Samarkand — First Acquaintance: an Overview Tour of the Main Landmarks

About this tour

Discover Samarkand on a classic sightseeing tour covering the city’s most important historical landmarks. One of the greatest cities of the ancient Silk Road and a major center of Central Asian culture, Samarkand offers an extraordinary combination of Timurid architecture, medieval history and living local traditions. This itinerary is designed as an ideal first introduction to the city. With a professional guide, explore Registan Square and its three magnificent madrasahs, visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum — the final resting place of Amir Timur — and continue to the monumental Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the lively Siab Bazaar and the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. Along the way, learn about Samarkand’s role as a major trading, scientific and cultural center of Central Asia and its importance on the historic Silk Road. The tour includes a lunch break. Travelers who wish to experience local cuisine can enjoy traditional Samarkand plov, one of the most famous dishes of Uzbekistan, in an authentic local setting. Lunch and plov are not included in the tour price and are paid separately. This Samarkand city tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to see the main attractions of Samarkand, discover the legacy of Amir Timur and the Timurids, explore the city’s medieval architecture and gain a comprehensive introduction to one of Uzbekistan’s most important cultural destinations.