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12 days 11 nights
Daily Tour
20 people
English, Espanol, Francais, German, Japanese, Russian
This Twelve-Day Cultural Uzbekistan Tour “Uzbekistan – Beyond the Oxus” gives you an opportunity to visit 7 cities of Uzbekistan. This is an unforgettable journey, with the first part spent in Muynak, a former fishing village where once there was a shore of currently dried Aral Sea. There, you will see rusted remains of ships like midshipmen stuck in the sands of the sea having retreated in the face of human madness. You will also visit I.V. Savitsky Museum in Nukus which keeps a unique collection of Russian avant-garde, the world second largest and most important. During the second part you will have a trip to Uzbekistan ancient cities: Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrizabz, Samarkand and Tashkent, where you will enjoy an amazing beauty of architectural monuments of the antiquity and Middle Ages, visit famous oriental bazaars and, of course, learn more about national Uzbek culture, traditions, way of life coupled with a true oriental hospitality.
CITIES TO BE VISITED: Tashkent, Nukus, Muynak, Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, Samarkand
ACCOMMODATION:
*Tashkent – 3 nights (Hotel Ramada 4* or similar 4/3*)
*Nukus – 1 night (Hotel Jipek Joly 3* or similar 3*)
*Khiva – 1 night (Hotel Asia Khiva 4* or similar 4/3*)
*Bukhara – 3 nights (Hotel Asia Bukhara 4* or similar 4/3*)
*Samarkand – 2 nights (Hotel “Diyora” 4* or similar 4/3*)
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: March – June, August – November
Book a tour to Uzbekistan if you love ancient history, mesmerizing medieval architecture, applied arts, hospitality, rich pilav with crispy bread, and natural fruits and vegetables grown under the bright sun. By the time, you leave your Uzbekistan tour, you will have an extra piece of baggage and a lot of unforgettable memories!
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by your driver and guide. Early hotel check-in with breakfast. Free time for rest after flight. Dinner at city restaurant.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning starts sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. Visit:
• Old City part of Tashkent
• Khast-Imom Complex (XVI-XXI century), where the world famous Quran (VII century) of Caliph Uthman – Ottoman has been preserved. In Khast-Imom visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari
• Chor-Su Bazaar, the age of which is more than hundred years
• Tashkent Metro (1977) Ride - is the only currently operating metro in Central Asia
• Amir Temur Square - surrounded with the buildings of the “Uzbekistan” Hotel, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), the Amir Timur Museum, well-known Tashkent Chimes and the Forums Palace - one of the most grandiose architectural structures in Tashkent
• Independence Square- located in the center of Tashkent city. It is a favorite resting place for the Tashkent The fact that the most beautiful fountains of the city are located in the square contributed considerably to it
• Applied Arts Museum (1937) – its fund lists over 7,000 samples of applied arts: handmade embroidery, skull-caps, jewelry, carpets and other examples of craftsmanship of the beginning of the 19th century to present day
Dinner at city restaurant
Overnight at the hotel
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Early breakfast at the hotel
Morning flight to Nukus (1255 km, 2 h. 45 min. flight). Arrive in Nukus and drive to former fishermen’s town Muynak (220 km, 3 h.), which used to be situated on the shores of Aral Sea. On the way stop at:
• Mizdakhan archaeological complex (IV century BC) - ancient cemetery, located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress, is one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage sites of Karakalpakstan. The fortress received its name during the Arab conquest, and means “a fortress of disbelievers”, as scientists found that the inhabitants of the fortress used to be Zoroastrians before the Arab conquest.
In Muynak have a look at a former port with abandoned ships in the sand – “Cemetery of ships”
Then visit:
• Local History Museum with art exhibits of the Aral Sea history. This Museum, modest by metropolitan standards, with less than two hundred exhibits, tells the visitors a tragic story of the bygone era, when things were humming in this region and the Aral Sea was so large and affluent that it was called as sea.
In the afternoon return to Nukus.
Dinner at city restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit:
• Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum (1966) - hosts the world's second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art and exposition of Karakalpak applied arts items. The Savitsky Museum's collection possesses over 90,000 exhibits, including a collection of Russian avant-garde artists, the art of ancient Khorezm, complemented by excellent copies of some exhibits of Louvre in Paris. British newspaper The Guardian called the museum "one of the outstanding museums in the world." Al Gore and President Jacques Chirac called this museum: "One of the best museums in the world".
Have a short drive around center of Nukus: see statue of Karakalpak poet Berdakh, Nukus City Hall, and Drama Theatre.
In the afternoon depart to Khiva (200 km, 4-5 h.). On the way visit archaeological monuments of Ancient Khorezm:
• Chilpyk (II century BC) – a Zoroastrian dakhma. The age of this Zoroastrian ancient monument - dakhma Chilpyk (Shylpyk, Chilpak Kala) is more than 2200 years. The Zoroastrians used it for burial of the dead.
