Best Seller Grand Uzbekistan Tour
14 Days / 13 Nights

Early breakfast at the hotel. Meet your driver in the lobby and transfer to Tashkent railway station.

07:10 – Transfer to the railway station.
08:10 – Departure for Kokand by train.
12:28 – Arrival in Kokand.

After arrival, meet your VIAORIENT driver/guide with a name sign and start sightseeing in Kokand – one of the ancient capitals on the Silk Road.

Sightseeing in Kokand:

• Khudoyar-Khan Palace (19th century) – impressive residence of the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate, now a regional history museum.
• Norbut-Biy Madrassa – the largest madrassa in Kokand, built in the 18th century with architectural traditions of Bukhara.
• Modari Khan Mausoleum – family mausoleum of the khan’s female relatives, built in 1825.

Continue to Rishtan (about 50 km west of Fergana), famous worldwide for its traditional pottery. Local masters use natural red clay and plant-based glazes (“ishkor”) to create their signature blue-green ceramics.

Visit the workshop of master Rustam Umarov, where you can observe the process of throwing, firing and decorating Rishtan ceramics and browse an excellent collection of plates, bowls, tea sets and vases.

Afterwards, drive to Fergana. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Resting time in the evening.

Overnight in Fergana.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet the guide at the hotel lobby and continue exploring the Fergana Valley.

Sightseeing:

• Fergana city – a relatively young town founded as a Russian military fortress (New Margilan) in 1876. Today it is a green and pleasant regional centre.
• Visit the monumental complex of Ahmad Al-Fargoni – dedicated to the famous medieval astronomer.
• Continue to Margilan, a historic town known for silk production since the times of the Great Silk Road.
• Said-Ahmad Hodja Madrassa – now used by craftsmen who produce original silk carpets and handicrafts.
• Yodgorlik Silk Factory – observe the traditional “ikat” technique of handmade silk fabric production.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station in Margilan.

15:00 – Transfer to the station.
16:03 – Departure by train “O’zbekistan” back to Tashkent.
21:17 – Arrival in Tashkent.

Meet the driver at the station and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Early morning transfer from your hotel in Tashkent to the local airport for the flight to Nukus.

06:00 – Transfer to the airport.
07:25 – Flight Tashkent – Nukus (example: HY 11).
09:05 – Arrival in Nukus.

Meet your local driver at the airport and depart by jeep/4x4 towards the Aral Sea shore with scenic stops en route.

The Aral Sea was once the 4th-largest lake in the world, shared by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Due to massive irrigation projects in the 1960s, its waters retreated dramatically, changing the climate and economy of the region.

On the way, photo stop at the Ustyurt Plateau to enjoy the unusual desert landscapes and vast horizons.

Arrival at the yurt camp near the Aral Sea shore. Time for a walk, photography and contemplation of this unique, dramatic area.

In the evening, enjoy a simple BBQ dinner at the camp. Overnight stay in traditional yurts.

Overnight at the Aral Sea yurt camp.

Camp-style breakfast at the yurt camp.

09:00 – Departure by jeep towards Muynak, via beautiful red canyons with striking “Martian” landscapes.

Arrival to Muynak, which used to be a prosperous fishing port on the Aral Sea. Today the shoreline has retreated far away, leaving behind the famous “ship cemetery” – rusting fishing vessels stranded in the desert.

Visit viewpoints over the former seabed and, time permitting, the local Aral Sea museum.

On the way back to Nukus, stop at Mizdakhan necropolis – an ancient cemetery next to the remains of Gyaur-Kala fortress (4–3 century BC).

Gyaur-Kala (“fortress of pagans”) was once a Zoroastrian town with citadel and fire altar. The area remained inhabited until the 14th century, and even after the spread of Islam people continued to bury their relatives in Mizdakhan, considering it a sacred place.

Arrival in Nukus. Check-in at the hotel and time to rest.

Overnight in Nukus.

Breakfast at the hotel in Nukus.

09:00 – Meet the driver in the lobby and start the day with a visit to the world-famous Savitsky Museum.

The museum holds a unique collection of Karakalpak and Khorezm antiquities, Uzbek fine arts, and the second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde (after the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg). Its founder, Igor Savitsky, risked much in Soviet times to preserve works considered “non-conformist”.

After the museum, depart towards Khiva (approx. 180 km, ~3.5 hours) with stops at the fortresses of Ancient Khorezm.

Visit Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala – impressive desert fortresses dating back to the Kushan period (~4–7 centuries). These forts once guarded the borders of Khorezm and today stand isolated among sands, offering memorable desert panoramas.

Afterwards, continue to Khiva. Arrival, check-in at the hotel and free time.

Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet your guide in the lobby and start a full-day walking tour in the walled inner town of Ichan-Kala – an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Major sites of Khiva (Ichan-Kala):

• Ata-Darvaza gate and Kunya-Ark citadel.
• Madrassa of Muhammad Rahim Khan and Madrassa of Muhammad Amin Khan.
• Kalta Minor – the famous “short” minaret covered with turquoise tiles.
• Tash-Hauli palace – once the residence and harem of Khiva’s khans.
• Old caravanserai and Tim Allakuli Khan trading arcade.
• Mausoleum of Seyid Allaudin.
• Islam-Khoja complex – madrassa and slender minaret, symbol of modern Khiva.
• Juma Mosque with its many carved wooden pillars.

