In the footsteps of Alexander the Great

You will visit Hasti Imam Square with the beautiful Barak Khan Medrese, the Tillja Sheikh Mosque and the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum made of simple brickwork. Here you can take a look at the Koran handwritten by the third Caliph Osman (644-656). Continue with a visit to the huge Chorsu bazaar, whose oriental smells and spices will transport you into the fairy tales of 1001 nights. In the afternoon you will continue your exploration tour in the modern part of the city and visit the Independence Square, Amir Timur Square. In the evening transfer to the airport. You're flying to Urgensch. Reception at the airport and drive to Khiva. Overnight in Khiva.

Khiva is a city from the fairy tale “A Thousand and One Nights”. In the Ichan- Kala fortress you will visit: Kunja fortress, mausoleum of Allakulikhan, madrasah of Muhammad Aminkhan (XVIII century) madrasah of Muhammad Rachimkhan, Kalta Minor, madrasah of Shergasikhan (XVIII century). Continuation of the excursion. Visit Djuma mosque (18th century) Medrese Allakulikhan, Tash-Khavli palace, Pakhlovon Makhmud mausoleum, Islam Khodja minaret. Overnight at hotel.

As you drive through the Kyzylkum Desert, you will discover that the seemingly wasteland also has a lot to offer. You will drive along the Amu Darya River, the life-giving stream of Central Asia. In addition, your guide will use the time to tell you interesting facts about the country and its people. So you can look forward to a varied journey. Overnight in Bukhara.

This city, which lies in the Serafshan valley, has retained its original charm. Once one of the main cities of the Silk Road, where all traders rushed to sell their wares, including carpets and jewelry. Although Islam was born elsewhere, Bukhara was an important focus of its development. The city is home to hundreds of Islamic schools, madrasas, and so many mosques and shrines. Historical sights such as the Ark (Citadel of I-IV centuries), the whole Poi-Kalan (XV-XVI centuries), Medresen Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz (XV-XVII centuries) all recall the Labi-Khouse (XVI-XVII centuries) medieval centuries. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Samarkand, the city of fairy tales from 1001 nights (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the Middle Ages it was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On the way you will visit the family of the master potters and their handicraft workshop in the town of Gijduvan. You will then visit the old Rabati Malik and Sardoba caravanserai (water storage facility). Arrival in Samarkand. Overnight at hotel.

Samarkand, the “most valuable pearl of the Orient”, looks back on an eventful history as one of the oldest cultural centers in the world. Afrosiab, as the legendary capital of ancient Sogd was called at that time, was the target of conquests by Alexander the Great from the west and Genghis Khan from the east. Amir Timur built his capital here and numerous masterpieces of Islamic architecture testify to the size, power and splendor of his empire. During your first day in Samarkand you will visit the imposing mosques and the most beautiful madrasas, which were commissioned by Amir Timur and his successors: The Bibikhanum mosque and Registan Square with the three madrasas Ulugbek, Shir-Dar and Tilla-Kari are part of it the most beautiful highlights of this trip. Amir Timur and other kings are buried in the Gur-Emir mausoleum. Overnight at hotel.

As a religious pilgrimage site and market place, Samarkand is still a lively city today. The Shakhi Zinda necropolis on the outskirts of the old town is visited daily by hundreds of pilgrims who ask for their welfare in this holy place. In the necropolis of Shakhi Zinda, mingle with the pilgrims and admire the finely tiled mausoleums. On your second day in Samarkand, immerse yourself in the lively places of the city. In the large bazaar you can experience the variety of agricultural products. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we drive over the Uzbek-Tajik border "Jartepa" to Pendjikent. The city of Pendjikent ("five villages") is located in Tajikistan in a picturesque Zarafshan river valley. It is possible that the five villages began the story of this remarkable city, which was founded in the 5th-8th centuries. Century AD. Pendjikent was one of the most important cultural and handicraft centers of Sogd at that time. It was even called "Central Asian Pompeii". It was an excellently fortified, well-organized city with a ruler's palace, two temples, markets, and rich houses adorned with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The ruins of this ancient city were only found in the last century. Today, tourists can see the remains of residential and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the home of the craftsmen and the fire-worshiping temple. Overnight at hotel.

Today's trip takes us to the high mountain lake - Iskandarkul Lake (2 255 m above sea level). It is located in the famous Fann Mountains. This fabulous area is one of the best areas in Central Asia. Legend has it that Alexander created the lake by damming the river to destroy a village that opposed him. Upon arrival at the lake, you will walk along the beaches. We will also hike 40 minutes and see 5 springs along the way, Zmeinoe Lake and a 38 meter high waterfall known as "Fan Niagara". Tajikistan ranks second among the CIS countries in terms of water resources: it has the highest water reserves of all Central Asian countries with more than 1,000 rivers, 2,000 lakes and 8,000 glaciers. Dinner and night with host family.

In the morning drive to Dushanbe over the Anzob Pass (3,372 m) and the Istiklol tunnel. The road goes over mountain passes and there are plenty of photo stops.
The second half of the day is dedicated to a city tour. First we will visit Rudaki Park, National Library, White House, National State Seal, Parliament Building and Jomi Theater. After that, we will walk in the national park to take photos of the Ministry of Interior and the largest national flag in the world - pole 165m high, 30m wide and 60m long. After a trip to the Central Museum, you will have lunch. Then visit the Gurminj Museum with traditional musical instruments. Dinner will be served in a traditional restaurant where you will try Tajik cuisine. Night is in a hotel.

In the morning we drive 35 km to the fortress of Hissar (VII - XVII centuries). This historical site has fortified areas and a citadel. The fortress used to be the residence of the deputy of the Emir of Bukhara; It was located on a high hill and was well defended with 1 m thick walls and loopholes for artillery and cannons. Apart from the entrance gate with its two imposing towers, not much remains of the fortress. Other interesting sights in Hisar are: the recently restored monuments "Madrasa I Kuhna" (new school from the 16th to 17th centuries), mosque; the mausoleum of "Mahdumi Azam" (16th century). After your return to Dushanbe you will have lunch. After that, we will visit the Botanical Garden and Victory Park with panoramic city views. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning you will depart from Dushanbe and drive to Khujand (250 km, 5-6 hours). Drive through the Anzob tunnel. Lunch at the local Chaihana. In the afternoon you will drive through the Shakhristan Tunnel with a stop in Istaravshan. Visit a local bazaar. Hazrat Shah's architectural complex consisting of the Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the tomb of the brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, the Khudayar Valami Mausoleum and the 19th century Namazgah Mosque. Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements in Ura-Tube. It is believed that the city was founded by King Cyrus on the northeastern border of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Morning sightseeing of Khujand It is the second largest city of Tajikistan. It is located on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The city's population is 149,000. It is also the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. In the afternoon you will visit a Khujand Palace of Culture. At this point the first President of Tajikistan was elected. We will also see the central mosque which is located in the city center. In the afternoon you drive to Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Arrival in the city. Overnight at hotel.

Transfer to the airport in Tashkent. Here we say goodbye to the group. We have unforgettable memories. Flight home.