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Former civilizations

 

Former civilizations
Starts: Tashkent
Ends: Tashkent
Best time to travel: March-April-May, September-October-November


Day 1: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva (morning flight)
Upon arrival to Tashkent, you will meet your guide and fly to Urgench to start your travelling in the ancient part of Uzbekistan. Then drive to Khiva to have a tour. Khiva is the most ancient city of Uzbekistan and it has amazing sites to see. The sightseeing will start from city monument Ichan-Qala. It is the inner part of Khiva, protected by strong walls. Ichan-Qala boasts with 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architecturally important buildings. There are centuries old palaces, sound buildings, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouse. The territory of Ichan-Qala is historical and architectural protected area since 1969. The most important monuments are Kunya -Ark fort constructed by Muhammad Arang Khan from17^th century. Others are Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, the stunning examples of old Khorezm architectural art of 1830s. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Khiva - Bukhara
Today will start early. Your adventure continues to travel in a wonderful city Bukhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan. 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 beauties. En route to Khiva, 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 endless Kyzyl Kum desert. After our arrival, enjoy free time during the tour. You will spend night in a hotel.

Day 3: Bukhara
After breakfast at the hotel, an exciting city tour will wait you. Today's first site to travel is oldest citadel, which is called Citadel Ark dating back to 4th century. Many dynasties of Bukhara Emirate used this place as a residence palace. Next will be the fine masterpiece of 9th-10th century architecture -Samanids mausoleum. Then tour will take you to the extraordinary Chashma Ayub (Spring od Job) and Bolo-Hauz mosque, also famous as a mosque of forty columns constructed for the honor of Abu-Fayud Khan, the city's governor. Further, you will have plenty of time to explore outstanding madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi under the Lyabi House Ensemble, the remarkable site of Bukhara. The authentic shopping domes will be part of the tour. In the end of the tour, you will see Poi Kalon complex consist of three constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. These are unusual examples of artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries, famous all over in Uzbekistan. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara - Samarkand
Today you will continue our travelling to another amazing city of Uzbekistan, Samarkand. It is one of the oldest cities and coeval with Babylon and Rome. Samarkand is the second biggest city in whole Uzbekistan and lies in the Zerafshan river valley. The most fantastic places of Samarkand tours are Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. First visit will be to Registan square, which attracts millions of people with its three astonishing Madrasahs. These monuments of the complex is making every visitors admire the unique beauty of these masterpieces of 15-17^th centuries. Another architectural complex is Shakhi-Zindeh, which was included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consist of the largest number of mausoleums built in 11-15^th centuries. The Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was constructed for the glory of Tamerlane's wife, following his victorious battle in India. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Samarkand - Tashkent (transfer or train)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel (or take a train) to capital city of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, 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 also the main square of the city. Then you will have a walk to Amir Timur Square through main Broadway. The old part of the city will be highlight of the day: Chorsu Bazar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex including many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The remarkalbe site of this complex is Othman Quran, the most ancient copy of Quran goes back to 8^th century. The owner this holy book was Othman Ibn Affan. He was one of the four righteous Caliphs whosucce the prophet Muhammad. He was murdered by his enemy in 8^th century. Nowadays, you can see his blood stains spread on the sheets of the book. Nirght in a hotel.

Day 6: Flight
After you wonderful tour in the heart of Central Asia, you will be transferred to airport.