The Best of Uzbekistan Tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the highlights of Uzbekistan, including its renowned cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Designed as a leisurely, slow-paced journey, the tour ensures that participants can fully appreciate each destination without the pressure of rushing from one city to another, allowing for a more immersive and relaxed travel experience. The Best of Uzbekistan Tour provides travelers with comfortable and efficient transportation throughout the journey, including high-speed train transfers from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Samarkand to Bukhara, followed by a scenic bus journey from Bukhara to Khiva, traversing the expansive Kyzyl Kum Desert.
Day 1: Best of Uzbekistan Tour begins with arrival in Tashkent on the first day, allowing travelers to settle in and rest after their flight.
Welcome to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, one of our local team members will meet you at the airport and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free start to your journey.
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.
The sightseeing in Tashkent city:
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.
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).
The market 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).
Amir Timur Square—the centre of the modern city, is green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. The square covers the most important buildings both political and cultural. In the middle of the square is the statue of Amir Timur (known in Europe as Tamerlane) on horseback, hotel “Uzbekistan” which was built in 1974, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), Museum of Amir Timur, well-known Tashkent Clock Towers (the first tower was constructed in 1947 to house the clock mechanism from Eastern Prussia, a war trophy brought back to Tashkent by watchmaker Ayzenshteyn), and Uzbekistan Forums Palace.
Day 3: Best of Uzbekistan Tour includes travel from Tashkent to Samarkand on the high-speed Afrosiyob train, with an early morning departure arranged to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey to the historic city.
Note please: If time permits, we will have breakfast; otherwise, we will request a breakfast box from the hotel.
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.
The sightseeing in Samarkand city:
Samarkand Handmade Paper Centre— for centuries Samarkand was famous for its mulberry paper and famed for its durability and resistance to insects. Production died out in the 18th century and this UNESCO backed project in the eastern suburbs aims to revive the 2000-year-old tradition. Guests can see process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark.
The Ulugbek Observatory (Ulugh Beg Observatory), built by Amir Temur’s grandson astronomer-king Ulugbek in XV century.
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)— (optional on the interests of your private group, note: Closed on Monday)
Day 4: Samarkand. The sightseeing in Samarkand city:
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-XVII centuries. A spectacular architectural ensemble, 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.
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 5: Samarkand—Shakhrisabz—Samarkand
As part of the Best of Uzbekistan Tour, travelers will enjoy a full-day excursion to Shakhrisabz, the historic birthplace of the great conqueror Timur, offering the opportunity to explore its remarkable architectural monuments and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.
Beyond Samarkand, the road to the south, through Zarafshan Range, a Pamiri spur, towards the Takhtakaracha Pass. Along this major Silk Road branch marched the armies of the Greats, Alexander and Amir Temur, en route to India. In 1395 Amir Temur ordered a palace and garden built here, between his imperial capital and his birthplace Shakhrisabz, 90 kilometers south. The road passes through villages, resting in the shade of white acacias, Persian walnut, pine and plane trees. The peak of the pass is more than 1620 meters in elevation and in a clear day after the peak of the pass there is a spot of fine panorama of the town Kitob of Kashkadarya province.
The sightseeing in Shakhrisabz city:
Ak Saray Palace (“a white palace” in Uzbek) built in 1380-1404. Amir Temur gathered its craftsmen to his hometown to build his greatest palace, similar in structure to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque. The name Ak-Serai (White Palace) symbolizes his noble descent, not the dominant colour, for blue, green and gold patterned the vast mosaics.
Statue of Amir Temur— there are three huge statues of Temur: one is in Samarkand, one is in Tashkent and the third is in his hometown Shakhrisabz in standing position. The bronze statue weighs 20 tons and 9 meters high built after the Independence (1991).
Complex of Dor-us Siyadat (“place of sadness” in Uzbek) from XIV century. It arose on the death of his eldest and favorite son Jahangir, killed in 1375 (aged only 22). When another son, Umar Sheikh, joined Jahangir in 1394, Temur even built himself a crypt.
Dor-ut Tilavat (“place of praying” In Uzbek) from XIV-XV centuries, contains the Kok Gumbaz Mosque (1435) built by grandson of Temur Mirzo Ulugbek, the mausoleum constructed by Amir Temur in 1373-1374 for Sheikh Shamseddin Kulyal, a Sufic leader and spiritual advisor of Temur’s father , Taraghay.
Day 6: Best of Uzbekistan Tour provides that, after breakfast, travelers will journey from Samarkand to Bukhara on the high-speed Afrosiyob train.
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: (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.
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).
Statue of Hodja Nasruddin— the homespun philosopher and humourist on his donkey. Elsewhere in the world he is generally accepted as Turkish, but Uzbeks claim he was born in Bukhara and is one of their own.
