Wonders Of Uzbekistan And Fergana Valley
About this tour
Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Shahrisabs, Samarkand, Kokand, Fergana, Margilan
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Tashkent
Tashkent. Your first day of tour in Uzbekistan starts with exploring Tashkent city. Today you will visit Independence square which is the main square of the country, erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between independence square and Amir Timur square. Further you can take a ride in famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. First line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex that consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran which is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8th c. Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. His blood spred over the Quran that you still can see on its pages. Night is in a hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent to Khiwa
Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva. In the morning you will have a flight to Urgench, then transfer to Khiva. Today you will have a wonderful sightseeing tour in the oldest city of Uzbekistan. It will be inside of Ichan-Qala, the inner city in Khiva rounded with strong walls. Centuries old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses transformed Ichan-Qala into unique city-monument. Ichan-Qala consists of over 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments. In 1969 Ichan-Qala was designated a historical and architectural conservation area. The most remarkable sites in it are the Kunya-Ark fortress dating back to 17th century, found by Muhammad Arang Khan, Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace, an incredible sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Night is in a hotel.
Day 3: Khiwa to Bukhara
Khiva – Bukhara. Early in the morning we will have transfer to a fascinating city of Bukhara. With its more than 140 architectural monuments Bukhara is a "town museum" dating back to the Middle Ages. The city consists of narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belong to different epochs, but locate very close to each other. The road from Khiva to Bukhara goes through famous Kizilkum desert. On the way we will enjoy the view to Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan) and flowing into Aral See. Upon arrival in Bukhara you will have free time. Night is in a hotel.
Day 4: Bukhara
Bukhara. Today you will have a full day of sightseeing tour in the fascinating city of Bukhara. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara dating back to the 4th century named Citadel Ark which served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see Samanids mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of 9th -10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque, known also as the mosque of forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then you have a chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. The tour will end with visiting Poi Kalon complex, the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Night is in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara to Samarqand
Bukhara – Shahrisabs – Samarkand. After breakfast we will start our drive towards the birthplace of Amir Timur, the town of Shahrisabs. Upon arrival you will have a sightseeing tour. First you will visit a palace that had no equal in its grandeur and beauty, called Ak Saray Palace, built by Amir Timur. On the main portal of the Palace was written: "If you want to know about our power, look at our buildings". Then you will see Jahongir mausoleum, dedicated to the eldest son of Amir Timur, who died in battle when he was twenty years old. When his son died, the ruler has mourned for a long time (many say that his grief has lasted for 30 years). The final sites to see in Shahrisabs are the Dorus Siadat and Dorus Tillavat memorial complexes where all descendants and relatives of Amir Timur were buried. After excursion you will drive to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.
Day 6: Samarqand
Samarkand. Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand that no person can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a big collection of mausoleums dating back to 11th-15 centuries being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque was built in honor of favorite Tamerlane’s wife, after his successful campaign in India. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 7: Samarqand to Tashkent
Samarkand – Tashkent. Today you will continue exploring Samarkand city. You will visit Ulughbek observatory, built in 15th century by Ulughbek, one of the most famous Samarkand rulers and scientists. Working in observatory, Ulughbek created in 1437 the “Zidji Guragoni” catalog, which had information about 1018 celestial bodies. Unfortunately, he was killed by order of his own son. After it you can walk along the local Broadway surrounded by souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets and workshops. Then you can visit national bazaar Siab, oriental bazaar, where it is easy to find Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. Also you will see carpet factory, a unique handmade carpet factory where over 400 women sew carpets without using traditional techniques. Afternoon transfer to Tashkent (350 km, 4.5 hrs drive). Night is in a hotel.
Day 8: Tashkent to Fargona
Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana. After breakfast, you will be transferred to railways station of Tashkent to depart to Kokand town. Upon arrival to Kokand you will have city tour of Kokand. Here we will visit Khudayar Khan Palace, historical monument of architecture that perfectly mixed all kinds of traditional arts and crafts, Modari Khan Mausoleum, built for the mother of ruler of Kokand Umarkhan, and Norbutabi Madrasah which was the greatest spiritual school in Kokand in the 19th century. After excursions we will depart to Rishtan town in order to visit private pottery workshop. Here craftsmen from ancient times preserved a special technology of making pottery and pass from generation to generation. Then you will be transferred to Fergana town. Night is in a hotel.
Day 9: Fargona to Tashkent
Fergana – Margilan – Tashkent. In the morning you will visit Fergana regional museum which has a fine collection of items, relating to all periods of history, culture and art of Fergana valley. The museum collection counts more than 80 thousand exhibits. Excursion will end with visiting the national park of Fergana after which you drive to Margilan town. Here you will visit Silk producing factory. All parts of the production process are undertaken here, from the feeding of the silk worms with mulberry leaves, through dyeing with natural vegetal and mineral dyes, to the weaving of the final cloth. After it you will transfer to Fergana train station in order to depart to Tashkent (16:00- 20:25). Night is in a hotel.
Day 10: Tashkent
Tashkent – Flight. Transfer to airport.
What's included
What to know
Comfortable clothes by season, sunglasses, caps, hats, sun blocks, umbrellas or raincoats, scarfs for entering mosques
Route & locations
Tashkent