sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bukhara, Chorsu (Samarkand), Chorsu Bazaar, Kalyan minaret, Navoi Theater, Urgench

Essential A Private 11 day Tour of Uzbekistan 2021

Day 1 Arrival in Day 2 Tashkent ---- - Day 3 Khiva Day 4 Khiva - Day 5 Bukhara Day 6 Bukhara Day 7 Bukhara - Day 8 Samarkand Day 9 Samarkand - Tashkent Day 10 Tashkent ---- Chimgan - - Tashkent Day 11 Tashkent - Onward

The following is just a suggested daily tour schedule. You will have complete control over your daily schedule and may change your plans at any time by simply telling your guide.

Why Exeter International?

Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years.

Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel.

Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency.

Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.

Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company.

Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind.

DAY 1

Arrival in Tashkent

Arrival into Tashkent. If you arrive on Uzbek Air in Business class, a CIP arrival will be included for you to make the customs process much easier. If you are not arriving on Uzbek Air in Business, this can be added for approximately $250 per person. As your airplane lands, look for a CIP bus on the tarmac and give your name at boarding. You will be taken to a CIP arrival hall where a special immigration officer will complete the formalities – your passport and visa will be checked. Once you provide your luggage tags, your luggage will be collected for you.

Please note that due to heightened security at the airport, your guide and driver will not be able to meet you inside the terminal building, but at the perimeter gate, clearly visible upon exit from the arrivals area.

You will be met by your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. Early check-in is included. After checking- in at your hotel, take some time at leisure to relax and settle-in.

Today, around noon, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of Tashkent’s main sights. Originally an oasis on the Chirchik River, Tashkent gradually grew to become an important commercial center, which now has a population of over 2 million.

Your tour will start in Tashkent’s Old City, where you will visit the Barak Madrasah from the 16th century, and the Tillya Sheikh . The mosque houses a rich Islamic library with ancient manuscripts, including the famous Uthman Koran, considered to be the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Dating from 655 and reputedly stained with the blood of murdered caliph Uthman, it was brought by to Samarkand and later seized by the as a war trophy and taken to Saint Petersburg (held in the Hermitage) before it was returned to Uzbekistan in 1989.

Later, you will see the 16th-century Kukaldosh Madrassah, which is one of the few remaining authentic historic monuments in the (the massive earthquake of 1968 destroyed most of central Tashkent), which is one of the largest Islamic schools in . It was named after Kukeldash, who was a vizier (prime minister), a poet, and a scientist. The main façade of the Madrasah has a high portal, two-story loggias, and angular turrets. In the 18th century it was used as a (roadside inn) and later as a fortress. Nowadays it also includes a functioning mosque.

Next, you might want to stroll through the for the true feeling of Tashkent! in Uzbekistan are a unique site in each city. You will capture some of your best local photos at these markets, where you will find everything from bins of spices, nuts, fruit and cheese to clothing, toys, tools and everyday goods.

If you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Applied Arts Museum. This building was constructed at the end of the 19th century in the elaborate style of the period as a private residence of a wealthy merchant. It now displays various types of national handicrafts, including carpets, jewelry, woodcarving and gold embroidery from the 19th and 20th centuries.

This afternoon we recommend visiting the workshop of a famed Uzbek ceramist who comes from a dynasty of ceramic artists. His workshop and peaceful gardens give an insight into the ceramic arts in Uzbekistan. You may also enjoy a masterclass in ceramic making.

You will return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Exeter Services Airport Transfer; Half-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (afternoon tour)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

DAY 2

Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

This morning is at leisure. At noon, after check-out, your guide will meet you for some exploration of Tashkent. You will visit Independence Square, Amir Temur Square, the metro, and Square.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Urgench. (Cost of business class seats for this flight is included in itinerary.)

