Discover the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, Tachkent. Begin with a short city tour:

• Place Khast Imam, home to the original 7th-century manuscript of the Quran.
• Bazar de Chorsu, the city’s largest market, offering a rich variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
• Place de l'Indépendance et Place Amir Timur, key landmarks of the city.
• A stroll along Tashkent’s old Broadway, a charming pedestrian street.

Nuit à Tachkent.

After breakfast, depart for the Fergana Valley, passing through the Kamchik Pass (2268m), where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Chatkal Mountains.

On the way, visit the historic city of Kokand:

• Palace of Khudoyar Khan (1870) – The grand palace of the last Khan of Kokand, once surrounded by a vast enclosure with twelve gates leading to different cities.
• Jami Mosque (19th century) – A magnificent mosque built in the traditional style with carved wooden pillars set on marble bases, supporting a beautifully decorated ceiling with floral motifs.

Arrive in Fergana in the evening.

Overnight in Fergana.

After breakfast, return to Tachkent with stops in two culturally rich towns:

• Margilan (13 km from Fergana) – Famous for its silk production, visitez le site Usine de soie de Yodgorlik, where artisans use traditional techniques to weave exquisite silk fabrics. Margilan’s silk is renowned throughout Uzbekistan.
• Rishtan – A town famous for its ceramics, where you will visit a ceramist’s workshop to witness the creation of beautifully handcrafted pottery, decorated with the region’s signature blue and green glazes.

Arrive in Tachkent in the evening.

Nuit à Tachkent.

Après petit déjeunerTransfert à l'aéroport pour un vol de retour. morning flight to Urgench at 07:15 (1-hour flight). Upon arrival, transfer to Khiva, a city that feels like an open-air museum.

Explorer Itchan-Kala, le inner walled city of Khiva, where you can experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century Central Asian town. Highlights of the tour include:

• Ota Darvoza – The grand entrance gate to Itchan-Kala
• Arche de Kunya – The ancient fortress and residence of Khiva’s rulers
• Minaret de Kalon – One of the city’s most iconic structures
• Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah – The largest madrasah in Khiva
• Muhammad Rakhim Khan II Madrasah
• Mosquée Juma – A unique mosque with 218 wooden columns
• Palais Tash Khauli – Known for its stunning interior decorations
• Islam Khodja Madrasah & Minaret – The tallest minaret in Khiva

In the evening, you can climb Ak Sheikh Tower for a panoramic view of Khiva at sunset.

Nuit à Khiva.

Après petit déjeuner, continue exploring the historical and cultural heritage of Khiva with visits to:

• Nurullabay Palace – Located outside Itchan-Kala, this was the last royal residence of the Khivan monarchy, built in the early 20th century with European and local architectural influences.
• Pahlawan Mahmud Complex - A mausoleum and spiritual site dedicated to the famous poet, philosopher, and wrestler of Khiva, considered the patron saint of the city.

Later, visit a traditional woodcarving workshop, where you’ll discover the centuries-old art of wood sculpture, a craft for which Khiva is renowned.

Nuit à Khiva.

Après petit déjeuner, departure at 08:30 pour BoukharaLa ville compte plus de 2 500 ans d'histoire. The long drive across the Désert de Kyzylkum will include a stop along the Amu Darya River, one of Central Asia’s great waterways.

Around midday, take a break at a local café to taste Uzbek lamb skewers (shashlik), a delicious specialty of the region.

À l'arrivée à Boukhara, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a promenade tranquille around Lyabi-Khauz Square, the heart of Bukhara’s old town, surrounded by beautiful madrasas, tea houses, and artisan shops.

Visit a traditional puppet workshop, where you’ll see the craftsmanship behind Uzbekistan’s famous handmade puppets used in folk performances.

Nuit à Boukhara.

Après petit déjeuner, embark on a guided tour of Bukhara’s historical landmarks, showcasing the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage:

• The Trade Domes (16th century) – Toki Sarrafon, Toki Zargaron, and Toki Telpakfurushon, once bustling medieval bazaars where merchants sold silk, spices, and jewelry.
• The Kalyan Mosque & Minaret - Les tallest and most iconic structure in Bukhara, dating back to the 12th century.
• The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa (16th century) – One of the few active Islamic schools in Uzbekistan, known for its elegant blue-tiled façade.
• The Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasas – A striking contrast of 15th-century simplicity et 17th-century opulence.
• La Forteresse de l'Arche - A massive citadel, once the residence of Bukhara’s rulers, offering panoramic views of the city.

