We’ll spend this full day in Kabul immersing ourselves in its history and culture. We’ll explore some of its most emblematic sites, wandering through bazaars and mosques. We’ll also visit the spectacular cemetery next to the Rawza Sakhi Shah-e mosque, where we’ll meet people from the Hazara ethnic group, the country’s Shia minority. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Habib, the last street photographer of Kabul, who captures his images with a traditional box camera. Those who wish can take home an unforgettable souvenir by posing for this remarkable artist.

We’ll leave Kabul early in the morning and head toward Kandahar, enjoying a journey through traditional Afghan villages with houses made of mud and adobe. We’ll stop for lunch and, if we’re lucky, meet some of the nomadic people who live in this region. Having opened to tourism only three years ago, the country welcomes foreigners with curiosity, looks of surprise, and great hospitality. Along the way, we’ll witness the challenges and lack of infrastructure left by the war; we’ll have to navigate damaged roads by taking secondary routes, which will make our arrival take longer than usual.

A full day to explore the city of Kandahar, referred to by some media as “the stronghold of the Taliban.” In this city, we’ll need to be especially mindful of etiquette, as its inhabitants follow the most conservative branches of Islam. We’ll visit the iconic Mosque of the Cloak of the Prophet Muhammad, the tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the tomb of Mirwais Khan Hotak, and the Chilzina complex. We’ll end the day with a walk through the city’s old bazaar, where we’ll gain a deeper understanding of local life and the atmosphere of Kandahar.

We’ll wake up early to begin our journey to Herat, making stops in various villages and local homes along the way. We’ll pause for lunch and take time to enjoy the landscapes. We’ll arrive in Herat by nightfall.

Today we’ll explore the streets of Herat, one of Afghanistan’s historical gems. We’ll begin at the Citadel of Alexander the Great, wander through the old town, and visit the Great Mosque, the Musallah Complex, and the Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. Throughout the day, we’ll enjoy the renowned hospitality of the Afghan people, remaining open to every opportunity to share a cup of tea and engage in conversations about their country, way of life, and culture.

We’ll fly back to Kabul and, if the schedule allows, continue directly to Bamyan to begin exploring the eastern part of the country the following day. Over the next few days, we’ll visit the Bamyan complex, the ruins of the ancient city of Gholghula, and the Dragon Valley (Dara e Azhder). Here, we’ll meet many people from the Hazara ethnic group and learn more about their current situation. In the city’s market, we’ll notice a curious feature: women running the shops. It will be a great opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs. Bamyan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in this part of the world.

The following day, we’ll head to the caves scattered across the mountains of the region to meet some of the ethnic groups who have built their homes there. We’ll listen to their stories, learn about their way of life, and spend as much time with them as possible. In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel in Bamyan.

Early in the morning, we’ll head to Chilburj, where we’ll spend the day immersed in rural Afghan life. We’ll have lunch with local people, who will invite us to take part in some of their daily activities, such as baking bread and milking cows. These villages, having had very little contact with foreign cultures, uniquely preserve the essence of their ancient traditions.

We’ll leave early in the morning toward Kabul on a road trip that will allow us to enjoy the region’s stunning mountain landscapes. We’ll arrive in Kabul by late afternoon and head out for one last (and wonderful) dinner, reminiscing about everything we’ve experienced and learned in this country. The following day, we’ll say our goodbyes with warm hugs, taking with us the unforgettable memories of this incredible journey. Until the next adventure!