The Pearls of the Orient

Arrival in Urgench in the morning with transfer to Khiva and early hotel check in from 08:00. After breakfast and free time to rest until 11:00 the guide leads a full day of visits inside the Ichan Kala fortress, the open air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring major monuments of Khiva including madrasas, minarets and palaces. Lunch and dinner are provided at local restaurants. Evening return to the hotel and overnight stay in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure at 09:00 by road from Khiva to Bukhara across the Kyzylkum Desert following the historic Silk Road route with stops to admire desert and Amu Darya river views. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. Arrival in Bukhara around 16:00 with a visit to Sitorai Mohi Khosa summer residence of the last Emir, hotel check in and dinner at a local restaurant before overnight stay in Bukhara.

Full day sightseeing in the old city of Bukhara starting after breakfast with a 09:00 meeting with the guide and driver. Visits include house museums, madrasa complexes, mosques, trading domes and thePoi Kalon complex with its minaret and mosques. Afternoon visits cover the Ark Fortress, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chor Minor. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

After breakfast and a 09:00 departure from Bukhara, the journey to Samarkand passes through local villages and historical stops. Visits include Ghijduvan ceramics workshop with demonstration, Rabat i Malik Caravanserai and the medieval Sardoba water reservoir. In the village of Mitan guests are hosted by a local Uzbek family for lunch with traditional dishes and optional participation in cooking. Afternoon transfer to Samarkand for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a 09:00 meeting with driver and guide to begin sightseeing in Samarkand visiting Gur Emir mausoleum and the Registan Square complex of three madrasas. After lunch the afternoon includes visits to Bibi Khanym Mosque Siyab Bazaar and the Shakhi Zinda necropolis. Evening free time with suggestion to return to Registan Square after dinner to enjoy the illuminated square. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel and a 09:00 meeting to continue exploring Samarkand with visits to Ulugh Beg Observatory Saint Daniel Mausoleum and the Afrosiab Museum. After lunch there is a visit to Konighil to see the traditional handmade paper mill. Afternoon free time for last day exploration or relaxation in the historic city center. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel or with a breakfast box. Three hours before the return flight meeting with the driver at the hotel for transfer to Samarkand International Airport for departure. End of services on program.