Route
Almaty • Lake Issyk-Kul • Tashkent • Samarkand • Bukhara • Khiva • Baku
A dazzling exploration of the lands where civilisation began and where the great religious and political ideologies were born. Journeying aboard the Golden Eagle, you travel through a fascinating patchwork of countries, stitched together by a shared history of Sovietisation yet fiercely independent in identity, from the tranquil mountain landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the mosques and bazaars of Uzbekistan.
Jewels of the Silk Road is the Golden Eagle's shorter Central Asian journey, and this is the route travelling in the opposite direction, beginning in Almaty and ending on the shore of the Caspian in Baku. Over nine days it gathers the very finest of the region into a single itinerary, from the mountains and alpine lakes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the desert cities of Uzbekistan.
For travellers with less time to spare, this is the Silk Road distilled. From Almaty the Golden Eagle carries you to the nomadic festival on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, then on to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, three of the greatest cities the trade routes ever produced, before a final flourish: a private flight across the Caspian to the striking Azerbaijani capital of Baku. Everything, from five-star hotels to guided excursions and fine dining with wine, is included in the fare.
Almaty, framed by the Tian Shan mountains, where the journey begins
Journey Highlights
Nomad Games at Lake Issyk-Kul
On the shore of the world's second-largest alpine lake, a privately arranged festival celebrates Kyrgyz nomadic culture, with horseback wrestling, traditional archery, the strategy game of ordo and the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles.
The Great Silk Road Cities
Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva represent the high point of Islamic architecture and scholarship, and each is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Samarkand is crowned by the incomparable Registan, Bukhara is a living medieval townscape, and Khiva rises from the desert as a perfectly preserved walled city.
Registan Square by Night
Reserved seats for a spectacular evening light and sound show on the most celebrated public square in the Islamic world. As night falls over Samarkand, the three great madrasas are illuminated and the Timurid history of the city is brought vividly to life.
The World's Oldest Koran
In a small library in the old town of Tashkent, you are privileged to see one of Islam's most sacred relics, the Uthman Koran, widely regarded as the oldest surviving copy in the world.
A Private Flight to Baku
The journey ends in style with a private charter flight from Khiva across the Caspian to Baku, the vibrant Azerbaijani capital where medieval walls stand beside bold modern towers, for a Farewell Dinner and overnight stay.
All-Inclusive Aboard the Golden Eagle
The only private train of its kind in the region, the Golden Eagle offers three classes of en-suite cabin, fine dining with a generous drinks allowance, guided excursions, gratuities and an on-board doctor, all included in one fare.
Day by Day
Arrival in Almaty
On arrival in Almaty you are met and privately transferred to a centrally located five-star hotel for a one-night stay. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. There is time to relax after your journey.
This evening you are invited to a Welcome Dinner at the hotel, the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy an introduction to the remarkable journey ahead. Specially selected international wines accompany the meal, as they will throughout the tour.
Welcome Dinner included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Almaty.
Almaty and the Golden Eagle
After breakfast you enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Almaty. Highlights include Panfilov Park in the heart of the city and the remarkable Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox church renowned as one of the world's largest wooden buildings, constructed entirely without a single nail.
This afternoon you board the elegant Golden Eagle and settle into your well-appointed en-suite cabin. The train begins its journey through the diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. As evening falls, a sumptuous Welcome Dinner is served on board, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
All meals included. First night aboard the Golden Eagle.
Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, and the setting for the Nomad Games
Lake Issyk-Kul and the Nomad Games
Today you enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, set in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains and framed by towering snow-capped peaks. Along the shore, a privately arranged cultural festival showcases Kyrgyzstan's rich nomadic heritage.
Witness traditional sports and pastimes passed down through generations, including horseback wrestling, hunting with majestic golden eagles, archery, and ordo, a strategy game played with animal bones. Traditional music, dance, colourful costumes and craft demonstrations provide a fascinating insight into the enduring culture of the Central Asian steppes. Following the festival, there is an opportunity to visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs before returning to the train.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
A Day of Scenic Rail
Enjoy a leisurely day on board as the Golden Eagle journeys from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan. Relax in the comfort of your cabin or take in the ever-changing scenery from the Bar Lounge Car as vast plains, rolling hills and distant mountain ranges give way to the historic landscapes of Central Asia.
It is the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy the train's exceptional hospitality and reflect on the experiences of the journey so far, with fine dining and attentive service throughout the day.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Tashkent
Today you explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a vibrant city largely rebuilt in a modern Soviet style following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Your tour includes the historic Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. Here you visit a small library housing one of Islam's most revered treasures, the Uthman Koran, believed to be among the world's oldest surviving copies.
