“Uzbekistan Highlights: Samarkand, Shakhrisabz & Bukhara”

Country: Uzbekistan

Itinerary: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Day 1: Arrival – Samarkand

• Morning: Arrival in Samarkand and breakfast at the hotel.
• Tour Highlights:
• Afrosiyob Museum – Discover artifacts from the ancient city of Afrosiyob, dating back to 7th–8th centuries.
• Ulugbek Observatory – Explore the astronomical achievements of the great Timurid ruler Ulugbek.
• Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble – A remarkable necropolis with stunning mausoleums.
• Bibi-Khanum Mosque (remains) – One of Central Asia’s largest mosques.
• Siab Bazaar – Experience the colorful local market, located near Bibi-Khanum Mosque.
• Optional Experience: Participate in plov cooking with a local family to learn traditional Uzbek culinary skills.
• Overnight: Samarkand

Day 2: Samarkand Full-Day Tour

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
• Tour Highlights:
• Gur-Emir Mausoleum – The final resting place of Amir Timur, with impressive Timurid architecture.
• Registan Square – The iconic heart of Samarkand with three grand and intricately decorated madrasahs.
• Bibi-Khanum Mosque – Learn about Timur’s inspiration from Indian temples and his vision for creating the largest mosque in the East.
• Siab Bazaar – Taste local fruits, nuts, and sweets.
• Evening: Free time to explore the city.
• Overnight: Samarkand

Day 3: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Train to Bukhara

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Shakhrisabz (80 km south of Samarkand).
• Tour Highlights:
• Ak-Saray Palace Ruins – Summer residence of Timur, showcasing the grandeur of the Timurid Empire.
• Mausoleum of Jakhongir – Tomb of Timur’s eldest son.
• Dorus-Saodat Complex – Includes Khazrati Imam Mosque with domed halls and decorative aivans.
• Gumbazi-Seyidan Mausoleum – Believed to be the resting place of Timur’s descendants.
• Kok Gumbaz Mosque – Built by Ulugbek for his father Shahrukh.
• Evening: Transfer to Shakhrisabz train station. Fast train to Bukhara (22:20–00:04).
• Overnight: Bukhara

Day 4: Bukhara City Tour

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day sightseeing of Bukhara:
• Historic & Religious Sites:
• Samanids Mausoleum (IX–X centuries)
• Chashma Ayyub Complex (XIV century)
• Bolo Hauz Mosque (1712)
• Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs (15th & 17th centuries)
• Magoki-Attari Mosque (10–16th centuries)
• Ark Citadel – Former residence of Bukhara’s Emirs
• Poi Kalon Complex – Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Miri Arab Madrasah
• Shopping & Cultural Experience:
• Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrafon, Toki-Tilpak-Furushon – Historical trading domes
• Tea break at Bukhara Silk Carpet Showroom – Learn about traditional carpet making
• Evening: Visit Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble – Khanaka, Madrassah of Nadir Divan-Beghi, and Kukeldash Madrassah.
• Overnight: Bukhara

Day 5: Bukhara Countryside & Departure to Tashkent

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Bukhara’s surrounding highlights:
• Sitorai Mohi Khosa – Summer palace of the last ruling emir
• Nakshbandiya – Tomb of the Sufi order founder
• Chor Bakr Necropolis – Sacred site and open-air necropolis
• Lunch: 13:00 local restaurant
• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or walking in Bukhara.
• Transfer: Depart for Tashkent (by train or flight depending on schedule).