The Silk Road: A Journey to Central Asia

Breakfast bar at the InterContinental Almaty

Bukhara courtyard

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Bread baker in Penjikent

Tour Price Price per person based on double occupancy: $7,895 Price per person based on single occupancy: $8,890

Full Terms & Conditions available separately.

MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2019 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved.

Photos: Ann Schneider, MIR Corporation

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 23182 Washington, DC 20026

Handmade Kyrgyz felt slippers

April 25–May 10, 2020

To book, contact Wild About Travel LLC at 618.282.6024 or travel@htc.net

Modern bedroom at the Plaza Hotel, Bishkek

The Silk Road: A Journey to Central Asia Turkmenistan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan • Kyrgyzstan • Kazakhstan

The blue Kalta Minor, or “short minaret” in Khiva was left unfinished after the khan died suddenly

Colorful Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty

April 25–May 10, 2020

The Silk Road:

The accommodations on this journey are well located in the heart of their cities, and are as comfortable as possible for the region. They vary from four- and five-star properties to a small boutique hotel decorated in the national style in Bukhara. The elegant five-star Oguzkent welcomes you in Ashgabat, and the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Almaty sends you off when your trip is finished. All the hotels are clean and comfortable, and most include air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Experience six World Heritage Sites

A Journey to Central Asia

Accommodations

The huge Kipchak mosque, built by former Turkmen President Niyazov

Explore the legendary Silk Road Central Asia is the exotic heart of the Silk Road, which ancient caravan routes used for the silk and spice trade between East and West. Experience the past and present of five Central Asian countries as you expore legendary cities, visit sacred sites and fascinating museums, attend cultural programs, and meet local experts.

Greetings from Samarkand

Itinerary

Highlights Include Ashgabat: Visit the World Heritage site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist.

Khiva: Enjoy a colorful Khorezmian folk concert with singing, drumming, and dancing.

Bukhara: Participate in a special meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.

Samarkand: Tour a workshop where handcrafted paper is made according to traditions

handed down from the 8th century.

Penjikent: Visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, where excavations began over 50 years ago.

Bishkek: Enjoy lunch with a local family in their home and watch a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games.

Almaty: Witness a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon-breeding farm

on the outskirts of the city.

Days 1–3: Depart the U.S. and Arrive in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Pay a visit to a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made, tour a small silk carpet factory, and observe a demonstration of Uzbek bread-baking. Catch the evening express train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, and Khiva, Uzbekistan

Explore modern Tashkent, beginning at Independence Square, and stopping at the Shahid Memorial Complex. In old Tashkent, stroll through a labyrinth of mud-walled houses to Khast Imam Square to view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Hotel Plaza (B,L)

Begin in the flamboyant capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. In 2013, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded Ashgabat the record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world. Visit some of them, as well as the World Heritage designated ruins of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist. Hotel Oguzkent (1B,1L,1D)

Fly to the town of Dashoguz in the northern part of Turkmenistan. Cross the Uzbek border and continue to Khiva. This World Heritage city is like a re-creation of life hundreds of years ago.

Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Khiva

Highlights of Khiva include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four wives; the 9th-century Dzhuma Mosque, its carved wood columns creating a forest-like effect; and the 5th-century Kunya Ark; and a performance of traditional music and dance. Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Barry Till is an Asian art historian and Curator Emeritus of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in Canada. Barry studied in Far Eastern Studies at the University of Saskatchewan with a minor in Central Asian history. He also studied at Oxford and at Nanjing University in China.

Barry has a wide-ranging knowledge of Asia’s history, archaeology, and cultures. He has travelled extensively and lectured on numerous tours for more than thirty years. He has published many exhibition catalogues (including The Buddhist Arts of Asia), books, and articles on various Asian art topics, and is an enthusiastic and engaging speaker. Additionally, he was the first Editor of The Canada Mongolia Review.

He has lectured many times on Genghis Khah’s conquest of Central Asia as well as the great conqueror Tamerlane of Samarkand.

Day 11: Samarkand and Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Days 6–7: Bukhara

The drive to Bukhara lies across long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Visit the Ark Citadel, the 2,000-year-old fortress of Bukhara. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark, responsible for ongoing work. Admire the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, with its 16 different styles of brickwork. Visit a madrassah (a school for Islamic study) to enjoy a performance by local artists. Safiya Boutique Hotel (2B,2L,2D)

Day 8: Bukhara, drive to Samarkand

After visiting the Emir’s Summer Palace, its Museum of National Crafts, and the Mausoleum of Sufi mystic Bakhaudin Nakshbandi, continue on to World Heritage site of Samarkand. Begin touring at the majestic Registan. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Day 12: Tashkent and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 13: Bishkek

Drive out to 11th-century Burana Tower, one of the few existing watchtowers on the old Silk Road. Enjoy lunch at a private home in nearby Tokmak village. Attend a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games, such as Ulak Tartysh, a sort of polo played with a goat carcass. Enjoy a performance of selections from the Epic of Manas, passed down by word of mouth for centuries. Hotel Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 14: Bishkek and Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meet with a resident Kyrgyz individual who participated in the April 7, 2010 revolution, and together visit the Ata-Beiit Memorial Complex. Visit Bishkek’s central square, AlaToo, and the State Museum of Fine Arts. Catch an evening flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Intercontinental Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 15–16: Almaty and Depart for the U.S.

Almaty is the largest city in Central Asia’s most successful country, Kazakhstan. Tour the city and visit a traditional Kazakh falcon farm, where hunters on horseback give an exclusive demonstration of the beautiful hunting birds. Browse the State History Museum, as well as the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments. Toast the journey during a farewell dinner.

Intercontinental Hotel (2B,1L,1D) KAZAKHSTAN

Day 9: Samarkand

Visit Tamerlane’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, and meander through the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinde. Admire Ulug Bek’s Observatory, built by Tamerlane’s grandson, who created one of the most advanced observatories of the ancient world. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Sarygamysh UZBEKISTAN Lake Dashoguz Red Sands Desert Tashkent Khiva Aydar Lake Bukhara

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Almaty Issyk Kul

KYRGYZSTAN

Penjikent

TURKMENISTAN Samarkand TAJIKISTAN Ashgabat

Day 10: Samarkand, day trip to Penjikent, Tajikistan

Drive over the Uzbek/Tajik border to Penjikent, to visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, founded in the 5th century AD. Tour the remains of Shakristan, two Zoroastrian temples, the citadel, and the houses of wealthy families. Back in Samarkand, enjoy dinner in a private home. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Bishkek

Overnight Featured Site Air

A nomadic yurt near Kyrgyzstan’s Burana Tower

Motorcoach Train

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Breakfast bar at the InterContinental Almaty

Bukhara courtyard

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Bread baker in Penjikent

Tour Price Price per person based on double occupancy: $7,895 Price per person based on single occupancy: $8,890

Full Terms & Conditions available separately.

MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2019 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved.

Photos: Ann Schneider, MIR Corporation

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 23182 Washington, DC 20026

Handmade Kyrgyz felt slippers

April 25–May 10, 2020

To book, contact Wild About Travel LLC at 618.282.6024 or travel@htc.net

Modern bedroom at the Plaza Hotel, Bishkek

The Silk Road: A Journey to Central Asia Turkmenistan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan • Kyrgyzstan • Kazakhstan

The blue Kalta Minor, or “short minaret” in Khiva was left unfinished after the khan died suddenly

Colorful Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty

April 25–May 10, 2020

The Silk Road:

The accommodations on this journey are well located in the heart of their cities, and are as comfortable as possible for the region. They vary from four- and five-star properties to a small boutique hotel decorated in the national style in Bukhara. The elegant five-star Oguzkent welcomes you in Ashgabat, and the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Almaty sends you off when your trip is finished. All the hotels are clean and comfortable, and most include air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Experience six World Heritage Sites

A Journey to Central Asia

Accommodations

The huge Kipchak mosque, built by former Turkmen President Niyazov

Explore the legendary Silk Road Central Asia is the exotic heart of the Silk Road, which ancient caravan routes used for the silk and spice trade between East and West. Experience the past and present of five Central Asian countries as you expore legendary cities, visit sacred sites and fascinating museums, attend cultural programs, and meet local experts.