Nuit à Boukhara.

Après petit déjeuner, continue exploring the architectural gems of Bukhara, each telling a story of the city’s deep history:

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum (10th century) - L'un des oldest surviving monuments in Central Asia, built in a unique brickwork style.
• Mausolée de Chashma Ayub – Linked to the legend of Prophet Job, who is said to have miraculously brought forth a holy spring here.
• Mosquée Bolo-Khauz. - Connu pour ses elegant wooden pillars, this mosque was once the royal place of worship.
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace - Les résidence d'été of the last emirs of Bukhara, blending European and Central Asian architecture.
• Bahouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum – A sacred Sufi pilgrimage site, honoring the founder of the Naqshbandi order.
• Chor-Minor Mosque – A charming, four-towered structure, once part of a madrasa complex.

To end the day, visit a local embroidery master and discover the art of Suzani, the famous hand-stitched Uzbek textiles.

Nuit à Boukhara.

Après petit déjeuner, embark on a scenic journey towards Aydarkul, an oasis of tranquility in the Désert de Kyzylkum.

On the way, explore Nurata:

• Ruins of Alexander the Great’s Fortress – Built in the 4th century BC, this fortress once served as a strategic military post.
• Chashma Spring - A sacred water source, believed to have healing properties and linked to local legends.

Desert Adventure in Aydarkul:

• Arrive at a traditional yurt camp, where you’ll experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle.
• Camel ride through the golden dunes.
• Visit the serene Aydarkul Lake, a vast turquoise oasis in the middle of the desert.

As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner under the open sky, followed by an enchanting performance of Kazakh folk songs around the campfire.

Nuit en yourte.

Après petit déjeuner, partir pour Asraf, a charming mountain village nestled in the Nurata range.

Experience the Rural Life:

• Profitez d'un 3-hour hike, exploring the picturesque landscapes and observing the daily life of local villagers.
• Discover the ruins of an abandoned village, a mysterious ghost town with a fascinating past.

Uzbek Culinary Experience:

• Participate in a traditional cooking class and learn how to prepare the iconic Uzbek Plov, a dish rich in history and flavor.

Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Après petit déjeuner, embark on a full-day hike through the picturesque mountain villages of Hayat and Ukhum.

Highlights of the Day:

• Wildlife Observation: Spot the Severtzov’s Urial (mountain sheep), a rare and protected species listed in the Red Book of endangered animals.
• Scenic Trails: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Nurata mountains.
• Cultural Encounters: Discover traditional village life, meet local families, and experience the authentic hospitality of the region.
• Lunch in Ukhum, enjoying a meal in a local home before hiking back to Asraf.

Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Asraf.

Après petit déjeuner, départ pour SamarcandeL'une des villes les plus légendaires de la route de la soie.

Upon arrival:

• Hotel check-in and time to relax.
• Free time to explore the city at your own pace, stroll through local streets, or enjoy a traditional chaikhana (tea house).

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

As Amin Maalouf beautifully described:
“Samarkand, the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned towards the sun.”

Après petit déjeuner, a guided tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

• Mausolée de Gur-e-Amir - Les dynastic tomb de Tamerlane (15th century), an architectural masterpiece.
• Place du Registan - Les heart of Samarkand, surrounded by the three grand madrasas of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari.
• Madrasah Bibi-Khanym - A majestic monument built in honor of Tamerlane’s beloved wife, Saray Mulk Khanum.
• Siyob Bazaar - A vibrant traditional market where you can discover local spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted goods.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Après petit déjeuner, continue exploring Samarcande, a city with more than 2,750 years of history:

• Observatoire d'Ulugh Beg - Les first observatory in Central Asia, built by the astronomer-king Ulugh Beg in the 15th century.
• Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis – A sacred burial complex housing the tomb of Qusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Konigil Paper Workshop – Discover the ancient art of Samarkand paper-making, a tradition dating back to the 8th century.

In the evening, take the train to Tashkent at 18:00.
A l'arrivée, transfert à l'hôtel hôtel.

Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Après petit déjeuner, transfer to the aéroport pour votre vol de retour.

Fin de nos services.