Day 5

• After breakfast, you’ll go on a guided tour of the city, as this day is dedicated to discovering the architectural and cultural treasures of Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, continuously inhabited for at least 2,500 years.
• You’ll start with a visit to the Samanid Mausoleum, a masterpiece of 10th-century Islamic architecture, known for its elegant brick design.
• Next, you’ll visit the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, also known as the “Spring of Job,” a sacred site dating back to the 12th century where, according to tradition, Job (Ayub) made water spring from the ground by striking it with his staff. The water from this well is still pure today and is considered to have healing properties.
• You’ll continue to the Bolo Haouz Mosque, famous for its exceptional carved wooden iwan. The mosque was built in the 18th century and is now registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s well worth taking a moment to admire its façade, listening to the gentle cooing of pigeons in a fully tranquil environment.
• After that, you’ll explore the famous Ark of Bukhara, a fortress that served as the residence of the emirs and was the center of power from the 5th century until 1920.
• Here, you’ll take a break to have lunch.
• In the afternoon, you’ll visit the spectacular Po-i-Kalyan complex, the most notable in Bukhara and one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in the region, a testimony to the past splendor of the place, which includes:
o The majestic Kalyan Minaret, standing 48 meters (157 feet) high, built in the 12th century to call Muslims to prayer five times a day;
o The Kalyan Mosque, dating from the same time as the minaret;
o The Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, built in the 16th century by the Sufi Sheikh Abdullah Yamani and now registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site;
o The Kukeldash Madrasah, also dating from the 16th century, later converted into a caravanserai in the 18th century, and subsequently serving as a fortress;
o The Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah, built in the 17th century as a place for Sufis to reflect and rest, where a caravanserai was later added.
• You’ll explore the Bukhara Photo Gallery, the most captivating photo gallery in Uzbekistan, located in the iconic Olimjon caravanserai, right in the heart of the city’s historic area. Founded in 2003 by the renowned photographer Behzod Boltaev, this gallery is a true visual treasure where you can also admire the works of the talented Nuriddin Juraev. Through their gaze, you’ll be transported to Uzbekistan’s vibrant past, reviving characters and scenes that capture the essence of Bukhara’s traditions. These images not only tell stories of yesteryear, but they also reflect the deep desire of a people to preserve and celebrate their cultural roots.
• You’ll end the afternoon strolling through the bazaars of the trade domes: Toqi Telpak Furushon, Tim Abdulla Khan, Toqi Sarrofon Bazaar, and Zargaron, where you can observe the art of skilled craftsmen in various trades such as gold and silver work, jewelry, hats, and carpets, as well as purchase their handmade products available for sale.
• The evening will culminate with dinner at a typical restaurant, where you can savor local dishes like halva, a traditional sweet of the local cuisine.