Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

and was the fortified residence of the rulers of Bukhara for centuries, containing palaces, temples barracks and even a prison. Your guide will escort you around the various minarets, mosques, madrassas and mausoleums before leaving you to explore at your own pace. Day 7: Bukhara B/D Enjoy a day of leisure to explore at your own pace. Day 8: Bukhara to Samarkand B/L/D After breakfast, depart for Samarkand stopping en route at the ‘green city’ of Shakhrisabz. With a well-groomed, green and modern appearance it’s hard to believe the city is over 2,700 years old. The centre of the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains an exceptional collection of monuments, including the gleaming white Ak Saray Palace. Leaving the Timurids first city behind, continue to the 14th century capital of their empire, Samarkand. Day 9: Samarkand B/D Samarkand is the epitome of a journey along the Silk Road. A trip to Registan, the city’s Timurid heart and Central Square proves this to be a reality. A wide mosaicked square is backed by three immense madrasas, beautifully adorned in intricate blues, green and violet patterns, each one a monument to the city’s place as the intellectual capital of the region. During the middle ages, the city attracted the greatest scholars, architects and scientists around, which can be seen first hand on your visit to Ulugbek’s Observatory. See the sumptuous Gur- Emir, the ornately decorated mausoleum of the royal family. Once a marvel of the east, its influence can be seen in the style of the great architectural tombs of the Mughal dynasty of North India such as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Before dinner, visit the Khovrenko Winery and sample a range of Samarkand wines. Day 10: Samarkand B/D This morning, you’ll visit the Koni Ghil Paper Mill renowned for making paper of such exquisite quality that only sultans, emirs and viziers could afford it. This ‘royal’ paper has been exported along the Silk Road for centuries and many 9th and 10th century Arabic and Persian manuscripts were written on it. After this, you’ll explore one of the treasures of Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built in the late 14th century as a tribute to Tamerlane’s wife as well as his victory in Delhi. It is one of the best-known architectural wonders of Central Asia. You’ll have a chance to do some shopping at the local Siyab bazaar, before having the rest of the day at leisure to explore. This evening, experience a little modern Uzbek culture by enjoying dinner with a local family who will provide a master class in cooking Pilav, a famous rice based dish in Uzbekistan. Day 11: Samarkand to Tashkent B/L/D Take the morning at leisure, you can spend more time shopping in Siab Bazaar or relax with a coffee in the boulevards around Registan Square. Take a train to Tashkent where you can enjoy a festive farewell dinner to round off this unforgettable trip. Day 12: Tashkent to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on your chosen extension. Tour includes • 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Tashkent-Shodlik Palace, Khiva- Malika Hotel, Bukhara-Asia Bukhara, Samarkand-Hotel Arba • Flights from London Heathrow with Uzbekistan Airways Street Market, Khiva Ak Saray Palace Registan square in the city of Samarkand Extend your tour Fergana Valley stay 3 nights, 4 H Full Board from £529 Travel through huge reservoirs and high mountain passes to visit the fertile valley, home to ancient civilisations, Mughal emperors and the third largest silk producer in the world. No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £249 Private Tour Upgrade From £99 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date. Tour pace: Intermediate Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 www.mercuryholidays.co.uk • 0800 298 9865 137 Central Asia