Legends of Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

Departure on a regular flight to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Arrival at 16:00. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet us at the airport. After completing customs and passport procedures, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.

Breakfast. Our guided tour of Tashkent will begin with an introduction to the city's main attractions. We will start in the old town with a visit to the Hazrati Imam Complex, home to the Quran of Caliph Uthman, followed by the Barak-khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. Next, experience the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar and continue on the stunning Tashkent Metro to the city center. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, pass by the Navoi Theater, and end the tour at Amir Timur Square. In the evening, transfer to the airport for our flight to Urgench and an overnight stay at hotel upon arrival.

Breakfast. We will begin with a visit to the Ichan-Kala architectural complex, exploring its stunning landmarks: Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark Castle, Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasa, Islom Khodja Madrasa, Tash Hovli Architectural Complex, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, and Allikulikhan Madrasa. Later, enjoy a cooking master class where we will learn to prepare traditional Uzbek dishes under the guidance of skilled local chefs. This interactive experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourrself in the rich culinary heritage of the region. Overnight at the hotel.

After Breakfast we will departure by road to Bukhara through the Kizil Kum desert. On the way make a stop to see the Amudarya river. Bukhara served as the capital of the Samanid Empire, Khanate of Bukhara, and Emirate of Bukhara. It was the birthplace of the scholars Imam Bukhari and Ibn Sino. The city has been known as "Noble Bukhara" and it has about 140 architectural monuments. UNESCO has listed the historic center of Bukhara as a World Heritage Site. Arrival to Bukhara, check-in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. City tour in Bukhara: explore the architectural wonders of this historic city. Begin with the Ark Citadel and Bolo Hauz Mosque, then marvel at the iconic Kalyan Minaret, Poi Kalyan Mosque, and Miri Arab Madrasa. Visit the Lyabi Hauz Architectural Complex, a tranquil center of old Bukhara, and the charming Chor Minor. Later, take part in a unique master class in miniature painting with the renowned artist Davlat Toshev, discovering the beauty of this traditional art form. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. The second day in Bukhara will begin with a trip outside the city to the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa. This unique building combines the traditions of Oriental architecture and the motifs of Russian architecture. After visiting Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, return to the city of Bukhara and transfer to the railway station for our train to Samarkand. Upon arrival in Samarkand, we will be greeted with the city's famous blue domes from afar. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. We will make an excursion through the city: Registan Square: Ulugbek Madrasa, Shir-Dor Madrasa, Tilla-Kori Madrasa, Guri Emir Mausoleum (Tamerlane tomb), Bibi-Khonum Mosque and Siab Bazaar. Continue visiting: Necropolis Shakhi Zinda. Night at the hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to the Jartepa border checkpoint to cross into Tajikistan. On the Tajik side, we will be met by a local guide and driver, and then continue our journey to Panjakent.

Upon arrival, we will visit the historical Rudaki Museum and explore local craft centers. Here, we will participate in fascinating workshops: sewing traditional clothing for women and crafting wooden plates for men. After an eventful program in Panjakent, we will continue our journey to Dushanbe, the largest city and capital of Tajikistan.

Our scenic route, spanning 235 km (approximately 5 hours), will take us through the Anzob Pass, the Istiqlol Tunnel, and the Varzob Gorge, offering breathtaking views along the way.Upon arrival in Dushanbe, we will check into a hotel where we can relax after a busy day. Night at the hotel.

Breakfast. Today we will have the opportunity to study the history and traditions of Tajiks in more depth. Visiting the following attractions: Rudaki Park, Samani Monument, Flagpole. National Museum. Hissar Fortress (VII-XVII centuries). House-Museum of Musical Instruments Gurminj. A short musical show will be presented in the museum. We will finish the day with a visit to the local bazaar, where we can feel the real Tajik spirit, witness the oriental art of trade and see how locals’ shop. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Khujand. The journey will take 6-7 hours 310 km. Upon arrival sightseeing tour around Khujand: Arbob Palace, Muslihiddin Memorial Complex (mosque and madrasah), Panjshanbe Bazaar - is the main shopping center of the city, where there are many stores with a wide variety of goods. In Persian, Panjshanbe means Thursday. Panjshanbe Bazaar is considered the oldest bazaar not only in the city, but also in the whole country. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and visit the Timur Malik Fortress and the Khujand Archaeological Museum. Following the visit, we will continue our journey to the Uzbek border, located 70 kilometers away (approximately a 1-hour drive). On the Uzbek side, a guide and driver will meet us. Then we will have free time for shopping before the transfer to the airport.