Ultimate Uzbekistan A Private, Historical and Cultural Tour of Uzbekistan

Day 1 Arrival in Tashkent Day 2 Tashkent – Urgench - Khiva Day 3 Khiva Day 4 Khiva - Bukhara Day 5 Bukhara Day 6 Bukhara Day 7 Bukhara - Samarkand Day 8 Samarkand Day 9 Samarkand - Tashkent Day 10 Tashkent – Chimgan - - Tashkent Day 11 Tashkent - Onward

The following is just a suggested daily tour schedule. You will have complete control over your daily schedule and may change your plans at any

time by simply telling your guide.

Why Exeter International? At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting our trademark extraordinary journeys to

Central Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and Central Asia for 25 years. Our specialty is to distill the best of the

best in iconic places that are on so many people’s travel must-do list.

We are not a call center of nameless, faceless people. We do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a

small team of specialists. We are all committed to providing the best travel experiences to our destinations. Each member of our team has travelled extensively throughout our destinations, giving them insider

knowledge lacking in many other tour operators.

Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and often closed to the general public. We can offer

special insider access that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites. We know how important it is to remain

authentic and increasingly going beyond the well-known sites is what is important to our guests—discovering the little-known museum or street market that adds to their experience. We do this through our local

knowledge, cultivating our extensive contacts and regularly visiting each destination to enable us to share the

most up-to-date insider information with you, our valued partner.

The most important part of your trip will be your guides. Guides come in many quality levels, especially in our

part of the world. We have worked with a core group of the best of the best for over 20 years. We know them like family and if they weren't the best, they wouldn't work for us. Simply stated, a guide can make or

break your experience. You should have 100% confidence in who is introducing you to your guide and the

level of guiding that you are going to get throughout the countries you will be visiting. The best does indeed cost more and we pay our guides at the very top of the market, with pride.

You'll also want to know what kind of vehicle your tour will include. We use the best available for this region of the world – usually a Chevrolet Lacetti or Hyundai Elantra, depending on the size of the vehicle you need.

You'll want to see things that may or may not be open to the public and go in early or after hours before the

crowds whenever possible. We also make every effort to skip lines whenever possible. Avoiding long museum lines is one of our top priorities and we work hard to minimize the wait time to get into the most popular

sights in each city, maximizing your time in each destination.

You'll want impeccable planning and someone to bounce ideas off of before your trip and speak English as well

as you do while planning your trip so there are no cultural misunderstandings when you arrive. You'll also

want someone to talk to if your trip is not perfect when you get home. These are all ways that we distinguish ourselves from all other companies.

A lot goes into our travel program design. We arrange the program so that it is flawless and effortless for our travelers from the time they set foot in the first city until they leave us. The expertise to set up an itinerary

like this comes after years of investing in staff on both sides of the Atlantic, and this too is a value that is

incorporated into our traveler's trips with us.

Arrival in Tashkent

Arrival into Tashkent. If you arrive on Uzbek Air in Business class, a CIP arrival will be included for you to make the customs process much easier. If you are not arriving on Uzbek Air in

Business, this can be added for approximately $250 per person. As your airplane lands, look

for a CIP bus on the tarmac and give your name at boarding. You will be taken to a CIP arrival hall where a special immigration officer will complete the formalities – your passport and visa

will be checked. Once you provide your luggage tags, your luggage will be collected for you.

Please note that due to heightened security at the airport, your guide and driver will not be

able to meet you inside the terminal building, but at the perimeter gate, clearly visible upon exit

from the arrivals area.

You will be met by your guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. Early check-in is included. After checking-in at your hotel, take some time at leisure to relax and settle-in.

Today, late in the morning or at noon, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of Tashkent’s main sights. Originally an oasis on the Chirchik River, Tashkent gradually grew to

become an important commercial center, which now has a population of over 2 million.