• Toprak-Kala (III century) – the capital of Khorezm dating back to the 3rd century A.D. the fortress was used as the residence of khorezmshakhs - governors of the country- up to 305 A.D. It is the unique completely dug out monument of architecture of Khoresm. The sizes and genius of an architectural design make Toprak-Kala one of the most unique monuments of Khoresm.
Arrive in Khiva, check in to the hotel.
Dinner at city restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
***Savitsky Museum is closed on Mondays; Nukus tours are not held on Mondays in this regard.
Breakfast at the hotel
Today you will visit:
• Itchan-Kala Fortress - is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today Itchan-Kala (Ichan Kala) is open-air museum. It is the old part of the city, surrounded with wall and turned into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. Here on the vast territory of 26 hectares the exotic image of the eastern city has been preserved.In Itchan-Kala there are about 60 historic buildings.
• Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah (1851-1854) – is the largest madrasah not only in Khiva but in the Central Asia. The two-storied building occupies the area of 72 to 60 meters and has 125 khudjras (cells), intended for 260 students.
• Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah (1876) – is a bright sample of culture of architecture of that epoch and takes a special niche in the history of Khoresm. Named after Muhammad Rahim-khan, who was one of the most educated representatives of Kungrat dynasty ever to rule in Khiva since 1770.
• Kalta-Minor (1855) – it has become the real symbol of the city. Foundation of the minaret is 15 meters, diameter at the foundation is 14,5 meters and the height is 29 meters. But this massive tower has only third part of the project height. Its unique decoration strikes an imagination: the minaret is completely covered with the glazed tile and majolica.
• Juma Mosque (XVIII century end) - is an original building without portals and cupolas, without galleries and yards. It is 55x46 m. The interior space is a single hall, the flat ceiling of which is supported by 215 wooden pillars.
• Tash-Khovli Palace (XIX century) – summer residence of Khiva khans. The original synthesis of architecture and monumental decorative art in the creative work of the Khorezm masters are vividly represented by this palace.
• Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum (1701) - If blue domes as the symbol of the eastern architecture can be often found in Samarkand and Bukhara, there is only one blue dome in Khiva. It decorates the tomb of Makhmud Pahlavan, a famous poet and warrior of the XIV century. In the mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud people pray and drink the holy water.
• Islam-Khoja minaret (XX century) – is the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. The height of the minaret 6 meters, diameter of the fundament is 9.5 at the base.
Free time in the afternoon. Dinner at city restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*).
The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzyl Kum Desert, as the present road does nowadays*. Stop en-route to enjoy views of the desert and Amu Darya River.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*some parts of the road are presently being renovated.
Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit:
• Lyabi Hauz Ensemble (XVI-XVII centuries) – historical source of water supply in Bukhara. It is formed with three large monumental buildings: Kukeldash Madrasah (1568-1569) in the north, khanaka (1619-1620) and Nodir Divan-begi in the west and in the east
• Magoki-Attori Mosque (XII century) – Islamic mosque dating back to Zorastrianism. It is an example of an urban mosque in a residential quarter
• Chor-Minor Madrasah (1807) – “Four Minarets” - The towers’ décor elements are believed to reflect the religious-philosophical understanding of the world’s four religions
• Trading domes – Toki-Sarrafon Trading Dome (was currency exchange center of Central Asia), Telpak Furushon Trading Dome (first was book selling place, later selling caps), Timi Abdullakhan Trading Dome (carpets and fabrics were sold), Toki-Zargaron Trading Dome (were selling jewelries)
• Ulugbek madrasah (1417) – the most ancient of three madrasahs, built by Ulugbek
• Abdulazizkhan madrasahs (1651-1652) – luxurious decoration. The building is typical by composition, with four-ayvans yard, but with unordinary divergent fan of hudj groups after side ayvans and cupola buildings on the central axis
• Kalyan Minaret (1127) – City symbol of Bukhara. The minaret was designated to summon Muslims to prayer five times a day. It still dominates the skyline of Bukhara, astonishing all who see it with its magnificent and flawless shape
• Kalyan Mosque (XV century) - The layout of the Djuma Mosque (named the Kalyan Mosque) is traditional: a rectangular courtyard with a tall and large maksura room on the west side.
• Miri-Arab Madrasah (XVI century) – is one of the best Bukhara architectural school monuments. Architecture and décor of Miri-Arab distinguish by highest culture and taste.
• Legendary Ark Fortress (IV century BC) – The symbol of the state power. It was a residence of Bukhara khans
• Bolo-Khauz Mosque (1712) – it is the only preserved monument on the Registan Square. The complex consists of the reservoir, Friday mosque and minaret. The most ancient part of the complex is the pond (Khauz), which is called as Bolo-Khauz ("Children's reservoir").
• Ismail Samani mausoleum (IX century) - It was erected as a family crypt immediately after the death of Ismail Samani's father. Mausoleum is full of magnificence and feeling of moving from this world to the world that lasts forever.
• Chashma-Ayub mausoleum (XII-XVI centuries) – “Saint Job’s Source”. A legend has it that the Bible prophet Job, having visited this land, decided to help the people who suffered from water shortage in the desert. He struck the ground with his stick, making a source of crystal clear water sprang at that place.
