Prohibited art

Itinerary title: Prohibited art
Days of tour: 9

Day 1: Tashkent
After arrival to the airport, your guide will meet you and drive to capital city of Uzbekistan. Entire day you will enjoy city tour of Tashkent. First, you will visit Independent square, founded for the glory of the victory over the fascist Germany during the World War II. It is the main square of the city. Later you will have a walk to Amir Timur Square through main Broadway, which will give an idea about city’s life. Later you will also have an opportunity to ride Tashkent subway, which started its first line in 1977. It is one of the beautiful metros in the world. Then you will find yourself in old part of the city. Visit vibrant Chorsu Bazar with its colorful fabrics and tasty dried fruits. Explore Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex covering charming madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most remarkalbe site of Hast Imam is Othman Quran, the most ancient copy of Quran goes back to 8^th century. Othman Ibn Affan, one of the four righteous Caliphs who came after the prophet Muhammad was the owner this holy book. Even nowadays, you can see his blood stains spread on the book,while he was murdered by his enemy. Check in to a hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent – Nukus
You will take morning flight to Nukus. After arrival, an exciting tour will start in Nukus, one of the famous cities of Uzbekistan. Museum of Savitsky, where the prohibited works of art is one of the main sightseeing. This museum hosts 20^th century masterpieces of avant-garde paintings of Sokolov, Komarovskiy and Amaravella group. All the banned work was gathered by the coordinator of Karakalpakstan state during 1960s. Some of the forbidden works from soviet artists he bought, some he managed to get free. During that period, he perfectly save them and finally could exhibit then in the museum in Nukus. Following the excursion, you will drive to Mizdakhan necropolis outside of the city. According to the archeological researches, it was a city during 4^th century BC and 14^th century AD. There is also 2200 years-old Zoroastrian monument called Chilpyk. Night in a hotel.

Day 3: Nukus – Ayaz Qala – Tuprak Qala – Khiva
In the morning, we will travel to Khiva.  It is the oldest city offering beautiful sites of the history. The development of Khiva closely related with the Khorezmshah’s State, whose capital was Urgench near Khiva. According to the historical evidence, Khiva was the most developed town along the Great Silk Road. In the 10th century resources, it was mentioned that almost all traders from East to West stopped over Khiva. From dawn to dusk the city’s door were open to caravans. On the way, you will visit remains of ancient cities: Ayaz Qala and Turpak Qala. Ayaz Qala served as a fortress during Khorezm State, was built in II century AD. According to old folklore, it was named for the honor of brave slave warrior Ayaz. Another fortress Tuprak Qala was established in I or II century AD and was kept until 6th century. The name Tuprak means clay fort, in ancient time it was a palace of Khorezmian leader. Continuous conquering and wars over centuries destroyed the forts. Arrive to Khiva and stay in a hotel.

Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara
After early breakfast in Khiva transfer to another wonderful city of Uzbekistan, Bukhara. There are more than 140 historical monuments, which make Bukhara whole museum of architecture. The city has an atmosphere of medieval ages, narrow streets, green parks and gardens. Most of the buildings located close to each other, so you will enjoy walking among architectural masterpieces of different epoch. En route, you will see the deepest river in Central Asia- Amu Darya. It starts in Tajikistan with the joint of Panj and Vakhsh Rivers and flows to Aral Sea. While you drive, you will also have an opportunity to see sand dunes of Kyzyl Kum desert. After our arrival, enjoy free time and stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara
Today enjoy the city tours of fantastic Bukhara. You will explore city starting from the oldest citadel of the city. It is called Citadel Ark, constructed during 4th century. It was a presidential palace for many dynasties of famous Bukhara Emirate.  Next is Samanids mausoleum, it is the most exceptional monument of 9th-10th century’s architecture. Then, we will go to Chashma Ayub, known as Job's well and mosque of Bolo-Hauz. Another name Bolo-Hauz is the mosque of forty columns. It was constructed as a symbol of Abu-Fayud Khan, the governor of Bukhara. Later you will find yourself in a street of magical shopping domes and visit outstanding Lyabi House Ensemble. It is the must be sightseeing of Bukhara. Here you will visit marvelous madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi. In the end of the tour, you will enjoy the unique view of the Poi Kalon complex consist of three constructions, the unusual examples of artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries. Night in a hotel.

Day 6: Bukhara
Today you will travel to outside of Bukhara to discover historical sites of Uzbekistan. Drive few kilometers to Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex. It is a memorial complex of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Because of his importance in Islamic World, this place is a pilgrim place for Muslim community from different parts of the world. Moreover, Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the spiritual advisors of Amir Timur. Nowadays, this complex represents mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, garden with pool, madrasah, and burial places of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Bakhauddin Nakshbandi himself. Next, you will visit a royal house of Bukhara Emirs - Sitora Mohi Hosa complex. Here you can see variety of architectural styles. The name of the place is symbolizing the early death of Emir’s young wife, Sitorai Mohi Hosa means “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. Then, we will visit Chor Bakr memorial complex at the Sumiton village. Style of the complex reminds the four sides of the globe and address the equality of human beings. You will spend night in a hotel.

Day 7: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
Tour continues another fascinating city Samarkand. On the way, you will have a break at Gijduvan village. It is the place where the outstanding Uzbek ceramic plates are made. The history of the Gijduvan School of ceramic goes to centuries: this valuable skill was preserved by passing from generation to generation. Nowadays, Narzullayevs family, who is the sixth generation of potters, makes Gujduvan worldly known. The main feature of the Gijduvan ceramic is its geometrical ornaments. Moreover, artist prevail blue and green colors to decorate ceramics. After amazing works of art, go on to Samarkand. Night in a hotel.

Day 8: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)
In the morning, travel to Tashkent by train or by car. Today you will explore the rest of the sightseeing in the city. The Courage Monument is a memorial complex, constructed as a symbol of the eradication of the outcomes of the Tashkent earthquake. Next on the tour is Zangi Ota memorial complex, in accordance to the local legend, Zangi-Oota was a herder and was outstanding by his inteligence and good deeds. Later you will enjoy the excusion in the State Museum of Timurid’s history. It is rich in archealogical findings like jewelry, musical instruments, weapons, various coins, paintings, documents, historical manuscripts and clothing of Timurid’s period. There are more than 3000 artefacts kept in this museum. Today’s tour will be concluded by the State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan. You can see old national clothing, hand and machine embroidery, skullcaps and national fabrics, carpets, woodcarving and many other cultural items. Stay in a hotel.

Day 9: Flight
After enjoying the breakfast. Drive to airport to carry on the tour to other countries.