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

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

Gather in the hotel lobby to meet your guide and kick off your Tashkent sightseeing expedition. Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic Old Town, explore the architectural marvels of the Khast-Imam complex, and visit iconic landmarks such as Amir Timur Square, the Courage Monument, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and Mustaqillik (Independence) Square. Delve into the lively "Chorsu" Eastern Bazaar, renowned for its diverse array of Uzbek craftsmen's exquisite creations.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll arrange for your transfer to the train station to commence your journey from Tashkent to Samarkand on the "Afrosiab" train, which departs at 08:30 and arrives at 10:40. Upon your arrival in Samarkand, we will take you to your hotel.

Your exploration of Samarkand will commence with a visit to the iconic Registan Square, home to three magnificent madrassahs from the XIV-XVI centuries: Sherdor, Ulugbek, and Tillya Qory. Your itinerary will also include stops at the Bibi-Khanum Mosque (XV century), the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Ulugbek's observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis (XI-XVIII centuries), and the vibrant Siab Bazaar.

Following your morning meal at the hotel, which lasts until 09:00, we'll make arrangements to transport you to the train station for your journey from Samarkand to Bukhara on the "Afrosiab" train. The train departs at 10:50 and arrives at 12:15. Upon your arrival in Bukhara, we'll promptly escort you to your designated hotel.

At 14:00, your guided exploration of Bukhara will commence with a visit to the historic and architectural marvel of Lyabi-Khauz. This complex boasts Central Asia's oldest pool, dating from the XIV-XVII centuries, surrounded by medieval edifices such as the Nadira Divan-begi madrasah and khanaka, with their exquisite mosaic facades from the XV-XVI centuries. Your journey will also take you to the Kukeldash madrasah, the largest of its kind in Bukhara, dating back to the XV century. Later, you will explore the Poi-Kalyan Complex, which showcases the renowned Kalyan minaret from the XII century, the Kalyan Friday mosque from the XV century, and the active Miri-Arab madrasah from the XVI century.

At 09:00, please convene with your guide in the hotel lobby to continue your Bukhara sightseeing expedition. You'll delve into the rich history of the region, visiting notable sites such as the Samanids Mausoleum, a gem from the IX-X centuries, the Ark Citadel, a historic fortress dating back to the IV-XX centuries that once served as the oldest Emir's residence, the unique Chor-Minor featuring its four minarets, a structure from the XIX century, and the Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa Palace, which served as the Bukhara Emirs' summer retreat during the XIX-XX centuries.

Savor a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Between 09:00 and 10:00, get ready for a journey from Bukhara to Khiva, which involves crossing the Kyzyl-Kum desert, covering approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) and lasting around 7-8 hours. During your trip, you'll have the opportunity to take a short break, allowing you to stroll through the Kyzyl-Kum desert and relish the picturesque vistas along the Amudarya river.

Upon your arrival in Khiva, complete your check-in at the hotel and enjoy some leisure time to unwind.

Please gather in the hotel lobby at 09:00 to meet your guide and commence your Khiva sightseeing tour, an exploration of the marvels within Ichan Kala, a museum meticulously preserved and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour's highlights include a visit to the Kalta-Minor Minaret, a remarkable but unfinished structure dating back to 1855, characterized by its towering height of 26 meters and a base diameter of 16 meters, originally intended to become the tallest minaret in Central Asia. Additionally, you will explore Kunya-Ark, the first palace of Khiva's khans, the Pahlovan Mahmud Mausoleum from the XIV-XIX centuries, the Islam Khodja Madrassah and Minaret constructed in 1908, and the distinctive Juma Mosque, celebrated for its flat roof upheld by 218 intricately carved wooden columns, which span various centuries from the X-XIX, and renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

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