Caspian
Odyssey

Arrival in Yerevan

On arrival at Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport, you are met and transferred to the five-star Alexander Hotel, a Luxury Collection property in the heart of Yerevan's historic quarter. Its beautifully preserved 18th-century facade offers an immediate introduction to Armenia's remarkable architectural heritage.

For guests arriving early, an optional Freedom of Choice excursion visits Etchmiadzin, the Mother Cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and widely regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world, founded in 301 AD. The Treasury Museum houses extraordinary Christian relics, including a fragment believed to be from Noah's Ark and the Holy Spear said to have pierced Christ. The 7th-century UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral follows, before a stop at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, the moving monument to the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the genocide. Alternatively, guests may join a guided walking tour of central Yerevan.

This evening, a welcome dinner at a local restaurant brings the group together for the first time.

Welcome dinner included. Two-night stay at the five-star Alexander Hotel, Yerevan.

Yerevan and Lake Sevan

The morning begins at the Cascade, Yerevan's monumental limestone stairway with sweeping views across the city towards Mount Ararat, whose snow-covered peak has defined the Armenian skyline and national identity for thousands of years. Within the Cascade complex, the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art makes a brief but worthwhile stop.

The tour then moves to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, stretching over 1,200 square kilometres at nearly 1,900 metres above sea level. Lake Sevan was historically celebrated as one of the three great seas of ancient Armenia, the only one that remains within the borders of the modern republic. Lunch here overlooks its brilliant blue waters. An optional afternoon visit to the Yerevan Ararat Brandy Factory follows before returning to the hotel.

All meals included. Lake Sevan excursion included.

Geghard, Garni and Departure

Today's excursion visits two of Armenia's most remarkable ancient sites. The Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site unlike any other, its medieval churches and tombs carved partially into the sheer rock walls of the Azat Valley gorge. Founded in the 4th century, the complex reached its current form in the 12th and 13th centuries, its stone interiors decorated with finely carved khachkars and sustained by an atmosphere of profound antiquity. The setting, at the head of a valley surrounded by vertical cliffs, only adds to its power.

The Garni Temple follows, Armenia's only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded structure, dating from the 1st century AD and dedicated to the sun god Mithra. Perched above a deep basalt gorge, its reconstruction from thousands of fallen pieces gives a vivid sense of its original grandeur. Alternatively, guests may walk the gorge to see the extraordinary "Symphony of Stones," columns of hexagonal basalt rising up to 50 metres from the riverbed, formed by ancient lava flows cooling over millennia. Lunch is served in this spectacular setting.

After lunch, the group transfers to Yerevan airport for a private charter flight to Tbilisi, arriving in the Georgian capital in time for dinner and three nights at the Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

All meals included. Geghard and Garni excursions included. Private jet to Tbilisi included. Three-night stay at Paragraph Freedom Square, Tbilisi.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi stretches for seventeen miles along the banks of the River Kura, hemmed in by the Surami Range. Despite centuries of war, fire and upheaval, the Old Town has retained its original character: a dense web of narrow lanes, wooden-balconied houses, Orthodox churches, mosques and synagogues occupying the same few streets in an arrangement that speaks to the city's long history as a meeting point of civilisations.

The guided tour takes in the 13th-century Metekhi Church, dramatically positioned above the river gorge on the site of the former royal residential complex, and the 5th-century Sioni Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Tbilisi. Free time follows to explore the atmospheric Old Town lanes. The afternoon moves to the elegant Chateau Mukhrani wine estate for lunch and a wine tasting, introducing Georgia's celebrated winemaking traditions, which date back some 8,000 years and helped establish the country's claim to being the birthplace of wine.

All meals included. Tbilisi city tour and Chateau Mukhrani wine tasting included.

Gori, Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta

This day offers two Freedom of Choice options. The first takes in Gori, one of Georgia's oldest cities and the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where his childhood home, the columned Stalin Museum and his preserved private railway carriage provide a stark insight into the life of one of the 20th century's most consequential figures. Alternatively, guests may visit the local Ceramics Museum, dedicated to the work of renowned Georgian ceramicist George Tatulashvili.

