Arrival in Tashkent, meet guide and driver transfer to hotel.
Free day
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: TASHKENT city tour
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and has approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city is located in the north eastern part of the republic, in the valley where the river Chirchik is located. In the North of Tashkent the snow-covered tops of Big and Small Chimgan mountain can be seen. Tashkent is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Independent States after Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev.
State Museum of Applied Art—founded in 1997, holds more than 7000 rare works of applied art created by golden hands of masters from the first half of XIX century to the present time.
Earthquake Memorial— this memorial is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26th of 1966 and is erected in the approximate spot of the earthquake epicenter.
The sightseeing in Tashkent city:Khazrati Imom Complex (XVI-XX centuries) the historical spiritual heart of the city (consists of functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from XVI-XVIII centuries—present-day serving as shopping place, Tellya Sheikh Mosque from XIX century, Muyi Moborak Library— holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world-famous Caliph Osman-Koran from the VII century and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi, the first Koran preachers of Central Asia, who was also a famous scientist).
Themarket Chorsu (“four roads” in Uzbek, the commercial heart of the city and has been for hundreds of years).
Metro riding (the only Central Asian Underground, built in 1977).
DAY 3: TASHKENT –ASTANA (BY FLIGHT)
Welcome to Kazakhstan!
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Transfer to airport for flight to ASTANA.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight.
DAY 4: ASTANA
Astana is the capital and second largest city (after Almaty) of Kazakhstan. It is located in the north central portion of Kazakhstan, within Akmola Province, though administrated separately from the province as a federal city area. It is a very modern and well-developed city. Today you will have a city tour. You will visit Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (outside). The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a symbol of friendship, unity and peace in Kazakhstan. Then we will go to National Museum – the youngest and largest museum in Central Asia. After it is Khazret Sultan Mosque – it is the second largest mosque in Central Asia. Transfer and visit to Baiterek Tower as a symbol of new capital of Kazakhstan. Then is time to walk along Green Water Boulevard. Transfer to visit to see architectural symbol of Astana EXPO-2017 Exhibition – the world’s largest spherical building with the diameter of 80 and height of 100 meters. Visit to NurSultan Mosque, it is the Central Asia’s largest mosque. Night is in a hotel.
DAY 5: ASTANA – TASHKENT (BY FLIGHT)
Breakfast at hotel and check out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to TASHKENT.
Arrival at Tashkent airport.
Transfer to hotel.
Overnight in hotel.
DAY 6: TASHKENT – OYBEK – KHUJAND
Welcome to Tajikistan!
In the morning transfer to Oybek border. Meet the group at the birder and transfer to Khujand. Today, you will embark on a fascinating city tour in Khujand, the vibrant and historic second largest city of Tajikistan. Nestled along the picturesque Syr Darya River at the gateway to the renowned Fergana Valley, Khujand boasts a rich cultural heritage and serves as the capital of Sughd province, situated in the northernmost region of Tajikistan. Your exploration will commence with a visit to the iconic Cultural Palace of Arbob, where significant historical events have unfolded including the selection of Tajikistan’s first president. Delving deeper into Khujand’s spiritual landscape, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic Central Mosque and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Panjshanbe bazar located at the heart of this dynamic city. Furthermore, your itinerary includes enriching stops at notable landmarks such as Khujand museum of archeology and fortification showcasing local artistry and history, as well as leisurely strolls through verdant city parks offering respite amidst urban surroundings.
DAY 7: KHUJAND – ISTARAVSHAN – PANJAKENT
In the morning we will drive to Penjakent via pass Shahriston (3 378 m). On the way to Panjakent you will visit Istravshan – the ancient center of trade and craft as well as one of the ancient cities in Central Asia. It is really a museum city with its history dating back to II-VI cc BC. In Persian literature the city was known as Kurukuda, In Sogdian ancient notes as Kurushkuda while modern scholars identify it with Cyruspol or Cyrus Eskhata founded in VI century BC by Cyrus the Great. We will visit Mugtepa, the fifteenth century Kuk Gumbaz Mosque and local bazaar. The city of Penjakent (“five villages”) is located in a picturesque Zeravshan river valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent of that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named “Central Asian Pompeii”. The ruins of this ancient city were found only in the last century. Today the tourists can see the remains of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshiper’s church. Night is in a hotel.
DAY 8: PANJAKENT – JARTEPPA – SAMARKAND
In the morning You will visit the Museum and the ruins of Old Panjakent and then you will go to see the local bazar. After lunch is transfer to the Uzbek border. On the way to the border you will visit the excavations of Sarazm (5500 years) and the old city with ruins V- VI B.C. This is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia (V – VIII centuries). After crossing the border, you will be taken to the Samarkand. Transfer to Samarkand. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 9: SAMARKAND city tour
Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities of the world, a contemporary of the Rome, Athens and Babylon, has a 2750-year-old history. “The Mirror of the World”, “The Garden of the Soul”, “The Jewel of Islam”, “The Precious Pearl of the Moslem World” are some the names given to this unique city. In ancient Greece, this city was known as Marakanda.
