Summary
Short description
Take in the ancient cities and sights of the Silk Road aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle
Highlights
- Discover the 4,000-year old art of Golden Eagle hunting at Lake Issyk-Kul
- Learn a new craft in a traditional Kyrgyz bread making class
- Evening drinks reception on the beautifully lit Registan Square, Samarkand
- See the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater light up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert
- Explore the historic, UNESCO honoured, cities of Khiva, Merv, Bukhara and Samarkand
In Brief
- 2 Nights Almaty
- 1 Night Bishkek
- 1 Night Tashkent
- 1 Night Bukhara
- 1 Night Merv
- 1 Night Darvaza
- 1 Night Khiva
- 1 Night Shahrisabz
- 1 Night Dushanbe
- 2 Nights Samarkand
- 1 Night Kokand
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | History & culture | Natural world | Rail journey
This is a rare opportunity to explore, in depth, the off-the-beaten-track wonders of the ancient Silk Road. Travelling in unmatched elegance aboard the iconic Golden Eagle, you’ll depart from Almaty to trace a route through the southern republics of the former Soviet Union, visiting no fewer than five ‘Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Along the way, you’ll join expert guides who’ll introduce you to the cultural and natural wonders of the region, from World-Heritage cities to great, mountain-framed lakes and the vestiges of the Soviet space programme. And, of course, it’s all wrapped up in the fine dining and attentive service of one of the world’s most luxurious trains.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Almaty
Begin your holiday with complimentary airport lounge access before boarding a flight to Almaty in Kazakhstan. On arrival, you'll be met for a private transfer to your city-centre hotel. On your first evening in Almaty, you will be invited to a champagne drinks’ reception before an exclusive welcome dinner with selected international wines included, as with all meals during the tour.
Stay: Intercontinental Hotel, Almaty (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Day
2
Almaty & The Golden Eagle
Spend a day exploring Almaty's tree-lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautiful city derives its name from ‘alma’ meaning ‘apple’ and, just a short hop from the city, apple orchards indeed thrive in abundance. Your morning city tour includes a visit to Independence Square and Panfilov Park, where you'll explore the impressive Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood. This afternoon, you'll transfer to the station to board the Golden Eagle, settling into your well-appointed en-suite cabin before joining fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner onboard.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Lake Issy-Kul & Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
This morning you’ll disembark at Lake Issyk-Kul to explore its open-air Museum of Petroglyphs and experience an eagle hunting demonstration – a 4,000-year-old nomadic tradition practiced in Silk Road destinations from Kyrgystan to Mongolia. You’ll then enjoy an afternoon's sightseeing in Bishkek, a one-time caravan rest stop for traders and travellers along the Silk Road. A reflection of its more recent history, your guided tour will focus on the city’s Soviet years, brought to life in its Ala-Too Square and in local parks where you’ll find statues of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels, as well as a the grand Memorial for the Red Guards.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
This afternoon arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. In a small library here you will be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. You will also be transported to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Stroll through the mosque’s large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches.
Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms. Then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before the train departs.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Merv
From Mary transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century. 1794 saw the demise of Merv, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended on for its water.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Ashgabat & Darvaza
Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan is known as the ‘Las Vegas of the Kara Kum’. Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala. The Soviet city was largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1948. The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting. Highlights include a visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.
The Golden Eagle makes a scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where you have the option to leave the train and make a short journey to the famous burning gas crater at Darvaza, a spectacular sight best seen at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 70-metre wide crater is known by the locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years. A unique experience that is not to be missed.
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Today, travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, we discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Shahrizabz, Uzbekistan
The city of Shahrizabz is the reputed birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modelled himself on Genghis Khan and used similar violent methods to conquer and control his Empire, we visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahkrizabz took over a quarter of a century to build, and was originally decorated with colourful, highly detailed mosaic but also included delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur’an. Amid the decorative facing, there is an inscription showing the date 798 (1395 – 1396 AD) which was when the building was completed.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
This morning, visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River and its opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert guide, who will tell the fascinating story of the teahouse-turned palace. You will explore each beautiful hall decorated with breathtaking chandeliers, while learning about each of the artists and designers that worked incredibly hard to build and decorate this majestic palace. After the tour, we will enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle to continue our journey.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
11-12
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Returning to Uzbekistan, you’ll enjoy two fascinating days taking in the sights of Samarkand, perhaps one of the Silk Road’s most evocative locations, with its grand architectural remains and fascinating history as the former capital of the Mongol empire. Take it all in by day, visiting Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg Observatory, then return to the square after dinner on the train to see it illuminated under the night sky.
The next morning you'll visit the famous necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here, you'll travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum which houses ancient artefacts collected during the excavation of the city, including a collection of 7th-century frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman.
Return to the train for lunch and continue our journey through Uzbekistan towards the Fergana Valley.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Margilan, Rishtan & Kokand
This morning, visit the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here we will visit the Margilan Factory which is considered the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing 6,000 metres of silk per month, the factory has preserved a manual and traditional method of silk production. Explore the whole process of making silk from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to the hardworking staff hand weaving the colourful ikat fabric on traditional looms.
From Margilan continue by coach onto Rishtan which is home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Here discover the secrets of the techniques of the ancient craft from prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov. Witness the magic of pottery in action during a close up demonstration by a master professional at work and get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into decorating these exquisite ceramics.
Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of our touring include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand’s most impressive Mosque.
This evening enjoy our Farewell Dinner on board the Golden Eagle as you return to Tashkent.
Stay: Golden Eagle (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
14
Tashkent/UK
Arrive in Tashkent where, after breakfast, it’s time to transfer to the airport to board your flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day luxury rail journey
from £20,130 pp incl. flights
Silver Class
2024 departures
from £20,130 pp. incl. flights
2025 departures
from £21,025 pp. incl. flights
Valid for travel
2024: 05 Oct
2025: 20 Apr / 27 Sep
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights into Almaty and returning from Tashkent
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 1 night pre-tour accommodation in Almaty
- Champagne drinks reception and exclusive Welcome dinner in Almaty with specially selected international wines included in the dinner, as with all meals during the tour
- 12 nights on-board the Golden Eagle train
- Experienced tour managers and assistants selected for their travel knowledge
- Farewell Dinner onboard
- Route Guide, itinerary and information pack
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in uniquely designed restaurant cars with excellent waiter-served food and wine, several times during the tour sample authentic local cuisine off the train
- Drinks with meals and from the bar lounge car
- A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class on-board the Golden Eagle, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Lounge Car are also included. For Imperial Suite guests, drinks from both the Standard and Premium Bar Lists in the Bar Lounge Car are included.
- Guided Off-Train Excursions - The history and culture of the places visited on the journey will come alive through expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.
- Imperial Suite guests will benefit from the option of a private car and guide in the majority of places we visit along the route.
- Freedom of Choice Touring - Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are on-board the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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