ITINERARY

Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:

Day 1: Tashkent
Meet the tour leader at the hotel, early in the morning. The rest of the day we will explore this city with a history of over 2000 years. We will begin at Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of the city, famous for its religious complex and for housing one of the oldest copies of the Quran, attributed to Caliph Uthman. We will then lose ourselves among the aromas and colors of Chorsu Bazaar, a lively traditional market where we will discover exotic spices, handcrafted textiles, and local artisan crafts. We will continue with a walk through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, symbols of the past and present of this dynamic city. At the end of the day, we will admire the city panorama from the Tashkent TV Tower.

Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
We fly to Urgench and continue our journey to Khiva, a true historical treasure included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will step into Itchan Kala, a fortified city that seems to be straight out of oriental tales, with dozens of historical monuments, including the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan madrasa with its imposing architecture, and the Kalta Minor minaret, famous for its shimmering turquoise tiles. We will discover the Kunya-Ark citadel, the residence of ancient rulers, the Djuma mosque with its 218 wooden sculpted columns, and the Tash-Khauli palace, an architectural gem that once hosted the khan's harem.

Day 3: Khiva – Toprak and Ayaz Kala
This day we head to the ancient citadels of Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala, fascinating ruins from the Khorezm period, over 2000 years old. We will explore the remains of these impressive fortresses, silent witnesses of a vanished civilization. Upon arriving at the yurt camp, we will enjoy free time for relaxation, explorations in the surroundings, and, optionally, a short camel ride. In the evening, stories around the campfire and the starry desert sky of the Kyzylkum Desert will create a magical atmosphere.

Day 4: Through the Desert to Bukhara
We will cross the Kyzylkum Desert, a spectacular landscape with endless sand dunes and a peaceful quiet that will remain in our minds long after experiencing it. During the 500 km and approximately 7-8 hours of travel, we will feel firsthand what the "Silk Road" means – long and full of stories to tell, but with each kilometer getting us closer to Bukhara. In the evening, we will arrive in this fascinating city, where the charming atmosphere of the old town will invite us to relax, preparing us for a new day full of discoveries.

Day 5: Bukhara
Bukhara, one of the oldest and best-preserved cities on the Silk Road, will captivate us with its architectural wealth. We will begin at the Samanid Mausoleum, a 9th-10th century masterpiece, considered the first Muslim mausoleum in Central Asia. We will then visit Chashma-Ayub, a building associated with legends about the healing spring, and the Ark citadel, a massive fortress that was once the residence of the emirs of Bukhara. The Poi-Kalyan complex, with its impressive minaret and the Miri-Arab madrasa, will be one of the highlights of the day. During the visit, we will meet a local artist, a master of miniature painting, a traditional art included in the UNESCO heritage.

Day 6: Bukhara 
We begin the day at Liabi-Hauz, a picturesque historical complex surrounding a central pool, flanked by the Nodir-Divan-Begi madrasa and the Magoki-Attari mosque. We will also explore Chor Minor, a unique building with four towers, before heading to Samarkand. On the way, we will stop at Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khosa, the former summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara, a place that blends oriental tradition with Russian influences.

Day 7: Samarkand
Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world and a pearl of the Silk Road, will enchant us with its architectural treasures. We will start at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, the great ruler who transformed Samarkand into a cultural and economic center. Registan Square, with its three madrasas, will undoubtedly be one of the most impressive places visited. We will continue with the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a symbol of Timurid power, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a complex of mausoleums decorated with shining blue tiles. A visit to a traditional silk paper workshop will complete the experience of this memorable day.

Day 8: Shakhrisabz 
We will take an excursion to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the conqueror Timur, to visit the ruins of the Ak-Saray palace, a symbol of the grandeur of his empire. We will explore the Kok Gumbaz mosque and the mausoleums of the Dorut Tilavat complex, places filled with history and spirituality. In the evening, we return to Samarkand.

Day 9: Departure
Your journey comes to an end today. If you wish, you can spend some time exploring the city at your own pace or shopping for souvenirs before departing from Samarkand at your convenience.

Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality