Jewels of the Silk Road: A Grand Tour of Uzbekistan
Our small group tours explore a mix traditional and classical sites and seldom visited areas. In Uzbekistan we’ll spend 2 days in each of the major cities: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand & Tashkent. With a maximum of 12 participants, we eat at small local restaurants and go where larger groups cannot. We stay in 3–4-star hotels, often with 2-night stays. When possible, we select boutique hotels where we may be only clients. Our trips include most meals, hotels (based on double occupancy), domestic air where indicated, most tips, guide services and entry fees and transportation in an air conditioned, private minibus.
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Join our 2024 Small Group Turkey Tours
Day 1 (Sep. 12th 2024)- Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel and overnight at hotel. Dinner at local restaurant
Day 2- After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport and Flight to Khiva. Arrive in the early evening and transfer to hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Khiva
Uzbek Air – A Safety Briefing You’ll Actually Enjoy
Day 3- Full day tour in Khiva; Exploring Old Town (İchan Kala) including Kunya Ark (an historic fortress with stunning architecture. Inside, you’ll find museums showcasing Khiva’s rich history), Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa ( one of the most beautifully decorated madrasas in Khiva. Take your time to admire the intricate tilework), Kalta Minor Minaret (Though unfinished, this minaret is an iconic structure in Khiva. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city)
Lunch at local restaurant, Tosh Hovli Palace(Stone Palace, an excellent example of a traditional Central Asian palace to explore the opulent rooms and courtyard), Juma Mosque ( unique mosque with its forest of carved wooden columns supporting the roof), Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum ( this complex is to appreciate Islamic artistry and architecture. It’s dedicated to the city’s patron saint).
Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at local hotel in Khiva.
You may enjoy the a Traditional Performance if available during the day and evening
Day 4– After breakfast transfer to Bukhara. Lunch on the way. Visit The Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandi which is one of the most important Muslim shrines. Naqshabandi is a significant spiritual order of Sufism. And stop Chor Minor Madrasah (unusual madrasah with its four minarets, each with a different design. It’s a unique architectural gem) before check -in hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bukhara.
Day 5– Full day in Bukhara. Visit to Lyabi-Hauz Complex in square ( with a pool and surrounded by historic buildings) . walk in jewish mahalle and Ulugh Beg Madrasah and Abdul Aziz Khan Madrasah (These two madrasahs are adjacent to each other), Calon Minor and Ark Fortress (offering insights into the city’s history
Lunch at local restaurant. Bolo Hauz Mosque ( This beautifully decorated mosque is known for its intricate wooden columns and serene courtyard. It’s a great place to appreciate Islamic art)
Samanid Mausoleum and İsmail Smami mausoleum (also known as the Taj Mahal of Central Asia). Both Mausoleums are architectural masterpieces with intricate brickwork.
Dinner at local restaurant (Folk dance show is optional in the evening).
Day 6– After breakfast transfer to Samarkand. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (the final resting place of Timur or Tamerlane and holds significant historical and architectural importance. The interior is adorned with intricate tilework). lunch at local restaurant and visit Shakhi Zinda Architectural Ensemble (remarkable necropolis with its vibrant, tile-covered mausoleums) check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.
Day 7- Full day in Samarkand. Visit Registan Square which is the heart of Samarkand. Marvel at the three magnificent madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori (each showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and mosaics). We may get good sample of local instruments if the artist is available in the Madrasa.
Lunch at local restaurant. Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque (this grand mosque was built by Timur for his favorite wife, Bibi-Khanym) and Siab Bazaar to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling Bazaar, where you can find local fruits, spices, textiles, and crafts. Last stop at the grave of İslamov the previous president of Uzbekistan.
Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 8- After breakfast transfer to Tashkent. Lunch at local restaurant and Visit Amir Timur Square with his sculpture and museum. Check in hotel and dinner at local restaurant Overnight in Tashkent
Day 9– After breakfast visit attractions in Tashkent including and Hazreti İmam complex and holy book museum. and Islamabad Mosque.
Lunch at Besh Kazan Plov Restaurant where they cook about 2 tons of plov (pilaf) daily and explore Local Bazaar (Çarsı).
Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 10- Transfer to airport and flight to Istanbul. Transfer to hotel in İstanbul for overnight.
Day-11 transfer to airport from hotel and fly home.
İncluding
*10 nights in dbl room at local charming hotel
*Round trip flights from İstanbul to Uzbekistan
*10 breakfasts
*8 dinners at local restaurants
*8 Lunch, dinner at local restaurants
*English speaking Guide
*All transportation
* Entrance fees to mentioned sites
*Tips for hotels and restaurants
*All taxes
*Bottled water at meals