All guests then visit Uplistsikhe, the ancient cave city carved into a rocky plateau above the Mtkvari River. Dating from the 6th century BC, its vast chambers, narrow corridor-streets, pagan ritual halls and the remains of Georgia's oldest theatre survive in remarkable condition. The site was finally destroyed in the 13th century by the forces of Khulagu Khan, ending 1,800 years of continuous habitation. Its 5,000 inhabitants perished. The atmosphere that consequence has left is palpable.

Lunch today is accompanied by a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing, one of the most distinctive and moving musical experiences on the entire journey. The afternoon continues to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, celebrated for its extraordinary early Christian monuments.

All meals included. Gori, Uplistsikhe, private polyphonic singing performance and Mtskheta included.

Tbilisi to Baku

The morning visits the Janashia State Museum of Georgia, home to an exceptional collection of archaeological treasures including exquisite gold filigree jewellery dating back to the 6th century BC. Further time in the Old Town follows, taking in Gabriadze's whimsical Clock Tower, Baratashvili Street and the historic Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.

After lunch, the group transfers to the airport for a private jet flight to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, where three nights are spent at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku on the Caspian Sea waterfront, one of the finest hotels in the Caucasus.

All meals included. Janashia Museum and Old Town tour included. Private jet to Baku included. Three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku.

Baku and Villa Petrolea

Baku sits on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, its position shaped by one of the finest natural harbours in the region and transformed by the vast oil wealth that has defined its modern identity. At its heart lies Icherisheher, the walled Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its medieval streets stands the enigmatic Maiden Tower (12th century), the Palace of the Shirvanshah (15th century) and the Synyk-Kala Minaret (1078-79), the oldest dated Islamic monument in Baku. A bus tour of the panoramic city is followed by exploration on foot through the Old Town's atmospheric lanes.

The evening provides the journey's most distinctive Baku experience. Villa Petrolea, built in the early 1880s as the residence of the Nobel brothers who played a central role in the city's first great oil boom, has been beautifully restored as a museum. A private guided tour of the villa is followed by champagne, canapes and an elegant dinner within its historic interiors.

All meals included. Baku city tour and private Villa Petrolea dinner included.

Gobustan Rock Art

This morning's excursion visits the UNESCO-listed Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, forty miles southwest of Baku on the Caspian shore. The reserve preserves over 6,000 prehistoric rock engravings, some dating back more than 40,000 years, depicting scenes of ritual, hunting, dancing and daily life from civilisations that have long since disappeared. Ancient caves, settlements and burial grounds complete the site, making Gobustan one of the most comprehensive archaeological landscapes in the Caucasus. Lunch is served with sweeping views across the Caspian.

The afternoon is at leisure in Baku. An optional visit to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, the historic Zoroastrian place of worship on the Absheron Peninsula, revered for its natural gas-fed eternal flames, is available for those who wish to explore further.

All meals included. Gobustan excursion included.

Khiva

After breakfast, a private charter flight departs Baku for Urgench, gateway to Khiva. Here the Golden Eagle awaits. Passengers board, settle into their private en-suite cabins and are served lunch in the restaurant cars as the train begins its journey through Central Asia.

This afternoon is devoted to Khiva, a city whose 2,500-year history as a Silk Road trading hub is etched into every mosque, minaret and madrassa within its ancient walls. The UNESCO-listed inner city of Ichan-Kala is one of the most completely preserved historic centres in Central Asia, a vision of turquoise tilework, carved wooden columns and soaring minarets rising from the surrounding desert. Wandering its atmospheric streets is to pass through centuries in an afternoon.

Private jet to Urgench included. All meals included from boarding. Khiva excursion included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Bukhara

Bukhara is extraordinary by any measure. A living repository of Islamic architecture and culture, its old city was first settled over 2,500 years ago and reached its architectural peak under the Samanid and later Shaybanid dynasties, when it became one of the greatest centres of Islamic scholarship and commerce in the world. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The excursion begins at the Ark of Bukhara, the immense fortified citadel that served as the seat of power for the Emirs of Bukhara for over a thousand years, its walls enclosing mosques, throne rooms, stables and prisons. Poi-Kalyan Square follows, dominated by the magnificent Kalyan Mosque and its 46-metre minaret, so impressive that Genghis Khan allegedly ordered it spared when he razed the rest of the city in 1220. The historic Trading Domes and the serene Lyabi-Hauz Square, shaded by ancient mulberry trees around a reflecting pool, complete the day's exploration. This evening, weather permitting, a barbecue on the station platform makes a distinctive farewell to one of Central Asia's finest cities.

