Reception at Urgench airport and transfer to Khiva (30 km). Breakfast and some rest before setting off to explore the city.
Excursion to the inner city – Itchan-Kala, which provides a clear idea of what a Central Asian city looked like in the 19th century.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Bukhara, the city of oriental tales, with over 2,500 years of history.
The journey crosses the Kyzylkum Desert, with a stop along the way to enjoy tea by the Amu Darya River.
Continuation towards Bukhara, with lunch en route. Arrival in Bukhara in the evening and hotel check-in.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum – the oldest monument in Bukhara, dating back to the 10th century.
• Chashma Ayub Mausoleum – associated with the Prophet Job.
• Bolo-Khauz Mosque.
• The Ark Fortress – the former residence of Bukhara’s rulers.

Lunch.

• Medieval trading domes from the 16th century.
• Kalon Mosque and Minaret – the tallest in Bukhara.
• Mir Arab Madrasah – an active Islamic school from the 16th century.
• Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs.

Dinner at a Suzani embroidery master’s workshop.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a continuation of the city tour:

• Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Complex – dedicated to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order.
• Chor-Bakr Complex.
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace – the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara.
• Chor-Minor Madrasah.

Optional: Traditional Oriental Hammam experience with full spa treatments.

Overnight at the hotel.

Departure towards Samarkand, with a stop in Gijduvan to visit the ceramic workshop of master Abdullo Nurullaev.
Tour of the Ceramics Museum and pottery workshop, followed by an introduction to traditional silk-thread embroidery practiced by the women of the family.

Continuation towards Samarkand, with visits en route:
• Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai – an ancient stop along the Silk Road.
• Sardoba Reservoir – a historical water storage system.

Lunch on the way.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, hotel check-in and rest.
Later, an initial exploration of the city:
• Saint Alexius Cathedral.
• Regional Studies Museum.

Overnight at the hotel.

To quote Amin Maalouf:
“Samarkand, the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned towards the sun.”

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:
• Registan Square – the historic heart of Samarkand.
• Bibi-Khanym Madrasah – built by Timur in honor of his favorite wife.
• The local bazaar – a vibrant market full of spices, dried fruits, and handicrafts.

Lunch.

• Shakhi-Zinda Complex – a breathtaking necropolis housing the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin.
• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – the final resting place of Timur.
• El-Merosi Theater – an optional show presenting historical costumes and traditions.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur. City tour of this 2,500-year-old town:
• Ak-Saray Palace – the grand summer residence of Timur.
• Dor-us Saodat Complex (“Abode of Felicity”) – home to Timur’s family mausoleums.
• Dor-ut Tilavat Complex (“Abode of Meditation”) – housing the tomb of Timur’s father and his spiritual mentor.

Return to Samarkand. Free time for the rest of the day.

Overnight at the hotel.

Continuation of sightseeing in Samarkand:
• Konigil Village – visit to the traditional paper-making workshop.
• Ulugh Beg Observatory – a historic astronomical site.
• Afrosiab Museum – showcasing artifacts from ancient Samarkand.
• Khudjum Carpet Factory – a workshop producing handwoven silk carpets.

Departure for Tashkent at 17:00 by Afrosiab high-speed train (280 km, ~2h).
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, followed by a city tour:
• Khast Imam Square – famous for housing the 7th-century Quran manuscript.
• Chorsu Bazaar – a bustling traditional market.

Lunch, then continuation of sightseeing:
• Independence Square – a symbol of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty.
• Amir Timur Square – dedicated to the great conqueror.
• Museum of Applied Arts – showcasing Uzbek craftsmanship.

Farewell dinner in the evening.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Overnight onboard the plane.