Samarkand has been listed in the Top 50 Cities to See in Your Lifetime by Huffington Post and exalted by James Elroy Flecker in his poem The Golden Journey to Samarkand (1913) for its mesmerizing ancient eastern buildings, technicolor bazaars, sound of orient sands in the air. Age-mate city of Rome and Babylon is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Buddhism has been a core philosophy for seven centuries in the southern part of Uzbekistan which is pointed as Termez on the contemporary map. Today Buddha's stupa, Buddhist archaeological sites of Kara-Tepe and Fayaz-Tepe, Kampir-Tepe – Greco-Bactrian Kingdom Fortress will show the culture and lifestyle of those mysterious times. Tour itinerary also covers Old Termez where you will pay a visit to Kirk Kiz Fortress, Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, and Sultan Saodat Ensemble – a summer residence of Samani rulers.
Book two-day Samarkand & Termez tour and make the most of your weekend!
Tour itinerary:
Transfer to the Tashkent railway station at 06:00. The high-speed train leaves for Samarkand at 07:00 and arrives in Samarkand at 09:10. A guide and driver will meet you at the station, which is a starting point of the Samarkand tour. In the morning start sightseeing. The tour program includes visits to Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum mosque, Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek observatory and Afrasiab Museum & archaeological site – a hilly area of 212 hectares surrounded by a moat. Archaeologists presently conduct excavations on the site. The Afrasiab Museum displays the model of ancient city and fortress walls, pottery, weaponry, coinage, altars and most of all the mural painting of the 7th century. Transfer to train station. Take the night train to Termez at 22:20. Arrival in Termez the next day morning.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Arrive in Termez at 09:30. Upon arrival you will be met by driver and guide. Start sightseeing in ancient Buddhist center and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia – Termez. Continue sightseeing and explore Zurmala Tower – Buddha's stupa, Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi , Buddhist archaeological site of Kara-Tepe*, Fayaz-Tepe, Kampir-Tepe – Greco-Bactrian Kingdom fortress. Return to Termez for a city tour in Old Termez: visit Kirk Kiz Fortress, Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, and Sultan Saodat Ensemble – a summer residence of Samani rulers. Visit Archaeology Museum to explore exhibits discovered on the territory of Termez and its surroundings. In the evening transfer to the airport for flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival transfer to hotel/private residence. End of the tour.
*Visit to Kara-Tepe is subject to approval by the State Border Committee.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
*Visit to Kara-Tepe is subject to approval by the State Border Committee.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by 1 sedan type car; 3pax by sedan/van;
- Economy class ticket for train Tashkent – Samarkand; SV (Luxe) class ticket for train Samarkand – Termez;
- Economy class ticket for flight Termez – Tashkent;
- Sightseeing tour program with local guides;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- Accommodation at hotel;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance.
