The Edge of Greatness

Program’s name: The Edge of Greatness

Quantity of the days: 7 days

Day 1: Tashkent
Welcome to “The Edge of Greatness” tour, where you will feel only the best emotions. Tashkent capital of Sunny Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia. Over the centuries of its existence it has turned from a small settlement into a modern metropolis. You will see today Independence square received its name on September 5, 1991. The monument of Independence and humanism gives the square solemnity and grandeur. After you will enjoy walking walk along the local Broadway, the avenue links independence square and Amir Timur square. After you will ride in amazing Tashkent subway. This is  a real masterpiece of Uzbekistan’s architecture. The line was opened in 1977. After you will explore the old part of the city which includes: Chorsu Bazaar one of the largest bazaars in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, located in the old part of Tashkent called " Eski Shahar», Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. Kukaldash madrasah is the largest madrasah, as well as one of the most famous architectural monuments of the capital of Uzbekistan. Hast Imam complex this is a unique historical complex dedicated to prominent and influential public figures who have been building here since the middle of the 10th century to the present day. The main attraction of the excursion will be the Othman Quran which is the world’s oldest Quran copy dating back to 8^th c. Quran owned Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent – Termez
Today you are going to fly to Termez. The city of Termez, whose name translates as "river Bank", is located on one of the banks of the Amu Darya, very close to the Syr Darya river that flows into it. Termez is one of the few cities whose historical development did not take place in one place. Having survived the next destruction, the city was restored in a new place, not far from the buried ruins.This day you will contemplate the most remarkable sites: Archeological museum, Fayaztepa, Mausoleum of Hakim at Termezi, Buddhist Stupa Zurmala, Mausoleum Sultan Saodat, Honako Kokaldor Ota, Nunnery Kirk Kiz, Jarkurgan's Minaret, Dalverzintepa archeological dig (some sights might be closed due to military trainings). To complete the tour you will drive to hotel. Night is in the hotel.

Day 3: Termez – Shahrisabs – Samarkand
In the morning you will drive towards the birthplace of Amir Timur, the town of Shahrisabs. Shakhrisabz ("green city") is a small and very cozy town lying in the foothills of the Zarafshan and Hissar ranges in the valley of the confluence of the Tankhoz and Aksu rivers. There you will have a tour of highlights of the city. You will discover a palace Ak Saray Palace is one of the most grandiose monuments of the Timurid era of the late XIV - early XV centuries, erected in the city of Kesh (Shahrisabs). Translated from Uzbek, "Ak-Saray" means "bright, majestic", which symbolizes the cloudless bright future of the people. Further you will move to Jahongir mausoleum. It was specially built for the eldest son of Amir Timur, who died when he was 20 years old during the battle. His name was Jahongir. When his son died, the ruler grieved for a very long time (many say that his grief lasted 30 years). The tour will end with the last highlights the Dorus Siadat and Dorus Tillavat memorial complexes. Then you will transfer to Samarkand. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara
The adventure continues with city tour in the fascinating city of Bukhara. Bukhara is ancient and beautiful; it attracts the eyes of millions of people like a magnet. A huge layer of human history is associated with this city of fairy tales, legends and poetry. Bukhara is more than 2500 years old. You will visit the remarkable highlight Citadel Ark 20-meter walls and towers-fortifications that resemble a bottle throat, the only entrance to the citadel with minarets on the sides-all this is impressive. This place served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. After you will explore Samanids mausoleum, a treasure of architecture of 9^th -10^th centuryfurther you will  visit  Chashma Ayub mausoleum is known throughout the district for its healing spring-a well with sacred water. After you will walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi. There is a version that the vezir of Imamkuli Khan, Nоdir of Divan Begi, was respected by the Khan, had a great influence and decided to make good money by building a caravanserai on the Lyabi Hauz square in Bukhara. To complete the tour you will explore Poi Kalon complex. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara – Samarkand
The tour starts with a sightseeing tour in vicinities of Bukhara. Today you will experience  Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, located few kilometers from Bukhara.  Since 1544, a magnificent mausoleum has been erected on the resting place of Bahauddin Naqshbandi (spiritual master). Since then, and to this day, the flow of those who want to touch the memorial has not dried up, because according to legend, a three-time visit to the Holy resting place is equated to the "Hajj" to Mecca and Medina. The complex has a Museum, which contains a lot of reliable information about Bahauddin Naqshbandi and in General about Sufism. Here you can see Sufi clothing, literature, cooking pots, and many other interesting Museum artifacts. After the tour you will drive to Samarkand. Overnight.

Day 6: Samarkand – Tashkent
Samarkand is located in the valley of the river Zerafshan. The third largest and second most populous city in Uzbekistan.  Today you will discover such mesmerizing places: Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan square- on three sides, the square is surrounded by magnificence beautiful madrassas that face the center of the space. Thanks to such constructions preserved in the city, in 2001, Samarkand was included in the UNESCO world heritage list. The mysterious and unsurpassed archaeological and architectural memorial complex-Shakhi-Zindeh necropolis - represents the harmony of a living composition that reflects the history of the 25th century in Samarkand. You will take evening train to Tashkent. Night will be in the hotel.

Day 7: Tashkent – Flight
Transfer to airport.