14 DAYS EPIC SILK ROAD: ACROSS THE 5 “STANS” WITH GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIN

Transfer: Airport to Accommodation

Upon your arrival in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent, you will be transferred to your accommodation. This evening, join us at our champagne drinks’ reception followed by a welcome dinner.

Historic Tashkent

Explore Tashkent’s Soviet-style architecture, the historic Old Town, as well as a library to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics, the world’s oldest Koran. Thereafter, we will board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.

Kokand, Rishtan & Margilan

Explore the ancient Silk Road city of Kokand, visiting the Palace of Khudayar Khan and the impressive Jami Mosque. Head to Rishtan, renowned for its ceramics, and witness a master potter at work. Our journey continues in Margilan, famous for its high-quality silk production, where we will visit a local family and learn about traditional silk-making methods. We will explore the entire process, from feeding silkworms to hand-weaving colorful ikat fabric on traditional looms.

Birthplace of Amir Timur

We will visit Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur who was a military leader that modeled himself after Genghis Khan, and see the UNESCO-honored statue and his majestic Ak-Saray Palace. The palace, built over 25 years, features intricate mosaics and calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur’an. An inscription on the palace dates back to 1395-1396 AD, marking its completion.

Dushanbe: Best of the Capital

Arriving into the Tajikistan’s capital in Dushanbe, you will visit the Museum of National Antiquities and the Kohi Navruz Palace. A guided tour reveals the palace’s fascinating history and stunning decorations, including breathtaking chandeliers. We will also visit the Ismail Samani monument and Independence Square. Tonight, we relax onboard the Golden Eagle, enjoying live music as we cross back into Uzbekistan.

Bukhara: A Museum City

Bukhara is a city with over 2,500 years of history. We will visit The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs, and explore Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque. You will also visit the bustling Trading Domes and Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub. This evening, enjoy a barbecue on the station platform.

Ancient Marvel of Merv

Arriving into the Turkmenistan city of Mary, we will travel to Merv, an ancient city on the Silk Road that once briefly held the title of world’s largest city in the 12th century. Although largely unrestored, Merv’s remains reveal its former significance.

Ashgabat: Las Vegas of the Kara Kum

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, is a modern city rising from the ruins of the ancient Silk Road city of Konjikala. Rebuilt after the 1948 earthquake, Ashgabat now boasts extravagant fountains, golden domes, and sleek skyscrapers, a surreal sight amidst the desert landscape. We will explore the National Museum to uncover the city’s history and culture, and enjoy a special performance of Akhal-Tekke horses at the local Circus.

Darvaza Gas Crater

At Ichoguz, we have the option to disembark and visit the Darvaza burning gas crater, a breathtaking sight that is especially stunning at night. Located in the Kara Kum desert, this 70-metre wide crater, dubbed the ‘Door to Hell’, has been continuously burning for over 40 years. This unique natural wonder is a must-see experience.

Khiva: Crossroads of the Silk Road

We visit the ancient city of Khiva, a 2,500-year-old Silk Road trading post turned World Heritage Site. Strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes, Khiva emerges from the desert as a stunning architectural treasure. Within its ancient walls, we will explore impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars, and minarets, stepping back in time to uncover the city’s rich history.

Jewels of Samarkand

Samarkand, a city on the ancient Silk Road, evokes images of a bygone era. Founded in the 6th century BC, its stunning architecture reflects its past during the Mongol empire of Timur. Explore iconic sites such as Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg observatory. This evening, experience an unforgettable spectacle at the Registan Square, where a dazzling light show will bring Samarkand’s rich history to life.

Samarkand’s Ancient Settlement & Necropolis

Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Shakh I Zindah necropolis, featuring 9th-century mausoleums. Head to the ancient settlement of Afrasiab, where we will discover a museum showcasing artefacts from the site, including 7th-century frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman.

Into the Lake of Issyk-Kul

Arriving into Kyrgyzstan, you will feel the awe of visiting Lake Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, we will experience local culture through a yurt-building demonstration and witnessing the ancient art of Eagle Hunting, a 4,000-year-old tradition. We will learn about the Golden Eagle and Kyrgyz nomadic customs, followed by a traditional Kyrgyz folklore show.

Bishkek: From Silk Road to Soviet History

Explore Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, which originated as a Silk Road caravan stop. Our sightseeing tour takes us to Ala-Too Square, built in 1984 to commemorate the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic’s 60th anniversary. We will also visit local parks, steeped in Soviet history, featuring statues of Marx and Engels, and the Red Guards Memorial.

Almaty: A City by the Tien Shan

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, boasts stunning tree-lined boulevards and a picturesque backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains. We will explore the Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable wooden Zenkhov Cathedral, as well as visiting the Independence Square.

Transfer: Accommodation to Airport

You will be transferred to the airport in Almaty for your onwards flight.

We recommend that you extend your stay in Almaty. We are able to provide day trips to Charyn Canyon, Turgen, as well as Big Almaty Lake and Kok Tobe Hills.