Pearls of Uzbekistan

This day we'll explore Samarkand. We'll visit its most interesting and important landmarks, and you'll learn about the fascinating history behind every building, full of great achievements. Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Once the capital of the Sogdian kingdom and known as Marakanda, it was later chosen as the capital of the empire founded by the famous conqueror Tamerlane. We'll visit Tamerlane's tomb, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum; the main square, Registan, surrounded by three beautiful madrassas; the majestic Bibi-Khanum Mosque; the Shahi-Zinda architectural complex; and an ancient observatory. You'll also stroll through the shopping arcades of the vast Siab Bazaar.

We'll leave Samarkand and head to Bukhara. En route, we'll stop in Gijduvan, a city famous for its ceramics. We'll visit the workshop of the Narzullaev family, a family of ceramicists, where we'll learn the secrets of their craft and be treated to delicious shashlik. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you'll check into your hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour. This city was once one of the most important stops on the Silk Road. Trade caravans flocked to Bukhara, increasing its wealth. Majestic medieval architectural monuments, which are remarkably well-preserved, were erected here. We'll visit Bukhara's main symbol, Lyabi-Khauz Square, surrounded by two madrassas and a Sufi khanaqah. We'll also stroll through the shopping district, which was founded in the 16th century and is still in use today.

We continue exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Bukhara. You'll see how Sogdian and Islamic styles intertwine in the textured Samanid Mausoleum, learn the legend of the wandering prophet Job in the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, capture the carved columns of the Bolo-Khauz complex, and visit the monumental Ark Fortress, which can rightfully be called a "city within a city." And, of course, we'll visit the Poi-Kalyan complex, the main symbol of Bukhara. The soaring minaret tower, the madrasah and mosque adorned with intricate mosaics—you've likely seen these buildings in dozens of photographs from Uzbekistan. In the afternoon, we'll head out of town to the palace called Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, meaning "Similar to the Sun and Moon," and the Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, which seems to embody the classic image of an oriental palace.

On day five, we'll travel from Bukhara to Khiva through the Kyzylkum ("Red Sands") desert. This is an incredibly scenic route along the mighty Amu Darya River, amidst stunning landscapes. We'll make stops to climb sand dunes and admire the surroundings from the best vantage point. The journey through the desert will allow you to immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere of the ancient East, imagining yourself traveling with a trade caravan along the Silk Road.
Upon arrival in Khiva, you'll check into your hotel and take a stroll through the inner Old Town (Ichan-Kala), where time seems to stand still. This open-air museum, surrounded by fortress walls, tells the story of the city and the region.

Khiva is a magical oasis in the desert, a city over two and a half thousand years old. Its streets will bring medieval daily life to life. We'll explore the heart of the Old City—the Kunya-Ark fortress—and the Pahlavan Mahmud complex, which attracts pilgrims from around the world. We'll see the city's tallest minaret and the Tash Hauli Palace, once home to the rulers of the Khiva Khanate. Khiva is also home to the Avicenna Museum of the History of Medicine, the unique Juma Mosque with over 200 carved wooden columns, and one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. A kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, diverse styles and eras—this city is like a wondrous treasure trove of magnificent treasures.