Almaty – Baku
Jewels of the Silk Road
Golden Eagle
ALMATY – TASHKENT – SAMARKAND – BUKHARA – KHIVA – BAKU
A dazzling exploration of the lands where civilisation began, and the great religious and political ideologies were born.
Journeying aboard the Golden Eagle, we will travel through three of the magnificent ‘Stans’ – a fascinating patchwork of countries, stitched together by a shared history of Sovietisation, yet fiercely independent in identity. From the magnificent mosques and bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan to the breath-taking verdant expanse and ethereally tranquil landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, this incredible 8-day adventure is your invitation to one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
Dates & Prices
All prices are per person and published in US Dollars ($).
We also accept payment in both Euros (€) and Pound Sterling (£). Please note we use a fixed exchange rate that is reviewed quarterly – contact us to receive a confirmed price in your preferred currency.
2027
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Oct 14 – Oct 22 | 16,800 | 25,200 | 21,800 | 36,400 | 49,050 | 98,100 |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | 25% | |||
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN ALMATY
Arrive in Almaty, where you will be greeted upon arrival and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel for a one-night stay.
This evening, you are invited to a Welcome Dinner at the hotel, offering the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy an introduction to the remarkable journey ahead. Relax and savour your first evening in Kazakhstan before your rail adventure begins.
DAY 2 BOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE EXPRESS
After breakfast at our hotel, we will enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Almaty. Highlights include a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and the impressive Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th
century Russian Orthodox church renowned for being one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, constructed entirely without nails.
This afternoon, we will board the elegant Golden Eagle Express. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we begin our journey through the diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. As evening falls, a sumptuous Welcome Dinner will be served on board, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
DAY 3 LAKE ISSYK-KUL, KYRGYZSTAN
Today, we enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Along the shore, experience a privately arranged cultural festival showcasing Kyrgyzstan’s rich
nomadic heritage.
Witness traditional sports and pastimes, including horseback wrestling, hunting with Golden Eagles, archery, and ordo, a strategic game played with cow kneecaps. Traditional music, dance,
colourful costumes, and craft demonstrations provide a fascinating insight into the enduring culture of the Central Asian steppes.
Following the festival, there is an opportunity to visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs before returning to the train.
DAY 4 ONBOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE EXPRESS
Enjoy a leisurely day onboard as the Golden Eagle Express journeys from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan.
Relax in the comfort of your cabin or take in the ever-changing scenery from the Bar Lounge Car as
vast plains, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges give way to the historic landscapes of Central Asia. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy the train’s exceptional hospitality, and reflect on the experiences of the journey so far.
DAY 5 TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN
Today, we explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a vibrant city that was largely rebuilt in a modern Soviet style following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour includes the historic Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line narrow streets. Here, we visit a small library housing one of Islam’s most revered treasures – the Uthman Quran, believed to be among the world’s oldest surviving Korans.
We also visit the Railway Museum, showcasing the region’s rich rail heritage, and the Museum of Applied Arts, renowned for its collection of traditional Uzbek craftsmanship, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts.
DAY 6 SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN
Today, we explore Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks, including the spectacular Registan Square, the city’s architectural heart, the elegant Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the earliest and most important astronomical observatories of the Islamic world, built in 1428.
This evening, experience the magic of Samarkand after dark with a visit to the beautifully illuminated Registan Square. From reserved seats, enjoy a captivating light and sound show that brings to life the fascinating history, culture, and legacy of this legendary Silk Road city.
DAY 7 BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN
Bukhara is one of Central Asia’s most remarkable Silk Road cities, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre. Our tour includes a visit to The Ark, the former fortress-palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, and Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the magnificent Kalyan Mosque and its iconic minaret.
We also explore Bukhara’s atmospheric Trading Domes and the charming Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively gathering place shaded by mulberry trees. This evening, weather permitting, we enjoy a memorable barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.
DAY 8 KHIVA & FLIGHT TO BAKU
Today, we explore the ancient city of Khiva, one of the Silk Road’s most important trading centres and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the desert, Khiva is a remarkably preserved open-air museum, enclosed within imposing city walls and filled with magnificent mosques, madrassas, minarets, and bustling courtyards. A walk through its historic streets offers an unforgettable glimpse into the splendour of a bygone age.
This afternoon, we board our private charter flight to Baku, Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital on the shores of the Caspian Sea, where we will enjoy an overnight stay and a Farewell Dinner at at 5* hotel.
DAY 9 BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your remarkable adventure along the Silk Road to a close.
Why not extend your adventure of a lifetime?
Contact our team to book additional hotel nights and explore touring options in Baku.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation
- Five-star post tour hotel accommodation in Baku & Almaty
- Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train
Service
- 24-hour cabin attendant service
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner
- Golden Eagle Gala Caviar dinner
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Evening drinks reception on the beautifully lit Registan Square, Samarkand
- Explore the historic, UNESCO honoured, cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
- Visit the spectacular Nomad Games Festival on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul
GOLDEN EAGLE
The Golden Eagle, comprising three categories of cabins, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and en-suite facilities, is the only private train of its kind operating in these regions of the world.
Jewels of the Silk Road Brochure
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