Carolina Alumni Travel
Silk Road by Private Jet
Oct. 23 - Nov. 8, 2026
Additional trip details and brochure.
- Overview
- Itinerary and Map
- Pricing Details
- Physical Needs
- Conditions
- Resources
Retrace the footsteps of ancient traders on an exclusive private jet journey of the legendary Silk Road, where East and West converged for centuries through trade, culture and discovery. This meticulously curated tour takes you to vibrant cities, remote landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage treasures that once welcomed merchants, scholars and explorers from across the globe. At each destination, delve into centuries-old traditions, witness master artisans at work and experience the enduring legacy of one of history’s greatest trade routes.
– Discover Venice’s rich artisanal heritage with exclusive visits to Tessitura Bevilacqua, where intricate textiles are woven on centuries-old looms, and Atelier Nicolao, renowned for its exquisite handcrafted costumes that bring the city’s history to life.
– Witness a spellbinding 3D sound and light show in Samarkand's majestic Registan Square—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—followed by a private dinner and dance show.
– Explore the rich history of Bukhara including the iconic Ark Citadel, a fortress of ancient power.
– Settle into Georgia's Tbilisi Caravanserai—once a bustling trading hub and resting point along the Silk Road—for an exclusive sommelier-led wine tasting. Georgia is considered the oldest winemaking country in the world, as confirmed by advanced DNA analysis of archaeological finds including the region’s earliest wild grapevine remnants.
– Embark on a private yacht for a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait separating Asia and Europe.
– Experience Istanbul’s grandeur with visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, followed by an unforgettable Whirling Dervish performance and private cocktail celebration in an underground cistern.
– Discover Venice’s rich artisanal heritage with exclusive visits to Tessitura Bevilacqua, where intricate textiles are woven on centuries-old looms, and Atelier Nicolao, renowned for its exquisite handcrafted costumes that bring the city’s history to life.
– Witness a spellbinding 3D sound and light show in Samarkand's majestic Registan Square—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—followed by a private dinner and dance show.
– Explore the rich history of Bukhara including the iconic Ark Citadel, a fortress of ancient power.
– Settle into Georgia's Tbilisi Caravanserai—once a bustling trading hub and resting point along the Silk Road—for an exclusive sommelier-led wine tasting. Georgia is considered the oldest winemaking country in the world, as confirmed by advanced DNA analysis of archaeological finds including the region’s earliest wild grapevine remnants.
– Embark on a private yacht for a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait separating Asia and Europe.
– Experience Istanbul’s grandeur with visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, followed by an unforgettable Whirling Dervish performance and private cocktail celebration in an underground cistern.
Day 1 - Depart U.S.
Day 2 - London, England
Day 3 - London | Fly to Venice, Italy
Day 4 - Venice
Day 5 - Venice | Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 6 - Almaty
Day 7 - Almaty | Fly to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 8 - Samarkand
Day 9 - Samarkand | Fly to Bukhara
Day 10 - Bukhara
Day 11 - Bukhara | Fly to Tbilisi, Georgia
Day 12 - Tbilisi
Day 13 - Tbilisi | Fly to Istanbul, Turkey
Day 14 - 15 - Istanbul
Day 16- Istanbul | Fly to London, England
Day 16 - London | Depart for U.S.
Day 2 - London, England
Day 3 - London | Fly to Venice, Italy
Day 4 - Venice
Day 5 - Venice | Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 6 - Almaty
Day 7 - Almaty | Fly to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 8 - Samarkand
Day 9 - Samarkand | Fly to Bukhara
Day 10 - Bukhara
Day 11 - Bukhara | Fly to Tbilisi, Georgia
Day 12 - Tbilisi
Day 13 - Tbilisi | Fly to Istanbul, Turkey
Day 14 - 15 - Istanbul
Day 16- Istanbul | Fly to London, England
Day 16 - London | Depart for U.S.
Base Price: from $69,995
- Single pricing upon request. Space is limited.
- Airfare included
Inclusions:
- 15 nights accommodations at deluxe hotes
- Airfare for 7 flights aboard the private aircraft
- Special welcome reception; 15 breakfasts; 14 lunches; 14 dinners including farewell dinner
- 21 expert-led excursions
- Full guiding services of Orbridge Expedition Leaders
- Expertise and insights from a Silk Road scholar throughout the tour
- All excursion transportation and entry fees
- All gratuities
- $100,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons
- See cobranded website for additional details and brochure.
Below are physical expectations required to fully enjoy the journey. We, and the tour operator, are happy to discuss the physical needs of this trip to ensure the best fit. Should you reserve space, be sure to share with the tour operator physical accommodations you may need i.e. cpap machine, hearing aid for listening device, special medicine, etc.
- Rated: Level 3: Moderate
- Tour days may be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel
- Guest should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing such as on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excusrions. Some walking may be on uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails.
- Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening.
- Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance and elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited
- Tar Heel Travel is a member exclusive perk.
- There must be one Carolina Alumni member in a room. Membership is open to anyone. Learn more.
- By reserving on this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions specific to this tour which are set by the tour operator. This information can be found in the tour brochure.
- The Carolina Alumni Travel Office and tour operator reserve the right to to decline or accept a reservation should a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants. Refunds will be made in accordance with the cancellation policy listed in the tour brochure.