Golden Eagle - Republics of the Silk Road 2027

Day 1 : Tashkent

Arrive at Tashkent Airport, where you are met and transferred to a centrally located, five-star hotel. This evening enjoy a champagne drinks’ reception and exclusive Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 : Tashkent

Today we explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a city that blends modern Soviet-style architecture with deep-rooted tradition, having been largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966. Begin in the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow streets are lined with traditional homes and centuries-old religious buildings.

Continue to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, offering further insight into the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Later this afternoon, board the Golden Eagle private train, and settle into your elegant cabin. This evening’s Welcome Dinner onboard is the perfect start to your journey.

Day 3 : Kokand, Rishtan & Margilan

The ancient city of Kokand was a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Visit the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan, and the impressive Jami Mosque.

Continue by coach to Rishtan, home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Discover the techniques of this ancient craft from a prominent local artisan, witnessing a close-up demonstration of the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into decorating these exquisite ceramics.

Next visit the Fergana Valley and the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here visit a local family who have been producing silk for generations using traditional methods and learn about the intricate process.

Day 4 : Bukhara

UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of Khiva for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. A highlight today is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Also see the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque. Stroll through its 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 you explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social. Then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.

Day 5 : Nukus

Nestled in the enchanting north-west of Uzbekistan, Nukus is surrounded by three magnificent deserts: the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, and Ustyurt. This pristine and untouched landscape offers sandy vistas, enchanting dunes, and towering peaks. Visit the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of the Fine Arts which houses Central Asia’s most extensive art collection of treasures including avant-garde masterpieces and crafts from the Karakalpak region.

Day 6 : Khiva

The ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago, was one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and is now a World Heritage Site. Lying at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia, it is a truly magnificent sight to behold as it rises out of the desert. Stepping back in time, discover the impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

Day 7 : Dushanbe

This afternoon visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River. Explore the Museum of National Antiquities, housing exhibits of history and regional art, before the main highlight of the city: the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoying a guided tour with a local expert guide, learn about the fascinating story of this teahouse-turned palace.

Continue to more historic sites including the Ismail Samani monument, recognising the first King of Tajiks, before going onwards to the Independence Square and Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taster of local life in Dushanbe.

Day 8 : Shahrisabz

Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modelled himself on Genghis Khan and used similar violent methods to conquer and control his Empire, visit his statue and palace. This majestic palace took over a quarter of a century to build, and was originally decorated with colourful, highly detailed mosaic but also included delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur’an. Amid the decorative facing, there is an inscription showing the date 798 (1395 – 1396 AD) which was when the building was completed.

Day 9 : Samarkand

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.

Visit significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulugh Beg observatory, built in 1428.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand as the sun sets upon this ancient city. You will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, 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.

Day 10 : Samarkand

Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit the famous necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiyab to visit a museum which houses ancient artefacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, dating back to the 7th century. Return to the train for lunch and continue through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan.

Day 11 : Bishkek

Originally a caravan rest stop serving the travellers along the Great Silk Road, Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital city. This afternoon visit the Ala-Too Square, built 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic in Kyrgyzstan. Then tour the local parks, rich in Soviet history, with statutes of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial for the Red Guards.

Day 12 : Lake Issyk-Kul

Today visit the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains. Stretching over 170 km in length and up to 70 km wide, it is recognised as the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Framed by towering, snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene beauty.

Witness the rich nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan with a privately arranged cultural event along the lake’s shores. Watch captivating displays of traditional sports and games that have been passed down through generations, such as archery, horseback wrestling, hunting with majestic Golden Eagles, or “ordo” – a strategic game played with cow kneecaps.

A celebration of steppe culture with its music, dance, costumes and time-honoured crafts, this is a rare and enthralling glimpse into a way of life that continues to flourish in the highlands of Central Asia. Later, there will be the option to visit the outdoor Museum of the Petroglyphs before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 13 : Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, offers tree-lined boulevards and a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. This morning visit Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable Zenkhov Cathedral, built entirely of wood without the use of nails, as well as Independence Square, the city’s central gathering place. Later this evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel, a memorable finale to your journey.

Day 14 : Almaty

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Almaty for your onward flight.