Samarkand

Samarkand developed as an oasis city from B.C. onward, and its prosperity as a Silk Road transit city can still be seen today. It is called the "Blue City" because of the vivid contrast between the blue tiles of Islamic architecture built between the late 14th and 15th centuries, when it was the capital of the Timurid dynasty, and the clear, blue sky. It is a regular part of the trip to visit the mausoleums and mosques, which are decorated with intricate patterns, and take the time to appreciate their stunning beauty.