Today we will start our Samarkand sightseeing tour with visit of Gur-Emir Mausoleum (the tomb of Emir), that was one of the last structures built in Samarkand by the order of Amir Timur (Tamerlan). The mausoleum was built for the beloved grandson of Timur. Later Timur himself was buried here in 1405. The building is splendid both inside and out with a majestic blue dome twined with plaits that especially astonishes the imagination.

Then, visit of magnificent Registan Square. In the 14th – 15th centuries, the Registan was not only a trade and crafts square, but was also cultural center of the city. In 1417-1420 Ulugbeg erected his madrassah on this square. In the 17th century, the ruler of Samarkand, Yalangtush Bakhadur, made up his mind to re-construct the square. He ordered to erect the Sher-Dor madrassah (1619-1636) and subsequently the Tilla-Kari Madrassah (1646-1660). Thus, the completed ensemble still astonishes with its harmony and uniqueness of any madrassah ever created.

Visit Bibi-Khanim Mosque: The principal city mosque of Bibi-Khanim is a distinguished architectural structure and the largest mosque in Central Asia. The construction of the mosque took place in 1399 after the Indian campaign of Timur, which lasted for five years. It was splendid and richly decorated structure. The height of the entrance portal reaches 40.85 meters and the portal arch aperture had a height of 18.2 m.

After the tour of Bibi-Khonim Mosque, visit its “next door” oriental bazaar - Siab. From ancient times, an oriental bazaar simultaneously performed the functions of a modern day supermarket and shop. It was here, at the bazaar, that people communicated and exchanged the latest information. One could find here all possible entertainment, exchange currency and do many other things. The market area is more than seven hectares and it harbors separate pavilions that stand side by side with trading rows that run between them. Traditionally it is necessary to bargain at the oriental bazaar. Bargaining may last for a long time until one of the sides gives up. Frequently it is a very interesting sight. One can purchase anything here: fruits, vegetables, meat of any kind, and all sorts of dried fruits and crafts, which are placed in their own separate rows. Together with eastern sweets one can buy traditional Samarkand bread that has made Samarkand famous throughout the world.