Arrival in Tashkent

Tashkent - Take in the sights of Tashkent as you are transported to your hotel upon arrival.

Fly Tashkent-Urgench, transfer Urgench-Khiva, sightseeing khiva

Itchan Kala - After arriving in Urgench, transfer to the ancient city of Khiva (Itchan Kala), which boasts a history of over two thousand years. The inner city spans 26 hectares and was constructed following the ancient Central Asian town-building traditions, forming a regular rectangle (650 by 400 meters) stretching from south to north and enclosed by brick fortification walls up to ten meters high. Itchan Kala was the location of the khan’s palace, where high officials, clergy, and wealthy merchants resided. Ordinary citizens, small merchants, craftsmen, and peasants lived in Dishan Kala.

Citadel Kunya-ark - The Kunya Ark is a fortified citadel at the center of Khiva, situated against the western walls of Itchan Kala, just north of the city’s west gate. Initially built as early as the 12th century, its current layout’s core was first established by Arang Khan (r. 1688-94). The Ark is the largest of Khiva’s numerous structures.

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum - Pahlavan Mahmud, a local poet and philosopher, was renowned for his heroic strength and healing abilities. The mausoleum’s original construction was modest, but it was soon expanded to include a khanaka and mosque for pilgrims’ prayers. Later, the building was transformed into a magnificent structure with the city’s largest dome, adorned with blue tiles.

Juma Mosque - Khiva’s Juma, or Friday Mosque, is located near the heart of Itchan Kala (the old city)—a fitting location as the ruling Khan’s name would have been proclaimed here during Friday prayers.

Stone Palace (Tash Khauli) - Situated in the eastern part of Itchan Kala, Tash Khauli Palace, built between 1830 and 1838, exemplifies the architectural grandeur of Khorezm from that era. The palace was constructed by the order of Allakuli-Khan.

Kalta Minor Minaret - The Kalta Minor Minaret is renowned for its unique decoration and incompleteness. Commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, it was intended to rise over 70 meters but construction halted at 29 meters, earning it the name Kalta Minor (or Short Minaret).

Khiva-Bukhara by car or train (you choose)

Bukhara - Enjoy free time in Khiva before taking an afternoon train to Bukhara (6 hours) or opting for a car transfer (6 hours). Upon arrival, you will have free time in Bukhara.

Sightseeing Bukhara, Afternoon train to Samarkand

Lyab-i-Hauz - Constructed in the 16th - 17th centuries, the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble remains one of Bukhara’s major squares. It is a popular tourist attraction, often used as a rest stop due to its grandeur, tranquility, and historical significance. Lyab-i Hauz is located in the southeast shakhristan near Bukhara’s main trade street.

Great Minaret of the Kalon - The Kalyan Minaret, the last surviving fragment of the Kara-khanid era mosque built by Mohammad Arslan Khan in 1127, predates the Mongol conquests. Standing at 45.6 meters, this remarkable survivor of the city’s early days so impressed Genghis Khan that he spared it from destruction. It remains the centerpiece of the city at the Po-i-Kalyan square.

Moschea Bolo-khauz - The Bolo Hauz, located opposite the Ark Fortress, derives its name from the octagonal hauz (artificial pond) in front of it. Begun in 1712 during the reign of Abu’l-Faiz Khan (r. 1711-47), it is one of Bukhara’s last and finest major buildings before the modern era.

Ark of Bukhara - The Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure and served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for over a millennium. The Ark’s origins are ancient, and it was the focal point around which the medieval town developed.

Lyab-i-Hauz - In the late afternoon, transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan (15 km away) and take a train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Samarkand - In the late afternoon, transfer to Bukhara train station in Kagan (15 km away) and take a train to Samarkand (subject to availability). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Sightseeing Samarkand

Gur Emir Mausoleum - The Gur Emir Mausoleum houses the tomb of Tamerlane, one of history’s greatest conquerors. Visitors can reflect on his legacy while viewing the world’s largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the beautifully reconstructed mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries).

Registan - Registan became the city square after life in Afrosiab ceased. It has been reconstructed several times and is now surrounded by three madrasas: Ulugbek, Sherdor, and Tillokori.

Bibi Khanym Mosque - The Bibi-Khanym Mosque, named after Tamerlane’s wife and built between 1399 and 1404, is one of Central Asia’s most famous architectural landmarks. It was erected on Timur’s orders following his campaign in Delhi. The mosque’s minaret was intended to be the tallest.

Siab Bazaar - The Siab Bazaar in Samarkand remains as impressive as it was in the past. Its abundant produce and handicrafts showcase Uzbekistan’s natural wealth and the talents and diligence of its people.

Shah-i-Zinda - The Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble, located on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab, consists of 44 tombs in over 20 mausoleums. Shah E Zinda, the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his closest resemblance, is of great significance.

Ulugh Beg Observatory - Ulugbek’s Observatory, built by Timur’s grandson, is an extraordinary site despite only its foundations remaining. Ulugbek was an astronomer, scientist, and architect whose discoveries significantly advanced knowledge in these fields. The only preserved part is a section of a huge sextant, the main astronomical instrument, with its lowest part in a deep trench (11 km).

Train Samarkand-Tashkent, Sightseeing Tashkent, Depart to final destination

Tashkent - Transfer to Samarkand train station for an early morning train to Tashkent (subject to availability). Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver to begin sightseeing in Tashkent.

Navoi Opera Theater - Designed by Alexey Shchusev, the theater was built between 1942 and 1947 and opened to the public in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth. Tours are conducted outside the building.

Amir Temur Square - Central to the modern city, Amir Timur Square is a lush, green space with flowers and fountains. A statue of Tamerlane on horseback stands at the square’s center.

State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - Founded in 1876, the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, formerly the National Museum of Turkestan, is one of Central Asia’s oldest museums. The building was restored at the end of the 20th century and now serves as the Reception House of the MFA of Uzbekistan. Tours are only conducted from outside.

Tashkent - Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your outbound flight.

• Central 3-star or boutique hotel accommodations
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Daily breakfast included
• All train tickets between Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent provided
• Visa support for those without a visa waiver
• Experienced local guides in each city
• Entrance tickets to museums and sites included

• photo & video Museum charge to be paid cash at entrance $1-2/Museum
• single room supplement $20/single room/night
• flight ticket Tashkent-Urgench