Tashkent to Tashkent (via Margilan and Nukus)
Treasures of Uzbekistan
Golden Eagle
TASHKENT – KOKAND – RISHTAN – FERGANA – MARGILAN – NAVOI – NUKUS – KHIVA – BUKHARA – SAMARKAND – TASHKENT
Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Seljuk Sultans…step back in time and trace the footsteps of history’s most infamous dynasties through the Treasures of Uzbekistan.
An exquisitely mismatched country, Uzbekistan boasts a fascinatingly contradictory cultural architecture – palatial, Islamic grandeur collides with mud-walled houses and monoliths of Communist rule. Aboard this immersive, 11-day odyssey, escape into a land of contradiction and discover the awe-inspiring culture at its core. Learn the ancient art of silk-making in Margilan, experience the hauntingly beautiful melody of a Kazakh folklore performance in Tashkent, and follow the trail of the fierce Huns, Turks, and Arab warriors as you explore the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm.
DAY 1 Tashkent
Upon arrival at Tashkent Airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located five-star hotel for a one-night stay.
This evening we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
DAY 2 Tashkent
After a leisurely morning and refreshing lunch, we will begin our touring of the Uzbekistan capital. The 2,200 year old city of Tashkent is a magnificent modern metropolis which beautifully blends decadent medieval structures and minimalistic modern edifices. Our sightseeing tour will include the awe-inspiring Khasti-Imam Complex, the culturally momentous Independence Square, and the Applied Arts Museum (situated in the extravagant former home of Imperial Russian diplomat, Alexander Polovtsev).
Early evening, we will enjoy a champagne reception and Karnay-Surnay performance (a musical ensemble of the national wind instrument) on the platform as we are welcomed aboard the Golden Eagle. Toast to the Voyage of a Lifetime with a sumptuous Welcome Dinner in the ornate Restaurant Car as we depart towards the Fergana Valley.
DAY 3 Fergana Valley
In the morning, we arrive in Kokand, situated within the Fergana Valley region. The city is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trade center on the Silk Road.
Highlights of our touring include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), the Jami Mosque (Kokand’s most impressive Mosque), and the world-famous ceramics center – Rishtan.
Signature immersive experiences include a visit to Margilan – a once vital, ancient caravan route for Chinese and Western trade. The city is renowned for its beautiful, handmade silk products – the perfect classroom to learn the art of silk weaving with a visit to a craftsman’s workshop and studio.
DAY 4 Navoi
Located in the southern region of the Karatau Mountain range, the Sarmish-Say Gorge is said to be the largest gorge for Stone Age petroglyphs and pictographs. The petroglyphs vary in accordance with their origin. Those from the early Iron Age feature a more ‘animalistic’ style. Whilst those from the Neolithic and Mesolithic age feature images of the local rituals and routines of the prehistoric times.
After a visit to these historical monuments, we will enjoy an open-air barbeque and folklore performance. The folklore of the country is a wonderful representation of the cultural dynamism of Central Asia. Beautifully lyrical, with a hauntingly ritualistic melody, the opportunity to watch a folklore performance is a magical experience.
DAY 5 Nukus
Located in the north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus is surrounded by three deserts – the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum and Ustyurt. As such, the city has a beautiful, undisturbed landscape – featuring endless sandy scenery, deep dunes, and towering peaks.
Following breakfast, we visit the Igor Savislky State Museum of the fine arts, regional archaeology and studies in Nukus. Known as the ‘Louvre in the Sands’, the museum features the largest art collection in Central Asia – with over 100,000 exhibits of avante-garde pieces and crafts from the Karakalpak region.
This afternoon, there will be the option to travel by train to Khiva. Alternatively, travel by road to visit the ‘Valley of Fifty Fortresses’. Uzbekistan’s ancient desert castles date back more than 2,000 years and were originally built to protect locals from nomadic raids. Feel like an archaeologist as we explore ‘Toprak Kala’ (the ‘Dusty Fortress’, I-IV century AD) and Ayaz-Kala (the ‘Windy Fortress’, III-II century BC).
DAY 6 Khiva
Our day begins in the ancient city of Khiva. Traced back to the 10th century, Khiva is a “city-museum”, magnificently adorned in majestic buildings, spiraling columns and beautifully carved doors.
Rooted in its ties with the Silk Road, Khiva has an eclectic culinary identity – heavily influenced by Chinese, Turkish and Persian traditions. After a walking tour of the city, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste the Khorezmian cuisine. We recommend the famous green pasta ‘shivit oshi’, tuhum-barak (a fluffy dough-filled dish) and fresh fish sourced from the Amu Darya river with freshly baked bread.
After lunch, we will continue explore Khiva – including a visit to the Palace of Nurrullah Bai. Built in 1912, the Palace is extravagantly bedecked with bronze chandeliers, crystal pendants, and Venetian mirrors. Before returning to the train, we will visit the Photography Museum. Along with other artists, the museum features the work of Khudaibergen Devanov – the pioneering photographer and cinematographer of Uzbekistan.
DAY 7 Bukhara
According to legend, the city of Bukhara was founded by the Persian Prince, Siyavush, in the 5th century B.C. The city is a treasure trove of historical buildings and architectural monuments – many of which are excellently preserved. Our tour begins with the grand Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace (translating to ‘a palace-like stars and moon’), the fascinatingly unique Chor Minor Madrasa, the other-worldly Ismail Samani mausoleum, and the Bayland Mosque.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Shukhov Tower. We will ascend by lift to reach the top of the observation tower and enjoy the best view of the Old Town of Bukhara. Our afternoon concludes with a trip the breath-taking Ark Fortress. This “Noble Abode” perfectly captures the oriental exoticism of Uzbekistan.
