Golden Eagle: Caspian Odyssey

After enjoying your complimentary airport lounge access, your flight to the Armenian city of Yerevan. On arrival you'll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel, located in the heart of Yerevan’s historic quarter and allows guests a relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings. Even the hotel’s facade with a history dating back to the 18th century presents a unique glimpse into the country’s fascinating past.

Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at an authentic local restaurant – the perfect opportunity to meet meet fellow travellers and look forward to the journey across six captivating countries of the South Caucasus region and Central Asia.

Stay: Alexander Hotel, Yerevan (or similar)

The Yerevan skyline is dominated by Mount Ararat in nearby Turkey, with its snow-covered peak towering in the distance. Yerevan has a rich history; it was occupied as early as 6,000 BC and the fortress of Erebuni was erected there in the 8th century BC. Seized by a succession of conquerors, the city later passed back and forth between the Turks and the Persians until 1827, when it was taken by Russia. It became the capital of Soviet Armenia in 1920 and following the demise of the Soviet Union, the capital of the new nation of Armenia.

Your touring will take you out of Yerevan to the ancient Geghard Monastery. The beautiful monastery contains a number of churches and tombs, many of them cut into the rock. The complex of medieval architecture is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley.

You will also visit the pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the Sun God Mitra, and have the opportunity to explore the fascinating remains of an ancient fortress, palace, and baths there. Lunch will also be taken at this stunning location.

This evening head to the Armenia Wine Company for the opportunity to explore the entire process of Armenian wine making, walk through cellars, learn about the evolution of Armenian wine making history at the museum and taste wines followed by authentic and exclusive dinner.

Stay: Alexander Hotel, Yerevan (or similar)

This morning visit The Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone. The stairs afford walkers unobstructed views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance. Located inside the staircase is the Casfesjian Museum of Modern Art.

Leaving Yerevan toward Lake Sevan for a lunch stop with stunning views. Along with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, Sevan was considered one of the three great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, collectively referred to as the Seas of Armenia; it is the only one within the boundaries of today’s Republic of Armenia.

After lunch continue by coach, to Armenian-Georgian border in Bagratashen driving through the spa town of Dilijan well known for its forest landscapes and medicinal mineral water before we make a coffee & brandy stop at Avan Dzoraget Hotel. nestled amongst the forest-covered hills and rocky slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. This evening, you'll arrive into the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.

Stay: Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi (or similar)

Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city of Tbilisi extends along the banks of the River Kura. Despite the wars and fires which caused innumerable changes in the topography of Tbilisi, the old part of the city still retains much of its original layout, a spider’s web of narrow winding streets and alleyways.

Visit the 13th century Metekhi church, a cross cupola church which forms part of the Royal Residential complex, and the 5th century Sioni Cathedral, the main church of Tbilisi. You will also visit the recently built Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, and take a walking tour of the old town and Rustaveli Avenue. Here we will see the Great Hall of the Georgian Philharmonia. Built in 1969-71, it has been acknowledged as one of the finest public buildings since the Second World War. Moreover, there will be the chance to see the treasures of the city housed in the Janashia Museum of Georgia.

Stay: Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi (or similar)

Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century AD as Tontio. Continue to the famous cave city of Uplistsikhe. Carved into rocky plateau with huge echoing halls, meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest theatre, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. Like the other cave-towns of Georgia, it is rooted in the prehistoric traditions of the peoples of the Near East. On one side the fortress was protected by the Mtkvari and an almost vertical rock face; on the other, by powerful fortifications. Its strategic position on the approaches to Gori and its strong defences made it possible to control the surrounding terrain. There were numerous attempts to destroy Uplistsikhe. Only in the 13th century, however, did the hordes of Genghis Khan’s son Khulagu succeed in doing so, after capturing and destroying many fortresses in Transcaucasia with the help of siege machines. The 5,000 inhabitants of Uplistsikhe perished and life ended forever in the fortress.

Late afternoon, your explorations will take you to the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’s Old Capital. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. During today we will also enjoy a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing – this is an immersive experience which offers a truly unique insight into the beautiful local culture and heritage.

Stay: Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi (or similar)

This morning you'll visit a Georgian winery for the chance to taste of a range of premium local wines. Then, after lunch in the city, you'll board a private jet for the short flight to Baku. On arrival, transfer to the Four Seasons hotel where you'll spend the night.

Stay: Four Seasons, Baku (or similar)

Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide, curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. Baku derives its international importance from its huge oil industry. The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90 ft (27 m) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden Tower, 12th century). The walled old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, now a museum, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Also of the 11th century is the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque (1078-79).

Other notable historic buildings are the Law Court (Divan-Khan), the Dzhuma-Mechet Minaret, and the mausoleum of the astronomer Seida Bakuvi. Around the walls of the fortress, the regular streets and imposing buildings of modern Baku rise up the slopes of the amphitheatre of hills surrounding the bay.

Stay: Four Seasons Baku (or similar)

Following breakfast take a morning flight onboard our private plane to 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 and the Soviet city built 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 on our visit include a trip to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

Upon arrival we will board the Golden Eagle. Once settled into your cabin, lunch will be served in the Restaurant Cars. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore Ashgabat and highlights on our panoramic city tour includes visits to the National Museum and Wedding Palace.

A further morning of touring in Turkmenistan features a visit to nearby Nisa, an ancient settlement of the Parthians, and was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The Golden Eagle departs Ashgabat at lunch and makes a scheduled stop tonight at Ichoguz. Leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, 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.

Arrive in Urgench and transfer to the ancient city of Khiva. Founded 2,500 years ago, this city, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the Silk Roads most important trading posts, lying at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Your tour today takes in the many sites of Khiva, including mosques, bazaars and minarets, all set within the city's ancient walls.

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. The touring programme will also transport us 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, and you will be transported to a bygone era.

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.

This evening, weather permitting, enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs – a unique farewell to an incredible city.

More so than any other town, just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.

Today we will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, we will whisk you away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your prime front-row seats, you’ll be treated to a dazzling light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s history and significance before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and we spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library we’ll 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.

This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle as we head overnight to our final destination of Almaty.

This morning we arrive into Almaty, our final destination and bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today we will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.

Stay: Ritz-Carlton, Almaty (or similar)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight, or perhaps extend your stay and further explore the city and its surrounds at your own pace.