The Art of Brick and Tile: Exploring Uzbekistan’s Architectural Heritage
Experience the awe-inspiring architectural wonders of Uzbekistan, where every ruler sought to leave a lasting legacy through grand and exquisite monuments. These masterpieces, standing the test of time, rival the splendor of the architectural marvels of Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome.
The architectural brilliance of Uzbekistan is a harmonious blend of utility, durability, and artistry. The region's unique climate and scarcity of wood and stone inspired the creative use of baked brick and the development of stunning domes. The intricate brickwork of the Samanid Mausoleum in Bukhara (9th–10th centuries) and the introduction of vibrant colored tiles in the 12th century at the Poi Kalon Minaret in Bukhara are just a few examples of this rich heritage. By the time of the Timurids, the dazzling polychrome tilework, as seen in the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and the Shakhi-Zinda complex, became a defining feature of Uzbek architecture.
Today, the mesmerizing blue and turquoise domes, towering minarets, and elegant arches of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva leave lasting impressions on every traveler. This tour offers an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan's artistic legacy—perfect for both architecture enthusiasts and those discovering the country's cultural treasures for the first time.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Destinations:
Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Urgench (Khiva) - Tashkent
DAY 1
Arrival at Tashkent airport. Meet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel
Overnight in Tashkent
Tashkent
DAY 2
Breakfast
Morning sightseeing in Tashkent: Barak-Khan and Kaffal-Shashi mausoleums (16th century), Friday Mosque, Kukeldash Madrassah (16thcentury)
Lunch
Transfer to Samarkand
Arrival in Samarkand and accommodation at the hotel
Dinner
Overnight in Samarkand
Tashkent - Samarkand
DAY 3
Breakfast
Morning sightseeing: Gur-Emir Mausoleum (15th century), Shahi-Zinda necropolis (14-15th centuries), Bibi Khanum Mosque (15thcentury), Visit to the local bazaar
Lunch
Afternoon sightseeing: Ulugbek observatory (15th century), Ishrat-khona Mausoleum (14th century), Registan Ensemble (including Ulugbek Madrassah (15th century), Shir Dor and Tillya-Kari Madrassahs (17thcentury))
Dinner
Overnight in Samarkand
Samarkand
DAY 4
Breakfast
Drive to Bukhara and accommodation at the hotel
Lunch
Afternoon sightseeing tour in Bukhara: Visit to Ismael Samani mausoleum (9-10th centuries) - vault of Bukhara ruling' dynasty, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums (14th century), Registan Ensemble, Ark Fortress (16thcentury) and Bolo-Hauz complex (18th century)
Dinner
Overnight in Bukhara
Samarkand - Bukhara
DAY 5
Breakfast
Morning sightseeing: Poi-Kalon ensemble including Minaret (12th century), Mosque (15th century), functioning Madrassah Miri-Arab (16th century), Amir-Alim-Khan Madrassah (14th century), Taqi (trading domes), Kukeldash Madrassah (16th century)
Lunch
Afternoon sightseeing: Lyab-i-Hauz (17th century), Nadir Divanbegi (17th century), Magoki Attari (16th century), Ulugbek Madrassah (15th century), Abdul Aziz Madrassah (17th century), Chor Minor
National dinner with folklore show
Overnight in Bukhara
Bukhara
DAY 6
Breakfast.
Transfer to Urgench (Khiva)
Lunch en route
Arrival in Urgench (Khiva). Accommodation at the hotel
Dinner
Overnight in Urgench (Khiva)
Bukhara - Urgench
DAY 7
Breakfast
Morning sightseeing in Khiva: Visit to the oldest part of the city: Kunya-Ark fortress including Kurinish Khana (17th century); Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah (19th century), Islam Khodja Minaret; Palvan-Kari complex, Abd Al Bobo complex (18th century), Rafanek Madrassah, Mohammed Rakim Khan (19th century), Amir-Tur Madrassah, Sho-I-Kalandar Bobo Mausoleum
Lunch
Afternoon sightseeing in Khiva: Uch Avlioli («three saints») Mausoleum, Jami Mosque (18th century), Kutluq-Murad Inaq Madrassah (19th century), Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, Tash Hauli Palace, Alla-Kuli-Khan (18th century), Arab Mohammed Khan (18th century) Madrassahs
Transfer to the airport. Flight to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent. Accommodation at the hotel
Dinner
Urgench (Khiva) - Tashkent
DAY 8
Early breakfast
Transfer to the airport.
Tashkent