Begin at the monumental heart of Samarkand: Registan. Explore the spectacular ensemble of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori madrasas while your guide explains how this square developed into one of the great educational and commercial centers of Central Asia.

Continue to Gur-e-Amir, the magnificent mausoleum associated with Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and his dynasty. The ribbed turquoise dome is one of Samarkand's defining architectural features, while the richly decorated interior provides a dramatic contrast to the exterior.

Visit the monumental Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the most ambitious architectural projects of Timurid Samarkand. Its enormous entrance portal and turquoise domes convey the scale of the city during its imperial period.

Walk into Siab Bazaar for a completely different side of the city. Browse stalls filled with Samarkand bread, dried fruits, nuts, spices, sweets and seasonal produce.

Pause at a well-regarded local restaurant or traditional Uzbek house for lunch. Depending on availability and preference, the meal can feature Samarkand plov, samsa, fresh salads, bread and other regional dishes.

The afternoon highlight is Shah-i-Zinda, an extraordinary avenue of historic mausoleums covered in intensely colored blue, turquoise and cobalt decoration.

Finish the historical route at Ulugh Beg Observatory, connected with the remarkable astronomical work of the Timurid ruler and scholar Ulugh Beg.