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Travel along Silk Road cities

 

Travel along Silk Road cities
About the tour: Uzbekistan is the heart of Central Asia. It has variety of things to offer. One of them is this tour going through the blue mosaic buildings of four cities and natural beauties of the country.
Starts: Tashkent
Ends: Tashkent
Best time to travel: March-April-May, September-October-November


Day 1: Tashkent - Urhench - Khiva (morning flight)
After arrival to Tashkent, you will meet your guide to start your tour and will take short flight to Urgench. Then drive to Khiva city, one of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan where many travellers visit. Khiva is the most ancient city of Uzbekistan. Here you will have a wonderful sightseeing; it will start from city monument Ichan-Qala. It is the central part of Khiva, rounded by strong walls. . There are centuries old palaces, sound buildings, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses. Ichan-Qala proud of about 60 architecturally important buildings and 400 traditional dwelling houses in its limits. The territory of Ichan-Qala was declared as a historical and architectural protected area in 1969. The most attractive sites are Kunya -Ark fort constructed by Muhammad Arang Khan in 17^th century. Others are Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, the perfect forms of old Khorezm architectural of 1830s. Overnight in a hotel.
 
Day 2: Khiva - Bukhara
After early breakfast, we will drive to city of Bukhara. Bukhara is a town museum in Uzbekistan with more than 140 historical heritages of Middle Ages that people like travelling to. Long and rich history of the town left different examples of architecture close to each other. On the way to Bukhara, you will drive through the sand dunes of Kizilkum deserts. Moreover, you will be able to see the deepest Central Asian River-Amu Darya. It is the joint of Panj and Vakhsh river Tajikistan's territory. It is also one of the tributaries of Aral Sea. After our arrival, have free time. Overnight in a hotel in Bukhara.

Day 3: Bukhara
In the morning, embark for an exciting city tour. Today's first site is oldest citadel of Bukhara, which is called Citadel Ark dating back to 4th century and famous among travellers. Dynasties of Bukhara Emirate in Uzbekistan used this place as a residence for many centuries. The fine masterpiece of 9th-10th century architecture -Samanids mausoleum will be next stop. Then tour will continue to the exciting Chashma Ayub (Spring od Job) and Bolo-Hauz mosque, also famous as a mosque of forty columns built for the glory of the city's governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Further, you explore outstanding madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi under the Lyabi House Ensemble, the remarkable site of Bukhara. The authentic shopping domes will be interesting part of the tour. Poi Kalon complex consist of three constructions will complete the tour. Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah are extraordinary forms of artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries. You will spend night in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara - Samarkand
Morning train will take you to the mysterious Samarkand. Samarkand is the second biggest city in whole Uzbekistan and lies in the Zerafshan river valley. It is one of the oldest cities, coeval with Babylon and Rome. Sightseeing will include Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque, famous place to travel. First, visit Registan square, which charms millions of people with its unique beauty. Three astonishing Madrasah buildings in Uzbekistan are the masterpieces of 15-17^th centuries. Another architectural complex is the heritage of UNESCO - Shakhi-Zindeh. It dating back to 11^th-15^th centuries. It consist of the largest assemble of mausoleums. The Bibi Khanum Mosque was constructed for the honor of Tamerlane's wife, following his victorious invasion to India. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Samarkand
After breakfast, you will go on discovering Samarkand. First will be Ulughbek observatory, this site was constructed by the 15^th century by local leader and scientist Ulughbek. While he was working in his observatory, Ulughbek created "Zidji Guragoni" catalog in 1437. In his work, he described about 1018 celestial bodies. Unluckily, his own son organized his death. After the observatory, you will explore lively part of the city. The Broadway is full of authentic workshops, teahouses, souvenir shops and sweets. Later you can visit oriental bazaar Siab, where you can buy Uzbek traditional crafts. The high spot of the day will be the handmade factory of traditional carpets. There are 400 women make carpets in this factory. You will complete the tour with local paper factory, where local masters manufacture original silk papers. Overnigh in a hotel.

Day 6: Samarkand - Tashkent (transfer or train)
Morning train to capital city Tashkent, which is good to start travelling in Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, you will start full day guided tour. City's main square Independent Square, founded for the glory of the victory over the fascist Germany in the Second World War. Later, you will go on walking along the Broadway, which connects Amir Timur Square to Independent Square. While you walk, you will see city life. Then you will feel lucky to find yourself in the ancient part of the city. It includes Chorsu Bazaar, old Kukaldash Madrasah and other madrasah, mosques and mausoleum in the famous Has Imam complex. The remarkable heritage of the complex is the world's earliest Quran copy from 8^th century- Othman Quran. This valuable treasure was the possession of Othman Ibn Affan, who came after the prophet Muhammad. Later he was murdered by non-muslims in 8^th c. Nowadays it is possible to see his blood stains on the book. Night will be at the hotel.

Day 7: Tashkent - Chimgan Mountains - Tashkent
After breakfast, you will drive to have tour in Chimgan Mountains. There you will take 30-munite chair lift to get to the top Beldersay Peak. After arrival, you can have free time to take a walk or just enjoy the beauty. En route to Tashkent, we will make a break at Charvak Lake. Here you can spend time on activities on the water (seasonally). Charvak is human-made lake. It is the most popular destination of holidaymakers of Uzbekistan and nearest countries. Everyone want to spend few days lining on the beach. Return to Tashkent and rest in a city hotel.
 
Day 8: Flight
In the morning, after you pack wonderful memories, transfer to airport. End of your tours.