Treasures of Uzbekistan: The Heart of Central Asia

Begin your journey by taking an overnight flight from London to Tashkent, the most cosmopolitan city in Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia.

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Arrive at Tashkent and check-in at the Lumiere Hotel & Spa Tashkent (or similar) for an overnight stay. Freshen up and be ready for an afternoon tour of the old city where you can see the real Tashkent. The tour will take you to Amir Timur Square, where you will see a monument of the military leader, Amir Timur, seated on a horse in the centre of a beautiful green park. The park is adorned with splashing fountains that add to the scenic beauty of the place. Next on the tour is the majestic Kukeldash mosque and madrasa. The impressive structure is a complex of a mosque and a 16th-century institute for Islamic studies.

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In the morning, head to the airport for a short flight to Urgench, the main gateway to Khiva. Visit two of the top UNESCO-recognized Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm. The first is Ayaz Kala, a quadrangular fortress situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kyzylkum Desert that was built as a defence against nomadic raids. The second is the Toprak Kala, which used to be the capital of Khorezm and the residence of the Khorezm Saks when they governed the country.

In the afternoon, drive to Khiva, one of the most enchanting destinations in Uzbekistan. The route will take you through the historic town of Ulli Khovli, a town that is renowned for its well-preserved caravanserais, which are former roadside inns that served as key trading posts along the Silk Road. Upon arrival at Khiva, check-in at the Malika Kheivak Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

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Spend the day touring Khiva, which is a pedestrian-friendly open-air museum. The tour includes the fortified Kunya Ark Citadel in the heart of Khiva, once the residence of the Khiva rulers, Islam Khoja minaret, the highest structure in Khiva making it the symbol of the city, and the Tash Havli Palace, one of the most fascinating structures in the old city. Tash Havli, which translates to ‘Stone House’ is a sumptuously decorated labyrinth of about 150 rooms and courtyards. While the palace might seem plain from the outside, the inside is an elaborate mosaic of blue ceramic, marble, stone, and wood carvings.

The final stop of the day is a visit to a local family bakery where you can taste and learn how they make traditional bread.

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Enjoy a full day (7-8 hours) drive to Bukhara across the dunes of the vast Kyzylkum Desert, translating to Red Sand in Turkic. The drive will take you through the fifth-largest desert in Asia (bigger than countries like Ireland, Iceland and South Korea) which is famous for its deposits of gold, silver, copper, oil and natural gas. Along the way, make a stop at the Amudaryo River, the deepest river in Central Asia and a place worthy of snapping memorable photos. Once in Bukhara, check-in at the Labi Rud Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

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Today, take a city tour of the ancient Persian city of Bukhara, which for centuries, served as a major centre of Islamic culture. The tour includes a visit to the charming Chor Minor mosque, a unique architectural masterpiece that stands out for its four blue-domed minarets. From there, proceed to the Poi-Kalyan complex, a grandiose architectural ensemble that features a minaret, a mosque, and a madrasa, all of which are beautifully decorated with intricate Islamic designs.

Next, explore the surviving trade domes, which date back to the 16th century and were once the bustling centre of Bukhara’s commercial activity. The surviving domes are Toki-Sarrafon (dome of moneychangers), Toki-Zargaron (dome of jewellers), and Toki-Tilpak-Furushon (dome of headwear sellers). Finally, visit the Lyab-i-Hauz complex, a picturesque plaza that was once the city’s principal source of water. Marvel at the beautiful turquoise-tiled facades and enjoy the tranquil ambience of the calm pool water surrounded by century-old trees.

In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner accompanied by a cooking demonstration, where you will learn about the preparation of traditional Uzbek dishes along with tasting the flavours of this rich cuisine.

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After a delicious breakfast, continue exploring Bukhara. The first stop will be the massive fortress known as ‘The Ark’, the oldest structure in Bukhara dating back to the 5th century. It was used as a fortress until 1920 when it fell to Russia. The fortress encompasses an archaeological museum, a local history museum, the throne room, the coronation and reception court and the court mosque.

Next, visit the Summer Palace, a stunning residence that was once the retreat of Bukhara’s emirs during the scorching summers. This magnificent palace features elaborate designs and coloruful mosaics that are a testament to the lavishness of Bukhara’s rulers. Then, visit the Samanid mausoleum, a brickwork architectural masterpiece built in the early 10th century. It was once located in a cemetery but currently, it is situated in a park surrounded by lush greenery. The exterior of the building features a checkerboard design, giving the impression that the cream-coloured bricks were skillfully interlaced like a weave.

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Drive towards Shahrisabz, the birthplace of the legendary conqueror Timur located in the southern part of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, embark on a tour of the city and visit the stunning summer palace of Ak-Saray, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture with huge walls, towering arches, and complex tilework. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is a pleasant place to explore. Explore the historic mosques and mausoleums in the city, featuring stunning architecture.

Continue the drive to Samarkand where you will be spending 3 nights at the Emirkhan Hotel or the Dilimah (or similar).

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Start a full-day tour of Samarkand by visiting Registan Square, the heart and soul of this ancient city. The square is surrounded by three grand madrasas (Islamic schools) that were built during the Timurid dynasty in the 15th and 16th centuries. The madrasas are adorned with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and mosaics, and are a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Registan Square has played an important role in Samarkand’s history, serving as a centre for trade, education, and culture for centuries.

Next, visit the Ulugbek observatory, built in the 15th century by the renowned astronomer and ruler Ulugbek. Explore the various instruments used for measuring the stars and learn about the groundbreaking discoveries made here. After that, head to the Afrosiab Museum, located on the site of the ancient city of Afrosiab. The museum houses a collection of artefacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of the area, including archaeological finds, ancient ceramics, and works of art. The centrepiece of the museum is a giant fresco that depicts the life and times of the ancient city.

The next stop on our tour will be the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a breathtaking complex of mausoleums that date back to the 11th century. The complex is located on the slopes of a hill and features a winding path that leads up to the mausoleums. The tombs are adorned with exquisite tilework, calligraphy, and other decorative elements. The Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims from all over Central Asia and is considered one of the holiest sites in the region. Finally, visit the Bibi Khanum mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Central Asia. Built in the 15th century by the conqueror Timur, the mosque boasts a massive dome, soaring arches, and intricate designs that are a testament to the architectural prowess of the era.

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Continue touring Samarkand, starting with a visit to the Gur Emir mausoleum, a stunning example of Islamic architecture that is the final resting place of several members of the Timurid dynasty, including the legendary conqueror Timur himself. The mausoleum features impressive tilework, ornate domes, and soaring minarets, and is a true masterpiece of Islamic art and design.

Next, visit the Nodir Divan Begi madrasa, a historic Islamic school that dates back to the 17th century. You will get to learn about the role of education in the Islamic world and explore the beautiful architecture and design of this landmark. After that, visit the Hazrat Khizr mosque, a peaceful and serene place of worship that is known for its stunning tilework and unique design.

Another highlight of our tour will be the Khodja Doniyor mausoleum, which is believed to be the resting place of a prophet who lived in the region many centuries ago. This stunning mausoleum features intricate carvings, beautiful tilework, and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for quiet reflection and contemplation.

After lunch, stop at a silk carpet factory, where you can learn about the traditional art of Uzbek carpet weaving and see skilled artisans at work. You will have the opportunity to purchase beautiful, high-quality carpets and other souvenirs to bring home with you.

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This morning, spend time at leisure and enjoy a few last moments in Samarkand. In the Afternoon, take a drive to Tashkent making a stop on your way at a small market and the Tamerlane Iron Gate, the narrow opening to the Zarafshan Mountains and the bottleneck where numerous soldiers died in an attempt to defend it.

Once in Tashkent, check-in at the Lumiere Hotel & SPA Tashkent (or similar) for an overnight stay.

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