Seven Wonders of Uzbekistan 2017

Flight
Arrival to Tashkent in the evening.
Accommodation in hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Tashkent.

Flight / Bus
Early morning domestic flight from Tashkent to Urgench.
Transfer from Urgench to Khiva upon arrival 30 km.
Accommodation in hotel.
Sightseeing in Khiva.

The Wonder #1 – Djuma Mosque, Khiva
The main Friday mosque of Khiva old town. According to the Arab geographer Muqaddasi Juma Mosque dates from the X century. Unique carved columns form a museum of wood carvers. There are 213 columns, but it is difficult to find the ideally identical ones. This is a unique building without portals, cupolas, galleries or yards.

Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Khiva.

Bus (450km)
Transfer from Khiva to Bukhara.
Late afternoon arrival to Bukhara.
Accommodation in Bukhara.
Dinner hosted by a local Uzbek family.

The Wonder #2 – Uzbek hospitality
Uzbek hospitality – is not just a habit, it is a moral law, which came to us from ancient days. The laws of hospitality survived to our days, becoming a good tradition. Respect for customs and traditions has always been the duty of every person, regardless of its origin and social status. To refuse to accept the guests, treating them badly – is a heavy disgrace not only to the person, but also to the whole family. Even the enemies deserve the hospitality.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Bus / Minivan
Morning sightseeing in Bukhara.

The Wonder #3 – Samanid’s Mausoleum
Pearl of Bukhara, a masterpiece of the first Renaissance in Central Asia. This mausoleum, is one of the most esteemed sights of Central Asian architecture, was built in the 9th (10th) century (between 892 and 943) as the resting-place of Ismail Samani – a powerful and influential Emir of the Samanid dynasty, one of the Persian dynasties that ruled in Central Asia. 18 different clutches are used in bricks ornament. Visit it at sunset and at night illumination and it will not leave you indifferent.

Traditional show in local Madrassah.
Dinner will be hosted by a local family.
Overnight in Bukhara.

Bus (265km)
Morning transfer from Bukhara to Shakhrisabz.
Sightseeing in Shakhrisabz upon arrival.

The Wonder #3 – AkSarai, Shakhrisabz
Tamerlane’s Summer Palace, the “White Palace” was planned as the most grandiose of all Tamerlane’s constructions. It was started in 1380 by artisans deported by Tamerlane from the recently conquered Khorezm. Unfortunately, only traces of its gigantic 65 m gate-towers survive, with blue, white and gold mosaics. Above the entry of the Ak-Saray are big letters saying: “If you challenge our power – look at our buildings!”

Continue the way to Samarkand (160km).
Accommodation in hotel upon arrival.
Dinner at hotel restaurant.
Overnight in Samarkand.

Bus / Minivan
Morning sightseeing in Samarkand.

The Wonder #4 – Registan Ensemble
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in the world, one of the magnificent ensembles of the East. Area for parades, celebrations, as well as the main shopping area of ancient Samarkand. The ensemble of three madrasahs is a unique example of the urban planning art and a remarkable example of the main town square architectural design. In 2001, this ensemble, along with other ancient buildings in Samarkand was included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Continue the sightseeing.

The Wonder #5 – Ulugbek observatory
“Stars above Samarkand” – Memory museum of the great scholar of the East, astronomer and mathematician. Ulugbek’s brilliant astronomical tables are used by modern scientists even till now. Part of a giant 15 century protractor (sextant) found during the excavations in 1908 will impress fans of stars and celestial bodies. .

Dinner will be hosted by a local family.
Overnight in Samarkand.

Bus (290km)
Morning transfer from Samarkand to Tashkent.
Accommodation in hotel upon arrival.
Sightseeing in Tashkent.

The Wonder #7 – Hast Imam Square

The bulk of monuments dates back to the 16th century (Barakhana madrasahs, mausoleum of Kafal al Shashi, MuiMuborak madrasahs). Caliph Osman Koran written in the 7th century on gazelle skin, brought by Tamerlane from Basra, Iraq in 14th century is the main attraction of the square.

Farewell dinner at local restaurant.
After the dinner we will have a short night excursion in Tashkent, with a visit to a new Tashkent Minor Mosque and Tashkent Underground.
Overnight in Tashkent.

Flight
Transfer to Tashkent International airport for the flight back home.