Greetings from Samarkand

Itinerary

Highlights Include Ashgabat: Visit the World Heritage site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist.

Khiva: Enjoy a colorful Khorezmian folk concert with singing, drumming, and dancing.

Bukhara: Participate in a special meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.

Samarkand: Tour a workshop where handcrafted paper is made according to traditions

handed down from the 8th century.

Penjikent: Visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, where excavations began over 50 years ago.

Bishkek: Enjoy lunch with a local family in their home and watch a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games.

Almaty: Witness a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon-breeding farm

on the outskirts of the city.

Days 1–3: Depart the U.S. and Arrive in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Pay a visit to a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made, tour a small silk carpet factory, and observe a demonstration of Uzbek bread-baking. Catch the evening express train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, and Khiva, Uzbekistan

Explore modern Tashkent, beginning at Independence Square, and stopping at the Shahid Memorial Complex. In old Tashkent, stroll through a labyrinth of mud-walled houses to Khast Imam Square to view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Hotel Plaza (B,L)

Begin in the flamboyant capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. In 2013, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded Ashgabat the record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world. Visit some of them, as well as the World Heritage designated ruins of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist. Hotel Oguzkent (1B,1L,1D)

Fly to the town of Dashoguz in the northern part of Turkmenistan. Cross the Uzbek border and continue to Khiva. This World Heritage city is like a re-creation of life hundreds of years ago.

Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Khiva

Highlights of Khiva include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four wives; the 9th-century Dzhuma Mosque, its carved wood columns creating a forest-like effect; and the 5th-century Kunya Ark; and a performance of traditional music and dance. Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Barry Till is an Asian art historian and Curator Emeritus of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in Canada. Barry studied in Far Eastern Studies at the University of Saskatchewan with a minor in Central Asian history. He also studied at Oxford and at Nanjing University in China.

Barry has a wide-ranging knowledge of Asia’s history, archaeology, and cultures. He has travelled extensively and lectured on numerous tours for more than thirty years. He has published many exhibition catalogues (including The Buddhist Arts of Asia), books, and articles on various Asian art topics, and is an enthusiastic and engaging speaker. Additionally, he was the first Editor of The Canada Mongolia Review.

He has lectured many times on Genghis Khah’s conquest of Central Asia as well as the great conqueror Tamerlane of Samarkand.

Day 11: Samarkand and Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Days 6–7: Bukhara

The drive to Bukhara lies across long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Visit the Ark Citadel, the 2,000-year-old fortress of Bukhara. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark, responsible for ongoing work. Admire the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, with its 16 different styles of brickwork. Visit a madrassah (a school for Islamic study) to enjoy a performance by local artists. Safiya Boutique Hotel (2B,2L,2D)

Day 8: Bukhara, drive to Samarkand

After visiting the Emir’s Summer Palace, its Museum of National Crafts, and the Mausoleum of Sufi mystic Bakhaudin Nakshbandi, continue on to World Heritage site of Samarkand. Begin touring at the majestic Registan. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Day 12: Tashkent and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 13: Bishkek

Drive out to 11th-century Burana Tower, one of the few existing watchtowers on the old Silk Road. Enjoy lunch at a private home in nearby Tokmak village. Attend a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games, such as Ulak Tartysh, a sort of polo played with a goat carcass. Enjoy a performance of selections from the Epic of Manas, passed down by word of mouth for centuries. Hotel Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 14: Bishkek and Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meet with a resident Kyrgyz individual who participated in the April 7, 2010 revolution, and together visit the Ata-Beiit Memorial Complex. Visit Bishkek’s central square, AlaToo, and the State Museum of Fine Arts. Catch an evening flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Intercontinental Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 15–16: Almaty and Depart for the U.S.

Almaty is the largest city in Central Asia’s most successful country, Kazakhstan. Tour the city and visit a traditional Kazakh falcon farm, where hunters on horseback give an exclusive demonstration of the beautiful hunting birds. Browse the State History Museum, as well as the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments. Toast the journey during a farewell dinner.

