Ancient Persia and Sogdiana are two great powers of the past centuries but memory of them is still kept in people’s hearts. The offered tour gives you the unique possibility to step on the territory of these powerful states, the place where at the present days two independent countries- Iran and Uzbekistan are situated. Here you will be told in short the stories that had been known to you since long time ago, and they will also tell you a lot of mysterious and concealed things. With quite different feelings you will look at the pearls of East. The famous Marakanda and flourishing Shiraz will open their mysteries. Even nowadays they attract surprised and charmed glances of travelers. So, Iran and Uzbekistan are waiting for you as their guests - these are the countries with long and rich history that counts more than three thousand years that go back into the epoch of mythical epic heroes and fantastically rich kings of Achaemenian Empire…

Itinerary:

Day 1.	Arrival to Tehran.
Day 2	Tehran - Shiraz (evening flight).
Day 3.	Shiraz.
Day 4.	Shiraz - Persepolis - Pasargadae - Isfahan.
Day 5.	Isfahan.
Day 6.	Isfahan.
Day 7.	Isfahan - Abyaneh - Kashan - Kum - Tehran.
Day 8.	Tehran - Tashkent (morning flight).
Day 9.	Tashkent - Samarkand.
Day 10.	Samarkand.
Day 11.	Samarkand - Shahrisiabz - Buhara.
Day 12.	Bukhara.
Day 13.	Bukhara.
Day 14.	Bukhara - Khiva.
Day 15.	Khiva.
Day 16.	Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent.
Day 17.	Tashkent. Departure.

detailed tour description »»

The cost of the tour in USD for 1 person:
Group	2	3-4	5-6	7-9	10-15	SGL supplement
Hotels of 2-3*	2285	2195	2015	1860	1625	195
Hotels of 3-4*	2635	2545	2365	2205	2045	305

The cost tour includes:

•	Accommodation at the hotels on twin/double share with breakfast:
	City Hotels 2-3* Hotels 3-4* Tashkent Sairam Hotel 2*+ or similar Tashkent Palace 4* or similar Samarkand Malika Samarkand Classic 2* or similar Asia Samarkand 3*+ or similar Bukhara Minzifa Hotel 2* or similar Asia Bukhara 3*+ or similar Khiva Malika Khiva 2* or similar Asia Khiva 3*+ or similar Tehran Parastoo, 2* or similar Enghalab, 4* or similar Shiraz Kovsar, 2* or similar Aryo Barzan, 4* or similar Isfahan Jolfa, 2* or similar Melal, 3* or similar
•	Services of the driver with comfortable transport during the tour, including airport - hotel - airport transfers;
•	Entry fees to the base monuments of each city;
•	Sightseeing tour in each city;
•	The cost of Urgench - Tashkent domestic air flight;
•	The cost of Tehran - Shiraz domestic air flight;
•	The cost of Shiraz - Isfahan domestic air flight;
•	Visa support in Uzbekistan and Iran.

The cost tour does not include:

•	International air fare;
•	Visa fee;
•	Medical insurance;
•	Photo and video shooting at museums and monuments.

Additional service:

•	Board:
	-	Half board - 160$/per person/on all route;
	-	Full board - 320$/per person/on all route;
•	Services of accompany guide - 695$ for tour.

Additional information:

Necessary documents.
In order to make this tour you need to get a visa to the following country:

•	Iran - single-entry;
•	Uzbekistan - single-entry.

The list of the documents necessary to apply for a visa may vary greatly depending on the country of your residence (e. g. the citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan (for the period of 60 days) and Kazakhstan can enter Uzbekistan without a visa, because Uzbekistan has bilateral agreements on visa-free travel with all CIS countries except Tajikistan and Turkmenistan). General guidelines on visa application process and the list of necessary documents can be found here. If you need more detailed information, please, contact our tour operators.

General recommendations:
- If possible all necessary documents to enter/exit all countries of the tour must be prepared before your arrival to the starting point of the tour;
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the supposed ending date of the tour.

Transport.
Aircraft - the tour includes three inside country air flights: Tehran-Shiraz, Tehran-Tashkent, Urgench-Tashkent. Air tickets price is included in the price of the tour.

Car/microbus/bus (depending on the size of the groups) will be used for transportation to other places of the tour. This mean of transportation is also included in the price of the tour.

Accommodation en route.
The following type of accommodation is supposed for this tour:

Hotels - for our travelers we select hotels with the most comfortable location and with good reputation. In what follows you will find the list of recommended hotels, but depending on season conditions and number of people in the group the list can be changed.

Concerning Iran.
Iran is Islamic republic and here dominate laws of Shariat (mixture of civil and criminal code on the basis of Koran). In accordance with it women are not permitted to be on the territory of this country improperly dressed: to be outside with not covered head, with open hands and legs. The same laws should be followed by tourists in spite of the fact that thy came from another country and their culture denies any limitation in outward appearance. So women-tourists being on the territory of Iran during the whole time should walk with covered by kerchief heads and no open hands, jeans or short skirts, over the clothing it is necessary to wear something like a coat lower than knees that would cover hands till wrists.

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Detailed tour description:

Day 1. Arrival to Tehran.
So, it is an early morning you have just disembarked from the aircraft, you are carefully met and brought to the hotel. Exactly from this very moment starts your wonderful acquainting with powerful in former times Persia, but regaining its charm till to day. Persia will meet you with its wonderful capital - the city of Tehran. Tehran is no less famous and ancient city as the country in which it is situated. Tehran today is one of the biggest cities in Iran and one of the biggest cities in Asia. It is situated in the Northern part of the country at the foothill of the mountain range Elbrus, within 90km. southward from the shore of the Caspian see. The city stretches for 40-50 km. from west to the east along the mountain range. Among other things it is political, economical, transport, commercial-financial and cultural center of the country.

You spend overnight in one of Tehran hotels.

Day 2. Tehran-Shiraz (evening flight).
Today your acquainting with Persian capital will be prolonged. As you understand among other things - Teheran is considered as one of the most picturesque capitals of the world even today. You can become sure of that personally! The main interest for the guests of the capital is presented by excellent city museums, that’s why your stay in Tehran will be not only pleasant but also rather cognitive. So first of all you will be brought to the palace-museum Golestan. It was built during the reign of Kadjar dynasty. A magnificent garden was laid out in the court yard. A number of museums are situated here also, and the best of them is the museum of marble throne, which is located in a huge ceremonial hall with alabaster throne; Nigar-Han museum - collection of art works of Kadjar epoch is exhibited here and decorated with a big number of mirrors Sham-al-Emrat museum (palace of sun) - in former times it was the tallest building in Teheran, it was built in mixed style which combined the features of European and Persian styles of architecture. Here you will visit, also, national museum of coins.

In the evening you will travel by air to no less beautiful than Tehran - town Shiraz, where upon arrival you will be accommodated in hotel.

Overnight in Shiraz hotel.

Day 3. Shiraz.
In the morning, as usual after breakfast you will have a city tour. Shiraz will open its doors before you in this moment, a beautiful city of beautiful country, the city of Iranian history and republican tourist center, which during a long time remained one of the most important centers of culture, art, and commerce. The Great Silk Road passed through the city, which made it famous not only in Persia but also far beyond. Shiraz today is a very warm and ennobled city, which is famous for its relatively mild climate, abundance of greenery in the streets and also oasises that were arranged in the form to resemble the other world’s gardens of bliss, described in Koran. The most interesting edifices in Shiraz are situated in the old part of the city. There are more than dozen mosques, and one can see buildings of very unusual forms.

This city will show to you its historical and cultural monuments such as: Eram Garden, Nasir-ol-Molk mosque, Theological school, Mausoleum of Hafiz (or Saadi), Vakil complex (mosque, bath house, citadel and bazaar), citrus plantation Kavami, and the most wonderful mirror mosque, known as the burial-vault of Ali-ibn-Hamze.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 4. Shiraz - Persepolis - Pasargadae - Isfahan.
In the morning, after breakfast you will go on to conquer Persian expanses. Today you will be transferred to the residential suburbs of Shiraz - ancient town Persepolis, on the way to it you will be brought to the Koran Gates.

