Across Uzbekistan by Train 11 days

Arrival in Khiva at 10:54. Transfer to hotel, accomodation and rest. After lunch – excursion in Khiva.

Ichan-Qala  is the historical center of Khiva which has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. City tour around the architectural complex « Ichan-Qala »: Kunya-Ark Khan’s castle – the inner citadel of Ichan-Qala (16-17th cc.), Kalta Minor Tower (Short minaret) that would have become the biggest and tallest minaret in Central Asia (19th c.), Muhammad Amin-Khan – the biggest  medieval madrasah in Khiva (1845-1855 yy.), Djuma mosque with 220 wooden columns and a minaret 32 meters high. Lunch at a local restaurant. Tash Hauli (Stone courtyard) palace looking like a fortress with a high battlements, towers and fortified gates (19th c.), Ak mosque (White Mosque) – a small quarter mosque by the  gates of Palvan-Darvaza (1838-1842), necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud – the cultic center of Ichan-Qala (1810-1913 yy.), residence of Islam Khodja (1910 y.) – the vizier of the last khan. Ensemble consists of the smallest madrasah in Khiva and a minaret which top platform has a height of 45 m and is the highest observation point in town. Dinner.

After a little rest in the hotel, be sure to take a walk in Khiva in the evening! Khiva at night is the eighth miracle of the world! Walking along the streets of this town, where minarets rise, and the sky is filled with large bright stars you will find yourself in a fairy tale! And words cannot discribe extraordinary calmness and peace in the air! Overnight at hotel of Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will continue exploring magnificent old town of Khiva with your guide. At 18:30 transfer to the railway station in Urgench. Train departs to Samarkand at 19.23. Dinner and overnight on the train.

Arrival in Samarkand at 08:09. Meet your guide and driver, transfer to hotel (check-in after 14:00).  After breakfast – a city tour of Samarkand. Today we will visit Guri Emir mausoleum with a majestic blue dome (XVc) – it is a burial place of Amir Timur, his sons and grandchildren. 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. 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. To finish, we stop at a legendary Saint Daniel’s grave. It is a remarkable place with unforgettable atmosphere! Overnight at hotel of Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00 departure to Shahrisabz city via Tahtakaracha mountain pass (1700 m). Our road runs through the picturesque mountain gorges and passes of the Zeravshan Ridge. The highest point on the road is Tahtakarach Pass. Enjoy the exciting view of the plains and valleys. * (this transfer through the mountain pass is possible only on cars, travel time – 1.5 hours). Arrival in Shahrisabz. Excursion in the city.

Shahrisabz is considered the birthplace of Timur. Visit the ruins of the Ak Saray (White Palace) (XIV century), mosque Khazrati Imam (Holy Imam), Dorus Saodat (The House of Power), complex Dorut Tyllavat (The House of Reflection), which consists of several shrines: mausoleum of Sheikh Shamseddin Kulal (XIV century), mausoleum Gumbazi Saidon (XV century) and Kouk Gumbaz mosque (XV century). Return to Samarkand at 16:00. Overnight at hotel of Samarkand.

After breakfast transfer to railway station at 08:55. This morning your rail ride takes you to Bukhara. The high-speed train departs at 09:50. Arrival in Kagan at 11:20. Meeting with guide and driver and travel in the vicinity of Bukhara: visit Summer Palace of Bukhara Emir – Sitorai Mohi Hosa (XIX c), mausoleum of Bahouddin Nakshbandi (VI — XIX c). Transfer to the historical centre of Bukhara. Hotel check-in. Take an evening stroll in Bukhara. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast start exploring Bukhara with your guide.

Bukhara the divine! It is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia the age of which reaches 2,500 years. This city has been a spiritual and commercial center and its importance does not decline over the centuries. « Bukhoroi – Sharif » – « Noble and Sacred Bukhara » – is one of the numerous epithets that this ancient city was awarded with. Here you can fully feel the charming atmosphere of the East!

Visit the central part of the city: complex of Poikalon (XII—XVI c), architectural ensemble of “Masjidi Kalon”, “Miri Arab” madrasah and  minaret (46 m). Ulugbek Madrasah (1417) was the earliest of three commissioned by the enlightened Timurid ruler. Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (1652). Trading Domes including Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpak Furushon and Toki Saraffon. Tim of Abdullakhan (1577) and one of the most elegant trade halls. Faizulla Khodjaev House (XIX c) — a 150-year old house of the Bukhara merchant. Magoki Attori mosque, Labi-Hauz (XVI—XVII c) — a complex with Nodir Devon Begi madrasah. Lunch at a local restaurant. Ark Fortress (VI — XIX c) — in the Middle Ages it was a whole town with the Emir’s family house with wives, mosques, mint place, government institutes, store rooms, a prison and a square for public executions, Bolo Haus Ensemble, Samanid mausoleum (IXc)- the first brick building shaped as a cube covered with dome with unrepeatable geometrical brickwork design, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. Overnight at hotel of Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Bukhara. After lunch at14:20 transfer to the railway station (12 km). The high-speed train « Afrosiab » departs to Tashkent at 15:50. Arrival in Tashkent at 19:44. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel of Tashkent.

This morning we will travel to Parkent area which is often called Uzbekistan Champagne. Here we will pay a visit to private vineyards tasting home-made wine. Transfer to the resort zone in the scenic area of Charvak Reservoir (West Tien Shan mountains). Stop on the observation deck of the Charvak reservoir for a breathtaking view and photos. Arrival at hotel, check into the hotel. Dinner. Overnight at hotel of Charvak.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Chimgan mountain resort area (West Tien Shan mountains). Hiking in the mountains enjoying natural beauty. Stop for lunch – picnic. After lunch, transfer to Tashkent. Hotel check-in. Dinner. Overnight at hotel of Tashkent.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Tashkent. Transfer to airport for international flight home.

End of the programme.