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 Itchan-Kala, a UNESCO-listed site that offers a clear glimpse of what a Central Asian city looked like in the 19th century.

Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Bukhara, the city of oriental tales, boasting over 2,500 years of history.

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

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

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a city tour:

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

Lunch break.

• Medieval trading domes from the 16th century.
• Kalon Mosque and Minaret, the tallest in Bukhara.
• Mir Arab Madrasah (16th century), still active today.
• Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs.

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.
• Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace (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).

Overnight in Samarkand.

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.
• Bibi-Khanym Madrasah, built by Tamerlane in honor of his beloved wife.
• Local bazaar, a vibrant market full of colors and flavors.

Lunch break.

• Registan Square, the historic heart of Samarkand.
• Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the 15th-century resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty.
• El-Merosi Theater, showcasing traditional Uzbek historical costumes and performances.

Overnight in Samarkand.

After breakfast, continue exploring Samarkand:

• Konighil Village, home to the traditional paper-making workshop.
• Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the most advanced in the medieval world.
• Afrosiab Museum, showcasing the ancient history of Samarkand.
• Khudjum Carpet Factory, where artisans weave intricate Uzbek rugs.

Free time for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Samarkand.

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 UNESCO World Heritage site 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)

Enjoy a picnic by the lake before returning to Penjikent.

Overnight in Penjikent.

After breakfast, departure for Khujand via 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.

Continue to 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 Lenin Monument and the 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.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. 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:

• Hast-Imam Complex – The largest religious center in Tashkent.
• Chorsu Bazaar – The oldest and largest market in Tashkent, known for its traditional blue-domed structure and vibrant atmosphere.
• Independence Square – One of the largest squares in Central Asia, a symbol of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty.
• Amir Temur Square – Established in the late 19th century, this historic square was once the site of military parades and now serves as a cultural and social hub.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.