And now concerning the Persepolis. Persepolis, in former times, was the second capital of Achaemenian power founded in the 5th -6th century B.C. the town is situated within 60 km. northward from Shiraz and 70m km. from Pasargadae. Persepolis represents now a palace complex, with the territory of 135 thousand 2 miters and consists of cult structures ruins. You will be lucky in Persepolis to see with your own eyes the Koran Gates - the temple-palace. You will not believe but Persepolis is famous for the fact that it was built in the year of 500 B.C not by slaves but free workers. Further on we move to the Necropolis - the burial place of the great kings of Achaemenian dynasty.

We move surely after that in the direction of Pasargadae - the first capital of boundless Achaemenian empire. Ruins of this town are within 130 km. from Shiraz and 87 km. from Persepolis. In translation from Persian the name of the city means “Gardens of Fars”. During his life time the Persian king Darius I in 546 B.C. started to build up his capital. But he didn’t live as long as the moment when the capital at last was shifted to Pasargadae. But further on, Darius I built Persepolis, which became the new center of the state. In ancient Pasargadae you will visit the most important archeological monument of this town - the burial vault of the great Persian king Cyrus II. Six wide steps lead to the mausoleum, which Alexander the great ascended in 330 B.C. He at that time already had concurred Achaemenian Empire. But during the time of Alexander’s military campaign to India the burial vault was robbed. But later, when Alexander returned the ghouls paid with their heads for such vandalism. Among the Arabs who came to this territory was disseminated popular belief, that this structure was the grave of the prophet Suleiman’s mother, also known as king Solomon. Pasargadae, in general, was often connected with the name of Solomon, and that’s why perhaps many structures were not destroyed during the time of the fall of Achaemenian Empire and remain till nowadays. In spite the fact that this structure was recognized as Cyrus’ burial vault, there is suggestion that the king’s tomb is in necropolis Nakshe-Rustam. There is also opinion that Pasargadae mausoleum could be used as fire sanctuary of ancient Zoroastrians.

After excursion you will be brought to the airport, and by evening flight from Shiraz you will arrive to the next city of former great Persia - Isfahan. The flight will take only 1hour 15 minutes. Upon arrival to Isfahan you will have opportunity to stay in cozy oriental hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 5. Isfahan.
New day - new city - new excursion - new points of interest.

Isfahan is not simply a city; it is half of the world! It is one of the most attractive regions for the tourists. A great number of architectural monuments are concentrated here and they amaze tourists by their magnificence, delicacy and individuality. Everything declares here that Isfahan in former times was the capital of huge empire. In this city you will visit the square of Imam Khomeini. The former name of the square - Nakhsh-e Djahan (which means “Map (Portrait) of the World”) but till 1979 this complex was called Shah Square. After Islam revolution every Friday here is held Friday praying. The square is stretched for 560m. from North to the South and for 165m. from West to the East. The modern appearance of the square was formed in the 16th century when Isfahan was the capital of Safavids Empire. Nowadays the square is on UNESCO World Heritage list.

The square is surrounded from all sides by less important historical monuments: from the Southern side there is Imam Mosque, from the West - palace Ali Kapu, from the Eastern side Sheikh Lotfalli Mosque, from the northern side there is a big market, its length makes up 2 km. And all these surprisingly beautiful places you will visit personally. And in the evening from the height of Isfahan bridges you will be lucky to see no less beautiful waters of Zaindeh Rud river.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 6. Isfahan.
Today you continue to research points of interest in Isfahan. After traditional Iranian breakfast you will start for the Cathedral mosque- the biggest mosque in the city. Remarkable is the fact that this mosque can hold from a few hundred to a few thousand prayers. Its history starts from the 11th century, when Turks - Seljuk built here Friday mosque on the site of former old Zoroastrian temple. The Seljuk’s mosque existed on this place almost 100years, but unfortunately completely burned down, and only two big domes remained. They started active rehabilitation works of it in 1211 and it was finished only by the 18th century. Nowadays they restore it from time to time, but rather rarely. Then we make our way towards Vank cathedral. Isn’t it an unusual terming for Iranian historical monument? And really this point of interest does not belong to Iranians. It is a temple of Armenian Church, situated in Armenian residential borough and called - New Djulfa. The full name of the cathedral is - The Cathedral of Holly Sisters. Interesting is the fact that the word “vank” is translated from Armenian as “cathedral”, but for Iranians this word has become their property, and later this word “vank” started to appear in different languages of the world in the name of a cathedral but Armenians do not take offence at Iranians. The cathedral was built between 1606 and 1655 on the contrast of Christian and Moslem styles.

