Traveling the ancient Silk Road connecting East and West, encounter a mélange of culture and religion, art and architecture.  On this exciting 17-day small group journey, relish the exotic – embracing the humanity shared with the welcoming people of Central Asia.  Discover the showpiece Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, and explore the UNESCO archaeological sites of Nisa and Kunya-Urgench.  A tour of Khiva’s “inner city,” another UNESCO site, uncovers this Uzbek city’s storied past.  In ancient Buhkara, watch silk weavers at work and enjoy a traditional meal in a Sufi miniaturi