Along the Golden Road to Samarkand

Along the Golden Road to Samarkand

event 15 September - 29 September 2026 (14 days)

Activity level:  Medium
  • Orange walls of Khiva, with contrasting blue sky background
  • Sitting woman, surrounded by colour material
  • Tall buildings of Bukhara Kaylan square
  • Map showing the places in Uzbekistan
  • Water fountains throwing water into the air, in sunset light in Dushanbe
  • Grand building with roman style columns in central view, with blue dome tops with rolling green hills in the background
  • Overview of the city of istararfshan with snowy mountains, with building intertwined with green trees
A Journey through Central Asia

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of travellers more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. Originally caravanserais on the Golden Trade route across Central Asia, they developed into thriving centres of commerce and culture. Under the ferocious medieval warriors Genghis Khan and then Tamerlane, they assumed inimitable power and splendour. 

Travel through the spectacular Pamir mountains of Tajikistan  and visit Panjikent sometimes referred to as ‘Oriental Pompei’ . Cross into Uzbekistan and visit the legendary city of Samarkand. Explore ‘Divine Bukhara’, a town of hundreds of mosques, madrassas and minarets. In Khiva, experience the timelessness of a central Asia town. 

Please note, this journey is being organised in conjunction with the alumni of the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) University, London

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit the Registan in Samarkand described as the ‘noblest square in the world’.
  • Cross the great Karakum Desert dotted with Spring flowers.
  • Explore Dushanbe with its historic landmarks, set against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Distant Horizons website.

Central Asia tour

Scholars

Chiara de Nicolais
Co-convenor of the Arts of the Islamic World, SOAS Alpawood Post Graduate Diploma in Asian Art
Price details 

£3,270 per person, excluding international flights.

Single supplement is £490.

Tour type:  Land
Theme:  History and Culture
Tour operator
Address: 13 Melloncroft Drive, Caldy, Wirral CH48 2JA
Telephone: +44 (0) 151 625 3425