Uzbekistan Tours
No doubts that Uzbekistan as a tourist destination is one of the most popular in Central Asia. It seems like obscure to visit it, but it is becoming more and more visited by lots of tourists each year. Well-preserved architecture from the Golden Age of Islam religion is what makes it so popular. The history of the country goes back to the 1 millennia BC when world-known dynasties of Sogdia, Bactria and Khorezm grew and flourished. The famous cities from the ancient times are Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakrisabz, Margilan, Karshi, Tashkent and many others.
During your tours in Uzbekistan today you can feel the atmosphere of dreamy medieval deserts, stretched with a row of camels loaded with precious goods, making over stops in busy cities. Mix of cultures and people resulted in a big variety of customs and traditions preserved nowadays that you can observe during our tours. You can learn crafts of how to make paper, silk carpets and pottery like many centuries ago by making visits workshops in towns. You can taste the most famous pilaf in Central Asian region prepared on fire with meat, rice, carrots and dried fruits. You can participate in different cultural events and enjoy different shows and master classes.
Thus, Uzbekistan is a country that must be visited if you come to Central Asia. Also, we are ready to extend your tour to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and build up a wonderful Silk Road Tour. Come and enjoy Central Asia with us!
The Heart of Great Silk Road
Itinerary title: The Heart of Great Silk Road
Days of tour: 5
Day 1: Tashkent
Today you will get acquainted with sightseeing of the capital city of Uzbekistan - a beautiful sunny city of Tashkent. A unique city with an oriental flavor, which cherishes an invaluable memory of many important events in the history of ancient Uzbekistan. It is the largest city not only in Uzbekistan, but throughout Central Asia. the name of the city comes from the Uzbek word "tosh" stone and "kent" city. The first mentions of the "Stone City" are found in chronicles dating back to the 2nd century BC. The first destination that we are going to visit is Independence square which is the main square of the country, erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then we will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between independence square and Amir Timur square. Further we will take a ride in famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. First line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran which is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th century. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to the hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand (350 km, 4 hrs drive)
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start our way to Samarkand. Over the centuries, Uzbekistan’s cities played a major role in the life of the Great Silk Road, the ancient, transcontinental thoroughfare. But, one city stands out as being "the Heart of Great Silk Road"; that city is Samarkand. A contemporary of Rome, Athens, and Babylon, this city has already celebrated its 2750th anniversary, who`s golden age occurred during the Temurid dynasty as this very city was chosen by Emir Temur, the greatest warlord and ruler of the Central Asia after Chingiz Khan, as the capital of his powerful Empire, Movarounnahr. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand that no person can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a big collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built in honor of favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his successful campaign in India. Today you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 3: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand
Today you will transfer to Urgut. It is a small village outside of Samarkand, which is popular for its noisy and colorful national bazaar. The unique atmosphere of the bazaar is created by inviting shouts of the salespeople, automobile honks, sounds of national music, smells of spices and roasted meat, fruit and vegetables of all colors. At the second part of the day we will return to Samarkand city and go to another village where you can see memorial complex of Al Bukhary. It was an Islamic scholar, who authored the hadith collection known as Sahih al-Bukhari, regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of the most authentic Hadith collections. He also wrote other books such as Al-Adab al-Mufrad. After your driver will take you to the hotel.
Day 4: Samarkand – Tashkent (350 km)
Today’s day is devoted to the city tour in Tashkent. The first place which you are going to visit is the memorial complex of Courage Monument. It was erected in honor of the elimination of the consequences of the Tashkent earthquake.On today’s tour you will also see Zangi Ota memorial complex. The last destination will be State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan, consisting of fine examples of glasses and national clothing, hand and machine embroidery, skullcaps and national fabrics, carpets and woodcarving. The night you will spend in the hotel.
Day 5: Tashkent – Flight
Today you will have a transfer to the airport and flight home. This is the end of your “The Heart of Great Silk Road” tour in Uzbekistan.