Intercontinental Hotel (2B,1L,1D) KAZAKHSTAN

Day 9: Samarkand

Visit Tamerlane’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, and meander through the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinde. Admire Ulug Bek’s Observatory, built by Tamerlane’s grandson, who created one of the most advanced observatories of the ancient world. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Sarygamysh UZBEKISTAN Lake Dashoguz Red Sands Desert Tashkent Khiva Aydar Lake Bukhara

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Almaty Issyk Kul

KYRGYZSTAN

Penjikent

TURKMENISTAN Samarkand TAJIKISTAN Ashgabat

Day 10: Samarkand, day trip to Penjikent, Tajikistan

Drive over the Uzbek/Tajik border to Penjikent, to visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, founded in the 5th century AD. Tour the remains of Shakristan, two Zoroastrian temples, the citadel, and the houses of wealthy families. Back in Samarkand, enjoy dinner in a private home. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Bishkek

Overnight Featured Site Air

A nomadic yurt near Kyrgyzstan’s Burana Tower

Motorcoach Train

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

The huge Kipchak mosque, built by former Turkmen President Niyazov

Explore the legendary Silk Road Central Asia is the exotic heart of the Silk Road, which ancient caravan routes used for the silk and spice trade between East and West. Experience the past and present of five Central Asian countries as you expore legendary cities, visit sacred sites and fascinating museums, attend cultural programs, and meet local experts.

Greetings from Samarkand

Itinerary

Highlights Include Ashgabat: Visit the World Heritage site of the ancient Parthian Kingdom of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist.

Khiva: Enjoy a colorful Khorezmian folk concert with singing, drumming, and dancing.

Bukhara: Participate in a special meeting with the Senior Advisor for Bukhara’s Ark Museum.

Samarkand: Tour a workshop where handcrafted paper is made according to traditions

handed down from the 8th century.

Penjikent: Visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, where excavations began over 50 years ago.

Bishkek: Enjoy lunch with a local family in their home and watch a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games.

Almaty: Witness a presentation of traditional Kazakh falcon hunting at a falcon-breeding farm

on the outskirts of the city.

Days 1–3: Depart the U.S. and Arrive in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Pay a visit to a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made, tour a small silk carpet factory, and observe a demonstration of Uzbek bread-baking. Catch the evening express train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, and Khiva, Uzbekistan

Explore modern Tashkent, beginning at Independence Square, and stopping at the Shahid Memorial Complex. In old Tashkent, stroll through a labyrinth of mud-walled houses to Khast Imam Square to view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Hotel Plaza (B,L)

Begin in the flamboyant capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. In 2013, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded Ashgabat the record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world. Visit some of them, as well as the World Heritage designated ruins of Nisa, led by a local archaeologist. Hotel Oguzkent (1B,1L,1D)

Fly to the town of Dashoguz in the northern part of Turkmenistan. Cross the Uzbek border and continue to Khiva. This World Heritage city is like a re-creation of life hundreds of years ago.

Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Khiva

Highlights of Khiva include the Tash Hauli Palace, once the home of the khan and his four wives; the 9th-century Dzhuma Mosque, its carved wood columns creating a forest-like effect; and the 5th-century Kunya Ark; and a performance of traditional music and dance. Asia Khiva Hotel (B,L,D)

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Barry Till is an Asian art historian and Curator Emeritus of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in Canada. Barry studied in Far Eastern Studies at the University of Saskatchewan with a minor in Central Asian history. He also studied at Oxford and at Nanjing University in China.

Barry has a wide-ranging knowledge of Asia’s history, archaeology, and cultures. He has travelled extensively and lectured on numerous tours for more than thirty years. He has published many exhibition catalogues (including The Buddhist Arts of Asia), books, and articles on various Asian art topics, and is an enthusiastic and engaging speaker. Additionally, he was the first Editor of The Canada Mongolia Review.

He has lectured many times on Genghis Khah’s conquest of Central Asia as well as the great conqueror Tamerlane of Samarkand.

