Silk Road Express - Ancient China by private train

Day 1 : Beijing

Upon arrival at the airport in Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception dinner, where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.

Days 2 : Beijing

Enjoy walking along a restored section of the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most significant structures in human history. Soak in the breathtaking views and imagine the historical figures who once guarded this marvel. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore Beijing’s lively mix of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. In the evening, savour a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant for an authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

Day 3 : Beijing

Today, a comprehensive tour of Beijing’s historic heart reveals the grandeur of China’s ancient dynasties. Explore the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace where emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. Stroll through Tiananmen Square, a place of great historical significance, before discovering the Summer Palace, a serene retreat adorned with beautiful gardens, temples, and lakes.

Alternatively, delve into Beijing’s modern allure with a tour of contemporary landmarks: marvel at the architectural feats of the Olympic Village and the iconic “Bird’s Nest” Stadium, glimpse the striking design of the CCTV Tower, and explore the National Museum for a modern-day perspective on China’s cultural evolution.

In the evening, board your luxurious home for the next few nights of the journey.

Day 4 : Xi’an

In Xi’an, explore the ancient city walls and the historic Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and largest mosques, blending Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. Later, visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army – a life-sized army of soldiers, chariots, and horses, buried with China’s First Emperor to protect him in the afterlife. This UNESCO site, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, offers a mesmerizing insight into ancient Chinese beliefs and artistry. In the evening, delight in an authentic Tang Dynasty dinner, where the ambiance is enhanced by a captivating performance of traditional music and dance, evoking the grandeur of ancient Xi’an.

Day 5 : On board

Today is a day of leisure as you traverse the Chinese landscape aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. Take in the panoramic scenery from the Observation Car’s floor-to-ceiling windows, the largest of any train in China, or unwind in the Bar Lounge Car with a selection of fine wines and spirits.

Day 6 : Dunhuang

On arrival in Dunhuang you will explore the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to China’s rich Buddhist heritage. This sprawling complex, often referred to as the “Cave of a Thousand Buddhas,” boasts over 500 caverns carved into the cliffs of the Gobi Desert. Dating back to the 4th century, these caves house an extraordinary collection of Buddhist art, including thousands of statues and murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.

Day 7 : Golmud

Today, delve into the rich history of the Silk Road with a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud, followed by lunch in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. The afternoon is at leisure and you can choose to visit the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake or enjoy a guided tour through the city, where modern life meets ancient traditions.

Day 8 : Hotan

Spend a relaxed morning on the train before arriving in Hotan, a city steeped in Silk Road history. Visit an exclusive Atlas silk and carpet workshop, where you will witness artisans crafting intricate textiles using traditional techniques. Each piece is entirely handmade, dyed with natural plant dyes, and woven with unparalleled skill. In the evening, explore the ancient city of Yotkan by night — a captivating look into the history of this former Buddhist kingdom.

Day 9 : Kashgar

Today explore Kashgar, one of the most important trading hubs on the Silk Road. You will visit the Apak Khoja Tomb and the charming old town, where the atmosphere of centuries past still lingers. Explore the unique Gaotai folk houses and the rich cultural tapestry of the region. A delightful lunch in a local restaurant introduces us to the diverse flavours of Uyghur cuisine before we return to the train to continue our journey.

Day 10 : Turpan

Arriving in Turpan, we explore the ancient city of Gaochang, a Silk Road outpost that once served as a vital trading hub. After lunch, we marvel at the Karez irrigation system, an engineering marvel that has provided water to this arid region for centuries. We then visit Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved from rock, whose unique architecture reflects the ingenuity of its former inhabitants.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner aboard the train as you bid farewell to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.

Day 11 : Turpan & Urumqi

After a restful morning on board, join a captivating lecture exploring the legacies of the Silk Road. Following a leisurely lunch on board, we disembark in Urumqi, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. This city is the cosmopolitan capital of Xinjiang, home to numerous ethnic groups and brimming with the vibrant energy of East meets West.

Day 12 : Urumqi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where arrangements conclude.