Tashkent – Almaty
Republics of the Silk Road
Golden Eagle
TASHKENT – KOKAND – RISHTAN – MARGILAN – BUKHARA – NUKUS – KHIVA – DUSHANBE – SHAHRISABZ – SAMARKAND – BISHKEK – LAKE ISSYK-KUL – 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 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 Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, this incredible 14-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 ($) | Single ($) | |
| Oct 12 – Oct 25 | 26,900 | 40,400 | 34,900 | 57,400 | 63,400 | 125,500 |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | 25% | |||
2027
| USD ($) | Silver Class | Gold Class | Imperial Suite | |||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin ($) | Single ($) | |
| Aug 30 – Sep 12 | 28,300 | 42,400 | 36,600 | 61,200 | 69,700 | 138,000 |
| Sep 23 – Oct 6 | 28,300 | 42,400 | 36,600 | 61,200 | 69,700 | 138,000 |
| Deposit | 25% | 25% | 25% | |||
DAY 1 Tashkent
Arrive at Tashkent Airport, where you are met and transferred to a centrally-located, five-star hotel.
On your first evening in Tashkent, you will be invited to a champagne drinks’ reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.
DAY 2 Tashkent
Today we explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a city that blends modern Soviet-style architecture with deep-rooted tradition, having been largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour begins in the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow streets are lined with traditional homes and centuries-old religious buildings.
The day continues with visits to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, offering further insight into the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Later this afternoon, we board our private train, the Golden Eagle, and settle into our elegant en-suite cabins. This evening, we gather for a Welcome Dinner onboard, the perfect start to our journey.
DAY 3 Kokand, Rishtan and Margilan
Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of our touring include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand’s most impressive Mosque.
We continue by coach onto Rishtan which is home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Here we will discover the secrets of the techniques of the ancient craft from prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov. Witness the magic of pottery in action during a close up demonstration by a master professional at work and get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into decorating these exquisite ceramics.
Our final stop in the Fergana Valley is a visit to the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here we will visit a local family who have been producing silk for generations using traditional methods. We will explore the whole process of making silk from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to hand weaving the colourful ikat fabric on traditional looms.
DAY 4 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 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. We then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.
DAY 5 NUKUS
Nestled in the enchanting north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus boasts a captivating setting, surrounded by three magnificent deserts: the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, and Ustyurt. Here, a pristine and untouched landscape unfolds before your eyes, adorned with endless stretches of sandy vistas, enchanting dunes, and towering peaks that beckon adventure.
Our voyage through Nukus leads us to the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of the Fine Arts, a true hidden gem in this remote oasis. Aptly nicknamed the ‘Louvre in the Sands,’ this extraordinary museum houses Central Asia’s most extensive art collection, featuring a staggering 100,000 avant-garde masterpieces and crafts from the Karakalpak region. Prepare to be mesmerised by the artistic treasures that await, promising a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression.
DAY 6 KHIVA
Today, we 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, we discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
DAY 7 DUSHANBE
This afternoon we visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River. First, explore the Museum of National Antiquities, housing exhibits of history and regional art, before the main highlight of the city: the 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.
We continue our touring programme with more historic sites of Tajikistan’s largest city. We visit the Ismail Samani monument, recognising the first King of Tajiks, before going onwards to the Independence Square and Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taster of local life in Dushanbe.
DAY 8 SHAHRISABZ
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, we visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahrizabz 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 9 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, we will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulugh 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 10 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 we travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiyab 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.
We return to the train for lunch and continue our journey through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to our next destination – Kyrgyzstan.
DAY 11 BISHKEK
Originally a caravan rest stop serving the travellers that came through the area along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, Bishkek, is the location of our afternoon sightseeing. Here we will visit the Ala-Too Square, built 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic in Kyrgyzstan and a city tour of the local parks, rich in Soviet history, including statutes of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial for the Red Guards.
DAY 12 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 dinner.
DAY 13 Almaty
Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is distinguished by its wide, tree-lined boulevards and stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. The city’s name derives from alma, meaning “apple,” a fitting tribute to the orchards that flourish just beyond its borders.
This morning’s city tour features Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable Zenkhov Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece built entirely of wood without the use of nails, as well as a visit to Independence Square, the city’s central gathering place.
Later this evening, we come together for a Farewell Dinner at our hotel, a memorable finale to our journey.
DAY 14 Almaty
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Almaty for your onward flight.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation
- Five-star pre and post tour hotel accommodation *where applicable
- 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
- 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches & 13 dinners
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Freedom of Choice touring options
Tour Highlights
- Discover the 4,000-year old art of Golden Eagle hunting at Lake Issyk-Kul
- Learn a new craft in a traditional Kyrgyz bread making class
- Evening drinks reception on the beautifully lit Registan Square, Samarkand
- Explore the historic, UNESCO honoured, cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
- Enjoy ceramics demonstration from local master professional in Rishtan
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.
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