All meals included. Bukhara city tour included. Platform barbecue included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Samarkand

More than any other city, Samarkand instantly evokes the mystique and grandeur of the Silk Road. Founded in the 7th century BC, it flourished as the glittering capital of Timur's empire in the 14th to 17th centuries, attracting the greatest architects, scholars and craftsmen of the Islamic world to create monuments that have never been surpassed. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The day covers three landmarks. Registan Square, one of the finest public spaces in the Islamic world, is framed by three majestic madrassas adorned with intricate tilework and soaring portals that took generations of craftsmen to complete. The monumental Bibi-Khanum Mosque, built by Timur to be the greatest mosque in the Islamic world, follows. The Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in 1428 by the astronomer-ruler Ulugh Beg and used to produce astronomical tables that were among the most accurate of the medieval era, completes the morning's exploration.

As dusk falls, the group returns to Registan Square for front-row seats at a spectacular 3D light and sound show that brings Samarkand's extraordinary history to life against the backdrop of its illuminated monuments. It is one of the most memorable evenings on the entire journey.

All meals included. Samarkand city tour and Registan light show included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Tashkent

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a city of contrasts: wide Soviet-era boulevards and monumental architecture rebuilt after the devastating 1966 earthquake coexist with traditional neighbourhoods and centuries-old religious buildings. The guided tour begins in the Old Town at the Khast-Imam Complex, where one of Islam's most revered treasures is held: the Uthman Quran, widely regarded as the world's oldest surviving manuscript of the Quran, written on deerskin in the 7th century. The Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the richly decorated residence of an Imperial Russian diplomat and displaying exquisite examples of Uzbek craftsmanship in textiles, ceramics and woodwork, follows.

All meals included. Tashkent city tour included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Scenic Travel and Bishkek

A more leisurely day as the Golden Eagle crosses the border into Kyrgyzstan. On board, a Q&A session with the expert Tour Leader deepens understanding of the region's history and culture, while an engaging culinary masterclass with the onboard kitchen team offers a behind-the-scenes look at how exceptional meals are produced in a moving kitchen. In the late afternoon the train arrives in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, where a short city tour reveals its distinctive Soviet-era character and leafy public spaces.

All meals included. Bishkek city tour included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Lake Issyk-Kul and Nomadic Culture

Lake Issyk-Kul is the second-largest alpine lake in the world, stretching over 170 kilometres in length and up to 70 kilometres wide, set within the Kyrgyz mountains at nearly 1,600 metres above sea level. Its name means "warm lake," reflecting its remarkable resistance to freezing despite its altitude, a result of its depth, mineral content and underlying geothermal activity. The surrounding peaks, many permanently snow-capped, create a setting of almost implausible beauty.

On the lake's shores, a privately arranged cultural festival immerses the group in the nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people. Traditional sports and games are performed that few outside Central Asia ever witness: horseback wrestling, eagle hunting with trained golden eagles, traditional archery and Ordo, a strategic game played with cow kneecaps. The festival also showcases traditional music, dance, elaborate costumes and demonstrations of ancient crafts, offering a rare and intimate encounter with a living culture that the mountains have largely preserved intact. An optional visit to the open-air Petroglyph Museum follows before returning to the Golden Eagle for a farewell dinner.

All meals included. Lake Issyk-Kul cultural festival included. Farewell dinner included. Overnight on the Golden Eagle.

Almaty

The Golden Eagle arrives in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan and the journey's final destination. A guided city tour introduces this cosmopolitan metropolis, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains, whose snow-covered peaks are visible from the city centre on clear days. Panfilov Park provides a green oasis at the city's heart, its centrepiece the Zenkov Cathedral, a remarkable 19th-century Russian Orthodox church constructed entirely of wood without the use of nails, its brightly painted exterior a distinctive presence among the park's trees.

The final night is spent at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty (or similar five-star hotel), a fitting close to an extraordinary sixteen days.

All meals included. Almaty city tour included. One-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty.

Farewell to Almaty

A final breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Almaty International Airport for onward travel. Those with time before their flight will find Almaty a rewarding city for independent exploration; the Green Bazaar, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and the cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill are all worthwhile. If you would like to extend your stay, we can arrange additional hotel nights and sightseeing.

Breakfast included. Airport transfer included.