Silk Road Express - The Grand Silk Road

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 & 3 : Beijing

Enjoy walking along a restored section of the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most significant structures in human history. As you explore this majestic wonder, take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Beijing for an afternoon of leisure. In the evening, savour a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant and authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

Discover the grandeur of imperial Beijing with a full-day tour of its most revered sites: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace. Each offers a glimpse into China’s rich dynastic history, from the grandeur of ancient emperors to the intricate beauty of imperial gardens. Alternatively, explore modern Beijing’s architectural marvels, including the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and National Museum.

This evening, board the opulent Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your adventure begins in style.

Day 4 : Beijing > Xi’An

Step back in time as you visit Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China. A highlight of your day will be the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors—6,000 life-sized figures standing guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, unearthed only 40 years ago. These intricate statues are considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Enjoy an evening of Tang Dynasty cuisine, music, and dance, immersing you in the vibrant cultural traditions of Xi’an.

Day 5 : On board

Today is yours to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your train. Take in panoramic views from the Observation Car, which features the largest train window in China, or unwind in the lounge with a fine selection of wines and cocktails. Revel in the experience of luxury rail travel, with every detail carefully designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

Day 6 : Dunhuang

The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are 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.

As you explore the caves, you are treated to a mesmerizing performance by local folk artists, their music and dance adding to the spiritual ambiance. After a delightful lunch, embark on a camel trek along the historic Silk Road.

Today’s journey culminates at Crescent Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder. Nestled amidst the towering sand dunes of the Gobi, this crescent-shaped oasis is a testament to the desert’s enduring beauty.

Day 7 : Golmud

This morning, 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 offers the choice of visiting the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake or joining 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.

Return to the train for a farewell dinner, marking the close of this unforgettable leg of your journey.

Day 9 : Kashgar & Almaty

In 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.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, take a private flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s vibrant city, where you will spend a luxurious night at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty.

Day 10 : Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is notable for its wide tree-lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautiful city derives its name from ‘alma’ meaning ‘apple’. Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance.

The morning city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park, where you visit the unique Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood, and Independence Square.

That evening, step aboard an icon of the rails, the Golden Eagle private train and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your adventure continues.

Day 11 : Lake Issyk-kul & Bishkek

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Lake Issyk-Kul, a sacred site used by the Saka priests for sacrifices and other rites to the sun god. Some of the petroglyphs date from the Bronze Age with later engravings dating to the 10th century. Following this, you are treated to breathtaking flight demonstration of eagle hunting, a 4,000-year-old art. You will learn the story of eagle hunting, the characteristics of the Golden Eagle and the fascinating details of this Kyrgyz nomadic tradition.

Day 12 : Tashkent

This afternoon arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets.

Day 13 : 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 highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times.

You will be transported to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. Stroll through the mosque’s large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches, and you will be transported to a bygone era.

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

Day 14 : Merv

From Mary we transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century. 1794 saw the demise of Merv, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended on for its water.

Day 15 : Ashgabat & Darvaza

Ashgabat, 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. The Soviet city was largely rebuilt 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 of this visit include a visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

Your train makes a scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where you have the option to leave the train and make a short journey to the famous burning gas crater at Darvaza, a spectacular sight best seen at night.

Day 16 : Khiva

Today, travel 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, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

Day 17 : Shahkrizabz

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, you visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace.

This majestic palace in Shahkrizabz 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 18 : Dushanbe

This morning, we visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River and its opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert guide, who will tell the fascinating story of the teahouse-turned palace.

You will explore each beautiful hall decorated with breathtaking chandeliers, while learning about each of the artists and designers that worked incredibly hard to build and decorate this majestic palace. After the tour, enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle train to continue your journey.

Day 19 : 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, 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.

In the evening, as the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, you will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds.

Day 20 : 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 you will travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum which houses ancient artefacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date back to the 7th century.

Return to the train for lunch and to continue your journey through Uzbekistan towards the Fergana Valley.

Day 21 : Margiland, Rishtan & Kokand

This morning, visit the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here visit the Margilan Factory which is considered the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing 6,000 metres of silk per month, the factory has preserved a manual and traditional method of silk production.

From Margilan continue by coach onto Rishtan which is home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Here discover the secrets of the techniques of the ancient craft from prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov.

Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of the tour include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand’s most impressive Mosque.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the Golden Eagle as you return to Tashkent.

Day 22 : Tashkent

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