You also visit the Railway Museum, which showcases the region's rich rail heritage, and the Museum of Applied Arts, renowned for its collection of traditional Uzbek craftsmanship, ceramics, textiles and decorative arts.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
The madrasas of Registan Square in Samarkand, lit for the evening show
Samarkand and Registan Square
More than any other town, just the mention of Samarkand conjures evocative images of the Silk Road. Today you explore its most iconic landmarks, including the spectacular Registan Square, the city's architectural heart, the elegant Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the earliest and most important astronomical observatories of the Islamic world, built in 1428.
This evening you experience the magic of Samarkand after dark with a visit to the beautifully illuminated Registan Square. From reserved seats, you enjoy a captivating light and sound show that brings to life the history, culture and legacy of this legendary Silk Road city.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Poi-Kalyan Square in Bukhara, one of Central Asia's most remarkable Silk Road cities
Bukhara
Bukhara is one of Central Asia's most remarkable Silk Road cities, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre. Your tour includes a visit to The Ark, the former fortress-palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, and Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the magnificent Kalyan Mosque and its iconic minaret.
You also explore Bukhara's atmospheric Trading Domes and the charming Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively gathering place shaded by mulberry trees. This evening, weather permitting, you enjoy a memorable barbecue on the station platform before the train departs, a unique farewell to an incredible city.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Itchan Kala, the perfectly preserved walled heart of Khiva, before the flight to Baku
Khiva and the Flight to Baku
Today you explore the ancient city of Khiva, one of the Silk Road's most important trading centres and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the desert, Khiva is a remarkably preserved open-air museum, enclosed within imposing city walls and filled with magnificent mosques, madrassas, minarets and bustling courtyards. A walk through its historic streets offers an unforgettable glimpse into the splendour of a bygone age.
This afternoon you board a private charter flight to Baku, the vibrant Azerbaijani capital on the shore of the Caspian Sea, where you enjoy an overnight stay and a Farewell Dinner at a five-star hotel, a fitting finale to an extraordinary journey.
Farewell Dinner included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Baku.
Farewell to Baku
After breakfast you are transferred to Baku airport for your onward flight, bringing your remarkable adventure along the Silk Road to a close. If you wish, we can arrange additional nights in Baku to explore more of this fascinating Caspian city at your leisure.
Breakfast included. Departure transfer included.
What Is Included
All Accommodation
Five-star hotel accommodation in Almaty and Baku, and private en-suite accommodation throughout your time aboard the Golden Eagle.
The Flight to Baku
The private charter flight from Khiva across the Caspian to Baku, along with all arrival and departure transfers.
All Meals
Freshly prepared meals on board using the finest local ingredients, together with authentic dining in carefully chosen local restaurants. Seven breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners in all.
Drinks and Fine Dining
A generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner, and the celebrated Golden Eagle Gala Caviar Dinner.
Guided Excursions
Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary, led by experienced local guides at every stop.
Gratuities and Porterage
All tips and gratuities, on and off the train, together with luggage porterage throughout the journey.
Tour Management Team
An experienced Golden Eagle tour management team, together with a 24-hour cabin attendant service, accompanies the group throughout the journey.
On-Board Doctor
A UK-registered doctor and full medical facilities travel on board the Golden Eagle for the duration of the rail journey.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures
The legendary Silk Road capital of Timur's empire, home to Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulugh Beg observatory.
Historic Centre of Bukhara
One of the best preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world, with more than 2,000 years of continuous history.
Itchan Kala, Khiva
The perfectly preserved inner city of Khiva, the most complete medieval Islamic city in Central Asia, enclosed by its ancient desert walls.
Fares 2027
| Cabin Class | Twin (per person) from | Single (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Class | £12,400 | £18,700 |
| Gold Class | £16,200 | £27,000 |
| Imperial Suite | £36,350 | £72,700 |
Departure Date 2027
| Route | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Almaty to Baku | 14 October 2027 | 22 October 2027 |
All fares are per person and given as a guide price. Prices are shown in Pounds Sterling. Fares can vary with currency fluctuations, so please call or email for confirmed up-to-date pricing. A deposit of 25% of the tour cost is required at the time of booking. It is advised not to book flights until three months prior to departure to ensure the tour is confirmed. Hotels are on request and cannot be processed until a deposit is received.