Day 01: Arrive Tashkent (UZBEKISTAN)

We are cordially welcomed upon arrival at Tashkent airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of our day is free to relax or explore the leafy streets of Tashkent. As Central Asia’s crowning jewel, Uzbekistan is home to a number of ancient monuments and cultural traditions that testify of a rich history along the Silk Road. Hotel check in time is 1400hrs.

Overnight: Hilton Tashkent, Tashkent (1 night)

Day 02: Tashkent/Nukus (Flight)

Our adventure takes off as we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nukus, the gateway to the dying Aral Sea.  After transfer to our hotel, the rest of the day is free to stroll through this Soviet-style town and meet the locals.

Nukus is the sixth-largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. The population of Nukus as of 1 January 2022 was 329,100. The Amu Darya river passes west of the city. Karakalpakstan has its own Karakalpak language and the state is comprised primarily of ethnic Karakalpak, Uzbeks, and Kazakhs.

Overnight: Jipek Joli Hotel, Nukus (1 night) (B, D)

Day 03: Nukus/Toprak Kala/Khiva (Drive 3 hours)

This morning, we tour the Nukus Museum of Art (The State Art Museum of the Republic of Karakalpakstan). Opened in 1966, the museum houses a collection of over 82,000 items, ranging from antiquities from Khorezm to Karakalpak folk art and Uzbek fine art. Uniquely, the museum houses the second largest collection of Russian avant-garde in the world, after the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. The museum represents the life’s work of Igor Savitsky, who assembled an extensive collection of Karakalpak jewellery, carpets, coins, clothing and other artifacts, convinced the authorities of the need for a museum, and, following its establishment, was appointed its curator in 1966. Thereafter, he began collecting the works of the Russian avant-garde, whose paintings, although already recognized in Western Europe, had been banned in the Soviet Union during Joseph Stalin’s rule and through the 1960s. Despite the risk of being denounced as an “enemy of the people”, Savitsky sought out proscribed painters and their heirs to collect, archive and display their works. Afterwards we make our way to Khiva, whose well-preserved ancient centre was the last resting place for caravans before crossing the desert into Iran. En route, we enjoy visits to Shylpyk Kala, the only Tower of Silence dating from 4th and 5th century A.D. and Toprak Kala, a mud fortress found in the Kizilkum desert, dating from 1st and 2nd century A.D. This impressive fortress served as a winter retreat to a local princely family. Upon arrival in Khiva, we check in to our hotel.

Overnight: Zarafshan Boutique Hotel, Khiva (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Khiva

Today we go back in time, as we visit the Ichan-Kala*, the fabled inner town of the old Khiva oasis. Although few very old monuments remain, it is a coherent and well-preserved example of the Muslim architecture of Central Asia.  We explore the walled city and its remaining outstanding structures on foot, starting with Ichan Kala, Kalta minor, a half-finished minaret, Madrassah Rakhimkhon and Kunya Arg, which offers a panoramic view of the Khivan monuments. Later we explore the Hunarmand workshops, the Mausoleum of Pakhalavan Makhmud, featuring unique tile work, the imposing Islam Khodja Minaret and Museum, the Friday mosque with its many wooden pillars and the Tashauli harem quarters of the last Khan of Khiva.  Following our tour, we will have some free time to explore this legendary city on our own. Later we have the unique opportunity to interact with the locals by visiting with a Khivan family at home. We will see the newly-renovated Summer Residence of the last Khan of Khiva, which was constructed by the Russians as part of the Czarist policy to exercise political influence on local rulers in Central Asia. (B, D)

Day 05: Khiva/Bukhara (Drive 6 hours)

An interesting day seeing not only the sceninc topography of the Kyzykum desert but also we stop at villages and meet the local folks and be tempted by their well known freshly baked breads. Late afternoon, we arrive at the city of Bukhara, which dates back over 2,000 years and boasts an impressive collection of more than 140 historical monuments. Bukhara is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact. Founded not later than the 1st century ce (and possibly as early as the 3rd or 4th century bce), Bukhara was already a major trade and crafts centre along the famous Silk Road. Bukhara was for long an important economic and cultural center in Central Asia. The ancient Persian city served as a major center of Islamic culture for many centuries and became a major cultural center of the Caliphate in the 8th century.

