The Pearl of the East - Samarkand - Historical Tours in Uzbekistan

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The Pearl of the East - Samarkand

Historical tour

4 Days / 3 Nights

Group: 2 - 4 pax

Uzbekistan

Min Age: 18+

Tour description

The city has many names - the Mirror of the World, the Jewel of Islam, the Garden of the Soul, the Pearl of the East, the Centre of the Universe, or the City of Famous Shadows. Samarkand proper claims equity with Rome and Babylon, for archaeologists date urban settlement at least to the sixth century BC. It is lying in the river valley of the Zerafshan (gold-strewer) and flanked by Pamir-Alai mountains spurs, this fabled oasis at the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum desert has never lacked breathless admirers.

Itinerary

Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand

Price for 2 persons

US $795.00 per person based on twin/double occupancy
Single supplement US $240.00
(prices for larger groups available on request)

Price Includes

Hotel accommodation in Continental 4* or similar – double/twin occupancy (03 nights + immediate occupancy).
Meals – breakfast daily
Air-conditioned transportation for all city tours and excursions.
English-speaking guide for sightseeing tour.
Entrance fees at museums and sites during city tours & excursions.

Price Excludes

Beverage and meals are not included in the menu
Camera fees where applicable
Items of personal nature including extra luggage charges, room service, and medical expenses.
Visa support and visa fees.
Trip cancellations, medical insurance.

Tour program

Day 01 (Wed): Arrive Samarkand

04:10 - Meeting on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel (immediate occupancy).
12:00 - After late breakfast start a sightseeing tour of Samarkand - visit Registan Square, Bibikhanum Mosque, and Siab Bazaar (Silk Road Bazaar).
Later visit Gur-Emir - the Mausoleum of Tamerlane.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 (Thu): Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 - Continue sightseeing tour of Samarkand - visit Shah-i-Zinda or the Living King necropolis (the holiest site in Samarkand), Afrosiab History Museum, Ulug Beg Observatory (15th century), Tamerlan's grandson - astronomer-king Ulug Beg.
Later we shall visit Konigil village and Meros Paper Mill. This place is known for its unique traditions of handicrafts, beautiful nature, trees, and the Siab River. But the main attraction of this village is the Meros Paper Factory where paper production is carried out.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 (Fri): Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 - Road journey to Shakhrisabz (87 km or 2 hrs) - the hometown of Central Asia's conqueror Tamerlane.
Visit the Ak-Serai Palace ruins or White Palace similar in structure to Samarkand's Bibi Khanum Mosque.
Later we shall have a walk through Shakhrisabz and visit Malik Azhdar Khanagha, former home of wandering Sufic dervishes, Jummi Mosque for Friday prayers (Kok-Gumbaz Mosque), Abdushukur Agalik Mosque and Madrassah(1914), previously called the Khodja Mirkhamid.
Also visit Amir Temur Museum, Dorus Siadat, Dorut Tilovat, Tamerlan's crypt, and Khudjum Embroidery Factory it produces carpets, Suzanne wall hangings, Tamerlane mats, gowns, and tubeteika (traditional headwear).
Return back to Samarkand
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 (Sat): Samarkand - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out at 12:00.
Transfer to the airport for
Flight to your destination.

FAQs

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Our experienced drivers will receive you on arrival at the airport or at the railway station and bring you to your hotel. The same service is also available on your departure. All vehicles are clean, airconditioned and have plenty of space for your baggage. If you wish to be received or seen-off by a professional tour guide speaking your language, we provide this service also.

Should I book pre/post tour accommodation?

Kindly note that standard hotel check-in time is at 14:00 & check-out time is at 12:00, if your arrival or departure time is different, and you require accommodation please let us know in your request.

Which currency is most widely accepted on this tour?

Most payments are in cash USD only (in perfect looking dollars banknotes) and local currency. Cards or other forms of payments are not used widely.