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.

Übernachtung im Hotel.

Frühstück im Hotel, dann Abfahrt nach Bukhara, the city of oriental tales, with over 2.500 Jahre Geschichte.
The journey crosses the Wüste Kyzylkum, with a stop along the way to enjoy tea by the Amu Darya River.
Continuation towards Bukhara, with Mittagessen unterwegs. Arrival in Bukhara in the evening and hotel check-in.

Übernachtung im Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum – the oldest monument in Bukhara, dating back to the 10. Jahrhundert.
• Chashma Ayub Mausoleum – associated with the Prophet Job.
• Bolo-Khauz-Moschee.
• Die Arche-Festung – the former residence of Bukhara’s rulers.

Lunch.

• Mittelalterliche Handelskuppeln von der 16. Jahrhundert.
• Kalon Moschee und Minarett – the tallest in Bukhara.
• Mir Arab Madrasa – an active Islamic school from the 16. Jahrhundert.
• Ulugh Beg und Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs.

Dinner at a Suzani embroidery master’s workshop.

Übernachtung im 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.

Übernachtung im 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.

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

Übernachtung im Hotel.

Um Amin Maalouf zu zitieren:
“Samarkand, the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned towards the sun.”

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:
• Registan-Platz – the historic heart of Samarkand.
• Bibi-Khanym Madrasa – 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-Komplex – 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.

Übernachtung im Hotel.

Frühstück im Hotel.

Abreise nach 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. Der Rest des Tages steht zur freien Verfügung.

Übernachtung im Hotel.

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

Departure for Tashkent at 17:00 by Afrosiab high-speed train (280 km, ~2h).
Ankunft und Einchecken im Hotel.

Übernachtung im Hotel.

Breakfast, followed by a city tour:
• Khast-Imam-Platz – famous for housing the Koran-Handschrift aus dem 7. Jahrhundert.
• Chorsu-Basar – a bustling traditional market.

Lunch, then continuation of sightseeing:
• Unabhängigkeitsplatz – a symbol of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty.
• Amir-Timur-Platz – 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.