Itinerary
- Walk past this important cultural institution that houses Samarkand's rich archaeological and historical treasures. Discover how this museum serves as your gateway to understanding 2,700 years of this legendary Silk Road city's fascinating past.
- Alisher Navoi Central Recreation Park: Stroll through this peaceful green oasis in the heart of historic Samarkand, named after the great Uzbek poet and statesman. Enjoy a tranquil break from the bustling city while surrounded by local families and the echoes of ancient history.
- University Boulevard: Walk along this vibrant street that connects Samarkand's past with its present academic life. Experience how modern education and student energy blend seamlessly with the ancient scholarly traditions that once made this city a center of Islamic learning.
- Enter this magnificent mausoleum where Timur (Tamerlane) and his heirs rest beneath stunning turquoise domes and intricate tile work. Marvel at how this timeless monument showcases the architectural brilliance that made Samarkand one of history's most breathtaking capitals.
- Explore this legendary square where three majestic madrasas display intricate tile work and soaring portals that shimmer in endless shades of blue and gold. Experience the heart of what once made Samarkand the dazzling crossroads where East met West along the ancient Silk Road.
- Hazrat Khizr Mosque: Pass by this sacred mosque perched on ancient Afrosiab hill, offering panoramic views over the historic city. Discover how this spiritual site has watched over Samarkand for centuries, serving as a beacon for pilgrims and travelers alike.
- Necropolis Shah-i-Zinda: Climb the sacred stairway of this breathtaking necropolis known as the "Living King," where brilliantly decorated mausoleums line an unforgettable avenue. Marvel at one of Central Asia's most stunning architectural ensembles, where azure domes and intricate mosaics create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Includes
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Details
Welcome to Samarkand, the fabled “Rome of the East,” the dazzling crossroads of East and West, whose splendour once rivalled the greatest capitals. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll stand amongst turquoise domes that pierce the vast Central Asian sky, where the echoes of Silk Road caravans, conquering empires, and brilliant scholars still linger in the air. The tour starts outside the Museum of Regional Studies. Your guide is Saodat: a passionate local historian and masterful storyteller who knows every corner of her beloved city by heart. She’ll share the city’s history along with her insights, bringing its ancient stones to life. Saodat doesn’t just list facts; she brings the past to life. By the end of the tour, you’ll have journeyed through 2,700 years of this dazzling city’s past and understand why, for millennia, travellers have left Samarkand utterly enchanted.
Know Before You Go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