Upon arrival in Urgench, your vehicle and driver will meet you for transfer to your hotel in Khiva. Upon check- in, evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Half-Day Guide (Tashkent); Airport Transfer (Tashkent & Urgench)

Hotel Malika Kheivak / Orient Star / Erkin Palace / Bek or similar

DAY 3

Khiva

This morning, enjoy a tour of Khiva. Khiva’s origin dates to the 6th century and during the medieval times it became a city of great importance. It also has a long history of barbaric rulers and your guide will give you a glimpse into their colorful stories. Today, approximately 40,000 people live and work inside the ancient city walls (called Ichan Kala). Within these walls, the old town of Khiva is an official “city museum,” where you will find several interesting sites.

One of the most notable sites within the walls of Khiva is the Kunya Ark. This was the former fortress and residence of the Khiva rulers since the 12th century. You will be able to walk through the courtyards of this partially restored building and see some residential and administrative quarters, such as the harem, the mint, the stables, and the jail. Just opposite the Kunya Ark, you will see the Muhammad Rakhim Madrasah II, which was built to honor the last Khivan Khan who surrendered the city to Russia in 1873 and signed a peace treaty, which turned Khiva into a semi-independent Russian province.

You will also visit the Djuma Mosque, which was built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. Its unique design features a roof supported by 218 wooden columns, possibly an early influence. The two openings in the roof provide light for only the inner courts, while the opposite walls lie hidden from sight by the colonnade. The mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud was built in 1810 to honor the patron of Khiva, Pakhlavan Makhmud, a poet and wrestler who died in the 14th century and is thought to be buried here. Its full turquoise dome has become a symbol of Khiva, along with the nearby Khodja , banded in dark and light blue.

In the afternoon, if you are interested, a visit to a silk carpet workshop sponsored by UNESCO could be arranged.

Afterwards, and if you are interested, you can attend a traditional folk show at one of the Hareems in Khiva. (Cost included in program cost)

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Malika Kheivak / Orient Star / Erkin Palace / Bek or similar DAY 4

Khiva - Bukhara

As the flight schedule allows, today you will take a flight from the Urgench Airport to Bukhara. Cost of flight is included in program, we will advise of specific flight availability upon confirmation.

Flight schedule, subject to change: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:30AM flight to Bukhara at 10:35AM. Upon arrival, meet your driver and begin a city overview tour before checking into your hotel. You may enjoy an additional afternoon tour this evening or enjoy the evening at leisure.

Tuesday, Sunday: 9PM flight to Bukhara, arrival at 10PM. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Wednesday: 3:10PM flight to Bukhara. Upon arrival at 4:05PM, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. You may enjoy an afternoon overview tour or enjoy the evening at leisure.

Exeter Services Transfer: Khiva – Bukhara

Hotel Minorai Kalon/ Omar Hayyam / Minzifa / Basilic / Zargaron Plaza or similar DAY 5

Bukhara

This morning you will begin with an overview tour of this historic city, which was once one of the main centers of Persian civilization. Bukhara is actually an oasis in the Kyzyl Kum desert, which is located on the banks of the River and has been inhabited since approximately 3,000 BC. Located on the historic , the city has long been a center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The old city part of the town has a small and friendly feel and much of today’s sights are accessible on foot.

There are over a hundred buildings in the historic city center (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and you will have a very full day of exploration ahead. Your logical first step will be the massive Ark Fortress – the very core of the ancient city and the oldest building in Bukhara. Initially built in the 5th century, it was used as a royal residence and a fortress until the early 20th century when it fell in the hands of the Russians.

Just opposite the Ark, you will see the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. The earliest part of this religious complex is the pond called Bolo-khauz (The Children's pond) - one of the few remaining ponds the city of Bukhara. Until the Soviet period there were many such ponds, which were the city's principal source of water, but they were notorious for spreading diseases and were gradually filled-in in the 1920s. Another one of these ponds - the Lyabi Khauz, survived because it was the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble from the 16th -17th centuries, which still exists and includes a madrasah and a lodging house.

Next, you will visit the mausoleum, which was built in the 9th century as the final resting place of Ismail Samani - the founder of the Samanid dynasty, the last Persian dynasty to rule in Central Asia. Near the Samani mausoleum, you will also see the Chashmai Ayub (Job's Well).

