Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1. Tashkent / Arrival.
You just went down from the aircraft boarding bridge and will have unique opportunity to feel cordiality and hospitality of the fertile Asian earth. We will meet you at the airport and like by magic carpet fast but with comfort will transfer you to the one of the coziest hotel of Uzbekistan's capital. This day you will see modern beauty and majesty of Tashkent- the one of the most ancient Central Asian city. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, fourth in size city of CIS and has population of 2,3 million people. In general it"s a good attempting to tell you that Tashkent divides in two parts for convenience- The
Old and New city. This names are tell by themselves – in Old city you will meet with mausoleums, madrassah and real oriental bazaar, that are monuments of days gone by, in New- you will see public gardens, parks, monuments and constructions of modern times. These two original measurements exist simultaneously, don't in the way to each other and moreover- complement each other. This feature expresses also general feature of Uzbekistan – harmonically mix of ancient traditions and modern technologies! We will start our excursion from Old City. Barakhan Madrassah is amazing monument of 16-th century, located in the “heart” of Old City at Hast-Imam square, surrounded with antique wattle and daub houses.
Now Central Asian religious Muslim board located here headed by mufti. Here is great library of the oriental manuscripts and in special room keeps world-famous the Koran of Osman, which was written in the middle of VII century and is origin of the Koran - sacred Muslim book. This ancient manuscript with primary text of the Koran, consisted of 353 oil paper pages of big size during centuries was kept in treasure houses of caliphs in Medina, Damask and Baghdad cities. At times of Amir Temur The Koran get from Baghdad to Uzbekistan and than in XIX century was in St. Petersburg, in hands of the Russian scientists, which prove it"s authenticity and again wandered via Ufa to the Central Asia, where is kept till today. Yunus Khan mausoleum (XV) is monumental building, created in XV in honor of one of the Tashkent's ruler. This construction well preserved till these days. Kafal-Al-Shashi Mazar mausoleum (XVI). Kafal-Al-Shashi Mazar was missionary preached shafiitizm. He was poet- mystic and died in 10 century AD and his sepulcher, built in 16-th century became popular place for Muslim pilgrimage. Kukeldash Madrassah (XVI), located not faraway from Chor-Su oriental bazaar and still is function madrassah, where leave and study students. From towers, located at angulars, - special people – muezzins call on for prayer (“namaz”). Than you will make excursion along “modern city”. You will visit Applied Art Museum. Independence Square – the main square of the city, located in centre of the Tashkent. Exactly here spends street festivities during national holidays! Last year design of square was decorated with grandiose ark with light bulbs, fit in floor and added air with some “cosmic” glow. From Independence square you can go for a walk (during 15 minutes) till building of the Uzbekistan State Opera and Ballet theater. Than we will go till Friendship of the Nations Square – second largest square of the city, where not infrequent holidays are spent. There is also concert hall, where give show stars not only local but also international estrade. We recommend getting to all mentioned monuments by Metro. This is the coolest type of transport at hot summer weather. “Tashkent's metro is the most beautiful!” –this phrase often you can hear not only from inhabitant but also from the guests of our capital. It's true- each metro station is unique with design. Here you can note second feature of Tashkent and Uzbekistan in general! We mean unique mix of oriental and western styles. Going from one station until another you will not see any similarity between them, but remember that photo shooting here is prohibited! Therefore, this day is fast flown by! Night spent in cozy room of hotel become good addition of oriental atmosphere.

Day 2

Day 2. Tashkent - Nukus - Mizdakhan (15 km, ~0,5 hrs.) - Nukus.
After having a breakfast at hotel you will have flight to Nukus- the capital of autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. This is the small city, located in 1255 km to the west of Tashkent and situated at the delta of Amu-Darya river. Accommodated with comfort at the hotel made in national style you will make a trip to Khodjeyli, where you will be wondered of architectural- historical Mizdakhan complex. This is city-graveyard with many tombs of different epochs and probably is the only one place, where many inconceivable differing religions, immortalized in mausoleums, laying not far one from another at the same silent earth. Made the pyramid of 7 stones you will get the hope on realizing made by you wish and will be wondered again because exactly here close to visible tripod you will found out the mystery of location the tomb of Adam! Than you will come back to Nukus and stay in hotel.