Your tour will start in Tashkent’s Old City, where you will visit the Barak Khan Madrasah from

the 16th century, and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque. The mosque houses a rich Islamic library with

ancient manuscripts, including the famous Uthman Koran, considered to be the oldest copy of the Koran in the world. Dating from 655 and reputedly stained with the blood of murdered

caliph Uthman, it was brought by Timur to Samarkand and later seized by the Russians as a war

trophy and taken to Saint Petersburg (held in the Hermitage) before it was returned to Uzbekistan in 1989.

Later, you will see the 16th-century Kukaldosh Madrassah, which is one of the few remaining authentic historic monuments in the Old Town (the massive earthquake of 1968 destroyed

most of central Tashkent), which is one of the largest Islamic schools in Central Asia. It was

named after Kukeldash, who was a vizier (prime minister), a poet, and a scientist. The main façade of the Madrasah has a high portal, two-story loggias, and angular turrets. In the 18th

DAY 1

century it was used as a caravanserai (roadside inn) and later as a fortress. Nowadays it also includes a functioning mosque.

Next, you might want to stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar for the true feeling of Tashkent! Bazaars in Uzbekistan are a unique site in each city. You will capture some of your best local

photos at these markets, where you will find everything from bins of spices, nuts, fruit and

cheese to clothing, toys, tools and everyday goods.

If you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Applied Arts Museum. This building

was constructed at the end of the 19th century in the elaborate style of the period as a private residence of a wealthy merchant. It now displays various types of national handicrafts, including

carpets, jewelry, woodcarving and gold embroidery from the 19th and 20th centuries.

This afternoon we recommend visiting the workshop of a famed Uzbek ceramist who comes

from a dynasty of ceramic artists. His workshop and peaceful gardens give an insight into the

ceramic arts in Uzbekistan. You may also enjoy a masterclass in ceramic making.

You will return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Exeter Services Airport Transfer; Half-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (afternoon tour)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva

This morning is at leisure. At noon, after check-out, your guide will meet you for some exploration of Tashkent. You will visit Independence Square, Amir Temur Square, the metro

and Navoi Theatre Square.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Urgench. (Cost of the

flight is not included – Business Class seats are approximately $130 per person – please note cost is

subject to change).

Upon arrival in Urgench, your vehicle and driver will meet you for transfer to your hotel in

Khiva. Upon check-in, evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Half-Day Guide (Tashkent); Airport Transfer (Tashkent & Urgench)

Hotel Asia/ Bek/Malika Kheivak or similar

DAY 2

Khiva

This morning, enjoy a tour of Khiva. Khiva’s origin dates to the 6th century and during the medieval times it became a city of great importance. It also has a long history of barbaric rulers

and your guide will give you a glimpse into their colorful stories. Today, approximately 40,000

people live and work inside the ancient city walls (called Ichan Kala). Within these walls, the old town of Khiva is an official “city museum,” where you will find several interesting sites.

One of the most notable sites within the walls of Khiva is the Kunya Ark. This was the former

fortress and residence of the Khiva rulers since the 12th century. You will be able to walk through the courtyards of this partially restored building and see some residential and

administrative quarters, such as the harem, the mint, the stables, and the jail. Just opposite the

Kunya Ark, you will see the Muhammad Rakhim Madrasah II, which was built to honor the last Khivan Khan who surrendered the city to Russia in 1873 and signed a peace treaty, which

turned Khiva into a semi-independent Russian province.

You will also visit the Djuma Mosque, which was built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the

18th century. Its unique design features a roof supported by 218 wooden columns, possibly an

early Arabic influence. The two openings in the roof provide light for only the inner courts, while the opposite walls lie hidden from sight by the colonnade. The mausoleum of Pakhlavan

Makhmud was built in 1810 to honor the patron of Khiva, Pakhlavan Makhmud, a poet and

wrestler who died in the 14th century and is thought to be buried here. Its full turquoise dome has become a symbol of Khiva, along with the nearby Islam Khodja Minaret, banded in dark and

light blue.

