Dates: Anticipated October 8-18, 2027 (with optional Istanbul extension)
Faculty Tour Leader: Dr. Todd Johnson
Cost: $1950* (not including airfare)
Explore the mystique of the ancient Silk Road! For many centuries, this historic trade route made it possible for travelers to discover the arts, crafts, spices, and worldviews of those very different from themselves. This learning tour will bring you into personal contact with most of the major world religions as you encounter the music, cuisine, visual arts, and history of the various cultures we visit. You’ll spend time with local people sharing meals and stories, and even learn to cook an Uzbek meal. Expect to broaden your understanding of both world and Christian history and discover how many of the things we take for granted today actually originated in Central Asia.
About the Tour:
We’ll begin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan near several of the most important trade centers in world history. Our second stop is Samarkand, where we will tour the picturesque Registan, see stunning tiles from 10 different centuries at Shah-al-Zinda, and tour the Afro-Siyab museum to marvel at centuries-old mosaics and artifacts from various religions, including Christianity.
The next stop is Bukhara (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where we will dine at a 2,500 year-old central plaza, walk through the Ark where kings ruled in past centuries, and tour one of the main centers of Sufi Islam. Finally, far into the desert, the walled city of Khiva awaits us where we will see palaces, grand towers, mosques, and tea shops that have been operating for centuries. We will then return to Tashkent and visit one of the largest markets in Central Asia.
As a bonus, on the way home** you’ll experience an enchanting day in Istanbul, Turkey, to visit ancient Silk Road sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. You can also choose to spend three nights in Istanbul, adding the time needed to visit St. Irene (one of oldest churches there) and Topkapi Palace, take a boat ride on the Bosphorous, climb Galata Tower for stunning views, and shop at world-famous bazaars. The additional cost for this extension TBD in early 2027. Don’t miss this opportunity to encounter the crossroads of East and West in one of the world’s most famous and historically significant cities.
About the Leader:
This unique learning tour is being led by Dr. Todd Johnson, a leading authority on global Christianity and world religions. Dr. Johnson’s exhaustive research recently culminated in the widely-acclaimed . His ongoing research is regularly cited in major media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and The Washington Post. Dr. Johnson regularly leads a full seminary course in these locations, so you’ll have a rare opportunity to learn from him on site and to share informal conversations with him around steaming mugs of green tea and Uzbek flatbread.
* Notes about the cost:
– There may be minor adjustments to the cost based on the final number of participants.
– All ground travel, hotels, food, and entrance fees are included. Cost is for double-occupancy en-suite rooms. Single-occupancy is available for an additional fee.
– Flights are not included and participants are responsible to purchase their own tickets. More information about flights will be provided after application.
**Dependent on your flight schedule. Flights on Turkish Air, the most common carrier from the US, will allow for a final day in Istanbul as part of the main tour. More info will be provided after application.