We check in to our hotel. In the evening, subject to availility, we can enjoy an optional folk show at Madrassah Gowkushan.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure Old Town, Bukhara (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Bukhara

Today we explore the Historic Centre of Bukhara*, which offers winding streets and ancient structures reminiscent of Arabian Nights. On our full-day sightseeing tour, we will first walk through the old city. Here we visit the Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, as well as the Aziz Khan and Ulugbek madrassahs. Later make our way to the Tim Abdullah, Tilpak Frushan Covered Market, the Mohgaki Attari mosque, Lyabikhauz, the city pond, Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi and Chor Minor.  In the afternoon, we continue to explore some of the city’s most important monuments, including the Arg Fortress, Zindan (the prison), Balakhauz mosque, Ismail Samanid mausoleum and Chasma Ayub (Job’s spring).  In the evening, we enjoy an unforgettable dinner: Walking the narrow lanes of Bukhara through the old Jewish quarters, we visit the house of miniature master Davlat Toshev, a Sufi painter known for his excellent miniatures who has exhibited his work in many parts of Europe. Here we will see his workshop and enjoy an intimate dinner with his family. (B, D)

Day 07: Bukhara/Shakhrisyabz/Samarkand (Drive 4 hours)

We depart for Samarkand, stopping at the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz*, birthplace of Tamerlane. Our visit includes Tamerlane’s famous Ak-Saray Palace and the imposing ‘pishtak’, which supported a huge arched gateway. We can see part of the gateway still surviving, with its beautiful tile and mosaic work. This incredible palace took over a quarter century to construct, and Spanish ambassador Ruy Gozalez Clavijo was stunned by its intricate decorations during his visit in 1404.  Successive internal wars after the death of Tamerlane destroyed much of the structures. We will also see a sycamore tree dating from the 1300s. Shakhrisyabz is known for its embroidery and textiles, and we will have the opportunity to meet and interact with local artisans before we drive to the historic city of Samarkand. In the evening we have an optional visit to Samarkand’s legendary Registan Square for a riveting Sound and Light Show (available only at certain times of the year). Registan Square gained worldwide fame thanks to the great architectural ensemble that has become a monument of Islamic architecture. The site was the venue of the 1992 Aga Khan Architecture Award. From three sides, the square is surrounded with grand madrassah, portals of which are facing the center of the space. All three erections have their own unique décor.

Overnight: Hotel Malika Prime, Samarkand (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Samarkand

Today, we explore the Historic town of Samarkand*, a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Samarkand offers a rich history reflected in its magical monuments and winding streets. We start our discovery with a visit to Registan Square, known as one of the noblest public squares in the world. Later we visit Bibi Khanum’s Mosque and Siyob Bazaar, a fascinating market reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road times. Next, we head to the Shahi Zinda royal necropolis.  Later we explore Observatory, built by Ulugbek, one of the most renowned astronomers of his time and Tamerlane’s grandson.  Built in the 1400s, the structure was only rediscovered 100 years ago. We then visit a Kunhil traditional paper mill, where paper is made from the bark of mulberry trees. Afterwards, we drive to Gur Emir, the glorious mausoleum of Tamerlane, his grandson Ulugbek and their courtiers. (B, D)

Day 09: Samarkand/Tashkent (Train 2.5 hours)

We have some free time in Samarkand for indeoendent exploration before we are transfererred to the train station for a 2.5hrs deluxe train ride back to Tashkent. Rest of the day is free. Evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hilton Tashkent, Tashkent (1 night) (B, D)

Day 10: Depart Tashkent

After a fascinating cultural adventure through Uzbekistan, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.  Alternatively, we suggest enjoying unique extensions to the Ferghana Valley (heart of silk, craft and pottery in Uzbekistan) or visit  Lake Issyk Kul, the jewel of Kyrgyzstan. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

Inquire About this Trip

Tour Application Form