In the afternoon, if you are interested, a visit to a silk carpet workshop sponsored by UNESCO

could be arranged.

Afterwards, and if you are interested, you can attend a traditional folk show at one of the

Hareems in Khiva. (Cost not included in program cost)

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Asia/ Bek/Malika Kheivak or similar

DAY 3

Khiva - Bukhara

This morning you will meet your driver for the drive to Bukhara along the Kizilkum Desert. Be sure to stop at the Amudaryo river bank for fantastic photos.

Optional: If the flight schedule allows, this afternoon you will take a flight from the Urgench Airport to Bukhara (cost of flight not included in program cost – Business Class seats are

approximately $100 per person). We will advise if this flight is available upon booking.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check-in to your hotel and the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Transfer: Khiva – Bukhara

Hotel Minor / Amelia / Omar Hayyam / Asia / Zargaron Plaza or similar

DAY 4 DAY 4

Bukhara

This morning you will begin with an overview tour of this historic city, which was once one of the main centers of Persian civilization.

Bukhara is actually an oasis in the Kyzyl Kum desert, which is located on the banks of the Zeravshan River and has been inhabited since approximately 3,000 BC. Located on the historic

Silk Road, the city has long been a center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The old

city part of the town has a small and friendly feel and much of today’s sights are accessible on foot.

There are over a hundred buildings in the historic city center (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and you will have a very full day of exploration ahead. Your logical first step will

be the massive Ark Fortress – the very core of the ancient city and the oldest building in

Bukhara. Initially built in the 5th century, it was used as a royal residence and a fortress until the early 20th century when it fell in the hands of the Russians. The main entrance into the citadel is

protected by two 18th Century towers, the upper parts of which are connected by a series of

rooms and terraces. A long, covered corridor leads to a mosque and offers access to storerooms, prison cells, and the inner courtyard housing a large complex of buildings.

Just opposite the Ark, you will see the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. The earliest part of this religious complex is the pond called Bolo-khauz (The Children's pond) - one of the few remaining ponds

the city of Bukhara. Until the Soviet period there were many such ponds, which were the city's

principal source of water, but they were notorious for spreading diseases and were gradually filled-in in the 1920s. Another one of these ponds - the Lyabi Khauz, survived because it was

the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble from the 16th -17th centuries, which still

exists and includes a madrasah and a lodging house.

Next, you will visit the Ismail Samani mausoleum, which was built in the 9th century as the final

resting place of Ismail Samani - the founder of the Samanid dynasty, the last Persian dynasty to rule in Central Asia. Near the Samani mausoleum, you will also see the Chashmai Ayub (Job's

Well). According to a legend, Job (Ayub) once visited this place and made a well with a single

blow of his staff. The water of this well is considered healing. The current building was constructed during the reign of Timur and features an unusual conical dome.

DAY 5

At the end of the day you will enjoy a tasting of herbal teas in the “Silk Road Spices” tea house. After a short break to refresh yourselves, you will be invited into the home of Rahmon, who

will teach you how to make traditional Uzbek Plov. Rahmon is also a master Suzane

embroiderer and has an incredible selection for sale.

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Minor / Amelia / Omar Hayyam / Asia / Zargaron Plaza or similar

Bukhara This morning you will head to Old Town and the impressive Poi Kalyan architectural complex

located south of the Ark citadel. Its most impressive feature and a popular landmark is the

Kalyan Minaret, which was built in the form of a circular 150-foot-high brick tower. A spiral staircase twists up inside the tower leading to a rotunda with 16 arched windows, from which

the Muslims in the city were called to prayer. It is said that the tower so impressed Genghis

Khan that he ordered it to be spared while his invading army was destroying the rest of the city. The 16th-century Kalyan Mosque is covered by 288 domes resting on 208 pillars. The

mosque’s courtyard ends with a portal leading to the main chamber with a cruciform hall,

topped with a massive blue cupola on a mosaic drum. Here you will also see the Miri Arab madrassah.

Continue on to the Ulugbeg and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, which stand facing each other in representation of the two dynasties that once ruled Bukhara – the Ashtarkhanids and Timurids.

The Ulugbeg madrasah now houses the Bukhara Restoration History Museum and the

Abdulazizkhan madrasah contains the Museum of Wood Carving Art.

Next, enjoy the Trading Domes of Bukhara. Since it was located on the Silk Road, Bukhara

contained many markets and trading stores. Only four trading domes remain to this day. You will also get to see an ancient silk market.

Afterwards you will visit the Lyab-i Khauz complex, a pond that used to be the centerpiece of a magnificent architectural ensemble dating from the 16th -17th centuries. Still standing today, it

now includes a madrasah and a lodging house.

Next, if you are interested, your guide will also take you to the Jewish Quarter where you can

see the Synagogue. Bukhara once had a large Jewish community. As a matter of fact, most of

the Jews in Central Asia in the 16th century used to live in Bukhara and played a major role in the city’s development. The Bukharan Jews, many of which migrated to the United States and

Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union, still speak a distinctive language, which is a dialect

of the ancient Persian.

DAY 6

Please note that all touring today is on foot and includes walking on cobblestone and stairs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Exeter Services Full-Day Guide

Hotel Minor / Amelia / Omar Hayyam / Asia / Zargaron Plaza or similar

Bukhara - Samarkand

Your guide will meet you this morning for a visit to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace. This was the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara. It was specifically picked in this location because

it was not as hot as other locations.

Continue on to the Kagan Palace – White Palace built for Tsar Nicholas I. After touring the

palace, your driver will meet you for transfer to the train station, where you will board the

train to Samarkand (train times may vary). The cost of the train in VIP class is not included in your program cost and is subject to availability – VIP Class seats are approximately $50 per person.

Upon arrival in Samarkand, you will transfer to your hotel, where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Half – Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (Bukhara); Station Transfers (Bukhara & Samarkand)

Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior/ Platan or similar

DAY 7

Samarkand

Today you will begin your exploration of this historic city. One of the most famous towns along the Silk Road, Samarkand also belongs among the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was sacked by

the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1220s and remained under Mongol domination until the

late 14th century, when Timur (Tamerlane) decided to make Samarkand the capital of his empire which extended from India to Turkey.

One of the highlights of today’s tour will certainly be the Registan Square, the most famous landmark and the heart of the ancient city. Registan (Sandy Place) probably got its name from

the sand, which was strewn on the ground to soak up the blood from the public executions,

which were held there until the early 20th century. Nowadays, the Registan complex consists of three main buildings – the 15th-century Ulugbek Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and the 17th-

century Sher-Dor Madrasah, where, if you are interested, you can get acquainted with the

history of Uzbek musical instruments.

You will also visit the Gur Emir (Tomb of the King) Mausoleum – the actual place where Timur

was buried. This architectural complex with its bright blue dome contains not only the tomb of Tamerlane, but also the ones of his sons, grandson, and other notable political and religious

figures.

One of the highlights of Samarkand is a visit to the Observatory of Ulugbek, located on a hill in

the outskirts of the city. Ulugbek turned Samarkand into the intellectual and scientific center of

the empire. He built the madrasah on Registan Square and invited Islamic mathematicians and astronomers to study there. His observatory was a remarkable scientific discovery in its time

(the early 15th century). As Ulugbek did not have a telescope to work with, he improved the

accuracy of his observations by increasing the length of his sextant, which helped him compile one of the best-known star catalogues of that time.

Afterwards, you will continue on to the Afrosiab Museum and ruins.

This afternoon, you may also see the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis. This cluster of 11 mausoleums

was built during the 14th through the 15th centuries and will allow you to see several types and

DAY 8

periods of architecture and design of the region. This religious center is still very much in use today.

