Oasis Explorer: Tashkent, Samarkand, Nuratau Mountains, and Bukhara

Commence your Oasis Explorer Tour with a warm reception in Tashkent, the vibrant capital.

Upon your arrival at Tashkent International Airport, our amiable driver will greet you and accompany you to your hotel.

Check-in begins at noon (complimentary breakfast is arranged for morning arrivals), allowing you to rest after your flight. Take this time to recharge and settle in.

With a rich history spanning over 2200 years, Tashkent beckons with captivating museums, historic sites, and lush parks waiting to be explored.

Spend the night at your hotel in Tashkent.

Commence your second day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel reception to kick start your City tour of Tashkent. The city tour encompasses the following highlights:

Excursion to the Old City: Explore the Khazret-Imam Architectural Complex, home to the world's oldest known Quran. Discover the Madrasah of Barak-Khan (16th century), Tillya-Sheykh Mosque, Juma Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (15th century).

Visit to Chorsu Bazaar: Immerse yourself in Tashkent’s most established bazaar, offering a vast array of traditional Uzbek ceramics, jewelry, handbags, garments, and more.

Ride on the Tashkent Metro: Experience the immaculate subway system, adorned with colored mosaics and ceramics depicting unique themes at each station.

Walk through Amir Timur Square: Explore the square featuring a massive statue of Tamerlane at its center.

Independence Square: Witness the poignant Mourning Mother Monument and the Eternal Flame, honoring over half a million Uzbek soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II.

Drive to the Sacred Heart Cathedral: Visit the 20th-century Roman Catholic Church, showcasing beautiful stained-glass windows and Gothic-style architecture.

Tour of the Applied Arts Museum: Explore an informative collection of Uzbekistan’s finest handicrafts housed in an ornately decorated villa. Duration of the tour: 5 hours.

In the afternoon, depart Tashkent and journey to Samarkand (330km, 4-5h). Upon arrival in Samarkand, the capital of Tamerlane's Empire, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activity:

In the evening, you have the option to visit Registan Square, where enchanting evening lighting creates a breathtaking atmosphere, captivating the hearts of travelers.

Start your private tour of Samarkand – Silk Road City. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out with your local guide and driver to visit some of the city's most famous sites:

Gur Emir, the imposing burial site of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek;

Registan Square, the commercial center of Samarkand for centuries and Samarkand’s most famous site today. The square includes three madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century) and Tilla-Kori Madrasah (17th century);

Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Tamerlane for his favorite wife;

Siab Bazaar, a multi-level complex where you can shop for souvenirs and sample sweets, fruits and Samarkand’s famous bread;

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, where you can see the remains of a 14th-15th century sextant and tour the Ulugbek Museum.

Tour Duration: 6-7 hours. Transfer to hotel and free time. Overnight in Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast

Optional Activity: Visit the Samarkand Khovrenko Winery, which is over 150 years old and today continues to produce a range of wines, brandy and vodka. The tour includes a wine museum and a special wine tasting room (App.20 USD).

In the morning breakfast at the hotel. Free time to explore the Samarkand.

Check-out at noon and depart Samarkand and transfer to yurt camp near Aydarkul lake via Nurata Complex (250km, 4h).

Along the way, stop in Nurata village to visit a local old mosque known for its holy spring waters, a bath-house and to explore the ruins of a fortress built by Alexander the Great. Founded by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, the city of Nurata bears witness to its rich history, with the remains of his fortress still proudly standing to this day. Mentioned in numerous historical texts, this area has long been recognized for its strategic significance.

Continue to the yurt camp. After arriving at the camp, you’ll have free time for camel rides (10-15min), resting or walking among the dunes.

Enjoy dinner around a campfire in the evening while a Kazakh akin (skilled improvised singer) entertains with folk songs.

Overnight in the yurt after stargazing in the endless desert sky.

Meals: breakfast, dinner.

Recommended please to visit in Samarkand for free time:

Visit to the excavation site and museum of the ancient city Afrasiab;

Tour of 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 way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves;

Excursion to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory to see firsthand how top-quality carpets are created.

Note: Although the yurt camp offers meals, it is important to note that any snacks should be acquired beforehand and brought along, as the camp is situated in a remote area devoid of shops or vending machines.

In the morning visit Aydarkul lake (5 km). Walk along the shore or go for a swim in its clear waters. Have lunch at the yurt camp before leaving for Bukhara via Navoi and Gijduvan (250km, 4h).

Along the way, stop by the Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai ruins and Sardoba, an ancient water reservoir. Gijduvan is a small town whose traditional crafts and ceramics have been sought after in Central Asia for centuries due to their quality and colorful, decorative style. Visit the ceramic museum and workshop before continuing to Bukhara.

Arrive in Bukhara, check-in to the hotel and enjoy the Old City – UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque heart of Bukhara. In the evening enjoy a national folk-show and dinner at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. Overnight in Bukhara.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Embark on your day by taking a guided walking tour to explore the captivating city of Bukhara.

Delight in a tour of the Old City, where you'll encounter its most remarkable landmarks: The Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, featuring the largest artificial reservoir from medieval times (14-17th centuries). This includes the Khanaka and Kukeldash Madrassahs (16th century) and the Nadir Divan Beghi Madrassah (16th century).

Magoki-Attori Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century).

Four Trade Domes (15-16th centuries): Toqi Zargaron, Toqi Sarrafon, Toqi Telpak Furushon, and Tim Abdulla Khan. These domes offer an opportunity to purchase carpets, jewelry, fabrics, ceramics, and other handmade souvenirs.

Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12-16th centuries), featuring the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. The ensemble includes an active madrassah, a renowned Islamic university from ancient times, and a 'Tower of Death' minaret where criminals were once executed.

Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century), two well-preserved religious schools that have stood the test of time.

The Ark Fortress (4th century), the historic center of Bukharin statehood and currently housing a small museum.

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

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

The tour spans approximately 6-7 hours, with an overnight stay in Bukhara and breakfast provided.

Optional Activity: Consider experiencing the Bozori Kord Hammam, a public bathhouse dating back to the 14th century. This well-preserved facility, still in regular use, offers a chance to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions (Approximately 25 USD).

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then have a leisurely morning at your disposal.

Check out of the hotel by noon.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Bukhara Airport, marking the conclusion of the Uzbekistan Budget Group Tour, encompassing Silk Road cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites.