Relaxing journey in Uzbekistan

Program’s name: Relaxing journey in Uzbekistan

Quantity of days: 10

Day 1: Tashkent  
Your local guide will meet you at the airport and show you the main places of Tashkent and start your tour. The starting point is Independent Square, which was erected for the honor of the victory over fascist Germany during the Second World War where people of Uzbekistan also took part. Further, you will take a short walk to Amir Timur Square through the beautiful local Broadway. Later you will have a chance travel on Tashkent subway. City metro is one of the beautiful subways in the world, which works since 1977. Next remarkable places are colorful Chorsu Bazaar and old Kukaldash Madrasah. Madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum under Hast Imam complex. The most remarkable heritage in Hast Imam is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of the holy Quran in the worls. It dates from 8^th century. The third Caliph Othman Ibn Affan possessed this book (one of the four Caliphs who succeeded prophed Muhammad). He was murdered by his non muslim enemy during 8^th century. Nowaday, you can see blood stains spread on the sheets of the book. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand
Today train will transfer you to mysterious city Samarkand to continue travelling. Samarkand is one of the oldest city, coeval with Babylon and Rome. Moreover, the second biggest city in whole Uzbekistan. The most attractive places of Samarkand are Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. You will start Registan square, which attracts millions of people with its three magnificent Madrasahs. These lovely artworks of 15-17^th centuries make everyone to admire its glorious beauty.  Another stunning architectural complex is Shakhi-Zindeh, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes the largest number of mausoleums going back to 11-15^th centuries. Next site is Bibi Khanum Mosque; it was constructed for the glory of Tamerlane’s wife, following his prosperous fight to India. Stay is in a hotel.

Day 3: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand
After breakfast, drive to Urgut village, where you will visit fast moving, colorful bazaar and see how local people bargain during your tour. Surrounding of Samarkand is also rich in historical sites. In the afternoon, you will explore Al Bukhary memorial complex for the glory of famous Islam scholar Al Bukhary. He has very good collection of hadith called “Sahih al-Bukhari”. Among Sunni Muslim it is the most valuable Hadith collection. He was also author of Al-Adab al-Mufrad. Night in a hotel.

Day 4: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
Today you will start your travelling to Bukhara. En route, you will have an opportunity to see outstanding pottery workshop at Gijduvan village.  Ceramic school of this village is one of the oldest. The tradition of making comes from ancestors, passing from father to son. This valuable skill continued until this time. Nowadays there are six generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. The family makes famous Gijduvan School of ceramic throughout the world. The uniqueness of the ceramic in Gijduvan is in its unusual ornaments and patterns. The main paints are green and blue, which gives graceful effect to the products. Night in a hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara
In the morning, exciting city tour will start from visiting the oldest citadel, which is called Citadel Ark dating from 4th century. It was a palace during the many dynasties of Bukhara Emirate.  Next is going to be the pure masterpiece of 9th-10th century art –Samanids mausoleum. Then visit Chashma Ayub (Spring od Job) and Bolo-Hauz Mosque, which is also famous as a mosque of forty columns. It was constructed for the glory of Abu-Fayud Khan, the city’s governor. Further, you will have time to explore shopping domes and other most outstanding madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi under the Lyabi House Ensemble, the must be site of  Bukhara. In the end of the tour, you will admire beautiful Poi Kalon complex consist of three buildings: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah, the unusual examples of artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Bukhara
From the morning, you will explore the area around Bukhara during this tour in Uzbekistan. Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex will be the first stop today. It is a memorial complex of outstanding Sufi leader and philosopher Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, who was also a spiritual advisor of the legendary ruler Amir Timur. Nowadays, this complex became a popular place of worship for Muslim community from different parts of the world. This site represents Kushbegi and Muzafarohana mosques, inner garden with pool, madrasah, and Bukhara rulers’ burial vault of and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi himself.  Next is going to be the owner of the beautiful name Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. It was named as a symbol of emir’s wife young death. Sitorai Mohi Hosa means “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. Today we will conclude with Chor Bakr memorial complex, which located in Sumiton village and known as a town of dead. This place remind the four side of the world and that means all human creatures are equal. Complex was started to build during the time of Samanids reign before the 16^th century. In the end, we return to city and have a rest at hotel.

Day 7: Bukhara – Khiva
Your journey will continue travelling to Khiva. The city is rich in both ancient culture and admirable architectural heritage. The history of the city closely related with the Khorezmshah’s State, whose capital was Urgench town near Khiva. Khiva was the most flourished town along the Great Silk Road, compare to other cities in Uzbekistan. In the 10^th century historical writings, almost all traders from East to West stopped over Khiva. Khiva always host the long string of caravans in its warm hospitable atmosphere.  Nowadays there are many efforts done to protect and pass this cultural and historical heritage of ancestor to new generation. On the way from Bukhara to Khiva, you will go through Kyzyl kum Desert. You will also enjoy the view of the deepest river Amu Darya. It formed by the joint of Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan and goes into Aral Sea. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the free time.  Night is in a hotel.

Day 8: Khiva
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your fantastic sightseeing of Khiva, the most ancient city of Uzbekistan during this tour. The main part of old city is Ichan-Qala, located in the center and protected by strong walls. It includes sound buildings, palaces, and mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses. Ichan-Qala boasts with more than 400 traditional houses and over 60 historical monuments. Recently in 1969, Ichan Qala was renovated as historical and architectural preserved area. The most significant monument of architecture is Kunya-Ark fortress. The history of the fortress goes back to 17^th century; the founder was Muhammad Arang Khan. Charming Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace are the amazing forms of Khorezm architecture dating back to 1830s. After delightful excursion, rest in a hotel.

Day 9: Khiva – Ayaz Qala – Tuprak Qala – Khiva – Tashkent
In the morning, you will visit the remains of ancient fortresses. First is Ayaz Qala, an ancient fortress. According to old folklore, it was named for the honor of brave slave warrior Ayaz. The foundation of the castle goes back to II century AD. The second castle is Tuprak Qala, which was established in I or II century AD and stand until 6^th century. In translation, the name Tuprak means clay fort, in ancient time it was a palece of Khorezmian leader Artav.  Continues conquering and wars over centuries destroyed the forts and now no any sign of life have left. Continue driving to capital. Stay in hotel.

Day 10: Flight
In the morning, pack all best memories about country and drive to airport back to home.