Your guide will show you the Bibi Khanym Mosque, which was constructed in the 14th century after Timur’s conquest of India. It is said that some 90 elephants were used to carry from India

the precious stones and metals to be used for the decoration of this temple. There is a large

marble Koran standing in the center of the mosque’s courtyard and the bazaar next to it has changed little since the time of Tamerlane.

Just before returning to your hotel, be sure to make a stop and visit the Happy Bird handicrafts Center and meet with the famous artist Mr Toir Sharipov.

If time allows, and you are interested, you may wish to visit the Hudjum Silk Carpet Factory.

Return to your hotel, where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Optional: Before dinner, you may wish to visit the Khovrenko Wine Factory and enjoy a wine

tasting with mini lecture. (Please note factory visit and wine tasting not included in program cost.)

Exeter Services Full-Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide

Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior/ Platan or similar

Samarkand - Tashkent

This morning you may choose to walk around Samarkand’s former Jewish quarter and visit the synagogue. You will also walk through the Siyab Bazaar and the Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum.

Afterwards your guide will take you to the small village of Konigil, a few miles from the centre of Samarkand. With the help of UNESCO funding, the ancient art of silk papermaking has been

revived. You will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient process, brought to

Samarkand from China in the 7th century, and have a go at making your own silk paper to take home.

Next, you will meet your driver for the transfer to the train station for the train to Tashkent (train times may vary). The cost of the train in VIP class is not included in your program and is subject

to availability – VIP Class seats are approximately $55 per person.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel where the rest of the evening will be at your

leisure.

Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (Samarkand); Station Transfers (Samarkand & Tashkent)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

DAY 9

Chimgan Day Trip

Today your guide and driver will take you to the Chimgan mountains, Uzbekistan’s winter-sports center, located about 100km outside of the city. There you will find ski tracks, hiking

trails and splendid views from the Great Chimgan, the highest summit in the region. The nearby

resort of Beldersay is also worth a visit.

Later you will visit the Charvak Reservoir, created recently by the confluent of several

mountain rivers. Its stunning blue waters are very popular among local people and half of its 60 miles of coastline is occupied by various recreation zones and summer camps. There you will

visit the village of Brichmula, as well as the rock paintings of Khodjikent.

Late afternoon return to Tashkent.

If you are interested, an evening performance at the Alisher Navoi Theater can be added (Not included in program cost and subject to availability).

Exeter Services Full- Day Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hyatt Regency Tashkent

DAY 10

Tashkent - Onward

Early morning check-out of the hotel and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The cost of the flight is not included.

Exeter Services Airport Transfer

DAY 11

Prices:

For Two (2) guests travelling together

From $3,900 per person (total for 10 nights)

For Four (4) guests travelling together

From $3,275 per person (total for 10 nights)

Accommodations Please Note: Uzbekistan has seen a surge in popularity in the last two years. We do everything in our control to guarantee the hotels we have recommended for your stay. From time to time, hotels have oversold, even though

bookings have been confirmed to us. We would ask for your understanding in this case and your local Exeter

representative will ensure that you have a hotel of equal or better standard. Tashkent Two (2) nights at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Khiva Two (2) nights at Asia/ Bek/Malika Kheivak or similar; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Bukhara

Three (3) nights at the Minor / Amelia / Omar Hayyam / Asia / Zargaron Plaza or similar; Tax and

Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Samarkand

Two (2) nights at Grand Samarkand Superior/ Platan or similar; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Tashkent

One (1) night at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

What Is Included

Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your

program.

Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are

traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional

theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation

All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening

transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in

your program.

Guides

Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Exeter International Travel Information UZBEKISTAN VISA A visa is required for entry to Uzbekistan.

BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If

you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements

may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.

SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at

your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and

mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid

for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.

Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to

visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours

of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these

unexpected events.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES

Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established

itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15-$20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or

station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency

are all accepted.

DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE

On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so

but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of

his/her meal.

Booking Conditions

PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your

independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No

reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.

CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour

cost

• 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost

• 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS

We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.

INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You

will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking

packet.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2018. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices

to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets.

Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com

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Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685