AFGHANISTAN…THE LAND OF THE TURQUOISE & LAPIS
April 28 - May 14, 2026
Led by Professor Miklos Sarkozy, Historian, and Associate Professor of Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies at the Karoli University of Budapest, Hungary
Located at the crossroads of China and Mediterranean Europe, Afghanistan is rich in culture and history. It is a melting pot of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. With its rich past and recent events, it still preserves various architecture, paintings, music, poetry, art, and relics of bygone civilizations. From ancient cities to spectacular nature and some of the highest mountains in the world, it remains unpredictable and continues to amaze visitors.
Afghanistan is home to some incredible treasures bound to leave you in awe. This journey will take you from bustling Kabul to the foothills of the Hindu Kush. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great as you explore the country’s safest areas in the northern regions. Visit the fabulous city of Herat, which was once a great medieval center for Islamic learning and culture. Marvel at the legendary mountain caves of Bamyan and the spectacular lakes of Band-e-Amir. Join us to tour the historical town of Mazar-i-Sharif, famous for its blue-tiled mosque, and Balkh, the nearby ancient caravan town.
Can be combined with South Pakistan tour (April 14 - April 28, 2026) AND
Minaret of Jam Extension (May 14 - May 19, 2026)
Tour Cost (Land Only):
6-7 travelers $9,995.00
7-10 travelers $9,495.00
11-14 travelers $8,495.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $1,295.00
Price based on group size of minimum 6 participants and maximum 14 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/airport transfers.
Accommodation at hotels as per the itinerary (based on 3-4-star categories or best available in all cities outside of Kabul).
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Escort of lecturer throughout the trip (provided the minimum number of travelers is reached).
Sightseeing in each city as per the itinerary.
Services of English-speaking guides.
Armed security (when and if needed).
All domestic flights within the country.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and museums.
Bottled water on the bus during touring days.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA-Islamabad / Kabul -USA.
Afghani visa (Obtainable in Peshawar - approx. $160 - subject to change).
Beverages, with or without meals and meals not mentioned.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees at Afghan sites, laundry, emails, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or early arrival.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions will be cold in the north and warm in the south. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road, and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
LODGING Level:
** Delightful: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but always with private facilities. Some breakfasts are simple and basic, but all hotels should have “working” A/C though not very reliable. (Average classification if you dare to compare to western style hotels is about 2 or 3 stars.
