Highlights of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva (SR-04)

Khush Kelibsiz - a warm welcome to Uzbekistan! We'll provide transportation to take you to your hotel in Tashkent.

Gather in the hotel lobby to meet your guide and set out on your Tashkent sightseeing journey. Explore the historic Old Town and the Khast-Imam architectural complex. Discover notable landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, the Courage Monument, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and Mustaqillik (Independence) Square. Immerse yourself in the vibrant "Chorsu" Eastern Bazaar, celebrated for its diverse array of Uzbekistan's artisans' craftsmanship.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll arrange for your transfer to the train station for your journey from Tashkent to Samarkand on the "Afrosiab" train, departing at 08:30 and arriving at 10:40. Upon your arrival in Samarkand, we'll provide transportation to take you to your designated hotel.

Your exploration of Samarkand will commence at the iconic Registan Square, which showcases three grand madrassahs dating from the XIV-XVI centuries: Sherdor, Ulugbek, and Tillya Qory. Your itinerary will also include visits to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque from the XV century, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Ulugbek's observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis spanning from the XI-XVIII centuries, and the bustling Siab Bazaar.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel until 09:00, we'll make arrangements for your transfer to the train station, where you'll embark on your journey from Samarkand to Bukhara on the "Afrosiab" train. The train departs at 10:50 and is scheduled to arrive at 12:15. Upon your arrival in Bukhara, we will take you to your designated hotel.

At 14:00, your guided tour of Bukhara will kick off with a visit to the historical and architectural complex of Lyabi-Khauz. This complex boasts Central Asia's oldest pool, dating from the XIV-XVII centuries, surrounded by medieval structures, including the Nadira Divan-begi madrasah and khanaka from the XV-XVI centuries, renowned for their stunning mosaic facades. Your journey will also encompass the Kukeldash madrasah, dating back to the XV century and recognized as the largest in Bukhara. Later, you will explore the Poi-Kalyan Complex, which features the iconic Kalyan minaret from the XII century, the Kalyan Friday mosque from the XV century, and the active Miri-Arab madrasah from the XVI century.

Please convene with your guide in the hotel lobby at 09:00 to continue your Bukhara sightseeing adventure. Explore the historical sites, including the Samanids Mausoleum from the IX-X centuries, the Ark Citadel, a historic fortress that spans from the IV-XX centuries and once served as the oldest Emir's residence, the distinctive Chor-Minor with its four minarets, constructed in the XIX century, and the Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace, which served as the Bukhara Emirs' country summer retreat during the XIX-XX centuries.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Between 09:00 and 10:00, prepare for your journey from Bukhara to Khiva, which will take you through the Kyzyl-Kum desert, covering approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) and lasting around 7-8 hours. While en route, you'll have the opportunity to take a brief break to explore the Kyzyl-Kum desert and relish the scenic views along the Amudarya river.

Once you arrive in Khiva, complete your check-in at the hotel, and then enjoy some leisure time to relax.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 09:00 to embark on a captivating Khiva sightseeing tour, as you explore the wonders of Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage designated museum. Your tour will feature highlights such as the Kalta-Minor Minaret, an extraordinary but unfinished structure with a height of 26 meters and a base diameter of 16 meters, initially conceived to become the tallest minaret in Central Asia. Your itinerary will also include visits to Kunya-Ark, the first palace of Khiva's khans dating from the XVII-XIX centuries, the Pahlovan Mahmud Mausoleum spanning the XIV-XIX centuries, the Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret built in 1908, and the unique Juma Mosque, celebrated for its flat roof upheld by 218 intricately carved wooden columns from the X-XIX centuries, renowned for their exceptional acoustics.

As your remarkable Silk Road journey concludes, we will make all the necessary arrangements for your transfer to Urgench Airport, ensuring you catch your return flight home. Alternatively, you have the option to return to Tashkent and depart for your international flight from there. Safe travels!