Echoes of Empires: Five Stans Expedition, 19d

Nineteen days across five countries, tracing the old Silk Road from the mountains of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan through the desert cities of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It is a big loop of borders, bazaars and ancient ruins, built for travellers who want breadth over lingering in one place.

Expect a mix of striking cities — Almaty, Ashgabat, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva — and open landscapes, from the canyons of Kazakhstan to the alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan. Along the way there's time in yurts, encounters with nomadic falconers, and wandering through markets that still trade in spice and silk.

This is a guided but personalised trip, suited to families and groups who want the region's history explained rather than pieced together alone, without losing the sense of adventure that comes with covering five countries in one go.

What you'll do

• Explore the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
• Hike or walk through Charyn Canyon and Kyrgyzstan's alpine lakes
• Sleep in a yurt under open skies
• Meet nomadic falconers and see traditional hunting skills
• Wander the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Browse bazaars trading spices, silks and local crafts