Day 3: Samarkand: We’ll enjoy a full day wandering through this incredible city. We’ll take in the Shah-i Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a chance to explore the Ulugbek Observatory and the bustling Siyob Bazaar, this afternoon is then free to continue discovering the city at our leisure.
Malika Prime or similar (B,L,D)
Day 4: Samarkand – Bukhara: After a leisurely morning, we drive (4hrs+) along the “Royal Road” to Bukhara, stopping along the way to visit one of the Great Silk Road’s old caravanserais. Bukhara’s historic centre has been described by UNESCO as the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, more than 2,000 years old and home to some 140 architectural monuments.
Sasha & Sons or similar (B,L,D)
Day 5: Bukhara: This morning we visit the famous Arc – or town citadel – in front of which the British officers Connelly and Stoddard lost their heads in what was one of the most infamous events of the Great Game. We’ll also visit the Kolan Minaret – or Tower of Death, from which Amir Nasirulla Khan threw his enemies – as well as the rest of the beautiful old town. The rest of the day is free to explore Bukhara at our leisure, with opportunities to wander through the bazaar and maybe do a little souvenir shopping, before enjoying dinner at your own expense.
Considered to be Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara is liberally sprinkled with an architectural legacy that spans a thousand years of history. A centre of trade, culture and scholarship for centuries, under the Samanids the city became a major intellectual centre of the Islamic world. Today we’ll take in some of its highlights, with visits planned to the imposing Ark of Bukhara, the Kunya Ark Complex and the Samanids Mausoleum, the Friday Mosque and Lab-i Hauz, home to the 16th century Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest in the city. Other sites include Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum, Miri-Arab Madrassah, Chor-Minor Madrassah, Modarikhan Madrassah, Ulughbek Madrassah, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Bolo- Khauz Mosque and Monumental Shopping Arcades.
Sasha & Sons or similar (B,L)
Day 6: Bukhara: This morning we will visit the old Summer Residence of the last emir - Sitorai Mokhi Hosa, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Sasha & Sons or similar (B,L,D)
Day 7: Bukhara – Khiva: Today we’ll take our last major drive of the trip across the desert towards Khiva (8hrs). Please note the rail network is being developed between the two cities but there is no news as of yet regarding when this will be completed. En route we’ll cross the famous Amu-Darya River (Oxus) before checking in to our hotel in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town. This evening there will be time to take a first wander around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city.
Orient Star Khiva or similar (B,L,D)
Day 8: Khiva: Considered a pearl of eastern architecture, Khiva is one of the oldest cities of ancient Khorezm. Legend has it that is was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, and archaeological records can trace its origins back to the 4th or 5th century BC. We will spend today exploring its madrasahs and museums, wandering the narrow streets of the Ichan Kala (inner city) and enjoying the atmosphere and sights of a city that can boast some 50 historic monuments.
Sites of interest include – Kunya Ark fortress, Kurinish Khana (17c), Mohammed Amin Khan(19c) Madrassah, Islam Khodja Minaret, Palvan-Kari complex, Mohammed Rakhimkhan (19 c), Jami Mosque(18c), Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, Tash Hauli («stone yard») Palace, Alla-Kulikhan (18c), Arab Mohammed Khan (18 c) Madrassah.
Orient Star Khiva or similar (B,L,D)
Day 9: Khiva – Ayaz Kala – Khiva: Today we will head out in to the desert to visit the desert castles, Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala, dating from 2300BC and in various states of ruin. A small amount of uphill scrambling is necessary to get up to the castles, but once there we can admire the mud brick structures and the views out across the desert. Enjoy lunch at a nearby yurt camp which lies at the foot of Ayaz Kala, one of the most impressive of the desert castles, before heading back to Khiva for the evening.
Orient Star Khiva or similar (B,L,D)
Day 10: Khiva – Urgench - Tashkent: The morning will be free to explore Khiva independently, with its bewildering choice of mosques and palaces at every turn. We plan to take an afternoon flight from nearby Urgench back to the capital in time for dinner this evening.
City Palace Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 11: Tour ends in Tashkent: The morning is free to wander this lovely city, with tree lined avenues and open parks, at leisure and the tour ends after a final lunch together.
(B,L)
Samarkand
Architectural Traveller | Page 76
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