Guaranteed Tour “Golden Uzbekistan”
Day 1 Home – Urgench, Khiva
Bus/Train
After arriving early in the morning, a little time to rest at the hotel and the excursion starts at 11 am.
Start your tour in Khiva by exploring Ichan Kala, a medieval city enclosed within mud walls. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ichan Kala is often called a “museum city”, preserving the charm of Uzbekistan’s past. The city has remained largely unchanged since the 16th century and features impressive historical buildings, including mosques, minarets, madrasas, and ancient palaces. Walking through the old city feels like stepping into a distant past, so much so that if it weren’t for the occasional tourist, you’d hardly believe you’re in the present day.
Khiva also holds biblical significance, with legends suggesting that Shem, the son of Noah, founded the city.
Your visit will include:
- The Amin Khan Madrasah and the Kalta Minor Minaret (1852-1855), famous for their stunning blue and emerald green decorations.
- The Kunya Arc residence, an “old fortress” dating back from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Once the home of Khiva’s rulers, it contains the harem, mint, mosque, and even a prison.
- The Madrasah of Mukhamed Rakhim Khan II (1871), built by the last Khan of Khiva.
- The Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, a 14th-19th-century structure dedicated to the philosopher, poet, and patron of Khiva, showcasing impressive decorations and a beautiful courtyard.
- The Madrasah and Minaret of Islam Khodja (1908-1910), which features turquoise mosaics and stands as the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan at 56 meters high (climbing the minaret incurs a separate fee).
- The Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque), dating from the 10th to 18th centuries, with 218 intricately carved wooden columns supporting its roof, perfectly arranged in geometric harmony.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel
Day 2 Khiva ( Qovun Sayli )
After breakfast, you will have a full day of festival of melon in Ichan Kala. In August, the Melon Festival will be held on the territory of the Ichan-Kala State Museum Reserve in Khiva.
The festival will include exhibitions of works of fine and applied art, an exhibition of national costumes, live performances by folklore groups, and theatrical and puppet shows.
Pavilions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city khokimiyats, as well as 13 city and district khokimiyats of the region (60 in total) will be organised, which will participate with melon products, fruits and vegetables.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel /-/-
Day 3 Khiva – Bukhara
Bus/Train
You’ll depart early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, from Xiva to Bukhara by vehicle, traveling through the vast Kyzyl-Kum Desert. The distance between Xiva and Bukhara is approximately 470 km, which takes around 6.5 to 7 hours by road.
The Kyzyl-Kum Desert, one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, stretches across parts of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. During the journey, you’ll make a photo stop at the Amudarya River, where you can capture stunning photographs of the river and its beautiful surroundings.
In the evening, you’ll have free time to relax.
Optional: From March to October, you can enjoy a traditional folklore performance at Nadir Devonbegi Madrasah, where you’ll experience the rich and vibrant Uzbek culture. Please note that the folklore show is subject to availability and may change.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel /-/-
Day 4 Bukhara
Bus/Train
Bukhara is one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval city in Central Asia and was once the largest center for Islamic theology. Today, life in the city centers around the Lyabi Hauz complex, a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Here, you’ll find open-air cafés and small boutique hotels.
Your tour includes a visit to the Mausoleum of the Samanids, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries. This is one of the oldest and most well-preserved buildings in Bukhara, built by the Samanid dynasty to honor its founder, who is buried there with other descendants.
You will also visit the “Chashma Ayub” Mausoleum (12th-16th centuries), which is built over a spring and is named after Job’s fountain.
Next, you’ll see the Bolo Khauz Mosque (1712-1713) and the Ark Fortress (10th-20th centuries).
Continue your journey with a visit to the grand Poi Kalon complex, which includes three key landmarks: the Kalon Mosque (16th century), the 46-meter-tall Kalon Minaret (12th century) with deep foundations, and the 17th-century Miri Arab Madrasa, known for its striking blue domes.
Also, visit the Ulugbek Madrasah, built in 1417, one of three madrasahs constructed by the scholar Ulugbek, with the others located in Gijduvan and Samarkand. You will also see the Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (1651-1652), located right opposite the Ulugbek Madrasah.
