Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE TASHKENT
Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel for the night. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. Although the ancient monuments of other Uzbek cities are far more famous, Tashkent exhibits a wider variety of architectural styles, including Persian, Russian, and Islamic. With a population of around 2.3 million, Tashkent has long been a crossroads for Asian and European travelers, and is the 4th largest city in the former Soviet Union. Though people have lived here, where the western tip of the Tien Shan peters out into the Kizyl-Kum Desert, for more than 2,000 years, the architecture does not adequately convey that long history. An earthquake in 1966 razed much of the city and typical Soviet modern architecture replaced the earlier, more atmospheric buildings. The remainder of the day is at leisure to do some independent exploration. The city has a fine treasury of antiques and jewelry, housed in the palace of Grand Prince Nikolai.

DAY 2: TASHKENT- SAMARKAND
This morning, your guide and driver will collect you for the drive to Samarkand, a journey that should take 5 - 6 hours. Upon arrival, check into the President Hotel for a single night. Samarkand is known as the "Rome of the Orient" and it is the equal of that more famous city. This afternoon, visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum and the world-famous Registan Square. (B)

DAY 3: SAMARKAND - BUKHARA
This morning, continue to explore Samarkand with your guide. Visit the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the mausoleum of Tamerlane, observatory of Ulughbek, Shahi-Zinda necropolis and stroll through the old town, where Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russians, Georgians and other Central Asian nationalities coexist harmoniously. In the mid-afternoon, set out on the drive to Bukhara, a journey that will take approximately 5 hours. More than 2,500 years old, Bukhara offers a fascinating history of Central Asia, still possessing much of its pre-Russian historical charm. Bukhara was once the center of a powerful Islamic empire, second only to Mecca. Its great library once held more than 45,000 manuscripts and was a major draw for doctors, astronomers, mathematicians, geographers and other scholars. Spend two nights at Asia Palace. (B)

DAY 4: BUKHARA
Enjoy a full day tour of this historic city; the old city center has changed little in the past 200 years so it offers interesting insight into what life might have been like then. First visit the tomb of Ishmael Samani, the founder of the Samanid Dynasty, who was responsible for the construction of the exquisite Bolo-Khauz Mosque. This tomb dates back more than a millennium, and was a center for the Emirs of Bukhara. Later, visit the Ark of Citadel and see the multi-shaped domes of Chashma-Ayub, the site of miracles and the winter residence of the Emir. Also, visit the Djuma Mosque, situated near the town's highest point. From that vantage point, visitors can see the city's panorama, dominated by stately mosques. Most of the town's center is preserved as an architectural treasure and the government is still in the process of restoring a number of former medrassas and fortresses. (B)

DAY 5: BUKHARA - KHIVA
This morning, your guide and driver will collect you for the drive to Khiva, a journey that should take about 8 - 9 hours. Note the dramatic change in landscape as you drive through the Kyzylkum Desert. Stop at the impressive Amudaryo River Bank along the way. Upon arrival in Khiva, transfer to the Khorezem Palace Hotel. (B)

DAY 6: KHIVA - URGENTCH, URGENTCH - TASHKENT
Take a full day private tour of Khiva; many guests find that exploring this city is like stepping into a time capsule: its mud streets and inward-looking squares are so well preserved they can feel like a film set. The final destination for some of the most intrepid overland expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, Khiva was then the most remote (and is now the most intact) of the old silk route oasis cities. Also visit the Ichon-Qala gates, Muhammad Amin and Rakhim Khan's medressas, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Islom-Huja medressa and minaret. In the late afternoon, drive to Urgentch to catch the flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, check in to the Intercontinental Hotel for a two-night stay. (B)

DAY 7: TASHKENT
Continue exploring the Uzbek capital, including Barak Khan Seminary, Kukeldash and Abul Khassim Medressas, Uzbek Museum of Applied Arts and the many gardens and fountains. Also stop at the Navoi Theatre Square and Amir Temur Square and take a walk through Sailgoh Street. (B)

DAY 8: TASHKENT - FERGHANA
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Ferghana. The town of Ferghana resembles a miniature Tashkent: young, Russian-built, industrialized on its fringes. Today's full day tour includes the Museum of Local Studies, the Khanatlas Silk factory (known for their Central Asian motifs), the Edgorliq Jewelry Workshop, where you can see beautiful handmade ornaments and embroideries, and the central mosque. (B)

DAY 9: EXCURSION TO MARGILAN & ANDIJAN
Spend a full day visiting Margilan and Andijan. In Margilan, visit the Edgorliq Khanatlas Silk factory, where you can see beautiful handmade ornaments and embroidery, the central mosque and the local bazaar. Continue to Andijan, birthplace of Babur, founder of the famed Moghul Dynasty. Babur's dynasty ruled India for many years and was responsible for dozens of lasting works including the Taj Mahal, Shalimar Gardens and many forts and palaces. Also visit the Babur Literary Museum before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 10: FERGHANA - KOKAND - TASHKENT
This morning, depart by road for Tashkent. En route, visit Kokand to tour the Khudayar Khan's Palace, which contains antique jewelry, samovars, musical instruments, carvings and other works of art. Also visit the largest mosque in Kokand, the Juma Masjid. Continue by road to Tashkent, a lovely journey that passes through the Kamchik Pass. Spend your final night in Uzbekistan at the Intercontinental Hotel. (B)

DAY 11: DEPART TASHKENT
Spend the morning at leisure and then transfer to the airport for your international departure flight. (B)

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