UZBEKISTAN – THE SILK ROAD

Samarkand Landing in Samarkand - "The Jewel of the East". Transfer to the hotel. Breakfast. There will be a city tour (included in the price).
You will see some of the most iconic sights, such as the Gur Emir Mausoleum, also known as the Emperor's Tomb. This is where the remains of Timur, called the "last emperor of Asia", were laid to rest. You will then visit the impressive Registan Square, which includes three majestic madrasas (Islamic schools) that were established under the patronage of Timur. Next, visit the Bibi Khanam Mosque, the largest in the world for its time. It is located next to the Siab Oriental Market - noisy and overwhelming to the senses. Here you will find traditional goods and local delicacies. Continue to the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a historic burial complex commissioned by Timur for his family and closest confidants. This complex is often referred to as the "street of the dead" and considered one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for Muslims.
As the day draws to a close, you will enjoy a traditional Uzbek family dinner (included).
Optionally, you will be able to take part in the preparation of the traditional Uzbek dish "plov".
Overnight in Samarkand area.

Bukhara Breakfast.
Departure by high-speed train to Bukhara.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
You will visit the Spices on the Silk Road tea house (included in the price) and attend a tea ceremony which includes tasting 5 types of tea (herbal, clove, ginger, green, saffron) or 2 types of coffee, oriental sweets and dried fruits.
Free time to enjoy Bukhara, called the "land of the boar".
In the evening you will be free to stroll through the charming streets of the old town.
Dinner (Dinner Package).
Overnight in Bukhara area.

Bukhara Breakfast.
You will have a tour of one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia - Bukhara (included in the price).
You will see the rich collection of artifacts of the Samanid Mausoleum, built during the reign of Ismail Samani (892-907).
Nearby are the Chashma Ayub mausoleum, with its distinctive conical roof and multiple domes, and the ARK fortress.
You will visit the Bolo House Mosque, which served as the main temple for the Emir's court, the Poi-Kalon complex, the Miri-Arab madrasa, the Kalon Mosque and the iconic eponymous minaret (46m) - accepted as the symbol of the city.
You'll see the Lyabi-House complex, which encompasses the Nodir Devon Begi and Chonako madrasah and Faizullah Khojayev's house - an architectural masterpiece.
You will experience the unique design of the Khor Minor Mosque, characterized by its Indian-style architecture.
You'll end the day with dinner at Foklore NDB Madrasa and can sample local delicacies while enjoying traditional folk performances (included).
Overnight in Bukhara area.

Bukhara - Tashkent Breakfast.
Free time or option for additional fascinating tour of Bukhara (package "Additional excursions").
You will explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter, where you can visit a synagogue and learn about the rich historical and cultural significance of Bukhara's Jewish community.
The tour will continue to the Naqshbandi complex, considered one of the most sacred destinations for Muslims.
The mausoleum and mosque in the complex, provide information about the life and teachings of Naqshbandi (1318-1389), a respected Sufi and founder of the influential order of the same name.
You will witness the daily pilgrimage of devoted followers paying their respects at this holy site.
Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to join a masterclass in painting miniatures on silk paper, led by hereditary miniaturist Davron Toshev (available on site).
Later, you'll head to the train station for a ride on the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Tashkent.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner (Dinner Package).
Overnight in the Tashkent area.

Tashkent Breakfast.
You will explore the largest city in Central Asia and the capital of Uzbekistan (included).
Tashkent is located in the heart of the Great Silk Road that connects Europe and Asia.
A place that changed people's destinies forever.
The old city of Tashkent, called Eski-Shaha, remains the most remarkable place in the capital where you can satisfy your senses with unadulterated medieval oriental architecture - mosques, madrasas and mausoleums.
One of the active madrasas, Kukeldash, was once a caravanserai.
Nearby is also the old town Chorsu, which has been Tashkent's largest commercial centre since ancient times.
Not far away is the Friday Mosque (Juma) dating back to the 15th century. Another landmark is the Khast-Imam complex, considered the religious centre of the capital.
It is an iconic World Heritage site because it houses the Qur'an of Uthman, from which all other copies of the Holy Scriptures are believed to have been made.
Other landmarks include: the Tilla-Sheikh Mosque, the Kafali Shashi Mausoleum, built in honour of Imam Kafali Shashi.
You will also visit another ancient centre of learning, the 16th century Abdulqasim Sheikh Madrasah.
The Parliament building stands next to it.
In the Old City is the 14th-century Sheikhantaur Mausoleum, where one of the dried sacred trees that legend has it grew on the sites visited by Alexander the Great survives.
The capital has magnificent theatres, picturesque cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local or international cuisine.
The architectural appearance of Tashkent is a reflection of the national colour that this enchanting country has - ultramodern architecture coexisting harmoniously with medieval structures and a huge number of parks and squares.
Dinner (Dinner Package).
Overnight in the Tashkent area.

Tashkent - Samarkand Breakfast.
Free time in Tashkent or possibility to join the sightseeing of Ugam-Chatkal National Park, near Tashkent (package "Additional excursions").
You will be given the opportunity to experience the cultural life of Tashkent, and you may visit a gallery and/or a performance (available on site).
"Human House" is an amazing place combining an art gallery, museum, souvenir shop and cafe.
Located in central Tashkent, it is easily recognizable by its adobe walls and old oriental style.
The show "Tashkent Speaks" was created from numerous memoirs and interviews of Tashkent residents.
You will experience the world of the locals, their traditions, customs and genuine way of life.
In the late afternoon, you will travel by high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Check in at the hotel. Dinner (Dinner Package).
Overnight in Samarkand area.

Samarkand Breakfast.
Free time in Samarkand or possibility to join: wine tasting, boat trip and night tour of Samarkand (package "Additional excursions").
The wine tasting excursion at Bagizagan Winery will introduce you to the history of winemaking, harvesting and the intricacies of regional wine production.
You will be able to enjoy the best varieties of Uzbek wines.
A boat trip on the rowing canal is a highlight of the Samarkand Silk Road.
You will enjoy beautiful views of hotels, the convention center, the musical fountain and of course the Eternal City.
The Samarkand night tour will immerse you in an oriental night atmosphere at the illuminated Registan Square with music, the main market with authentic music and light show.
Later, you will have the opportunity to experience the exciting "Write Your Name" calligraphy masterclass (available on site).
A professional master calligrapher will show you how to beautifully write your name in Arabic script on paper.
This is a meditation that will give you an unforgettable experience, calm your mind, clarify your thoughts and charge you with positive energy.
Calligrapher Abdujalil Ergashev will give you a talisman for luck, love, health, wealth or any other of your choice.
Dinner (Dinner Package).
Overnight in Samarkand area.

Flight to BulgariaBreakfast. Free time for walking or shopping. Transfer to the airport. Return flight to Sofia.