In the morning, drive to Tashkent train station and catch our high-speed train to Samarkand ETD 8.00 am. We arrive in Samarkand at ETA 10.10 am. Sublime Samarkand was the capital of the empire of Timur, one of history’s greatest conquerors. His vast empire rivalled any, stretching across the Eurasian steppe, he ruled his kingdom with an iron fist while at the same time patronizing the arts and literature. Much of his architectural heritage has been preserved, allowing us to see how the city might have been at the peak of his power. We start the day with a visit to the Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Timur is buried. We will hear the stories from his life and how did he start the construction of Samarkand.

Then, we go to Registan Square – Samarkand’s and arguably Uzbekistan’s most famous landmark. The focal point of ancient Samarkand is framed by three beautiful madrassas (religious schools) – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. Next, we will stroll through the spacious courtyard of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque—a structure that legend says was a gift to Tamerlane by one of his wives, and we will have time to explore the Siab Bazaar, where fruit and vegetables grown from the rich soil of the Zarafshan Valley are sold in a colorful market.

For dinner, we drive to the local neighborhood, where the family of Farida Apa will meet us. After meeting with the family members, we may participate in the preparation of the famous Plov in an open fire. You are encouraged to participate in slicing the carrots, peeling the onions, and let’s make the meal together. Afterwards, we sit around the table and enjoy the meal with our hostess. (Farida is a teacher at a primary school, our guide will help us to communicate with her in the local language). Check in hotel and rest.