Asia’s Silk Road

Traveling the ancient Silk Road route connecting East and West, encounter a mix of culture and religion, art and architecture that conjures tales of trade and treasure, intrigue and empire.

On this exciting small group journey, relish the exotic and get to know the welcoming people of Central Asia. Begin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and travel Central Asia’s ancient silk road through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Please note that all upcoming travel programs are aspirational unless/until the University updates its guidance and allows for the resumption of in-person alumni events. We are happy share all available information and hope everyone will save the dates for your next travel adventure. Brochures, rates and itineraries will be posted as soon as we are able to safely resume travel and trip details are finalized. Until then we are  unable to take  reservations or deposits.

Dates & Prices

Trip Dates: October 1 – 17, 2022

Rates:

• Land/tour only from $TBA per person based upon double occupancy
• International air-inclusive packages from $TBA* per person based upon double occupancy total price ($TBA air & land inclusive plus $TBA airline taxes and departure fees).
• Single travelers please add $TBA. Single space is limited. Please contact us to verify availability prior to forwarding your reservation and deposit.

Please see brochure or contact us for rates* from other cities.

(*Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees of $TBA, which are subject to change until final payment is made.)

 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 2: Arrive Bishkek

Upon arrival in the Kyrgyz capital late tonight, we transfer directly to our hotel.

Day 3: Bishkek

After time to rest and have lunch on our own, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at a briefing about the journey ahead. Then we take our first steps along the Silk Road, with a panoramic tour of this former Soviet republic’s largest city. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 4: Bishkek/Burana

We travel east this morning to the village of Burana, whose 11th-century tower is the sole remaining remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. We walk among the surrounding “balbal” stone statues dating from the 6th to 10th centuries then enjoy lunch in the home of a Kyrgyz family. Next: a yurt-making demonstration in this country where the nomadic lifestyle is still practiced. B,L,D

Day 5: Bishkek/Almaty/Kazakhstan

En route to Almaty this morning, we stop at Tamgaly Gorge to see the Tamgaly Petroglyphs that date to the Bronze Age. We enjoy a picnic lunch in this archaeological landscape then continue on to Almaty, where tonight we dine at our hotel. B,L,D

Day 6: Almaty

Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural and commercial center, Almaty has a decided Russian flavor, as we see on this morning’s tour. We begin at Panfilov Park and the adjacent Holy Ascension Cathedral, an example of early 20th-century Russian Orthodox architecture. Next, we visit the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, showcasing unique national instruments. Then we head outside the city to ascend Kok Tobe mountain by gondola to enjoy panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding Tian Shan mountains. Late this afternoon, we attend a falconry demonstration. B,L

Day 7: Almaty/Tashkent, Uzbekistan

We fly this morning to the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, where this afternoon we visit the Museum of Applied Arts, housing fine examples of Uzbek crafts, including embroidery, jewelry, ceramics, and carpets. After checking in at our hotel, we have free time this afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant. B,L,D

Day 8: Tashkent

Our morning tour begins in the Old City at the Khazrati Imam Complex of mosques and madrassahs. Here we see the world’s oldest surviving Islamic holy book, the 7th-century Uthman Quran, brought to Tashkent by Tamerlane. Next: Chorsu Bazaar, under whose massive green dome locals purchase everything from produce to clothing. Tonight, we attend a performance of ballet, classical music, or opera at the national opera house. B,L

Day 9: Tashkent/Urgench/Khiva

Very early this morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Urgench, then continue on to Khiva. We get a taste of Khiva’s storied past as a major trading post along the Silk Road as we begin exploring the Itchan Kala, the “inner city” whose entirety is a UNESCO site. We start at the double-domed Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum then visit the Islam Khoja minaret, followed by the Juma Mosque, with its 200 wooden pillars. Late afternoon we attend a performance of the Khiva Puppet Theatre. B,L,D

Day 10: Khiva

We continue our exploration of this 1,500-year-old city at the turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor minaret – enormous, stout, and unfinished. We continue on to Kunya Ark citadel; the immense Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan, with its tiled façade; the 163-room Tah Hauli Palace; and the Hunarmand artisans’ workshop. Tonight, we enjoy a small group highlight as we travel through the desert to a lakeside yurt camp, where we have a sunset cocktail party followed by a traditional barbecue dinner and folkloric performance. B,D

Day 11: Khiva/Bukhara

This morning we journey by train through the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, with lunch on board. Upon arrival in this ancient city of Silk Road commerce and religious piety, we visit the Chor Minor madrassah, with its four minarets. This evening we dine at Akbar House, the preserved home of a 19th-century Jewish merchant. B,L,D

Day 12: Bukhara

Today begins with a walking tour of the 16th-century Lyab-i Hauz religious complex. We continue to the domed Taki-Telpak Furushon bazaar known for its headgear: embroidered skull caps, turbans, and heavy fur hats; then on to a bazaar where we watch silk weavers at work. Next, we return to the Old Jewish Quarter to visit the home of a Sufi miniaturist, where we learn about his craft and enjoy a traditional lunch of plov – lamb and rice – the Uzbek national dish. Touring continues this afternoon at the Poi Kalyan religious complex, the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, and the massive 5th-century earthen Ark of Bukhara Fortress. B,L

Day 13: Bukhara/Gijduvan/Samarkand

This morning we call on a sacred pilgrimage site: the Memorial Complex of Naqshband, burial site of the founder of the world’s largest order of Sufi Muslims. Next: the Narzullaev Ceramics Workshop, where potters have used traditional methods for more than a century. After lunch here, we board the train for Samarkand, legendary stop on the Silk Road. Tonight, we get our first glimpse of vast Registan, the mosaic-tiled public square flanked by three ornate madrassahs that have stood here since the 14th century. B,L,D

Day 14: Samarkand

Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan left their marks on Samarkand, as did Tamarlane (Timur), who made it capital of his Islamic empire in the 14th century. Our touring today begins at Registan Square, once and current heart of the city, where we join in a calligraphy workshop. We continue to 15th-century Bibi-Khanym mosque, and Siyob Bazaar, the city’s largest market. This afternoon we visit a historic winery for a tour and tasting. B,L

Day 15: Samarkand

Our discovery of this crossroads of culture continues today at the Afrasiyab Museum, a huge archaeological site and museum depicting the city’s 2,500-year history; 15th-century Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the finest in the Islamic world; and the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans craft traditional handmade paper. We join a local family in their home for lunch then explore the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis and temple complex, whose 20-plus buildings date from the 11th to 19th centuries. This evening, we visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, Tamarlane’s resting place. After dinner at a local restaurant, we make a last stop to see Registan lit up for the evening. B,L,D

Day 16: Samarkand/Tashkent

We return today to the Uzbek capital, passing through Jilanuti Pass, the “Gates of Tamerlane” passage between the Nuratin and Turkestan hills. After arriving in Tashkent early this afternoon, we have time for lunch on our own then visit the studio of renowned ceramicist Akbar Rakhimov. Tonight, we toast our adventure along the Silk Road at a farewell dinner. B,D

Day 17: Depart for U.S.

Early this morning we depart for the airport for our connecting flight to the U.S. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven terrain and at sites of ancient ruins. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included

 

Included Features:

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities in brochure; all flights within itinerary
• 11 nights’ accommodations: 4 nights in Deluxe and First Class hotels; 7 nights in Superior First Class and First Class pousadas
• 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 10 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of professional Tour Directors and local guides throughout
• Private motor-coach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary

What’s not included:
Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; excess baggage charges on aircraft; transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure if you have booked as a “land only” participant or if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.