Samarkand City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
- 3h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Embark on a journey through the heart of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the echoes of the Silk Road and the grandeur of the Timurid Empire come alive. This guided walking tour offers an unparalleled exploration of Samarkand’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing a breathtaking blend of Persian, Turkic, and Mongol architectural influences. Marvel at the majestic Gur-i Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane, adorned with intricate tilework and a towering dome. Wander through the iconic Registan Square, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with its trio of ornate madrasas that once pulsed as the city’s cultural and intellectual core. Experience the awe-inspiring Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a monument of love built by Timur for his wife, and feel the spiritual resonance of the Hazrat Khizr Mosque, steeped in legend and modern history. Conclude at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a vibrant tapestry of mausoleums renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship.
Inclusions
What's included
- All Taxes and Fees
- Professional Certified guide (Not a student)
What's not
- Entrance tickets(15$) You can pay by card or cash.
Itinerary
The Gur-e-Amir (meaning "Tomb of the King") is a historical mausoleum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It is the burial site of the famous conqueror Tamerlane (Timur), who founded the Timurid Empire in the 14th century and is regarded as one of the most significant figures in Central Asian history. The Gur-e-Amir is a magnificent example of Timurid architecture. It has a large, imposing dome, intricate tilework, and majestic minarets. The structure combines Persian, Turkic, and Mongol architectural styles.
Registan Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and is considered one of the most beautiful public squares in the world. It was once the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, which was a prominent center of trade, culture, and learning along the Silk Road. The square is surrounded by three majestic madrasas (Islamic educational institutions), each an outstanding example of Islamic architecture with stunning tile work, intricate designs, and grand entrances.
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural brilliance of the Timurid Empire. Built during the reign of Emperor Timur (Tamerlane) in the late 14th century, the mosque is one of the largest and most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque was commissioned by Timur in honor of his wife Bibi-Khanym, who was one of the most prominent women in his court. According to legend, Timur built the mosque for her after she made a request for a grand structure to be erected in Samarkand, and it is said that the mosque's design was inspired by her beauty and stature.
Siab Bazaar, Samarkand’s largest and oldest market, is a vibrant hub of Uzbek culture located near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. This bustling oriental bazaar, dating back to the 14th century, spans over 7 hectares and offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. Tourists can explore colorful stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, dried fruits, nuts, and the famous Samarkand bread, known for its long-lasting freshness and intricate designs. Handicrafts, ceramics, textiles, and souvenirs are also abundant, with bargaining being a cherished tradition. The market’s lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and proximity to historic landmarks like Registan Square make it a must-visit for an authentic taste of Samarkand’s rich heritage and daily life
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque is a historical monument in Samarkand (mid-19th century); associated with the name of the legendary Islamic prophet Khizr. The building was erected on the site of an ancient mosque (according to the inscription on the mihrab, in 1855). The monument is located opposite the Shakh-i-Zinda complex on a hill. In 2018, the mausoleum of the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov was opened in the territory of the mosque
Shah-i-Zinda (meaning "The Living King") is a complex of stunning mausoleums located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It is one of the most significant and visually striking historical sites in the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex is famous for its intricate tilework, historical importance, and spiritual significance, and it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful necropolises in Central Asia.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 533
- 42
- 31
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Ratings come from 36 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5A Wonderful Experience with Sarvinoz
Our guide Sarvinoz was knowledgeable, punctual and professional. She shared a wealth of information not only about the historical sites but also about local life and culture. We had a wonderful time with her exploring this magnificent historic site. Thank you, Sarvinoz, for such an enjoyable and enriching experience!
5Fantastic half day (5...
Fantastic half day (5 hours) tour of historic Samarkand! Sarvinoz our guide was excellent, spoke brilliant English and had the whole group engaged. Definitely recommend this tour to learn about the Timurid Empire and his descendants, but at the same time witnessing the beautiful architecture of the 13th to 15th centuries.
5Opens you to this beautiful culture
I really enjoy the walking tour with Sarvinoz. She was very knowledgeable, considerate and friendly. I highly recommend the tour with her.
5Samarkand walking tour
We had a wonderful experience with our tour guide Bekhroz in Samarkand! He was very knowledgeable, patient with all of our questions, attentive to everyone in our group, and went above and beyond to accommodate us and make sure we were comfortable. His warmth, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm made the tour feel very personal and memorable. We truly enjoyed our time with him and would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Samarkand! 5 stars
5Sarvinoz: A 5-star guide
Sarvinoz was an excellent guide: friendly, knowledgeable and caring. Her time management was exceptional. Her overall performance: ✭✭✭✭✭
5Wonderful and...
Wonderful and informative! I enjoyed the history, culture and breathtaking sites! I would highly recommend this tour!
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The exact meeting point will provided the day before of your actual tour.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Tourmania
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Samarkand
- Its from-price is 68% below the median of the 28 city tours we list in Samarkand.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 3 of 28.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Samarkand
Samarkand is an ancient Silk Road city in Uzbekistan, famous for blue-tiled domes, grand madrasas and the great Registan square.
Samarkand has been a crossroads of trade routes for more than two thousand years, and in the late fourteenth century it became the capital of Timur's empire. The Registan, a square framed by three madrasas with tiled façades in blue, turquoise and gold, is its best-known sight. The madrasa of Ulugh Beg dates from the 1420s, and the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Top-ranked sights in Samarkand: Registan Square, Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis.
Special offers in Samarkand
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
