Mysterious Uzbekistan (13 Days)

You can devote your first day in Uzbekistan to the sights of the multifaceted capital. You will visit the Khasti Imam Square with the beautiful Barak Khan Medrese, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum made of simple brickwork. Here you can take a look at the Quran handwritten by the third Caliph Osman (644-656) We continue with a visit to the huge Chorsu bazaar, whose oriental smells and spices will transport you into the fairy tales of 1001 nights. Afternoon visit to the museum commemorating the victims of the Tsarist and Stalinist repression. Overnight at hotel.

Today you will continue your exploration tour in the modern part of the city and visit the Independence Square, Amir Timur Square. Information talk about the Aral Sea. In the evening transfer to the airport. You're going to Nukus. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Nukus.

Departure to Muynak (200 km), the former main port of the Aral Sea. Inspection of the Aral Sea desert and the "ship cemetery", visit to the museum of the city's history. Return to Nukus. On the way visit the burial cities of Mizdakhan, whose tombs show diverse Zoroastrian, Nestorian and Islamic influences. Overnight at hotel.

Visit the Savitskiy Art Museum in Nukus, the world's second largest collection of Russian and Central Asian avant-garde art. Afternoon drive to Khiva. On the way visit the fortress Toprak Kala from the 3rd / 4th century. Overnight in Khiva.

As early as the 6th century, the city emerged on the most important route between east and west. You will explore one of the best preserved cities on the Silk Road. The former capital of the Khiva Khanates from the 17th century has retained the fairytale atmosphere of an ancient, oriental city to this day. The numerous sights of the historic fortress are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the old town of Khiva-Juma Mosque, Medrese Muhammad Amin Khan, Citadel Kuhna Ark, Pakhlovon-Makhmud-Mausoleum, Alakuli khan-Medrese etc. During the tour you will visit the important craft workshops. Overnight in Khiva.

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.

You will discover this city as "the pearl of the desert". It is a city along the Silk Road. The city is a true home of Islam in Central Asia that flourished for many centuries. The city is home to hundreds of Islamic schools and crafts of carpets and decorations. You will visit the Samanid mausoleum, Friday mosque, Bolo House, Ark fortress, mosque and minaret Kalon, Madrasa Mir Arab, Madrasas Ulugbek and Abdul-Aziz-Khan, cupola bazaars, etc. Overnight in Bukhara.

Around Bukhara there are other attractions that you should not be hidden. Your guide will let you in on the secrets of the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara - Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa - and show you the Chor Bakr mausoleum and the Bakhauddin-Nakhshbandi ensemble. This tomb is visited daily by pilgrims and gives you an insight into the living Islam. Finally, you will return to Bukhara again. The rest of the day is up to you. Overnight in Bukhara.

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.

Capital of Tamerlane, the great city of the ancient Sogdiana, lies at the crossroads of the main trade routes from China, Siberia, Persia and the west. This step alone is an essential point in the journey to understanding the power of the Khan dynasty at that time. Be amazed by these amazing shades of blue over sights such as the famous mosque of Bibi Khanum, the Gur-Emir (tomb of ruler Timur and his descendants) or the famous Registan Square (XV century XVII) that are never indifferent to any traveler. Overnight at hotel.

Continuation of the sightseeing program through Samarkand. Today you will visit the Afrosiab Museum, once the heart of ancient Samarkand and now a unique archaeological city; the Ulugbek observatory (XV century), which tells the fascinating story of the little son Tamerlane; the tomb of St. Daniel and Konigil village, where you will learn about the traditional production process of paper from mulberries. You also have the opportunity to stroll through the oriental bazaar. In the evening you will take the train back to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent.

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