Blue domes of Uzbekistan

Title of tour: Blue domes of Uzbekistan

Sites to visit: Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgut, Gijduvan, Bukhara

Day 1: Tashkent
Arrive to Tashkent and start for city tour. It will include Independent square, it is the main square of country. It was constructed for the honor of victory over fascism during World War II. Have a walk on main Broadway to Amir Timur Square. Later you will have opportunity to ride a Tashkent metro, one of the first in Central Asia, built in 1977. It also considered one of the beautiful subways in the world. The most exciting part of the tour is old city. First, explore the colorful Chorsu Bazaar. Then visit historical places like Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex. Hast Imam home to many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleums. The most important artefact in the complex is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of Quran throughout the world. Its history goes back to 8^th century. According to historical resources, it was owned by Othman Ibn Affan. He was the Third Caliph of the prophet Muhammad. He was killed by his enemy in 8^th century and his blood has spread on the book. Even now, you can see blood stains.  Night in a hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent - Samarkand (350 km, 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to another incredible city of Samarkand. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. According to archeological researches, the city coeval with Babylon or Rome. Samarkand located in the beautiful Zarefshan river valley. Mysterious city will open its doors with famous Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan is central square with mesmerizing beauty of three madrasah buildings. Those charming architectural monuments were constructed in 15-17^th century. In the Shakhi-Zindeh complex represents many mausoleums dating back to 11^th-15^th century. Moreover, it is on the list of UNESCO Heritage. The las site is Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was built by Tamerlane for the honor of his wife after his conquer to India.  Overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Samarkand - Urgut - Samarkand
Today is a day to discover surrounding of Samarkand. Drive to Urgut settlement, which is popular with fast-moving and colorful bazaar. You will see local people selling and bargaining. Afternoon, visit to Al Bukhary Complex. Al Bukhary was one of the scholars, who wrote interesting and important books like Al-Adab al-Mufrad. The most significant was the authentic collection of Hadith. Drive back to Samarkand and night in a hotel.

Day 4: Samarkand - Gijduvan - Bukhara
Today the tour goes to mysterious Bukhara. En route, have a break at Gijduvan settlement. It is outstanding for its Gijduvan ceramic school. There is private pottery workshop, whose history goes back to long time ago. The skill of making ceramic is valuable and cherished from generation to generation. Nowadays Gujduvan is popular with sixth generation of potters. It is the family of Narzullayevs. The family made Gijduvan ceramic worldwide. The Gijduvan ceramics have interesting geometric ornaments and green, blue colors predominant in design. Continue to Bukhara and have rest in hotel.

Day 5: Bukhara
The whole day is devoted to explore Bukhara. As one of the old cities of Uzbekistan, Bukara has many sites to see. City tour will start from Citadel Ark. It was a palace of Bukhara Empire and foundation goes to 4^th century. Later visit Samanids Mausoleum. It is perfect example of the architecture of 9^th-10^th century. The Chashma Ayub in other words Job's well will be next attraction together with Bolo Hauz Mosque. Bolo-Huaz also known as a mosque of forty columns. It was constructed for the honor of city head Abu-Fayud Khan. Find yourself in the street of shopping domes. Later visit the outstanding madrasah of Bukhara. It is Nodir Divan Begi under the Lyabi House Ensemble, which is popular attraction of Bukhara. Finish your tour at Poi Kalon Complex admiring beautiful architectural monuments of 12^th-16^th century. There three parts, Kalon Mosque, Kalon Minaret and Mir Arab Madrasah. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Bukhara - Flight
Drive to airport to start other adventures.

Cost per person:
02 pax - 475 $
04 pax - 420 $
06 pax - 385 $
08 pax - 355 $
10 pax - 325 $
Single - 60 $

Early check-in - 30 $
Single early check-in - 50 $ 

*Half board - 40 $
*Full board - 75 $

*Entrance fees - 30 $ available with escort guide only  

Local guides - 160 $ per group
Escort guide - 320 $ per group

Tour price includes:
- Transportation
- Accommodation:
Tashkent - "Tourist Inn" Hotel 3*
Samarkand - "Ideal" Hotel 3*
Bukhara - "Old City" Hotel 3*
- Mineral water during the tour                                  

Tour price does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums
- Train tickets Tashkent - Samarkand - 30 $