Golden Eagle - Jewels of the Silk Road

Day 1 : Ashgabat

Upon arrival at the Ashgabat Airport and transferred to your luxury train, your hotel on wheels.

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.

Day 2 : Ashgabat > Darvaza > Ichoguz

Morning of touring in Turkmenistan features a visit to nearby Nisa, an ancient settlement of the Parthians, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, your train departs Ashgabat at lunch and makes a scheduled stop tonight at Ichoguz.

You will 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.

Day 3 : Khiva

Travel towards Urgench, from where you will be transferred 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, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

Day 4 : Bukhara

Today you will explore Bukhara. 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 visit Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara.

This evening, weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.

Day 5 : Samarkand

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.

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. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, we will whisk you away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary light spectacle unfolds.

Day 6 : Tashkent

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. Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard the Golden Eagle as you travel to Almaty.

Day 7 : Almaty

Disembark your luxury train and 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 at your hotel.

Day 8 : Almaty

After breakfast you will be transferred to Almaty airport for your onward flight where arrangements conclude.