Uzbekistan

Aug 26

Written By Undiscovered Frontiers

Discover the Pearl of Central Asia

9 Days & 8 Nights

Can be travelled all year round but our favorite time of the year is

from March through May & September through October.

Tour is
escorted by
Licensed
Local English Speaking Guide

Tour Introduction:

Uzbekistan's central location on the Eurasian continent enabled it to play a pivotal role in the overland trade system known as the Great Silk Route. The main routes of the Great Silk Road that connected East and West went through what is now Uzbekistan. This was one of the places where the first civilizations started and grew. Uzbekistan's geography is known for fertile soil that has been heavily cultivated by humans, a developed city culture, and a high level of handicraft industry which bazaars of Bukhara and Samarkand known to the World. Indeed, the Silk Road's wealth transformed Uzbekistan into an exotic country. The delicate blue and turquoise tiled domes, minarets, and madrasas and mosques located in cities like Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand are all among the most magnificent examples in all of Central Asia. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to explore the long-past glory of the Silk Road through local hospitality, impressive architecture, intricately tiled domes, bustling bazaars, tea houses, and alleyways.

Tour Itinerary:

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Arrive in Tashkent and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to Mercure 4* Hotel or a similar for check-in. Take a little bit of rest after the Trans-Atlantic flight. In the afternoon you are taken on a half-day city tour visiting Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and other famous historical and cultural sights. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast continues a guided sightseeing tour in the capital of Uzbekistan. You will start by exploring the Old City. Visit Khast-Imam Complex, where the world-famous Quran has been preserved. The architectural complex consists of monuments like Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Our next stop is Chorsu Bazaar where all daily necessities are sold. Enjoy an early dinner at the local restaurant. Transfer to domestic airport for evening flight departing to Khiva (duration: 1 h 30 min). Arrive in Khiva and transfer to Islom Khoha 3* hotel or similar for overnight.
After breakfast, your tour will start in the oasis of Khiva. When you look upon the mighty city wall of Khiva with its gates and bastions made of clay, you will be taken to another world: Around the Kalta Minor Minaret life still pulses today as it did in ancient times. The tour will take you to palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and Theological schools to demonstrate what medieval oriental urban development must have been like. The city tour continues in the historical part of Khiva with a visit to Ichan-Kala Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Aminkhan Madrasah, Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Khodja minaret known as the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan. You can spend some time bargaining over goods or have some free time to see the local craftsmanship. Enjoy your dinner at the local restaurant and free time at leisure. Overnight at Islam Khoja 3* hotel or a similar.
Enjoy your breakfast and start your adventure along the steps of the Great Silk Road with a scenic drive to Bukhara. The drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 hours) passes through the Kyzylkum Desert. On the way enjoy views of the Amu Darya River and endless dunes. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Bukhara and visit to Sitorai-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of Bukhara's last emir and a remarkable Oriental architecture. Our next stop is Bakhautdin Nakshband Complex, the holy area for locals and Muslims around the world. Overnight at Shakhriston 4* hotel or a similar
The Historic Town of Bukhara, which was located on the Silk Road, is almost 2,000 years old and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most well-preserved examples of Islamic cities in Central Asia from the 10th to 18th century. Bukhara was historically a significant commercial hub in Central Asia. In the eighth century, it became a major cultural center of the Caliphate. Today we will visit the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasa, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Attori Mosque, Ismail Samani, and Chashma-Ayub. Dinner at the local merchant's house. Overnight at Shakhriston 4* hotel or a similar.
Today, we will go through the desert to the ancient city of Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur or Tamerlane, the famous conqueror of the 14th century. Shakhrisabz, whose name translates to "Green City," is located in the south of Uzbekistan, around 90 kilometers from Samarkand. Here, in Shakhrisabz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will see the enormous memorials of the cruel Mongol Prince and also have the chance to observe the bustling activity of this vibrant city. Visit the ruins of Ak-Saray, Tamerlane's summer house. If time permits we will visit Chorsu Trade Dome and the local bazaar. Continue your drive to Samarkand. Upon arrival check-in and overnight at Konstantin Plaza 4* hotel or similar.
After breakfast, you begin your Samarkand city tour. The historical section of Samarkand is divided into three major areas. The ancient city of Afrosiab was founded in the seventh century B.C. and was destroyed by Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century, and now is preserved as an archaeological reserve in the northeast. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the ancient citadel and defenses, the palace of the monarch (constructed in the 7th century and displaying significant murals), as well as residential and craft sections. There are also ruins of a massive old mosque constructed between the eighth and twelfth centuries. Other important landmarks are the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the Bibi Khanym Mosque, which was constructed in the middle of the 15th century, and the Rukhabad Mausoleum (also known as "The Spirit Abode"), whose dome is supposed to house a casket containing seven hairs of the Prophet Mohammed. Registan Square is the most popular tourist destination in Samarkand. It is comprised of three magnificent monuments: Ulugbek Madrasa (XV c.), Sherdor Madrasa (XVII c.), and Tilla-Kari Madrasa, as well as beautifully decorated and historically significant mosques that contributed to the beauty of this culturally significant period of civilization. Overnight at at Konstantin Plaza 4* hotel or similar.
A full day to explore this magnificent city further. Your guide will take you to the Ulug Bek Observatory and Shah-i-Zinda to explore the blue-domed, eleventh-century necropolis. Head to the train station to board the high-speed train to Tashkent. You arrive late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy your farewell dinner where you will be offered authentic local dishes. Overnight at Mercure 4* hotel or similar.
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the US. End of the service.

