Ancient Dynasties of Uzbekistan

Tour title: Ancient Dynasties of Uzbekistan

Places to visit: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgut, Shahrisabs.

Day 1: Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva (morning flight)
You will arrive at the airport of Tashkent and meet your guide. You take another flight ot Urgench and from Urgench you will be transferred to Khiva city. Khiva is a wonderful city with a small inner city inside called Ichan Qala, which is surrounded by the strong walls. There are very old buildings, palaces, mosques, madrasahs, minarets, caravan-serais and bathhouses inside the small city. Ichan Qala is a unique city-monument. There are more than 400 traditional dwellings and 60 architectural monuments. This city became a historical and architectural conservation in 1969. The most famous site of this city is Kunya Ark fortress from 17^th century which was found by Muhammad Arang Khan. Then there is another important site called Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace which is a treasure of architecture of n1830s. The night is in the hotel.

Day 2: Khiva - Ayaz Qala - Toprak Qala - Khiva
This day we will visit two well-known fortresses like Ayaz Qala which is ancient castle of Khorezm and was named after a warrior-slave and Turkic folklore hero Ayaz. The next is Turpak Qala, which means "clay fort" which was a royal city of Khorezmian ruler Artav. The fortress was built in 2^nd century AD, and has existed until the 6^th century AD. Many different occasions destroyed this city and remained without any life sign. After all excursions we will return to Khiva for overnight.

Day 3: Khiva - Bukhara
This day we will have transfer to wonderful Bukhara city.  There are more than 140 architectural monuments in Bukhara, it is a "town museum" from the Middle Ages. The city has nice  narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belong to different epochs and they are locate in the center of the city. The way from Khiva to Bukhara will pass through famous Kizilkum desert.  We will also enjoy the view to Amu Darya river, the deepest river in Central Asia it was formed by the confluence of two rivers like Panj and Vakhsh and flowing into Aral See. The night is in the hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara
This day we will have a full day tour in the wonderful city of Bukhara. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara from the 4^th century called Citadel Ark. This Citadel served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see Samanids mausoleum from 9^th -10^th century. Then we will go to Chashma Ayub and Bolo-Hauz mosque which was built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Then we will 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 last place of the tour will be Poi Kalon complex. There are three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries like Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The night is in the hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara - Samarkand
In the morning we will take a train to Samarkand. Samarkand is the second biggest city of Uzbekistan and has the same age with the city of Babylon or Rome. We will visit firstly Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to 15-17^th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand and the main symbol of this city. Architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh is a collection of mausoleums from 11^th-15 centuries and it's also 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. The night is in the hotel.

Day 6: Samarkand
This day of the tour we will explore the other half of Samarkand city. You will visit Ulughbek observatory, Ulughbek was a famous Samarkand rulers and scientists. Ulughbek created in 1437 the "Zidji Guragoni" catalog, there is information about 1018 celestial bodies. He was killed by order of his own son. Then we will walk along the Local Broadway with souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets and workshops. The next place to visit is a National bazaar Siab, where we can find Uzbek traditional handmade products and sweets. Also you will see carpet factory and paper workshop. In the carpet factory we will see unique handmade carpets made by 400 women, they do it using traditional techniques. The night is in the hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand - Tashkent (transfer or train)
This day we will have a transfer or train to Tashkent and have a city tour in Tashkent. During the tour we will visit Independence square, the main square of the country,  built as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then we will walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between independence square and Amir Timur square.  In the afternoon we will visit the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. Hast Imam complex consists of several madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The main exhibit in this complex  is the Othman Quran which is the world's oldest Quran copy from 8^th c. This Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph of Muhhamed. Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8^th century. We still can see his blood on Quran's pages. The night is in the hotel.

Day 8: Flight
In the morning is transfer to airport.