Day 3

Day 3. Nukus-Muynak-Nukus (200 km, 3,5 hrs.).
In the morning you visit famous in Central Asia Art Museum, named after its founder and first director Igor Savitskiy. You will hear his story and will see originals made by many famous Russian avant-garde paintings of the 20"s - 40"s of the XX century. This collection is the second one of such type in the world after the collection of Russian Museum in St.Petersburg, brought fame to the Nukus Museum.Besides, you will see national clothes, utensils elements, you will hear about their origin, history and purpose, characterized way of life in that region. Than you will make a trip to Muynak. Being at this village, you have in common to the inevitability of the Aral sea tragedy. After having a sight to the place of previous border of long time before extensive sea and thousand of iron frames of the real ships at graveyard of the ships. Moreover, you will note that almost solved riddle of this region exactly when should say goodbye to Karakalpakstan. Night spent in hotel will help you enjoy after all with the air of these places.

Day 4

Nukus – Khiva (180 km, 3 hrs.).
After bid farewell with Nukus, your trip will continue at the ancient Khiva. En route you will go for a walk at the labyrinths, left after the ancient Tuprak-kala, Ayaz-Kala, Kavat-Kala Khorezm settlements. Here you can see the walls once were strong, branches and niches, remains of irrigation systems and dilapidated but still impressive defensive walls of past settlements. One of them – Tuprak-kala has 2000 years and has height of 350-500 meters! On arrival to Khiva you will be accommodated in decorated in national style hotel to spend here the night.

Day 5

Khiva.
This day you are to participate in fascinating excursion along one more peer of antiquity. This museum under sky, how it is calling all over the world, has history of more than 2500 years! You will be surprised! Being inside of Ichan-Qala walls, which encircle the city as Great China Wall, you will immediately dip into one of the most interesting tales of Shakhirizada and become the one of her heroes, because time forever stopped within these walls as by magic! You will go upstairs of Islam-Hoja minaret with the 58-meters of altitude. This minaret is the symbol of Khiva-city. And from the window at his top you will see amazing panoramic of the city. Djuma mosque (10-11 c) is also unique, there are 218 carved columns located inside. Each one has unique ornament, which never repeats! Another monument - Kalta-Minor- minaret was built in 1835 and still stands hear! Go for a walk at the museum of Avesta or wildlife museum! There are many different museums of all kinds to fit any taste! These and many other wonders are better to see by your own eyes! After excursion you will have a rest in hotel.

Day 6

Khiva – Bukhara (440 km, 6-7 hrs.).
Woken up early in the morning you will have a long way to Bukhara! En route you will estimate in full volume the majesty of Kyzyl-Kum desert, still keeping the footprints of walking here caravans of the Great Silk Road. “Bukhara-I-Sharif”, “noble”, “sacred”- these are some of the many epithets with which was nicknamed this ancient city. One of the legend says that it's founder was Siyavush- the son of Iranian shah. Zoroastrians of Bukhara honored the place of his death and in Navrouz sacred holiday slaughter a rooster at the Guriyan eastern gates, where Siyavush was buried. At times of Samanid's dynasty Bukhara, being the capital, was considered as the greatest city of Islamic world! Besides, Bukhara became the centre of trade of China with western Asia and original money-changing store of all Asian nations. Exactly that way became proverbial existed in 19 century words: “he is looking alive as Bukharan moneychanger”. We will have a rest at hotel after long road, anticipating with pleasure meeting with “God's charm”- Bukhara.

Day 7

Bukhara.
First of all we will look over the Samanid's mausoleum (IX-Xc), the family burial vault of the rulers from the local dynasty, which undoubtedly is a jam of the Central Asian art of building. This wonderful monument is a symbol of new style architecture, regenerated after Arabic conquest. According to undercovered rules in the elements of the building harmonically combined pre-Islamic culture and culture of Arabic Orient. Than we will go to Chashma Ayub Mazar (XIV-XIX c) burial vault. The monuments come one after another and next we will see Poi Kalyan (XII-XVI cc) complex, which include famous Kalyan minaret (with height of 49 meters), built in 1127 and remained whole after many wars and invasions by a miracle! At one time it was look-out station and than the place of public execution. Many legends are jointed with this majestic construction! You will find out many of them from our guide. Than we will see Ulugbek's madrassah. Ulugbek was grandson of the Temur extraordinary commander and also mathematician and astronomer. And this madrassah was built in 1417 by his order. Than we will see Lyabi Hauze (XVI-XVII c) complex, included Kukeldash (1568 year) and Nodir Divan Begi (1622 year) madrassahs. Very harmonically and color situated here impressive citadel-Old Ark fortress (VI-VII c), from where the ancient Bukhara started.

