C17, Solo Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Chimgan Mountains)

You will have a morning flight to Bukhara. Today you will have a full day city tour in this fascinating city. At first you will visit the most ancient citadel in Bukhara dating back to the 4th century named Citadel Ark which served as a palace for several dynasties of Bukhara Empire. Then you will see Samanids mausoleum, a real masterpiece of architecture of 9th-10th century. Then the tour continues to Chashma Ayub, meaning Job's well and Bolo-Hauz mosque, known also as the mosque of forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu- Fayud Khan. Then you have a chance to walk along the shopping domes and visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi which is also a part of Lyabi House Ensemble, famous central sightseeing of Bukhara. The tour will end with visiting Poi Kalon complex, the unique sample of architectural art of Bukhara. It consists of three structures built in the 12th - 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Night is in a hotel.

Today you will have a sightseeing tour in the surrounding area of Bukhara. First you will visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, located few kilometers from Bukhara. It is a memorial complex of famous Sufi Leader and Philosopher, one of the Muslim pilgrimage places for all people of Islamic world. Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the spiritual masters of Amir Timur. Today complex consists of mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, courtyard with pool, madrasah, and burial vault of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Then you will drive to see the countryside residence of Bukhara Emirs named Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. The palace is the sample of combination of various architectural styles. Emir named the palace on behalf of his wife who died young “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. At last you will drive to Sumiton village to find Chor Bakr memorial complex, the town of the dead. Complex symbolizes the four sides of the earth and interprets that all people are equal. Construction of the complex began during the Samanids reign until the 16th century. After excursions you will return to city. Night is in a hotel.

After breakfast we will start our way to Samarkand. On the way, we will stop over at Gijduvan village to visit famous private pottery workshop. Gijduvan ceramics school has its deep roots. The skills have been passed from father to son from generation to generation. Today Gizhduvan is home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world. Gijduvan School of ceramics is distinguished by a geometric pattern. Green and blue colors prevail in decoration of products. Afterwards we continue driving to Samarkand. Night is in a hotel.

Samarkand is situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the cities of Babylon and Rome. Today you will visit its most outstanding sights, such as Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum of Guri Emir and national bazaar. Registan Square, a complex of three fascinating Madrasahs dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, is the main highlight of Samarkand and no one can stop admiring its beauty and majesty. The architectural complex of Shakhi-Zindeh represents a large collection of mausoleums dating back to the 11th –15th centuries, being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, you can walk along the local Broadway, surrounded by souvenir shops, teahouses, sweets, and workshops. Then you can visit the national bazaar, Siab, an oriental bazaar, where it is easy to find Uzbek traditional handmade products and local sweets. Overnight is at the hotel.

Morning is the train to Tashkent. Today you will visit Independence Square, which is the main square in the country and was erected as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. Then you will have a chance to walk along the local Broadway, a walking street between Independence Square and Amir Timur Square. Furthermore, you can take a ride on the famous Tashkent metro, among the most beautiful subways in the world. The first line was opened in 1977. Then you will visit the old part of the city, which includes Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah, and the Hast Imam complex, which consists of several madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleums. The highlight of its exhibits is the Othman Quran, which is the world’s oldest Quran copy, dating back to the 8th century. The Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Overnight is at the hotel.

In the morning, you will transfer to the Chimgan Mountains. Upon arrival, you will have a chair lift to reach the top to see Beldersay peak, 30 min one-way. You will have some free time here to walk around and enjoy nature. On the way back; you will stop over at Charvak lakeside beach for free time and your own water activities (as per season). Charvak is an artificial lake and a popular resort in the Tashkent region, and thousands of holidaymakers from all over Uzbekistan and neighboring countries visit the reservoir. At the end of the day, they return to Tashkent. Transfer to airport and flight home.