One-day excursion "Samarkand - the beating heart of Sogdiana"
06:15 or 06:45 (depending on train schedule) Arrive at the hotel for a meeting with the driver. Head to Tashkent railway station. The journey (independently) from Tashkent to Samarkand and back is facilitated by the high-speed train "Afrosiab."
07:28 or 08:00 (per train schedule) "Afrosiab" train departs for Samarkand.
09:40 or 10:08 (as per train schedule) Reach Samarkand. Link up with a guide to kick off the excursion.
10:30 – 16:00 Explore Samarkand with the following itinerary: Guri Emir Mausoleum – Tamerlane’s resting place (XIV-XV centuries) – The site where Amir Temur, along with his sons and grandchildren, found their final abode. Registan Square – A remarkable display of urban art in Central Asia, originating in the VIIth century and comprising three madrasahs – Ulugbek (1417-1420), Sher-Dor (1619-1636), and Tillya-Kori (1647-1660). The chapters of Samarkand's millennium-long history can be glimpsed through its awe-inspiring architecture. Bibi Khanum Mosque – Central Asia's largest, and one of the grandest in the entire Muslim world. This structure captivates anyone entering the city. It's colossal, majestic, and silent...
13:00-14:00 Enjoy lunch at one of the most enchanting restaurants or a local house. Continue the Samarkand exploration: A visit to Samarkand without exploring the Siab bazaar is to miss out on one of the most intriguing adventures. Architectural Complex Shakhi – Zinda (XI-XV centuries) – The final resting place of royalty and noblemen. Kussam ibn Abbas - The so-called tomb of the Prophet Mohammed's cousin, considered the main mausoleum defining the necropolis' boundaries. It is known as "Shakhi – Zinda," meaning "The living king" in Persian. The Observatory of Ulugbek (XV century) – Ulugbek's scientific legacy was born out of the unique observatory he constructed in Samarkand. The primary instrument used was a massive stationary quadrant housed within a cylindrical building with a 48m diameter (the remains of the foundation, particularly its trenches, were uncovered during archaeological excavations).
16:00 or 16:30 (aligned with the train schedule) Move to Samarkand railway station for the departure of the Afrosiab train to Tashkent.
17:28 or 18:00 (in accordance with the train schedule) Depart from Samarkand.
19:44 or 20:10 (following the train schedule) Arrive in Tashkent and transfer back to the hotel.