Day 8

Bukhara.
Next our morning at hotel starts from breakfast, after whic h we will continue three-hour fascinating excursion in Bukhara. Than we will go out of city (not faraway, just in 15-20 minutes from city), where will visit summer residence (XIX) of Bukharan emir – Sittorai Mokhi-Hosa- “the palace of moon and stars, Bolo Hauze mosque, Bakhaadin Nakshbandi sheikh's complex, which considering as Central Asian Mecca, and Nakshbandi at his time was spiritual adviser of Amir Temur, than we will come back to Bukhara and spend the night in hotel.

Day 9

Bukhara-Shakhrisabz (300 km, 4, 5-5 hrs.).
After farewell with now well-known for you Bukhara you will make a trip to Shakhrisabz. The main period of his monumental buildings erection we can consider time of Temur and Ulugbek rulers. Here you can enjoy of the beauty of remains of huge summer palace, Kok Gumbaz mosque and Khazrati Imam architectural complex and Dorus-Ciodat, Dorut-Tilyavat architectural complexes which will make you pay attention to the prevalence of the white-blue colors at monument architecture. Night in hotel.

Day 10

Shakhrisyabz - Samarkand (150 km, 3,5 hrs).
After breakfast in hotel, you will make fascinating trip to Samarkand- the one of the most ancient and perhaps one of the most famous cities of Central Asia likelihood, you have heard about this ancient city many times! This is the main point of Great Silk Road, museum of city, preserved like Bukhara and Khiva uniqueness of the Middle Ages. However, it will give you the modern services, which together with color of local traditions will pleasantly wonder you by comfort. “Eden of the ancient Orient”, “Oriental Rome”-this puffy name were given to Samarkand by geographers and poets! And not without reason! Developed in close communications with culture of the China, India, Iran and inhabitants from other countries this city became the real treasure house of the Central Asian inhabitants!
Origin of the name of the city hasn't been determined scientifically. Oriental authors thought that “samar”-the first part of the name is the name of his founder and second word “kent”-means “settlement”, “city”, which got status of the capital of the huge empire at term of Temur's governing. Now you are to here some fascinating oriental stories! Firstly, we will go to the most entertainment square of the Central Asia – Registan square (XVII) made with wonderful architectural ensemble and located in the “heart” of Samarkand. The word “Registan” means “sandy place”. Registan appeared as centre of trade and handicraft. It is intersection of 6 roads, leading from the city gates. Square surrounded by majestic buildings from 3 sides: Ulugbek madrassah (1417-1420), Sher Dor madrassah (1619-1636), Tillya-Kory madrassah (1647-1660). In 1417 Ulugbek – grandson of the famous Amir Temur start to build madrassah here, this was named of his name. This madrassah was finished in 1420 and square became the centre of the science. Firstly about 100 of people studied at that original university of the Middle Ages. In 17-th century, two monumental buildings were built there. These are Sher Dor and Tillya- Kori. They differ with their impressive sizes and luxury decoration, although with architecture are inferior with comparison of their prototype – immortal monument of art of building-Ulugbek's madrasah. Sher Dor madrasah (“building with lions”) with image of fantastic animals of the cat family and chamois at the portal are mirror image of the Ulugbek's madrasah. It was building during almost 17 years by the order of emir Yalangtush Bakhadur –the ruler of Samarkand. After 10 years after Sher Dor building was finished in the presence of the same ruler was established Tillya-Kori madrasah, which close Registan square from the north. The name of this building means “dressed by gold” and beside its main purpose (students teaching) this building also plaid a role of mosque. The Registan haven't lost his significance of the central city square till these days. Than we certainly will visit Gur Emir mausoleum – table tomb of Temurid's dynasty, where till these days lie remains of the great Amir Temur commander. According to the legend it's prohibited to open his grave otherwise will be the war. At the first sight how could it be? But it have already had happened! The Second World War started after the scientists were occupied with excavations at this place. The next objects of our view are Rukhabad necropolis (XV), Bibi-Khanum (XV), which was build by the special order of Amir Timur by 500 workers and 95 Indian elephants; Ulugbek' s observatory (XV) , where you will see unique astronomic facility –sextant; Shokhi-Zindan architectural complex (XII-XV), where lie remains of Amir Temur' s retainers; Khazrat-Khyzra (XIX), etc.

