Miri-Arab madrasa – Po-i-Kalyan

Transfer by train to Bukhara, across the Kyzylkum Desert. Once the intellectual and cultural centre of the Islamic world, the thriving Silk Road city has hardly changed since the days of the merchant caravans.

On arrival we visit Lyabi Khauz architectural complex in the city centre where we can admire the wonderful mosaics of the Divan Beghi madrasa, the madrasas of Khanaqa Divan Beghi and Kukeldash.

We continue to the Po-i-Kalyan religious complex whose bright blue domes are visible from afar, overlooking the iconic square dominated by the Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Araba Madrasa and Kalyan minaret, symbol of Bukhara, used for centuries as a beacon to guide the caravans arriving from the desert.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Tok-i-Zargaron bazaar

We continue our visits to the ancient bazaars dating back to the 16th century, recognisable by their numerous domes, essential stops for traders along the Silk Road: Tok-i-Zargaron, or ‘Jewellers’ Dome’, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, or ‘Hatters’ Dome’, and Tok-i-Saraffon, or ‘Currency Exchange Dome’.

Inside we find numerous workshops and artisan shops where, as in the middle ages, passing visitors can take advantage of it to buy precious local goods.

Visits the Ark Citadel, the massive fortress built in the 5th century for military purposes and used as a residence of the royal courts until 1920.

We visit the Chor Bakr necropolis, the Samanid mausoleum, the oldest funerary building in Central Asia and an icon of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma Ayub mausoleum where we find a water spring named after the prophet Job (Ayuba).

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis – Samarkand

Transfer to Samarkand by train, among the oldest cities in the world, cultural crossroads and fundamental stop along the Great Silk Road.

We visit the iconic Registan Square, home to some of the world’s finest examples of Islamic architecture, dominated by the impressive Sher-Dor, Ulugbek and Tilla-Kori madrassas.

Afterwards we explore the enchanting Shakhi Zinda complex adorned with an extraordinary array of blue tiles, the Tomb of Timurids – Guri Amir, burial ground of the Timurid dynasty, a unique architectural monument, and the sparkling turquoise dome of the Bibi Khanum cathedral mosque dedicated to Timur’s favourite wife.

We continue to the colorful Siab Bazaar, the largest and oldest in Samarkand, of strategic importance for the commercial development of the Great Silk Road. A special place where the exotic atmosphere of the ancient city is palpable.

We conclude the day with a visit to the Samarkand “Hudjum” carpet factory where we can admire the production process of the splendid oriental hand-embroidered rugs.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Amir Timur statue – Shakhrisabz

Transfer to the Kashkadarya region to visit Shakhrisabz, birthplace of the famous conqueror Tamerlane.

Visit the remains of the architectural complex that includes Aksaray buildings, Dorut Tilovat memorial complex , Shaykh Shamsaddin Kulal al-Keshi Mausoleum, Gumbazi-seidon Mausoleum, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque.

Afterwards, return to Samarkand.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Prophet Daniel Mausoleum

After breakfast we visit the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel on the outskirts of Afrasiab, the ancient city dating back to the 7th-2nd century BC situated on the high hills just before Samarkand.

Transfer to the railway station in the afternoon for the express train ride to Tashkent. Check-in at the hotel.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Chorsu Market – Tashkent

Free time for a final stroll through the capital or to go shopping in the exotic and colourful Chorsu Bazaar market surrounded by the scent of spices, dried fruits and delicious Uzbek bread.

Afterwards, transfer to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast, tour guide, private transportation and private airport transfer