Cultural Treasures of the Silk Road
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Country: Uzbekistan
Route: Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Means of transport: Aeroplane, fast train, coach
Hotels: 4* Hotels
A magical journey to the legendary towns of the ancient Silk Road, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent. On this trip you will discover the impressive beauty of the Islamic architecture of the Orient. You immerse yourself in the velvet colours of Central Asia and enjoy the relaxed, enjoyable eating and drinking culture of the region. But modern life has also come to Uzbekistan, with Tashkent, an example of a modern town – our starting point for your journey into magical Uzbekistan.
Itinerary
1st day: -Tashkent – Samarkand Saturday (early check-in to the hotel)
Early arrival to Tashkent at 03:50. Your travel guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. City Palace Hotel in Tashkent.
After a short rest in the morning, you will make a tour around the capital, Tashkent. You will visit Khast Imam Square with the Barak Khan Medrasa and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. This historic complex is in the old town that consists of old clay houses which survived the earthquake of 1966. The complex was built around the grave of one of the first Koran preachers of Central Asia, who was also a famous scientist. In the large square, there is also a library with a collection of original manuscripts, among which is the world-famous Osman Koran from the 7th century. Then we will go the «Chorsu» Bazaar, which was already known in the Middle Ages and stood at the crossroads of the caravansaries of the Great Silk Road. This is one of the largest markets of Tashkent, not far from the centre of town. In the afternoon, we will wander through the modern town and on the way visit Independence Square with the building complex of the „Grieving Mother “and Alisher Navoi Opera House. We will continue walking till Amir Timur Park.
In the evening at 18:50 take a fast train ‘’Afrosiyab’’ to Samarkand. Arrival at 20:58 and check-in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Platan Hotel in Samarkand.
2nd day. Samarkand – Bukhara Sunday
Samarkand is one of the oldest towns in the world and at the same time the centre of the famous Silk Road. After breakfast start your city-tour around the city with the visit to Mausoleum of Amir Temur the Great (Tamerlane). Then visit the Registan Square with its three magnificent medrasas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. Through the Tashkent street take a walk to Bibi Khanim Mosque, once the biggest mosque in Central Asia built by Timur in the 15th century. There is a big eastern bazaar called Siyob adjacent to this mosque where you can find high quality of dry fruits, legendary breads of Samarkand and different souvenir shops. In the afternoon explore Samarkand Paper manufacturing factory where you can learn about traditional process of paper which is produced quite naturally from the fibres of the mulberry tree.
After that take a visit to Observatory of Ulughbek, the world-famous astronomer, Timur’s grandson, who built his observatory in 1428 but was only discovered in 1908. Then go to Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, a wonderful group of different mausoleums coated with majolica and mosaic tiles. In the evening depart for Bukhara in a high-speed train ‘’ Afrosiyab’’ at 20:58.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Shahristan Hotel in Bukhara.
3rd day. Bukhara Monday
We start our tour with the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani and then go to the Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum.
Visit Old Citadel Ark, the residence of all Bukharian rulers.
After we will wander around the old town where you will feel transported to the world of the stories from ‘One Thousand and One Nights’. It is hard to believe that, just like 100 years ago, teaching and learning still takes place in the mosques and madrasas, such as the Miri Arab madrasa. You will admire the «classic» architectural complex Lyabi Khauz with its trading domes and several mosques, madrasas as well as the dervish monastery Khanaka in the old town, and will understand the honorary title «noble town».
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Shahristan Hotel in Bukhara.
4th day. Bukhara – Khiva (420km) Tuesday
Trip through the desert Kyzylkum («Red Sand») and steppe to Khiva by Hyundai Grand Starex. It is approximately 6-7 hours.
Arrival in Khiva, check-in to the hotel. In the evening you can explore the city by yourselves. Two overnight stays in Khiva.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Erkin Palace Hotel in Khiva.
5th day. Khiva Wednesday
Today you visit the old town of Khiva “Ichan Kala”, which has maintained its historical, oriental character. You will stand in front of the massive wall with its four entrances to Ichan Kala and feel transported to another world: this UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE is called an open-air museum that consists of more than 30 sightseeing such as: Kunya Ark – the old residence of the Khiva Khans, the Medrasa of Mukhammad Rakhim Khan, Mausoleum of Pakhlavon Makhmud, Medrasa and Minaret of Islam Khodja, the Residence Tosh Hovli and Juma Mosque – Friday mosque, whose wooden beam ceiling is held up by 212 wooden columns decorated with artistic carvings.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Erkin Palace Hotel in Khiva.
6th day. Khiva — Tashkent – Baku Thursday
In the morning at 7:30 depart for Urgench to take a flight to Tashkent. Flight time is 9:35-10:55. The driver will take you to Tashkent International Airport. Flight to Baku at 13:40.
Have a safe flight!
Meals: Breakfast.
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Notes:
- The right is reserved to make programme changes.
- SRD TOURS PRIVATE: From two guests upwards, you can travel individually, at a date of your choice!
- Price vary. For more information, please contact us.