Day 7: Bukhara: (walking tour)
Continue the tour in Bukhara.
Minorai Kalon—Minorai Kalon, or Kalyan Minaret, is a 12th-century architectural masterpiece in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, built in 1127 by Qarakhanid ruler Mohammad Arslan Khan. Standing 46 meters tall, it was used for the call to prayer and watchtower. Part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex, it survived the Mongol invasion and has been restored several times. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Bukhara’s historic and cultural legacy.
Mir Arab Madrassah— in Bukhara, built in the 16th century under Ubaydullah Khan, is a historic center of Islamic education. Funded by Sheikh Abdullah Yamani, known as Mir Arab, it features traditional Islamic architecture with domes, a central courtyard, and ornate tilework. Despite Soviet restrictions, it remained active and continues to function as a religious school today. Located opposite the Kalyan Mosque, it is part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex and symbolizes Bukhara’s enduring spiritual heritage.
Bolo Hauz mosque (XVIII century)— it is a functioning Friday mosque from XVIII century and consists of reservoir, mosque and minaret (from outside, since it is functioning Friday mosque).
The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)— (visit from outside) 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 8: Bukhara
On this day of the Best of Uzbekistan Tour, travelers will explore areas beyond the historic old town, gaining insight into the modern aspects of the city and experiencing its contemporary culture alongside its traditional heritage.
Chor Minor— an unusual madrassah in Bukhara. The name means “Four Minarets”. Each tower has a different decoration.
Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (IX-X centuries)— the oldest, best preserved and most breathtakingly original building in Bukhara.
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.
Day 9: Bukhara—Khiva (450 km, takes 7 hours)
Best of Uzbekistan Tour includes a transfer to Khiva by coach, crossing the Amu Darya River—known in antiquity as the Oxus—and traversing the vast Kyzyl Kum Desert, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey toward this remarkable historical city.
Day 10: Khiva
Khiva, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Khizauv “Fort”, Kheykanik (the name of canal which run in the area), Kheykanik, Kheyvak and Khiva are some the names given to this unique city.
One of the highlights of Best of Uzbekistan Tour is the comprehensive city tour of Khiva.
Tours to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Ichan Qala Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, is an exceptional open-air museum representing the historic core of Khiva. Enclosed by ancient walls and designated as the State Historical Archaeological Museum, this 26-hectare area offers visitors an immersive journey into the past, where narrow lanes, traditional low houses, mosques, mausoleums, and madrassahs (Quran schools) create an authentic atmosphere of the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The sightseeing in Khiva (walking tour):
Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa— (1855) the largest in the city and named after one of the city’s more impressive khans. Madrassa’s 125 hujra (rooms) cells, once housing the madrssa’s students, are currently home to the atmospheric Hotel Khiva.
Kalta Minor— belong to Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa and supposed to be the world’s tallest minaret, but abandoned as too costly after the khan was murdered three years later.
Kunya Ark (“Kuhna Ark” in Uzbek)— fortified palace was built in XVII century by Arang Khan, son of Anusha khan. It was town within town, with its own defensive walls, mosques and offices, stables, arsenal and mint as well as residential areas.
Muhammad Rakhim Khan Madrassa— (1871) a museum dedicated to the khan, who was also known for his poetry, written under the name Feruz Shah.
Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum— one of the holiest sites in Khiva which commemorates the poet, wrestler and patron saint of Khiva who died here in 1325. The XIX century tomb contains some of the city’s best tile work and also the largest cupola in Khiva.
Islam Khoja Madrassa— is named after the enlightened early XX century grand vizier who built public school and modern hospital. Built in 1908, it is the last Islamic monument to be built in the city before the arrival of the soviets.
Islam Khoja Minaret— the tallest minaret in the city (Note: climbing the minaret 100.000 sum per person and it is not included to the tour price).
Juma Mosque— (1788) supported by a dense forest of 213 wooden pillars that are cleverly arranged to allow the entire congregation a view of the mihrab (niche pointing the derection to Mecca). Aptly, the mosque holds an exhibition of carved karagach (elm) wood.
Tash Hauli Palace (“Stone Palace” in Uzbek)— (1832-38) home to the court of Allah Kuli Khan (1826-42) and a highlight of the city. A secret corridor connects the fabulously decorated inner harem (Note: separate entrance) to the reception court (ishrat hauli) and law courts. The intricately carved columns are particularly fine, as are the majolica tiles in the harem’s inner courtyard.
Day 11: Khiva—Urgench transfer to the airport and fly to Tashkent
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to International airport of Urgench and fly to Tashkent
Day 12: Tashkent
Best of Uzbekistan Tour concludes with a scheduled departure to Tashkent International Airport, marking the end of this comprehensive travel experience.
