Legends Under the Sun – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Price: $732-522 per person
Duration — (days): 5
Duration — (days): 5
Itinerary: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand – Bukhara
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Season: All year round
Arrival: Meet at Samarkand International Airport at 08:00. Your guide will greet you with a sign.
Introduction to Samarkand:
Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 5th century BCE. Previously known as Marokanda, it was the capital of Sogdiana. The ancient part of the city, Afrasiab, preserves its rich historical legacy. In the 14th–15th centuries, Samarkand was the capital of Timur’s Empire. Its history spans approximately 2,700 years, beginning with the Achaemenid era and the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Highlights & Activities:
Gur-Emir Mausoleum: The burial vault of Tamerlane, housing his sons Miranshah and Shahrukh, and grandson Ulughbek (14th–15th centuries).
Rukhabad Mausoleum: XIV century, “Abode of the Spirit,” where legend says a relic containing seven hairs of the Prophet Muhammad is kept.
Registan Square: Symbol of Samarkand and one of the most majestic architectural complexes in Central Asia.
Meros Paper Mill: Visit the historic site where the Mukhtarov brothers revived Samarkand papermaking traditions.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Marokand or Durdona, Samarkand
Overnight: Samarkand
Breakfast: At the hotel
Activities & Sites:
Mausoleum of St. Daniel (Daniyar): Holy site for three religions, located on a hill by the Siab River on the outskirts of Afrasiab.
Ulugh Beg Observatory (15th century): Unique architectural and scientific monument built by the astronomer Ulugh Beg.
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis: Complex of 14th–15th century mausoleums.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, built in the 15th century.
Siab Bazaar: Traditional market offering local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Marokand or Durdona, Samarkand
Overnight: Samarkand
Breakfast: At the hotel
Transfer: 80 km south to Shakhrisabz (altitude: 622 meters)
Introduction to Shakhrisabz:
Shakhrisabz is the birthplace of Timur and a historical city that once served as the capital of Sogdiana. It features monumental architecture from the 14th–15th centuries.
Sightseeing Highlights:
Ak-Saray Palace Ruins: Grand summer residence of Tamerlane (14th–15th centuries).
Mausoleum of Jahongir: Tomb of Timur’s eldest son (14th century).
Dorus Saodat Complex: Includes Hazrati Imam Mosque (14th century).
Gumbazi-Seyidan Mausoleum: Probable tomb of Timur’s descendants.
Kok-Gumbaz Mosque (“Blue Dome”): Built by Ulugh Beg in honor of his father Shahrukh, 15th century.
Evening: Dinner, then transfer to Samarkand train station.
Train: Samarkand → Bukhara
Departure: 21:00 | Arrival: 23:23
Transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin, Bukhara
Overnight: Bukhara
Introduction to Bukhara:
Bukhara is a historic city with over 2,500 years of history, divided into the old city and modern districts. It was a major cultural and trade hub on the Silk Road.
Tour Highlights:
Samanid Mausoleum (9th–10th centuries): Architectural masterpiece and oldest brick structure in Central Asia.
Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum (14th century): Associated with Prophet Job (Ayyub).
Bolo-Khauz Mosque: 20th-century mosque with 12-meter carved columns.
Ark Fortress: Ancient citadel and residence of Bukhara emirs (16th century).
Silk Carpet Shops – traditional craftsmanship.
Poi-Kalyan Complex:
Kalyan Minaret (12th century) – symbol of Bukhara
Kalyan Mosque (130 × 80 m) – largest mosque in Central Asia
Lunch at a local restaurant
Miri-Arab Madrasah (16th century): Functioning religious educational institution
Taki Zargaron (15th–16th centuries): Goldsmith’s dome
Ulugh Beg Madrasah (15th century): First madrasah built by Ulugh Beg
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (17th century)
Nadir Divan-Begi Complex (17th century): Khanaka and medrese
Dinner and overnight: Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin, Bukhara
Breakfast: At the hotel
Excursion Highlights:
Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa: Country residence of the Bukhara emirs, “Star Like the Moon.”
Bahauddin Naqshband Memorial Complex: One of the most revered spiritual sites in Central Asia, known as the “Central Asian Mecca.”
Chor-Bakr Necropolis: 16th-century complex, burial site of the Jawbari Sheikhs.
Lunch: Recommended – traditional meat cooked in a tandoor
Transfer: To Bukhara International Airport
End of tour
| Group Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 732 | 642 | 594 | 558 | 534 | 522 |
Transportation throughout the tour
Accompanying Russian-speaking guide in each city
Entrance fees to monuments listed in the itinerary
Train ticket: Samarkand → Bukhara
Hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
International airfare
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Samarkand: Hotel Grand Marokand or Durdona
Bukhara: Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin