Uzbekistan Highlights - 8 Day Tour Package

Day 1: Flight to Tashkent

You fly to Tashkent with the direct flight from Uzbekistan Airways or with a stop via Istanbul, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. Arrive in Tashkent late in the evening or midnight or early morning of the next day. You meet with your guide at the airport.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stays in Tashkent.

Accommodation: Art Eco Hotel or similar.

Day 2: Tashkent, evening flight to Urgench.

Arrival in Khiva Tashkent became known as an essential trading centre on the Silk Road and after the October Revolution, it became the capital of the Soviet Republic of Turkestan. The city almost had to be rebuilt after the 1966 earthquake. In the old town, we visit the Khasti Imam complex, in which the oldest version of the Koran is kept. On the large square, we visit the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Barak Khan Madrasah and Mausoleum Kaffal Shashi and experience the hustle and bustle at the Chorsu Bazaar, which was already known in the middle Ages and was located at the intersection of the caravan processions of the Great Silk Road. In the afternoon we visit the Museum of Applied Arts. Then we take the subway to the city centre, where we walk through the modern city of Tashkent and on the way visit Independence Square with the building complex of the "grieving mother" and walk to the Amir Timur green area. With the evening flight, we fly to Urgench. From there we continue to the beautiful oasis city of Khiva.

Two overnight stays in Khiva.

Accommodation: Sulton Hotel or similar.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Flight: 1093 km, 1 hour 30 minutes; Travel distance: approx. 35 km, duration: 0.5 hours.

Sightseeing time: approx. 5 hours.

Day 3: Khiva - the world of fairy tales from 1001 nights

The breath-taking fairy-tale city of Khiva reveals the fascination of the legendary Silk Road. The old town, a UNESCO cultural heritage, was once the residence of idiosyncratic khans and is now like a living open-air museum. In the fortress city - Ichan Kala we explore the former residence of the Khan - Kuhna Ark, the unfinished minaret Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, whose wooden beam ceiling is supported by 212 wooden columns decorated with elaborate carvings. Afterwards, the tour continues to the famous 19th-century Tosh Hovli Palace and the Islam Khoja minaret, the symbol of the city. We also visit the Pakhlavon Makhmud mausoleum, the interior of which is considered a masterpiece of Khiva decor art. Today we enjoy our dinner next to the highest minaret Khiva and let us take in the magical impressions of the day. Overnight stays in Khiva. OPTION: Khorezm (Khiva is located in the Khorezm area) has been famous for its dances, music and rich history since ancient times. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of Khorezm songs, feel the beauty of brandy dances, see unusual musical instruments and dance with professional dancers, we invite you to visit the folklore show in the summer residence of the Khiva Khan "Kibla Tozabog".

Accommodation: Sulton Hotel or similar.

Meal: breakfast and dinner.

Sightseeing time: approx. 5-6 hours.

Day 4: The desert journey to Bukhara

Today we drive along the Silk Road to the next oasis town Bukhara. As we travel through the vastness of the desert landscape, our tour guide tells about the history and culture of the country as well as traditions of the 120 different ethnic groups of Uzbekistan. Have your camera ready, because photo stops are planned in unusual, picturesque locations. After arriving in Bukhara we visit the wonderful summer residence of the last ruling emir – Sitorai Mohi Khosa before we drive to the hotel.

Overnight stays in Bukhara.

Accommodation: Hafsi kabir Hotel or similar.

Meals: breakfast and dinner.

Train journey: 570km, 3h 49 min; Travel distance: approx. 10 km., duration: approx. 15 min.

Sightseeing time: approx. 3 hours.

Day 5: Bukhara - oasis town and place of pilgrimage

A highlight of your trip! Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage Site) presents itself today as a unique authentic museum. The mosques, madrasahs and minarets are lined up like narrow pearls in narrow, winding streets that are mostly traffic-free. The Poikalon complex is considered a showpiece of Islamic architecture. The Kalon minaret, built in the 12th century, which rises like a lighthouse and once served as a guide for caravans, is the symbol of Bukhara. Other highlights include the Ark Citadel (the former residence of the Emir) and the Samanid Mausoleum. The heart of Bukhara is the architectural ensemble of the Lyabi-Hauz; it consists of three large monumental buildings: the Kukeldash Madrasah in the north, the Madrasah Nadir Devan Begi in the west and the Khanaka in the east. The dinner takes place today in an old Jewish house with a Bukharian family. We experience the hospitality in Uzbek and cook the national dish Plov together with the family. The Abdurahman Susani sticker also tells us about the embroidery in books.

Accommodation: Hafsi kabir Hotel or similar.

Meals: breakfast and dinner.

Sightseeing time: 5-6 hours.

Day 6: From Bukhara to Samarkand

The next ancient city of Samarkand (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is waiting for us today! Travel directly to the hotel after breakfast. We arrive in Samarkand full of anticipation, and then under the rule of Timur, it was considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. We are impressed by the palace-like mausoleum of the ruler Timur, the Gur Emir mausoleum. Today we enjoy the highlight of our trip - Registan Square with three impressively huge and artistically decorated madrasahs. Afterwards, we visit the once largest mosque in Central Asia - Bibi Khanum Mosque, which is one of the most famous sights of the city and overwhelms its visitors with its grandeur and size. After the visit, the path leads us to the colourful Siab Bazaar. All sorts of exotic, spicy smells tickle your nose. Besides, souvenirs for every taste can be found here.

Overnight stays in Samarkand.

Accommodation: B & B Emir or similar.

Meals: breakfast and dinner.

Travel distance: approx. 270 km, duration: 4.5 hours Sightseeing time: approx. 4-5 hours.

Day 7: Samarkand - "Rome of the East"

Samarkand, once one of the most glamorous stations along the Great Silk Road, a thriving cultural and commercial centre at the intersection of the caravan routes, is now a modern city that has lost none of its appeals. During a full-day city tour, we explore both the ancient and modern monuments of Samarkand today. Visit the Afrosiyob Museum, the Ulugbek Observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Complex, the remains of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the oriental Siab Bazaar, which is located right next to the mosque. The abundance of dried fruit alone is remarkable. At 6:00 p.m. we take the "Afrosiyob" express train towards Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stays in Tashkent.

Accommodation: Art Eco Hotel or similar.

Train journey: 300km, 2h 8 min. Sightseeing time: 4-5 hours.

Day 8: Tashkent, flight home Check out of the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. End of the trip.

Meals: breakfast.