Jewels of the Orient: Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Itinerary: Tashkent – Urgench / Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Tashkent
Day 1 – Tashkent: A Gateway Between Modernity and Tradition
Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team. Transfer to your hotel for a comfortable check-in and an initial immersion into the Uzbek capital, a fascinating blend of Soviet architecture, historical landmarks, and bustling avenues. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 – Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva: Journey Through an Open-Air Museum
After a delightful breakfast, take a morning flight to Urgench, followed by a short transfer to Khiva, a legendary city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into the magical ambiance of Ichan Kala, the walled inner city with its imposing fortifications. Discover its treasures: the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, the Juma Mosque with its 213 intricately carved wooden columns, the Kalta Minor Minaret, and the Tash Khauli Palace. Experience authentic Uzbek hospitality with a traditional lunch at a local’s home before continuing your exploration. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 – Khiva – Bukhara: Across the Vast Kyzylkum Desert
After breakfast, embark on an epic journey through the Kyzylkum Desert towards Bukhara, a timeless oasis city. A picnic lunch will be provided en route, allowing you to pause and admire the breathtaking landscapes. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy some free time to explore the city. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4 – Bukhara: Immersion in the Pearl of the Orient
Dedicate an entire day to exploring Bukhara, a true architectural gem of the Silk Road. Be captivated by the Ark Fortress, the former residence of the Emirs, the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque with its wooden columns, and the splendid Samanid Mausoleum, a masterpiece of 9th-century Islamic architecture. After a traditional lunch, wander through the old city’s labyrinthine streets lined with caravanserais and bustling bazaars. In the evening, enjoy a folklore show in a historic madrasah. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 – Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand: From Artisanal Heritage to Imperial Grandeur
After breakfast, head to Gijduvan, renowned for its centuries-old ceramic school. Meet a family of artisans and witness a demonstration of this refined craft before indulging in a home-cooked traditional lunch. Continue your journey to Samarkand via high-speed train. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Samarkand: In the Footsteps of Tamerlane
Welcome to the mythical city of Samarkand, once the heart of the vast Timurid Empire. Your day begins at the majestic Registan Square, framed by the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari madrasahs. Then, visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary Tamerlane, before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Siab Bazaar. In the afternoon, explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a stunning masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Tashkent: Tracing the Path of Conquerors
Set out for Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, where you will marvel at the grand ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace and the mausoleums of the Dor-ut Tilovat complex. Return to Samarkand in the late afternoon and take the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Enjoy a farewell dinner at an elegant local restaurant before an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 – Tashkent: Final Discoveries and Departure
On the last morning of your unforgettable journey, explore Tashkent’s cultural gems, including the Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square, and the lively Chorsu Bazaar, perfect for picking up souvenirs. After a final lunch, transfer to the airport for your return flight, leaving with unforgettable memories of Uzbekistan.
Price: Starting from 670 USD
Guaranteed Departure: From 2 participants
📩 Reserve your journey now: info@silkroadhorizons.com
Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of Central Asia!
