Uncover the wonders of Central Asia, home to the great steppes, magical deserts and spectacular mountain ranges, and explore the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Penjikent.

At a Glance

  • Marvel at the mosques and wide squares of Samarkand, the ancient capital of Sogdiana
  • Explore the streets of Dushanbe, a landscape of Soviet modernism and now the capital of Tajikistan
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the settlement of Old Penjikent and Sarazm, the oldest city in Central Asia
  • Wander the bazaars of Penjikent, a vibrant town touched by the history of ancient Persia and Sogdiana

Experience the intriguing blend of ancient roots and Soviet history in two vibrant countries of today’s Central Asia. Explore Uzbekistan’s Persian heritage, including the exquisite Sogdian murals of Afrasiab in Timurid Golden Samarkand, and marvel at the dazzling tiled mosques in the romantic city of Bukhara. Visit the town of Rishtan, one of the oldest centres of ceramics in Uzbekistan, renowned for its blue glaze Ishkor ceramics.

In Tajikistan, discover the mesmerising blue dome of the capital’s Kök Gumbaz mosque, a rare example of Timurid architecture, and explore the ancient ruins of Penjikent, where Sogdian frescoes and Zoroastrian temples reveal the richness of the country’s pre-Islamic past.

Please click ‘Register Interest’ to receive further information when more details are available.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

Dates

September 2026 (15 days)

Tour leader

Stefano Carboni

Tour Status

On request

More Details

Tour code: AG2614

Fitness level: Challenging
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions here.

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