The shining blue tiles of Samarkand, the birthplace of Timur in Shahrisabz, and the capital Tashkent where Soviet retro and modern blend together — a historical and local experience route that takes you through these three cities in five days, feeling the breath of the Silk Road. The night illumination of Registan Square, cultural experiences at a paper-making workshop, and a stroll through subway art and Chorsu Bazaar combine to allow you to enjoy the grandeur of World Heritage sites and the lives of the people in a well-balanced way. With a Japanese guide and private car for safe travel, and comfortable stays in four-star hotels, even a short trip can be enjoyable. Since the journey only involves land travel excluding round-trip international flights, the relaxed timetable that avoids overtourism is also appealing.
Signature points
The Brilliance of the Blue City of Samarkand
Starting with Registan Square, where Persian blue tiles reflect the sky, we will explore the Timur Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex with a Japanese guide. At night, the illuminated madrasahs rise in golden hues, creating a fantastical world different from the daytime. At the Ulugh Beg Observatory and Afrasiab Museum, you can also experience the romance of astronomy and ancient history. You can fully savor the 'blue architectural beauty' woven from grandeur and delicacy.
Indulge in Craftsmanship and Food Culture
Visit a paper-making workshop in the suburbs of Samarkand to observe the creation of silk paper and experience printing traditional patterns. For lunch, enjoy Samarkand pilaf and the spice-scented khorezmi. Cross the mountain pass to Shahrisabz to visit the ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace and the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque. The craftsmanship and food culture of the Silk Road that you can feel with all five senses deepen the memories of your journey.
Play as if Living in Tashkent
On the final day, browse for dried fruits and Suzani embroidery at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar filled with locals, then transfer through the retro cute subway art to the Navoi Theater. The heavy exterior of Stalinist architecture and the Islamic patterned interior are a must-see. While watching the cooking of a giant pot at the pilaf center, enjoy the local specialty osh, and buy spices and pottery in bulk at the supermarket. By peeking into not only tourist spots but also 'living scenes', you can get much closer to the everyday life of Uzbekistan.
Itinerary
Day1
Arrival in Tashkent
Uzbekistan - Tashkent
20:00
Car
Arrival in Tashkent. A Japanese guide will welcome you.
Transfer by car to the hotel.
[Japanese Guide]
King plaza
KING PLAZA
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day2
From Tashkent to Samarkand
Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel
8:00
Car
Depart from the hotel and move to Samarkand, arriving around noon.
Uzbekistan - Samarkand
Lunch
Enjoying lunch with Samarkand pilaf
Samarkand Tourism
・Samarkand Paper Factory
・Afrosiab Museum
・Ulugh Beg Observatory
Car
Pick up at the hotel, sightseeing with a private car
Lunch
Lunch during the tour
Samarkand Sightseeing
・Tamerlane Mausoleum (the mausoleum where Tamerlane, his family, and prominent figures of the time are buried)
・Registan Square
・Ulugh Beg Observatory
・Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum (a row of tombs with a history accumulated until the 20th century, merged with the local cemetery, consisting of 18 mausoleums)
・Afrasiab Museum (where ruins of ancient Samarkand have been discovered and artifacts are displayed)
・Jolibard
・Bibi-Khanym Mosque
*Illumination of Registan Square after dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Arba hotel resort
ARBA HOTEL
Meals B/F：⚪︎ LUN：⚪︎ DIN：⚪︎
Day4
Samarkand
Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel
Car
Pick up at the hotel, sightseeing with a private car
Uzbekistan - Shahrisabz
Day Trip to Shakhrisabz
Visit the architectural sites built during the Timurid era in Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur, crossing the mountain pass. Enjoy the panoramic view of the basin visible from the pass.
1. Ruins of the Akhsaray Palace
2. Kok Gumbaz Mosque
3. Jahangir's Mausoleum (Timur's son)
Car
Pick up at the hotel, sightseeing with a private car
Lunch
Lunch during the tour
Samarkand Sightseeing
・Tamerlane Mausoleum (the mausoleum where Tamerlane, his family, and prominent figures of the time are buried)
・Registan Square
・Ulugh Beg Observatory
・Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum (a row of tombs with a history accumulated until the 20th century, merged with the local cemetery, consisting of 18 mausoleums)
・Afrasiab Museum (where ruins of ancient Samarkand have been discovered and artifacts are displayed)
・Jolibard
・Bibi-Khanym Mosque
*Illumination of Registan Square after dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Arba hotel resort
ARBA HOTEL
Meals B/F：⚪︎ LUN：⚪︎ DIN：⚪︎
Day4
04/17(Thu)
Samarkand
Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel
Car
Pick up at the hotel, sightseeing with a private car
Uzbekistan - Shahrisabz
Day Trip to Shakhrisabz
Visit the architectural sites built during the Timurid era in Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Timur, crossing the mountain pass. Enjoy the panoramic view of the basin visible from the pass.
1. Ruins of the Akhsaray Palace
2. Kok Gumbaz Mosque
3. Jahangir's Mausoleum (Timur's son)
