The Silk Road by Private Jet

Arrive in Istanbul and check-in to your hotel, a former Ottoman palace, on the shores of the Bosphorus. Meet up with your National Geographic Experts and fellow Guests for a welcome reception and dinner. The following day, choose from a variety of activities to begin your journey along the Silk Road. Browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, a crucial trading center on the Silk Road, bridging commerce from Europe and the Far East. Marvel at the grandeur of Topkopi Palace and the picturesque elegance of the Blue Mosque. Explore the iconic Hagia Sofia or venture off the beaten path on an excursion to the Asian shore of Istanbul.

Begin the day with a flight to Yerevan. After you check in at your hotel, take a tour of Armenia’s bustling capital that offers dramatic views created by the surrounding mountains. See the city’s stunning architecture, featuring the Cascade Complex—with its massive stairs and fountains made of travertine stone—which connects the city center to Victory Park. Explore the history and heritage of this important location along the Silk Road. Visit the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, which is dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide during WWI. Or learn about the country’s world-renowned brandy on a visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory. Take a day trip outside of the city to visit religious sites, including the UNESCO-recognized Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple. Later, join your fellow Guests for a bread-making ceremony accompanied by traditional Armenian folk music and dancing.

Your journey continues in Bukhara, once a prominent stop along the Silk Road which is evidenced by the many mosques, madrassas and bazaars that were built here from the wealth of the silk trade. Explore the Arc Fortress—the former home to the country’s rulers—where you’ll tour the remains of the reception and coronation court, the throne room and the court mosque. Following your visit, head to the hotel before the evening’s dinner. Begin your second day in Bukhara with a guided tour of the city, stopping to see the Lyabi Hauz Complex, trade domes and the Kalon Mosque and Minaret. Then visit a puppet master workshop and a local tea house. After lunch, choose an afternoon activity from options that include a Suzane embroidery workshop and a carpet making demonstration. Or visit a local synagogue and spend time discussing Bukhara’s Jewish population with a local rabbi.

Arrive in Almaty—a trading center that dates back to the time of the Silk Road and continues to honor that tradition. Check in to your hotel located at the foot of Kazakhstan’s stunning Alatau Mountains, then enjoy a delicious dinner where you will be entertained by a Kazakh folk group. Begin your next day in Almaty with a choice of optional tours that include a visit to Kasteyev State Museum of Arts or a tour of the Qazaq Oner Art Center with a Felt Master Class. Other options available are a visit to a Kazakh musical instrument maker and a tour of Panfilov Park and the Museum of Musical Instruments. Following lunch, walk along Arbat Street, Almaty’s main shopping area that features a diverse selection of shops and local handicrafts. Then, enjoy a private visit to the Central State Museum before dinner.

Arrive in Dunhuang, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert. This city, which was once a frontier garrison, is now the protector of natural and man-made wonders. Get a sense of the region’s history on a visit to the Dunhuang Museum, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts and examples of an array of goods that traveled through this hub of the ancient Silk Road. The following morning, set out and explore the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known as the largest treasure trove of Buddhist art. The caves have housed murals, monks, emperors, artists and merchants for over 1,000 years. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing foot massage or learn how to replicate frescoes like the ones inside of the Mogao Caves in a private painting class. Visit Dunhuang’s night market, where you’ll sample regional delicacies and browse local handicrafts.

Fly to Da Nang and drive to Hoi An, an enchanting port city that offers a glimpse into a bygone era when traders from Japan, China, India, and beyond frequented the harbor. The narrow lanes of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town look much as they have for centuries: lined by merchant houses, strung with silk lanterns and free of modern vehicles. Settle into your beachside resort, then set out to explore the area. Explore Hoi An on foot, walking through narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and meet local artisans. Optional tours include a visit to Da Nang including Marble Mountain and Linh Ung pagoda or a bike ride through rice paddies to local villages where you’ll meet farmers who still use traditional methods in their work. You can also opt to travel to Hue, a former imperial capital that sat in the crossfire of the north and south during the Vietnam War. You may also choose to stroll through the delightfully chaotic market or learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes at a cooking class.

Travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan as well as the gateway to the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. Take a tour of the city where you’ll see many of its popular monuments, including Ala-Too Square, the Kyrgyz National Opera and the Osh Bazaar, one of the area’s largest open-air markets. The next day, delve into the culture of this wonderful region as you visit Burana Tower, the last remaining structure of the ancient Sogdian city of Balasagun. While there, you’ll witness a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration. You will also get a look at popular sports as you watch experts participate in local equestrian games like kyz kumai —an entertaining game with male and female jockeys. Then, take part in one of several workshops that include creating regional cuisine, watching traditional dancers or learning how to make felt carpets.

Upon arrival in Baku, have lunch before enjoying a performance of traditional music by an Azerbaijan Mugham trio, as well as a dance performance. Following the performance, check in to your hotel amid the modern city skyline. The next day, take an architectural tour where you’ll see the ancient and modern architecture that makes up Azerbaijan. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town district to see the Shirvan Shah Palace, Maiden Tower and other ancient sites. You’ll also see modern marvels that include the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and the Flame Towers—the tallest skyscraper in Baku. Or you can visit Villa Petrolea Nobel Brothers Museum, the house of the Nobel brothers who established the Nobel Prize.

Fly to Istanbul and connect with your commercial flight home the same day.