Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This Russian Orthodox church was built completely with wood – but without nails.

While in Almaty, we attend a falconry demonstration.

Khazrati Imam Complex, a collection of 16th- to 20th-century mosques in Tashkent's "Old City." Here we see the world’s oldest surviving Islamic holy book, the 8th-century Uthman Quran.

Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Uzbek women pose for a photo in front of the Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan

Carpet weaving is one of Uzbekistan's best-known crafts and is inextricably linked to many of the country's traditional arts.

The beautiful skyline of Khiva

In Khiva, we visit the home of a Sufi miniaturist to learn about his craft.

The massive 5th-century earthen Ark of Bukhara Fortress

At the Narzullaev Ceramics Workshop, potters have used traditional methods of creating ceramics for more than a century. We attend a demonstration while visiting Gijduvan.

One of our tour groups in Registan Square, the once and current heart of the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Gur Emir Mausoleum in Samarkand, the resting place of Tamerlane

Tilework in the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis and temple complex, whose 20-plus buildings date from the 11th to 19th centuries