A Journey through the Silk and Spice Road and the many Narratives of Uzbekistan

Global Leader in Socially Conscious Travel.

Tour Dates:

Main Tour: $3,500 per person (double room), $4,200 per person (single room)

Main Tour: $3,500 per person (double room), $4,200 per person (single room)

Main Tour: $3,650 per person (double room), $4,430 per person (single room)

Main Tour: $3,650 per person (double room), $4,430 per person (single room)

TOUR ITINERARY
BOOK NOW

If the scheduled tour dates don’t work for you, reach out to us about planning a private tour—we’re happy to help you create a customized experience for any group size!

PRIVATE TOUR REQUEST

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Uzbekistan, discovering its rich cultural heritage and historical wonders. You will be introduced to multiple narrative intersections driven by the region’s rich history as one of the great centers of the Silk and Spice Roads where intellectuals of Sunni and Shia Islam came together for centuries and have alternately clashed and embraced each other, as well as the famous Jews of Bokhara, and the complex influences of the Kremlin to the north. Explore stunning UNESCO-listed ancient sites featuring well-preserved madrasas, vibrant bazaars, finely woven carpets, and delectable Central Asian cuisine. Delve into medieval Islamic architecture, participate in a cooking class, and learn about Jewish and Islamic heritage.

“MEJDI Exclusive” Socially Conscious Experiences:
Our socially conscious tours focus on the people and stories that define each destination, creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities. With immersive itineraries, you don’t just visit new places—you become part of them. This human-centered approach is what sets MEJDI apart.
Hear an expert Uzbek speakers explain the country’s independence post-Soviet period and current issues
Enjoy a local cooking class, visit spice markets and traditional tea houses
Here from a Jewish community member and have dinner at a local home to hear about religious communities living in the area today / historically
Visit UNESCO-Heritage sites and meet with a Sufi Imam to dive deep into the Sufism traditions and costumes.
Visit the home of a local artist and enjoy a live music and dance performance
TRIP INCLUDES
9 nights’ accommodation at the following hotels (double occupancy), or similar hotel as necessary: The Shahar, Tashkent Polvon Qoriy Boutique Hotel, Khiva Labi Rud Hotel Premium, Bukhara L'Argamak, Samarkand
1 Local English Speaking Guide for 10 days
2 MEJDI-Expert Tour Leaders for 10 days
9 days of private bus transportation, including 2 one-way train tickets (Bukhara-Samarkand & Samarkand-Tashkent)
1 One-way domestic flight Tashkent-Khiva
Meals listed in the itinerary
Entrances, sites, and honorariums for speakers
Water on bus throughout tour
Customary tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff
Dedicated pre-trip customer service and on-ground support

Per person

$3,500

Interested but not ready to deposit? Click the “Request Info” we can keep you updated on the tour status.
Request Info
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
International airfare
Travel Insurance-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Individual airport transfers outside of the group transfers
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the included section
TOUR ITINERARY
Before you Register​

Read through the Terms and Conditions.

These tours are guaranteed departures, and flight booking guidance will be provided once you register.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. Click here for more information on recommended policies and purchasing timeframes:

Travel Insurance Information

Tour Registration

Click to see all available tour dates. Select your preferred tour date to complete the registration process and pay the deposit.

TOUR DATES & BOOK NOW
About Your Group Leader

Dr. Randall McNamara

Dr. Randall McNamara is an educator, chef, and author specializing in culinary history, identity, and culture. He recently served as board chair of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Trained as a Sovietologist and historian, Randall worked in Moscow for seven years with _TIME Magazine_. He witnessed first-hand the fall of the Berlin Wall, the demise of the Soviet Union, and the student occupation of Tiananmen Square. His extensive travels along the Silk Road led to cooking and living in Central Asia. Chef McNamara studied the culinary arts in China, Italy, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the US, and has authored several articles and books on Central Asian cuisine. Additionally, Randall trained in hand-pulled noodles in China, prepared festive pilaf for hundreds at an Uzbek wedding, and explored tandoor cookery from China to Türkiye.

Gallery

All the trips we take are educational and geared towards cultural immersion, and that’s true of MEJDI. But none are so first hand and intentionally personal as the MEJDI tour guides are.

You come away hopeful because the tour guides can have such different backgrounds and experiences and opinions and still respect each other, And, they introduce you to groups that are working to spread that throughout the world.

Kim

Happy Customer

MEJDI was one of the first global tour companies to earn B Corp Certification back in 2014, long before B Corp became widely recognized beyond sustainability circles. For us, this certification is a transparent way to demonstrate that we stand by our values: we ensure local vendors are paid fair wages, prioritize small, locally-owned businesses, and treat our partners and staff with dignity and respect. This deep commitment to social change drives MEJDI’s mission: “We exist to create a more peaceful and interconnected world through travel.”