Enjoy free time in Old City. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city outskirts visiting:
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (XIX century mid) – summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. The Bukhara architects having trained in Russia managed to combine oriental and western styles in their creation.
• Mausoleum of Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi (1544) – is one of the most important Muslim shrines. The Mausoleum of Saint Bakhouddin Naqshbandi is considered as the Central Asian Mekka. Believers from different muslim countries come here to ask for the fulfilment of wishes and healing.
• Chor Bakr Necropolis (XVI century) - is really an unusual and mysterious place. Visiting Chor-Bakr you could not help but feel the breath of the world of the dead, where in the quiet of the alleys the thoughts of the frailty of life and the transience of human life unwittingly come into your head.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz (275 km, 4 h.*).
Stop in Shakhrsabz for city tour. Visit:
• Dor-us Saodat Memorial Complex (XIV century end) – means “repository of power”, includes Jahongir and Omar Sheikh Mausoleums. It was intended for the whole Timurid dynasty and was founded after the untimely death of Timur's eldest son, Jakhongir, in 1376.
• Ak-Saray Palace remains (1395-1396) - Its fantastic ruins can be seen from afar and make a deep impression. Amir Temur meant to make Shakhrisabz the second capital of his empire, no less sumptuous than Shakhrisabz.
• Dor-ut Tilavat Ensemble (XIV-XV centuries) - as formed after the death of the eminent religious leader Shamsiddin Kulal, the founder of Sufism, the spiritual mentor of Emir Taragay and of Timur himself, and the teacher of Bahauddin Naqshbandi.
• Kok-Gumbaz Mosque (1435-1436) - is the largest Friday mosque in Shakhrisabz. The inscription on the portal announces that the mosque was constructed by Ulugbek on behalf of his father Shakhruh.
• Amir Temur’s Crypt (XIV century end) - is covered with a huge, monolithic marble gravestone, which is 11 centimetres thick, with 5 iron rings being attached at the corners and in the middle. One the stone were found encryptions related to the life of Amir Timur, thus it is believed that the crypt was intended for him.
In the afternoon continue driving to Samarkand (90 km, 2 h.*).
Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
*The road on vans and buses is on average an hour longer.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
Meet your guide and driver at hotel lobby and start sightseeing. Visit:
• Registan Square (XV-XVII centuries) - during centuries it was the center of Samarkand. The word Registan means “sand place”. The ensemble consists of three Madrassah: Ulugbek Madrassah (15th century), Sher – Dor Madrassah (17th century) and Tilla-Kari Madrassah (gold covered) (17th century).
• Bibi Khanum Mosque (1399-1404) - The majestic blue domes of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque are the unusual sight. It takes one’s breath even from understanding the scale of construction of this monument, impressing with its size and beauty. In antiquity the dome of this mosque was compared with the dome of heaven and the arch of portal – with the Milky Way.
• Siyob Bazaar (on Mondays it’s closed) - is a largest trading center of Samarkand. Mostly here you can find national bread, fruits, vegetables, sweets and a lot more
• Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429) – The astronomical miracle of medieval Uzbekistan. Observatory was unique construction for its time.The basis of observatory was giant goniometer vertical circle), radius of circle was equal 40,212 meters, and the length of arc was 63 meters
• Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis (XIV-XV centuries) - consists of rows of refine sparkling blue colors tombs. Shakhi Zinda consists of eleven mausoleums, which were built one after another in XIV - XV centuries. Shakhi Zinda is the burial place of royal persons and nobles. But the main mausoleum from which the necropolis starts seems to be the imaginary grave of Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Kusama Ibn Abbas. The complex was called "Shakhi Zinda" that means in Persian "The Living King".
• Gur Emir Mausoleum (XV century)– authentic shrine of Tamerlane. This majestic complex consisted of a khanaka, the madrasah of Muhammad Sultan - grandson of Amir Timur, and, later, tombs of Amir Timur himself and his descendants. Gur Emir was a prototype for famous samples of architecture of the Great Mughal: Humayun Mausoleum in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra, built by Timur descendants, who ruled northern India.
Dinner at city restaurant
Overnight at the hotel
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing visiting:
• Afrasiab Museum (1970) – the most valuable artifacts of the history of ancient Samarkand. It is a museum in Samarkand dedicated to the history of the city. The museum's exhibits illustrate the history of Samarkand’s development from the time of Alexander the Great conquest.
• Mausoleum of Saint Daniel (1900, but grave was long earlier) - There is hardly any place in the world is a where Muslim, Christian and Jew come to pray. But this Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, also known as Daniiel, or Doniyar.
Then drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour.
At 16:00 transfer to railway station to take the fast-speed Afrosiyob train departing to Tashkent at 17:00 (345 km). Scheduled arrival time is 19:10. Pick-up and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Breakfast at the hotel (if time of flight permits)
Check-out from the hotel till noon. Free time until transfer to Tashkent International Airport. Departure. End of the tour.