Extended tour to Samarkand

Program’s name: Extended tour to Samarkand

Trip’s details:
Uzbekistan is emerging as one of Central Asia's most fascinating countries. If you are intrigued to travel after the footsteps of the Silk Road, but have limited time on following whole track, you still have an option to explore and feel the spirit of ancient trade road.

Quantity of days: 5

Day 1: Tashkent
At the airport, you will meet your guide and will take you to the capital city to start your tour of history of Tashkent. Today you will explore city of Tashkent during your travel in Uzbekistan. The first site of the day will be Independence Square, which was built for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during World War II. Further, you will walk along the Broadway that leads you to the Amir Timur Square. Later there is a chance to sit on one of the beautiful metros of the world. Tashkent subway started its first line in 1977. The old part of the city will be most exciting: Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex, which includes many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleums. The most remarkable site is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of the holy book dating back to 8^th century. This Quran was owned by Othman Ibn Affan, who was the Third Caliphs, one of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad. He was assasinated by non-muslims in 8^th century. Today you can see blood stains spread over the book sheets. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand
Morning train will take you to magical city Samarkand to continue your tour. This city is situated in the Zerafshan river valley during your travel. Furthermore, it is the second biggest city after Tashkent and believed to be coeval with Babylon and Rome. You will spend whole day exploring mysterious Samarkand, popular in Uzbekistan. Starting from Registan Square, which is the central sightseeing. Registan surrounded by three graceful buildings of Madrasah. In the middle of the square, you will feel harmonious atmosphere. Next sites are Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi-Zindeh. Shakhi-Zindeh is the architectural complex; it includes large collection of mausoleums. Most of the mausoleums dating back to 11^th-15^th century. Nowadays it is listed on UNESCO World Heritage site. Completing site of the day id Bibi Khanum mosque, built for the glory of the Tamerlane’s wife, after his victorious conquering India land. Night in a hotel. 

Day 3: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand
Today you will drive to Urgut village, which located Samarkand surroundings. Fast moving and oriantal national bazaar of Urgut is the most popular place of the village. In the second half of the day, you will drive to city and continue to historical site in countryside of Samarkand. It is Al Bukhary memorial complex. Al Bukhary was the famous Islam scholar for his unique collection of hadith named “Sahih al-Bukhari”. According to the Sunni Muslim, it is the most authentic Hadith assemble. Moreover, he was author of other religious books like Al-Adab al-Mufrad. Night at the hotel.

Day 4: Samarkand – Tashkent
Samarkand city still has many sites to discover, one of them is Ulughbek observatory, this site was constructed by the 15^th century leader and scientist Ulughbek, famous in Uzbekistan. While he was working in his observatory, Ulughbek made “Zidji Guragoni” catalog in 1437, where he tells more about 1018 celestial bodies. Unluckily, his own son order to murder him. Following the observatory, you will feel happy to find yourself in lively part of the city during your travel. The Broadway is full of colorful and oriental workshops, teahouses, souvenir shops and sweets. Later you can visit traditional bazaar Siab, where you can buy crafts and other dried fruits. There is a handmade factory of traditional carpets. This factory employs more than 400 local women and all of them make carpets according to traditional methods. We will complete the tour with local paper factory, where local masters manufacture original silk papers. Return to Tashkent and night in a hotel.

Day 5: Flight
After having enjoyed quick tour in Uzbekistan, drive to airport.