Your next stop is the Magokhi Attar mosque, located near Lyabi Hauz in the historical center. This mosque, dating back to the 12th century, holds great historical significance, as archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of a 5th-century Zoroastrian temple beneath it, destroyed by the Arabs.
Finally, you’ll visit the Lyabi Hauz complex, a peaceful square built around a pool in 1620. The complex, shaded by ancient mulberry trees, includes the Nadir Divan Begi Khonako (1620-1622), the Kukeldash Madrasa, and a madrasa, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting to end your day’s tour.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel /-/-
Day 5 Bukhara – Samarkand
Bus/Train
In the morning, depart from Bukhara and travel to Samarkand by land (270 km, approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, your exploration of this stunning city begins.
Your first stop is the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a remarkable architectural site and one of the most beautiful landmarks in Samarkand.
Next, you’ll visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque, a magnificent structure located in the heart of ancient Samarkand, near the vibrant bazaar. This 14th-century mosque was built by Emir Temur (Tamerlane) in honor of his beloved wife, Saray-Mulk Khanym. The mosque is not only an architectural marvel but also symbolizes the strength and power of the empire.
You’ll end the day with a visit to the bustling Siyab Bazaar. As you enter the market, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant stalls, the lively chatter of vendors, and the enticing aromas of freshly baked goods. Friendly vendors offer samples of sweet dried fruits, rich amber honey, and Samarkand’s famous non (bread), baked in a traditional tandoor.
Optional: For a faster journey, you can travel by high-speed train. The price per person for this option is listed in the program’s service column but is not included in the standard package.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel /-/-
Day 6 Samarkand
Bus/Train
Continue your excursion in Samarkand, a city of legend and history.
A visit to Registan Square will leave you in awe of its grandeur, a magnificent sight that remains one of Uzbekistan’s most iconic locations. The square is surrounded by the stunning Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori madrasahs, each a masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture.
Next, you’ll visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane (Emir Temur), where his tomb lies within this majestic structure.
In the afternoon, your journey continues with the Ulugbek Observatory, a remarkable 15th-century scientific monument. Built by the great scientist and ruler Ulugbek, it was one of the most advanced astronomical centers of its time and remains a testament to medieval scientific achievement.
You will then explore the ruins of the ancient city of Afrosiab, where Samarkand’s history began. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the city was destroyed in the 13th century by Genghis Khan’s forces. Today, Afrosiab stands as an archaeological site, a living testament to the great civilizations that once flourished here.
Your next stop is the Silk Paper Production Factory, where you’ll have the opportunity to see and even participate in the traditional process of paper-making. This is the only factory in Central Asia that uses this ancient technique, which has been fully restored with the help of UNESCO, based on old records and the knowledge of local elders.
Finally, visit the Khudjum Carpet Factory, a place where you can witness the art of traditional Uzbek carpet-making. Here, master craftsmen demonstrate their skills, showing you how these intricate carpets are made by hand using age-old methods. You’ll also have the chance to purchase beautiful, unique Uzbek carpets that represent the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.
Meals: Breakfast will be served at the hotel /-/-
Day 7 Samarkand – Home
Transfer to International airport for the flight back home.
| SERVICES
ARE INCLUDED in the package price |
– Double/twin shared accommodation in hotels;
– Comfortable transportation during the tour; – Mineral water (1L/pax/day); – Italian speaking guide ; – Entry fees to all sightseeing; |
| SERVICES ARE
NOT INCLUDED in the package price
|
– International flights;
– Visa consultation; – Single room accommodation in hotels; – Extra service out of program; – Meal Board; – Folklore show (Nodir devan Begi) fee: $15/pax; – Fee for photo and video; – Early check-ins in the hotels; |
Accommodation List:
| Hotels, 3* | Hotels, 4* | ||
| Khiva | Bibihojar Hotel or similar | Khiva | Grand Vizir Hotel or similar |
| Bukhara | Komil Boutique Hotel or similar | Bukhara | Sahid Zarafshan Hotel or similar |
| Samarkand | Malika Prime Hotel or similar | Samarkand | Rayyan Hotel
Or similar |
