This tour has been canceled for 2020. The 2021 departure of this tour is in the planning stages, to be contacted when the tour becomes available, please call 800-748-6262 or email aia@studytours.org.
Retrace the fabled Silk Road through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with archaeologist Aleksandr Naymark, following in the footsteps of silk traders who left China as early as 200 B.C. in great camel caravans for the 5,000-mile trek to the Mediterranean. This was also the road of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, extending across vast deserts, mountains, and plains. Visit eight UNESCO World Heritage sites: Turkmenistan’s Merv, Nisa, and Kunya Urgench; and Uzbekistan’s old Khiva (Itchan Kala), Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm (Ellik Kala), Bukhara, Shahrisabz, and Samarkand. Explore the archaeological sites of Anau, inhabited from the Neolithic through medieval periods; the ancient Zoroastrian center of Gonur-Depe; and Paikent, whose fortress walls date back to the 9th century B.C. Discover fascinating museum collections, stroll through old town shops and bazaars, enjoy performances of traditional music and dance, and admire stunning religious monuments and artifacts, such as the partially-preserved Uthman Koran (written on deerskin in the 7th century), considered by Sunni Muslims to be the world’s oldest Koran. Minimum of just 12 guests.
Pricing:
Double Occupancy (10-12 participants) $8,345
Double Occupancy (8-9 participants) $8,645
Single Supplement (limited availability) $945
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required. With fewer than 8 participants, a small group surcharge may be added.