Land Tour Price Only: (International Airfare, Taxes & Fuel surcharges are not included)

2 Travelers:

USD 3,900 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

3 Travelers:

USD 3,750 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

4 Travelers:

USD 3,500 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

Single Room Supplement:

$350 USD Per Person (For all nights of the tour if you wish to stay in a single room).

Note: Customized private journey rates are based on a min of 2 participants & a max of 4 participants. The tour rates are valid for 2024 & are subject to change as per the travel dates requested. The rates for solo travelers or larger private groups can be provided upon request. The tour itineraries can be easily modified & customized based on interests & budgets. Check with your travel consultant for more details.

Tour Fitness Level

Moderate: Fits all age groups with good health, some fitness level, and a sense of adventure. There will be some long walking days and a bit of standing while touring. Access to some of the sites and attractions will require walking on uneven terrain or steep staircases. Few elevations, a pleasant but busy schedule, and several long overland drives during the tour. Feel free to discuss the details of the trip with us.

Lodging Level

Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A limited range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards.

Visa & Passport

U.S. passport holders don’t require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Further details related to the visa will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.

Tour Includes:

One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
Final documents tour packet will be mailed.
Transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants arriving & departing with the group.
Nine (9) nights of accommodation at 3* & 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Tashkent - Khiva Domestic flight ticket.
Samarkand – Tashkent Highspeed train ticket.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.

Tour Does Not Include:

International air USA – Tashkent - USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Visa and immigration fees on arrival.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Departure/Arrival transfers from home city to Airport, US.
Baggage handling at the destination airport.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Portage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, chambermaids, and waiters.

Useful Details to Know & Tour Map:

This trip will require long driving distances overland. The roads are paved and in a good condition. For the comfort of the travelers, air-conditioned transportation will be provided throughout the trip. We will be making several restroom stops, stretching our legs, and enjoying the scenic views on the way. During the sightseeing days, travelers must be able to walk a minimum of two to three miles to keep up with fellow travelers. Walking to and from sites could be on uneven surfaces or unpaved paths. Please note that elevators are not available at tour sites. We may have a few drives on poor-quality roads which are required to access the historical and archeological gems of the country. Please make sure to have a comfy outfit and shoes for the sightseeing days. By signing up for this tour, participants agree that they have read and understood all the terms and conditions and that they are in good physical and mental health and have an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be tolerant and patient for the entire period of the tour. To ensure that the itinerary runs efficiently and for the comfort and/or safety of travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to modify the order of the sightseeing activities at any time before departure or after the tour begins or cancel the tour if the planned itinerary is not possible to operate in the event of Force Majeure.