Tour itinerary:
Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Tashkent – Chimgan – Tashkent
Season:
all the year round
Days:
4 |
Nights:
3
4 days group tour to Samarkand & Bukhara - its itinerary starts from Tashkent on the 'Afrosiyab' train and leads to ancient Samarkand and charming Bukhara.
This short group tour is a perfect chance to explore both cities of Uzbekistan during 4 days route. You will see the beautiful mosaics of Samarkand, especially located in Shakh-i Zinda and Registon Square madrasah's. The beautiful buildings of Bukhara won't pass by unseen - the complex called Po-i Kalon could impress even the most stale soul.
No matter where you come to Uzbekistan: from Dubai, the USA, Great Britain or Malaysia, it is always nice to see what the other side of the planet offers: medieval buildings surrounded by clean courtyards with almond trees and flowers, bright and shiny mosaics of Gur Emir are decorated in abundance gold and carved panels depicting the culture and traditions of Asia, which once belonged to the Temurids.
Flight to Tashkent.
Arrival in Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov, first President of Uzbekistan.
Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “ANUR TOUR” or with your name on it.
Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after of the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.
- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country. There are fountains standing for the life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts the pilgrims and visitors all over the world.
- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in postcards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.
- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Transfer to hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:00 Transfer to the railway station in Tashkent.
08:00 Departure for Samarkand by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".
10:08 Arrival in Samarkand.
Come out of the terminal and meet the guide and driver.
Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting (6 hours):
– Gur Emir Mausoleum – burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments considered as one of the most significant places in the world;
– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture consists of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori.
– Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city which was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;
– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) belonging to the Muslim person named Saint Abbas ibn-Kussam;
– Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.
20:00 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.
21:03 Departure for Bukhara by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".
22:34 Arrival in Bukhara.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara:
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so-called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
14:50 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.
15:50 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob".
19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.
Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet with our driver in the lobby and start the journey.
Transfer to Chimgan Mountains area, 120 km from Tashkent, en-route enjoying the picturesque views of beautiful mountains and the life of local people. Chimgan Mounts offer many seasonal outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, and mountaineering.
- Chimgan cable-way ride or Amirsoy complex visit ( the entrance fees in Amirsoy complex and cable-way ride are not included, the visitors can buy the entrance tickets/ cable way ride tickets or ski passes in the ticket offices of Amirsoy)
- Drive to Chimgan and take a photo stop with panoramic view to Charvak Lake enjoying fresh air beautiful nature and stunning scenery of Chimgan Mountains.
- Petroglyphs. Not far from the Ugam River, during archaeological excavations, stone tools and traces of ancient hearths were discovered, on one of the rocks you can see ancient rock paintings.
It's possible to have a lunch in mountain restaurants in the place named "Bochka" by local people.
After lunch, transfer back to Tashkent. The total journey is 200 km one-way long.
Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
The evening departure flight from Tashkent.
End of the tour.
- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from train stations, and airports;
- English-speaking professional licensed local guides (3 standard excursions);
- Meals: breakfasts at the hotels;
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums and natural fees as per program;
- Train tickets Tashkent – Samarkand, Samarkand – Bukhara, Bukhara – Tashkent by speed train "Afrosiab"/Sharq" (economy class);
- Tourist tax per person, VAT.
- International flights to/from Tashkent;
- Guide for Chimgan trip;
- Entry tickets to cable way in Chimgan;
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- E-visa to Uzbekistan (if required);
- Meals: lunches and dinners;
- Transport and guide service for free time after the standard city tours (can be added by request); transport for a walking tour in Bukhara;
- Personal travel/medical insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.
The tour is published on June 14, 2024 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.
All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days/6 month from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.
- Any changes in the basic itinerary and service content may cause the change of the tour prices.
- If the hotels, noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates or in case of late / last-minute booking, the tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service as per room availability.
- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.
- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;
- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;
- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;
- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;
- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions. Single accommodation in the guesthouses, yurts and homestays is subjest of availability in high season;
- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).
Accommodation