Explore the fabled Silk Road as you journey through Central Asia’s Five ’Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

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Starting at: $7,495 Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542

Facade detail of the Sher Dor Madrassah, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Dried fruit and spices at Siab Bazaar near Bibi-Khanum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Statue of Magtymguly, Independence Monument, Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan

The Silk Road: A Journey to Central Asia

Featuring the Five “Stans” of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan

16 days from $7,495

Explore the fabled Silk Road as you journey through Central Asia’s Five ’Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

departure passengers

or Call 855-330-1542

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

I would recommend Smithsonian Tours to anyone, from the novice to the most experienced traveler. Single travelers will certainly feel at home as well. I feel sure I will travel with Smithsonian again.

- Rosalee C.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Sep 30 - Oct 15, 2017 Departure

Ken Hammond is a historian with expertise in Asia and the cultural and intellectual history of China. As a professor at New Mexico State University, he also teaches courses on the history of Central Asia and the Silk Road and has taught at the China Studies Program in Beijing. Ken has a breadth and depth of knowledge as reflected in his 36-lecture series for “The Great Courses,” entitled From Yao to Mao: 5000 Years of Chinese History.

Ken also focuses on global and comparative history and is interested in urban history and cartography. He has published many articles on a wide range of subjects, including Chinese intellectual and political history and Chinese gardens. He received his Masters and Ph.D. from Harvard University in history and East Asian languages and has been a research scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing and at the International Institute for Asian Studies in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Apr 21 - May 6, 2018 Departure; Sep 1 - 16, 2018 Departure

Hugh Neighbour

Hugh Neighbour brings many years of experience as a diplomat for the U.S. and an officer in the U.S. Navy, mostly working overseas. Specialized in political and economic affairs, he was posted in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Hugh was awarded the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award as well as a number of Department of State awards for distinguished service.

Since retiring from the U.S. State Department in 2010, Hugh has worked as a consultant in both Washington and overseas, served as an official observer for several elections overseas, and lectured aboard high-end cruise ships. Several times a year, Hugh directs a course in advanced foreign area studies to select groups in the Washington region. Hugh will offer a fresh, up-to-date perspective on the history, culture, and current affairs of the fascinating peoples and places you will visit.