Enjoy the hospitality of the Uzbek people!

Overnight - XX.XX.2023
INTL. FLIGHT - COUNTRY - TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN
TK XXXX WE XXMES ISTTAS 0055 0720

Arrival in Tashkent around 07:00, the capital of Uzbekistan, and meeting with the French-speaking guide and driver in the waiting area outside Tashkent International Airport. Hotel check-in starts from 14:00. Upon arrival, we leave our luggage at the hotel and have breakfast. Departure to begin our journey through the capital city of Tashkent, reflecting its history and modernity:

Breakfast and lunch included.

KHAST IMAM COMPLEX

CHORSU BAZAAR

TASHKENT METRO (stations: Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoiy, Paxtakor, and Mustaqillik Maydoni);

STROLL IN SAYLGOH PARK - Walk in the park (boulevard) in the heart of Tashkent (visit to Amir Temur Avenue, the State Museum of Amir Temur and Timurids, the first hotel in Uzbekistan, and the Congress Hall from the outside);

Dinner at leisure and 1st night in Tashkent.

Early morning transfer to the local airport in Tashkent. Picnic breakfast. In the morning, take an internal flight from Tashkent to Urgench (INCLUDED). Arrival in Urgench and transfer to Khiva (Urgench - Khiva, 30 km). After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we begin our journey through the ancient Khiva, known as the "Open-Air Museum" and a part of the ancient Khorezm, the birthplace of algebra. Today, we start our visit by exploring the 26-hectare complex of Ichan Qala (Inner Fortress, XX-XIX century) in Khiva, renowned as the "open-air museum city" surrounded by thick, high walls:

MUHAMMAD AMIN KHAN MADRASAH AND ITS MINARET KALTA MINOR

KOHNA ARK

AKSHEYKH BABA VIEWPOINT

MUHAMED RAHIMKHAN MADRASAH (FERUZ)

JUMA MOSQUE

TASH HOVLI PALACE AND KHAN'S HAREM

OLAQULIKHAN CARAVANSERAI

ISLAM KHOJA MADRASAH AND MINARET

PAHLAVAN MAJMUD COMPLEX

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 2nd night in KHIVA.

After breakfast, we proceed from Khiva to Bukhara either by a classic train journey or a car/coach transfer, depending on the train schedule. Upon arrival in Bukhara (the city of Kogon), we transfer to the ancient city of Holy and Noble Bukhara. Bukhara is also the birthplace of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), renowned as one of the greatest figures in medicine worldwide. We leave our luggage at the hotel and begin our visit to the historic city.

Please note that due to the installation of electricity on the Khiva-Bukhara railway line, we do not have exact train schedule information. As a result, the train journey may be replaced by a car or coach transfer. The train expenses are typically utilized for the transfer services by car or coach!

LABI KHOUZ COMPLEX

ANCIENT COVERED ORIENTAL MARKETS (XVI-XVII century)

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 3rd night in BUKHARA.

This morning, we continue our visit to the legendary city of Bukhara:

ISMAIL SAMANI MAUSOLEUM (IX-X centuries)

CHASHMAI AYUB MUSEUM (XII-XV century)

BOLO HAUZ MUSEUM (XVII-XX centuries)

ARK (V-XX)

ULUGBEK AND ABDULAZIZ KHAN MADRASAHs (XV-XVII century)

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 4th night in BUKHARA.

We conclude our journey through the holy city of Bukhara, once known as the capital of Islam, with a morning visit to a historical monument outside the city. SITORAI MOKHI KHOSA PALACE (XIX-XX century) is a palace-garden belonging to the 3rd generation of the Mangit dynasty of the Emirate of Bukhara. This summer palace of the Bukhara emirs will transport you to the world of Oriental fairy tales with its vibrant colors. Moreover, the palace is rich in interesting exhibits.

En route, we will visit the pottery workshop in Gijduvan, one of the most famous pottery schools in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind beautiful handicrafts, exquisite pottery, and embroidery. We will then head towards the Great Silk Road, an endless desert without which one cannot imagine. Next, we will arrive in Nurata, one of the ancient cities, where we will explore the remains of the ancient Nur Fortress (also known as the Fortress of Alexander), the walls of the defensive rampart (IV-III century BC), the Chilustun Mosque (IX-XX century), and visit the grand dome mosque (XVI century) and taste the water from the mysterious Nurata Spring.

