How to Plan a Tour of Samarkand: Full-Day Tour of Ancient City and Traditional Art

If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan, you definitely can’t miss visiting the ancient city of Samarkand. With its rich history and cultural heritage, it is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a global heritage of all humanity. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful city is by taking a full-day tour that will take you on a journey through its past, present, and future. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your tour of Samarkand, what to expect from the full-day tour, and how to book it online.

Experience

The Samarkand Full-Day Tour of the Ancient City and Traditional Art is an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s culture, its people and dive deep into its history. The experience includes discovering the ancient city of Samarkand and its rich history, exploring unique architecture, experiencing traditional applied arts of Samarkand, and learning about the cultural and educational significance of the Registan Square. Besides, you will also experience the legacy of prominent figures like Ulugh Beg, the famous astronomer and mathematician.

Highlights

The highlights of the full-day tour include:

• Visit Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and learn about its history and the three main buildings: Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Sher-Dor Madrasa and Tilya-Kori Madrasa.
• Explore the unique architecture of Samarkand landmarks – Gur Emir Mausoleum, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Prophet Daniel’s Mausoleum, and Afrasiyab Museum.
• Experience Samarkand’s traditional applied arts such as paper production and silk weaving at a local workshop and learn about their significance in Samarkand’s history.
• Learn about distinguished figures like Ulugh Beg and their contributions to the city’s history and culture.

Full Description

The Samarkand Full-Day Tour of the Ancient City and Traditional Art lets you explore Samarkand’s old city and learn about its rich heritage. The journey of exploration starts at Registan Square, the center of Samarkand, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. This Square is the heart of Samarkand, and three beautifully decorated Madrasas enclose it. Here, you will learn about the history of Registan Square and explore the three main buildings – Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Sher-Dor Madrasa, and Tilya-Kori Madrasa.

After exploring Registan Square, the journey continues to Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur, one of Uzbekistan’s most prominent leaders. You will learn about his contributions to the city’s history and explore the unique architectural style of his mausoleum.

The next stop is the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, where you will see beautifully decorated mausoleums that house the remains of many family members of Amir Timur. This complex is most well-known for its blue-tiled mausoleums, striking patterns and decorations, and Persian calligraphy.

After exploring the city’s history, the journey continues with a visit to a local workshop, where you’ll witness traditional applied art production such as paper production and silk weaving. The workshop aims to keep alive the ancient traditions of paper production that date back to the 8th century when Samarkand was an important center of paper production in the world.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the Afrasiyab Museum, where you will learn about the rich history of Samarkand, including the time of Timur’s rule, and explore ancient artifacts that exhibit the city’s past.

How to Book

You can book this Samarkand Full-Day Tour of the Ancient City and Traditional Art online at GetYourGuide. By clicking the following link, you can get direct access to the booking page:
Book the tour here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is incomplete without taking the Full-Day Tour of the Ancient City and Traditional Art. You will discover the city’s ancient past, explore its unique architecture, experience traditional applied arts, learn about cultural and educational significance, and experience the legacy of prominent figures like Ulugh Beg. Book this fantastic tour today and journey through Samarkand’s past, present, and future in the most memorable way possible.

An Insider’s Guide to Samarkand

If you are planning a tour to Uzbekistan, Samarkand should undoubtedly be on your itinerary. This city is over 2,700 years old and has a rich cultural history that has been shaped by Sogdian, Islamic, and Uzbek influences. While everyone knows about the popular attractions like Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir, and Shah-i-Zinda, there are many hidden gems and experiences that only the locals know of. So, let’s explore the less-trodden paths and discover what makes Samarkand so unforgettable.

Local Attractions Beyond the Common Tourist Spots

Tucked away inside residential buildings on Marogil Street is the historic Siyob Bazaar, which will give you an authentic feel for Samarkand’s daily life. Here you can browse colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and Uzbek souvenirs. A non-touristy attraction, you’ll get the chance to interact with locals, absorb the bustling energy, and sample some delicious street food.

If you’re interested in Soviet-era architecture, visit the Arbob Palace, a former residency of the Communist Party’s Central Committee. Today, it serves as a conference center with lovely landscaped gardens and a grand interior. Almost untouched by tourism, this place will offer you a glimpse of how the Soviet system functioned and the kind of leaders who lived here.

Dining Spots: Eat Like a Local

Samarkand is renowned for its delicious pilafs, baked bread, and shashlik, so be sure to try these local delicacies when you’re here. You can find pilafs and other Central Asian cuisine at Behterev Classic Restaurant, which not only offers an authentic Uzbek experience with its plush carpets and low seating, but also has alfresco dining in the garden.

For a different kind of experience, visit tandoori master Abror at his residence, where he operates a tandoor oven and prepares fresh and hot bread. Ask for a plate of vegetables or meat to roast in the oven, and enjoy a unique home-cooked meal.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself In Samarkand’s Traditions

No visit to Samarkand would be complete without a stop at the Ulugbek Observatory. Built in the 15th century, the observatory was founded by Ulugbek, a grandchild of the great Tamerlane. It’s believed that Ulugbek had learned astronomy from Indian and Persian experts, and he used this knowledge to create a star chart of unprecedented accuracy. History aside, this beautifully constructed site will send you back in time and help you appreciate the scientific progress of that era.

The Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival held in August is the perfect time to experience Uzbekistan’s cultural diversity. The festival brings together musicians and artists from around the world to celebrate the spirit of music, art, and culture, turning Shamarkand into a melodic wonderland of delightful sounds.

Local History: Unveiling Fascinating Stories

Samarkand’s past is filled with stories of invasions, trade routes, and religious movements. One of the lesser-known pieces of history is the Mausoleum of Khoja Abdi Darunee. Having lived here in the 9th century, he was revered for his miraculous healings and teachings of the Quran. The tomb’s wooden exterior is intricately carved in the traditional Samarkand style and has many hidden nooks and crannies.

Another fascinating site is Afrasiyab, a vast archaeological site dating back to the 7th century. This ancient city was the center of Sogdiana, one of the key Silk Road regions known for its artisans and traders. At Afrasiyab, you can see remnants of ancient fortifications, palaces, and markets that have survived the test of time.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Visit the village of Urgut, located in the outskirts of Samarkand, where you can explore the local market for traditional textiles, hats, and other handcrafted goods. If you’re in luck, you might even witness a carpet weaving demonstration by women who work hard to preserve their traditions.

If you’re looking for something offbeat, head to the Paper Mill of Samarkand, where you can try your hand at traditional paper-making. In this rarely visited place, you can make your paper and print your name or design on it, making for a personalized souvenir.

Samarkand is a city that holds many secrets, all waiting to be uncovered by the curious traveler. By taking the road less traveled, you get to experience the beauty and charm of this ancient city in a unique and memorable way. Plan your trip well, and who knows, Samarkand might even make a permanent spot in your heart and memory!