Uzbekistan 9 days
&Uzbekistan;, a jewel of Central Asia, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning architecture. A 9-day tour allows travelers to explore its most iconic cities and sites, primarily focusing on Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Below is a structured itinerary that highlights key experiences in each location.
Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
The tour begins with arrival at the Tashkent International Airport, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. After immigration formalities and luggage collection, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Tashkent
After breakfast, we will begin the guided tour of the old city of Tashkent. Our tour will include the impressive Khast Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of the capital, where the Muyi Mubarak Mosque and the Library housing one of the oldest Qurans in the world are located. We will then head to the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the modern part of Tashkent, including the Independence Square, the World War II Memorial, and the Amir Temur Square.
Day 3: Tashkent - Samarkand
After breakfast, we will depart by road to Samarkand, the legendary city of the Silk Road. Arrival in Samarkand and transfer to the hotel to drop off the luggage and rest. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit the Museum of the Ancient City of Afrosiyab and the impressive Ulugbek Observatory, built in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler Ulugbek.
Day 4: Samarkand
We will start the day with a visit to the majestic Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand. We will admire the three imposing madrasas surrounding the square: the Ulugbek Madrasa, the Shir-Dor Madrasa, and the Tilla-Kori Madrasa. Then, we will visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and stroll through the colorful Siab Bazaar. In the afternoon, we will head to the impressive Shahi-Zinda Architectural Complex, a collection of mausoleums and mosques dating from the 9th to 15th centuries. Finally, we will visit a traditional paper production factory, where we can see the traditional handmade process using a water mill.
Day 5: Samarkand - Bukhara
After breakfast, we will depart by road to Bukhara, the sacred city of Uzbekistan. During the journey, we will make a stop to admire the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the architectural gems of Bukhara. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will begin the panoramic tour of the city, including the Ark Citadel and the Bolo Hauz Mosque.
Day 6: Bukhara
We will continue the visit to Bukhara with the Kalyan Minaret, the Poi Kalyan Mosque, and the Ulughbek and Abdullazizkan Madrasas. Then, we will visit the Lyabi Hauz Architectural Complex and end the day with a visit to Chor Minor.
Day 7: Bukhara - Khiva
After breakfast, we will depart by road to Khiva, crossing the Kyzylkum Desert. Arrival in Khiva and panoramic tour of the walled old city, Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation in Khiva.
Day 8: Khiva
We will visit the Tash Hovli Architectural Complex, the summer residence of the last emirs of Bukhara, with its beautiful courtyards and decorated halls. We will then continue to the Phalavan Mahmud Mausoleum, the Juma Mosque, and the Allikulikhan Madrasa. After lunch, you will have free time to wander the cobblestone streets of the old city.
Day 9: Khiva - Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Urgench airport to catch your return flight to your home country, concluding this wonderful journey through the most iconic cities of Uzbekistan.