Grand Uzbekistan Tour

After meeting at Istanbul Airport at the designated time, we depart for Urgench at 01:05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 262. Upon arrival at 06:50 local time, we are welcomed by our guide waiting for us at the airport and depart by private vehicle to Khiva for breakfast. (36 km / 45 min) After having breakfast at our hotel, we enter Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the Ata Darvoza Gate. Here, we explore historically and architecturally significant landmarks such as the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kuhna Ark Fortress, Zindan, and Muhammad Amin Inaq Madrasa. After observing the region’s rich culture in local handicraft workshops, we visit the complexes around the Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum and Islam Khoja Minaret. Later in the day, after a prayer break at Juma Mosque, we explore the Polvon Darvoza Gate and Caravanserai, Ak Mosque, Toshhovli Palace, and Allakuli Khan Madrasa, experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Khiva. After dinner at a local restaurant, we proceed to our hotel for accommodation. Overnight at our hotel in Khiva.

After breakfast, we depart for Bukhara (460 km, 6 hours 15 minutes). We travel through the Kyzylkum Desert, the largest desert in Central Asia, and enjoy the unique landscapes of this vast region. Along the way, we pass by the Amu Darya River, the lifeline of the region. Upon arrival in Bukhara, we visit the mausoleum and complex of Ali Ramiteni (may his soul be blessed) and the mausoleum and complex of Muhammad Baba-es Semmasi (may his soul be blessed) along the way. After a pleasant dinner, we check in to our hotel in Bukhara and rest.

After having breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we visit the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, the Spring and Mausoleum of Prophet Ayyub, followed by the mausoleums of Hz. Abdulkhaliq Ghujduvani (may his soul be blessed), Arif-i Rivgeri (may his soul be blessed), and Mahmud Incir-i Fağnevi (may his soul be blessed) from the Golden Chain. After our visits, we return to Bukhara. We then visit the mausoleums and complexes of Hz. Emir Kulal (may his soul be blessed), Hz. Shah-i Naqshband Muhammad Bahauddin (may his soul be blessed), and his mother. Following these spiritually inspiring visits, we have dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel and rest at our hotel in Bukhara.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our program with a visit to the Ark Fortress, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. We then explore the historic covered bazaars known as Toki Telpak Furushan, Toki Zargaran, and Toki Sarrafan. Dating back to the Middle Ages and offering some of the finest examples of traditional trade, these bazaars are among the important stops that best reflect Bukhara’s historical character. We continue with visits to the Poi Kalyan Complex, Kalyan Minaret, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. We then visit Lyabi-Hauz. After our tour, we transfer to the train station and depart for Samarkand aboard the Afrosiyob high-speed train. (1 hour 45 minutes) Upon arrival, after dinner at a local restaurant, we proceed to our hotel for accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our Samarkand tour. Our first stop is the Mausoleum of Imam Bukhari, one of the most important scholars of the Islamic world. We then continue with a visit to the Samarkand Paper Factory, where we observe firsthand how paper is traditionally produced using traditional methods. Afterwards, we visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, belonging to Ulugh Beg, who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. We then visit the grave of the great scholar of Islamic theology, Imam Maturidi, from the outside due to renovation works. Afterwards, we visit the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum (Sahaba Qusam ibn Abbas), an architecturally unique structure, followed by a visit to the Mausoleum of Amir Timur. Our tour continues at Registan Square, considered the heart of Samarkand, where we explore the Ulugh Beg, Tilla-Kari, and Sher-Dor Madrasas and trace the marks of history up close. We then visit the Mausoleum of Hz. Ubaydullah al-Ahrar (may his soul be blessed). After our tour, we depart for Tashkent aboard the Afrosiyob high-speed train (2 hours 20 minutes). Upon arrival, we have dinner at a restaurant and proceed to our hotel to rest.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Tashkent city tour. Our first stop is Independence Square, considered a symbol of the country’s independence. We then proceed to Amir Timur Square, dedicated to Amir Timur, one of the most important figures in Uzbek history. Afterwards, we visit Martyrs’ Square and see the Martyrs’ Memorial located here. Continuing to discover the city’s historical and spiritual heritage, we visit the Hazrati Imam Complex. Within the complex, we see the Barak Khan Madrasa, Muyi Mubarek Madrasa, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and Hazrati Imam Mosque. We then visit the Center of Islamic Civilizations, which showcases the rich scientific and cultural heritage of the Islamic world. This impressive complex, one of Uzbekistan’s most important cultural and research centers, is home to the Samarkand Kufic Quran Manuscript, considered one of the oldest surviving copies of the Holy Quran. After our visits, free time is given for shopping at Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city’s most famous traditional markets. We then proceed to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner, following this enjoyable day immersed in history, we transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, we complete passport control and check-in procedures. We then depart for Istanbul at 02:30 aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK 371. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:45 local time, our tour comes to an end. We look forward to seeing you on your next journey with Toprak Turizm!