Uzbekistan Heritage Discovery – 12 Days
Overview:
Take a 12-day tour of Uzbekistan’s rich history, which includes everything from busy bazaars and breathtaking architectural wonders to historic caravanserais along the Silk Road. A thorough exploration of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic customs, and stunning scenery is provided by this relaxed journey, which passes through some of the nation’s most famous towns, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz. Experience the local way of life and explore mosques, madrassas, mausoleums, and palaces that date back centuries, making this a once-in-a-lifetime heritage excursion.
Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Tashkent | Arrival, City Tour |
| Day 2 | Tashkent | Museum Visits, Chorsu Bazaar |
| Day 3 | Samarkand | Registan Square, Mausoleums |
| Day 4 | Samarkand | Ulugh Beg Observatory |
| Day 5 | Bukhara | Kalon Complex, Ancient Streets |
| Day 6 | Bukhara | Local Craft Tour |
| Day 7 | Khiva | Ichan Kala Exploration |
| Day 8 | Khiva | Architectural Walking Tour |
| Day 9 | Nukus | Savitsky Art Museum |
| Day 10 | Tashkent | Cultural Evening |
| Day 11 | Tashkent | Markets, Artisan Workshops |
| Day 12 | Tashkent | Departure |
Itinerary
- Arrival: Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Independence Square and Amir Timur Square, two iconic landmarks in the heart of Tashkent, followed by a visit to the Khast Imam Complex and the Barak Khan Madrasah.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Uzbek welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Tashkent Metro, known for its elaborate station designs. Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling market where locals sell everything from spices to textiles.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch at the bazaar.
- Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Applied Arts, featuring local handicrafts, and the Bukhara Caravanserai, an ancient trade hub along the Silk Road.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with a chance to try shashlik and manti (dumplings).
- Morning: Take a high-speed train or private transport to Samarkand, one of the most famous cities on the Silk Road (approximately 2-3 hours).
- Afternoon: After arriving and checking into your hotel, begin your exploration with a visit to Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand, surrounded by grand madrasas.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the city with a menu featuring local delicacies such as pilaf and shashlik.
- Morning: Visit the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a collection of beautifully decorated mausoleums, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of the great conqueror Tamerlane.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest mosque in the Islamic world, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, where the astronomer Ulugh Beg studied the stars.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with a cultural performance showcasing traditional Uzbek music.
- Morning: Travel to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (approximately 2 hours by road).
- Afternoon: Visit the Ak-Saray Palace, an imposing structure that once served as Tamerlane’s summer residence, and the Dorut-Tilavat Complex, which houses Tamerlane’s mausoleum.
- Evening: Dinner in Shakhrisabz featuring regional specialties.
- Morning: Travel to Bukhara (approximately 5-6 hours by road).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Bukhara and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ark Fortress, a massive structure that once served as the royal residence.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying out lagman (noodle soup) and samsa (savory pastry).
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Kalon Minaret, a symbol of Bukhara, and the Kalon Mosque. Continue to the Samanid Mausoleum, an exquisite example of early Islamic architecture.
- Lunch: Sample traditional Bukhara dishes at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the Lyab-i-Hauz Complex and visit the Chor-Minor Madrasah, famous for its four minarets.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant, enjoying local food and music.
- Morning: Depart for Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved Silk Road cities (approximately 6-7 hours by road).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Khiva and check into your hotel. Explore the Itchan Kala, the ancient walled city, and visit the Kalta Minor Minaret and the Juma Mosque.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with views of the old city.
- Morning: Visit the Kunya-Ark Citadel, the Tash Khauli Palace, and the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, dedicated to Khiva’s patron saint.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the Khiva Bazaar for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring plov and shurpa (soup).
- Morning: Return to Tashkent via flight or road (approximately 1.5-hour flight or 12 hours by train/car).
- Afternoon: Once in Tashkent, relax and enjoy some free time for shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a high-end restaurant, featuring traditional dishes and drinks.
- Morning: Take a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains, located just outside of Tashkent, for some outdoor adventure, including hiking, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch amidst the mountains, savoring traditional Uzbek food.
- Afternoon: Return to Tashkent for some leisure time.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at a local restaurant.
- Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure.
- End of Tour: Depart Uzbekistan with unforgettable memories of its cultural treasures and historical significance.
Inclusions
- Boutique accommodations.
- Local guide for cultural insights.
- Hands-on craft workshops.
Exclusions
- International airfare.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Entry to private events.
