Amazing Uzbekistan

Title of tour: Amazing Uzbekistan

Sites to visit: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Ayaz Qala, Nukus, Tuprak Qala, Ayz Qala

Day 1: Tashkent - Nukus
Meet your local guide in Tashkent; later have a flight to Nukus city. Upon arrival, enjoy the city tour of Nukus. The first pay a visit to Museum of Savitsky. This museum exhibits prohibited masterpieces of Russian art during the 19^th century. The main important works include works of Sokolov, Komarovskiy and Amaravella group. During the 1960s, the coordinator of Karakalpakstan state museum gathered all banned works. Some of the paintings were bought, others were given by the artists themselves. After long time of keeping hidden, he managed to exhibit in the museum. Afternoon, drive to the suburbs of Nukus, where the remains of ancient city  called Mizdakhan necropolis.  According to researches,  during the 4^th century BC and 14^th century AD, the place was repeatedly conquered. In the end, visit Zoroastrian monument, which is 2200 years old. It is located in the Chilpyk village. Stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Nukus - Ayaz Qala - Tuprak Qala - Khiva
Today go on to the ancient Uzbek city Khiva.  The history of Khiva closely related with the Khorezmshah's State. The capital of Khorezm located near Khiva and named Urgench. In comparison with other cities in Uzbekistan, Khiva was the most developed town along the Great Silk Road. In the 10^th century resources, it is said that almost all traders from East to West stopped over Khiva. Long caravans come to the city and have rest, the doors of the city was always open for traders. On the way, you will visit remains of  old civilization: Ayaz Qala and Turpak Qala. Ayaz Qala served as a fortress during Khorezm State, was built in II century AD. According to old folklore, it was named for the honor of brave slave warrior Ayaz. Another fortress Tuprak Qala was established in I or II century AD and was kept until 6^th century. The name Tuprak means clay fort, in ancient time Khorezmian leader Artav used it as a palace.  Continuous conquering and wars over centuries destroyed the forts. Arrive to Khiva and stay in a hotel.

Day 3: Khiva - Bukhara
After breakfast, you will drive to another beautiful city Bukhara. This is a real town museum consisting of more than 140 historical monuments. Bukhara is known narrow streets, beautiful parks and gardens, closely located buildings belongs to different epochs. While you drive from Khiva, you will also see endless Kyzyl Kum desert. You will also see the deepest river in Central Asia- Amu Darya. It begins in Tajikistan from the joint of Panj and Vakhsh Rivers and flows to Aral Sea. After our arrival to Bukhara, you will have free time. Spend night in a hotel.

Day 4: Bukhara
In the morning, embark on the city tour of fascinating Bukhara. The first stop will be the oldest citadel of the city - Citadel Ark, dating back to 4th century. It was the residence of Bukhara Emirate dynasties. Next is Samanids mausoleum, it is a real masterpiece of 9th-10th century architecture. Later tour will continue to the Chashma Ayub, which is known as Job's spring. Then Bolo-Hauz mosque, famous as a mosque of forty columns will be interesting site. Bolo-Hauz was constructed for the honor of Abu-Fayud Khan, the city's governor. Further, you will have enjoy exploring well-known madrasahs like Nodir Divan Begi in the Lyabi House Ensemble, the remarkable site of Bukhara. In the end, you will enjoy time to visit street of shopping domes. The last will be Poi Kalon complex. It includes three unusual artwork dating back to 12th-16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara
The tour will take you to the outskirts of Bukhara. First, drive few kilometers to the the memorial complex of the outstanding Sufi Philosopher and Leader Bahauddin Naqshbandi. Every year many people come to visit the complex because it is one of the popular place of worship for Muslim community. He also was one of the Amir Timur's religious advisors. Nowadays complex consist of mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, garden with pool, madrasah, and burial places of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Next site is the residence of Bukhara Emirs in countryside. The diversity of architectural styles will be in the Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. The name derives young death of the wife of the Emir. In translation, it means "Star - like and moon- like Palace". In the end of the tour, you will visit Chor Bakr memorial at Sumiton village. The four edges of the complex means the Globe and means the equality of human. It was built during the governance of Samanids reign, 16^th century. Stay in a hotel in Bukhara.

Day 6: Bukhara - Gijduvan - Samarkand
In the morning, you will continue your journey city Samarkand. En route, you will have a break at outstanding pottery workshop at Gijduvan village.  The old tradition of making left from ancestors, passing from father to son. Nowadays there are sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. The family made famous Gijduvan School of ceramic throughout the world. The uniqueness of the ceramic in Gijduvan is its extraordinary ornaments and patterns. The main colors are green and blue. You will spend night in a hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand - Tashkent (transfer or train)
Morning transfer to capital. Upon arrival, start city tour from Independent Square. It was constructed for the honor of the victory over fascism during World War II. A walk on the main Broadway to the Square of Amir Timur will make you feel life of the city. Next remarkable places are in the old part of the city. They are Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. Hast Imam represents many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most important artefact kept here is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of the holy Quran dating back to 8^th century. The owner of the book was Othman Ibn Affan, one of the four Caliphs succeeded prophed Muhammad. He was murdered by non-muslim community. Nowaday, you can see his blood stains spread on the paper of the book. Night in a hotel in Tashkent.

Day 8: Flight
After breakfast, drive to airport to start new adventures.