Grinnellian Adventures: Uzbekistan, Along the Silk Road
April 16–25, 2027
Travel to the heart of Central Asia on this immersive, faculty led journey through Uzbekistan, a country where ancient Silk Road history and contemporary global change intersect.
Led by Professor Danielle Lussier, a scholar of religion, politics, and post Soviet transformations, this all inclusive program offers unparalleled access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant modern cities, and centuries old centers of learning. Drawing on her 15 years of teaching Islam and Politics at Grinnell, Lussier brings deep context to experiences such as visiting the Khast Imam Complex, home to the world’s oldest Qur’an, and exploring historic Bukhara, one of the great intellectual capitals of the Islamic world.
From the architectural splendor of Samarkand to the dynamic energy of modern Tashkent, this journey places travelers at the physical and metaphorical crossroads of Eurasia: past, present, and future. With John Shors Travel’s all inclusive approach and high level of service, logistics are handled seamlessly, allowing you to focus fully on learning, connection, and discovery.
Highlights
- Silk Road UNESCO treasures
Explore legendary landmarks including Registan Square, Shah i Zinda, the Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the historic old city of Bukhara
- Rare cultural and religious access
Visit the Khast Imam Complex to see the oldest known Qur’an in the world
- Ancient cities, living cultures
Discover Bukhara, inhabited for more than 5,000 years and long a renowned center of Islamic learning, architecture, and scholarship
- Contemporary Central Asia
Experience modern Tashkent, the largest city in Central Asia, offering insight into Uzbekistan’s post Soviet transformation and evolving global role
- Rich, hands-on experiences
Enjoy traditional music and dance, a pottery demonstration, a hands-on cooking class, a visit to a historic paper mill, vibrant bazaars, and meals at some of Uzbekistan’s finest restaurants
- All inclusive comfort and service
Enjoy thoughtfully selected hotels, expert local guides, enriching cultural experiences, and the hallmark high touch service John Shors Travel is known for, allowing you to focus fully on learning, discovery, and connection
This tour puts us in the physical and metaphorical crossroads of Eurasia. In the heart of Central Asia, contemporary Uzbekistan incorporates the territory of ancient Silk Road trade routes, renown as a conduit of technological and cultural contact and exchange between Asia and southern Europe. In 2026, Uzbekistan finds itself again at the intersection of emerging economic, technological, cultural and geopolitical change that will influence global encounters for years to come. – Danielle Lussier
Faculty Leader
Danielle Lussier
Professor of Political Science, European Studies, Russian, Central European, and Eurasian Studies
Danielle Lussier’s research focuses on democratization, political participation, and religion and politics, with geographic expertise on post-communist Eurasia and Indonesia.
She is the author of Constraining Elites in Russia and Indonesia: Political Participation and Regime Survival (Cambridge University Press, 2016) and co-author (with Mohammed Ayoob, Michigan State University) of The Many Faces of Political Islam Second Edition (University of Michigan Press, 2020). Her scholarship has been published in Journal of Democracy, Politics & Religion, Problems of Post-Communism, Post-Soviet Affairs, and Slavic Review, as well as in several edited volumes.
Lussier teaches courses on Russian politics, democratization and regime change, Islam and politics, and comparative politics. Lussier also actively participates in the Russian, Central European, and Eurasian Studies fields.
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Itinerary — July 7–17, 2026
An indepth version of the itinerary is availible on the John Shors trip page.
Day 1: Friday
- Arrive at Tashkent International Airport
- Check in at InterContinental Tashkent
- Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Saturday
- Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel
- Begin our tour of Tashkent
- Visit Khast Imam complex
- Tour of Chorsu Bazaar
- Amir Temur Square
- Return to the hotel for free time
Day 3: Sunday
- Check out from the hotel
- Depart for Tashkent train station
- Depart on high-speed train, bound for Samarkand
- Visit Registan Square
- Explore the Gur Amir Museum
- Check in at hotel in Samarkand
Day 4: Monday
- Visit Shah-i-Zinda
- Explore this unique complex of mausoleums
- Depart for Konigil Meros Paper Mill
- Stop at Art Gallery Happy Bird
- Return to the hotel and enjoy free time
- Depart for the El Merosi Theater
Day 5: Tuesday
- Check out from the hotel
- Depart for Bukhara
- Stop at Gijduvan
- Guests will have an opportunity to purchase finished pottery
- Arrive in Bukhara
- Check in at hotel in Bukhara
Day 6: Wednesday
- Tour of the ancient city
- Travel to the Bukhara Bazaar
- Tour of The Ark Fortress
- Return to the hotel for free time
Day 7: Thursday
- Depart for a cooking class at the National House
- Visit Chor-Bakr Necropolis
- Enjoy more exploring of the ancient city
- Return to the hotel for free time
Day 8: Friday
- Enjoy free time to explore, shop, etc.
- Check out from the hotel
- Enjoy free time at Lyabi-Hauz Square
- Depart for Bukhara train station
- High-speed train to Tashkent
- Check in at Radisson BLU Hotel, Tashkent
Day 9: Saturday
- Morning Cultural Experience
- Explore Tashkent City
- Optional Metro Ride
- Return to our hotel
Day 10: Sunday
- Check out from the hotel
- Travel to Airport to return home
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Pricing
- $8,995 per person, based on double occupancy
- $10,695 per person, based on single occupancy
This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, mini bar, etc.
Price Includes
- Grinnell College faculty leader Professor Danielle Lussier, an expert tour manager, and local guides.
- Accommodations at high-end hotels
- All transportation within Uzbekistan, including train tickets, and private airport transfer for arrival and departure
- Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
- Fees (museums, tours, guides, etc.)
- Excursions (traditional dancing show, pottery demonstration, etc.)
- All gratuities for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, and waitstaff
Price does not include
- Airfare to and from Tashkent
- Alcoholic drinks
- Activities during free times
- Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, internet and phone charges, laundry, etc.
- Expenses incurred if guest decides to arrive early for the tour, or stay after the tour concludes
Additional Notes
Exact tour details may differ slightly from what is listed, depending on recommendations from local guides, as restaurants close, streets are refurbished, etc.
Hotels may change, but will be in the same class as noted.
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FAQ
Who is invited to join this trip?
All Grinnellians are warmly invited! A Grinnellian can be an alum, a family member of an alum, and/or anyone who supports the College. We also welcome your guests - they do not need to be alums.
What can I expect on the trip?
This will be a richly engaging and immersive journey that combines deep cultural learning with thoughtful exploration and ease of travel. Guided by Professor Danielle Lussier and traveling alongside fellow Grinnellians, you’ll experience Uzbekistan at the crossroads of ancient Silk Road history and contemporary global change.
Expect a balance of scholarly context and first hand discovery as you visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic centers of Islamic learning, and vibrant modern cities. With Professor Lussier’s expertise in religion, politics, and post Soviet transformations, everyday experiences—walking through Samarkand’s Registan Square, exploring Bukhara’s old city, or visiting the Khast Imam Complex—become opportunities to reflect on how history, belief, power, and culture continue to shape the region today.
The itinerary is thoughtfully paced, offering time for conversation, reflection, and shared insight, alongside hands on cultural encounters such as traditional music and dance, artisan demonstrations, local cuisine, and bustling bazaars. With John Shors Travel’s all inclusive approach and high level of service, logistics are handled seamlessly, allowing you to focus fully on learning, connection, and discovery.
This trip is designed to rekindle your Grinnellian curiosity, expand your global perspective, and provide a meaningful, memorable experience at one of the world’s great cultural and geopolitical crossroads.
What are the physical requirements?
Please ensure that your are physically and mentally fit to travel unassisted. This includes being able to:
- Walk two or more miles per day, including on uneven services
- Go up and down steps and inclines
- Stand for periods of time
- Carry personal bags and luggage independently
What weather should I expect during this trip?
April is one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan, offering pleasant, mild-to-warm weather. Daytime temperatures generally range from 68 to 82 F, though nights can still be cool. There is always a small chance of pop-up showers, so participants should be prepared.
Who is organizing and supporting this trip?
Grinnell College has contracted John Shors Travel to provide expert organization and support for this adventure. A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will also travel with the group to assist guests and the faculty leader throughout the journey.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is optional but recommended as with any travel adventure. You may purchase coverage through the provider of your choice.
May I bring a guest?
Yes! Grinnellians are welcome to bring guests. Your guests does not need to be an alum.
What if I need assistance during the trip?
A Grinnell College staff member will be on the trip to provide support to guests and our faculty leaders. You will always have someone to turn to if you need assistance at any point.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633.
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