Baku – Almaty
Jewels of the Silk Road
Golden Eagle
BAKU – KHIVA – BUKHARA – SAMARKAND – TASHKENT – ALMATY
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 ($).
We also accept payment in both Euros (€) and Pound Sterling (£). Please note we use a fixed exchange rate that is reviewed quarterly – contact us to receive a confirmed price in your preferred currency.
2026
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Sep 21 – Sep 29 | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | 25% | |||
2027
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Oct 07 – Oct 15 | 16,800 | 25,200 | 21,800 | 36,400 | 49,050 | 98,100 |
Oct 14 – Oct 22 (Almaty to Baku) | 16,800 | 25,200 | 21,800 | 36,400 | 49,050 | 98,100 |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | 25% | |||
DAY 1 BAKU
Arrive at Baku Airport, where you are met and transferred your stylish centrally located hotel.
On your first evening in Baku, you will be invited to our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.
DAY 2 KHIVA
Following breakfast at the Four Seasons we take a morning flight onboard our private plane from Baku to Khiva.
Founded 2,500 years ago Khiva became one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts as it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia and is now a World Heritage Site.
A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, we discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within the city’s ancient walls.
DAY 3 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, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Our touring programme will also transport us 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.
Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms.
This evening, weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs – a unique farewell to an incredible city.
DAY 4 SAMARKAND
More so than any other town, 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.
Today we will 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.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, we will whisk you away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. 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 5 TASHKENT
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and we spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library we’ll be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
DAY 6 ONBOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE & BISHKEK
Enjoy a more leisurely day of scenic rail travel, as we traverse the wide-open landscapes of Uzbekistan before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where we disembark for a short introductory tour of the city.
Our guided sightseeing reveals Bishkek’s distinctive Soviet-era character, shaped during its development as the capital of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic. We visit Ala-Too Square, created in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz SSR, and stroll through several of the city’s leafy parks, which lend Bishkek a notably relaxed and spacious atmosphere. These public spaces provide a compelling window into the country’s 20th-century history, featuring monuments and memorials associated with the Soviet period, including statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as the Memorial to the Red Guards.
DAY 7 LAKE ISSYK-KUL
Today, we enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a true natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains. Stretching over 170 kilometres in length and up to 70 kilometres wide, it is recognised as the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Its name, meaning “warm lake”, reflects its remarkable resistance to freezing – the result of a unique combination of depth, mineral richness, and geothermal activity beneath its surface. Framed by towering, snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene beauty.
This morning, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan with a privately arranged cultural event along the lake’s shores. A captivating display of traditional sports and games that have been passed down through generations. While archery may be familiar, few have encountered the spectacle of horseback wrestling, hunting with majestic Golden Eagles, or “ordo” – a strategic game played with cow kneecaps.
This experience is a celebration of steppe culture in all its vibrant detail – from music and dance to intricate costumes and demonstrations of time-honoured crafts. It is a rare and enthralling glimpse into a way of life that continues to flourish in the highlands of Central Asia. This day promises a unique and authentic insight into the cultural heart of the region, offering memories that will linger long after your journey ends.
After the festival there will be the option to visit the outdoor Museum of the Petroglyphs before returning to the Golden Eagle for the Farewell Dinner.
DAY 8 Almaty
This morning we arrive into Almaty, our final destination and bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today we will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.
Overnight we stay for one night at the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, or similar.
DAY 9 Almaty
Following breakfast you will be transferred to Almaty Airport for your onward flight.
Why not extend your stay in Almaty with additional nights to explore more of the city and surrounding region at your leisure?
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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