At the end of the day you will enjoy a tasting of herbal teas in the a local tea house. After a short break to refresh yourselves, you will be invited into a local home, where you will be taught how to make traditional Uzbek Plov.

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Minorai Kalon/ Omar Hayyam / Minzifa / Basilic / Zargaron Plaza or similar DAY 6

Bukhara

This morning you will head to Old Town and the impressive Poi Kalyan architectural complex located south of the Ark citadel. Its most impressive feature and a popular landmark is the , which was built in the form of a circular 150-foot-high brick tower. A spiral staircase twists up inside the tower leading to a rotunda with 16 arched windows, from which the Muslims in the city were called to prayer. It is said that the tower so impressed that he ordered it to be spared while his invading army was destroying the rest of the city.

Continue on to the Ulugbeg and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, which stand facing each other in representation of the two dynasties that once ruled Bukhara – the Ashtarkhanids and Timurids. The Ulugbeg madrasah now houses the Bukhara Restoration History Museum and the Abdulazizkhan madrasah contains the Museum of Wood Carving Art. Next, enjoy the Trading Domes of Bukhara. Since it was located on the Silk Road, Bukhara contained many markets and trading stores. Only four trading domes remain to this day. You will also get to see an ancient silk market.

Afterwards you will visit the Lyab-i Khauz complex, a pond that used to be the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble dating from the 16th -17th centuries. Still standing today, it now includes a madrasah and a lodging house. Next, if you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Jewish Quarter where you can see the Synagogue. Bukhara once had a large Jewish community. As a matter of fact, most of the Jews in Central Asia in the 16th century used to live in Bukhara and played a major role in the city’s development. The , many of which migrated to the United States and Israel after the collapse of the , still speak a distinctive language, which is a dialect of the ancient Persian.

Please note that all touring today is on foot and includes walking on cobblestone and stairs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Exeter Services Full-Day Guide

Hotel Minorai Kalon/ Omar Hayyam / Minzifa / Basilic / Zargaron Plaza or similar DAY 7

Bukhara - Samarkand

Your guide will meet you this morning for a visit to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace. This was the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara. It was specifically picked in this location because it was not as hot as other locations.

Continue on to the Kagan Palace – White Palace built for Tsar Nicholas I. After touring the palace, your driver will meet you for transfer to the train station, where you will board the train to Samarkand (train times may vary). The cost of the train in VIP class is included in your program cost but is subject to availability.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, you will transfer to your hotel, where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Half – Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (Bukhara); Station Transfers (Bukhara & Samarkand)

Hotel Dilimah Luxury Premium / Grand Samarkand Superior / Platan or similar DAY 8

Samarkand

Today you will begin your exploration of this historic city. One of the most famous towns along the Silk Road, Samarkand also belongs among the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was sacked by the Mongols under Genghis Khan in and remained under Mongol domination until the late 14th century, when Timur (Tamerlane) decided to make Samarkand the capital of his empire which extended from India to Turkey.

One of the highlights of today’s tour will certainly be the Square, the most famous landmark and the heart of the ancient city. Registan (Sandy Place) probably got its name from the sand, which was strewn on the ground to soak up the blood from the public executions, which were held there until the early 20th century. Nowadays, the Registan complex consists of three main buildings – the 15th-century Ulugbek Madrasah, Tilya- Kori Madrasah and the 17th-century Sher-Dor Madrasah, where, if you are interested, you can get acquainted with the history of Uzbek musical instruments.

You will also visit the Gur Emir (Tomb of the King) Mausoleum – the actual place where Timur was buried. This architectural complex with its bright blue dome contains not only the tomb of Tamerlane, but also the ones of his sons, grandson, and other notable political and religious figures.

One of the highlights of Samarkand is a visit to the Observatory of Ulugbek, located on a hill in the outskirts of the city. Ulugbek turned Samarkand into the intellectual and scientific center of the empire. He built the madrasah on Registan Square and invited Islamic mathematicians and astronomers to study there. His observatory was a remarkable scientific discovery in its time (the early 15th century). As Ulugbek did not have a telescope to work with, he improved the accuracy of his observations by increasing the length of his sextant, which helped him compile one of the best-known star catalogues of that time.