Gur-Amir mausoleum (“the tomb of the king” in Uzbek) must see sight in Samarkand from XV century the final resting place of Temir. The mausoleum was originally planned for temur’s favourite grandson, Muhammad Sultan but Samarkand was deemed a more fitting resting place.
Registan square (“sandy place” in Uzbek) from XV-XVIIcenturies. A spectacular architectural ensembles, with fantastic Islamic designs and calligraphy etched into the facades of its mosques and madrassahs.
Ulugbek Madrasah built between 1417 and 1420 is the oldest madrasa in Registan square. This construction work was carried on under Ulugbeg (the Astronomer King, the author of astronomic tables known throughout the world), Temur’s grandson, who was both an eminent ruler and scholar.
Tilya-Kori Madrasah means Gold-covered madrasa was built in XVII century in Registan square. This is the one madrasa the travelers must go inside: the golden ceiling of the mosque, to the left of the courtyard, is utterly enthralling, and it is this gilt that gives the madrasa its name.
Sher Dor Madrasah means the tiger or lion madrasa built between 1619 and 1636 by Yalangtush Biy, must be one of the most-photographed buildings in existence.
Bibi Hanim mosque XV century. The mosque was built in honour of Temur’s chief wife, Saray Mulk Khanum.
Local Siab market (“black river” in Uzbek). Travelers can find in this market spices, fresh and dry fruits and different souvenirs
The complex Shahi Zinda (“alive king” in Uzbek) from XII-XX centuries. Burial place of royal persons and nobles. One of the most spiritual places in Uzbekistan.
DAY 10: SAMARKAND
Free time to explore the city
DAY 11: SAMARKAND – BUKHARA (By train)
Take the morning train to Bukhara
Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Bumichkat “New Castle”, Al Madina as-sufriyya “Copper City”, Madinat at-tujjor “City of Traders”, Foxira “Honorable City” are some the names given to this unique city.
The sightseeing in Bukhara city (walking tour):
Labi Hauz Complex (“The edge of the pond” from Persian) constructed by Nadir Divan Begi, The Grand Vizier of Bukhara, around 1620.
Trading domes—Tok-i-Zargaron (1570, Jewellers’ Bazaar), which once cornered the local market in lapis and rubies from Badakhsan. Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, or Cap Makers’ Bazaar, which once specialized in gold-embroired skullcaps, fur hats and illustrated manuscripts, all of which had to be protected from the glare of the sun. Tak-i-Sarrafon—money changers’ dome.
Suzani embroidery centre—is an embroidery art popular in Central Asian regions. The name Suzani is translated from Persian as “needle work”. This type of art kept its position in folk domestic life up to nowadays and subdivided into several independent branches. One can find in workshop cushion covers, table runners, bed covers and so on. All the materials used for embroidery are natural and they are colored with natural dyes, which gives a bright and unforgettable look to every piece.
Poi Kalon complex (“The foot of tall” in Uzbek) from XII-XVI centuries. Consisting of mosque, madrassah and minaret, one of the great centre of trade and scholarship along the Silk Road. The beauty of the minaret amazed Genghis Khan (Temuchin or Temujin).
Bolo Hauz mosque (XVIII century)— it is a functioning Friday mosque from XVIII century and consists of reservoir, mosque and minaret.
The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)— the construction of the citadel is dated to beginning of the 1st millennium BC. During the history the fortress has been destroyed several times but has been restored again. All buildings of the citadel have been reconstructed mainly during the XVIII-XX centuries.
DAY 12: BUKHARA city tour
Naqshbandi Sufism complex— Islamic saint Bakhauddin Naqshband, the famous Asian philosopher and Sufi, the founder of a Sufi order which was later named Naqshbandi, lived in XIV century. He became patron saint and the complex is the holiest site in Bukhara. He made 32 times the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and local people consider this place as little Mecca.
The summer palace of Bukhara’s emirs— the palace was built in 1911 for the last emir, Amir Alim Khan, the building compound elements of both Russian and traditional Bukharan architecture.
Chor Minor— an unusual madrassah in Bukhara. The name means “Four Minarets”. Each tower has a different decoration.
DAY 13: BUKHARA – TASHKENT by train
Afternoon take the train to Tashkent
DAY 14: TASHKENT – AIRPORT
Breakfast at hotel and check out. Transfer to airport
