DAY 1 - Arrival to Tashkent and free day
Flight from homeland to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Arrival in Tashkent at __
Welcome by driver at Tashkent International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Free day. Check in time 14:00.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2 - Exploration of the capital
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and driver at 09:00 am
Start your tour in the city's historic heart, visiting the Khast-Imam Complex, which houses the famous Quran of Caliph Usman. Within the complex, you will see the Barak-Khan Madrasa, the Tilla-Sheykh Mosque, and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum.
New Part of the City
Afterward, explore the dynamic and modern side of Tashkent. Begin at Independence Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of Uzbekistan's sovereignty and independence. Next, pay homage to the sacrifices made during World War II at the Memorial to the World War II Victims. Continue to the Monument of Courage, commemorating the devastating 1966 earthquake.
Continue exploring the legacy of Amir Temur, the renowned Central Asian conqueror and statesman, at the Amir Temur Museum and Square. Learn about his life and achievements and admire the impressive statue that honors his enduring influence on the region.
Shopping Tour of Tashkent
Next, enjoy a shopping tour of Tashkent and explore its bustling markets and vibrant bazaars. Visit Chorsu National Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in Tashkent. Here, you will discover a treasure trove of spices, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, and a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.
The tour also includes visits to the city's metro stations, each distinct with impressive architecture, works of art, and unique designs- truly an underground museum!
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 3 - Tashkent- Urgench- Khiva
Breakfast with a breakfast box.
Meet the driver and guide in the hotel lobby two hours before departure. Transfer to Tashkent National Airport.
Departure at 07:00 for Urgench by plane, with an expected arrival at 08:30. Upon exiting the airport, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, approximately 35 minutes).
You will leave your luggage at the hotel (check-in available from 14:00) and begin the excursion in Khiva:
Ichan- Kala Fortress – an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old part of the city, surrounded by walls, has been transformed into a state historical and archaeological museum. Covering 26 hectares, Ichan-Kala preserves the exotic image of an Eastern city with around 60 historic buildings.
Kuhna Ark – a fortified citadel in the heart of Khiva, located next to the western bastions of Ichan-Kala, just north of the western gate.
Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasa (1876) – a brilliant example of architecture from its era, named after Muhammad Rahim-khan, a prominent figure of the Kungrat dynasty, which ruled Khiva from 1770.
Afternoon visits:
Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasa (1851-1854) – the largest madrasa in Khiva and Central Asia. Covering an area of 72x60 meters, it houses 125 cells (khudjra) designed for 260 students.
Kalta-Minor Minaret (1855) – a symbol of Khiva. With a 15-meter base and 29-meter height, it is only a third of its planned height but captivates visitors with its unique glazed tile decoration.
Juma Mosque (late 18th century) – a unique building without portals, domes, or courtyards. Measuring 55x46 m, its spacious interior hall is supported by 215 wooden columns.
Tash-Khovli Palace (19th century) – the summer residence of the Khans of Khiva, showcasing a synthesis of regional monumental architecture and decorative art.
Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum (1701) – featuring Khiva's only blue dome, it marks the tomb of Makhmud Pahlavan, a renowned poet and warrior of the 14th century. It is a place of prayer where visitors can drink holy water.
Islam-Khoja Minaret (20th century) – the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing 56 meters high with a 9.5-meter base diameter.
After the excursion, enjoy some free time, perfect for a stroll around the Ichan Kala fortress and some shopping.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 4 - Khiva – Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, meet the driver, guide at the hotel, and set off for Bukhara. This journey follows a section of the Great Silk Road, which once connected Khiva and Bukhara, traversing the vast and mysterious Kyzylkum Desert, known as the "Red Sands." Along the way, you will experience the beauty of the untouched desert landscape, with its endless dunes and scattered vegetation, while learning fascinating stories about the ancient caravans that passed through this route.
Take a break to enjoy the scenic views of the Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia's longest and most vital waterways, which has supported life and trade for centuries.
Arrive in Bukhara around 16:00, where the city's enchanting atmosphere immediately transports you to a bygone era of trade, culture, and spirituality.
Check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or take a leisurely stroll to soak in the city's ambiance.
Overnight at the hotel, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Optional: A short evening walk in Bukhara's old town can be arranged to get a first glimpse of the city's illuminated monuments. Meals included Breakfast
DAY 5 - Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00 meet the guide at the hotel and begin the tour of old Bukhara, visiting:
Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th century) – built as a family crypt after the death of Ismail Samani's father, symbolizing the transition from the earthly world to the eternal one.
Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (12th–16th centuries) – known as the "Spring of Saint Job," linked to the legend of Prophet Job, who brought forth water in the desert.
Bolo-Khauz Mosque (1712) – the only monument of Reghistan Square, featuring a reservoir (khauz), the Friday mosque, and a minaret. The pond is the oldest part of the complex.
Ark Fortress (4th century BC) – a symbol of state power and the ancient residence of Bukhara's Khans.
