Highlights of Uzbekistan

Experience Uzbekistan's ancient Silk Road heritage in the modern capital of Tashkent. Intricately built mosques with turquoise tile accents stand alongside brutalist Soviet-era buildings and contemporary structures. Aromas of fresh local 'non' breads waft through the air every morning, and mostly white-colored vehicles ply the roads! The region's traditional rice dish is best tasted at the Central Asian Plov Center. Next to the landmark Hotel Uzbekistan, the fountained Independence Square dotted with its monuments and manicured gardens, is ideal for people-watching. Amir Temur Museum offers a lesson in the region's rich history, and the expansive Hazrat Imam complex houses the world's oldest Quran. Within a blue-colored dome in the old town, the vibrant and bustling Charsu Bazaar showcases an assortment of food and crafts stalls, while offering a glimpse into local Uzbek life. Tashkent's plush underground metro stations from the 1960s are the first-of-its-kind in Central Asia and are individually designed with exquisite features that tell stories of the past.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on this full-day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at the appointed time. As you wander through the streets, you will come across elegant European structures from the Turkestan Governorate General era, imposing Soviet-era buildings, and the blue domes of mosques and madrasas. Visit the Old City to see the historic Khast-Imam Complex, home to the world-renowned Quran of Caliph Uthman – Ottoman. Your guide will lead you through the complex and show you the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya-Sheikh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. From there proceed to the Kukeldash Madrasah, located near the famous Chorsu Bazaar in the Old City. Experience the bustling atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, one the most famous historical sites in Tashkent. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro, considered to be one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world. Travel to the city center, where you will visit the Applied Arts Museum and stroll through Navoi Theater to reach Amir Timur Square, the main town square. (Duration: 6 hrs; Time: flexible; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: May - Jun/Sep – Oct)

In central Uzbekistan, discover Bukhara, a romantic oasis rising from the red sands of the Kyzylkum Desert on the ancient Silk Road. Bukhara is considered the holiest city in Central Asia and in times past served as an interface for ideas, cultures and religions between Asia and Europe. The atmospheric streets are flanked by heritage buildings with outstanding Islamic architecture. Discover well-preserved 16th-century mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and religious schools or “madrassas” in the Po-i-Kalyan complex. Admire the distinctive turquoise domes and intricately designed facades. Between walks in Bukhara's Old Town, traditional tea houses around the leafy Lyab-i-Hauz Square offer the prospect of relaxing breaks while local residents play a game of dominoes and chillum pipes are passed around. Covered bazaars, especially the souvenir stalls in Chor Minor, present the region's special products. The caravanserai hostel and the bathhouse ruins bear witness to Bukhara's eventful travel and trading history. The Ark Citadel's many museums, which have housed local emirs since the fifth century, provide insights into the city's rich past. The towers of the property offer wonderful panoramic views of Bukhara.

Visit the spectacular city of Samarkand, a famous trading hub of Uzbekistan on the ancient Silk Road. This legendary jewel of Central Asia features both modern development and architectural masterpieces from the Timurid dynasty. The beautiful Registan Square is illuminated 24 hours a day and is the heart of the city. Surrounded by three religious schools or “madrassas”, the main bazaar once took place in the tree-shaded inner courtyard. Today, the dazzling Siab Bazaar is the center of local commerce, offering a variety of products from bread to spices. The pedestrian zone on historic Tashkent Street, lined with craft shops and carpet boutiques, is dominated by the expansive Bibi Khanum Mosque. The Hazrat Hizr Mosque, fascinating mausoleums such as Timur's Gur-E-Amir and the Shah-i-Zinda mortuary, which is constantly under construction, bathe the cityscape in various shades of blue. Also explore Samarkand's oldest ruins in Afrasiyab and the ancient Ulugbek Observatory, or enjoy a tasting at winemaker Horvenko.