Afterwards, you will continue on to the Afrosiab Museum and ruins.

This afternoon, you may also see the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis. This cluster of 11 mausoleums was built during the 14th through the 15th centuries and will allow you to see several types and periods of architecture and design of the region. This religious center is still very much in use today.

Your guide will show you the Bibi Khanym Mosque, which was constructed in the 14th century after Timur’s conquest of India. It is said that some 90 elephants were used to carry from India the precious stones and metals to be used for the decoration of this temple. There is a large marble Koran standing in the center of the mosque’s courtyard and the bazaar next to it has changed little since the time of Tamerlane.

Just before returning to your hotel, be sure to make a stop and visit the Happy Bird handicrafts Center and meet with the famous artist Mr Toir Sharipov.

If time allows, and you are interested, you may wish to visit the Hudjum Silk Carpet Factory.

Return to your hotel, where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience (optional) Before dinner, you may wish to visit the Khovrenko Wine Factory and caves and enjoy a wine tasting with mini lecture. (Please note factory visit and wine tasting not included in program cost.)

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Dilimah Luxury Premium / Grand Samarkand Superior / Platan or similar DAY 9

Samarkand - Tashkent

This morning you may choose to walk around Samarkand’s former Jewish quarter and visit the synagogue. You will also walk through the Siyab Bazaar and the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum.

You will stop by the museum of Local Lore of Samarkand, in the home of Mr. Kalandarov, a famous Jewish merchant.

Afterwards your guide will take you to the small village of Konigil, a few miles from the centre of Samarkand. With the help of UNESCO funding, the ancient art of silk papermaking has been revived. You will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient process, brought to Samarkand from China in the 7th century, and have a go at making your own silk paper to take home.

Next, you will meet your driver for the transfer to the train station for the train to Tashkent (train times may vary). The cost of the train in VIP class is included in your program but is subject to availability.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel where the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.

Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (Samarkand); Station Transfers (Samarkand & Tashkent)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

DAY 10

Chimgan Day Trip

Today your guide and driver will take you to the Chimgan mountains, Uzbekistan’s winter-sports center, located about 100km outside of the city. There you will find ski tracks, hiking trails and splendid views from the Great Chimgan, the highest summit in the region. The nearby resort of Beldersay is also worth a visit.

Later you will visit the Charvak Reservoir, created recently by the confluent of several mountain rivers. Its stunning blue waters are very popular among local people and half of its 60 miles of coastline is occupied by various recreation zones and summer camps. There you will visit the village of Brichmula, as well as the rock paintings of Khodjikent.

Late afternoon return to Tashkent.

If you are interested, an evening performance at the Alisher Navoi Theater can be added (Not included in program cost and subject to availability).

Exeter Services Full- Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

DAY 11

Tashkent - Onward

Early morning check-out of the hotel and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The cost of the flight is not included.

Exeter Services Airport Transfer

What Is Included

Cost of Program:

Per Person for Two (2) guests traveling together From $6,575

Per Person for Four (4) guests traveling together From $4,900

Accommodations Please Note: Uzbekistan has seen a surge in popularity in the last two years. We do everything in our control to guarantee the hotels we have recommended for your stay. From time to time, hotels have oversold, even though bookings have been confirmed to us. We would ask for your understanding in this case and your local Exeter representative will ensure that you have a hotel of equal or better standard.

Tashkent Two (2) nights at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Khiva Two (2) nights at Malika Kheivak / Orient Star / Erkin Palace / Bek or similar; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Bukhara Three (3) nights at the Minorai Kalon/ Omar Hayyam / Minzifa / Basilic / Zargaron Plaza or similar; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Samarkand Two (2) nights at Dilimah Luxury Premium / Grand Samarkand Superior / Platan or similar; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Tashkent One (1) night at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program.

Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Exeter International Travel Information UZBEKISTAN VISA A visa is required for entry to Uzbekistan.

BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.

SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.

Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Suggested amounts will be given with your final documents.

DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.

REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.

INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2019. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685