Jewels of the Silk Road

Discover the Silk Road

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the ‘Stans’ aboard the Golden Eagle train. Discover the rich history and unique identities of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. Immerse yourself in vibrant markets, stunning mosques, and tranquil landscapes during this unforgettable 8-day adventure. Join us for an incredible experience on one of the world’s most magnificent train journeys.

Tour highlights:

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

Day 1- Baku

Arrive at Baku Airport, where you are met and transferred your stylish centrally located hotel.

On your first evening in Baku, you will be invited to our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Four Seasons

Day 2- Khiva

Following breakfast at the Four Seasons, board our private plane for a morning flight from Baku to Khiva. Founded 2,500 years ago at the crossroads of trade between Mongolia, Russia, China, and Persia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site rises dramatically out of the desert. Step back in time as you explore its ancient walled city, home to impressive mosques, madrassas, vibrant bazaars, and soaring minarets.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Day 3- Bukhara

Today we make our way to the awe-inspiring Bukhara, a city transformed by UNESCO for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. Delve into history at The Ark, the ancient stronghold of the Emirs of Bukhara. Explore Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the majestic Kalyan Mosque with its traditional Islamic architecture. Wander through bustling Trading Domes and relax at the lively Lyabi-Hauz Square.

Weather allowing, end your day with a memorable barbecue on the station platform as we bid farewell to this remarkable city.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Day 4- Samarkand

Samarkand, with its rich history on the Silk Road, stands out among all other towns. Founded in the 6th century BC, its architecture reflects its former importance as a key city in Asia. Today, we will explore iconic sites like Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg observatory. Experience an unforgettable evening as we witness a spectacular light show at Registan Square, immersing ourselves in Samarkand’s fascinating history and significance under the night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Day 5- Tashkent

Explore Tashkent, the modern Soviet-style capital of Uzbekistan, rebuilt after a 1966 earthquake. Visit the Old Town with traditional homes and religious buildings. Tour the Railway Museum and Museum of Applied Arts before enjoying a Farewell Dinner aboard the Golden Eagle on our way to Almaty.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Day 6: Onboard the Golden Eagle & Bishkek

Enjoy a relaxing day of scenic rail travel across Uzbekistan’s wide-open landscapes before crossing into Kyrgyzstan. Arriving in Bishkek in the late afternoon, disembark for a short guided tour highlighting the capital’s distinctive Soviet-era character. Explore grand Ala-Too Square, stroll through leafy green parks, and discover historical monuments—including statues of Marx and Engels—that offer a fascinating look into the country’s 20th-century past.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Day 7: Lake Issyk-Kul

Spend an extended day exploring the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a breathtaking natural wonder nestled high in the Kyrgyz mountains. As the world’s second-largest alpine lake, its name translates to “warm lake”—a nod to its unique refusal to freeze, thanks to a combination of vast depths, mineral richness, and geothermal activity. Surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks, its tranquil shores provide a stunning backdrop for today’s journey.

This morning, step directly into the world of Central Asian nomads during an exclusive cultural event along the lakeshore. Witness time-honored traditional sports passed down through generations, from ancient archery and horseback wrestling to majestic Golden Eagle hunting and ordo, a strategic game played with cow kneecaps. Surrounded by vibrant music, dance, folk costumes, and craft demonstrations, you’ll enjoy a rare and authentic celebration of highland steppe heritage.

Following the festivities, opt for a visit to the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs to view ancient rock carvings before returning to the Golden Eagle for your celebratory Farewell Dinner.

Overnight: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Almaty

This morning we arrive in Almaty, our final destination, where we bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Embark on a city tour featuring the central Panfilov Park and its famous Zenkov Cathedral—a magnificent 19th-century Russian Orthodox church built entirely of wood without a single nail.

Tonight, enjoy a comfortable one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty (or similar).

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Ritz-Carlton Almaty

Day 9: Almaty

Following breakfast you will be transferred to Almaty Airport for your onward flight.

Why not extend your stay in Almaty with additional nights to explore more of the city and surrounding region at your leisure?

Meals: Breakfast

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