The capital of Uzbekistan, is the largest city in Central Asia. It is located in the northeast part of the republic, in the valley of the river Chirchik, at the height of 440 - 480 m above the sea level. To the northeast 80 km from Tashkent snow caps of the Big and Small Chimgan, spurs of Tjan-Shan are visible. Tashkent in Uzbek means “the Stone Settlement” and also known as a city of striking contrasts.

Khiva is the central town of Khorezm province, located in the oasis of Khorezm to the south and west of the Aral Sea on both sides of lower reaches of the Oxus (Amudarya).Throughout its history Khorezm an isolated oasis accessible only by long and hazardous caravan routes across the formidable deserts Karakum and Kyzylkum (Black and Red sands) or across the equally dangerous, lifeless plateau Ust - Urt.

Shahrisabz (Green City), 90 kilometers from Samarkand, is located in Kashkadarya valley, a province in the south of Uzbekistan. It is a 2700 - year - old city - the center of folk art, embroidery and ceramics. This name was given to this town of Kesh by Amir Timur, who was born 13 kilometers from here, in the village of Hodja Ilgor. At the end of the fourteenth century, he decided to build here his most magnificent residence, the Ak Saray (White Palace). This building was even more ambitious than the Bib Khanum mosque in Samarkand. The construction took 20 years to complete and wasn’t finished when a Spanish ambassador Clavijo saw it in 1404. All that remains from that once proud monument are the two flanking towers of the entrance iwan and parts of the richly decorated walls at the base of the big arch. Some of the artifacts that have been preserved from Ak - Saray Palace are unsurpassed masterpieces of ornamental mosaic. An inscription on the portal of palace states in large letters: “If you question the power of making miracles-look at our buildings!”

The fertile Ferghana Valley is situated to the north - east of Uzbekistan, bordering on Kirgizstan and Tajikistan. The valley resembles that of an enormous bowl framed by mountain ridges. Having a milder climate gave Ferghana the edge to produce some very famous fruits and pomegranates. Besides the agricultural aspects, Ferghana valley is also famous for producing delicate hand painted pottery and glasses as gifts and souvenirs. It is also widely known for its local man - made fabric made of silk, like khon - atlas.

Ayaz-kala is one of the most spectacular fortresses in Khorezm dating back to the 4th century BCE. The double storey galleries was built to provide cover and ease of movement for the many archers needed to prevent the fortress. The arced vaults of the lower galleries are still preserved in places and the visitor can walk inside them.