Discover the hidden beauty of the Eastern world

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Departure from France.

  

  Flight departing from France

• day 2

  Arrival in Tashkent and visits.

  

  Arrival in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, at 05:20 (21/09/2022) and meeting with the French-speaking guide and driver at Tashkent International Airport. Early arrival (check-in early) at the hotel at 05:20. After a short rest, we begin our journey through the capital Tashkent, which reflects its history and modernity: "KHAZRATI IMAM" Complex (16th-20th centuries): "Kaffal Shashi" mausoleum, Barakhan and Moyi Muborak madrasah (madrasah - religious and Islamic educational institution), "Namazgah" and "Juma" mosques. This sanctuary holds a special place in the Islamic world, where the almost complete and original manuscript of the Holy Quran (7th century), written by Caliph Uthman, is preserved, which is very important for the Muslim people. TCHORSOU MARKET: a visit to the immense and magnificent dome-shaped bazaar of Tashkent in the pure oriental tradition, and tasting of Uzbek products. TASHKENT Metro: the underground world, a magical universe of its own. The most distinctive feature is that not only the bus stops, but also each station, are designed as distinct works of art. The decoration of each station, in terms of artistic architecture, symbolically reflects the name of the station (stations: Cosmonauts, Alisher Navoi, Pakhtakor, and Independence Square). LUNCH: in a local restaurant. ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN (TASHKENT): the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, or Cathedral of the Dormition (a roughly equivalent term), is the Russian Orthodox cathedral of the Diocese of Tashkent in Uzbekistan since 1945. The cathedral was built in 1871 and expanded in the 1990s; the bell tower was rebuilt in 2010. CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (TASHKENT): the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, or more officially the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, sometimes also called the "Polish church", is the name given to a religious building belonging to the Catholic Church and located on Sadiq Asimov Street, in the city of Tashkent, in the east of Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia. It is a relatively recent structure, built at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is decorated with stained glass windows, small towers on the roof, and an arched door. It has a hall and a library named after Pope John Paul II. WALK IN SAYLGOH PARK: a walk in the park (boulevard) in the very center of Tashkent (visit of Amir Temur Avenue, the State Museum of Amir Temur and the Timurids, the first hotel in Uzbekistan and the Palace of Congresses, seen from the outside). DINNER: free. (Accommodation at the hotel)

• day 3

  Flight to Khiva and visits by plane, 2h.

  

  At 6:00 am, transfer to Tashkent airport to take the Uzbek flying carpet of the 07:25 flight to the capital of the Khorezm region, in order to arrive in the beautiful city of Khiva. After a short drive to Khiva, and after leaving the luggage, we begin our visit of the ancient city of Khiva, worthy of the "Thousand and One Nights", an integral part of ancient Khorezm, the homeland of algebra. (Flight times may change depending on airline modifications) "MOUHKAMMAD AMINKHAN AND KALTA MINOR" MADRASA - The largest madrasa in Khiva, built by Khan Moukhammad Aminkhan, is located next to Kalta Minor, which attracts everyone with its wonderful colors and appearance. "KOHNA ARK" - One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Khiva. It is a khan's palace, divided into four courtyards. By visiting the residence of this ruler, you will see with your own eyes how the rulers of the past lived at that time. AKSHAIKHBOBO TERRACE - It allows you to see all the beauty of Khiva in the form of a panorama and to take excellent photos. MOUKHAMMAD RAHIMKHAN (FERUZ) MADRASA - The madrasa of Moukhammad Rakhimkhan, one of the most revered khans of Khiva, is also one of the most beautiful madrasas in the city. It consists of a mosque, a porch, a classroom, a library, and rooms. THE JUMA MOSQUE is known as one of the first mosques built in Central Asia (10th-18th centuries). It will amaze you with its 227 unique wooden columns. You will not find such a unique mosque anywhere else in the world. LUNCH - In a local restaurant. STONE HOUSE PALACE AND KHAN ARAM - Built by Khan Allakulikhan, it consists of 3 courtyards and 111 rooms: Arz courtyard, Ishrat courtyard, harem. The harem part of the palace is also unique in that it is decorated with ornaments and wood carvings. Interesting for all tourists, the harem has 5 separate sheds (for the khan and his 4 wives), from which the rooms are accessible via corridors. OLLAKULIKHAN CARAVANSERAI - Khiva, as an important city on the Great Silk Road, had caravanserais (ancient structures where caravans stopped, exchanged food, served as food and shelter) which played a very important role in such a historical place. There is still ongoing trade that gives you the impression of going back in time, which gives you particular pleasure. ISLAM KHOJA TOWER AND MADRASA - Islamkhoja was an important prime minister in the history of Khiva. You can learn more about his services to Khiva, especially about the high tower he had built during his visit to Khiva. THE PAKHLAVON MAHMUD COMPLEX - The majestic mausoleums built in honor of the great thinker, poet, philosopher, scientist, fighter, skilled postman, and master telpakdoz Pakhlavon Mahmud. It is impossible not to admire. DINNER – free. (Accommodation at the hotel)

• day 4

  Direction Khiva-Bukhara

  

  In the morning, after breakfast, departure for Bukhara at 8:00/9:00 and arrival in Bukhara around 15:30. By the way, Bukhara is the homeland of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), known as one of the greatest figures in medicine in the world. We leave our luggage at the hotel and begin our journey through the historic city. THE LABI HAVUZ COMPLEX (16th-17th CENTURIES) - Labi Havuz, Nodir Devon Begi hall and madrasa, Koukeldach madrasa is a favorite place for local and foreign tourists, and its history is a particular delight for all. Originally, a marketplace was located on the site of this historic architectural complex. A large pool was dug in the middle of the square, surrounded by stones, and has always been popular among people. LUNCH - In a local restaurant; ANCIENT AND COVERED MARKETS OF THE EAST (16th-17th): The Taqi exchange office is the main money exchange center. Taqi Telpakfurushon is a dome-shaped building for the production and sale of hats. The Abdullah team is the largest covered trading post in Bukhara. Toki Zargaron is a commercial center for the sale of jewelry. Taqi Zargaron is the largest and most complex of the Taqi in Bukhara; THE OULOUGBEK AND ABDOULAZIZ KHAN MADRASAS (15th-17th centuries) are architectural monuments whose decoration is carried out with art and skill. The large roof is adorned with elegant and rare ceramic tile patterns. DINNER – free. (Accommodation at the hotel)

• day 5

  Visits to Bukhara

  

  Today, we continue our journey through the legendary city of Bukhara: ISMAIL SOMONI MAUSOLEUM Masterpiece of the 9th-10th century, the first brick building in the world and the mausoleum, still young without any change, as well as the history of the Samanids, which has its own story. CHASHMAI AYUB MAUSOLEUM (12th-16th centuries) The mausoleum of the prophet Job is known and famous in all religions. BOLO KHAOUZ MOSQUE (18th-20th centuries) It was built step by step and surprises everyone with its beautiful decorations and style. In particular, the immense porch at the entrance of the mosque, with its high carved columns, is of incomparable beauty. BUKHARA MARKET Bukhara, like other cities, has many markets, but you will not find such a beautiful oriental-style food market everywhere. ARK (5th-20th) A historical monument of the city-fortress. It was the residence of the rulers of Bukhara and one of the most luxurious and charming monuments of Bukhara. Leaving the great gate through a long sloping corridor, each step of a century takes you so far back in history. LUNCH In a local restaurant. POYI KALON COMPLEX (12th-16th centuries) Poyi Kalon mosque and minaret, Miri Arab madrasa. The splendor and charm of this complex will give you particular pleasure. If you want to pass under the tower and look at its top, it is better to take your hat in your hand. Otherwise, due to its height and beauty, your hat, like that of Genghis Khan, may fall to the ground. DINNER – free. (Accommodation at the hotel)

• day 6

  Night in the yurt (special dinner)

  

  In the morning, we will go to Nurata, one of the ancient cities, where we will discover the remains of the ancient Nur fortress (also called the Fortress of Alexander), the walls of the defensive rampart (4th-3rd centuries BC), the "Chilustun" mosque (9th-20th century). We will also be able to see the Grand Dome Mosque (16th century) and taste the water from the mysterious Nurata spring. LUNCH - Today, we will eat in a real desert house! In the afternoon, we will continue our journey and visit the largest lake in the country, Aydarkol, which looks like a mirage in the seemingly endless Kyzylkum desert. It is also possible to enjoy this beauty and swim there (in summer, of course). We will arrive at the end of the day at the family camp in the desert, located in the Kyzylkum desert, the largest desert in Central Asia. These tourist camps tell us about the life and past of the ancient nomadic tribes. A calm, peaceful, and tranquil walk in the desert on camelback is a great pleasure for any tourist. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness a magnificent sunset and sunrise. DINNER - In the yurt with the team, why not sit around a campfire, listen to magical and enchanting nomadic music, and dance together!? ATTENTION: In high season, up to 4/6 people are accommodated in the yurts. 4/6 pax.

• day 7

  Trekking trip to the village of Hayat (Nourata mountain range)

  

  The Nurata mountains are one of the most attractive destinations for ecotourism in Uzbekistan. They are located on the border of the Kyzyl-Kum desert, near Lake Aydarkul and far from densely populated lands. It is an ideal place for hiking, walking, and horseback riding. You will be overwhelmed by the warm welcome and hospitality of the local people speaking Uzbek and Tajik. You can wonderfully rest in the green garden near the mountain stream, in the shade of an old walnut or mulberry tree, enjoy the beauty of the landscape, and discover the lifestyle as well as the folklore of the local people. In this unique region, you have the opportunity to explore amazing wildlife, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins. You can take a trip to the mountain lake Fazilman and much more. You can choose the length and difficulty of the route according to your preferences and get to know the unique flora and fauna of the region. In the Nurata mountains, you have the chance to see the endemic wild sheep, the Severtzov argali. In the Kyzylkum, you can observe a desert monitor, the largest lizard in Central Asia. The whole region is ideal for birdwatching. The most observed birds are the griffon, the lammergeier, the golden eagle, and the paradise flycatcher. The level of difficulty of the hikes is easy to medium. 12:00 Arrival at the village of Hayat; 13:00 Lunch; 14:00-18:00 Trekking through the village of Hayat (7 km); 19:00 Dinner and rest at Guest-house Hayat; ATTENTION: In high season, in guest houses, accommodation is in a yurt for up to 4/6 pax.

• day 8

  Journey to Samarkand

  

  Arrived in Samarkand LUNCH - Today, we try the traditional Uzbek dish called Samarkand Plov. MAUSOLEUM OF AMIR TEMUR (TAMERLANE) (XIV-XV): one of the masterpieces of Samarkand, built during the reign of Amir Temur and the Timurids. This monument still amazes the world with its unique beauty and majesty. REGISTAN SQUARE (XV-XVII centuries) - Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilla Kori and Sherdor. The former center of international trade on the Great Silk Road, and later the "Sandy Place" - Registan Square, which became the center of science, will captivate you with its charm by day and by night. BIBI KHANYM MOSQUE (XIV-XV centuries) - built by order of Amir Temur for his beloved queen Bibi Khanim, it was famous as the largest mosque in Central Asia. SIYOB MARKET - an opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient and famous Siyob bazaar in Samarkand and enjoy the oriental sweets and dried fruits you have read about in your fairy tales. DINNER – free. (Accommodation at the hotel)

• day 9

  Visits to Samarkand

  

  Today, we begin our journey in the ancient and eternally vibrant city of Samarkand, which is almost three thousand years old: THE SHAKHI-ZINDA COMPLEX is one of the most sacred shrines for Muslims and consists of a group of mausoleums dating from the 9th to the 19th century. SHAKHI-ZINDA means "living king" and is the title given to Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. The mausoleum dedicated to him, as well as those of people connected to Amir Temur, give a special beauty to the complex. THE ULUGBEK OBSERVATORY (15th century) was founded under the reign of the Timurid ruler, the famous astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek. The sciences developed there made an important contribution to world civilization. LUNCH – in a local restaurant. AFROSIYOB RUINS – By walking through the ancient hills and ruins of Afrosiab, which stretch over 220 hectares, as well as the Afrosiab museum, you will discover the entire past of Samarkand. Conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Amir Temur have walked these lands. The ruins of this ancient city and the thousands of exhibits in the museum will tell you the story of the ancient Turkic peoples, Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and many others. PAPER FACTORY – A factory is usually a place where equipment operates, but this paper factory uses 100% manual labor. The reason for your visit here is to see with your own eyes how high-quality silk paper, used for thousands of years, is handmade. SAMARKAND SILK CARPET FACTORY – Here, we discover the famous Samarkand silk carpet factory, renowned for its ancient, colorful, and high-quality craftsmanship. Seeing each of the natural and precious carpets, individually hand-woven from high-quality silk, allows you to appreciate the work behind each piece. You will have the opportunity to observe this process by visiting the factory. DINNER – Free evening at the hotel.

• day 10

  Samarkand - Tashkent DEPARTURE

  

  The road takes us towards the Samarkand-Tashkent direction Free time and departure (option: one of the students from the National University of Uzbekistan will take you for a short walk and you will have the chance to get to know one of the young people who are learning French as a specialist in their field). Transfers to Tashkent International Airport on 30.09.2022 / 28.10.2022 at 13:50 See you next time!