In the evening, sample the finest Bukharian cuisine as we dine in the rooftop restaurant of the Minorai Kalon Hotel. From this magnificent spot, we will enjoy the finest views of the Kalyan Square at sunset.
DAY 8 Bukhara
Bukhara is a magical city; whereby modern life entwines with archaic architecture and an otherworldly allure. Our morning begins with a visit to the Lyabi Hauz Square – a buzzing social hub built around a pool, shaded by lush mulberry trees and local tearooms.
Our explorations bring us to the UNESCO site, Magoki Attori, the grand Kalyan Square, and the iconic Kalyan Mosque. Featuring a traditional design – large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches – a walk around the site will transport you back to a long-gone era. After lunch in the Lyabi-Hauz area, there will free time to explore Bukhara further at your own pace. Take the time to visit the beautiful bazaars which decorate the Lyabi-Hauz Square, or maybe stop to sample the produce from the “Chaihanas” tearooms.
In the evening, enjoy the unique experience of a traditional Uzbek BBQ on the train platform by the Golden Eagle. It is hard to miss the aromatic aromas of fresh BBQs as we have been exploring the streets of Uzbekistan, and now is the chance to sample some of these delicious dishes.
DAY 9 Samarkand
Samarkand, the ‘Crossroad of Culture’, has an awe-inspiring history of over two and a half millennia. Fascinatingly, the town is a living museum to the famous dynasties who have passed through – including Genghis Khan, Temurids, and Russians.
We begin with a visit to Ulugh Beg Observatory (the largest Observatory built in the pre-modern era) and the architecturally stunning Shakhi Zinda Necropolis, before visiting to the Meros Paper Mill, where we will learn about this ancient art with an up-close lesson of the ancient machines, and centuries old process. Your immersion into Uzbek identity continues with an interactive cooking class and Plov lunch. Considered Uzbekistan’s national dish, Plov is intrinsic to the national identity and a staple dish at social gatherings.
Evening celebrations begin with cocktails and dinner at the Oriental Sweets Caravan Sarai. The 300-year-old restaurant boasts a beautiful open air dining space, framed by lush mulberry trees and ornate arches. After dinner we cross over to the revered and now illuminated, Registan Square, to enjoy a fabulous gala dance performance and fashion show.
DAY 10 Samarkand
Registan Square is the main square in Samarkand – constructed by the Turkic-Mongolian Timurid Dynasty. Boasting ethereally ornate portals, intricate minarets, and glimmering cupolas – to stand in the tiled expanse is a breath-taking experience.
Our second day in Samarkand continues with a visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Serving as the resting place of Leader Timur, the beautiful building features a uniquely fluted azure dome and magnificent portal. Following lunch, test your local knowledge and try your hand at bartering at the famous Siab Bazaar. Featuring 5 hectares of trade rows and over 17 variations of Samarkand bread – the bustling oriental market is a thriving hive of activity.
Close by stands the majestic Bibi-Khanym. Impressive in both its size and beauty, the structure is oft compared the gates of heaven. With its carved marble structures, elegant minarets, and glistening gold walls, such a comparison is understandable. Return to the train in the late afternoon and enjoy our onboard Gala Farewell Dinner as the train departs for Tashkent.
DAY 11 Tashkent
After our arrival in Tashkent, your private transfer will be waiting to transfer you to Tashkent airport for your return flights home.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation
- 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
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
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
Tour Highlights
- Rooftop dinner in Bukhara watching the sunset over Kalyan Square, Bukhara
- Gala dance performance and fashion show in Registan Square, Samarkand
- Test your bartering skills at the Siab Bazaar, Samarkand
- An interactive cooking materclass in Samarkand of the Uzbek national dish, Plov
- Visit to the silk-making workshops of Margilan
- Tea ceremony in Khiva
- Road trip to the ‘Valley of Fifty Fortresses’
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.
Dates & Prices
All prices are per person
2023
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Oct 20 – Oct 30 | 16,795 | 24,995 | 19,995 | 34,595 | 35,695 | 69,995 |
| Deposit | $1,750 | $3,000 | $6,000 | |||
2024
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Apr 18 – Apr 28 | 17,595 | 26,295 | 20,995 | 36,295 | 37,495 | 74,895 |
| Sep 16 – Sep 26 | 17,595 | 26,295 | 20,995 | 36,295 | 37,495 | 74,895 |
| Deposit | $1,750 | $3,000 | $6,000 | |||
2023
| GBP (£) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin (£) | Single (£) | Twin (£) | Single (£) | Twin (£) | Single (£) | |
| Oct 20 – Oct 30 | 12,395 | 18,495 | 14,795 | 25,595 | 26,395 | 51,795 |
| Deposit | £1,500 | £2,500 | £5,000 | |||
2024
| GBP (£) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin (£) | Single (£) | Twin (£) | Single (£) | Twin (£) | Single (£) | |
| Apr 18 – Apr 28 | 13,995 | 20,995 | 16,795 | 28,995 | 29,995 | 59,895 |
| Sep 16 – Sep 26 | 13,995 | 20,995 | 16,795 | 28,995 | 29,995 | 59,895 |
| Deposit | £1,500 | £2,500 | £5,000 | |||
2023
| EUR (€) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single (€) | |
| Oct 20 – Oct 30 | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request | On Request |
| Deposit | €1,500 | €2,500 | €5,000 | |||
2024
| EUR (€) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single (€) | |
| Apr 18 – Apr 28 | 15,995 | 23,895 | 18,995 | 32,995 | 33,995 | 67,895 |
| Sep 16 – Sep 26 | 15,995 | 23,895 | 18,995 | 32,995 | 33,995 | 67,895 |
| Deposit | €1,500 | €2,500 | €5,000 | |||
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