Trace the ancient Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia, where sweeping landscapes and centuries-old traditions collide in breathtaking fashion. Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discovering a region where nomadic heritage still shapes everyday life. Share home-cooked meals with Kyrgyz and Cossack families, explore surreal wonders like the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and connect with locals whose stories bring the past vividly to life. With National Geographic Journeys, you’ll experience this remote crossroads of cultures through immersive encounters, expert insight and unforgettable moments that reveal the true spirit of the Silk Road.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Trace the footsteps of traders, poets, and pilgrims along one of the most storied routes in history — the Silk Road. This immersive journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reveals ancient cities, towering mosques, and lively bazaars where cultures once converged. Explore the remarkable ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Parthian capital. In Khiva, walk through perfectly preserved streets that feel frozen in time. Along the way, connect with welcoming locals, uncover enduring traditions, and gain deeper insight into the spiritual and cultural diversity that shaped these crossroads of civilization.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey through South Korea’s vibrant contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge cities and serene islands. Start in Seoul, a buzzing metropolis where centuries-old palaces stand in the shadows of glass towers. Step back in time to Gyeongju's hanok villages, then soak up the coastal beauty and laid-back charm of Busan. Fly to Jeju Island for a deeper look into Korea’s natural wonders and cultural resilience. Meet the legendary haenyeo — elder women who free dive for seafood using techniques passed down through generations — and savour the ocean’s bounty they bring to shore. Along the way, roll up your sleeves for a kimchi-making experience, wander a UNESCO folk village, and take in South Korea’s rich heritage from every angle.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
China’s past and present contrasts are as epic as its landscapes—and this 10-day journey captures the best of both. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park, you’ll explore a country where modern energy meets ancient beauty. Ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator and float through the dreamy karst mountains of the Li River. In Chengdu, go behind the scenes at a giant panda research centre and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these beloved animals. End in vibrant Hong Kong and reflect on the unforgettable moments and experiences that connect you to the heart of China.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Set off on an immersive adventure through the many faces of China — from ancient marvels and jaw-dropping landscapes to futuristic cities pulsing with energy. Wander through the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing, then step back in time to witness the mysterious Terracotta Warriors and raise a toast on the Great Wall. Try your hand at Tai Chi and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Come face-to-face with China’s beloved panda at a national conservation centre. With epic food, big cities, wild nature, and culture everywhere you turn, this is the China journey you’ve been waiting for.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Step into the epic story of China — a land where dynasties once ruled and the future is already here. Start in Beijing with a peaceful morning of Tai Chi led by a local master, then hike a quiet stretch of the Great Wall where history stretches endlessly into the hills. Travel to Xi’An to lock eyes with the legendary Terracotta Warriors and wander the winding alleys of the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Then it’s off to Shanghai, a glittering city of lights and innovation, where tradition and technology meet. With expert guides at every step, you’ll uncover the many layers of this captivating country on an immersive journey through China’s past, present, and future.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey through Jordan on an eight-day Premium walking and hiking adventure through ancient cities and desert terrains with a knowledgeable local leader by your side. Watch the sunset over the Dead Sea, hike the trails of Wadi Shueib and the Dana Biosphere Reserve and enter Petra via the scenic ‘Back Door’ trail, originally an ancient trading route once used by the Nabataeans. Learn about Jordan’s ancient cities, rock-carved tombs and monasteries. Hike past the iconic Monastery (Ed-Deir) and Treasury (Al-Khaneh) in Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), spend a night in a deluxe Bedouin desert camp in Wadi Rum and wander through Jerash – once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amman, Dead Sea, Dana Nature Res
Amman, Dead Sea, Dana Nature Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum
Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 18-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at the glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of an Uzbek village. Visit Sharyn Canyon, Skazka Canyon and Jety Oguz Valley and take hikes to soak up the scenery. Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp alongside the massive alpine lake of Issyk Kul. See the monuments, learn the histories and dive into the local cultures of main cities like Bishkek and Almaty. Visit a family-owned winery for a tasting, head to a small local village for a traditional lunch and enjoy a masterclass of local cuisine from a Dungan family. With all this and more, what’s holding you back from your next adventure?
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers