Golden Eagle - Caspian Odyssey
A Luxury Rail Journey
• Yerevan • Lake Sevan • Tbilisi • Telavi • Gori • Baku • Caspian Sea • Ashgabat • Darvaza Crater
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$28,095
|
Days
16
|
Nights
15
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$28,095
|
Days
16
|
Nights
15
|
Introduction
Explore the countries on both the eastern and western shores of the Caspian Sea – Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
With their location at the crossroads of trade, religion, language and the arts, these countries are home to fascinating modern cultures as well as some of the world’s most ancient and timeless architecture.
The Train: The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with emphasis on your comfort, relaxation and enjoyment. Aboard your luxurious private train, you can expect well-appointed en suite cabins, fine dining and elegant surroundings. All cabins feature LCD TV, DVD player, wardrobe, air-conditioning, large window and en suite bathroom.
Silver Class Cabins: A compact cabin featuring a small double lower bed and single upper bed with private en suite wet room with a washbasin, toilet and shower.
Gold Class Cabins: A well-proportioned cabin including a private bathroom with separate power shower and underfloor heating. Guests also benefit from complimentary drinks off the Standard Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car.
Imperial Suite Cabins: The most spacious cabin which includes a large double bed, lounge area with dressing table and private en suite bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating. Guests can also enjoy drinks from the Standard and Premium Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car along with use of a private guide and chauffer service at many of the destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Yerevan
Upon arrival at Yerevan International Airport you will be met and transferred to the 5 star Alexander Hotel, where you stay for one night. Boasting a prestigious central location, the Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is 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 your hotel whilst you meet your fellow travellers and look forward to the journey ahead.
Day 2 : Yerevan
The day’s touring will take you 37 kilometres 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’ll also visit the 1st century pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the Sun God Mitra. Explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths there. Back in Yerevan city visit the Cascade giant stairway and inside it the Casfejian Museum of Modern Art. In the evening board the Golden Eagle private train and start your rail adventure to Almaty.
Day 3 : Lake Sevan & Dilijan
The train takes a scenic route today around the stunning Lake Sevan and you make a short stop to walk to the beach for a photo opportunity. 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. Continue to Dilijan to visit the nearby Monastery of Haghpat, built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Its beautiful location in dense wood in the gorges of two small mountain rivers make an atmospheric backdrop for St Astvatsatsin Church, its most important building.
Day 4 : Tbilisi
Head into Georgia and visit Tbilisi. Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city extends for 27 kilometres 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. Historical sites visited include 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.
Day 5 : Telavi
Today explore the beautiful Kakheti region, which borders the Great Caucasus Mountain range. This region is known as a birthplace of Georgian viticulture and wine-making. Tour the Tsinandali country estate of the Alexandre Chavchavadze family with a marvellous garden, house-museum, park and winery dating back to the 19th century, located near Telavi, a couple of hours’ drive from Tbilisi.
Day 6 : Gori, Uplistsikhe Cave City & Mtskheta
Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century AD as Tontio. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, was born here in 1879 and he spent his childhood years in the city and later studied at its theological seminary. The small house where Stalin was born is preserved under a canopy outside the huge columned palace-like building that houses the Stalin Museum. To the side of the museum is Stalin’s private railway carriage. The museum is filled with interesting photographs of the man responsible for more deaths and suffering than any other human being. From the town we will go directly to Uplistsikhe where we will have a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing.
Day 7 : Baku
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. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian Sea, while the Apsheron Peninsula gives protection from violent northerly winds. Baku derives its international importance from its huge oil industry. The walled old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. 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 at the 5 star Four Seasons Baku (or similar) for two nights, while the train is loaded on the ferry to cross the Caspian Sea.
Note: The train is loaded onto a cargo ferry for a 12-14 hour crossing of the Caspian Sea from Baku to the town of Turkmenbashi. Formerly known as Krasnovodsk, it is the western terminus of oil and natural gas pipelines and of the Trans-Caspian Railway, which links the Caspian region with central Asia. The cargo ferry has limited passenger facilities with basic cabins and catering, and the adventurous amongst the group can choose to travel on the ferry with our train. Upon arrival at the port at Turkmenbashi the train will be offloaded and travel overnight to Ashgabat (this option needs to be requested at the time of booking the tour).
Day 8 : Baku
This morning there is a Freedom of Choice tour to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Located 64 kilometres from Baku on the west bank of the Caspian Sea, Gobustan is an outstanding archaeological site of more than 6,000 pre-historic rock engravings. The area also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials. This is followed by lunch overlooking the Caspian Sea. Returning to the city in the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy free time in the city or visit a local theatre. Dinner will be held in a traditional local restaurant this evening.
Day 9 : Ashgabat
Following breakfast take a morning flight to Ashgabat. The capital of Turkmenistan is known as the ‘Las Vegas of the Karakum’. Situated between the Karakum 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 your visit include a trip to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque. Stay overnight in the luxury 5 star Yyldyz Hotel (or similar).
Day 10 : Darvaza
The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where you have the option to 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 Karakum 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.
Day 11 : Khiva
The train travels towards Urgench, from where you will transfer 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, discover the impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
Day 12 : Bukhara
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The most enjoyable aspect of this city is to just immerse oneself in the atmosphere of this unique and ancient city and re-live some of its fascinating history at the crossroads of Asia. The main 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. Then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.
Day 13 : Samarkand
Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. 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 you 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. Before dinner we return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square.
Day 14 : Tashkent
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and you will spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. The tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library you’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 enjoy a Farewell Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle as you head overnight to your final destination of Almaty.
Day 15 : Almaty
This morning arrive into your final destination of Almaty, and bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today you 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. Overnight stay for one night at the InterContinental Almaty hotel, or similar.
Day 16 : 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.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
21 Sep | |||
Silver Class |
US$28,095 |
US$42,195 |
|
Gold Class |
US$35,195 |
US$57,995 |
|
Imperial Suite |
US$57,695 |
US$115,295 |
|
2025 | |||
12 Sep | On Request |
Departs
2024 | 2025 |
21 Sep | 12 Sep |
Included
• Rail Journey
• Five-star pre and post tour hotel accommodation
• Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train
• 2-night hotel stay at the five-star Four Seasons, Baku (or similar)
• Freshly prepared meals on board
• Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
• Generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner
• Golden Eagle Gala Caviar dinner
• 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners
• Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
• Freedom of Choice touring options
• Chartered flight from Baku to Ashgabat / the option to travel on a cargo train ferry across the Caspian Sea
• 24-hour cabin attendant service
• Experienced Tour Management team
• Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
• Arrival and departure transfers
• All gratuities – on and off the train
• Luggage porterage throughout the journey
• For passengers travelling in Gold Class, 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 (excluding premium wines) in the Bar Lounge Car are included.
Important Notes
Please enquire for other Golden Eagle itineraries.
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions