Authentic Uzbekistan

Descrizione del soggiorno

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Programma del soggiorno

• giorno 1

  Tashkent, arrivée

  

  This morning, we arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After settling into the hotel, we begin exploring the city: Khast-Imam Square with its historic madrasas and mausoleums, the Chorsu Bazaar full of colors and aromas, then the vast Independence and Amir Temur squares. We will also take the famous Tashkent metro, often nicknamed the “underground museum” for the beauty of its stations. Night in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast Night at the hotel

• giorno 2

  Tashkent - Margilan par train du matin, 5 heures

  

  Today, we take the train (08:10–13:20) through the mountains to the fertile Ferghana Valley. In Margilan, the heart of the Uzbek silk industry, we visit the Margilan silk factory and observe how the delicate threads are spun, dyed, and woven into magnificent ikat fabrics. A walk through the local bazaar and the Said Ahmad Khoja madrasa brings even more color to our day. Overnight in Margilan. Meals: breakfast Overnight at the hotel

• giorno 3

  Ferghana – Richtan – Kokand par la route, 100 km. Kokand – Tachkent par la route, 240 km

  

  After breakfast, we leave for Richtan, world-famous for its ceramics. In the workshop of a local master potter, we watch the shaping and painting of pottery, and enjoy a traditional lunch at his home. Next, we continue to Kokand, once the capital of the khanate of the same name. We visit the majestic palace of Khoudoyar Khan, the Juma mosque, and the mausoleum of Modari Khan. In the evening, return to Tashkent, crossing the picturesque Kamchik pass. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast, lunch Overnight at the hotel

• giorno 4

  Tashkent - Samarkand by morning train

  

  This morning, we take the train to Samarkand, the legendary jewel of the Silk Road. We begin our visits with the Gur-Emir mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane. Then, we discover the majestic Registan Square, framed by three imposing madrasas — the very heart of Samarkand. Next, we visit the great Bibi-Khanoum mosque, the sacred necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, and the fascinating Ulugh Beg observatory. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast Overnight at the hotel

• giorno 5

  Samarqand – Montagnes de Nuratau (village de Hayat) par la route, 300 km

  

  In the morning, we visit the Afrasiab Museum, which displays frescoes from ancient Samarkand, as well as the sanctuary of Saint Daniel. We then head towards the Nuratau mountains, with a stop in Nurata to discover its sacred spring. In the afternoon, arrival at the village of Hayat, where we stay with a local family. In the evening, we take part in a cooking workshop and share dinner with our hosts. Overnight in the village of Hayat. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

• giorno 6

  Hayat Village – Bukhara par la route, 300 km

  

  After breakfast, we take a pleasant walk around the upper village of Hayat, passing by old mills, stone ruins, and meeting the locals along the way. If possible, we visit the small breeding farm of Severtsov's mouflons, a rare and endangered species. Then, we cross the steppe to reach Bukhara, one of the most captivating cities in Central Asia. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast

• giorno 7

  Bukhara

  

  Today, we discover Bukhara, a true open-air museum with more than 900 historical monuments. We start with the Samanid Mausoleum and the Bolo-Khaouz Mosque, then we visit the powerful Ark Citadel, the former fortress of the emirs of Bukhara. In the afternoon, we visit the Po-i-Kalyan complex, the elegant madrasas of Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan, as well as the charming Lyabi-Haouz ensemble with its shaded pool. We also stroll through the old covered bazaars, once lively trading centers of the Silk Road. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast Overnight at the hotel

• giorno 8

  Bukhara – Tashkent en train dans l'après-midi

  

  This morning, we visit the summer palace of the last emir, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, an eclectic mix of Russian, Oriental, and European styles. We then make a stop at the Bahautdin Naqshbandi complex, an important pilgrimage site and center of Sufism. In the afternoon, we take the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Night in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast Night at the hotel

• giorno 9

  Tashkent, départ

  

  Après le petit-déjeuner, transfert à l'aéroport pour le vol de départ. Repas : petit-déjeuner