2024 Tour:
Hidden Treasures of Uzbekistan
9 Days/8 Nights
Dear comrades, it is time to share with you an offer I hope you can’t refuse! Gotta is the name and traveling is the game! I’m looking for my fellow peacemakers and travel enthusiasts to begin joining me around the world as part of my Gotta Travel tours.
To kick things off, I’m inviting you to join me in Uzbekistan just as Tony did 18 years ago. Although the area has not become well known through tourism yet, many of you are already aware of what this Central Asian country has to offer, in large part thanks to Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. It’s now time to explore how the country has grown since then, but also learn about its fascinating history. While the main cities do receive a good amount of tourists, they are mostly domestic rather than international.
One fun fact about Uzbekistan is that it is one of only two double landlocked countries, the other being Liechtenstein in Europe. This means that all surrounding countries are also landlocked, so one would have to cross over at least two countries before reaching a sea or ocean. Although the Caspian Sea is nearby, it is considered to be a lake, the largest on Earth to be exact. While border crossing in some areas is considered unsafe, traveling within the country is not to be of concern. Obviously, exercise caution as one normally would when traveling, but Uzbekistan is known for being a very safe and welcoming country. Don’t be surprised when you are greeted by golden smiles, as this is something unique to the area.
Something else specific to the area is the beautiful turquoise blue found on many of the buildings. Azure mineral powder is the secret behind the different shades of the painted tiles. The beautiful architecture will be a main focus of the tour, as we will be touring many of the historically significant mosques and madrasas. The Silk Road, bazaars and a local hammam are also included for a full Uzbek experience.
The food will also be a main focus with the Nowruz holiday especially, and 2 master classes to fully immerse us into the culture and deep rooted traditions hands-on. Also known as Navruz, this holiday is celebrated on the Spring Equinox and has been for centuries. Bread or lepeshka is considered sacred in the area. Plov or pilaf is the country’s main dish with many variations depending on the region. Tea is served regularly, but from bowls that are only half full, as a full cup is an invitation to leave. While Russia has been served that cup, so to speak, we can thank them for their influence on vodka availability throughout Uzbekistan.
Russian and Uzbek are the most commonly used languages, with very little English being spoken. No worries, though, as you will have the help of
Contact: Zamir Gotta (Tour Manager): iazamir@yahoo.com
Travel Itinerary Sept 28-Oct 6.
Cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
Day 1
Sat: Arrival in Tashkent
Arrival in Tashkent. You will be met by our driver and taken to the hotel. After some rest, we will explore the old part of the capital of Uzbekistan (optional). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
Sun: Tashkent – Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Tashkent railway station. It will take two hours by high-speed train to arrive at Samarkand, ancient capital of Uzbekistan. On this day you will visitthe Gur-Emir Mausoleum (the tomb of Amir Timur and the Timurids), the famous Registan Square (which was the center of Samarkand for many centuries), as well as the Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque (the construction of which is associated with many folk legends). You will also visit the Siab Bazaar where you can buy oriental sweets, fresh fruits, and national souvenirs. For lunch you will have a master class on cooking Samarkand plov from the ingredients that you buy at the bazaar. In the afternoon, you will have a trip to the factory of handmade silk carpets. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3
Mon: Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the excursion program, visiting the observatory of Ulugh Beg (the grandson of Amir Timur), the ruler of Samarkand and the great scientist of the Middle Ages. Today will also include the Afrasiab Museum (where exhibits from the ancient part of Samarkand are stored), the Mausoleum of Khoja Daniel, and the Shakhi-Zinda complex, which is a magnificent ensemble of mausoleums of the Samarkand nobility. For lunch you will try the famous Samarkand “Nuhot hurak”, chickpeas in meat broth. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
Tue: Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel. A trip to the village of Konigil where you can observe the process of making the most ancient Samarkand handmade paper from mulberry bark. Free time then overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
Wed: Samarkand – Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the railway station. It will take less than two hours by high-speed train to arrive at Bukhara.Transfer to the Old City hotel. Walking excursion program with a local guide in the historical center of Bukhara, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The tour includes visiting the Poi-Kalyan architectural ensemble (XII-XVI centuries), Miri-Arab Madrasah (XVII century), Magoki-Attori Mosque (XII-XVI centuries), Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs (XV-XVII centuries), trade domes, the Lyabi-Khauz complex, and the Chor-Minor Madrasah (XIX century). For lunch, a young ram will be prepared for you in Bukhara. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6
Thu: Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the excursion program in Bukhara. Visiting the Samanid Mausoleum (IX-X centuries), Ark fortress, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum (XII-XVI centuries). Lunch at a traditional tea house as well as a visit to a medieval hammam with massage.
In the evening, we will go to the National House and take part in a master class on cooking Bukhara pilaf (Oshi Amiri, Pilaf of the Emirs). Guests will have the opportunity from start to finish to do all the steps to prepare this dish under the strict guidance of the Oshi Amiri chef himself. We will also see the life of traditional Uzbeks in Bukhara. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7
Fri: Bukhara
The third day in Bukhara will begin with a trip out of town to the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa. This is a unique building, the architecture of which combines oriental and Russian decor elements. Continuation of the excursion to the Mausoleum of Bahauddin Naqshbandi and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8
Sat: Bukhara - Tashkent
Breakfast at the hotel. A visit to a local old market place for exotic souvenirs. Transfer to the railway station for a 4-hour high-speed train ride to Tashkent. Farewell home dinner dinner with a local chef. Last night at the hotel.
Day 9
Sun: Tashkent – End of the Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the departure flight time we may have a chance for a Tashkent City Tour. Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.