We start from Tashkent, meeting at 06:45 at the Northern train station (or transfer from your hotel on request). You will take the high-speed train “Afrosiob.” Departure to Samarkand at 07:28. Arrival in Samarkand at 09:42, meeting with guide and driver. Sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Visit Ulugbek Observatory (XV c), the Museum of Archaeology of Afrosiob, the Necropolis of Shahi Zinda (XIV-X cc) – “City of the Dead” – complex of 20 elegant mausoleums covered with blue glittering tiles. We stop at a legendary Saint Daniel’s grave. This Old Testament prophet is known in three religions. Muslim, Christian and Jew come to pray here. It is a remarkable place with unforgettable atmosphere! Lunch in a national house (included in the price).
After lunch you will visit Registan Square (15-17 c), which was the main city square during Tamerlan ‘s reign. It is surrounded by three majestic buildings: Ulugbek madrasah, Sher Dor and Tilla Kari madrasahs. Bibi Hanum mosque (XIVc) was built on Timur ‘s orders to become the grandest building of the time. Visit to a famous Samarkand Siob bazar. Here you can find all kinds of spices and fruits, famous Samarkand bread and souvenirs.
Visit Guri Emir mausoleum with a majestic blue dome (XVc) – it is a burial place of Amir Timur, his sons and grandchildren. Stroll on to the 14th century mausoleum Rukhabad – the grave of theologian and mystic Burhaneddin Sagaradzhi. In the evening transfer to the railway station and departure to Tashkent on comfortable high-speed train Afrosiob at 18:00. Arrival in Tashkent at 20:10. Transfer to the hotel or airport.
End of the programme.