Golden Eagle Luxury Trains – Republics Of The Silk Road

Arrive at Almaty Airport, where you are met and transferred to the stylish five-star Intercontinental Hotel. On your first evening in Almaty, you will be invited to a champagne drinks reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner.

 

Specially selected international wines are included with dinner and all meals during the tour.

 

Meals: Dinner

 

Accommodation: Intercontinental Hotel

Discover the charms of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, known for its broad tree-lined boulevards nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains. With its name derived from 'alma,' meaning 'apple,' the city is surrounded by flourishing apple orchards. Our morning city tour takes you to Panfilov Park, featuring the unique all-wooden Zenkhov Cathedral and Independence Square. In the afternoon, board the Golden Eagle, our exclusive private train, and settle into your well-appointed en-suite cabin. The evening is highlighted by a delightful Welcome Dinner on board.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Embark on a morning guided tour of the Museum of Petroglyphs at Lake Issyk-Kul, an open-air museum steeped in history and sacred significance. The site served as a sacred ground for Saka priests, with petroglyphs dating from the Bronze Age to the 10th century. Experience a captivating flight demonstration of Eagle Hunting, an ancient art spanning 4,000 years, and delve into the intricate details of this Kyrgyz nomadic tradition. In the afternoon, explore Bishkek, once a vital rest stop along the Great Silk Road. Visit Ala-Too Square, constructed in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, and take a city tour of parks with rich Soviet history, featuring statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as the Memorial for the Red Guards.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

This afternoon, we reach Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, and embark on a tour of this modern Soviet-style metropolis meticulously reconstructed after the 1966 earthquake. Our exploration takes us through the Old Town, where narrow streets are adorned with traditional homes and religious structures. A visit to a small library within this area grants us the privilege of witnessing one of Islam's most sacred relics—the world's oldest Koran. The itinerary continues with stops at the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Bukhara, an extraordinary city, underwent extensive UNESCO-sponsored restoration for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999, akin to Khiva. The pinnacle of our tour is visiting The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, who were once rulers known for their authoritarian rule until the Soviet era. Explore the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, featuring the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living testament to traditional Islamic design. Wander through the mosque's expansive maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and recessed niches, immersing yourself in a bygone era. Experience the city's vibrant energy as we venture into the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and convene at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively social hub surrounded by mulberry trees and local tea rooms. Depart the city to explore the enchantingly named 'Palace of the Moon and Stars,' once belonging to the Emir. In the evening, weather permitting, savor a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

From Mary, we journey to Merv's ancient and predominantly unrestored remnants. A significant Silk Road stop, Merv briefly held the title of the world's largest city in the 12th century. In 1794, the city met its demise when the Emir of Bukhara demolished the crucial dam that sustained the population's water supply.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Ashgabat Discovery & Darvaza Excursion

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital, often dubbed the 'Las Vegas of the Kara Kum,' lies between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range. This modern city is built upon the remnants of the Silk Road city of Konjikala, which was reconstructed extensively after the 1948 earthquake. The city's opulent fountains, golden domes, and towering modern structures contrast sharply against the desert backdrop. Highlights of our visit include exploring the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque. The Golden Eagle makes a scheduled stop at Ichoguz, providing the option to embark on a short journey to the renowned burning gas crater at Darvaza—an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially at night. Nestled in the Kara Kum desert, this 229-foot wide crater, known locally as the 'Door to Hell,' has been ablaze for over 40 years—a truly unique experience not to be missed.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Today, we venture to the ancient city of Khiva, with a history spanning 2,500 years. Positioned at the crossroads of the Silk Road, it has evolved from a crucial trading post to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising majestically from the desert, Khiva unveils a treasure trove of remarkable architecture. As we return, explore the city's ancient walls containing impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars, and minarets.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Regarded as the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military genius inspired by Genghis Khan, we explore the UNESCO-honored statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This grand palace in Shakhrisabz, taking over 25 years to construct, was originally adorned with vibrant, intricately detailed mosaics featuring delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur'an. An inscription Among the decorative facades indicates the completion date 798 (1395–1396 AD).

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

This morning, explore Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated along the Varzob River, and visit the lavish Kohi Navruz Palace. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, unravel the intriguing narrative of this former teahouse turned palace. Wander through its stunning halls adorned with captivating chandeliers, discovering the dedication of the artists and designers behind this majestic creation. Following the tour, savor tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle to resume our journey.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

The mere mention of Samarkand evokes the enchanting allure of the Silk Road, surpassing any other town in its evocative imagery. Established in the 6th century BC, Samarkand's resplendent architecture is a testament to its bygone prominence as a key Asian city. Notably, it thrived as the capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors from the 14th to the 17th century. Today, we explore some of its most iconic sites, including the awe-inspiring Registan Square, the graceful Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg Observatory, a pioneering Islamic astronomical site constructed in 1428. Prepare for an unforgettable evening as we transport you to the illuminated Registan Square. With the sun setting and night descending upon the ancient city, indulge in a mesmerizing light show that unfurls the rich tapestry of Samarkand's history and significance.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

In the morning, delve deeper into Samarkand's history with a visit to the renowned necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a captivating array of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. Our journey then takes us to the ancient settlement of Afrasiab, where a museum showcases ancient artifacts discovered during the excavation of the city. Among the treasures are the renowned frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, dating back to the 7th century. After a fulfilling morning, we return to the train for lunch, continuing our journey toward the Fergana Valley through Uzbekistan.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

In the morning, our journey leads us to the ancient city of Margilan, renowned for producing some of Central Asia's finest silk. A visit to the Margilan Factory, recognized as Uzbekistan's premier silk producer, offers insight into the traditional manual silk production process. From mulberry trees nurturing silkworms to skilled artisans hand-weaving vibrant ikat fabric on traditional looms, witness the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Continuing our exploration, we travel to Rishtan, celebrated for its world-renowned ceramic industry. Delve into the ancient craft's secrets with local artisan Rustam Usmanov, and experience the magic of pottery during a close-up demonstration by a master professional. Our journey concludes in Kokand, among Uzbekistan's oldest cities and a pivotal Silk Road trading post. Highlights include the grand Palace of Khudayar Khan, known as the Pearl of Kokand, and the Jami Mosque, a remarkable architectural gem. Returning to Tashkent, we cap off the day with a farewell dinner aboard the Golden Eagle.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Accommodation: Golden Eagle Train (Silver Class Cabin)

Enjoy breakfast on board the Golden Eagle before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

 

Meals: Breakfast