Arrival in Urgench with a stopover in Istanbul.
Meet and greet at Urgench airport, followed by a transfer to Khiva (30 km). After breakfast and a short rest, begin exploring the city.

Discover the inner city of Итчан-Кала, a UNESCO-listed site that offers a clear glimpse of what a Central Asian city looked like in the 19th century.

Ночь в Хиве.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Бухара, the city of oriental tales, boasting over 2 500 лет истории.

Cross the vast Пустыня Кызылкум, with a stop along the way to enjoy tea by the Amu Darya River.

Continue the journey to Bukhara, with lunch en route. Прибытие в Bukhara in the evening and check-in at the hotel.

Ночь в Бухаре.

Завтрак в отеле, затем экскурсия по городу:

• Мавзолей Исмаила Самани, the oldest monument in Bukhara (10th century).
• Мавзолей Чашма-Аюб, linked to the Prophet Job.
• Мечеть Боло-Хауз.
• Крепость Ковчег, former residence of Bukhara’s rulers.

Перерыв на обед.

• Средневековые торговые купола from the 16th century.
• Мечеть и минарет КалонСамая высокая в Бухаре.
• Медресе Мир Араб (16th century), still active today.
• Медресе Улугбека и Абдулазизхана.

Dinner at a Suzani embroidery master’s home.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore sites outside the city:

• Chor Minor, a unique 19th-century structure with four minarets, built by the Turkmen merchant Khalif Niyazkul.
• Chor Bakr Necropolis, a 16th-century mausoleum complex, located 5 km from Bukhara.
• Дворец Ситораи Мохи Хоса (19th century), the summer residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, blending local and European styles with richly decorated halls.

Transfer to the train station for the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand (14:58 – 16:41).

Ночь в Самарканде.

As Amin Maalouf once wrote, “Samarkand, the most beautiful face the Earth has ever turned toward the sun.”

After breakfast, explore the city’s wonders:

• Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, home to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin.
• Медресе Биби-Ханым, built by Tamerlane in honor of his beloved wife.
• Местный базар, a vibrant market full of colors and flavors.

Перерыв на обед.

• Площадь Регистан, the historic heart of Samarkand.
• Мавзолей Гур-э-Амир, the 15th-century resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty.
• Театр Эль-Мероси, showcasing traditional Uzbek historical costumes and performances.

Ночь в Самарканде.

After breakfast, continue exploring Samarkand:

• Konighil Village, home to the traditional paper-making workshop.
• Обсерватория Улугбека, one of the most advanced in the medieval world.
• Afrosiab Museum, showcasing the ancient history of Samarkand.
• Худжумская ковровая фабрика, where artisans weave intricate Uzbek rugs.

Free time for the rest of the day.

Ночь в Самарканде.

After breakfast, transfer to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa (50 km, ~1h). Complete border formalities, then meet your Tajik guide and driver.

Drive to Penjikent (20 km, ~20 min), stopping at Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements (5500 years old), a Объект Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО since 2010.

Sightseeing in Penjikent:

• Rudaki Museum – dedicated to Abu Abdallah Rudaki, the father of Persian poetry.
• Ancient Penjikent – explore the ruins of the 5th-century Sogdian city, abandoned in the 8th century. See the remains of houses, a citadel, Zoroastrian fire temples, and an ancient bazaar.

Overnight in Penjikent.

After breakfast, transfer to the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), one of Tajikistan’s most famous natural wonders. These seven stunning lakes, each with a unique color, are nestled in the Fann Mountains:

1. Mijgon
2. Soya
3. Hushyor
4. Nophin (2139m altitude)
5. Khurdak
6. Marguzor
7. Hazorchashma (2400m altitude)

Наслаждайтесь picnic by the lake before returning to Penjikent.

Overnight in Penjikent.

After breakfast, departure for Khujand через Istaravshan.

Sightseeing in Istaravshan:

• Mug Tepa, an ancient settlement in Ura-Tube, believed to have been founded by Cyrus the Great at the northeastern edge of his empire.
• Khazrati Shoh Architectural Complex.
• Visit to the local bazaar for an authentic Tajik shopping experience.

Продолжение следует Khujand.

Overnight in Khujand.

After breakfast, explore Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.

Visits include:

• Museum of Archaeology and Fortification – Located in the northern part of the city, this 7th-8th century fortress once had towering walls. It was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, with the last reconstruction in the 18th century. The museum is housed inside the fortress.
• Payshanba Bazaar - The largest market in Central Asia, a vibrant and lively spot offering local delicacies, textiles, and handicrafts.
• Mosque and Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin (17th-19th centuries) – A religious and architectural landmark.
• City landmarks – Visit the Памятник Ленину и Monument of Poet Khujandi.
• Arbob Palace (20th century) – Once the headquarters of a Soviet collective farm, this palace is a fine example of Soviet-Tajik architecture.

Питание: Завтрак в отеле. Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Khujand.

After breakfast, transfer to the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border. Border formalities and customs clearance.

Departure for Tashkent.

Afternoon city tour in Tashkent:

• Комплекс Хаст-Имам – The largest religious center in Tashkent.
• Базар Чорсу - The oldest and largest market in Tashkent, known for its traditional blue-domed structure and vibrant atmosphere.
• Площадь Независимости - Один из largest squares in Central Asiaсимвол суверенитета Узбекистана.
• Площадь Амира Темура – Established in the конец XIX века, this historic square was once the site of military parades and now serves as a cultural and social hub.

Ночь в Ташкенте.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.