Along Central Asia's Silk Road 2026 - Cal Alumni Association

Along Central Asia’s Silk Road 2026

April 20 - May 06, 2026

Length: 17 days

Region(s): Central Asia

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land, Small Group Tours

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

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Highlights

Encounter an exotic mélange of culture and religion, art and architecture, on this tour of Central Asia’s ancient Silk Road connecting East and West.
Get inspired by tales of trade and treasure as you are embraced by the welcoming people of Central Asia.
Discover Kyrgyzstan’s delightful capital, Bishkek, with a panoramic tour of this former Soviet republic’s largest city.
Travel to the village of Burana to see its 11^th-century tower and ancient “balbal” stone statues.
Enjoy lunch in the home of a Kyrgyz family and experience traditional Kyrgyz culture at a yurt-making demonstration.
In Tamgaly Gorge, admire the Tamgaly Petroglyphs that date to the Bronze Age.
Spend a day touring Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, ascending a nearby mountain for panoramic views and attending a falconry demonstration.
Explore Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, home of one of the world’s oldest surviving Qurans as well as vast Chorsu Bazaar.
Tour Khiva’s “inner city,” another UNESCO site, which reveals this Uzbek city’s storied past as a major Silk Road trading post.
Continue on to Kunya Ark citadel and the Hunarmand artisans’ workshop.
In ancient Bukhara, observe silk weavers at work and visit a Sufi miniaturist’s home to learn about his craft and savor a traditional plov
Visit one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Central Asian Muslims: the Memorial Complex of Naqshband, housing the mausoleum of the 14^th-century Sufi theologian.
Join a calligraphy workshop and visit a historic winery for a tour and tasting.
Experience another legendary Silk Road stop, Samarkand, with its vast Registan Square and the magnificent 15^th-century Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
At this cultural crossroads visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, Tamerlane’s tomb, and the Afrasiyab Museum with its ancient artifacts.
Returning to the Uzbek capital, call on the studio of renowned ceramicist Akbar Rakhimov and watch the master at work.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Digital Brochure” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 2

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last 2–4 hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.