Discovering the best cities of Uzbekistan, the journey begins with the renowned historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which for centuries were under the rule of Amir Temur, known in Europe as Tamerlane. The most memorable aspects of this journey include the towering minarets, striking blue domes, majestic madrassahs, mosques, and mausoleums, as well as vibrant eastern markets, captivating legends, and the warm hospitality and enduring traditions of the local population.
Day 1: Tashkent arrival
Arrival in Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent on the first day, allowing travelers to settle in and rest after their flight.
Welcome to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, the driver will meet you outside of the airport with sign of your name and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free start to your journey.
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.
Day 2: Tashkent—Samarkand (by train 08:00-10:30 train time might change)
Today, you will depart early for Samarkand, as most trains from Tashkent leave in the early morning. Breakfast at the hotel is served from 7:00 a.m.; however, if you do not have sufficient time to dine at the hotel, a breakfast box can be arranged for your convenience, allowing you to take your meal with you and enjoy it on the train.
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.
Day 3: Samarkand
The sightseeing in Samarkand city
Day 4: Samarkand—Bukhara (by train 09:53-11:42. Time might change)
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station of Samarkand. Take the train to Bukhara.
Upon arrival in Bukhara, travelers will be met by the local guide and driver holding a sign with their name and will be transferred to the Old Town. Hotel check-in is available after 14:00. Guests will have lunch first and then proceed with check-in. After a short rest, the city tour of Bukhara’s Old Town will begin.
The sightseeing in Bukhara city (walking tour. All historical sites are located in close proximity to one another in old town Bukhara; therefore, the sightseeing will be conducted as a walking tour, and no transportation will be used on that day)
Day 5: Bukhara (walking tour)
Day 6: Bukhara (with transport)
Bukhara city tour outside of the old town
Day 7: Bukhara—Khiva by car
Transfer to Khiva by car crossing the river Amu Darya (in the antique called Oxus) and the desert Kizilkum.
Arrive to Khiva and check in to hotel.
Day 8: Khiva city tour
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.
The sightseeing in Ichan Qala Fort Khiva city (walking tour):
Ichan Qala Fort— is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Present day Ichan Qala is open-air museum. It represents the old part of the city, surrounded with wall and turned into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. The area of Ichan Qala is 26 hectares. The feeling in Inner Fortress transfers people into the past in a city with narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs (Quran or Koran schools).
Day 9: Khiva—Urgench transfer to the airport—Tashkent
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to international airport called Urgench.
When you reach Tashkent transfer to hotel in Tashkent (check in is 14:00)