Day 11: Samarkand and Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Days 6–7: Bukhara

The drive to Bukhara lies across long stretches of the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Visit the Ark Citadel, the 2,000-year-old fortress of Bukhara. Meet the Senior Scientific Advisor of the Ark, responsible for ongoing work. Admire the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, with its 16 different styles of brickwork. Visit a madrassah (a school for Islamic study) to enjoy a performance by local artists. Safiya Boutique Hotel (2B,2L,2D)

Day 8: Bukhara, drive to Samarkand

After visiting the Emir’s Summer Palace, its Museum of National Crafts, and the Mausoleum of Sufi mystic Bakhaudin Nakshbandi, continue on to World Heritage site of Samarkand. Begin touring at the majestic Registan. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Day 12: Tashkent and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Day 13: Bishkek

Drive out to 11th-century Burana Tower, one of the few existing watchtowers on the old Silk Road. Enjoy lunch at a private home in nearby Tokmak village. Attend a demonstration of Kyrgyz horse games, such as Ulak Tartysh, a sort of polo played with a goat carcass. Enjoy a performance of selections from the Epic of Manas, passed down by word of mouth for centuries. Hotel Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 14: Bishkek and Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meet with a resident Kyrgyz individual who participated in the April 7, 2010 revolution, and together visit the Ata-Beiit Memorial Complex. Visit Bishkek’s central square, AlaToo, and the State Museum of Fine Arts. Catch an evening flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Intercontinental Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 15–16: Almaty and Depart for the U.S.

Almaty is the largest city in Central Asia’s most successful country, Kazakhstan. Tour the city and visit a traditional Kazakh falcon farm, where hunters on horseback give an exclusive demonstration of the beautiful hunting birds. Browse the State History Museum, as well as the delightful Museum of Musical Instruments. Toast the journey during a farewell dinner.

Intercontinental Hotel (2B,1L,1D) KAZAKHSTAN

Day 9: Samarkand

Visit Tamerlane’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, and meander through the row of tombs and mausoleums called Shah-i-Zinde. Admire Ulug Bek’s Observatory, built by Tamerlane’s grandson, who created one of the most advanced observatories of the ancient world. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Sarygamysh UZBEKISTAN Lake Dashoguz Red Sands Desert Tashkent Khiva Aydar Lake Bukhara

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Almaty Issyk Kul

KYRGYZSTAN

Penjikent

TURKMENISTAN Samarkand TAJIKISTAN Ashgabat

Day 10: Samarkand, day trip to Penjikent, Tajikistan

Drive over the Uzbek/Tajik border to Penjikent, to visit the site of an archaeological dig at Old Penjikent, founded in the 5th century AD. Tour the remains of Shakristan, two Zoroastrian temples, the citadel, and the houses of wealthy families. Back in Samarkand, enjoy dinner in a private home. Hotel Emir Han (B,L,D)

Bishkek

Overnight Featured Site Air

A nomadic yurt near Kyrgyzstan’s Burana Tower

Motorcoach Train

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Breakfast bar at the InterContinental Almaty

Bukhara courtyard

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Bread baker in Penjikent

Tour Price Price per person based on double occupancy: $7,895 Price per person based on single occupancy: $8,890

Full Terms & Conditions available separately.

MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932. ©2019 MIR Corporation, all rights reserved.

Photos: Ann Schneider, MIR Corporation

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT Wild About Travel LLC / 618.282.6024 / travel@htc.net

Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 23182 Washington, DC 20026

Handmade Kyrgyz felt slippers

April 25–May 10, 2020

To book, contact Wild About Travel LLC at 618.282.6024 or travel@htc.net

Modern bedroom at the Plaza Hotel, Bishkek

The Silk Road: A Journey to Central Asia Turkmenistan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan • Kyrgyzstan • Kazakhstan

The blue Kalta Minor, or “short minaret” in Khiva was left unfinished after the khan died suddenly

Colorful Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty

April 25–May 10, 2020

The Silk Road:

The accommodations on this journey are well located in the heart of their cities, and are as comfortable as possible for the region. They vary from four- and five-star properties to a small boutique hotel decorated in the national style in Bukhara. The elegant five-star Oguzkent welcomes you in Ashgabat, and the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Almaty sends you off when your trip is finished. All the hotels are clean and comfortable, and most include air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Experience six World Heritage Sites

A Journey to Central Asia

Accommodations