Traveling through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of Central Asia. Uzbekistan is a home of architectural beauties: the curved walls of Khiva, soaring minarets of Bukhara, and monumental scale of Samarkand are sure to create vivid memories in your mind. Shahrisabz, the birthplace of the great leader Timur, and Termez, once a city of Buddhist monks, are the last two stops on the way to Tajikistan. Cross the border and drive to Dushanbe, a city with tree-lined streets and modern monuments. Finish up the tour with stops in the historical center of Khujand and the largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent. With visits to some of the most important archaeological and historical sights in two countries, the 16-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Tour 2 is sure to be the best tour you’ll take in Central Asia.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Tashkent – arrival

Arrive in Tashkent. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Early morning transfer to local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h. 40 min.). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min.). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Amin-Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahim-Khan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islam Khodja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours

Day 3: Khiva – Bukhara

In the morning depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*). The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, as the present road does nowadays**. Stop en-route to enjoy views of Amudarya River and the desert.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
*As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
**Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.

Day 4: Bukhara

Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Bukhara

Start the second day with a visit to Sitorai-Mokhikhosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi and the House Museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Bukhara – Samarkand

In the morning depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 hours’ drive). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand, check in to hotel. In the afternoon meet your guide and start sightseeing Samarkand. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand

Continue sightseeing Samarkand. Visit Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur, Afrosiab Museum. In the afternoon drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 8: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Termez

In the morning depart Samarkand and drive to Termez via Shakhrisabz (90 km, 1.5 h.*). Stop in Shakhrisabz for city tour. Visit Mausoleum of Jakhongir in Dorus Saodat Memorial Complex, remains of Ak-Saray Palace, Dorut Tilavat Ensemble with Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and burial vault of Tamerlane’s father. In the afternoon continue driving to Termez (300 km, 5 h.*).
Arrive in Termez, check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
*The road on vans and buses is on average an hour longer.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours

Day 9: Termez

Meet your guide and driver at hotel lobby. Start sightseeing in ancient Buddhist center and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia – Termez. Visit Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, Fortress Kirk Kiz – a summer residence of Samani rulers, Sultan Saodat Ensemble, and Zurmala Tower – Buddha's stupa. Continue to Buddhist archaeological sites of Karatepa, Fayaztepa and Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Termez – Sariosiyo BP – Dushanbe

In the morning depart Termez and drive to Uzbek–Tajik border (180 km, 3h.*). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meeting at Uzbek-Tajik border “Sariosiyo”. Transfer to Dushanbe (80 km, 2h.*). On the way to Dushanbe, the capital of Tadjikistan, you will visit Hissar Fortress. Hissar Fortress (18th c) is located 30 km west of Dushanbe. Beside the fortress there are two Madrasahs (18th and 19th cc) and one mausoleum of 16th century. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 1-1.5 hours
*The drive on vans and buses is on average an hour longer.

Day 11: Dushanbe

Start sightseeing in the capital of Tajikistan. Visit Botanical garden- very beautiful garden with many old trees is the favorite place of Tajik people, Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities (closed on Mondays) that includes the exhibits on history, natural history and art (Buddha in Nirvana is one of the valuable exhibits of the museum), Ismail Somoni Monument, the Building of a national spirit, Stroll Rudaki Prospect and the Main Mosque of Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 12: Dushanbe – Istaravshan – Khujand

In the morning depart Dushanbe and drive to Khujand (250 km, 5-6 h.). Drive through Anzob tunnel. Lunch at local Chaihana (tea-house). In the afternoon drive through Shakhristan tunnel with stop in Istaravshan. Visit a local bazaar; Hazrat Shah architectural complex, which consists of Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the grave of brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami Mausoleum, and Namazgah Mosque dating back to 19 C. Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements located in Ura-Tube. The city is believed to be founded by King Cyrus in the North-East boundary of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 1.5-2 hours

Day 13: Khujand

In the morning sightseeing Khujand. Visit the Museum of Archeology and Fortification, Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque, and the Panjshanbe Bazaar, the biggest bazaar in Tajikistan, Arbob Palace named after S. Urunhodlaev (20th c), “Tajik Sea” Kayraccum HPS (Hydro Power Station) - the symbol of People’s Friendship, built in 1968. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours

Day 14: Khujand – Oybek BP – Tashkent

After breakfast transfer to Oybek border crossing point (70 km, 1 h ). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. As you cross the border, our driver will meet you on Uzbekistan side. Transfer to Tashkent (100 km, 1 h 30 min). Check in to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Tashkent

Sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia with a guide. Begin at the Courage Monument, which commemorates the 1966 earthquake and honours the resilience of the people of Tashkent, before continuing to the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, walk past the Khast-Imam Complex, view the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center, and stroll along the newly developed Zarkaynar Street. Next, explore Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery, then ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro to the modern city centre. Enjoy free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, known for its lively dining scene, then continue to the State Museum of Applied Arts and admire the elegant facade of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, concluding the tour at Amir Timur Square. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Tashkent – departure

Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Tashkent International Airport. Departure. End of the 16-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan tour.

Price includes:

Transportation throughout the tour: 1-2 pax by sedan standard type car; 3-7 pax by minivan type car; 8-13 pax by 20 seat bus, 14 pax and more by 40-50 seat bus;
Accommodation with breakfast: standard double/twin room for Standard, Comfort and Premium options;
Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides;
Entrance tickets to the sights as per itinerary;
Economy class ticket for Standard and Comfort options and business for Premium option for flight Tashkent-Urgench;
Visa support letter for Uzbekistan visa;
Visa support for Tajikistan tourist visa;
English speaking tour leader to accompany the group in Tajikistan;
Starting 8 persons English speaking tour leader from Advantour in Uzbekistan;
Starting 10 persons +1 person travels free of charge accommodated in single room.

Price doesn't include:

Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour in Uzbekistan;
Full board (lunches and dinners);
Hotel charges for additional services;
Comfort car supplement in Uzbekistan total – 980USD;
Consular fees for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan tourist visas;
International flight tickets before and after the tour;
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
Travel insurance.