Uzbekistan: Featuring the Vibrant Desert City of Khiva
Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, is blessed with a rich history. The ancient Silk Road, which traversed its lands, was a significant trade route cutting through the deserts of Asia, as well as towering snowy mountain peaks, serving as a vital link between the East and the West. Alexander the Great reached Uzbekistan during his eastern conquests, venturing into the valleys of the Hindu Kush to conquer the ancient world, as it was known in those days. However, the great conquerors Genghis Khan and Timur left their indelible mark on the local history and culture. During our journey, we will visit caravanserais surrounded by walls, beautiful minarets, and learn to appreciate the renowned architecture and art of Central Asia in a trip full of historical, cultural, and visual experiences. Of course, we won't overlook the exploration of the history and heritage of the Bukhara Jews, who contributed significantly to the history of the State of Israel and its establishment.
Please Note:
This is a mere example of a highly successful trip organized by Aujo Travel which may serve as a basis for a tailor made itinerary for either independent or organized tour groups.
Please contact us using the form below and we will create the perfect itinerary for your next trip. Free initial consultation call with a company representative.
Caring to know more about our Tailormade Trips?
Kindly leave your details below
Our Suggested Itinerary - Explore a past Aujo Travel trip for your next adventure
Day 1 | Tashkent
We will arrive in the evening in the capital city of Tashkent. Accommodation: Tashkent.
Day 2 | Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva
Transfer to the domestic airport for a westbound flight to Urgench, the central city of the province, from which we will proceed to Khiva, a museum city that has preserved its mosques and madrassas. On our way, we will pass by the point where the Amu Darya River flows northward to the Aral Sea. We will visit the large market and arrive in Khiva. After a rest, we will explore the best of Islamic and Uzbek architecture, palaces, and mosques, including the tomb of the holy Pahlavan Ali, known for blessings. Evening meal and a folk music and dance performance. Accommodation: Khiva.
Day 3 | Khiva - Bukhara
We will embark on a journey along the route taken by Alexander the Great's armies through the deserts, heading towards Bukhara. We will travel along the Amu Darya River, passing through the deserts of Karakum and Kyzylkum. On this day, we will cross the Kolkhoz and cotton fields largely responsible for the desiccation of the Aral Sea. We will reach Bukhara by early evening. The city served as a religious and cultural center of Central Asia. After settling in at the hotel, we will go on a night tour of the city. Accommodation: Bukhara.
Day 4 | Bukhara - Summer Palace and the Pottery Village Gijduvan
A day tour to the heart of "Beautiful Bukhara" – the Uluğ Beg complex, the grandson of Timur, the 4 Minarets Mosque, and the "Lyabi-Hauz" water reservoir surrounded by mulberry trees, featuring the statue of Khwaja Nasr-ad-Din. We will explore the ancient city markets and visit the caravanserai, continuing to the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, the Jewish quarter, and the Great Synagogue. Before dinner, we will visit the local hamam (with payment). We will also visit the summer palace of Amir Bukhara, where the Museum of Magnificent Carpets is located, and meet the potter continuing the craft for generations. Evening meal and a traditional dance performance will conclude the day. Accommodation: Bukhara.
Day 5 | Bukhara - Shahrisabz - Samarkand
After breakfast, we will depart for the city of Timur - Samarkand, stopping in Shahrisabz, "The Green City," where we will visit the White Palace and the impressive Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a grand construction from the 15th century. We will cross the Takht-i-Chalka pass 1788 meters above sea level, passing through picturesque villages and high mountains. In the evening, we will arrive in Samarkand, and after dinner, we will go on an initial walking tour. Accommodation: Samarkand.
Day 6 | Samarkand
In the morning, we will embark on a tour of the heart of the city, Registan Square, which has become its symbol with three surrounding terraces from the 16th and 17th centuries. We will visit the large market and the impressive "Bibi-Khanum" mosque, then proceed to the adjacent Jewish quarter. We will visit the remarkable synagogue with the blue dome and explore the ancient Jewish cemetery located nearby, known as "Shahi Zinda" - the royal family's burial site adorned with impressive and authentic ceramic decorations. Our tour will also include the tomb of Amir Timur and, of course, the Starry Nights Observatory built by Ulug Beg in the 15th century. In the evening, we will attend a folklore performance. Dinner and accommodation: Samarkand.
Day 7 | Samarkand - Tashkent
We will conclude our visit to Samarkand and head towards the capital city, Tashkent, passing through the Timurid passage. In the afternoon and evening, we will dedicate our time to a tour and get acquainted with the sites of Tashkent: we will tour the Jewish quarter "Machaloh," where we will visit the synagogue and the community center. Dinner and accommodation: Tashkent.
Day 8 | Tashkent
After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of Tashkent, starting with the Chorsu Bazaar, the bustling and vibrant market. We will continue to the old city for a visit to the intriguing ensemble of Hasti Imam. We will see the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi and the Barak Khan Madrasah. Our tour will also include the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque with the Osman Quran, one of the world's oldest copies of the Quran. Afternoon and evening exploration of the city's sites, including Independence Square, the Museum of Applied Arts, and the Amir Timur Square. Dinner and accommodation: Tashkent.
Day 9: Tashkent
We will continue to explore beautiful Tashkent as much as time allows, and according to the flight schedule, we will depart for our return.