Free time in the late afternoon to explore narrow streets, climb a viewpoint for sunset (optional) or shop for local handicrafts.

Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you travel from Khiva to Bukhara – one of the most famous routes in Uzbekistan.

Depending on the season and train schedule, the journey can be organised either by direct train or by car through the Kyzylkum desert.

Example (train option):
07:15 – Transfer to Khiva railway station.
08:23 – Departure for Bukhara by train.
13:35 – Arrival in Bukhara, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

If travelling by car (approx. 7–8 hours, 475 km), you will cross the Kyzylkum (“Red Sand”) desert, with several stops along the way for photos and refreshments.

Arrival in Bukhara. Check-in and free time to rest or take an evening walk through the old town.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet the guide in the lobby and start a walking sightseeing tour across the historical centre of Bukhara (approx. 5 hours).

Main sights of Bukhara:

• Ensemble Lyabi-Hauz – central square with a pond, surrounded by Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka and Kukeldash Madrassa, plus the monument to Hodja Nasreddin.
• Magoki-Attari Mosque – one of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara, partly sunken below ground level.
• Abdullakhan’s Tim – covered bazaar with numerous handicraft and souvenir shops.
• Caravanserai Sayfuddin – centre of Handicraft Development of Bukhara.
• The three famous trading domes: Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon and Toki Zargaron – historical centres for silk, hats and jewellery.
• Ulugbek & Abdulazizkhan Madrassas – a pair of madrassas facing each other, with contrasting decorative styles.
• Poi-Kalon complex – Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-Arab Madrassa, the spiritual heart of Bukhara.
• Ark Fortress – ancient citadel and former residence of Bukhara emirs.

Free time in the afternoon for rest, shopping or optional visits (e.g. hammam).

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure in Bukhara. You can enjoy free time in the old town or choose an optional countryside excursion (extra cost).

Optional Bukhara countryside program (extra payment):

• Samanids Mausoleum (9th century) – masterpiece of early medieval brick architecture.
• Naqshbandi Mausoleum – memorial complex of Bahouddin Naqshbandi, founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order and important pilgrimage site.
• Sitora-i Mohi Khosa – the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, combining European and Eastern styles.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.

Example:
14:30 – Transfer to Bukhara station.
15:50 – Departure to Samarkand by “Afrosiyob” or “Sharq” train.
17:20 – Arrival in Samarkand, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

Evening at leisure in Samarkand – the legendary capital of Timur.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet the guide and start the first part of your Samarkand sightseeing program (approx. 6 hours).

Today’s visits:

• Gur-Emir Mausoleum – burial vault of Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants, richly decorated with carved stone and gold ornaments.
• Registan Square – iconic ensemble and heart of Samarkand, consisting of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari madrassas.
• Bibi-Khanum Mosque – once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, commissioned by Timur.
• Siyab Bazaar – colourful market where locals buy bread, sweets, dried fruits and spices.
• Visit “Hudjum” carpet factory to observe the process of creating handmade carpets.

After the tour, return to the hotel or continue exploring the city independently.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet the guide in the lobby to continue your Samarkand sightseeing (approx. 5 hours).

Today’s visits:

• Shahi-Zinda Necropolis – alley of richly tiled mausoleums associated with Qutham ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Ulugbek’s Observatory – remains of the 15th-century astronomical observatory built by the scholar-ruler Ulugbek.
• Khoja Doniyor Mausoleum – believed to be the resting place of the biblical prophet Daniel (Daniyar).
• Meros paper mill in Konigil village – demonstration of traditional Samarkand paper production from mulberry bark.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.

Example:
16:30 – Transfer to the station.
17:35 – Departure for Tashkent by “Afrosiyob” or “Sharq” train.
20:05 – Arrival in Tashkent, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Meet your guide and start a combined tour of old and modern Tashkent (approx. 5–6 hours).

Main sights:

• Amir Timur Square – central square of Tashkent, with the statue of Amir Timur, the Museum of the History of Timurids, Uzbekistan Hotel and Forum Palace.
• Tashkent striking clock – one of the city’s recognisable symbols.
• Theater Square with the Alisher Navoi State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (1947), known for both classical and national performances.
• Independence Square – main square of Uzbekistan with monuments reflecting the country’s past, present and future, including the “Eternal Flame”.
• Earthquake Memorial – dedicated to the 1966 earthquake and those who helped rebuild Tashkent.
• Khast-Imam Square – religious centre with Barak-Khan Madrassa, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum and the library housing the famous 7th-century Quran of Uthman.
• Chorsu Bazaar – the main oriental market of Tashkent with its blue dome and abundance of fruits, spices, textiles and handicrafts.
• Tashkent Metro – ride between several artistically decorated stations (first line opened in 1977).

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel. Free time for last-minute shopping or an optional evening program.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Breakfast at the hotel (if flight time allows).

Free time in Tashkent for a short walk, café visit or final shopping.

At the agreed time, meet your VIAORIENT driver in the hotel lobby for the transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

Assistance with check-in and departure formalities if required.

End of the Best Seller Grand Uzbekistan Tour.