Pearls of Uzbekistan

Day 01: Tashkent
You are met on arrival at Tashkent International airport and later transfer to Hotel
Note: Check-in at 1400 hrs
Afternoon we start this tour with visiting Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre (outside) (1939-47), Amir Temur Square and National Library Square with musical fountains, Palace of Grand Duke Nikolay Romanov (outside) (1889-90), The Roman Catholic Church
Finally we shall never miss the beautiful metro network with interesting metro stations constructed during the last days of Soviet Union. It will be an enthralling day in exploring the historical aspect of Tashkent.
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 02: Tashkent/Bukhara ( by train – 0800/1147 )
After breakfast at hotel we transfer to the railway station for depart to Bukhara by high speed train “Afrosiab” and on arrival we proceed to Hotel for Check-in
Bukhara is a place rich in history and dramatic architecture. Its subdued desert hues and centuries-old buildings exude an exotic air of ancient culture. It is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact. The city itself is full of colorful bazaars selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
Afternoon we visit the Magoki-Attori Mosque, partially rebuilt, including the dramatic double dome and the Madrassahs of Aziz Khan. Then we explore the Ulugbek Ark Fortress, the residence cum army headquarters of the Bukharan Emirs. Enter the 4th century BC citadel through the massive fortress gates of the Ark, which enclosed the ancient city. Inside are closely built houses, courtyards, state institutions, official’s lodgings, the Emir’s lodging and throne-room, stables, storage areas, the treasury, armory, jail, workshops, the mint, and mosques. Of special notes is the Mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, a masterpiece of 10th century Moslem architecture featuring incredible Persian brickwork.
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 03: Bukhara
After breakfast at hotel we start this day with city tour of Bukhara.
Our expert guide takes us to visit some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world, starting with the popular square, Lyab-i-Khauz Plaza, built in the 16th and 17th century. The Khan's grand vizier built the beautiful pool of Lyabi-Khauz, for people to gather and listen to medda (public reciters). He flanked it with two grand buildings in his own memory: the Nadirkhon Divanbegi Madrassah and Khanako.
Visit the Poi-Kalyan Complex, the main complex in the city center, situated on the way to the trade crossing of the four bazaars. Poi-Kalyan, “the pedestal of Kalyan Minaret,” consists of four monuments: the Kalyan Mosque and Mini-Arab Madrassah, facing each other; and between them, the Kalyan Minaret (erected in 1127 and considered the symbol of the city), and the small Amir-Allimkhan Madrassah.
Afternoon visit the workshops of local craftsmen: ceramics, copper-chasing, blacksmith craft, jewellery, carpets, silk weaving, embroidery.
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 04: Bukhara/Gijduvan/Samarkand
After breakfast at hotel we drive for visiting the Summer Palace of the Bukhara Emirs which is located just outside Bukhara. This beautiful palace built at the beginning of the 20th century, is called Sitorai Mohi Khosa (“The Palace of Moon and Stars”) and combines peculiarities of Oriental architecture with European elements. Then we continue onto Samarkand with an en-route stop in G'ijduvon to visit a famous madrasa built by Ulugh Beg the Timurid Sultan, astronomer and mathematician. We also visit the tomb and memorial of the prominent philosopher Abduholik Gijduvoni, after whom the city is named. An interesting insight to the arts of Uzbekistan as we visit the famous pottery works of Alisher, who is well-known for his unique style and color – past famous visitors include Prince Charles, Lady Diana, Hillary Clinton & etc.
We arrive Samarkand in the afternoon with the evening free to stroll on your own through the lanes of this historical city.
The majestic and beautiful city of Samarkand is situated in the valley of the Zarafshan River. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and dates back to the time of Babylon and the height of the Roman Empire. In its 2,500-year history, Samarkand has witnessed upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic Conquest and Genghis-Khan.
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 05: Samarkand
After breakfast at hotel we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this fascinating city, starting with the Bibi Khanum mosque and tomb, and see the Shahi Zinda necropolis. We also tour the Afrosiab Museum, built on the site of the archeological dig at the ancient first settlement of Samarkand. Explore its amazing findings from the 4th to 13th century.
In 1404, Timur the Great ordered the construction of the Mausoleum Guri-Emir (Tomb of Emir) for one of his grandsons. The mausoleum eventually became the family crypt of the Timurids Dynasty. The majesty and lightness of its lines and shapes, and the richness of the multi-colored mosaics, make it a unique monument of Central Asian architecture, and an interesting visit.
Tamerlane’s grandson Ulug Bek was fascinated by the stars and the cosmos and built one of the most advanced observatories of the ancient world. The observations, which he undertook with the naked eye only, predated the telescope by over 150 years. We visit the Ulugbek’s Observatory.
Afternoon return to Samarkand for sightseeing the Registan Square, we see the heart of the ancient Samarkand that existed long before the Mongol invasion as a city trade and artisan square. It is located at the intersection point of six roads that ran from each of the city gates. The square is adorned with majestic buildings including madrassahs, mosques and caravanserais. The three sides are formed by Madrassah Ulugbek (1420,) the highest religious institution and a kind of university of the Middle Ages; Sher Dor (1636,) which means "building with lions;" and Tilla Kari (1660), which translates to "trimmed with gold.”
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 06: Samarkand – Tashkent - 340km (4-5hr)
After breakfast at hotel we depart for Tashkent with short stops enroute and on arrival transfer to Hotel
Afternoon we start this tour with visiting the Hash Imam complex and see the monuments: the Barak Khana, and the Tila Shaikh Mosque, part of which houses an important religious library. Explore the 16th century Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum. Later visit the religious centers at Kukeldash Madrassah, one of the few remaining grand architectural monuments of Tashkent, built in the second half of the 16th century. After that we also enjoy a visit to the Chorsu Market at the end of old city excursions.
Return to Hotel for overnight

Day 07: Tashkent/Departure
Start your day with delicious breakfast at hotel and then transfer to Tashkent International airport for flight to your destination
Note: Check-OUT at 12:00 noon
Assistance on departure