk Road Serenade Tour.