Have you ever suggested that minarets can sway? Yes they can. You will see it for yourself when together with guide you will make for Isfahan swaying minarets. And the last monument in your city tour in Isfahan will be the Palace of forty columns Chehel Sutun.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 7. Isfahan - Abyaneh - Kashan-Kum - Tehran.
After breakfast in hotel you will be transported from Isfahan to Tehran. On your way you will visit village Abyaneh and towns Kashan and Kum. A very surprising show is waiting for you in the village Abyaneh, just to imagine: people of this village still wear age-old clothing!

Then Kashan will cordially meet you. Kashan was always one of the cultural capitals of Persia. In its time it became the place of birth of such famous in history figures of science and art as artist Reza Abbasi, Sani-ol-Molka, Kamal-ol-Mulka, artist and poet Sohrab Seperhi, poets Muhtashama, Naraki, Sheibani, Mahmud Khan and great number of other philosophers and scientists. This Iranian city is one of the most beautiful in the country. Especially beautiful it is in the evenings when it is blossoming from countless numbers of lights that cover buildings and streets; and with the sunrise when it plunges into distant past. This is the kingdom of full harmony and traveler cannot find here anything unnecessary and nothing missing. You will visit complex Fin in Kashan, which includes bath house and bazaar (market place). A huge picturesque garden with multitude of ponds and ariks (trenches) is a historical Persian garden, which was laid out by the example of paradise divine gardens. Here is the bath house where Kadjar minister Kabir was killed by the order of Nasreddin Shah in 1852. The origin of the garden, possibly, precedes Safavid epoch, as some of the sources say it was shifted from another place, but no definite proofs were found. In its modern appearance it was laid out during the reign of shah Abbas I (1571-1629), not far from the village Phin situated within a few kilometers to the South-West from Kashan. In the year of 2007 Garden Phin was entered on UNESKO World Heritage list. There is a big pond in the center of gardens and building which remained from the Safavid epoch. Its walls and ceiling are decorated with mural paintings that depict hunting scenes and portraits of princes and princesses. The garden is surrounded by edifices that were built later and date back to the first half of the 19th century. Museum of archeology and anthropology is situated in one of the buildings; here you can see multiple findings from the excavation site in ancient settlement Tepe Silak. Besides you will visit Kashan Friday mosque.

And town Kum will show you its Friday mosque. It is ancient rectangular building. The main construction of the dome dates back to the beginning of the 6th century, it is the second from the point of age historical monument in Kum. According to the reliable sources remains of the dome - formed building are dated 529. It’s outside Southern porch and inlaid dome date to the safavid epoch (15-17th century) and construction of the Western and Northern porch date to the period of Kadjar governing.

And at the end of the day you will find yourself again in the capital of Iran - Tehran, where you will spend the night.

Day 8. Tehran - Tashkent (morning flight).
In the morning, after breakfast you will travel by air to Tashkent-the capital of Uzbekistan.
Today you will get acquainted with Tashkent - one of the ancient cities of Central Asia. In spite the fact that during the time of Amir Timur modern capital of Uzbekistan looked more like a small settlement, this place was widely known, because commercial caravans that moved to China and Western Asia got shelter here. The power of Amir Timur was recognized in Tashkent in 1370 when the great military leader ascended the throne. Thus the joining of Tashkent to Timur Empire was the next in turn strategic step on the way of unification the region into powerful state with centralized power. Tashkent in translation from Turkic means “the City of Stone”. Exactly from this ancient and at the same time modern city you will start your acquaintance with Oriental Adventures! Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, the fourth biggest city in CIS, with population of more than 2,2 million citizens. It should be mentioned that Tashkent symbolically is divided in two parts - old city and the new one. These names tell for themselves: in the old city you will see madrassahs, mausoleums, and real oriental bazaar (market) - monuments of the past days, and in the new one you will see squares, parks, gardens and modern buildings.

