Uzbekistan Overland Express Group Tour

Welcome to Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan and the starting point of your exciting Overland Express Group Tour. Hotel check-in at noon. After checking into your hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax. Today you have a free day in Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent.

Meals: None.

Optional Travel Service:

• Tashkent Airport pick-up service, sedan - 20 USD, minivan 40 USD.
  
• Tashkent city tour, 5 hours (local guide, entrance tickets, transport) – upon request.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your Tashkent hotel, fueling up for an exciting adventure ahead. Check out of your hotel and drive to Samarkand (320km, 4-5h), passing through the charming city of Jizzakh. As you journey through the picturesque landscapes, immerse yourself in the beauty of Uzbekistan's countryside. Arrive in Jizzakh, a city steeped in history and culture. Indulge in a delicious lunch, savoring the authentic flavors of local cuisine. Continue your journey to Samarkand, Silk Road city. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Free time. Overnight in Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for a day of exploration. Start your guided tour of Samarkand, a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Your knowledgeable local guide will unveil the secrets of this ancient metropolis:

• Wander through this enchanting Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a mesmerizing labyrinth of mausoleums adorned with vibrant tiles and intricate mosaics (9-14th centuries);
• Marvel at the grandeur of this magnificent Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest in Asia. Admire its stunning architecture and intricate tilework;
• Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic Siab Bazaar. Explore its alleyways, sample delectable local delicacies, and shop for unique souvenirs;
• Be awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of this iconic Registan Square. Admire the three magnificent madrasahs that surround it (15-17th centuries): Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari;
• Gur Emir, the imposing burial site of Tamerlane and Mirzo Ulugbek;
• Step back in time and explore the remains of this 15th-century Ulugbek Observatory, a testament to the advanced scientific knowledge of the Timurid era.

Return to your hotel. Tour duration: 6-7 hours. Overnight in Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.

In the morning breakfast and free time. Check-out and drive to Bukhara via Gijduvan (280km, 4-5h). Along the way, stop by the Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai, marvel at the ruins of this ancient caravanserai, a testament to the Silk Road's rich history and Sardoba - discover the ingenious water management system of the past at this ancient water reservoir. Continuing driving to Gijduvan, a charming town renowned for its exquisite ceramics. Visit the ceramic museum and workshop to witness the artistry of local craftsmen and purchase unique souvenirs. Indulge in a delicious lunch, sampling the famous local kebab (shashlik). Arrive in Bukhara and transfer to your hotel in the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free time. Overnight in Bukhara.

Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast, start on a captivating walking tour of Bukhara's Old City with your knowledgeable local guide:

• Begin your journey at this architectural masterpiece, Samanids Mausoleum (9-10th centuries), the oldest brick building in Central Asia, and marvel at its intricate brickwork;
• Explore Bolo-Hauz Complex, where a beautifully decorated mosque columns, a towering minaret, and tranquil reservoirs once provided life to the city;
• Step inside this imposing The Ark Fortress (5-10th centuries), the ancient heart of Bukharan power, and delve into its fascinating history at the small museum within;
• Wander through these magnificent Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs (15-17th centuries), marveling at their intricate architecture and imagining the scholars who once walked these halls;
• Be awestruck by the grandeur of Kalyan architectural complex (12-16th centuries), featuring the soaring Kalyan Minaret, the majestic Kalyan Mosque, and the esteemed Miri-Arab Madrasah;
• Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these historic bazaars 15-16th centuries, Toqi Telpak Furushon, Tim Abdulla Khan, Toqi Sarrofon and Zargaron where you can shop for exquisite carpets, shimmering jewelry, and unique handicrafts;
• Admire the architectural brilliance of this ancient Magoki-Attori mosque (12th century), considered a masterpiece of Bukharan design;
• Relax by the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble (14-17th centuries), largest artificial reservoir in medieval Bukhara and explore the surrounding Khanaka and Kukeldash Madrasahs, and the Nadir Divan Beghi Madrasah.

Return to your hotel. Tour duration: 6-7 hours. Overnight in Bukhara.

Meals: breakfast.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. The transfer from Bukhara to Khiva by road is a scenic journey through the heart of Uzbekistan. The distance between the two cities is approximately 480 km, and the drive typically takes around 7 hours. This is the most convenient option, as it allows you to travel at your own pace and stop whenever you like. Your route is reminiscent of the legendary Silk Road, traversing landscapes like those traversed by ancient merchants and travelers centuries ago. Arrive Khiva, the “Museum Under the Open Sky”. Free time. Overnight in Khiva.

Meals: breakfast.

Following breakfast, you will start a guided walking tour to explore the rich history and culture of Itchan-Kala:

• Start with Kunya-Ark Khan's castle and the inner citadel of Itchan-Kala;
• Next you will visit Kalta Minor minaret has become a symbol of Khiva, representing both the ambition and the of human endeavors;
• Muhammad Amin-Khan, the biggest medieval madrasah in Khiva and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah;
• Juma Mosque (18th century), with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32m high;
• Tash-Hauli with its high battlements, towers and fortified gates;
• Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the cultic center of Itchan-Kala;
• Residence of Islam Khodja with minaret, vizier of the last khan.

Tour duration: 6 hours. Overnight at the hotel in Khiva.

Meals: breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel, free time, your last day in Uzbekistan. Check-out at noon. End of Uzbekistan Overland Express Group Tour.

Meals: breakfast.

Optional Travel Service:

• Airport transfer from Khiva to Urgench airport sedan - 25 USD, minivan 50 USD.