UZBEKISTAN: FOLLOWING THE GREAT SILK ROAD

Itinerary

• Day-1HOME COUNTRY – TASHKENT

  MEET YOUR DRIVER IN TASHKENT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  CITY TOUR
  Today we will explore the remains of old town with its Khast Imam complex, Tilla Shaikh* mosque and the 16th century Kaffal Shashi mausoleum*, part of which houses an important religious library, Mui Mubarak madrassah*, Juma Mosque* and Imam Ismail al-Bukhari Islamic Institute* where one can see the original Quran of Uthmān (VII c.). After that we also enjoy a visit to the Chorsu* market at the end of old city excursions. Later visit the religious centres at Kukeldash* madrassah, one of the few remaining grand architectural monuments of Tashkent, built in the second half of the 16th century.

  Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
  Guide: during the tour
  Vehicle: till 21:00

  OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

• Day-2TASHKENT – SAMARKAND

  TRANSFER TO THE RAILWAY STATION
  07:54 – 10:18 – the high-speed train, Afrosiyob*, moves towards Samarkand*. – subject to change*

  CITY TOUR
  We begin with visiting Registan Square* – the heart of Samarkand, a huge square in the old town centre, on which stand three majestic mediaeval universities (“madrassas”), mosque,Guri Emir* – “Tomb of the King”, the mausoleum of Asian conqueror Tamerlane and his descendants. XIV century construction is architecturally significant as the model for other world-famous buildings which were erected later, such as Taj Mahal in Agra. Continue sightseeing by visiting Afrasiab Museum. Later we continue to explore Bibi Khanum*, the royal graveyard, nowadays became as the one of the main pilgrimage centers of Central Asia.

  MASTER CLASS ON PLOV COOKING AT THE NATIONAL HOUSE

  Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
  Guide: during the tour
  Vehicle: till 21:00

  OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

• Day-3SAMARKAND

  BREAKFAST

  DAY DEDICATED TO:
  Samarkand’s history of Islamic learning hadith, theology, astronomy, and philosophy. Imam Maturidi Mausoleum* and architectural complex necropolis Shah-iZinda*. Later we continue to explore Imam al Bukhari complex* and Ulughbek’s Observatory*.

  Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
  Guide: during the tour
  Vehicle: till 21:00

  OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

• Day-4SAMARKAND - BUKHARA

  BREAKFAST

  TRANSFER TO THE RAILWAY STATION
  10:28 – 12:11 – the high-speed train, Afrosiyob*, moves towards Bukhara*. – subject to change*

  CITY WALKING TOUR
  We will start our sightseeing with a visit to the Lyabi house complex, which since the Middle ages has been known as the city’s trade centre, entertainment centres, music and gastronomy. It consists of madrasah “Nodir-Divan-Begi”*, madrasah “Kukeldash”* and pond – house. Visiting the mosque “Magoki Attori”*; market domes “Taki-Zargaron* and the complex “Poi Kalyan”*, which consists of three buildings – minaret “Kalyan”*, mosque “Kalyan”*, and madrassah Miri Arab*. We continue our sightseeing tour from the main square Ark Fortress* and sights nearby, including world famous Samanids’

  Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
  Guide: during the tour
  Vehicle: for the transfers

  OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

• Day-5BUKHARA – TASHKENT

  BREAKFAST

  CITY TOUR
  After breakfast we continue our Uzbekistan trip with a drive to Gijduvan (45km, 50 min), a town famous for its ceramics school at which unique products recognizable across Uzbekistan are created. The Gijduvan ceramics school has a long history, for the skills have been passed from father to son for generations. Today Gijduvan is home to the sixth generation of potters from the Narzullayevs family, who have brought the ceramics school to worldwide fame. While visiting the pottery workshop you will have the opportunity to create your own piece of art under the guidance of an experienced potter. Visit the adjacent Gijduvan Ceramics Museum and even purchase souvenirs from the potter’s shop.

  MASTER CLASS ON BREAD BAKING

  TRANSFER TO THE RAILWAY STATION
  16:24 – 20:38 – the high-speed train, Afrosiyob*, moves towards Tashkent*. – subject to change*

  Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
  Guide: during the tour
  Vehicle: till 21:00

  OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

• Day-6TASHKENT – HOME COUNTRY

  TRANSFER TO TASHKENT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT ___
  PROCEED TO THE FLIGHT ___ AT ___

  Vehicle: for the transfers