Poi Kalon Complex, including:
Kalon Minaret (1127) – a symbol of Bukhara, designed to call Muslims to prayer five times daily, still dominating the city skyline.
Kalon Mosque (15th century) – the Friday mosque, with a rectangular courtyard and a grand maksura hall on the west side.
Miri-Arab Madrasa (16th century) – one of Bukhara is finest architectural examples, known for its elegant decorations.
Afternoon visits:
Ulugbek Madrasa (1417) – the oldest of the three madrasas built by Ulugbek.
Abdulazizkhan Madrasa (1651-1652) – renowned for its luxurious decoration. The structure features a central courtyard with four ayvan and a variety of hudjra (cells) arranged around the side ayvan and domed buildings on the central axis.
Trade Domes:
Toki-Sarrafon – formerly the Central Asian currency exchange hub.
Telpak Furushon – originally a book market, later a marketplace for headgear.
Tim Abdullakhan – specialized in carpets and fabrics.
Toki-Zargaron – renowned for jewelry trading.
Magoki-Attori Mosque (12th century) – one of the oldest Islamic mosques in the region, built over a Zoroastrian temple, showcasing the evolution of urban mosque architecture.
Labi Hauz Complex (16th–17th centuries) – an ancient water supply area consisting of three monumental structures:
Kukeldash Madrasa (1568-1569) to the north,
Nodir Divan-begi Khanaka (1619-1620) and
Nodir Divan-begi Caravanserai to the west and east.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 6 - Bukhara – Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00 meet the driver and guide for the excursion to the outskirts of Bukhara, visiting:
Faysulla Khojayev National Style House-Museum – the home of a famous statesman and politician. His father was a wealthy 19th-century merchant.
Chor-Minor Madrasa (1807) – "Four Minarets". The decorative elements of the towers symbolically represent the four major world religions.
Sitorai Mohi-Khosa – the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, a unique site that combines elements of both Eastern and Russian architecture.
Bakhouddin Naqshband Mausoleum – one of the most important Muslim sanctuaries in Central Asia considered the ‘Mecca' of the region. Devotees from various Muslim countries visit to seek the fulfillment of wishes and healing.
15:00 – Transfer to Bukhara train station.
16:11 – Departure for Samarkand on the high-speed "Afrosiab" train.
18:00 – Arrival in Samarkand, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
NOTE: The Afrosiab high-speed train may be replaced with the Sharq (local train) depending on seat availability at the time of booking or in case of schedule changes that do not align with the planned itinerary.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 7 - Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, meet the driver and guide at the hotel and begin the visit to Samarkand:
Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the authentic sanctuary of Tamerlane, one of the most majestic complexes in the city. Originally, it included a khanaka and the madrasa of Muhammad Sultan, Timur's grandson, and later became the tomb of Amir Timur and his descendants.
Registan Square – the vibrant heart of Samarkand. The name "Registan" means "place of sand". The complex consists of three madrasas: Ulugbek Madrasa (15th century), Sher-Dor Madrasa (17th century), and Tillo-Kori Madrasa (17th century, famous for its golden dome).
Bibi Khanim Mosque – the largest mosque of the 15th century in Central Asia, built in honor of Tamerlane's wife.
Afternoon visits:
Siyab Bazaar – the oldest bazaar in Samarkand, a lively market where local products can be purchased.
Shakhi Zinda Necropolis – a complex of tombs decorated with shimmering blue tiles. Comprising eleven mausoleums built between the 14th and 15th centuries, Shakhi Zinda is the burial place of royalty and nobility. The main mausoleum at the start of the necropolis is attributed to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Kusama Ibn Abbas. "Shakhi Zinda" means "The Living King" in Persian.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 8 - Samarkand- Tashkent
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, meet with the driver and guide at the hotel to continue exploring:
Ulugbek Observatory – the remains of a significant astronomical achievement of medieval Uzbekistan. The base of the observatory once housed a massive sextant (vertical circle) with a radius of 40.212 meters and an arc length of 63 meters.
Mausoleum of St. Daniel – a unique place where Muslims, Christians, and Jews come together to pray. The tomb of the prophet Daniel, also known as Daniiel or Doniyar, is an important site of faith.
Afrosiab Museum – a museum that provides insight into the history and culture of ancient Samarkand, with artifacts that tell the story of the city's evolution.
In the afternoon, depart for the village of Konighil, located near Samarkand, where you can visit a paper mill that still produces handmade paper using ancient methods- a tradition that was once famous worldwide.
16:30 – Transfer to Samarkand railway station.
17:35 – Departure for Tashkent aboard the high-speed "Afrosiab" train.
20:08 – Arrival in Tashkent, meet with the driver, and transfer to a local restaurant.
Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
NOTE: The Afrosiab high-speed train may be replaced with the Sharq (local train) depending on seat availability at the time of booking or in case of schedule changes that do not align with the planned itinerary.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 9 - Tashkent – International Airport
Breakfast at the hotel or with a breakfast box. Three hours before your flight, meet your driver and the guide at the hotel for the transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
Meals included Breakfast