6 days
Fixed dates
30 people
from 10 years
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Excursion tours
The majestic state, which occupied vast territories from Armenia to India, is known to us today only from history textbooks. But we can still enjoy the architectural masterpieces erected by the commander Tamerlane and his descendants. On this educational tour you will follow the trail of armies and trading caravans to learn more about the amazing empire.
Uzbekistan is a beautiful country, rich in monuments of the Middle Ages.
On this tour you will not see isolated buildings and architectural ensembles, but will be able to take a look at the history of the development of the region. You will learn about one of the greatest commanders of world history - Tamerlane (Timur), the fate of the gigantic empire he founded and his dynasty. Having visited the three main cities of Uzbekistan - Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara - you will see monumental ancient fortresses and elegant minarets, walls of mosques and madrassas decorated with traditional ornaments. You will stroll through the noisy oriental bazaars, which have preserved their amazing atmosphere for many centuries. The suburban complexes of Bukhara, the famous Registan Square in Samarkand, the most important relics of Islam and the city of ceramists Gijduvan - a kaleidoscope of impressions and colors awaits you. History will come to life before your eyes. Not a boring story from the pages of textbooks, but a living history in faces and destinies. Of course, a visit to Uzbekistan also means gastronomic discoveries.
One of the most famous dishes of local cuisine is Uzbek pilaf. During the tour you will visit the Central Asian pilaf center Besh-Kozon and taste real, classic Uzbek pilaf. You will also taste Gijduvan kebabs while visiting a family of hereditary ceramic masters. Eastern hospitality and openness of local people will accompany you everywhere.
*Hotels may be substituted for equivalent ones depending on availability on your tour dates.
A small, cozy and modern hotel 10-15 minutes by car from Tashkent airport. The rooms are decorated in calm, neutral colors and have excellent sound insulation, which means nothing will stop you from resting after a flight or an emotional excursion day. The restaurant serves dishes of both familiar international cuisine and national Uzbek cuisine.
Atmospheric hotel within walking distance from the historical city center. The building itself and the interior interiors are skillfully stylized to resemble the architecture of the early 20th century: brick walls, bas-reliefs, elegant wooden furniture and many unique details - copper jugs of fancy shapes, paintings, lamps. Ergonomic rooms are equipped with everything you need.
The hotel has an ideal location - literally across the street from Lyabi-Khauz Square, the city's central attraction. Some rooms offer direct views of the square's architectural ensemble. The hotel's design uses national motifs, while the Kabir Hotel fully complies with modern requirements for comfort and equipment. Guests celebrate delicious buffet breakfasts.
Our guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel. Check-in to rooms is from 14.00. On this day you will have free time, which you can devote to relaxing after the flight and acclimatization, or go for a walk around Tashkent. This is an amazing city where different eras are intertwined: from Zoroastrian monuments over 2 thousand years old and luxurious medieval architecture - to a beautiful metro reminiscent of the Soviet past, and modern quarters. We recommend walking through the modern part of the capital, because tomorrow you will have a tour of the historical districts.
Today you will get acquainted with the historical part of Tashkent.
We will walk around the Old City and see masterpieces of medieval oriental architecture: Khast-Imam Square, which has great religious significance, where a madrasah and a mausoleum are located.
It is here that an ancient manuscript is kept - the original manuscript of the Koran. We will also visit the Kukeldash madrasah, whose walls decorated with skillful paintings have become one of the symbols of Tashkent. Then you will be able to see the Chorsu bazaar, known during the Great Silk Road, from the inside and outside, and stroll through the mahallas, ancient residential areas. After a hearty and tasty lunch at the Central Asian pilaf center, departure to Samarkand.
It was this city (at different times called Marakanda and Sogdiana) that was the first capital of the empire of Tamerlane and the Timurid family. Tamerlane invited the best architects and artisans, scientists and builders here - thanks to them, Samarkand acquired the appearance that amazes us today. This is a real treasury with pearls of the Middle Ages: you will see Registan Square surrounded by three majestic madrassas, the royal cathedral mosque of Bibi Khanum, the construction of which Tamerlane personally supervised. You will also visit the Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane and members of his family rest, and learn what this building has in common with the Indian Taj Mahal. The day's program includes a visit to the famous Siab market and the Ulugbek Observatory Museum.
In the morning we leave Samarkand and go to Gijduvan - a city famous for its ceramic artists.
Here we will visit the Narzullaev family, which has been making ceramics for many generations, preserving and restoring traditional methods of firing, glazing and painting. We will stay at the family's house for lunch to try the famous Gijduvan kebabs. Then - transfer to Bukhara and hotel accommodation. We will have time to walk around the city and get acquainted with some of its attractions: the picturesque Lyabi-Khauz square, the central pond of which is surrounded by beautiful architectural structures, and the quarter of covered markets, which was built in the 16th century and has preserved the indescribable charm of the ancient shopping arcades.
On the last active day of the tour we continue to explore Bukhara.
You will see the Samanid mausoleum with an unusual openwork decor, the Bolo-Khauz complex and the monumental ancient Ark fortress, which can be called a separate “city within a city”. You will also be able to appreciate the unique mixture of styles of the Chashma Ayyub mausoleum, which can be called the most mysterious structure in the country and where, according to legend, the prophet Job opened a healing spring by striking his staff on the ground. We will also visit the famous Poi-Kalyan complex and appreciate the diversity of architectural styles using the example of the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasahs. In the afternoon we will go outside the city to explore the memorial complex of Bakhautdin Naqshbandi and the Sitorai Mohi Khosa Palace, built in the 19th-20th centuries. If you chose the option leaving from Tashkent, a train to the capital awaits you in the evening. Upon departure from Bukhara - overnight at the hotel.
Group transfer to the airport. See you again!
This program is suitable for children aged 10 years and older.
Yes, we can book an extra night at the hotel for you (surcharge required). Let us know if you need to do this when purchasing a tour.
Yes, but the cost of the tour will increase slightly.
Breakfast on all days of the program, starting from the second. Lunch on the second and fourth days of the program.
The tour will have two large transfers - 5 and 4.5 hours. You will travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transport.
Ask questions to the tour coordinator
Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register
