Republics of the Silk Road Rail Journey

Arrive at Almaty Airport, where you are met and transferred to the stylish five-star Ritz-Carlton 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, as with all meals during the tour.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and notable for its wide tree-lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautiful city derives its name from “alma” meaning “apple.” Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance. Your city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park where you visit the Zenkhov Cathedral, which was built entirely of wood, and Independence Square.


This afternoon board your private train, the Golden Eagle and settle into well-appointed en-suite cabins. Tonight you enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Today, you will enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a true natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains. Framed by towering, snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene beauty.

This morning you will 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 play with cow kneecaps.

This experience is a celebration of steppe culture in all its vibrant detail - from music and dance to intricate costumes and demonstration of time-honored 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.

After the festival there will be the option to visit the outdoor Museum of the Petroglyphs before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.

Originally a caravan rest stop serving the travelers that came through the area along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan's capital city, Bishkek, is the location of your afternoon sightseeing. Here you will visit the Ala-Too Square, built in 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 statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial for the Red Guards.

Today you arrive Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. You will spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966.


Your tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious building line the narrow streets. In a small library here you will 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.

Today, you travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As on 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.

Nestled in the enchanting north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Kukus boasts a captivating setting, surrounded by three magnificent deserts: the Kar 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.

Our voyage through Nukus leads us to the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of the Fine Arts, a true hidden gem in the his 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 mesmerized by the artistic treasures that await, promising a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression.

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. Your tour also includes 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 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. You will then travel out of the city to experience the Emir's enchantingly named 'Palace of the Moon and Stars',

This evening, weather permitting, you will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before the train departs.

This afternoon you will 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 tea house-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 program with more historic sites of Tajikistan's largest city. You will visit the Ismail Samani monument, recognizing the first King of Tajiks, before going onward to the Independence Square and Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taste of local life in Dushanbe.


Tonight enjoy a special dinner in Navrus Palace.

Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modeled himself on Genghis Khan and used similar violent methods to conquer and control his Empire, we visit the UNESCO-honored 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 colorful, highly detailed mosaic but also included delicate calligraphic inscription from the Quran. Amid the decorative facing there is an inscription showing the date 798 (1395-1396 AD) which was when the building was completed.

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. You 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, you will be whisked 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.

Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit to the famous necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here you will travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum that houses ancient artifacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date back to the 7th century.

Return to the train for lunch and continue your journey through Uzbekistan toward the Fergana Valley.

This morning, visit the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here you will visit the Margilan Factory, which is considered the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing nearly 20,000 feet of silk per month, the factory has preserved a manual and traditional method of silk production. Explore the whole process of making silk from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to the hardworking staff hand weaving the colorful ikat fabric on traditional looms.

From Margilan, continue onto Rishtan, which is home to Uzbekistan's world-famous ceramic industry. Here you 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.

Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of the tour include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand's most impressive Mosque.

This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner on board the Golden Eagle as we return to Tashkent.

After breakfast onboard the Golden Eagle, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure:
Oct 12-25, 2026

Day 1: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Day 2: Tashkent
Day 3: Kokand, Rishtan & Margilan, Uzbekistan
Day 4: Bukhara
Day 5: Nukus
Day 6: Khiva
Day 7: Dushanbe
Day 8: Shahrisabz
Day 9: Samarkand
Day 10: Samarkand
Day 11: Bishkek
Day 12: Lake Issyk-Kul
Day 13: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 14: Almatay / Depart