6 days
Fixed dates
30 people
from 10 years
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Excursion tours
This majestic state, which occupied vast territories from Armenia to India, is known to us today only from history books. But we can still admire the architectural masterpieces erected by the commander Tamerlane and his descendants. On this educational tour, you'll follow in the footsteps of armies and trade caravans to learn more about this amazing empire.
Uzbekistan is a beautiful country rich in medieval monuments. On this tour, you won't see isolated buildings and architectural ensembles; you'll be able to glimpse the region's development. You'll learn about one of the greatest military leaders in world history, Tamerlane (Timur), the fate of the vast empire he founded, and his dynasty. Visiting Uzbekistan's three main cities—Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara—you'll admire monumental ancient fortresses and graceful minarets, as well as the traditionally ornamented walls of mosques and madrassas. You'll stroll through bustling oriental bazaars that have preserved their unique atmosphere for centuries. The country estates of Bukhara, the famous Registan Square in Samarkand, the most important Islamic relics, and the ceramic city of Gijduvan—a kaleidoscope of impressions and colors awaits you. History will come to life before your eyes. Not the boring history of textbooks, but living history in faces and lives.
Of course, a visit to Uzbekistan also means culinary discoveries. One of the most famous dishes of the local cuisine is Uzbek plov. During the tour, you'll visit the Central Asian plov center of Besh-Kozon and sample authentic, classic Uzbek plov. You'll also sample Gijduvan shashlik in the home of a family of hereditary ceramic masters. The oriental hospitality and openness of the locals will accompany you everywhere.
*Hotels may be substituted for equivalent ones depending on availability on your tour dates.
A small, cozy, and modern hotel located a 10-15-minute drive from Tashkent Airport. Rooms are decorated in calming neutral tones and are excellently soundproofed, ensuring you'll have ample rest after a long flight or an action-packed day of sightseeing. The restaurant serves both traditional international and traditional Uzbek cuisine.
An atmospheric hotel within walking distance of the city's historic center. The building itself and its interiors are skillfully styled to resemble early 20th-century architecture: brick walls, bas-reliefs, elegant wooden furniture, and numerous unique details—intricately shaped copper jugs, paintings, and lamps. The ergonomic rooms are fully equipped.
The hotel is ideally located—just across the street from Lyabi-Khauz Square, the city's central landmark. Some rooms offer direct views of the square's architectural ensemble. While its design incorporates national motifs, the Kabir Hotel fully meets modern standards for comfort and amenities. Guests appreciate the delicious buffet breakfast.
Our guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel. Check-in is at 2:00 PM. This day will be free to relax after the flight and acclimatize, or to explore Tashkent. This is a fascinating city where different eras intertwine: from Zoroastrian monuments over 2,000 years old and magnificent medieval architecture, to the beautiful metro station reminiscent of the Soviet past and modern neighborhoods. We recommend exploring the modern part of the capital, as tomorrow you'll be on a tour of the historic districts.
Today you'll explore the historical part of Tashkent. We'll stroll through the Old City and see masterpieces of medieval Eastern architecture: the Khast-Imam Square, a place of great religious significance, home to
a madrasah and mausoleum. It's here that an ancient manuscript—the original manuscript of the Quran—is kept. We'll also visit the Kukeldash Madrasah, whose intricately painted walls have become one of the symbols of Tashkent. Then, you'll explore the Chorsu Bazaar, famous since the days of the Great Silk Road, from both inside and outside, and stroll through the mahallas, ancient residential neighborhoods.
After a hearty and delicious lunch at the Central Asian plov center, we'll depart for Samarkand.
This city (at various times known as Marakanda and Sogdiana) was the first capital of the empire of Tamerlane and the Timurid dynasty. Tamerlane invited the finest architects and artisans, scientists and builders here—and thanks to them, Samarkand acquired the appearance that still amazes today. This is a true treasure trove of medieval gems: you'll see Registan Square, surrounded by three majestic madrassas, and the majestic Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the construction of which Tamerlane personally oversaw. You'll also visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane and members of his family are buried, and discover the similarities between this building and India's Taj Mahal. The day's program includes a visit to the famous Siab Market and the Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum.
In the morning, we'll leave Samarkand for Gijduvan, a city renowned for its master ceramicists. Here, we'll visit the Narzullaev family, who have been crafting ceramics for generations, preserving and restoring traditional methods of firing, glazing, and painting. We'll stay at the family's home for lunch and sample the famous Gijduvan shashlik.
Then, we'll transfer to Bukhara and check into a hotel. We'll have time to stroll around the city and explore some of its landmarks: the picturesque Lyabi-Khauz Square, whose central pond is surrounded by beautiful architectural structures, and the covered bazaar district, which dates back to the 16th century and retains the indescribable charm of its ancient shopping arcades.
On the last active day of the tour, we continue exploring Bukhara. You'll see the Samanid Mausoleum with its unusual openwork decoration, the Bolo-Khauz complex, and the monumental ancient Ark Fortress, which could easily be called a separate "city within a city." You'll also appreciate the unique blend of styles of the Chashma-Ayyub Mausoleum, considered the most enigmatic structure in the country and where, according to legend, the Prophet Job opened a healing spring by striking his staff on the ground. We'll also visit the famous Poi-Kalyan complex and appreciate the diversity of architectural styles, as exemplified by the Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan madrassas. In the afternoon, we'll head out of town to explore the Bakhautdin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex and the Sitorai-Mohi Khosa Palace, built in the 19th and 20th centuries.
If you choose the option to depart from Tashkent, you'll board a train to the capital in the evening. Upon departure from Bukhara, overnight stay at the hotel.
Group transfer to the airport. See you soon!
This program is suitable for children 10 years and older.
Yes, we can book an extra night at the hotel for you (an additional fee applies). Please let us know if you need this when purchasing your tour.
Yes, but the cost of the tour will increase slightly.
Breakfasts on all days of the program, starting from the second. Lunches on the second and fourth days of the program.
The tour includes two major journeys—one 5 and one 4.5 hours long. You'll travel in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
Ask questions to the tour coordinator
Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register
