In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great
Tour itinerary
Arrival in Bukhara. Excursion
Arrive in Bukhara on an early flight or the day before. Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Rest. Excursion: Samanid Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khauz Complex, Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan Complex, Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble. Free lunch (not included).
Bukhara (Outside Excursion)
Trip to the Mokhi-Khosa Palace, a country residence. Drive to and visit the complex of Bogaudin Naqshbandi, one of the founders of the Sufism movement. Free lunch (not included).
Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand (300 km, 4.5-5 hours)
Departure to Bukhara. En route, stop in Gijduvan. Visit to the Narzullaev family, a family of hereditary ceramists. Introduction to the Gijduvan school of ceramics, including the ceramic production, painting, and firing processes. Free lunch (not included).
Samarkand. Excursion
Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siab Bazaar (closed on Mondays). Trip to the village of Kunigil (7 km), visit to the Meros silk paper workshop. Visit to the “Eternal City.” Free lunch (not included).
Samarkand – Jartepa checkpoint – Penjikent (40 km + 20 km, approx. 2 hours)
Excursion: Shahi-Zinda architectural ensemble, St. Daniel’s Mausoleum, Hazrat-Khizr Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory. Lunch (not included). Transfer to the Uzbek/Tajik border at the Jartepa checkpoint. Customs formalities. Transfer to Penjikent.
Penjikent – 7 Lakes – Penjikent (80 km + 80 km)
Transfer to the Haft Kul Valley (Seven Lakes). Visit a cascade of 7 lakes, each characterized by its own unique water color. In some, the water changes color throughout the day or depending on the weather. Lunch (included). Excursion: Rudaki Museum, the founder of Persian poetry, and the ancient settlement of Sarazm (UNESCO).
Penjikent – Dushanbe. (220 km, 5-6 hours)
Then transfer to Dushanbe via the Istiklol Tunnel (2,630 m). Upon arrival, excursion: United Museum of Tajikistan, Botanical Garden, and oriental bazaar. Free lunch (not included).
Dushanbe – Istaravshan – Khujand (305 km, 5.5-6 hours)
Drive to and visit the former residence of the viceroy of the Emir of Bukhara (30 km) – the Hissar Fortress. Then transfer to Khujand. En route, stop in the city of Istaravshan (formerly Ura-Tyube). Excursion: Mug-Tepa settlement, the Khazrati Shokh complex, the Khudoyor Bal’ami mausoleum, and the oldest bazaar. Continue to Khujand (80 km). Visit the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification. Free lunch (not included).
Khujand – Andarkhan checkpoint – Kokand (120 km, 2.5-3 hours)
Transfer to the Tajik-Uzbek border at the Andarkhan checkpoint. Customs formalities. Transfer to Kokand. Kokand tour: Khudoyar Khan Palace, Madari Khan Mausoleum, Jami Mosque. Free lunch (not included).
Kokand – Rishtan – Margilan – Tashkent (evening train)
Visit to the workshop of hereditary knifemaker Hasan Umarov. Transfer to Rishtan (40 km, 45-50 min). Tour of the house of the famous ceramist Said Akhmedov. Transfer to Margilan (50 km, 50-60 min). Tour: Pir Siddik Mausoleum; the famous MARGILAN SILK VATS factory. Introduction to the process of making and dyeing silk fabrics. Evening train to Tashkent. Free lunch (not included).
Tashkent. Excursion
Visit to the Khast Imam complex, the oldest Chor-Su bazaar, the famous Besh Kozon pilaf center, Independence Square, an exterior view of the Romanov Viceroy’s Palace, Theater Square, Amir Timur Square, and Tashkent’s “Broadway.” Lunch is free (not included).
Tashkent. Departure
Transfer to the airport three hours before departure.
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