LUNCH - Today, we will have lunch in an authentic local Uzbek house!

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey and visit the largest lake in the country, Aydarkul, which appears like a mirage in the seemingly endless Kyzylkum Desert. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy its beauty and swim in it (in summer, of course).

By the end of the day, we will arrive at a family camp in the desert. Situated in the Kyzyl Kum Desert, the largest desert in Central Asia, these tourist camps narrate the life and history of ancient nomadic tribes. A serene and tranquil camel ride in the desert is a great pleasure for any tourist. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness magnificent sunsets and sunrises.

DINNER - In the yurt with the team, why not gather around a campfire, listen to the magical and enchanting music of the nomads, and dance together?

Please note that this is a brief summary of the day's activities. The detailed itinerary and specific attractions may vary.

The Nurata Range is one of the most attractive destinations for ecotourism in Uzbekistan. It is located at the border of the Kyzylkum Desert, near Lake Aydarkul, and away from densely populated areas. It offers opportunities for hiking, walking, and horseback riding. You will be amazed by the warm welcome and hospitality of the local population, who speak Uzbek and Tajik. You can relax in a green garden near a mountain stream, under the shade of an old walnut or mulberry tree, admire the stunning landscapes, and discover the way of life and folklore of the local inhabitants. In this unique region, you have the opportunity to explore amazing wildlife, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins. You can take an excursion to Fazilman Mountain Lake and much more.

You can choose the length and difficulty of the itinerary according to your preferences, getting to know the unique flora and fauna of the region. In the Nurata Mountains, you will have the opportunity to see the endemic wild sheep, Severtzov's argali. In the Kyzylkum, you can observe a desert monitor lizard, the largest lizard in Central Asia. The entire region is ideal for birdwatching. The most frequently observed birds are the griffon vulture, bearded vulture, golden eagle, and paradise flycatcher.

The difficulty level of the hikes ranges from easy to moderate.

12:00 Arrival at the village of Hayat 13:00 Lunch 14:00-18:00 Hike in the village of Hayat (7 km) 19:00 Dinner and rest at the Hayat guesthouse

DINNER - Included (accommodation in the village of Hayat)

8:00 Breakfast

9:00-12:00 Hike to the village of Ukhum and the petroglyphs of Tykchasay Valley (10 km)

13:00 Lunch

15:00 Masterclass on bread-making and plov in the afternoon

19:00 Dinner and rest at the Hayat guesthouse

DINNER - Included (accommodation in the village of Hayat, 2nd night)

After breakfast, we will continue our journey in a caravan to the city of Samarkand, resonating with the oriental tales you may have heard in your youth. Upon arrival in the renowned city of Samarkand, the jewel of the Orient, we will transfer to the hotel.

SILK PAPER FACTORY

ULUGBEK'S OBSERVATORY (15th century)

SAMARKAND SILK CARPET FACTORY

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 8th night in SAMARKAND.

After breakfast, we will continue our journey in a caravan to the city of Samarkand, evoking the oriental tales you heard in your youth. Upon arrival in the renowned city of Samarkand, the jewel of the Orient, we will transfer to the hotel.

REGISTAN SQUARE (15th-17th centuries) - Madrasas of Ulugbek, Tillakori, and Sherdor.

BIBI KHANUM MOSQUE (14th-15th centuries)

SIYOB BAZAAR

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 9th night in SAMARKAND.

This morning, we will continue our exploration of the artisanal part of the city.

AFROSIYOB RUINS

MAUSOLEUM OF PROPHET DANIEL

At 15:40, we will transfer to Samarkand train station for our high-speed train journey back to Tashkent on the Afrosiab series (Talgo 250). Departure and arrival times are scheduled for 17:00-19:10. We will return to our capital city, Tashkent, in the evening and transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Dinner at leisure and 10th night in TASHKENT.

Early morning transfer to Tashkent International Airport. This marks the end of our short journey in Uzbekistan. Thank you for spending your vacation with us, and we hope to see you again soon!