Samarkand-shakhrisabz Guided Tour And Scenic Drive
About this tour
This 3 days guided tour includes 2 full days city tour in Samarkand and a day trip to Shakhrisabz, a birth town of Amir Temur, the world’s foremost conqueror. Spellbound medieval architecture and beauty of the Kitab mountains await for you to discover.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex, Samarqand, Uzbekistan to Afrasiyab Museum, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Start your day by visiting one of the best architectural monuments in Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Gur-Emir Mausoleum. The gem of the orient also played a role for being model and precursor of Taj-Mahal in Agra, India built by Emir Timur’s descendants. Then get headed towards Registon ensemble, a complex of three magnificent medieval madrassas. After enjoying yummy lunch of exquisite Samarkand cuisine go for a short drive to Konigil village where you have a chance of observing ancient technology of making paper from mulberry tree’s bark; see how local dark zighir oil is made and understand why Samarkand plov is so delicious (this oil is added in Samarkand plov); walk along the Siyab channel to get to the workshop of ceramics master, order a master class if interested. Then visit the mysterious mausoleum of Saint Daniel, see the muskrats of nearby canal; Pay visit for Afrosiob museum, enjoy the stories of your tour guide about the deep history of the ancient city of the Silk Road, see the 14 century old murals, ossuaries of the Zoroastrians.
Day 2: Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarqand, Uzbekistan to Observatory of Ulugbek, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Grandiose Bibi Khanum Mosque would be perfect destination to start with today, listen to the love story of Persian architect and Timur’s favorite wife; Siyab Bazar next to Bibi Khanum Mosque has been functioning even before the mosque was constructed in 14th century, now buzzing with local and foreign visitors. Try local fruits and dry fruits, practice local way of bargaining. Then walk to the ancient mosque of legendary saint Hyzr with the mausoleum of the first president of independent Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in it; Have delicious Samarkand plov; Visit Shahi Zinda necropolis to see examples of different architectural schools in one place; Observatory of Ulug’bek would most probably be the eye opener to learn so much about astronomy.
Day 3: University Boulevard, Samarqand, Uzbekistan to Ak Saray Palace, Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan
We’ll start picturesque drive towards Ak Saray Palace, Amir Timur’s legacy and on the way will have photo stop. We are also able to go for short mountain trekking to see unusually huge hart shaped stone, observe how locals are doing things. Kitab mountains are famous for their tandoori meat and village kefir drinks, we might give it a try. In Shakhrisabz Gigantic ruins of Ak Saray palace and mausoleums built for Timur’s relatives as well as Platan-plane trees (Chinar) planted in 1370 waiting for us.
What's included
This tour includes guiding and driving services, as well as expenses for gas. The minimum number of people in a group is 3 persons unless one client agrees to pay for minimum group.
This tour does not include entry tickets, lunch and other extras. The minimum number of people in a group is 3 persons unless one client agrees to pay for minimum group.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me. The minimum number of people in a group is 3 persons unless one client agrees to pay for minimum group.
Route & locations
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex, Samarqand, Uzbekistan to Afrasiyab Museum, Samarqand, Uzbekistan