Day 11

Samarkand.
Is it possible to enjoy of the beauty of this city in only one day? What are we waiting for? Excursion is continuing! Having especial historical value the place of interest for us is Shokhi-Zinda complex, located at southern part of Afrosiab settlement. Shokhi-Zinda (“alive king”) is necropolis, appeared at the false tomb of the Muslim sacred Kusam Ibn Abbas, who was cousin of the Mohammed prophet. After walking you will lie to have a rest in cozy room of the hotel.

Day 12

Samarkand-Tashkent (330 km, 5-6 hrs.).
Making again a trip to Tashkent you will find amazing warmth of the city atmosphere. However, have seen before, you will open this city from the other side! You can visit famous Alisher Navoi theatre of the Opera and Ballet, where each hall decorated in oriental style and that is why theatre attracts attention even of the most indifferent visitors! Besides, you can go for a walk along Amir Timur's square, look at the monument, made to the honor of this great commander and even visit his museum, which surely is a masterpiece of the modern architecture! Night in hotel.

Day 13

Tashkent-Fergana (310 km, 5 hrs).
Today you will leave to Fergana to see Fergana valley by your own eyes! In addition, you will see some amazing cities of this region en rote. You will see several the most ancient cities of the Fergana valley. Visiting Kokand with Khudoyar Khan (the last ruler) palace, you will be sure that this city was the capital of the most majestic Kokand khanate as luxurious mosaic and ornaments, dressing the palace, stupefy by riches and splendor! After seeing Modarikhan mausoleum made of white marble and bronze you will yearn for the destiny of Nadira poetess, who was executed by the order of emir of Bukhara and this mausoleum was made exactly to remember her.This city won't leave you indifferent as recently (at the end of 20- the beginning of 19) it was second city of Fergana valley for his size! The date with Fergana valley is continuing! Today you will visit Margilan, which emergence often joint with opening of Great Silk Road, about which you certainly having heard much! In 10 century this city was all-round famous with silk production and fame of it was spread to far territories to West and East. You will have an opportunity to see that unique production, visiting famous “Yodgorlik” fabric of silk production. At the beginning of 16 century, this city became famous also because exactly here was born and grow up sultan Bobur - one of great grandsons of Temur. He became the ruler of Fergana and then established the state of Great Mongols in India and became establisher of “Boburids” dynasty, which rule till the middle of the XIX century. This city will leave many pleasant memories in your soul. It was the place of having a rest of caravans and that's why still is buried in verdure! Kaftarlik (XVIII c.) architectural complex will assure you that you came here not useless. You will observe here mosque with unique wall paintings and mystery minarets. Night at hotel.

Day 14

Fergana - Tashkent (310 km, 5 hrs).
Today you will have opportunity to meet closer with Fergana valley! Let's enumerate just some of monuments, situated here: Khudoyar Khan palace (1870), Chakr mosque (1911), ancient Askient settlement (1-2 B.C.) After little excursion you will came back again to Tashkent, where will spend the night in hotel.

Day 15

Tashkent / departure.
Our trip is at an end. We tried not to miss anything important! Certainly, having more time we could find much more amazing things, though the most important things you have seen! But our hospitality Uzbekistan earth will be looking forward for your repeated visit! Welcome!

Extra Information

Inclusions -

local air fare

Exclusions -

meals, excepting breakfast in hotels

Extras -

Note:In group of 10 persons - tour leader is free of charge.

The cost tour includes:

• Accommodation at the hotels on twin/double share with breakfast;
• Excursion program with the base monuments visiting with guide;
• Entry fees to the base monuments of each city;
• The cost of Tashkent-Urgench air tickets;
• The cost of invitation letter to Uzbekistan;
• All transport services during the tour, including airport-hotel-airport transfers.


The cost tour does not include:

• International air fare;
• Visa fee;
• Early check-in and late check-out to the hotel;
• The cost of services of the accompany guide during all the tour (270 EURO/tour);
• The cost of the meals;
• Photo and video shooting at museums and monuments.


Recommended hotels for tour:

City
Hotels of 2-3*
Hotels of 3-4*

Tashkent
Raddus JSS 2*
Shodlik Palace 4*

Nukus
Jipek Joli 2*+
Jipek Joli 2*+

Khiva
Asia Khiva 3*
Khorezm Palace 4*

Bukhara
Sasha and son 2*+
Bukhara Palace 4*

Samarkand
Malika Samarkand 2*+
Afrosiab Palace 4*

Shakhrisyabz
Orient Star 3*
Orient Star 3*

Fergana
Asia Fergana 3*
Asia Fergana 3*



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