You will start your excursion with the Old City. The first treasure that you will see - is madrassah Barak Han. This magnificent architectural monument of the 16th century is situated in the very heart of old city, in Hast Imam square. Madrassah is surrounded by ancient adobe houses, almost exactly like it was in the past. The Moslem religious board of central Asia with the head of mufti was situated here earlier. Here they have a library of oriental manuscripts, and in special room is kept world famous Koran of Osman, which was written in the 7th century and is the origin of the sacred Islam book. This ancient manuscript consists of 353 big size parchment sheets. It was kept for centuries in caliphs’ treasure-houses (in the cities: Medina, Damask and Baghdad). During the time of Amir Timur Koran of Osman was brought to Uzbekistan, and later (in the 19th century) it was brought to St. Petersburg to the Russian scientists who proved its authenticity, And later on via Ufa it was brought to Central Asia, where it is kept till nowadays.

Kafal-al-Shashi Mazar (16th century) is an asymmetric mausoleum with a dome, it is a mausoleum-khanaka. Khanaka is something close to the monastery dormitory, which consisted of cells for pilgrims, so called hudjaras. The mausoleum was built in the 10th century on the burial site of Kafal-al-Shashi - famous missioner and mystic poet. Later when mausoleum was rebuilt, it became a sacred place for Moslem pilgrims.

The next pearl- is the mausoleum of Yunus-Han. This monumental building was built in the 15th century, in honor of one of Tashkent rulers. Nowadays one of Tashkent residential districts has the name of this medieval feudal- Yunus-abad. The building is kept in good shape till now.

Another treasure of Tashkent is madrasah Kukeldash (16th century). It is situated not far from big oriental bazaar (market) Chorsu and is one of 23 madrasahs of old Tashkent. This one was built under the leadership of one of Sheibanids sultans ministers nicknamed Kukeldash (which means “foster brother” - a person who had the same wet nurse as the ruler). Originality of madrasah is in the fact that even now students live and study here.

And now let’s have a look of the “New City”! You will see for yourself how different are the points of interest. At the beginning you will visit the museum of Applied Arts, and see numerous exhibits that belong to different genres of local ancient crafts. In a single museum were collected the best samples of local crafts, developed in different regions of Uzbekistan: for example here you can see knives from Chust, ceramics from Rishtan, satin from Margilan, articles decorated with gold embroidery from Buhara etc.

Not for from the museum there is Independence Square. The main square of the country is situated in the center of the city. It is the place where mass people festivals are held. Recently the design of the square was enlarged by grandiose arch which in the evenings is lighted by small lamps imbedded in the floor. You can take a 15 minutes pleasant walk from Independence Square to the building of Opera and Ballet National State Theatre.

Further on you will visit Istiklol square - second in the terms of the territory, in this square people’s festival are also held. And a concert hall is also here. This concert hall receives local and foreign variety performers.

To the places of interest you should get by metro. No traffic lights, no traffic jams and in the high temperature this mean of transportation is very cool. “Tashkent metro” is the most beautiful - this phrase you can often hear not only from the residents of capital but from its guests also. And really every station is unique in its magnificent design. Having a good look at every station, you will see how significantly they differ. But you are not permitted to make photographs in metro.

So, the first day of you travel has passed successfully and fruitfully, and that’s why a good addition to the impressions will be the night spent in a cozy Tashkent hotel.

Day 9. Tashkent - Samarkand.
After breakfast in hotel you will be transferred to Samarkand. Most likely you heard about this ancient city many times. It is a city-museum; it is a heart of caravan trade. Samarkand has preserved beautifully its unique Asiatic medieval aura. Many historical events took place here. In 1229 Chingis Han destroyed the city almost to foundation, but in some 150 years, during the reign of Amir Timur, Samarkand became recognized capital of huge empire. Samarkand carpets were especially popular in commercial midst.

