The best way to understand a region’s story isn’t through its monuments—it’s through its people.
For many travelers, Uzbekistan is known for its Silk Road cities, blue-tiled mosques, and centuries of history. For participants of this year’s American Councils Insider Tour, the country became something more personal.
Over the course of 12 days, the group journeyed from the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand to the vibrant capital of Tashkent. Alongside American Councils’ local staff, travelers explored magnificent mosques and madrasas, wandered UNESCO World Heritage Sites, browsed bustling bazaars, and learned traditional crafts from artisans. They experienced Uzbekistan through its history, music, dance, cuisine, and warm hospitality. Most importantly, they met the people and American Councils alumni whose stories and perspectives brought the country and American Councils’ work to life.
That’s what sets an Insider Tour apart.
Rather than following a standard sightseeing itinerary, Insider Tours are built around American Councils’ long-standing presence in the destination’s region. Designed by our field office staff, each tour draws on decades of local knowledge and trusted relationships to open doors for conversations and experiences that most visitors never have. In Uzbekistan, that included working with Advantour, a local travel agency founded and owned by American Councils alumni, whose guides helped connect the country's historic sites to the culture, stories, and daily life surrounding them.
Each stop offered a different window into Uzbekistan’s history and culture. In Khiva, travelers stepped inside towering city walls where centuries of Silk Road history remain remarkably intact. In Bhukara, they explored the winding streets and historic trading domes of one of Central Asia’s best-preserved medieval cities. In Samarkand, they stood beneath the iconic turquoise domes and intricate mosaics that have made the city a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. In Tashkent, they experienced the capital city where historic landmarks and modern life exist side by side.
Travelers consistently reported that the Insider Tour offered a perspective they couldn't find on a typical vacation.
"The tours provide an opportunity to get a thorough introduction to a country that may not be a typical tourist destination, with a small group whose needs are well considered."
Just as memorable as the places themselves were the people. Travelers met with local artisans and chefs who connected cultural activities and historical events to modern-day Uzbekistan, American Councils staff who shared the organization’s work in the country, exchange alumni who reflected on how their programs shaped their lives and careers, and fellow travelers who quickly became close friends.
"The best part of the trip was the travel group. We bonded by our common connection with American Councils and our interest in international education as a mission," commented one participant. "Meeting with American Councils staff in Tashkent was a highlight of the trip."
That sense of community has continued even after the tour ended. Since returning home, travelers have gathered to enjoy Uzbek cuisine, reconnect with one another, and even cheer on Uzbekistan during its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What began as a shared journey has become a lasting community brought together by a country that continues to inspire them.
Insider Tours reflect the same philosophy that has guided American Councils for more than 50 years: lasting international relationships are built through curiosity, personal connections, and genuine engagement. By introducing travelers to the people and communities behind the places they visit, these tours offer a deeper understanding of the countries where American Councils works and the impact educational exchange has on individuals and communities.
For travelers, the experience left a lasting impression.
"This was one of the best tours I have ever taken, and I have traveled most of my life!"
Looking Ahead: 2027–2028 Insider Tours
In May 2027, the next Insider Tour will explore Central Europe and the Balkans, starting in Warsaw, Poland, and ending in Belgrade, Serbia, with stops in Krakow, Poland, and Budapest, Hungary along the way. This journey explores the region's rich historical legacy, cultural diversity, and modern democratic development.
In September 2027, the Insider Tour will travel to Georgia and Armenia, where participants will discover ancient winemaking traditions, hilltop monasteries, vibrant cities, and remarkable landscapes while gaining perspectives that go beyond the guidebook.
In Spring 2028, an exploration of the Adriatic coast of Montenegro and Albania and Europe's deepest and oldest lake, Ohrid, in North Macedonia will be offered.
As in Uzbekistan, these trips will be shaped by American Councils' decades of experience and partnerships with educators, alumni, and communities. The result is more than an opportunity to visit extraordinary places—it's a chance to experience them through the people who know them best.
We hope you'll join us. Join the mailing list to receive updates.