Uzbek duo by train

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris – Istanbul – Tashkent (flights)

  

  Flight to Tashkent on regular Turkish Airlines flights. Dinner and overnight on board.

• day 2

  Tashkent

  

  Early in the morning, arrival at Tashkent International Airport, welcome by your French-speaking guide-escort, then transfer and check-in at the hotel. The room will be available upon your arrival. Rest time and breakfast at the hotel. First discovery of the Uzbek capital during a guided city tour: - Khasti Imam Square, or Kharzat-i-Imam, the religious center of Tashkent, located in the old city with traditional brick houses without windows and closed off by mud walls. This historic complex offers a fascinating dive into Tashkent's medieval history and houses several notable buildings, including the Barak Khan madrasa, built in the 16th century, the mausoleum of the saint Abou Bakr al-Kaffal Chachi, who was the city's first imam, the Moyi Moubarak museum-library, the Friday mosque, and the Imam al Boukhari Islamic Institute, where future imams are trained. One of the most precious treasures of the complex is the Quran of Caliph Osman, dated to the 7th century. This ancient manuscript is considered one of the oldest existing copies of the Quran. - Possibility of a walk on the street of the "Gulbozor" district (in Uzbek "makhalla") dotted with art workshops, picturesque shops, and national cuisine restaurants. - Visit of the Koukeldach madrasa, an imposing building still in operation, which serves as a spiritual educational institution. Nearby is the Chorsu bazaar, the largest market in Tashkent, which is a paradise of spices and sweet fruits, with stalls overflowing with mountains of grapes, dried apricots, almonds, and roasted beans. You will also find authentic souvenirs such as "tchapan", traditional coats, ceramics, carved wooden objects, and colorful mattresses used as seats. Lunch at "Bech Kozon", which is undoubtedly the most famous epicenter in the city for the preparation of plov, the national dish made of rice, carrots, beef, raisins, and garlic. Here, you can also watch the cooking of this mouthwatering dish in gigantic cauldrons (free). Afternoon, continuation of the guided visits: - The Museum of Applied Arts, a true cultural gem, located in the former residence of the Russian diplomat of the time A. Polovtsev, known for his love of arts and architecture. The interior decor of the residence was created by the best wood and carved and painted stucco craftsmen from all the provinces of Uzbekistan. A beautiful collection of fabrics, traditional embroideries (in Uzbek "suzanis"), ancient jewelry, ceramics, and many others. - Panoramic city tour of the "new city": Independence Square with the Independence and Happy Mother monument, the Ezgulik Arch with slender storks, the memorial of the Great Patriotic War; the Monument of Courage, which is the only architectural and artistic complex in Tashkent dedicated to the subject of the 1966 earthquake; the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater Square and Amir Temur square with the imposing statue of Tamerlane. Then, a pleasant walk on the cobbled and pedestrian Sayilgokh street, popularly known as "Broadway", which offers a relaxing break. Dinner in a "Caravan" restaurant or similar, renowned for its authentic Uzbek cuisine and friendly atmosphere (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  Tashkent – Bukhara

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to the station, boarding the "Afrosiyab" TGV No. 768 (economy class) and departure for Bukhara (dep.: 08:26 / arr.: 12:29). Arrival at Kagan station and city tour including: - The Emir of Bukhara's palace in Kagan was built at the beginning of the 20th century and served as the summer residence of Emir Seyyid Alim Khan, the last ruler of the Emirate of Bukhara before the region was annexed by the Soviet Union. The palace is notable for its synthesis of European and Central Asian architectural traditions. Lunch during the tour at a local restaurant (not included), then a short transfer to downtown Bukhara (15 km / approx. 25 min). Arrival and check-in at the hotel, then time to rest. In the late afternoon, first discovery of the old city of Bukhara with: - Liabi-Khaouz Square (literally "by the pond") built around a beautiful pond lined with thousand-year-old mulberry trees. The complex includes the Koukeldach madrasa (1568), the largest in Central Asia, and two religious buildings erected by Nadir Divan Beghi: the Nadir Divan Beghi khanaka (which once served as an inn for dervishes, itinerant faithful, and Sufis), whose sparkling portal is reflected in the waters of the khaouz, and the Nadir Divan Beghi madrasa (1630), which was originally intended to be a caravanserai. Dinner outdoors on the terrace at the "Old Bukhara" restaurant or similar in the old city (not included). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Bukhara

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, guided walking tours of the old town of Bukhara, the most secretive of the caravan cities, with its narrow alleys and monuments that capture the hearts of visitors: - The Samanid Mausoleum, built towards the end of the 10th century, is one of the oldest monuments in the Muslim world. - Nearby, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, known as the "Mausoleum of the Well of Job." This site is both a tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage. - The Bolo-Khauz Mosque with its twenty pillars (18th c.), used by the emirs of Bukhara for Friday prayers, underlines its political and religious importance in the region. - The Ark Citadel, a major historical and architectural monument of Bukhara whose foundation dates back more than 2,000 years. It served as a fortified residence for the rulers of Bukhara and represents an impressive example of medieval military and residential architecture in Central Asia. Lunch in a chaikhana by the pond on Lyabi Khaouz square or similar (free). In the afternoon, continuation of the guided tours: - The Magok-i-Attari Mosque, built in the 9th century on the ruins of a Buddhist temple, then a Zoroastrian temple dedicated to the moon (currently the Central Asian Carpet Museum). - Stop at the markets of Toki Sarrafon, the dome of the money changers, Toki Telpakfurushon, the dome of the hat makers, and Toki Zargaron, the dome of the jewelers. - The Tim Abdoulla Khan (16th c.), also known as the "Dome of Commerce," built in the Persian style, which explains its resemblance to the traditional markets of ancient Iranian cities. - The Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1417), built by the astronomer prince of Samarkand, and that of Abdoulaziz Khan, built two hundred years later, at the time when Bukhara had become the capital of the khanate. - The Poi-Kalon square, whose name means "at the pedestal of the Most High," is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in Central Asia. It consists of a Kalon minaret (1127) over 48 meters high, the Great Mosque (1514), one of the largest in Central Asia, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa (1512), which was the only Quranic school allowed to teach religious studies during the Soviet era. At the end of the day, possibility of a coffee break at the "Shopping Cafe" (free) with a breathtaking view of the Poi-Kalon complex, then return on foot to the hotel. Dinner at "Joy Chaikhana Lounge" with live music or similar (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Bukhara – Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the exploration of Bukhara with sites located outside the city: - The Tchor Minor madrasa, also known as "the 4 minarets", is a hidden gem in the alleys of the old quarters of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Built at the beginning of the 19th century by Khalif Niyazkul, an Uzbek merchant, this structure stands out for its four unique minarets symbolizing the diverse cultures and religions of the time. - The Bahaouddin Naqshbandi necropolis, a major pilgrimage site for Muslims, equivalent to Mecca. Bahaouddin Naqshbandi (1318-1389) is the founder of the Naqshbandiya Sufi order, one of the most influential and widespread Sufi orders in the Muslim world. The necropolis includes several structures, including the mausoleum of Bahaouddin Naqshbandi, a mosque, and various annex buildings. - The Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa palace, also known as the "Palace of Stars Like the Moon", was the secondary residence of the last emirs of Bukhara. Located about 4 km north of Bukhara, this palace is a prominent example of the region's architecture and decorative art. It was built at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century under the reigns of different emirs. Lunch at a local restaurant during the visit (free). After the meal, transfer to the train station, boarding the "Afrosiyab" high-speed train №767 (economy class) and departure for Samarkand (dep.: 15:44 / arr.: 17:27). Arrival at Samarkand station, then transfer to Registan Square to admire the beauty of the ensemble from a different angle, in the light of the sunset, not forgetting the encounters with locals who gather there in the evening (outside visit). Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Dinner at an Uzbek restaurant (free) and overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the guided tours of Samarkand, the capital of Tamerlane, with: - The Gur Emir mausoleum, with its enormous turquoise dome housing the tombs of Tamerlane and his descendants, including his first grandson, Ulugh Beg, a famous mathematician and astronomer, who made Samarkand a great cultural and scientific center. - Registan Square ("Sandy Square"), which is one of the most majestic ensembles in Central Asia and Islam. Visit of the Ulugh Beg madrasa, renamed in honor of Tamerlane's grandson, who was one of the greatest astronomers of the 15th century, the Sher-Dor madrasa ("bearing lions"), the Tilla Kori madrasa and mosque ("adorned with gold") built by Yalangtush Bahadur, the governor of Samarkand in the 17th century. - A walk along the famous Tashkentskaya street, which offers a pleasant and immersive experience. This iconic street starts practically at the Registan and extends to the Siab market, covering just over 2 km. The street is perfectly designed for pedestrians with wide and clean sidewalks, surrounded by greenery and carefully maintained lawns. Bordered by souvenir shops, grocery stores, cafes, and traditional restaurants, this pedestrian street is closed to all traffic except for excursion electric cars. Lunch at the "Zargaron" restaurant or similar, with an exceptional view of the domes of the neighboring mosque (free). In the afternoon, continuation of the visits: - The Bibi Khanum mosque, considered the largest mosque in Central Asia. The building was built in the 14th century by order of Tamerlane after his military campaign in South India. It is an iconic monument of breathtaking beauty and tumultuous history. - A pleasant stroll in the picturesque Siab bazaar (closed on Mondays), where a typically oriental atmosphere reigns. It is the market for goods and objects of all kinds, but it is also the privileged place where news is exchanged, across all age groups. - The necropolis of the "Living King", or Shah-i-Zinda, which is the most imposing and picturesque masterpiece among the architectural monuments of Samarkand. The ancient complex includes 11 dazzling mausoleums with high portals decorated with majolica and stone vaults under domes of turquoise blue colors. The Shah-i-Zinda complex was a great spiritual and religious worship center, whose visit was considered similar to a pilgrimage to Mecca. Dinner at the "Platan" restaurant or similar, with a very original design: natural materials such as stone, wood, etc. (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Samarkand

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the guided tours of Samarkand: - The remains of Ulugh Beg's observatory, built in the Middle Ages by the astronomer prince and grandson of Tamerlane. It was here that a star catalog, in which 1018 stars were described, was compiled. - The Afrosiab Museum, whose centerpiece is a 7th-century fresco known as "The Ambassadors." It is a unique work of its kind and one of the few available to archaeologists and historians to study Sogdian painting and art. - The mausoleum of Khodja Doniyar (the biblical prophet Daniel), located on the outskirts of Samarkand, on the bank of the Siab river. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, covered with many traditions and legends related to the 18-meter length of the tomb. - The "Khurjum" carpet factory to familiarize yourself with the production of handmade silk carpets. - The "Meros" paper mill, located in the village of Koniguil 8 km from Samarkand, to observe the traditional manufacture of silk paper according to a tradition preserved since the 9th century. Works of art painted on this rare and delicate material are of exceptional finesse. Authentic lunch on the banks of the Siab river in the village or similar (free). Afternoon: continuation, free time dedicated to personal discoveries and last shopping. To end your trip in style, a farewell dinner at the "Samarkand" restaurant or similar, renowned for its delicious chachliks, these skewers of meat grilled over embers that have made Uzbek cuisine famous (free). Overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  Samarkand – Istanbul – France

  

  Breakfast (lunch box). Transfer to Samarkand International Airport and return flight.