At the entrance to the city there is Hazrat Hizr mosque on a small hill. Impressive views of ancient necropolis Shahi Zindeh, city bazaar and faraway mountain peaks view opens from the hill.Hasrat Hizr mosque, being a very old edifies, was restored in the 19th century.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 10. Samarkand.
The whole day will be devoted to Samarkand. Ready? Then go!

Samarkand is one of the main points on the Great Silk Road. It is a city - museum which like Buhara and Khiva preserved its medieval originality. It is surprising that until now the meaning of the name and its age have not been established exactly. But nevertheless its antiquity, nobility, and delicate Eastern charm are present here with no doubt.

Timur was impressed by its symbolism, after all talisman of the city was proud snow leopard, the king of beasts , who meets guests at the entrance of the city greeting them friendly with his raised forepaw with good wishes.

First of all you will visit in Samarkand the most picturesque square of Central Asia- Registan (15-17th century), it is situated in the very center of Samarkand. The word “registan” means “sandy Place”) and they say that sand was brought here not by accident, its presence was a necessity to absorb blood, because the public executions took place here. And later in 1875 the square was paved with burnt bricks and cobblestone. How Registan appeared? During many centuries this place was a cross of six roads leading from city gates, and bazaar was situated here. Thus, gradually the commercial square because of its comfortable location became the center of the city, and monumental structures gave to it that majestic and unique view, which exists nowadays.

The square is surrounded from three sides by imposing buildings: Madrasah Ulugbek (1417-1420), Madrasah Sherdor(1619-1636), Madrasah Tillia-Kari (1647-1660). In the year of 1417 Ulugbek (the grandson of famous Amir Timur) started here construction of madrasah which carries his name. The construction of madrassah was finished in 1420 and this square became the center of science. In Ulugbek madrasah - the higher theological educational establishment of that time, lived and studied at the beginning more than hundred students. Another two monumental buildings: Madrasah Sherdor and Tillia-Kari were built in Registan in the 17th century.

Madrasah Sherdor (“building with lions”) with expression of fantastic catlike beasts and chamois on the portal is the mirror reflection of madrasah Ulugbek. These leopards with sun on their backs symbolize power and in the middle of them, in the center of portal is expression of big swastika with the Arab writing:” God is Great!”.

10 years after finishing construction of Sherdor, they started the construction of madrasah Tillia-Kari, which encloses Registan ensemble from the North. The name of madrasah means “decorated with gold”. This madrasah besides being an educational establishment was also the main mosque.

Further on you will visit mausoleum Gur-Emir - the burial vault of Timurids, where till the present moment lie remains of great military leader. During the reign of Ulugbek a jade tomb stone was put on the grave of Tamerlan. According to the legend: not under any circumstances it is impossible to open the grave, otherwise there will be a war. The epitaph on tombstone reads: “Everyone who will disturb my rest in this life and in the next will suffer greatly and perish”.

The Mausoleum Rhabad is near, and according to the legend: hair of prophet Muhammed is kept here. And behind Gur Emir in quite street is situated mausoleum Ak Saray (15th century). It was not restored and attracts visitors by its authentic age.

Further on you will make for Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), whch according to the diary of Spanish ambassador to Central Asia de Klavikho, was built by special order of Tamerlan by the most prominent in his empire two hundred architects, 500 workers and 95 elephants from India. It was built in honor of his senior’s wife mother. But there is also a legend - that Bibi Hanum was the favorite wife of Sahib Kiran, she ordered to build this mosque as a present to her husband while Timur was absent in his next military campaign.

Were you told about Ulugbek - Tamerlan’s grandson, scientist and art protector? And now you have opportunity to see part of his observatory (15th century). There is very little information in the sources regarding the arrangement of Uligbek’s observatory, the remains of which were discovered by Viatkin in 1908. Excavations of the site have yielded rather poor results. Part of the quadrant of huge dimensions was unearthed. According to written reports, its height was equal to that of the cathedral of St. Sophia in Constantinople. Babur says that the entire building had three stories. One of the contemporaries speaks of pictures of the nine heavens, the nine heavenly spheres, with degrees, minutes, seconds and tenth of seconds, the skies of rotation, the seven planets, the fixed stars, the terrestrial globe divided into climates, with mountains, seas deserts etc. The inscription suggests a mural painting and not maps and separate globes (such as existed in some observatories). We do not know whether Uligbek’s library was attached to the observatory, or was situated in one of palaces, nor do we know if the observatory possessed a special staff and a school for the study of secular objects as in some other observatories. Here Ulugbek created his world famous “Astronomical tables”, which after promulgating it in the West, greatly impressed the most progressive representatives of European science.

The burial complex Shahi Zindeh (12-15th centuries) also represents peculiar historical value; it is situated in Southern part of ancient settlement Afrosiab. Shahi Zindeh (actually means “The Living King”) - it is a necropolis that was created near supposed grave of Moslem saint Kussam ibn Abbas, the cousin of prophet Muhammed, who was beheaded for preaching Islam. But being beheaded he took his head and escaped into deep well where he lives until now. The majority of the buildings in Shahi Zindeh complex were built during the time of Amir Timur and his close successors.

Not far from Shahi Zindeh there is Hazret Hizr Mosque, which is one of the oldest Moslem structures on the territory of Samarkand. It was heavily damaged by the hordes of Chinghiz-Khan. But soon it was rebuilt. It is situated on the hill at the entrance to Samarkand, a wonderful view of the city and nearby mountains opens from the top of the hill.

We recommend you not to be lazy after the excursion program but to set off for a walk in the evening city. They say about Samarkand that it is necessary to admire it as minimum twice-in the sun rays and lighted by moon.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 11. Samarkand - Shahrisabz - Buhara (300km., 4, 5-5 hours).
To day you are in prospect to visit the heart of Amit Timur - town Sharisabz- the place where he spent his childhood and youth. So, here we are! “Shahrisabz - is the pearl of East” as it is sang in a famous song. Is it true or not you should decide by yourself!

First of all you should visit in Sharisabz ruins of summer palace Ak-Serai. Its construction started by Sahib Kiran in 1380 and was extended for 25 years. Unfortunately only two separate pylons of entrance portal remained, they were joined in former times by arch, which was one of the biggest in Central Asia. According to the project of architects it was higher than modern 20 story building. But even in its today conditions it gives idea about greatness and might of Tamerlan. On the sides of palace there is inscription in the Arabic language which reads: “Sultan is the shadow of Allah on earth”. According to the ancient historians’ one of the wonders of palace was “haus” (water reservoir) built on the roof. And water flowed from it creating impression of unexampled waterfall. Water was brought her by lead gutter from mountain range Tahtakaracha, which is not far from the city. Paved with marble slabs court and transparent mirror of big water reservoir in the middle, in harmony combination with lavishly decorated galleries induced in visitors feeling of freedom…

Further, you will visit the stately complex Dorus Siadat. It is difficult now to combine separated structures in the very heart of Shahrisabz as a single whole which are: the cone dome mausoleum and underground crypt which is about 40 m. away. But during the epoch of Timurids they constituted one ensemble. Timur started the construction of mausoleum in 1376 when died his eldest son Jahangir, 20 years old. Remains of his second son Omarsheih were brought here 18yearslater; he was killed during the siege of Kurdish fortress. And only in the 20th century during the excavation works Eastward from mausoleum, by pure accident, was discovered the crypt of (commander) Sahib Kiron.

Further on you will pass for observation the complex of buildings, which were surrounded in the past by a wall and were referred to Madrasah Dorut-Tilovat, this name can be translated as “Seat of meditation and contemplation”. Two very important for Amir Timur persons were buried here: his father Taragay and spiritual adviser, firstly of Taragay and later of Tamerlan - Shamseddin Kulal, one of the founders of dervish sophy order - Nakshbandi. And in 1435 as addition to burial-vaults, on the territory of madrasah was built the building of Friday mosque Kok Gumbaz, which means the “Blue Dome”.

In general it is considered that during the building up period of Samarkand and Shahrisabz, Central Asian architectural style became in its way trendsetter for big part of the Eastern world. So you had opportunity to see the magnificent creations of antiquity. So we bid farewell to Shahrisabz and make forward for Bukhara.

Overnight in Buhara hotel.

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• Remarkable sights of Uzbekistan.
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• History of Uzbekistan.